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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - BoS - 07/01/2014 Minutes-Board of Selectmen July 1, 2014 Selectmen's Office-Town Hall 41 Highland Avenue Cohasset,MA Selectmen Present: Diane Kennedy,Chairman Steve Gaumer Martha Gjesteby Karen Quigley Kevin McCarthy Others Present: Christopher Senior,Town Manager Rich Hucksam,Town Counsel Chairman Kennedy called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Pledge of Allegiance Public Comment Dr. Robin Lawrence of 15 Beach Street presented the board with pictures of the common area displaying parking issues. He suggested that perhaps roads along the Common be one-way roads. He also provided pictures of the grass along the Common that is mostly dirt due to cars parking along it. He also showed pictures of a trash barrel that is placed right by the bench near the duck pond. He suggested that the trash barrel be moved to a more appropriate place. Selectman Kennedy stated the Board is aware of the parking issues and have a parking task force group working on the issues. Director of Project Management Brian Joyce stated he has been working with MAPC and they are doing a study around the Common area,the Village and surrounding streets. This will be a comprehensive study for recommendations. Francis Collins of 404 South Main Street wanted to discuss an email he sent to the board regarding 559 Jerusalem Road and how the Conservation Commission was handling it. Chairman Kennedy stated to Mr.Collins that she has been advised by Town Counsel not to discuss a matter that is before a permitting board and the Selectmen have no authority over Conservation Commission matters. Mr. Collins stated the Selectmen are the appointing body and he would recommend when they appoint members to the Conservation Commission to put politics aside. He asked that they appoint on the applicants merits and experience. Selectman Gaumer stated the Selectmen have no intersecting authority. While the Selectmen do appoint the commissioners they do not have any authority over their deliberations. Selectman Quigley stated she has always held the position that permitting boards should be free of any political influence. The Town Manager Act does give the Selectmen the oversight authority over boards and committees. She suggests that the board address what the word"oversight" means. Chairman Kennedy stated she has discussed this with Town Counsel and the board should have Paul DeRensis come in and speak with the board about it. Mr.Collins stated for full disclosure that he has no interest in the Ford family;he doesn't socialize with them or belong to the same clubs. Peter Wood of 77 Summer Street reiterated what Mr.Collins said about keeping politics out of appointments and he also has no affiliation with the Ford family. Pole Hearing—Cedar Street Chairman Kennedy read aloud the public hearing notice. Motion by Selectman Gjesteby to open the hearing,seconded by Selectman Gaumer and the vote was unanimous(S-0). y, Selectmen-7/l/14-TC Initial 1; /7 021ely Minutes-Board of Selectmen July 1, 2014 William P.Matthew Jr.was present on behalf of National Grid. The poles are sustained by tree guy at this time. They would like to sustain the pole with their own equipment by removing from the tree and connecting to a new pole. The only alternative is a push brace wlth is not visibly pleasing. The board had a lengthy discussion regarding the possibility of using composite poles. Mr.Matthew stated that may be an option. The board asked him to look into the cost. The board had concern about installing new poles when there is not a safety issue. Annette Milton of 5+4 Cedar Street asked if any trees would be cut down to make room for the new poles. Mr.Matthew said there will not be any trees removed, but there may be trimming. Selectman Gaumer stated his concerns with installing new poles on such a narrow street. The board asked Mr. Matthew to get price information on composite poles and to check and see if there was damage to the trees or poles at this time. Motion by Selectman Gaumer to continue the hearing until Tuesday,August S*@ 7:10 p.m., seconded by Selectman McCarthy and the vote was unanimous(5-0). Pole Hearing-Jerusalem Road Chairman Kennedy read aloud the public hearing notice. Motion by Selectman Gjesteby to open the public hearing,seconded by Selectman McCarthy and the vote was unanimous(5-O). William P. Matthew Jr., National Grid representative stated this pole situation is different from Cedar Street. There is more of an area in front of these homes and poles are more visible. It is also tough to determine where property lines are. Selectman Gaumer stated there is more room but the road isn't any wider than Cedar Street. The board agreed they would also like alternative options. James Ahlstedt of 666 Jerusalem Road stated his concerns about adding additional poles. One of the poles will be installed right at the end of his driveway and will make it dangerous to pull out. Mr.Matthew's will get more information and visit the site. Motion by Selectman Gjesteby to continue the hearing until Tuesday,August 51h @ 7:20 p.m., seconded by Selectman Gaumer and the vote was unanimous(5-0). Visual Budget Presentation Alan Jones,Vice-Chairman of Arlington's Finance Committee was present to give an overview of The Visual Budget Consortium(see attached). They are looking for 10-15 cities and towns to build the Visual Budget Consortium. The cost is$3000 in membership fees which will build a more robust software platform and more features. They will also apply for grants. The purpose of this is to make the town's financial management more understandable to taxpayers and decision makers. It is a great forecasting and planning tool. It will help improve bond ratings by maintaining public reputation as a well-governed town. Motion by Selectman McCarthy to give the affirmation and move forward,seconded by Selectman Gjesteby and the vote was unanimous(5-0). Year End Transfers Finance Director Mary Gallagher went through the list of Line Item Transfer Requests totaling $80,606.00. She anticipates they will be turning back quite a bit of expenditures and revenues look to Selectmen-7/1/14-TC Initial 172 k 6 2J14-6 a lol Al Minutes-Board of Selectmen July 1, 2014 be good. Selectman Gaumer asked about water's budget. Mary Gallagher stated they are not doing well at this point. They look to be$128k short on revenue. Chairman Kennedy suggested having a joint meeting with the Selectmen and Water Department. Mr.Senior stated he went to their last meeting and they should know where they stand within 2 weeks. Motion by Selectman Gaumer to approve Line Item Transfers as requested,seconded by Selectman Gjesteby and the vote was unanimous(5-0). Cohasset Farmer's Market Chairman Kennedy stated the board had conditionally approved the Farmer's Market and requested that the Event Application be completed and it has. Michelle and Michael Hurley were present on behalf of the Farmer's Market. They gave an overview and history of the Farmers Market. Selectmen Quigley recused herself from the discussion. Motion by Selectman McCarthy to formally approve the Farmers Market from June 190 through October le,seconded by Selectman Gjesteby and the vote was 4-0. Selectman Quigley abstained from the vote. The board took a 3 minute recess. Committee/Board Appointments Cohasset Community Television-Board of Directors Paul Carlson and Patricia Martin were present as candidates for reappointment. Mr.Carlson gave an overview of the committee responsibilities. Selectman Gjesteby asked about the weather channel on cable. She stated it used to be Boston and now it is Brockton which isn't helpful. Ms. Martin stated she will look into. Motion to appoint Patricia C.Martin and Paul E.Carlson to Cohasset Community Television-Board of Directors for a one-year term,seconded by Selectman Gaumer and the vote was 3-0-2. Selectmen Gjesteby and Quigley abstained from the vote. Cable Advisory Committee Motion by Selectman McCarthy to appoint Patricia C.Martin and Paul E.Carlson to Cable Advisory Committee,seconded by Selectman Gaumer and the vote was 3-0-2. Selectmen Gjesteby and Quigley abstained from the vote. Cohasset Common Historic District Commission Motion by Selectman Quigley to appoint Gordon Stevenson to Cohasset Common Historic District Commission for a 3-year term and Colin Koch to an Alternate position for a 1-year term,seconded by Selectman McCarthy and the vote was unanimous(5-0). Cohasset Preservation Commission Russell Bonetti,Susan Hoadley and Margaret Charles were present as candidates for re-appointment. Mr. Bonetti discussed with the board his background with the CPC. He would like to continue on to work an the CPC procedures. Ms.Charles stated she has worked hard on the committee and she is Selectmen-7/1/14-TC Initial 1,99/--6 /7 alu 3Al Minutes-Board of Selectmen July 1, 2014 interested in staying on to continue working on housing with CPC funds. Ms.Hoadley stated the CPC has great diversity and they are thoughtful with the process and don't just rubber stamp things. They abide by the spirit of the CPC. Motion by Selectman McCarthy to appoint James Russell Bonetti,Susan Hoadley and Margaret Charles for a 3 year term to CPC,seconded by Selectman Gaumer and the vote was unanimous(5-0). Cohasset Cultural Council Motion by Selectman Gjesteby to appoint Susan Keene,Juliana Tiryaki and Selene Carlo-Eymer for a 3- term to Cohasset Cultural Council,seconded by Selectman McCarthy and the vote was unanimous (5-0). Council on Elder Affairs Paul Kierce of 39 Old Coach Road and Chairman of Elder Affairs was present. He stated there are currently 4 positions available. He proposed that Elinore Barrett and Tana Carlson be appointed for a 3- year term. He also suggested that Susan Reagan be moved from Associate to full member replacing Delores Roy for a 3-year and Elaine Coyne be appointed to Association for 2-year term. Tana Carlson and Elinore Barrett were present as well. Tana Carlson of 18 Old Coach Road stated she would like to be reappointed and continue working on expanding programming and work to keep elders in their home. Elinore Barrett of 42 Sohier Street stated she would like to continue working with elders and volunteering. Motion Selectman Gaumer to appoint ppaint Elinor Barrett,Tana Carlson and Susan Reagan to full member 3-year term and Elaine Coyne to Associate for a 2-year term,seconded by Selectman McCarthy and the vote was unanimous(S-0). Conservation Commission Chairman Jack Creighton,Alex Koines and lames Gilman were present. Chairman Kennedy stated there are 3 members looking to be reappointed as full members. Mr.Gilman and Mr. Koines gave the board an overview of their experience. Selectman Quigley stated she looked through the minutes of Conservation and noticed that Mr.Koines had missed 10 meetings over the last 2 years. Mr.Koines stated that his job takes him out of state and there are enough members on the commission that they have never had an issue with a quorum. He keeps up to date with minutes and tapes of the meetings. He also plans to participate remotely if he is unable to make a meeting in the future. Selectman Gjesteby asked to hear from the Associate candidates as well before voting. Patrice Vogelman of 46 Black Rock Road is a candidate for Associate member. She gave the board an overview of her experience. William Henry of 94 North Main Street gave the board an overview of his experience. He has been an Associate for the last 2 years. He stated he follows the rules and regulations of the Commission. Justin Pimpare of 713 Jerusalem Road is also a candidate for Associate member. He stated he has recently constructed a new home and lives with his two children and wife with another child on the way. He has been an engineer with the EPA for the past 20 years. Selectman Quigley stated that Mr. Henry has also missed a lot of meetings. Mr.Henry stated he has remotely participated when it was available to him. Motion by Selectman McCarthy to appoint James Gilman to full member on Conservation for a 1-year term,seconded by Selectman Gaumer and the vote was 3-2. Selectmen Gjesteby and Quigley votedd .. against. Selectmen-7/1/14 TC Initial /f-g/z /7 01 i� Minutes-Board of Selectmen July 1, 2014 Motion by Selectman Gaumer to appoint Alex Koines to full member on Conservation for a 3-year term,seconded by Selectman McCarthy and the vote was 4-1. Selectman Quigley voted against. Motion by Selectman McCarthy to appoint James Marten to full member on Conservation for a 3-year term,seconded by Selectman Gaumer and the vote was 4-1. Selectman Quigley voted against. Selectman Gaumer suggested the board vote by ballot for the Associate position. After some discussion they decided not to have a ballot vote. Motion by Selectman Gaumer to appoint William Henry to Associate on Conservation for a 1-year term,Chairman Kennedy seconded and the vote was 2-3. Selectmen Quigley,Gjesteby and McCarthy voted against. Motion failed. Mr. Henry stated if the vote came down to him or Mr.Pimpare he would have deferred to Mr. Pimpare because he believes the Commission needs an engineer. Motion by Selectman Quigley to appoint Justin Pimpare to Associate on Conservation for a 1-year term,seconded by Selectman Gaumer and the vote was unanimous(5-O). Motion by Selectman Gaumer to appoint Patrice Vogelman to Associate on Conservation for a 1-year term,seconded by Selectman McCarthy and the vote was 3-2. Selectmen Gjesteby and Quigley voted against. Open Space and Recreation Commission Richard Karoff of 19 Border Street was present as a candidate for Open Space and Recreation Commission. He gave the board an overview of his experience. Motion by Selectman Quigley to appoint Richard Karoff to Open Space and Recreation for a 3-year term,seconded by Selectman Gaumer and the vote was unanimous(5-O). Zoning Board of Appeals Chairman Woody Chittick and member Ben Lacy were present as candidates for reappointment to ZBA. The board had a discussion with Mr.Chittick and Attorney Hucksam regarding the town's recent adoption of MGL Chapter 39 Section 23D. Motion by Selectman Gjesteby to appoint S.Woodward Chittick for a 3-year term as a Full Member, Benjamin Lacy as an Associate for a 1-year term and David McMorris as an Associate for a 2-year term on ZBA,seconded by Selectman McCarthy and the vote was unanimous(5-0). Stormwater Advisory Committee Motion by Selectman Quigley to appoint F.Noel Collins to Stormwater Advisory Committee for a 3- year term,seconded by Selectman Gjesteby and the vote was unanimous(5-O). Historical Commission Selectmen-7/1/14-TC Initial A2 /7Ja o i� Minutes-Board of Selectmen July 1, 2014 Motion by Selectman Gjesteby to appoint Todd Goff to Historical Commission for a 3-year term, seconded by Selectman Quigley and the vote was unanimous(5-0). Town Manager Update Mr.Senior stated he attended the last Senior Cafe of the year. There was a great turnout and it is a great example of Cohasset's community character. The Wellness Committee recently met and is starting programs which will help control the town's medical costs. There was a water issue with North Cohasset that is serviced by Aquarion Water. They had an issue maintaining the water tank level. They are meeting with town officials regularly to keep them informed. He will keep the board informed. Selectmen Update Selectman McCarthy stated that Chris Senior has been very generous with his time and has taken him on tours to facilities in town. It was a pleasure to meet employees,they are a professional and polite group. He will be visiting the Sewer Department next week. Selectman Gaumer wanted to acknowledge the Police,Fire and DPW for all of their work this weekend with the Triathlon and MS Ride. All issues were addressed by Mr. Burnett and it was run tremendously well. Selectman Quigley spoke of a ceremony in Plymouth run by the Governor-the entire coast of MA is now a No Discharge Area. Cohasset became a No Discharge Area back in 2008. The Stormwater Committee had a meeting recently and will be looking into the effects of fertilizer runoff to our water resource areas. Selectman Quigley gave Mr.Senior some information on Greenscape programs. There was also a meeting of the Jacobs Meadow Advisory Board this morning and there was a lot of discussion about the operation of the tide gate and raising the level of the water to deal with making the marsh healthier and improving the salinity. They have been very careful about raising it slowly. Con Com,CSCR and the town will sponsor a workshop for the abutters to explain the responsibilities of living near the wetlands. Selectman GJesteby thanked Chairman Kennedy for all her hard work on the boards/committee appointments. She did a great job. Selectman Quigley asked the Chairman if they could set the dates for Annual Town Meeting and Special Town Meeting. She also asked about applicants that expressed interest in multiple committees and/or boards. Chairman Kennedy will reach out to the other applicants and see where they could fit in. She also asked Mr.Senior to reach out and get follow up on this weekend's Triathlon. 3 Minutes Motion by Selectman Gjesteby to approve the minutes of 6/17 as amended,seconded by Selectman Gaumer and the vote was unanimous(5-0). Motion by Selectman GJesteby to adjourn,seconded by Selectman McCarthy and the vote was unanimous(5-0). Meeting adjourned at 10:37 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Diane Kennedy,Chairman Documents: Pole Hearing Notice Information-Cedar St. Pole Hearing Notice Information-Jerusalem Rd. Selectmen-7/1/14 TC Initialer �7 � aa 54 Minutes-Board of Selectmen July 1, 2014 Visual Budget Presentation Year-end Transfers Farmer's Market Application Committee/Board Applications Minutes June 17,2014 Selectmen-7/1./144C Initial 122)"" ' 0 i