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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - BoS - 09/14/2009 Minutes—Board of Selectmen September 14, 2009 Selectmen Present: Paul Carlson, Chairman Karen Quigley Frederick Koed Ralph Dormitzer Edwin G. Carr Others Present: William R. Griffin,Town Manager Jennifer Brennan Oram, Selectmen's Clerk Selectmen Paul Carlson called the meeting to order at 7:0013M. Town Manager's Report Town Manager, William Griffin, introduced to the Board and the community the New Elder Affairs Director, Coral Grande. Ms. Grande addressed the Board and expressed her gratification for the new job and how excited she was to work with everyone involved. The Board welcomed Ms. Grande and Chairman Carlson assured Ms. Grande that the Board is there to support her. Mr. Griffin reported that the towns of Hingham, Cohasset, Hull and Norwell have been awarded a $2,140,612 grant from the State 911 Department to equip the proposed regional emergency communications center(RECC). The four towns will also receive an annual grant from the State 911 Department in the amount of approximately$425,000 to operate the RECC. Mr. Griffin also announced that the Town of Cohasset has been awarded the planning assistance grant through the Green Communities Program. State Anticipation Note—Selectman Ralph Dormitzer moved the refinancing of a State Anticipation Note in the amount of$210,000 at an interest rate of 1.66%for a period of six months. Selectman Edwin Carr seconded the motion (4-0). Selectman Comment Period Selectman Dormitzer mentioned that the DAS system to improve cell service along the coast is moving forward. He stated that the design of the new units are much neater looking and that previously when he and Chairman Carlson went and viewed the proposed units,they were very selective about the location of where the boxes should be hung. He said that Verizon will not be signing up for these modules but that the other main carriers most likely will be. Selectman Carr referred to an article in "The Beacon" regarding the Occupancy Excise Rate and Meals Tax being increased to benefit Towns be discussed at a future date. Selectman Carr would also like to move forward with the Treat's Pond/Sandy Cove Access and hopes that the residents who are working on the lease option will bring it to the Board soon. Selectman Carr also reviewed the meeting that had taken place with various parties interested in taking over the care of Minot's Light. Selectman Karen Quigley stated she had received calls asking what the cost of the town wide phone call on the postponement of"Cohasset Day" would be to the Town. She informed the community that there is flat fee for the service and there is no "per use" fee to the Town. Selectman Quigley stated that a report done in part by CZM regarding the health of Inner Little Harbor has been sent to Mr. Griffin and Selectmen—9.14.09-JBO 1 Minutes—Board of Selectmen September 14, 2009 will be put up on the website. Selectman Quigley asked if a group should be put together to work on the Green Communities Act. Mr. Griffin stated he would like to wait until they receive a schedule. Selectman Quigley asked if the Board would want to join the other surrounding committees in writing a letter to the MBTA in support of ferry service. Mr. Griffin stated he would put it on the agenda for September 21'. Selectman Quigley also asked that those who walk their dogs in Town to please clean up what the animals leave behind. Chairman Carlson congratulated the organizers on the success of"Cohasset Day" and how well they handled having to move the event to the rain date of September 13tn Police Chief James Hussey—Parking Recommendations—Chief Hussey and Lieutenant Quigley addressed the Board. Chief Hussey addressed the concerns raised by Board members at the previous discussion on this topic on August 3, 2009. One concern was of the use of the language "Tow Zone" in the area up near Bancroft Hall. The Chief stated that towing is a last resort and is only used in the event of a safety issue. Selectman Dormitzer stated that he did not agree with the need of using that language. He feels that posting more signage stating that it is for permit parking only will be enough. Selectman Quigley stated that she agrees with the police's recommendation that the sign should say "Tow Zone" as she has seen a lot of problems with parking on Government Island. Chairman Carlson stated that he did not see a problem with the signs saying "Tow Zone" (Selectman Frederick Koed arrived for the meeting at this time). As for the village area, Lieutenant Quigley said that they are still looking for clear language "for the no left turn to park" signs. The Chief then reviewed the recommendation for four (4) short term parking spaces near Tedeschi's. Selectman Dormitzer stated that he felt four(4) were too many,that there should only be two (2) spaces. Selectmen Quigley agreed with the recommendation of four(4) spaces. There was further discussion regarding the Border street area. The Chief also stated that the department will be doing a comparative survey of the surrounding towns regarding parking ticket fines. It was the agreed upon to hold on the vote until a comprehensive list of the parking recommendations can be put before the Board. Fall Special Town Meeting—Selectman Dormitzer moved to recommend that the warrant close for the Special Town Meeting on Friday, September 25, 2009 and that the date of the Special Town Meeting be Monday, November 16, 2009. Selectman Koed seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous (5-0). Police Chief Selection Process—Mr. Griffin reviewed the process he would be following in hiring for the new Chief of Police. Mr. Griffin explained that after the position has been advertised and all resumes have been received, he will narrow the applicant field to between 5 and 10 candidates. Each of those candidates would then receive a personal interview with the evaluation team. The evaluation team will consist of himself, the Director of Finance, a retired police chief from another community, a Town Manager/Administrator from another community and a citizen representative. After the first round of interviews a core group will then be brought back in for a second interview. If one or two finalists clearly emerge following the second interview, background checks will be made. Selectman Dormitzer asked that the Board be involved in the interview process. Mr. Griffin stated that in doing so, the interviews would need to be made public. Mr. Griffin will consult Town Counsel to see if this can be done. Minutes—Selectman Dormitzer moved to approve the minutes of August 10, 2009 as amended. Selectman Carr seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous(5-0). Selectmen—9.14.09-JBO 2 Minutes—Board of Selectmen September 14, 2009 Selectman Carr moved to adjourn the meeting, Selectman Koed seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous(5-0). Meeting adjourned at 8:10PM Respectfully submitted, Paul Carlson Chairman Selectmen—9.14.09-JBO 3