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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - BoS - 12/13/2011 Minutes—Board of Selectmen December 13, 2011 Selectmen Present: Chairman Edwin G. Carr Paul Carlson Diane Kennedy Leland Jenkins Frederick Koed Others Present: Michael Coughlin, Town Manager Jennifer Oram, Selectmen's Clerk Chairman Edwin Carr called the meeting to order at 7:OOPM. Chairman Carr reviewed the new format of the agenda. He asked that questions from the audience be held during each topic until the Chair recognizes them. Public Comment Merle Brown, of 546 Beechwood Street, suggested the Town consider naming the Recreation Center after Jack Worley. Chairman Carr stated that it was s a great suggestion and the Board will take suggestion under consideration. Licenses & Permits Chairman Carr reads the list of remaining licenses up for annual renewal. Selectman Paul Carlson moved to approve the licenses. Selectman Frederick Koed seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous (5-0). Chairman Carr announced that the meeting is being broadcasted and recorded on audio tape. Town Manager, Mike Coughlin,spoke about retiring Veteran's Agent Joseph McElroy and stated that he has run great programs and commended him as he retires under faithful service. He commended him for all his hard work. With respect to the transition, Mr. McElroy has suggested that the proposed regional veteran's agent should have a relationship with Coleman Nee. Selectman Koed commented that Mr. McElroy has done great job. Selectman Carlson agreed and stated that Mr. McElroy has been a great advocate. SoftRight Update Mr. Coughlin announced that at a department head meeting a task force was assembled including town employees. Jennifer Oram will coordinate. Appointment of Deputy Police Chief Town Manager Mr. Coughlin stated that this evening was an historic night for the Town of Cohasset. They will appoint a Deputy Police Chief and Assistant Fire Chief. Mr. Selectmen 12.13.12 JBO/TCK 1 Minutes—Board of Selectmen December 13, 2011 Coughlin stated that the hiring process was a lengthy one which included a process of interviews, an assessment center,practical excercises and hypothetical situations. Mr. Coughlin stated that he was privileged to appoint William Quigley as the Deputy Police Chief. Mr. Coughlin asked that the Board affirm the appointment. Mr. Coughlin presented with honor, his own Captains bars. Lt. Quigley was pinned by his nephew and thanked Paul Murphy, his family, Chief Noonan , Rick Abadessa, Brian Peebles, Bob Mansfield and Greg Lennon and stated that he appreciated the support of the Board of Selectman and Mr. Coughlin. Francis Collins - Treats Pond Mr. Frances Collins of 404 South Main Street, reviewed a letter he sent to the Board regarding the treats pond drainage issue. Mr. Collins explained that the pipe that runs from the pond to the beach is inadequate. He feels there is a way here they can run a pipe and that its hard bottom off of Sandy cove. He stated the ocean floor this is covered with rocks, not sand and that it's a good hard bottom so the sand wouldn't end up clogging the pipe. He stated that most of the homes in area were originally summer homes and that they probably should not have been built there, but zoning was different then. We have mitigated drainage issues and if this is done correctly, we can eliminate the flooding and it may eliminate some of the phragmities in the pond area. He reviewed the plan and stated that he had also talked with Engineer Daniel Coughlin and asked what he thought the estimated cost would be. Mr. Coughlin thought it could be between $5000-$7000. Chairman Carr asked Mr. Collins to describe how the pipe would get out there. He said the pipe would float but would be anchored and moored to the ocean floor. He stated that he is 99.9% sure this would work. Mr. Collins said he talked to his neighbors all seem to be in favor. Selectman Diane Kennedy asked if anyone knew where this fell on a priority list. Mr. Collins said the Stormwater Advisory Group cited this as the number one priority. Chairman Carr said he thought it was a great suggestion and that they are looking for a solution. Mr. Amory Houghton of 91 Atlantic Avenue stated that he thought it was a wonderful solution. Mr. Ralph Dormitzer of 111 Atlantic Avenue stated that he would support the idea stated that abutters, Mrrs. Dave Greaney and Eli Manchester generally support the idea. Elder Affairs Senior Center Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Mr. Coughlin reviewed how they arrived at the signing of this MOU this evening. He said that through a lot of hard work by many, they can begin to execute an agreement allowing the Board to move forward and authorize the transfer of land. Mr. Coughlin stated that he really felt that this is coming together and to symbolize the partnership, he asks everyone to sign an enlarged version of the MOU. After the signing, Selectman Kennedy moved to sign the document. Selectman Koed seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous (5-0). Director of Elder Affairs, Coral Grande, addressed the Board and said it was wonderful to have everyone's support and thanked everyone who worked so hard on this. She stated that she appreciated everyone's support; particularly the Chairman of the Elder Affairs Selectmen 12.13.12 JBO/TCK 2 Minutes—Board of Selectmen December 13, 2011 Board, John Campbell. Mr. Coughlin added the Board by a previous vote at Town meeting authorized the transfer of the land,but there is still legal documents needed to complete the transfer. He added that the MOU was drafted in conjunction with Town Counsel and with the Social Service League attorney. Assistant Fire Chief Appointment Mr. Coughlin brought forward Lt. John Dockrey to be appointed as the first Assistant Chief to the the Fire Chief. He stated that Lt. John Dockrey is a graduate Cohasset High School and as a kid he was coached by Chief Silvia as a lineman on the Cohasset Football team. Assistant Chief Dockery thanked Mr. Coughlin, Chief and his family and stated that he was looking forward to working with everyone. Update on Recruitment of Police Mr. Coughlin updated the Board saying they believe the Town has the number one candidate and he is presently an MP and is serving in Afghanistan. He will be returning by December 201h and we hope to bring him and two others in the front of the officers and the Board. Selectman Jenkins asked about 911 update. Mr. Coughlin said they will be operational in mid January. He said that the SSRECC actually becomes a shrek on the 26th of December and they are making great strides on resolving all of the issues. Finance Director Interview The Board of Selectmen and Chairman of Advisory Committee Peter Pescatore conducted an interview of the Finance Director/Town Accountant candidate, Mary Gallagher. Mr. Coughlin explained the interview process for Ms. Gallagher and stated it too was as rigorous as those taken for the Assistant and Deputy Chief positions. The Board and Mr. Pescatore reviewed what they were looking for in a candidate. They then asked an extensive series of questions of the candidate. Tax Allocation Hearing This was a continued hearing from December 6th. Deputy Assessor Mary Quill, addressed the Board about moving forward with a uniform tax rate as discussed the previous week. After a brief discussion, Selectman Kennedy moved to accept a uniform tax rate. Selectman Jenkins seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous (5-0). Ms. Quill stated that they are ready to go with the schedule A and tax recap, and the tax rate of$11.92 (possibly 5 cents more). Selectman Carlson moved a tax rate of$11.92, +/- 5 cents. Selectman Jenkins seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous (5- 0) Selectmen 12.13.12 JBO/TCK 3 Minutes—Board of Selectmen December 13, 2011 Finance Director/Town Accountant Appointment Continued Mr. Coughlin stated he would like to appoint Mary Gallagher to the position of Finance Director/Town Accountant. Chairman Carr stated that the Board has 15 days in which to consider the appointment, but he was pleased with the appointment. Selectman Kennedy stated she would prefer to sleep on it. No vote taken. Selectmen Comment Period Selectman Kennedy spoke about a call she received about Mr. Coughlin's comments in the paper. She wanted to assure the people of the town that we have never meant any disrespect to Town Hall and we take our positions very seriously. It is a joy to do what we do and it's really a privilege. Chairman Carr thanked her for her comments and couldn't agree more. Selectman Jenkins addressed the minutes of our meetings and his concern that they are not being done quickly. Jennifer Oram gave a plan to catch up on minutes. There was further discussion about management responsibilities and getting Mr. Coughlin the right help to do that. Mr. Coughlin stated that everyone has been through an incredibly difficult period and unfortunately it was not as smooth as he would have liked. He said there has been some incredible progress, and we have turned a corner and we're able to attract good candidates to add to the team. There is a lot to be done,you're right it's been a tough on both sides and we are working together. I apologize to the Boards and Commissions, we are entering the new year and is extremely optimistic on FY 13. We got a lot accomplished together, and look forward to working together this coming year. Thank you and I apologize for any remarks taken out of context. Selectman Kennedy added that they need to keep sustainability and that they cannot loose site of this if we all want to continue to live here. Everything we do has to be done looking at the future, so please keep that word in focus. Public Comment Water Commission Chairman Peter DeCaprio questioned Mary Gallagher's answers to certain management questions. Selectman Kennedy states that this was her hesitation [to vote this evening]. Mr. Coughlin stated he believes that Ms. Gallagher does have the experience and will be a fine manager. Governance Committee member, Michael Milanoski announced the committee will be having their first meeting the following week. Selectman Kennedy asked about the status of the Senior Center Needs Assessment and asked about the RFP. Town Manager Coughlin adds that is not an RFP,but would be an RFQ (Request for Quotes). Selectmen 12.13.12 JBO/TCK 4 Minutes—Board of Selectmen December 13, 2011 Town Manager Coughlin announced that during his absence from December 22nd until January 71h he has assigned Jennifer Oram as Acting Town Manager. Happy holidays to everyone. Chairman Carr moved to adjourn the meeting. Selectman Koed seconded the motion, and the vote was unanimous (5-0). Meeting adjourned at 10:37pm. Respectfully submitted, Edwin G. Carr Chairman Documents: List of annual license renewals SoftRight Implementation Schedule Undated letter to the Board from Francis D Collins re: Treats Pond Selectmen 12.13.12 —JBO/TCK 5