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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - BoS - 03/08/2016 Minutes-Board of Selectmen March 8, 2016 Selectmen's Office-Town Hall 41 Highland Avenue Cohasset, MA Selectmen Present: Steve Gaumer, Chairman Kevin McCarthy Diane Kennedy Paul Schubert Others Present: Christopher Senior,Town Manager Chairman Gaumer called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. Pledge-Recited Public Comment-None Licenses/Permits One day License-St.Anthony's-Chairman Gaumer stated St. Anthony's Parish has applied for a one day liquor license for their Annual St. Patrick's Day dinner on 3/19/16 from 6-11 p.m. Motion by Selectman Kennedy to approve the one day liquor license for St. Anthony's on 3/19/16 from 6-11 p.m., seconded by Selectman Schubert and the vote was unanimous (4-0). One day License-South Shore Art Center-Chairman Gaumer stated South Shore Art Center has applied for a one day liquor license for their event on 3/10/16 from 6:30-9 p.m. Motion by Selectman McCarthy to approve the one day liquor license for SSAC event on 3/10/16 from 6:30-9 p.m., seconded by Selectman Kennedy and the vote was unanimous (4-0). Appointment of Tax Custodian-Treasurer/Collector-Treasurer/Collector Paula Linhares-gave an overview of what the role is for tax custodian under Chapter 60-Collection of Taxes Section 77B. Ms. Linhares stated the Town recently foreclosed on property and it is now the responsibility of the Town. The previous owners of the property have contacted the Town and are willing to pay what is owed. She explained the next steps. Town Manager Chris Senior recommended the Board appoint Paula Linhares. The Board discussed the role of the custodian. Motion by Selectman Kennedy to appoint the Cohasset Treasurer/Collector as tax custodian, seconded by Selectman Schubert and the vote was unanimous (4-0). Ms. Linhares asked the Board if they would like her to work with the attorneys and land court to clear this up. The previous owner will pay all monies owed. Chairman Gaumer asked for a motion to direct the tax custodian to petition the court to vacate the judgement on the subject property such that the Town is made whole on all of its expenses, outstanding taxes and related interest and fees. Selectman Kennedy moved the motion, seconded by Selectman McCarthy and the vote was unanimous (4-0). Reserve Policies-Mr. Senior gave information and an overview of the policies. After a lengthy discussion Chairman Gaumer suggested forming a subcommittee to look at the policies one more time and look at the implications. They can then bring back to the Board and be prepared to adopt. Selectman Kennedy spoke of projected growth and that it will diminish at some point. Mr. Senior stated most of the language of these policies are from other communities and have been vetted. Chairman of Advisory Nan Roth and Member Peter Pescatore joined the conversation about the free cash policy. Mr. Senior added that free cash is now called "undesignated fund balance" by the State. Mr. Pescatore added the Town needs this type of policy to build up strength now for when there is no new growth. It is for unexpected extraordinary emergencies. Chairman Gaumer stated the Board will review and come back with any recommended adjustments for consideration. 1 Selectmen-3/8/16-TC Minutes-Board of Selectmen March 8, 2016 Investment Report Treasurer/Collector Paula Linhares reviewed the Investment Report with the Board. Expendable Trusts investments show a decent gain for the quarter and continue to outpace benchmarks. Permanent Trust funds gained 4.3%for the quarter. OPEB funds showed over 2%for the quarter. Mr.Senior announced that thanks to the hard work of Finance Director Mary Gallagher and Treasurer/Collector Paula Linhares and a lot of hardworking people,the Town was notified today it is now AAA rated. Chairman Gaumer thanked the staff, boards and committees for all their hard work put into reaching this goal. Mr. Senior should receive the official report tomorrow. Affordable Housing Discussion-Chairman Gaumer stated through discussions with the Board and the Town Manager they agree there should be 2 groups. There should be a steering committee and a trust. They need to define the needs of the community. Selectmen Kennedy and Schubert will draft a charge for the steering committee. The Board will then put together a trust. Advisory Committee-Warrant Article Proposal Chairman of Advisory Nan Roth and Member Peter Pescatore were present. Chairman Roth read aloud the vote taken at Advisory meeting. Chairman Gaumer had concern that it hasn't been discussed in depth. Mr. Pescatore stated if Town Meeting approved the article it would have to be approved on an annual basis. Chairman Gaumer proposed having an extra meeting on 3/15 to discuss. Chairman Roth will check with her Committee. The Board agreed to discuss at the next meeting. Discussion BYOB-The Board is requesting public comment from citizens and businesses Chairman Gaumer stated since there is no one present for comments the Board will table the discussion. They will bring in interested parties from the ABCC and enforcement. Town Meeting Update FY17 Town Budget-Mr. Senior reported to the Board the town budget is complete. He will send it out to the Board and Advisory. He suggested putting it on the 3/15 agenda for follow up discussion. Draft Warrant Review-Mr.Senior stated Article#20-Cunningham Bridge Project needs to be updated and it will be broader. The State had a public meeting last week that was well attended. They took concerns and ideas into consideration and are coming back with a new proposal. Brian Joyce is working with the State to address the concerns of residents. The Board decided to wait for Advisory to vote on the articles tomorrow night before voting on the majority of them. Motion by Selectman Schubert to recommend Article 10-Establishment of and/or Annual Renewal of Revolving Funds, seconded by Selectman McCarthy and the vote was unanimous (4-0). Motion by Selectman Kennedy to recommend Article 19-Rescission of Unused Borrowing Authorization, seconded by Selectman Schubert and the vote was unanimous (4-0). Motion by Selectman McCarthy to recommend Article 21-Planning Board Article-Associate Member, seconded by Selectman Schubert and the vote was unanimous(4-0). Selectmen Comments-Selectman McCarthy attended the Master Plan Visioning meeting on Saturday. He thanked the Planning Board for their leadership. It was an interesting day for residents and allowed their input and ideas. Selectman Kennedy stated tomorrow night in Hull at the hotel there is a CPC discussion for the public sponsored by MAPC. Selectmen Kennedy and McCarthy met and discussed committees and boards. They would like to host a public forum on April 13t"from 6:30—9:00 p.m.to have an overview of boards and committees structure and recruiting. They would also discuss training requirements and queue up a fall orientation. It would be open to all residents and they would like to have a recognition reception. Selectman McCarthy added they would like the Board to consider it for an annual event. The Board had a brief discussion and agreed that they should move forward with the planning. Selectman Kennedy suggested an email go out to board/committee chairs about upcoming 2 Selectmen-3/8/16-TC Minutes-Board of Selectmen March 8, 2016 appointments. Selectman Schubert also attended the Master Plan Visioning meeting. They had a great tour of the town by Chairman of Planning Board Clark Brewer. It was a good group of people. They discussed infrastructure needs and development on 3A among other things. He has spoken to folks at the State level about the opioid issue and what help and assistance is available at the state level. He also stated the idea of having some type of recognition for committee members is long overdue and a great idea. Town Manager Update-91 Sohier Street-Mr. Senior advised the Board there is a tentative closing date of 3/24/16 for 91 Sohier Street. He has been meeting with staff to coordinate taking over ownership. The Supreme Court approved the transfer of the building last week and they have been moving expeditiously to a closing date. Carriage House Nursery-Mr. Senior advised the Board that the Recreation Commission and Library Trustees have unanimously supported the temporary use by the Carriage House. He has a license agreement for the Board to sign. They moved in over the weekend and the State approved everything yesterday and they opened up today. Mr. Senior thanked the Library, Recreation and their staff for all their hard work. Selectman Schubert thanked Mr. Senior for all of his time and effort to make this work. Motion by Selectman Schubert to accept and approve license agreement between the Town of Cohasset and First Parish d/b/a Carriage House Nursery School, seconded by Selectman Kennedy and the vote was unanimous(4-0). Dredging Update-Mr. Senior stated the project is not complete. This was not a town project it was an Army Corps project. There have been problems from day one. The 3rd hump still remains. They are working on getting additional permits to finish the job and remove the pipe. They have to repair the boat ramp. Harbormaster Lorri Gibbons is keeping track of everything. The Army Corps has committed to come to the 3/29 meeting to answer questions. Chairman Gaumer stated the commercial fishing fleet is in danger of not working and endangers the lives of fisherman in an event of a storm. They need to do everything possible to make the date for the fishing fleet. Minutes Motion by Selectman Schubert to approve the minutes of 2/22/16,seconded by Selectman Kennedy and the vote was unanimous(4-0). Topics not reasonable anticipated by the Chairman 48 hours in advance Chairman Gaumer suggested he and Selectman Schubert form a sub-committee to review the reserve policies and come back to the Board to discuss. The Board agreed. Motion by Selectman Schubert to adjourn, seconded by Selectman Kennedy and the vote was unanimous(4-0). Respectfully submitted, Steve Gaumer, Chairman Documents One day liquor-St. Anthony's&South Shore Art Ctr. Tax Custodian Info Reserve Policies Investment Report Advisory Warrant Article BYOB Info FY17 Town Budget Draft Warrant Agreement TOC&Carriage House Minutes 2/22/16 3 Selectmen-3/8/16-TC Minutes-Board of Selectmen March 8, 2016 4 Selectmen-3/8/16-TC