HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - BoS - 07/28/2015 Minutes-Board of Selectmen July 28, 2015
Selectmen's Office-Town Hall
41 Highland Avenue
Cohasset, MA
Selectmen Present: Steve Gaumer, Chairman
Kevin McCarthy,Vice-Chairman
Diane Kennedy, Clerk
Karen Quigley
Paul Schubert
Others Present: Christopher Senior,Town Manager
Chairman Gaumer called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. The School Committee is present as well to
discuss the process of appointing a new School Committee member.
Chairman Jeanne Astino called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m.
Roll Call Vote; Ellen Maher-Present,Jeanne Astino-Present, Katie Dugan-Present.
School Committee Appointment-Discussion
Chairman Astino explained the School Committee recently had a resignation and they need to fill the
vacancy until the next election in the spring. They discussed having Mary McGoldrick represent the
School Committee and Diane Kennedy from Board of Selectmen as a subcommittee to help with the
process. There was a press release forwarded to the Mariner and put on Blackboard Connect. They are
asking that all interested applicants submit information to Chairman Astino and the Town Clerk-Carol St.
Pierre via email or mail. The deadline is August 7th at 12 noon. They discussed the process and the goal.
The Committee and Board members had a lengthy discussion of what they are looking for in a new
member. They will discuss candidates at the next joint meeting.
Public Comments- None
Selectmen Update
Selectman McCarthy asked if the Board can schedule a discussion with the Cohasset Housing Authority
to discuss The Affordable Housing Trust. Mr. Senior stated he is meeting with the Chairman of the CHA
this week to start the conversation and will follow up with the Board. Selectman Quigley attended the
AEC meeting and they are working hard and the School Committee has signed the Fuel Efficient Vehicle
Policy that the Board will hopefully sign tonight. That means 4 of the 5 qualifications for the Green
Communities application process will be complete. The work on the post closure permit at the landfill is
ongoing. Process is being made on the street lights. The Advisory Committee met and reviewed FY15
and agreed to approve transfers to pay off snow and ice. The Sewer Commission attended the Water
Commission meeting. They are starting the discussion of a Sewer Plan of Study to identify areas of
concerns. Stormwater Committee met and discussed working on raingardens with the Water
Commission and students at school. They also hosted a discussion about the LMOR for FEMA maps.
Selectman Kennedy attended the Rotary dinner at 60 Elm Street. It was a great time with a band,
singing and dancing. The tenants from 60 Elm Street are creating a garden in honor of Tom Wigmore
and are asking for donations. Selectman Kennedy thanked the DPW for painting the parking lines at
Black Rock Beach. She also asked if the Board would consider a discussion on parking fines. She
believes it is time to revisit the fine structure. Selectman Schubert attended the Planning Board and
Conservation Commission meetings. He also mentioned that he was just informed that the Governor
vetoed the School Resource Officer money for the town. He believes the legislature will be discussing
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again this week. He suggested residents reach out to their representatives. Chairman Gaumer asked for
a moment of silence for Michael Sullivan who passed away. He discussed all he did for the town and the
impact he had. He stated Mr. Sullivan will leave a void in the town just as Tom Wigmore did.
Town Manager Report
Mr. Senior introduced the town's new CIO, Ron Menard. He gave an overview of Mr. Menard's career
and experience. The process and applicants were thoroughly vetted. The Board welcomed Ron. Mr.
Menard stated he is ecstatic about starting with the Town. Everyone is very warm and welcoming. He is
looking forward to working here. Mr. Senior stated he is in the final phase of due diligence for the Police
Chief process. He will present a candidate from the prior search process for the Board's consideration in
August. The Army Corps of Engineers has formally awarded the bid for the Cohasset Harbor dredging
project. The $1.7 million contract was awarded to H2H Associates. Selectman Kennedy asked if there
will be a public meeting describing the dredging process and what residents can expect. Mr. Senior will
work with the Harbormaster on setting something up. Selectman Quigley asked Mr. Senior that the
Cohasset Conservation Trust also be notified. Mr. Senior stated the DPW has been paving roads and the
project is ongoing. Mr. Senior stated some paving work was done on Lamberts Lane. Mr. Senior stated
that Lamberts Lane is not a private way. He stated now that the town has hired a new CIO the GIS
System can be better used with the roads. Mr.Senior reminded residents that tax bills are due August
3, 2015.
Green Communities Fuel Efficient Vehicle Policy
AEC Member Mary Jo Larson was present. She explained The Green Community Fuel Efficient Vehicle
Policy. Chairman Gaumer questioned if the AEC had presented to Capital and Advisory Committees. Ms.
Larson stated is was presented to Advisory and they gave a presentation at town meeting. The board
had a lengthy discussion.
Motion by Selectman McCarthy to sign the policy as presented, seconded by Selectman Quigley and
the vote was 4-1. Chairman Gaumer voted against.
FY15 Fiscal Update & Line Item Transfers
Finance Director Mary Gallagher was present. Mr. Senior updated the Board on their meeting with the
Advisory Committee. The transfers were approved. (See line item transfers attached)
Motion by Selectmen Kennedy to approve transfers$115,864.22,seconded Selectman Schubert and
the vote was unanimous(5-0).
Mr. Senior reviewed the highlights of the Preliminary Final year-end report. The Board discussed the
snow and ice budget. Mr.Senior explained surrounding towns had the same issues this year because of
the historic winter. The big issue was plowing the snow and then having to remove it and find a place to
put it. The town is looking into better equipment and contacts with other snow removal companies.
Chairman Gaumer thanked Ms. Gallagher for staying late and all of her work this year.
HR Update
HR Consultant Lisa Uglialoro was present and gave the Board an overview and summary of the work that
has been completed. She gave a power point presentation with policies, procedures and risk
management. She provided suggestions and goals. Mr. Senior spoke of about the organizational
structure. He has currently 23 direct reports. He discussed what changes are being made to allow him
time to focus on other things. They have already started with the DPW and Facilities. Brian Joyce is
overseeing those departments. These changes are already having positive effects and helps the town
run more efficiently.
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Town Manager Review
Chairman Gaumer gave an overview of the process for the Town Manager's review. He discussed the
four parts of the evaluation. They board went through and discussed the combined results of
performance goals, performance standards, core responsibilities and the overall performance summary.
The Board agreed to discuss Part V of the evaluation at the 8/11/15 meeting. Mr. Senior thanked the
Board for all of their cooperation and time. He stated he could not succeed without their help and the
help of all his employees. He is looking forward to the year ahead and new challenges on the horizon. It
has been a very productive year.
Minutes-7/14/15
Motion by Selectman Schubert to approve the minutes of 7/14/15 as amended,seconded by
Selectman McCarthy and the vote was unanimous(5-0).
Motion by Selectman Kennedy to adjourn, seconded by Selectman McCarthy and the vote was
unanimous(5-0).
The meeting adjourned at 10:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Steve Gaumer, Chairman
Documents
Green Communities Fuel Efficient Vehicle Policy
Town Manager Review
Minutes 7/14/15
FY15 Year End Transfers
FY15 Revenue & Expenditures
HR Review
Town Manager Update
CHA—Request for Meeting
Ron Menard Resume
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