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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - BoS - 06/28/2010 Minutes—Board of Selectmen June 28, 2010 Selectmen Present: Karen Quigley, Chairman Edwin G. Carr Frederick Koed Paul Carlson Leland H.Jenkins Others Present: William R. Griffin,Town Manager Jennifer Brennan Oram, Selectmen's Clerk Chairman Karen Quigley called the meeting to order at7:00PM. Selectmen's Comment Selectman Paul Carlson stated that where the bids for the construction of the cable studio have come in too high,they have looked into other options. The committee has approached the school and asked to consider allowing them to use the studio at the Middle High School. They have to still meet with the School Committee. Selectman Edwin Carr stated that there was a letter in the Board packets from Mr.Joseph Nedrow regarding his resignation from Cohasset Elder Affairs. Mr. Carr said that Mr. Nedrow has been an incredible advocate for the seniors in Town and will be missed. Selectman Carr encouraged people at home to please get involved. Selectman Frederick Koed expressed his sympathy to the family of State Representative Bob Nyman who passed away at the age of 49 over the weekend. Minutes—Selectman Carr moved to approve the minutes of May 17, 2010 as written. Selectman Carlson seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous(5-0). PWED Grant Public Hearing—Village Revitalization Project Phase 3—Chairman Quigley read the public hearing notice aloud. Mr.Tom Gruber of the Greenbush Team addressed the Board. He explained the process of filing the grant with the State. To be able to file, the Town needs to hold a public hearing and also get a vote of the Board of Selectmen. Mr. Gruber stated that the proposal is very general and loosely defines the area in which they propose to do the work; all of which was reviewed at the Board's previous meeting. Chairman Quigley asked if anyone had any input on the proposed project. Mr. Wayne Sawchuck of 432 Beechwood Street and an owner of a parcel of lane that abuts the public parking lot in the village addressed the Board. Mr. Sawchuck feels that James Lane should be included in the proposed plans. He feels this projects' emphasis should be on improving the economic condition and appearance of Parking Way. He thinks that an introduction of a sidewalk or an extension of the sidewalk that has been put in behind Dr. Pompeo's office would make sense even if the Town has to get easements or do land takings. Mr. Sawchuck also made mention that he is presently working with the Planning Board to develop his parcel. Selectman Carr asked if the PWED grant could be on private land. Mr. Griffin stated that they would need easements. Mr. Sawchuck stated that he did not want to jeopardize getting the grant but would want to coordinate with the Town. He also suggested that they look at the plans done with Concord Development a few years ago. Chairman Quigley agreed that Parking Way was an important focus, but she also feels that an equally important area is the "orphaned" stores over in the James Landing area on Ripley Road. Mr. Gruber then reviewed the proposed project and the four areas it will focus on which are: the proposed parking area behind the Teen Center,the Selectmen—6.28.10-JBO 1 Minutes—Board of Selectmen June 28, 2010 Parking Way Area,the Ripley Road area and the Ripley Road and Depot Court Intersection. Selectman Carr stated that he had heard there was concern about the proposed parking area behind the teen center and the effect it could have to the homes around it. Mr. Gruber stated that the proposed parking area is lower than the Red Lion and that there would not be a direct line of sound. Selectman Carr asked if any of the funds could be used for sound mitigation. Mr. Gruber said that it would be very difficult as the rules for sound mitigation are very formulaic and that sound is a very difficult issue to deal with. He added that any input would be welcome as the process moves forward. The Board asked if anyone in the audience wished to speak. Mr.Alex Dippold of 93 South Main Street expressed concern about the visual and noise issues that this proposed parking area could create. He stated that any increases in sound and light could really affect the quality of life for the abutters. Chairman Quigley stated that perhaps that some of the ledge or trees will have to remain in order to provide for some noise mitigation. Mr. Gruber stated that either way, that portion of the project has several layers of permitting(Conservation, Stormwater and Zoning) before it would be approved. Mr. Griffin asked that Mr. Sawchuck and Mr. Dippold send their concerns in writing as well. Selectman Carr moved that the Town of Cohasset apply for the PWED grant. Selectman Leland Jenkins seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous(5-0). Glenn Pratt—Legislation for Land for Senior Center—Mr. Pratt reviewed the background for the Board where at a previous Spring Town Meeting, several articles were passed that would allow an exchange of land between the Cohasset Swim Center and the Town to allow for there to be enough land for the proposed Senior Center. Mr. Pratt explained that it is now going before the Legislature for a Home Rule Petition. The Board needs vote to approve that it be allowed to go forward. The articles at Town Meeting allow the Board to make the vote. Selectman Carr asked if this vote would trigger anything in regard to the project. Mr. Griffin stated it would not. Selectman Carr moved to approve the Home Rule petition is offered. Selectman Koed seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous(5-0).The Board then asked for an update on the project. Mr. Pratt stated that they have done a soil analysis to confirm the soil can support the building. They will not be able to have a basement, but will have to have a slab. They also had a successful perk test. He stated that in the fall they would be back with more updates when they have more information on building size etc. Chairman Quigley asked if there was anyone in the audience that wished to speak. Mindy Evans of 36 Sohier Street stated that she is in favor of the project but she is concerned about flooding. She said that they have been flooding ever since the installation of the train track. She asked that the flooding issues be looked in to. She also stated that she had heard that the center may be put on town sewer and she does not think that would be fair as her neighborhood is not allowed to tie on to sewer. She also asked that the exit and entrance to the Swim Center be evaluated for safety. Chairman Quigley suggested to Mr. Pratt to keep the neighbors apprised of the project's progress. Stormwater Advisory Committee—Review of Committee Report—Chairman Quigley stated that the Stormwater Advisory Committee serves in an advisory capacity and that the Board should have a discussion in the future to see what their plans are going forward in regard to Stormwater. She feels this should be done before any further decisions are made. Mr. Noel Collins, Chairman of the Stormwater Advisory Committee,then addressed the Board along with committee members,Jim Fitzgerald and Ross Rosano. Mr. Collins reviewed what the committee has done over the past six months and how they reached out to the community to conduct a Stormwater survey as required by their charge. They heard from about 15-20 people around various parts of Town. They then held a Public Hearing on May 20, 2010. In attendance were people from locations all over Cohasset. During the first part of the hearing the Committee addressed concerns for residents in areas other than the Treats Pond area They offered advice and possible solutions to these residents so they could try Selectmen—6.28.10-JBO 2 Minutes—Board of Selectmen June 28, 2010 possible solutions on their own. The Committee expects to hear back from them as they go through Conservation etc. Mr. Collins stated that once the Committee worked with that group, the Treats pond residents were the topic of the rest of the hearing. He stated that a large part of the conversation was about the Army Corp of Engineers and if the Board of Selectmen would go forth (with the Stormwater Reclamation project). He stated that he and the other members of the Committee have spent a lot of time reviewing the site of Treats Pond and reviewing existing engineering reports. He stated that the committee is confined to Stormwater Management and used two existing reports;the Army Corp of Engineers Report and the Flood Control Master Plan. It is their opinion that not much more needs to be done in the Treats Pond area. They feel that just some additional engineering needs to be done to determine if the Sandy Cove area can or cannot be used as an n outlet area. He stated that the Army Corp of Engineers report focuses on Saltwater Reclamation and they need to focus on flooding in all areas, all around Town, not just in this one particular location. Chairman Quigley stated that she had read the report and that the usual areas were discussed at the hearing but there were also new areas of concern discussed. She added that the DPW and the Greenbush team have also identified areas of concern and asked Mr. Collins what the Committee's plans were next. Mr. Collins stated that in addition to reviewing the areas of concern, they will also start looking into Stormwater and septic systems and the affects on the harbors and beaches. Chairman Quigley then stated that Mr. Ralph Dormitzer, of 111 Atlantic Avenue, asked to speak to the Stormwater Committee's report. She stated that the statement should address Stormwater issues only and that Treats Pond will be on a future agenda. Mr. Dormitzer came forward and read his statement aloud (Memo dated June 21, 2010, on file in the Selectmen's Office). After Mr. Dormitzer concluded, Chairman Quigley stated that she did feel Mr. Dormitzer's did go beyond her requested scope of discussion. She then asked Mr. Collins if he would like to give a brief rebuttal. Mr. Collins stated that they are focusing on Stormwater Management Issues only. He stated that they do not disagree with anything in Mr. Dormitzer's letter however they [residents of Sandy Cove] are addressing Saltwater Reclamation. Chairman Quigley asked if anyone else in the audience wished to speak. Ms. Mindy Evans of 36 Sohier Street stated that for the record he [Mr. Dormitzer] is misleading the content of letters between herself and the Army Corp of Engineers which he referenced in his letter read aloud this evening. Mr. Amory Houghton of 91 Atlantic Avenue stated that the original concept [of the Treats Pond project] was that it was a "two for"the price of one project [addressing Stormwater issues and saltwater marsh restoration). Sewer Commission—Inflow& Infiltration (1/1) -Chairman of the Sewer Commission, Mr.John Beck and the Commissions' Consulting Engineer, Daniel Coughlin of Coughlin Environmental, addressed the Board. Mr. Beck reviewed a report that he and Mr. Coughlin prepared for the Board. 1/1 is put in place to address 'peak flow impacts during wet weather and marsh flooding periods'. Mr. Beck explained that with the 'anticipation of the Little Harbor Sewer Expansion,the Sewer Commission developed a multi- year program to assess and address 1/1 influences (i.e. broken pipes or manholes). He explained that the waste water treatment plant can operate well during regular rain events. However, during intense rain events, the WWTP has experienced foam overs and occasionally flow overflows. By identifying areas where additional water is flowing into the plant due to something being broken or working incorrectly, they can reduce the daily flow and thus avoid further problems. Mr. Beck then gave an extensive review of several 1/1 problem areas located since 2006 around Town. There was then a lengthy conversation about the funding and bonding of the 1/1 abatement program. Selectman Carr asked if someone could come in and review how bonding works. The Board thanked Mr. Beck and Mr. Coughlin for their time. Approval of SRF Bond Issue for Water&Sewer Proiects—After a brief discussion, Selectman Carlson moved to approve the permanent refinancing of$13,500,000 for sewer and drainage projects and Selectmen—6.28.10-JBO 3 Minutes—Board of Selectmen June 28, 2010 $6,574,884 for water distribution work at a percentage rate of 2%and paid off over a period of twenty years. Selectman Koed seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous(5-0). Water Department Audit Project— Mr. Griffin stated that the Advisory Committee as a whole will be unable to act as the selection team. Two members of the Advisory Committee, Merle Brown and Tom Reardon, as well as Patrick Gallagher of the Water Planning Group are willing to serve. Selectman Carlson would like to see someone with a financial background sit on the selection committee as well. Chairman Quigley agreed and asked anyone viewing to please volunteer. Selectman Carlson moved to adjourn. Selectman Koed seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous (5-0). Meeting adjourned at 9:35PM. Respectfully submitted, Karen Quigley Chairman Selectmen—6.28.10-JBO 4