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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - BoS - 02/01/2010 Minutes—Board of Selectmen February 1, 2010 Selectmen Present: Paul Carlson, Chairman Karen Quigley Frederick R. Koed Edwin G. Carr Selectman Absent: Ralph S. Dormitzer Others Present: William R. Griffin,Town Manager Jennifer Brennan Oram, Selectmen's Clerk Chairman Paul Carlson called the meeting to order at 7:OOPM. Swearing in Ceremony for Police Chief Mark DeLuca Town Clerk, Marion Douglas, swore in new Police Chief Mark DeLuca. The room was full with members of the Cohasset Police Department, his family and friends. Chief DeLuca then addressed the audience with a statement in which he said that it was an honor to have been hired. The Board of Selectman also thanked Chief Brian Noonan for his service as interim Police Chief. Town Manger's Report Town Manager, William Griffin, listed the vacancies available on Town commissions, boards and committees. He encouraged anyone interested in serving to contact the Board of Selectmen's office. Mr. Griffin asked the Board for their thoughts on the proposed layout and design for the historic interpretive panel on the Cohasset Roundhouse. The Board asked to move this to the following week's agenda. Selectmen's Comment Period Selectman Karen Quigley stated that she thought the Cohasset Mariner did a good job reporting on the water quality issue. She added that she felt the forum went well,that she was not sure if anything was resolved, but that she felt it was a good exercise for all around. Selectman Quigley also encouraged the citizens to reserve their flags for the Healing Field. Minutes—Selectman Edwin Carr moved to approve the minutes of November 9,2009 as amended. Selectman Frederick Koed seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous (4-0). Selectman Quigley moved to approve the minutes of November 30,2009 as amended. Selectman Carr seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous(4-0). Clark Brewer—Clean Air and Mobility Grant Programs—Mr. Clark Brewer of the Planning Board addressed the Board. He reviewed the previous grant programs that he has brought before the Board (Bike Racks and a shuttle program). He stated the bike racks will be installed soon. The shuttle bus program was put on hold due to cost, but there are considerable funds available now. He said the deadline is for the application to apply for funds under the Clean Air and Mobility Program is April 1st He is suggesting putting a forum or a working group to discuss ideas that would qualify. The projects need to improve air quality and mobility, and reduce congestion in the area. He reviewed possible Selectmen—2.1.10-JBO 1 Minutes—Board of Selectmen February 1, 2010 projects including"One Way Sunday' and a suspended walkway on North Main Street near the MBTA station. Selectman Quigley suggested that Mr. Brewer try doing a survey as well due to the general low attendance at forums. He said he would do so and come back before the Board in a couple of weeks before the April 1st deadline. The Board thanked him for his time. Proposed Elimination of Hingham Rotary—Mr. Griffin explained that Senator Robert Hedlund's office has requested town input on the proposed elimination or revamping of the Hingham Rotary. Mr. Brewer addressed the Board on this topic as well, along with walking advocate Mark Fenton of Scituate. Mr. Fenton reviewed the existing conditions, and then reviewed each of the two proposed improvements for the Board. One option would remove the rotary in its entirety and replace it with lanes and signalization;the other would be a more modernized rotary. Mr. Fenton also showed photos of positive road changes, or"road diets" as they have been referred to,that have been completed in other parts of the country. Selectman Quigley stated that she had spoken to a member of the Board of Selectmen in Hingham via email who stated this project was not a presently a priority for them. It is their hope to improve the off ramps at Derby Street. Chairman Carlson stated that he felt it would be difficult to write a letter of support for a project that Hingham is not behind. Selectman Quigley suggested that language be put in the letter to Senator Hedlund that contained language showing the Board's support of whatever the Town of Hingham's priorities may be. Selectman Koed stated that Senator Hedlund's office does want the Board's comments on the proposed options, and that in the future, Cohasset should be sensitive to projects it does on Route 3A. Update on Proposed Elder Affairs/Affordable Housing Proiect—Diana Karcher of the Social Service League,Joe Nedrow of Cohasset Elder Affairs, Water Commissioner, Glenn Pratt and John Cavanaro of Cavanaro Associates addressed the Board. Mr. Pratt reviewed the past Town Meeting articles regarding the land swap and explained what the new lot configuration would be. He explained how it would give frontage on North Main Street thus allowing sewer access. Mr. Cavanaro stated that the size of the proposed lot would hold a 10,000 square foot building. Mr. Pratt then reviewed the next steps they need to take with various Boards, committees and the 30B process. Selectman Quigley asked if with the frontage on North Main Street if there would be any restrictions on the sewer hook up. Mr. Pratt said that this would be explored with the Sewer Commission, but that it was his understanding that the building on the Little League Filed was already tied in. Mr. Nedrow and Mr. Pratt explained that they have all signed a memorandum of intent agreeing to move forward with the necessary steps, but would like the Board's approval of doing so before they move forward any further. After a brief discussion, Selectman Carr said that he felt this seemed to be the right next step. Chairman Carlson said that it seems the Board would be signing a memorandum of intent to get the job done. Selectman Quigley asked Mr. Griffin if signing the memorandum would be binding for the Town. Mr. Griffin said no, and clarified that what they are looking for is the authority to move forward with the appropriate Boards, Commissions etc. Selectman Carr moved the committee working on the proposed Senior Center move forward completing the necessary steps to move the project ahead. Selectman Koed seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous(4-0). Selectman Carr moved to adjourn the meeting. Selectman Koed seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous(4-0). Meeting adjourned at 8:40PM. Respectfully submitted, Paul Carlson Chairman Selectmen—2.1.10-JBO 2