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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - BoS - 10/25/2010 Minutes—Board of Selectmen October 25, 2010 Selectmen Present: Karen Quigley, Chairman Edwin G. Carr Frederick R. Koed Paul Carlson Leland H.Jenkins Others Present: William R. Griffin,Town Manager Jennifer Brennan Oram, Recording Secretary Chairman Karen Quigley called the meeting to order at 7:OO13M. Town Manager's Report Town Manager, William Griffin, asked the Board to vote to authorize the Chairman to sign a letter to submit the Open Space Plan to the state with amendments to the years. Selectman Paul Carlson moved to authorize the Chairman to sign the letter. Selectman Leland Jenkins seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous(5-0). Mr. Griffin asked the Board to approve the contract for Interim Town Manager, Steve Lombard. Selectman Carlson moved to approve and sign the contract. Selectman Edwin Carr seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous(5-0). Mr. Griffin also provided the Board in their packets a report of the capitalization fund and asked them to review it. Finally, Mr. Griffin thanked the Board for his farewell party. He really enjoyed it. Selectman Carlson stated that it was their pleasure. Selectmen's Comment Period Selectman Carr wished Mr. Griffin well on his new adventure and said that his many years of public service are admirable. He stated that he will be missed. Selectman Jenkins echoed Selectman Carr's statements and said that Mr. Griffin will be missed. Chairman Quigley stated that she could not have said it better herself. She stated that they would miss him both personally and professionally. Mr. Griffin thanked the Board and said that they had treated he and the position of Town Manager with respect. Proposed Senior Center Update—Mr.John Campbell addressed the Board. Mr. Campbell stated that since they last came before the Board they have accomplished a great deal. They have procured a memorandum of understanding with the Cohasset Swim Center trust which will allow for a land swap and thus secure a site for the Center. Mr. Glenn Pratt worked to get the Legislative Approval for the land swap with the trust. In addition,they have determined that the proposed site is large enough to site the desired footprint of the building. Perc tests have also been conducted. They have also created a feasibility study. Senior Center Director, Coral Grande, addressed the Board and reviewed the needs for Selectmen—10.25.10-JBO 1 Minutes—Board of Selectmen October 25, 2010 a new Senior Center. She provided a packet to the Board that outlines the needs for Cohasset. Ms. Grande stated that she knows the Board is aware of the need for a new Senior Center, but isn't sure the community is aware.The document she prepared outlines the services provided to the seniors of Cohasset by the Cohasset Senior Center. She stated that currently seniors make up 22%of the Town's population; with this number increasing by 2020. Mr.Joseph Rizza of Court Street Architects addressed the Board and reviewed his proposed plans for the center. The structure proposed is approximately 13,000 gross square feet. He reviewed the various rooms and explained that they are proposing senior housing component with four apartments on the second floor. Mr. Rizza then reviewed the estimated the hard and soft costs of the project. Presently the projected hard costs would be 4.9 million dollars. The soft costs are approximately 1.4 million, for a total of approximately 6.4 million dollars. They then reviewed the costs to run the center annually and a proposed timeline for completion of the project. Mr. Campbell reviewed other points including that if built,the Senior Housing rent would go to help cover the costs to run the facility. There was an extensive question and answer period with the Board. Selectman Jenkins asked if they would be able to hook up to Sewer. Mr. Campbell stated that there is a question as to whether a new building could be added to the district and a question as to whether that would be a cost savings. They also reviewed the materials they propose to use to build the center and that it would be a Town owned building. Chairman Quigley stated that the Lightkeepers Association does pay real estate tax on their rental units and that the same would apply to the Senior Center for their rental units. She added that she was very impressed by the presentation but surprised at the estimated cost for the project. She stated that the cost would be hard in these difficult times and that a lot will rest on their fundraising efforts. Mr. Campbell stated that he felt there would be some big checks toward the project. The Board thanked them for their presentation. Department of Public Works Review& Update—Mark Brennan, of the Greenbush Office and Superintendant of the DPW, Carl Sestito addressed the Board. They handed out a memo and addressed, in great detail,the items listed on the memo. Mr. Brennan reviewed the DPW Responsibilities which include: Roads, Maintenance, Cemetery upkeep including interments,Trees, Parks, Construction Projects, Drainage, Snow Removal, Street Sweeping, BMP Maintenance (Including Water Quality Structures),Transfer Facility and managing varied residents' requests on a daily basis. Mr. Sestito and Mr. Brennan also reviewed the organization of the DPW,the scope of the job including the miles of street the DPW is responsible for in Town, essential services the DPW provides to the Town, the budget, the revenue, unfunded mandates and Chapter 90 funds. They explained that the DPW provides many services that are unfunded and yet the DPW collects a lot of revenue that is turned over to the General Fund. The Board thanked them both for the update. Special Town Meeting Article Review Article 1: Amendments to Fiscal 2011 Operating Budget—Mr. Griffin stated that this article is still in flux. The Budget Planning Group has to still vote on it, however Mr. Griffin did not want to leave without leaving his recommendation. He stated that the biggest issue is the hydrant fee. It will have to be paid either with an override or somewhere they will have to add $300,000 to the Fire Department budget to be able to present a balanced budget. Mr. Griffin stated that he reviewed the budget and certain expenses are budgeted that will not be used,for example the gate operator at the West Corner Culvert. After looking at it, Mr. Griffin is recommending that they apply$200,000 to the Fire Department budget. He also recommends the Board look at the Local Option Meals Tax and Local Option Rooms Occupancy Excise Tax. The Board discussed the addition of the taxes. Selectman Jenkins stated that he does not feel it is fair to raise taxes at this time. Chairman Quigley stated that although the amount of the bill [at a restaurant}would seem small, she would be hesitant to tax people more in Selectmen—10.25.10-JBO 2 Minutes—Board of Selectmen October 25, 2010 this economy. Selectman Carlson stated that the Town's finances are so thin right now he said that it was incumbent upon the Board to find ways to generate more revenue. Article 2: Local Option Meals Excise—Selectman Carlson moved to recommend this article to the Warrant for Special Town Meeting. Selectman Carr seconded the motion and the vote was 3-2, 3 in favor, Chairman Quigley and Selectman Jenkins against. Article 3: Local Option Room Occupancy Excise—Selectman Carr moved to recommend this article to the Warrant for Special Town Meeting. Selectman Carlson seconded the motion and the vote was 3-2 against,Chairman Quigley,Selectmen Koed and Jenkins against. Article 1: Amendments to Fiscal 2011 Operating Budget. The Board agreed to wait for the recommendation from the Budget Planning Group. Article 7: Unpaid Bills from Previous Fiscal Years. Mr. Griffin explained that there were three unpaid bills from the Police Department totaling in the amount of$1,077.66. He stated that it was the timing of the bills coming in that delayed them from being paid in FY10. Selectman Jenkins moved to recommend this article to the Warrant for Special Town Meeting. Selectman Koed seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous(5-0). Article 14: Water Department Expenses—Mr. Griffin stated that Town Counsel had reviewed this citizen's petition to see if it was a legal article. He stated that there was a motion that could be made, but beyond that to the Town would have to authorize the Board of Selectmen to file the legislation. Chairman Quigley stated that the Town could pass the article as it stands, but enforcing it would be the issue. Selectman Koed stated that he was not sure what the intent was of the article. Chairman Quigley stated that she believed that the intent was to have the Board of Selectmen have a closer"eye" on expenditures. She stated that although she certainly understands the frustration of the citizens' and the intent of the article, she does feel a lot of work is presently being done with the audit,the Water Planning Group and the Budget Planning Group. Chairman Quigley added that there are mechanisms being put in to place to address these concerns. Selectman Carlson stated that he agreed with Chairman Quigley. After a lengthy discussion,Selectman Carlson moved to indefinitely postpone this article. Selectman Koed seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous(5-0). Sherbooke Easement for Rain Garden—Mr. Griffin explained that this easement has been drawn up for an area located at Jerusalem Road and Atlantic Avenue. He asks the Board to vote to approve and sign the easement which will be filed at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds. Selectman Carr moved to approve and sign the easement. Selectman Jenkins seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous(5-0). Cat Dam Notice of Intent(NOI)—Chairman Quigley stated that the Board is in receipt of letters from both sides of the Cat Dam issue. She would first like to review the background of the Cat Dam NOI that is presently before the Conservation Commission. Town Meeting voted to expend the funds to create the NOI. An RFP was issued and awarded to CLE Engineering. Public hearings and public forums were held and again, public input was heard. The Board voted to refer the NOI that was prepared by CLE Engineering to only Commission that has regulatory authority over such issues;, the Conservation Commission. Chairman Quigley stated that by entering into this discussion, she feels that the Board is intervening into a permitting process. Selectman Koed asked what the Board would do if they heard that something they had submitted could be improved would the Board ignore that possibility? Selectmen—10.25.10-JBO 3 Minutes—Board of Selectmen October 25, 2010 Chairman Quigley stated that none of the Board of Selectman has the expertise to evaluate the NOI and that is why she argued it should go before the Conservation Commission. Selectman Koed stated that he took an oath of office to do his best for the Town. He feels that what makes this [Cat Dam] different then Straits Pond is that when those decisions were made,the Board did not receive letters. Selectman Carlson stated that he feels they owe it to the Town's people{to hear from them}. Selectman Jenkins stated that he did not think Cat Dam was a Town Issue. After further discussion, Selectman Carr stated that he would like to hear from one person from each side. He stated that the Board had read the letters and wanted the statement to be brief. Mr. George Chamillard of 400 Atlantic Avenue wants the science reviewed as they feel the studies used to create the NOI were outdated. Mr. Steve Brown of 275 Jerusalem Road stated that the NOI should remain in front of the Conservation Commission as they have access to the technical expertise needed. If needed, the decision could always be appealed. Selectman Jenkins stated that he sees that this could cause an additional cost to the Town over time. He stated he would rather see the residents of Inner Little Harbor work together to review the NOI. Selectman Carlson stated that the residents did come together and they did come up with a plan and perhaps that should be revisited. Selectman Koed would like the NOI reviewed to address the make-up of the committee. Selectman Carr asked Mr. Griffin if this could be done. Mr. Griffin stated that the Board could vote to pull the NO1 back, review and then re-submit it. Selectman Jenkins moved the Board of Selectmen pull the Cat Dam NOI back for the Board of Selectmen to review. Selectman Koed seconded the motion and the vote was 3-2, Selectmen Jenkins, Carlson and Koed in favor. Mr. Griffin will prepare the letter to the Conservation Commission. Selectman Carlson moved to adjourn the meeting. Selectman Carr seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous(5-0). Meeting adjourned at 9:39PM. Respectfully submitted, Karen Quigley Chairman Documents: Letter to the Commonwealth of MA regarding the Open Space Plan Contract of Interim Town Manager, Steve Lombard Cohasset Elder Affairs "Our Vision" Wilcutt Commons Document, October 2010 "Need Overview" memo for Cohasset Senior Center, dated 10.25.10 October 2010 DPW Presentation for Board of the Selectmen Memo Drainage Easement Agreement between the Town of Cohasset and Ross and Kathleen Sherbrooke. October 17, 2010 Letter Re: Cat Dam Operations and Maintenance NOI, submitted by Marjorie and Stephen Brown of 275 Jerusalem Road, and multiple other residents. October 24, 2010 Letter to the Board of Selectmen Re: Cat Dam signed by Sal and Catherine Lanuto of 45 Little Harbor Road, and multiple other residents. Selectmen—10.25.10-JBO 4