HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - BoS - 09/13/2016 Selectmen's Meeting September 13, 2016
Selectmen's Office-Town Hall
41 Highland Avenue
Cohasset, MA 02025
Selectmen Present: Kevin McCarthy-Chairman
Paul Schubert
Steve Gaumer
Diane Kennedy
Jack Keniley
Others Present: Chris Senior,Town Manager
Chairman McCarthy called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and asked for a Roll Call Vote;Jack Keniley-
Present, Kevin McCarthy-Present, Paul Schubert-Present, Steve Gaumer-Present.
Minutes-8/23/16&9/6/16-Motion by Selectman Schubert to approve the minutes of 8/23/16,
seconded by Selectman Keniley and the vote was unanimous (4-0). Motion by Selectman Schubert to
approve the minutes of 9/6/16, seconded by Selectman Keniley and the vote was unanimous(4-0).
Public Comments— None.
Diane Kennedy arrived at 7:03 p.m.
Set Special Town Meeting Date and Open Warrant-Motion by Selectman Gaumer to call for Special
Town Meeting on November 28, 2016 @ 7 p.m. at the Cohasset Middle/High School Sullivan
Gymnasium and open the warrant, seconded by Selectman Schubert. Vote was unanimous (5-0).
Licenses/Permits/Events-St. Stephens Annual Picnic-Sam Pease-3 Sankey Road was present on behalf
of St. Stephen's Church and gave an overview of their Annual Picnic on 9/18/16. Motion by Selectman
Gaumer to approve the Annual Picnic for St.Stephen's Church on Sunday,September 18, 2016 from
9 a.m.—3 p.m.,seconded by Selectman Kennedy and the vote was unanimous (5-0).
Mr. Senior advised the Board that there was a large fire today in Cohasset on Rust Way with heavy
damage. From what he understands,there were no injuries. He thanked the Cohasset Fire Department
and surrounding towns for the tremendous support.
Quarterly Investment Report-Treasurer/Collector Paula Linhares gave an overview and advised the
Board that most of the Town's investments have ended the quarter strong with significant gains in June
and solid gains for the year. The Board had a brief discussion with Ms. Linhares.
Affordable Housing Steering Committee-Resident applicant Robert Jeffers-44 James Lane was present
and gave the Board an overview of his experience and discussed why he is interested in being a member
of the Committee. Motion by Selectman Kennedy to appoint Robert Jeffers to the Affordable Housing
Steering Committee, seconded by Selectman Schubert and the vote was unanimous (5-0).
Motion by Selectman Kennedy to appoint David Drinan to the Affordable Housing Steering Committee as
a Planning Board Representative, seconded by Selectman Schubert and the vote was unanimous (5-0).
Motion by Selectman Kennedy to appoint Jack Creighton to Affordable Housing Steering Committee
as a Conservation Commission Representative, seconded by Selectman Gaumer and the vote was
unanimous (5-0).
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Chairman of Council on Elder Affairs Paul Kierce was present and discussed Sue Reagan's experience and
asked that the Board appoint her. Motion by Selectman Kennedy to appoint Sue Reagan to Affordable
Housing Steering Committee as a Council on Elder Affairs Representative,seconded by Selectman
Schubert and the vote was unanimous(5-0). Mr. Senior advised the Board he will work on setting up
the first meeting and try and get an expert in to speak on the subject matter. The Committee will report
quarterly to the Board of Selectmen.
Joint Meeting with Sewer Commission Appointment-Commissioners William McGowan and Wayne
Sawchuk were present and called their meeting to order. They have received three applications for the
open position on the Sewer Commission and have spoken to each applicant. They gave the Board an
overview of what skills the Commission needs in its member. They recommended John Beck due to his
experience on the Commission and his leadership skills. The Board and Commissioners had a brief
discussion. Motion by Commissioner McGowan to appoint John Beck to the Sewer Commission until
the next election, seconded by Selectman Schubert. Roll Call Vote:William McGowan-Aye,Wayne
Sawchuk-Aye,Jack Keniley-Aye, Diane Kennedy-Aye, Kevin McCarthy-Aye, Paul Schubert-Aye,Steve
Gaumer-Nay. Motion passed 6-1.
Preliminary Budget Message Discussion-Chairman McCarthy distributed his draft budget message for
FY18 along with recommended edits from Selectmen Kennedy and Gaumer. There were initially 5
points and the Board agreed to edit down to 4 points. Chairman McCarthy will make the suggested
edits and bring back a final document to be voted on at the 9/27/16 meeting.
Discussion-Policy of Public and Private Ways-Director of DPW Brian Joyce presented information from
surrounding town's policies on public and private ways. He discussed the number of private ways in
Cohasset. The Board had a lengthy discussion on possible policy requirements. Chris Murphy-38 Cedar
Acres Lane described the conditions of her street. Trish Dandrow-11 Cedar Acres Lane stated her son
has special needs and the condition of the road prohibits him from riding his bike.John Berg asked for
clarification on the policy requirements. Chairman McCarthy assured the residents that the Board hears
their concerns. The Board agreed to have Mr. Senior continue to work with the residents of Cedar Acres
Lane and try to move forward. Mr. Senior will also work on a private ways policy and forward to the
Board to discuss at their 10/11 meeting.
Town Manager Goals-Mr. Senior advised the Board he has been working on his goals with Lisa Uglialoro
and they are not yet completed. He will have them ready for the 9/27/16 meeting.
Acquisition of Cunningham Bridge Easements-Mr. Senior stated the Mass DOT and Senator O'Connor
have been working hard with the Town to address any issues. There are 4 easements that need to be
approved by the Board tonight. Grant Rippetoe-184 Atlantic Avenue was present. Mr. Rippetoe stated
he is a full-time resident and will be impacted the most with the project. He has met with Brian Joyce
and Chris Senior and wants to make sure the Town continues to communicate information about the
project. Mr. Senior stated they will continue to keep Mr. Rippetoe informed. Motion by Chairman
McCarthy to adopt the Order of Taking and Resolution of Damage Award and for the Town to acquire
the easements necessary for the Cunningham Bridge Project, reserving the right to amend the
easements acquired by the Town with the affected property owners,seconded by Selectman
Schubert. Roll Call Vote:Jack Keniley-Aye, Diane Kennedy-Aye, Kevin McCarthy-Aye, Paul Schubert-
Aye,Steve Gaumer-Aye.
Selectmen Update-Selectman Keniley discussed with the Board an upcoming fact finding trip to Harwich
on 9/20/16. He gave an overview of the Seaport Economic Council grant program that is chaired by the
Lieutenant Governor and administered by Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development with
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support from the Office of Energy& Environmental Affairs. Selectman Kennedy thanked the Police, Fire
and Veterans Agent Vinnie Fountaine for the 9/11 service on Sunday. It was well attended. Selectman
Kennedy asked the Chairman if the Board can meet with the OPEB Committee at a future meeting to
discuss ongoing, needed work. Selectman Schubert had a brief discussion with the Governor on Sunday
about the Opioid issue--which hasn't slowed down at all. He is hoping the Governor can help.
Selectman Gaumer stated he received a complaint from a resident about noise in the harbor this
weekend. They are concerned that they no longer have a good neighbor policy from the management
of the hotel and Atlantica. He also stated there is a serious problem with cars being parked on the
sidewalks on Norfolk Road on any day of the week. He would like to remind everyone not to impede a
sidewalk as it is written in the Town's bylaws. Selectman Gaumer distributed an introductory note for
the Board's mission statement and ideas on how to get it out to the public. The Board will review.
Town Manager's Update-FY17 Financial Update-Mr. Senior distributed and reviewed the current fiscal
year finances. He advised the Board that the phone system at the Cohasset Middle/High School failed
on the first day of school and cannot be fixed. This includes all phones, bells and intercoms. It is
important that this is replaced. Mr. Senior has asked to meet with Advisory this week to discuss and
will speak with Capital Budget Committee, as well. The estimated cost for a new system is
approximately$100,000. The new system would be under state contract. Mr. Senior advised the Board
that Atlantica has filed for a change of manager and they have forwarded information to the Police for
the background check. The law firm of Ohrenberger, DeLisi and Harris are handling the application for
Atlantica. They have also filed for a change on the common victuallar license. A hearing will be
scheduled. Mr. Senior has requested a work schedule of managers for all of the properties.
Motion by Selectman Gaumer to adjourn,seconded by Selectman Kennedy and the vote was
unanimous(5-0).
Meeting adjourned at 10:52 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Kevin McCarthy, Chairman
Documents
Minutes 8/23 &9/6
Event Application-St. Stephens
Quarterly Investment Report
Applications-Affordable Housing Steering Comm.
Applications-Sewer Commission
Draft Budget Messages
Easements-Cunningham Bridget Project
Harwich Fact Finding Trip Info
FY17 Financial Update
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