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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - BoS - 09/13/2011 Minutes—Board of Selectmen September 13, 2011 Selectmen Present: Edwin G. Carr, Chairman Paul Carlson Frederick Koed Leland H.Jenkins Diane Kennedy Others Present: Michael J. Coughlin,Town Manager Jennifer Brennan Oram, Selectmen's Clerk Chairman Edwin G. Carr called the meeting to order at 7:0013M. Town Manager's Report Town Manager, Michael Coughlin, reviewed the Town's response to Hurricane Irene. The Town supplied a great deal of services to those without power including ice, charging stations and door to door checks. He stated that the Town really worked together as a group. He then distributed certificates of recognition to Police Chief Mark DeLuca, Fire Chief Robert Silvia, Anthony Sestito of the DPW, Mark Kelly of the Facilities Department, Coral Grande, Director of Elder Affairs, Harbormaster Lorren Gibbons as well as members of the Emergency Management Team, the Cohasset Police Explorers and Cohasset Community Television. Mr. Coughlin then reviewed the Goals and Objectives packet distributed to the Board. He stated that after a big event such as Hurricane Irene, although you see many positives,the areas in need of improvement stand out as well. Mr. Coughlin asked each Department to put together their lists of goals and objectives for their individual departments. Mr. Coughlin then reviewed the eleven goals that he refers to as "11 for 11"for the Board. Highlighted during the presentation were goals and objectives for the Finance Department, improving Public Safety Management, improving Public Services,the Health Department, Elder Affairs,Veteran's Services,the Paul Pratt Memorial Library, and the Recreation Department. Mr. Coughlin would also like to address updating the public safety buildings as well as the emergency shelter space at the Deer Hill School. He concluded stating that he is aware that these goals and objectives are bold, but he will meet with all the departments and committees to try to accomplish as much as they can together. The Board thanked Mr. Coughlin for his presentation. Selectmen's Comment Period Selectman Paul Carlson stated that the Senior Center Building Committee has begun meeting and will meet again in the next week. Selectman Diane Kennedy thanked Lt. Quigley for updating everyone on Facebook during the storm and for all of the great communication from the Police and Fire departments through the Connect CTY program. Selectman Leland Jenkins asked what the storm cost the Town. Mr. Coughlin stated that they have a preliminary cost estimate of approximately$100,000 that has been submitted by Glenn Pratt of Emergency Management. The report shows that$44,000 of that cost is overtime. The report breaks down the other costs for DPW, Sewer etc. Mr. Coughlin stated that hopefully they would get some of the money back. Selectman Jenkins asked if the Town does not get reimbursed, where will the money come from. Mr. Coughlin said they would have to go to look at each department and then possibly have Selectmen—9.13.11-JBO 1 Minutes—Board of Selectmen September 13, 2011 to go to the Advisory Committee. Selectmen Jenkins asked if Mr. Coughlin was getting the overtime reports from the different departments. Mr. Coughlin said that beginning next month each Department will provide monthly reports. With monthly reporting overtime and other items can be tracked. There was then a brief discussion about mutual aid and regionalization. They also discussed the K-9. As of now, Hull's dog retired and the dog in Scituate passed away; so Cohasset is the only dog in the area. Selectman Jenkins stated that he would still like to see the projected costs on the canine. Mr. Coughlin stated that the Chief has his projections and they are putting it to the test and need to look at it this year and next. Mr. Coughlin also informed the Board that the Town had secured a HUMV from the military at no cost and this type of vehicle is an essential public safety tool. Selectman Frederick Koed thanked Mary Snow for bringing forth the subject of the Mutual Aid Agreement and that the Board should consider this on a future agenda. Selectman Koed stated that he is the liaison to the Local Emergency Management Team and that he sat in on the MEMA briefing before the storm. It was said at that meeting that there were adequate staging areas to address the outages, but after the storm hit, which he realizes was a wide spread storm, there were reports of people being out of power as many as five days. Selectman Koed suggested a letter be sent to the public utility so the issue is addressed for future storms. Chairman Carr thanked Mr. Coughlin for all he did during the storm. The Board then held a moment of silence for Mr. George Broderick, a fifty year resident of the Town who never missed watching a Board of Selectmen's meeting. Chairman Carr stated they had a site visit with DEP at Cat Dam. The Town was represented by Town Counsel, and the representative from DEP took the information from each side. Chairman Carr said that they learned a lot and that there may be a chance that there is additional work needed to be done which could be costly to the Town. They are waiting to hear back. Chairman Carr stated that there is legislation to create destination casinos in the State. In the legislation there is provision about the entertainment venues in these casinos that could affect small venues such as the South Shore Music Circus. He stated that he working on getting language in to the legislation to protect such small venues and will keep an eye on the situation. Chairman Carr then addressed the petition brought forth by citizen's addressing the issues with the Conservation Commission appointments and governance. He stated that he has scheduled a special meeting on the 20th to address the issue and would like it to be a very positive meeting. Public Comment Period Mr. Russell Bonetti of 20 Parker Avenue reminded the Board that with the resignation of Jeffery Waal from the Community Preservation Commission; there is no Chairman of the CPC. He suggested that a meeting be called of the existing members. Karen Quigley of 27 Clay Spring Road stated that she wanted to clarify that there is actually an ENF form that can be filled out and that much of the information needed to complete it is contained in the N01 and that it is her understanding that it is not costly. Selectmen—9.13.11-JBO 2 Minutes—Board of Selectmen September 13, 2011 Entertainment License—Selectman Koed moved to grant an entertainment license to Mr. Dooley's Old Village Pub, located at 9 Depot Court. No amps will be used on Sunday. Selectman Carlson seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous(5-0). Appointment—Historical Commission—Mr.Todd Goff of 6 Heather Drive reviewed his background and why he is interested in becoming a member of the Historical Commission. Selectman Koed moved to appoint Mr. Goff for a term of three years. Selectman Jenkins seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous(5-0). Introduction of K-9—Police Officer Patrick Reardon introduced Erik,the new K-9 for the Town of Cohasset. Officer Reardon stated the dog is thirteen months old and has begun training. Chairman Carr thanked Officer Reardon for stepping forward to take on this responsibility. Superintendant Barbara Cataldo—School Update—Superintendant Barbara Cataldo and School Committee Member,Jeanne Astino, addressed the Board. Ms. Cataldo stated that they want to have an excellent relationship with the Town and would like to begin by thanking Mr. Coughlin for helping during Hurricane Irene. She stated they were able to open the doors by the 31"of August and the teachers were all happy to be there. Ms. Cataldo reviewed many of the items they are rolling out including wireless internet and ipads. Ms. Cataldo stated that she is bringing in the leadership counsel in every two weeks to ensure that everyone is working together, and is looking forward to working collaboratively with the Town. She stated that they want transparent leadership and that she is very excited to work with Mr. Coughlin; they are fortunate to have this unique set of circumstances where they are starting their positions at the same time. Chairman Carr stated that the Ms. Cataldo and the School Committee should consider the Board of Selectmen a resource. Selectman Koed thanked them for working with Emergency Management and hosting the emergency shelter. There was then a brief discussion about the shelter and what additional equipment is needed and possible ways to obtain it. There was also further discussion about the ipads and the wireless access. Chairman Carr stated that from time to time the Town has to call upon the Schools' staff and thanked Dave DeGennaro for all of his help. Selectman Kennedy stated that she was thrilled about the new communication in Town and welcomed Ms. Cataldo. The Board thanked them both for their time and the update. Signing of the Conservation Restriction relating to land of Abbott Homes-Cohasset. LLC—After a brief review, it was decided to hold off signing the restriction until all of the sidewalk options with Avalon are explored. Fore River Bridge—The Board reviewed the sample letter and resolution. Selectman Kennedy stated she would work on a draft of the letter and insert more items about Cohasset. Selectman Jenkins stated that he would like to hear from the Coast Guard as he is not completely convinced either way, and would like to hear both sides. Selectman Jenkins stated that he felt it was more of a visual problem. Selectman Kennedy stated that she did feel that aesthetics are important. Selectman Koed stated that the bridge is the gateway to the South Shore and that the visual appearance is important. The Board asked that the Coast Guard be contacted and Selectman Kennedy will work on the letter. Approval of letter to the Republican Town Committee—Selectman Carlson moved to approve the letter as written. Selectman Koed seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous(5-0). Selectmen—9.13.11-JBO 3 Minutes—Board of Selectmen September 13, 2011 Approval of the letter of support from the Board for the proposed Senior Center—Chairman Carr moved to approve the letter as amended. Selectman Koed seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous (5-0). Aquarion Discussion—Chairman Carr asked what the Board would like to do with their contribution. Mr. Coughlin recommended that the Board move forward in paying for the Town's portion. Selectman Jenkins asked what the Town's cost would be. Mr. Coughlin thought in the area of$10,000. After a brief discussion about where the funds would come from, Chairman Carr moved to support the Town's contribution. Selectman Carlson seconded the motion. After further discussion, Selectman Koed moved to support the Town's 1/3 contribution as long it did not exceed $10,000.00. Selectman Jenkins seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous(5-0). Peter Pescatore, Chairman of the Advisory Committee stated that they would like to start the planning process for the Special Town Meeting. Mr. Pescatore would like to keep the special town meeting light. Selectman Koed moved to adjourn the meeting. Selectman Carlson seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous (5-0). Meeting adjourned at 8:4013M. Respectfully submitted, Edwin G. Carr Chairman Documents and Forms: Goals and Objectives, dated September 13, 2011 Initial Damage Assessment Report for Hurricane Irene Selectmen—9.13.11-JBO 4