Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - BoS - 04/10/2010 Minutes—Board of Selectmen April 5, 2010 Selectmen Present: Paul Carlson, Chairman Karen Quigley Frederick R. Koed Ralph Dormitzer Edwin G. Carr Others Present: William R. Griffin,Town Manager Jennifer Oram, Selectmen's Clerk Chairman Paul Carlson called the meeting to order at 7:OOPM. Town Manager's Report Town Manager, William Griffin, asked the Board to sign two proclamations: one for the Cohasset Mariner, "Citizen of the Year" Richard J. "Dick"Avery and the other for "Older American's Month". Selectman Karen Quigley moved to approve and sign the proclamations. Selectman Frederick Koed seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous (5-0). Mr. Griffin also reminded the Board and the public that the Cat Dam information meeting will be held on Thursday,April 8, 2010 at 7:OOPM. Selectmen's Comment Period Chairman Carlson stated that it was Selectman Ralph Dormitzer's last meeting as a Selectman. He thanked him for both his wit and wisdom during his years of service. Chairman Carlson also announced that bids for the Cable Studio came in twice than what was estimated and now they will have to proceed with a more elaborate bidding process. Selectman Dormitzer stated that it had been a quick six years and that a lot had transpired during that time, including many changes in personnel in the Town. He thanked the Board and Mr. Griffin. Selectman Edwin Carr thanked Selectman Dormitzer for the time he has spent with him. Selectman Carr stated that he has done some research and stated that there might be a process that would allow for an independent peer review of the Army Corp of Engineers proposal for the Treats Pond project. The review would be done by Batelle Corporation and the cost would be paid out of the grant money. Selectman Carr stated that it was his understanding that if the project qualifies for the review, the results have to be back in 75 days and the decision is binding. He thinks this will help the Board gather a great deal of evidence about the Harbor. Chairman Carlson asked if this would obligate the Town to move forward with the project. Selectman Carr stated that it did not appear so and asked for the Board to indicate if they wished him to look into this further. Selectman Quigley stated that the Town did not have a contract with the Army Corp. Selectman Carr stated that the money has been offered [for the project] and that this process can be used as a conflict resolution. Chairman Carlson said that he thought it was a great idea. Selectman Quigley addressed Selectman Dormitzer wishing him well and stated that they agreed more than disagreed and that it was a pleasure working with him. Selectmen—4.5.10-JBO 1 Minutes—Board of Selectmen April 5, 2010 Selectman Koed stated that he always enjoyed Selectman Dormitzer's valuable perspective and thanked him. Mr. Griffin thanked Selectman Dormitzer and stated that he was always a pleasure to work with and thanked him for his guidance. Minutes—Selectman Dormitzer moved to approve the minutes of February 22, 2010 as written. Selectman Koed seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous(5-0). Liquor Hearing—Proposed Transfer of All Alcoholic Restaurant License of SBON LLC, d/b/a Bernard's, 107 Ripley Road to V&AA Inc., d/b/a Ava Cucina, same address. Proposed Manager and part owner, Annette Agostino addressed the Board. Ms.Agostino reviewed her background and plans for the new restaurant. After a brief discussion, Selectman Koed moved to approve the liquor license transfer and forward it to the ABCC for approval. Selectman Carr seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous(5-0). Selectman Dormitzer then thanked the Department of Public Works for their incredible hard work digging out the pipe at Sandy Cove during the storms. He stated that the DPW had been out there nearly 30 times, at all hours working on keeping the pipe clear. Consideration of Special Town Election for Debt Exclusion Question—Chairman Carlson asked if anyone from the neighborhood wished to speak. Mr.Alex Koines of 380 Atlantic Avenue stated that he felt they had a successful Town Meeting and asked the Board to support letting it go to election. He added that although this has been voted on before and defeated,the same happened in North Cohasset and that came back and was passed. He said that they won't continue this forever but they would like to give it one more "shot". Selectman Dormitzer asked for clarification on the reason needed for a 2/3 vote. Mr. Griffin explained the differences between debt exclusion and an override; a debt exclusion ads money to the tax levy for a certain period of time (until paid off)whereas an override is added to the tax levy forever. This proposal is for a debt exclusion and therefore requires a 2/3 vote of the Board (4 out of 5)to allow it to proceed to election. Mr. Paul Lualdi of 56 Deep Run stated that at the last election people didn't understand and that this election would allow people to be more educated about the vote. Mr. Robert J. Dorval of 273 Atlantic Avenue stated that since his family moved to Cohasset 12 years ago,they have agreed to many betterments. He didn't understand the vote and feels that it is not fair to isolate the Little Harbor residents. Mrs. Martha Gjesteby of 81 Old Pasture Road addressed the Board and stated that she agreed that it be allowed to be 50/50. She also asked why the Board is having a vote as she talked to the Department of Revenue (DOR) at length and that they are actually still in Town Meeting as the election has not occurred. There was agreement amongst the Board members that this may be the case, but that there seems to be a gray area. Mr. Griffin pointed out that if they hold off the vote,the date of the election will also get moved. Chairman Carlson stated if after talking to Town Counsel they confirm this vote to be moot,they can re-vote the issue at another meeting. Selectman Dormitzer moved to authorize an election for the purposes of determining if the betterment for Little Harbor will be split 50/50. Selectman Carr seconded the motion. Selectman Carr stated the he felt they should let the people decide. Chairman Carlson agreed. Selectman Dormitzer stated that he did feel there would be future sewer projects in Town and 50/50 will come up. Selectman Quigley stated that this was a very difficult vote for her. She stated that she listened to all of the cases and that those who spoke at Town Meeting reaffirmed the history of the project. She does feel there are residents who are opposed to Selectmen—4.5.10-JBO 2 Minutes—Board of Selectmen April 5, 2010 50/50 and she feels very strongly that there should be representation on the Board for the other side of the issue. Selectman Koed stated that he would consider a percentage lower than 50/50. He feels it is a difficult time to raise the tax rate. He stated that this [sewering Little Harbor] was a cost effective solution for the home owners for this area as they have small lots which would be difficult to put on-site systems. After a lengthy discussion which addressed property values and tax rates,the Chairman asked for a vote. The vote was 3-2,Selectman Koed and Selectman Quigley against; no election will be held. Composition of Water Planning Group (WPG)—At their meeting of March 23, 2010,the Advisory Committee voted to support the following position: "That the AC make a position statement to selectmen that the Water Planning Group not include any water or sewer commissioners, but rather that these persons participate as resources to the group." Selectman Quigley stated that she feels having the water and sewer on the group undermines the independence and validity of the group to the public. Selectman Dormitzer stated that he feels there is validity to having Water Commissioners on the group as they are elected, but suggested that maybe it be reduced to one commissioner. He also said that he is not sure the group has all of the technical expertise it needs. Selectman Dormitzer moved to remove one Water Commissioner as a voting member. Selectman Quigley seconded the motion. Selectman Koed said that they are a good resource and hopes that they all remain involved, but sees the point that it may be perceived that they have too much power on the WPG. Chairman Carlson feels that the group is working well as it is. The vote is 4-1,Chairman Carlson against. Selectman Koed moved to adjourn the meeting. Selectman Carr seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous(5-0). Meeting adjourned at 8:02PM. Respectfully submitted, Paul Carlson Chairman Selectmen—4.5.10-JBO 3