HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - BoS - 03/21/2017 Selectmen Minutes March 21, 2017
Selectmen Meeting
Town Hall-Selectmen's Office
41 Highland Ave.
Cohasset, MA
Selectmen Present: Kevin McCarthy, Chairman
Paul Schubert
Diane Kennedy
Jack Keniley
Steve Gaumer
Others Present: Christopher Senior,Town Manager
Chairman McCarthy called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Roll Call Vote;Jack Keniley-Present, Diane
Kennedy-Present, Kevin McCarthy-Present, Paul Schubert-Present,Steve Gaumer-Present.
Pledge-Recited
Public Comments-None
Health and Recreation Fair-Recreation Director Ted Carroll and Public Health Nurse Mary Goodwin
announced the Annual Health and Recreation Fair which will be held on Sunday, March 26th from 1-4
p.m. at the Deer Hill School and gave an overview of the event.
All Facilities Stickers-Mr. Senior stated the Town Clerk is looking to have the expiration date of the
annual All Facilities Stickers be changed from June 30th to March 31'. Carol St. Pierre gave an overview
of how many stickers are sold during the month of July and how changing the date to 3/31 would help.
Motion by Selectman Kennedy to change the expiration date of the All Facilities Stickers to expire on
March 31'Y of a given year starting with this years (July 31,2017), seconded by Selectman Keniley and
the vote was unanimous(5-0).
Licenses/Permits/Events-Common Victular License-Owner of Made in MA Rita Ng advised the Board
she is applying for a common victular license for her business at 103 Ripley Road. Her local store will
offer pre-packaged granola, maple syrup, coffee beans, teas, pickles and bakery goods. Motion by
Selectman Gaumer to approve a common victular license for Made in MA at 103 Ripley Road,
seconded by Selectman Kennedy and the vote was unanimous (5-0).
FEMA/LOMA Update-Director of DPW Brian Joyce advised the Board the new revised maps became
effective as of yesterday 3/20/17. Mr. Joyce recapped the process of how the town challenged the
maps to reduce the flood elevations. He discussed the number of houses that were changed out of the
flood elevations. The revised maps are available if anyone is interested.
Review of Warrant Articles, Placement on Warrant & Possible Vote of Recommendation-Marijuana
Moratorium-Mr.Senior advised the Board this article is a zoning ordinance and the Planning Board should
hold a public hearing. Motion by Selectman Schubert to refer Article #17, Temporary Moratorium on
Marijuana Establishments to the Planning Board for an advertised public hearing, seconded by
Selectman Kennedy and the vote was unanimous(5-0).
Motion by Selectman Kennedy to open warrant for placement of articles, seconded by Selectman
Schubert and the vote was unanimous(5-0).
Annual Town Report-Motion by Selectman Kennedy to put Article#1 Annual Town Report on the
Warrant for Annual Town Meeting, seconded by Selectman Schubert and the vote was unanimous
(5-0).
Reports of Committees-Motion by Selectman Kennedy to put Article#2 Reports of Committees on the
Warrant for Annual Town Meeting, seconded by Selectman Gaumer and the vote was unanimous
(5-0).
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Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 91 Liability-Motion by Selectman Kennedy to put Article#13 MA
General Laws Chapter 91 Liability on the Warrant for Annual Town Meeting, seconded by Selectman
Schubert and the vote was unanimous(5-0). Motion by Selectman Gaumer to recommend Article#13
MA General Laws Chapter 91 Liability to ATM, seconded by Selectman Kennedy and the vote was
unanimous (5-0).
Additional Real Estate Exemptions-Motion by Selectman Kennedy to put Article#14 Additional Real
Estate Exemptions on the Warrant for Annual Town Meeting and recommend to ATM,seconded by
Selectman Schubert and the vote was unanimous (5-0).
Community Preservation Committee-Cohasset Historical Society-Chairman of CPC Russ Bonetti and
President of Cohasset Historical Society Kathy O'Malley discussed the proposed request of funding for
$128,500 for the restoration of the interior and exterior of the Maritime Museum at 4 Elm Street.
Parker Avenue Boat Ramp-Russ Bonetti recused himself from the discussion. Harbormaster Lorri
Gibbons and CPC Member Dick Karoff were present. Mr. Senior stated this is a town project and they
are changing their request for up to $50,000 for plans, specs and permitting. The Board had a brief
discussion. Selectman Gaumer suggested the request go to Capital Budget for review. Wayne Sawchuk-
432 Beechwood Street asked if CPC funds can be used for plans or just construction costs. Mr.Joyce will
look into.
Joseph Osgood & Deer Hill Playgrounds and Sohier St. & Beechwood-Mr. Bonetti and Superintendent
Louise Demas were present. Mrs. Demas explained the MA Dept. of Safety received complaints about
ADA accessibility. They have applied for and been granted an extension until 9/1/17 to comply with the
violations and repairs on the playgrounds. They are seeking a total of$250,000 for the playgrounds less
any monies raised from fundraising efforts.
Repairs to Milliken Field Road Tennis Courts-Ted Carroll stated they are looking to make tennis court
repairs and maintenance to keep the courts in playable condition until a bigger project reconstruction in
2021. They are seeking$25,000.
Replace Fence at Bancroft Way at Milliken Field-Mr. Carroll stated the fence is over 50 years old and
both an eye sore and dangerous. They are requesting $12,000.
Cohasset Housing Authority-Mr. Bonetti stated they are requesting$100,000 under the Affordable
Housing category to help with the construction of a new house for adult residents with severe
intellectual disabilities. They have received a state grant for$750,000.
Mr. Bonetti discussed the administration budget and money to pay debt management.
Motion by Selectman Kennedy to put Article#15 Community Preservation Committee on the Warrant
for Annual Town Meeting,seconded by Selectman Schubert and the vote was unanimous (5-0).
Funds for Facilities Projects-Mr. Senior stated he is still working on hammering out projects with Brian
Joyce and would like to discuss Article#10 Funds for Facilities Projects at the next meeting. Motion by
Selectman Kennedy to put Article#10 Funds for Facilities Projects on the Warrant for Annual Town
Meeting,seconded by Selectman Schubert and the vote was unanimous(5-0).
Zoning By-Law Amendment-Section 2.1 Definition-Definition of Residential Gross Floor Area-Chairman
of Planning Board Clark Brewer and member Michael Dickey were present and gave an overview of the
article. The Board had a brief discussion. Motion by Selectman Gaumer to put Article#23 Zoning By-
Law amendment-Section 2.1 Definition-Definition of Residential Gross Floor Area on the Warrant for
Annual Town Meeting, seconded by Selectman Kennedy and the vote was unanimous (5-0). Motion
by Selectman Schubert to recommend Article#23 Zoning By-Law amendment-Section 2.1 Definition-
Definition of Residential Gross Floor Area to ATM, seconded by Selectman Kennedy and the vote was
unanimous (5-0).
Zoning By-Law Amendment-Section 9.7.8.b Special Permits-Mr. Brewer gave an overview of the article
proposed. Motion by Selectman Schubert to put Article#24-Zoning By-Law Amendment-Section
9.7.8.b Special Permits on the Warrant for Annual Town Meeting, seconded by Selectman Kennedy
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and the vote was unanimous (5-0). Motion by Selectman Schubert to recommend Article#24 Zoning
By-Law Amendment-Section 9.7.8.b Special Permits to ATM, seconded by Selectman Kennedy and the
vote was unanimous(5-0).
Zoning By-Law Amendment-Section 2.1 Definitions-Definition of Dwelling Unit and Family-The Board
had a brief discussion. Motion by Selectman Kennedy to put Article#25 Zoning By-Law Amendment-
Section 2.1 Definitions-Definition of Dwelling Unit and Family on the Warrant for Annual Town
meeting, seconded by Selectman Keniley. Roll Call Vote;Jack Keniley-Aye, Diane Kennedy-Aye, Kevin
McCarthy-Aye, Paul Schubert-Nay, Steve Gaumer-Nay. Motion passed 3-2.
Motion by Selectman Schubert to recommend Article#25 Zoning By-Law Amendment-Section 2.1
Definitions-Definition of Dwelling Unit and Family to ATM seconded by Selectman Keniley. Roll Call
Vote;Jack Keniley-Aye, Diane Kennedy-Aye, Kevin McCarthy-Nay, Paul Schubert-Nay, Steve Gaumer-
Nay. Motion failed 2-3.
Zoning By-Law Amendment-Section 4.3.14-Inclusionary Zoning-Motion by Selectman Kennedy to put
Article#26 Zoning By-Law Amendment-Section 4.3.14-Inclusionary Zoning on the Warrant for Annual
Town Meeting, seconded by Selectman Schubert and the vote was unanimous(5-0). Motion by
Selectman Kennedy to recommend Article#26 Zoning By-Law Amendment-Section 4.3.14-Inclusionary
Zoning to ATM,seconded by Selectman Schubert and the vote was unanimous (5-0).
Amending the Large Home Review Process and Amendment of Table of Area Regulations-Mr. Brewer
explained the proposed article will be discussed at the Planning Board advertised public hearing
tomorrow night. Tom Callahan-35 Hillside Drive proponent of the Citizen's Petition for Large Home
Review Process and Citizens Petition to Amend Table Area of Regulations will be withdrawn on the floor
of ATM.
Citizens Petition to Create a Scenic Roads Bylaw-Article 29-Mr. Callahan and Rick Swanborg-48 Nichols
Road discussed the proposed article. The Board had a discussion and asked questions about the article.
Citizen's Petition New Land Alteration Regulations-Article 31-Mr. Callahan stated the Planning Board
will review tomorrow. Mr. Brewer added that the proposed article is a citizen's petition not a Planning
Board article.
Sewer Budget and Rate Increase-Sewer members John Beck and Wayne Sawchuk were present. They
reviewed the proposed budget with the Board. Mr. Beck stated they are requesting a sewer rate
increase from $8.60 to $9.51 per 100 cubic feet to help pay for future capital expenditure to replace the
membranes at the wastewater treatment plant which is estimated to cost approximately$1,400,000.
Motion by Selectman Gaumer to put Article#19 Sewer Rate Increase on the Warrant for Annual Town
Meeting,seconded by Selectman Kennedy and the vote was unanimous (5-0).
Sewer Betterment Fund-Mr. Beck stated they are looking to take $5715.11 from Sewer Retained
Earnings for the purpose of returning a sewer betterment fee for Parcel E7-48-026 and numbered 80
Lantern Lane. Motion by Selectman Kennedy to put Article#20 Sewer Betterment Fund on the
Warrant for Annual Town Meeting, seconded by Selectman Schubert and the vote was unanimous
(5-0).
Citizen's Petition Expansion of Central Cohasset Waster Water Sewer System-Donald Staszko-380 CJC
Highway and Ryan Staszko-488 Jerusalem Road discussed their proposed citizen's petition. They own
Cohasset Plaza and are looking to add phase 3 to their plaza. The third building has already been
permitted. They are looking to expand the sewer from the existing terminus at the Veteran's Pump
station located on the northeasterly side of CJC Highway, northerly of the intersection of Pond Street
and CJC Hwy. and extending 2,400 linear feet to 380-400 CJC Hwy. The extension will serve to provide
protection from the ground water contamination of Peppermint Brook, which is part of the Lily Pond
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Reservoir Watershed. It would add 17,000 gallons per day to the sewer and approximately$80,000 in
revenue. Mr. Beck stated the Commission feels at this point the project is premature to commit any
excess today. They have recently starting talking about regionalization with other towns. The Board
had a lengthy discussion.
Chairman McCarthy called for a 5 minute recess @ 10:55 p.m.
Chairman McCarthy called the meeting back to order at 11:00 p.m.
Private Way By-Law Amendment-Article#22-Mr. Senior stated Attorney Lou Ross is the primary
counsel working on this. Brian Joyce distributed a document to the Board listing the categories and
what they each mean. The Board had a brief discussion. Motion by Selectman Kennedy to put Article
#22 Private Way By-Law Amendment on the Warrant for Annual Town Meeting,seconded by
Selectman Schubert and the vote was unanimous (5-0). Motion by Selectman Schubert to recommend
Article#22 Private Way By-Law Amendment to ATM,seconded by Selectman Kennedy and the vote
was unanimous(5-0).
Funds for Road Repair& Maintenance-Mr. Senior distributed a first cut at a five-year road plan to the
Board. He asked the Board to review. The document will also be circulated to Capital Budget and
Advisory. Motion by Selectman Kennedy to put Article#9 Funds for Road Repair and Maintenance on
the Warrant for Annual Town Meeting, seconded by Selectman Schubert and the vote was unanimous
(5-0).
Selectmen Update-Selectman Schubert attended the Annual Spelling Bee at Deer Hill School which was
a great event and well attended. The high school has started their dodgeball tournament which
contributes to the Learning Commons fundraising. Chairman McCarthy suggested the Board have
Selectmen Kennedy and Keniley review the Harbor Committee charge and guidelines before the Board
makes appointments in April.
Town Manager Update-Mr. Senior will defer the FY17 Budget update and Community Compact update
until next week. Mr. Senior advised the Board the Red Lion Inn filed an application for change of
manager today. The Police have started the back ground check for the hearing on 4/11/17.
Minutes-Motion by Selectman Kennedy to approve the minutes of 3/7/17,seconded by Selectman
Schubert and the vote was unanimous(5-0).
Motion by Selectman Gaumer to adjourn,seconded by Selectman Schubert and the vote was
unanimous(5-0).
Meeting adjourned at 12:02 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Kevin McCarthy, Chairman
Documents
Health & Rec Flyer
Common Vic App-Made in MA
Draft Warrant
FY17 Budget Update
Cohasset 5-year draft Road Plan
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