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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - BoS - 08/24/2009 Minutes—Board of Selectmen August 24,2009 Selectmen Present: Paul Carlson, Chairman Karen Quigley Frederick R. Koed Ralph S. Dormitzer Edwin G. Carr Others Present: William R. Griffin,Town Manager Chairman Paul Carlson called the meeting to order at 7:0013M. Town Manager's Report Town Manager William Griffin announced that he has appointed Ms. Coral Grande of Gloucester, MA to the position of Director of Elder Affairs. Mr. Griffin reviewed the selection process for the Board and then asked the Board waive its 15 day veto period and vote to approve the appointment. Selectman Ralph Dormitzer moved to waive the Board's right to veto the appointment. Selectman Edwin Carr seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous (5-0). Selectmen's Comment Period Selectman Ralph Dormitzer stated that he has received many calls about Police Chief James Hussey leaving his position. He said that people are very concerned about the selection process to replace him. Mr. Griffin will get back to the Board with process he plans to use. Selectman Carr stated that Chief Hussey has taken the police force to whole new level and that he has been a great asset to the Town. He stated he admires the Chief's choice to return to Boston but feels that it is a tremendous loss for the Town. Selectman Carr also recognized Harbormaster Lorri Gibbons and stated that she has had a very busy summer with rescues etc. and that she should be commended for an excellent job. Chairman Carlson suggested the Board have her in to discuss the summer and all that has occurred. Selectman Karen Quigley commended Mr. Griffin for all of his hard work for the insurance savings. Mr. Griffin reviewed the process of reviewing loss prevention and risk management. Selectman Quigley then mentioned that during one of the Harbormaster's recues she lost some pumps when the Boat sank and her boat had some damage to it. Selectman Quigley suggested that perhaps they could pass something that would make those rescued responsible for damages. Selectman Dormitzer believes the owner of the boat had to pay for damages and the removal of the boat. Chairman Carlson confirmed this. Chairman Carlson held a moment of silence for Ozzy Ingram. Public Comment—Mr. Merle Brown stated that Monday nights are very busy at the Town Hall and because of the meeting next door, it is difficult for people who want to attend Town meetings to park. He suggested parking spaces be reserved for Town business. Minutes Approval—Selectman Dormitzer moved to approve the minutes of July 20,2009 as written. Selectman Carr seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous(5-0). Selectman Dormitzer moved Selectmen—8.24.09-JBO 1 Minutes—Board of Selectmen August 24,2009 the minutes of August 3, 2009 as amended. Selectman Carr seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous(5-0). Pole Hearing—Postponed at Request of the Petitioners—Chairman Carr moved to continue the hearing at the request of the petitioners.Selectman Carr seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous(5-0). Recycling Intermunicipal Agreement with Hull—Town Manager of Hull, Phil Lemnios, addressed the Board. Mr. Lemnios thanked the Board on behalf of himself and the Selectmen of Hull for the opportunity to discuss this possible agreement. Mr. Lemnios reviewed the terms of the agreement for the Board. He emphasized that the agreement would be on a trial basis and that it would not be implemented if less than 300 Hull residents purchase stickers. He stated that he understands the concerns of the Board and will remain very cognizant of them. Selectman Quigley expressed her concerns with the agreement. She stated that in the agreement there was a minimum number, but no maximum; it was her understanding that it would be capped at the 450. After a brief discussion, Mr. Lemnios stated he had no problem bringing that issue to his Board and would suggest a cap of 600. Selectman Quigley also asked that verbiage be put into the agreement that would indicate that the sticker would need to be renewed annually. It was agreed that 60 days prior to the end of the contract the parties will meet to discuss any needed changes to the permit cost. Selectman Dormitzer stated that he was in support of the agreement, but expressed his concern about what should occur should a confrontation happen up at the facility. He added that he would also like to see some flexibility in the scheduling of the hours at the Cohasset RTF. Mr. Lemnios feels that as regionalization progresses, he feels confident that they will be able to work together and be flexible where need be. Chairman Carlson asked that they Board reconvene after everything has been up and running for three month period to see how things are going. Mr. Griffin stated that that Mr. Lemnios will bring the suggested changes back to his Board. Mr. Lemnios respectfully asked the Board to approve the agreement with the conditions discussed this evening so that he can get a letter out to the possible participants within the week. There was a brief discussion about the number of stickers that will be allowed to be sold. Selectman Quigley thought it was going to be 450. Mr. Lemnios asked that it remain at 600. Selectman Carr moved to accept the agreement between Cohasset and Hull for Hull residents to use the RTF for recycling following the terms outlined in the agreement. Selectman Koed seconded the motion and the vote was 4-1,Selectman Quigley against. Cohasset Historical Society—Reproduction of Town Flag—President of the Cohasset Historical Society, Ms. Kathleen L. O'Malley and Mr.Jim Campbell addressed the Board. Ms. O'Malley explained that other Towns have allowed their Historical Societies to sell the flags for fundraising. She also gave the history of the Town flag. The flags would be made and sold with a portion of the proceeds going to the society. Selectman Dormitzer moved to grant permission to the Historical Society to use the Town Seal to create flags for sale as a fundraiser. Selectman Koed seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous(5-0). Economic Development Committee—Cohasset Day—Mr. Peter Brown, Chairman of the Economic Development Committee (EDC), as well EDC members Darilynn Evans and Tim O'Brien addressed the Board. Mr. Brown reviewed the schedule of events for the Board. He stated that the proceeds from the event will benefit the Cohasset Elder Affairs,the Cohasset Food Pantry and the American Legion, George H. Meally Post 118. Last year they were able to donate over$2,000 per charity. They emphasized that the entire event is actually free and clarified that the only portion that will cost will be Selectmen—8.24.09-JBO 2 Minutes—Board of Selectmen August 24,2009 the food tasting in the afternoon. The EDC then thanked everyone for all of the help in planning the event. Minot Light Disposition—Selectman Quigley reviewed the calls of concern that she has received from residents; in particular what the cost would be to the Town to maintain the light. Chairman Carlson stated that he was concerned about how they would even determine what the costs would be where the Town does not have any experience with maintaining a lighthouse. He also asked what the Town would do with it and what happens if the Town does not take it? Chairman Carlson asked if any interest for the light has been expressed by Scituate. Mr. Griffin said that Scituate has raised all of the similar concerns that the Board has. Selectman Quigley suggested that if the Board submits a letter of intent, that they also request a copy of the maintenance records. Selectman Dormitzer expressed concern over the letter received from the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA)which states that if'no applicants are approved for conveyance of a historic light station pursuant to section 308 of the act,the historic light station shall be offered for sale'. He finds the entire thing peculiar. Selectman Quigley stated that she reviewed the handbook online and that there were some funding opportunities. There were was further discussion about the land and how it would be conveyed. Kathy O'Malley of the Historical Society then addressed the Board and stated that the matter was discussed informally at the last Historical Society meeting. The Society agreed that they would support anyone who wanted to do something with the light, but they could not just "jump in" and support it. She also contacted their insurance person who is very involved in lighthouses. He said they could get insurance for the lighthouse, but that it would be quite costly due to the liability. Ms. O'Malley stated that it has been suggested the Coast Guard hand the light over to the National Parks service to the Department of the Interior. Selectman Carr would like to go through whatever is necessary to see if the Town can do something with the light. The Board agreed that they should look into what they can do without obligating the Town. They also think they should meet with the Town of Scituate and others to explore all options. Chairman Carlson suggested that two members of the Board be in charge of doing the research. Selectman Carr and Selectman Quigley asked to be involved. Selectman Koed suggested a marine survey be conducted to ensure the structure is sound. The Board will meet two more times before the letter of interest is submitted. Mr. Griffin will continue conversations with the Town of Scituate. Selectman Carr moved to adjourn the meeting. Selectman Koed seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous(5-0). Meeting adjourned at 9PM. Respectfully submitted, Paul Carlson Chairman Selectmen—8.24.09-JBO 3