HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - BoS - 03/16/2017 Selectmen's Meeting March 16, 2017
Selectmen Meeting
Town Hall-Selectmen's Office
41 Highland Ave.
Cohasset, MA
Selectmen Present: Kevin McCarthy, Chairman
Paul Schubert
Diane Kennedy-arrived at 7:43 p.m.
Jack Keniley
Steve Gaumer
Others Present: Christopher Senior,Town Manager
Chairman McCarthy called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Roll Call Vote: Jack Keniley-Present, Kevin
McCarthy-Present, Paul Schubert-Present,Steve Gaumer-Present.
Pledge-Recited
Public Comments-None
Licenses/Permits/Events-Memorial Day Events-Veterans Service Agent-Vincent Fountaine discussed
this year's Memorial Day Events schedule starting on May 20t"through May 291". Motion by Selectman
Schubert to approve the Memorial Day Events from 5/20/17 through 5/29/17,seconded by Selectman
Keniley and the vote was unanimous(4-0).
CYBSA Opening Day Parade-Motion by Selectman Schubert to approve the CYBSA Opening Day Parade
on April 30, 2017,seconded by Selectman Keniley and the vote was unanimous(4-0).
School Budget Presentation-Superintendent Demas and Interim Business Manager John Tuffy
presented the Executive Summary for the FY 18 Cohasset Public Schools operating budget.The budget is
within the Town Manager's allocation.
Selectman Kennedy arrived at 7:43 p.m.
Investment Update-Treasurer/Collector Paula Linhares advised the Board the overall performance this
quarter was disappointing. All accounts were slightly below their respective benchmarks for the quarter
and year. All accounts are still beating their benchmarks for long term. The Board had a brief
discussion.
FY18 Budget Document-Paula Linhares presented a draft FY18 Proposed Budget& Capital Improvement
Plan. She reviewed the introduction which includes a citizen's guide to the budget process and budget
calendar, budget summaries, general administration, school administration, enterprise funds and
appendices. She asked the Board to review and forward any edits or suggestions.
State Representative Joan Meschino-Update-Rep. Meschino advised the Board she will be hosting
office hours at the Senior Center on the 2A Monday of the month from 9:00-10:30 a.m. She gave the
Board an overview of the State budget process. They discussed the School Resource Officer (which has
been eliminated from the Governor's budget), Chapter 90, Chapter 70 and circuit breaker funding. Mr.
Senior noted that he has heard about a state proposal to cap ambulance billing rates and it would be
devastating for Cohasset and local budgets if this were to happen. Rep. Meschino will look into this.
Selectmen's Meeting March 16, 2017
Review of Warrant Articles& Placement of Articles-Water Commission Budget-Chairman of Water
Commission Rolf Gjesteby and Vice-Chairman Leonora Jenkins presented the proposed Water Budget
for FY18. They discussed the proposed dam maintenance project for$178,530. The Board had a
lengthy discussion. Chairman Gjesteby suggested they have Director of DPW Brian Joyce come to a
future meeting to discuss the necessary maintenance project Chairman McCarthy agreed and stated the
Board will discuss at the 3/28/17 meeting.
Vote to Close the Warrant-Motion by Selectman Kennedy to close the warrant for Annual Town
Meeting,seconded by Selectman Keniley and the vote was unanimous(5-0).
Selectmen Update-Selectman Schubert stated the Cohasset Education Foundation will host the 2017
Spelling Bee this Sunday, March 191h. The CEF is also hosting the Annual Gala on April 7 t h. The President
of the CEF gave the first donation of$100,000 to the School Committee this week for the renovation of
the Learning Commons.
Town Manager Update-Mr. Senior stated Michael Wharton contacted the office just before the meeting
tonight and indicated that he will have the change of manager application filed by Monday. The Board
had a brief discussion.
Chairman McCarthy asked for a motion to go into Executive Session for Exemption#3 to discuss
strategy with respect to litigation if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the litigating
position of the Town, and the Chair so declares. The Board will discuss litigation matters-James
Island. The Board will return to open session for the purpose of adjourning. Motion moved by
Selectman Kennedy,seconded by Selectman Keniley. Roll Call Vote:Jack Keniley-Aye, Diane Kennedy-
Aye, Kevin McCarthy-Aye, Paul Schubert-Aye, Steve Gaumer-Aye.
The Board went into executive session at 10:02 p.m.
The Board came out of executive session at 10:58 p.m.
Motion by Selectman Keniley to adjourn, seconded by Selectman Gaumer and the vote was
unanimous (5-0).
The meeting adjourned at 10:59 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Kevin McCarthy, Chairman
Documents
Memorial Day Event App
CYBSA Parade-Event App
School Budget FY18
Investment Update
FY18 Budget Document
Draft Warrant
Draft Water Budget