HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - BoS - 11/07/2016 Selectmen's Meeting November 7, 2016
Selectmen's Office-Town Hall
41 Highland Avenue
Cohasset, MA
Selectmen Present: Kevin McCarthy, Chairman
Paul Schubert
Diane Kennedy
Steve Gaumer
Jack Keniley
Others Present: Chris Senior,Town Manager
Chairman McCarthy called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.
Pledge-Recited.
Roll Call Vote;Jack Keniley-Present, Diane Kennedy-Present, Kevin McCarthy-Present, Paul Schubert-
Present, Steve Gaumer-Present.
Public Comments-None
Private/Public Road Policy—Mr. Senior gave the Board an overview of the changes made at the last
meeting. The Board had a lengthy discussion on the proposed policy. The Board had some minor
changes and agreed to have Mr. Senior make the amendments suggested tonight and bring back to the
Board. Mr. Senior suggested sending the draft policy to the Planning and Zoning Board of Appeals for
their input. The Board agreed. The Board will revisit on early December.
Village Parking Discussion-Mr. Senior met with some of the village merchants last week and there was
some great dialog and discussion. One thing that was suggested was making more use of the over flow
lot which has 28 spaces. They discussed possibly using the area for a merchant lot for employees. This
would free up spaces on the streets. The town would have to put additional lighting in the area. This is
not a formal plan, it was just something that was discussed. They also discussed signage improvements
which came out of the MAPC Village Study. The signage should be more uniform. Mr. Gaumer added
that the area does need signage improvements however, there has to be enforcement for it to be
effective. Chairman McCarthy suggested they get the Police Department involved in the conversation.
Mr. Senior stated they are meeting with the merchants again on November 15t". He will have another
update for the Board at the 12/13 meeting.
Master Plan Committee Appointments-Citizen at Large-Chairman McCarthy stated they are looking to
appoint 1 citizen at large. The Board has received two applications. One of the applicants, Peter
Pescatore, emailed that he had another commitment and could not attend tonight's meeting. The
Board did receive his application and resume. The other applicant, Lynne Schwandt was present and
gave an overview of her experience. She has lived in Cohasset most of her life and has business and
legal background. She also advised the Board she has not served on any committees, she is open
minded and doesn't have an agenda. Motion by Selectman Schubert to appoint Lynne Schwandt to
the Master Plan Committee as a citizen at large, seconded by Selectman Kennedy and the vote was
unanimous (5-0).
Chairman McCarthy stated the Board has recommendations from AEC and Conservation Commission.
Motion by Selectman Kennedy to appoint Josiah Stevenson to Master Plan Committee as a member of
AEC, seconded by Selectman Schubert and the vote was unanimous (5-0).
Motion by Selectman Schubert to appoint J. Patrick Kennedy to Master Plan Committee as a member
of Conservation Commission, seconded by Selectman Gaumer and the vote was 4-0-1. Selectman
Kennedy abstained from the vote.
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Chairman McCarthy stated the Selectmen need to appoint to members to the Master Plan Committee as
well. Motion by Selectman Keniley to nominate Kevin McCarthy and Paul Schubert to Master Plan
Committee as members of the Board of Selectmen,seconded by Selectman Kennedy and the vote was
unanimous(5-0).
Article#9-Amendment to Cohasset Wetlands Bylaw-Mr. Senior advised the Board he spoke to Town
Counsel and hasn't received an answer back yet. He will reach out to them and update the Board at the
11/22/16 meeting.
Article#7-Update-Water Department Budget-Chairman Rolf Gjesteby and Vice-Chairman Leonora
Jenkins were present. Chairman Gjesteby stated they originally put$60,000 in the article for the
upgrade to the chemical feed systems at the Elms Meadow Well Field Pump Station as a placeholder.
He sent over the updated article information and did not include the updated actual cost of$90,000.
Mr. Senior advised the Board they need to vote their recommendation again with the correct dollar
amount. Motion by Selectman Schubert to recommend Article#7 to Special Town Meeting with an
update from $60,000 to$90,000 for the Elms Meadow Well Field Pump Station, seconded by
Selectman Keniley and the vote was unanimous(5-0).
Committee Update-Cable Advisory Committee-Chairman McCarthy stated the Cable Advisory
Committee was not available for tonight's meeting and they will reschedule. Mr. Senior stated the Town
has received a license renewal notice from Verizon and Comcast. The contract expires in 2019 but the
Town needs to go through an ascertainment process which is lengthy. Mr. Senior stated the Cable
Advisory Committee is currently seeking applicants for 3 available openings on the committee. Mr.
Senior spoke with the Chairman and they are looking for a member with accounting experience. Once
the Committee has a full membership they will begin to start the process of evaluating the services for
the Town and residents.
Electric Vehicle Update-Mr. Senior stated the Town, as part of the Green Community, has looked into
three electric vehicles through a grant. The grant has been approved and they have started the
procurement process. The Town will be leasing 3 Nissan Leaf vehicles for three years. Capital Budget
has approved. The plan is to have one at town hall, one at Elder Affairs and one at the schools. There
would be a charging station at town hall that is available to the public. They should have the vehicles in
about 30 days.
Selectmen Update-Selectman Kennedy asked Mr. Senior if the Board could have an update on the
FEMA/LOMR. Mr. Senior stated it will be on the 11/22 agenda. She also asked about the Board's goals
and a calendar they discussed creating. Mr. Senior stated Lisa Uglialoro is working on it. He should have
to the Board at the beginning of December. Chairman McCarthy stated he attended the Veterans Day
Breakfast at the Senior Center. The event was well attended. He also advised residents of the Veterans
Day Activities at Deer Hill School on 11/10 and the Veterans Day Ceremony on 11/11 at the Veterans
Park across from the American Legion. Information can be found on the Town website. Mr. McCarthy
reminded residents that tomorrow is Election Day and the polls are open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m.
Selectman Schubert advised the Board the State revenues for the month of October were quite good
and well above the benchmark. Selectman Gaumer asked Mr. Senior is the Board could get an update
on the street light purchase. Mr. Senior stated the update will be on the 11/22 agenda.
Town Manager Update-Mr. Senior presented the Board with a new Town Manager report that Jen
Oram created. He asked for any suggestions/comments from the Board. He will include the report in
the Selectmen's packets. Mr. Senior advised the Board that most of the equipment for the harbor
dredging has arrived in the harbor. There is one piece of equipment(scow)that is in Hingham being
repaired. The work should begin by midweek. Mr. Senior stated early this fall the Town put out RFP's
for Owners Project Manager for the Town Hall renovation project. They received 11 submissions and
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interviewed 5 finalists. The process has been very successful. The goal is to get a good project in a
realistic amount of time. He will keep the Board updated on the process. Mr. Senior advised the Board
that the police have completed their investigation into the issue of noise complaints at the Cohasset
Harbor Inn and are requesting a hearing. After some discussion the Board agreed to have the hearing
on 11/29/16. Mr. Senior will contact counsel and start the hearing process.
Minutes 10/25/16-Motion by Selectman Schubert to approve the minutes of 10/25/16, seconded by
Selectman Kennedy and the vote was unanimous(5-0).
Motion by Selectman Gaumer to adjourn,seconded by Selectman Schubert and the vote was
unanimous (5-0).
The meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Kevin McCarthy, Chairman
Documents
Private/Public Road Policy
Village District Parking
Master Plan Committee Applications
Cable Renewal Info
Veterans Day Info
Minutes 10/25/16
Town Manager Report
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