HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - BoS - 08/08/2017 Selectmen Minutes August 8, 2017
Selectmen Meeting
Town Hall-Selectmen's Office
41 Highland Ave.
Cohasset, MA
Selectmen Present: Paul Schubert, Chairman
Diane Kennedy
Steve Gaumer
Kevin McCarthy
Jack Keniley-via remote
Others Present: Christopher Senior,Town Manager
Chairman Schubert called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. and stated Selectman Keniley will be
participating via remote participation due to geographical distance. Attorney Hargrove will also join by
phone for the Board's executive. Roll Call Vote: Kevin McCarthy-Present; Diane Kennedy-Present;Jack
Keniley-Present; Steve Gaumer-Present; Paul Schubert-Present.
Motion by Chairman Schubert to go into Executive Session for Exception#3-To discuss strategy with
respect to collective bargaining or litigation if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the
bargaining or litigating position of the public body and the chairs so declares. The Board will discuss
Bound Brook Dam Project and for Exception#6-To consider the purchase, exchange, lease or value of
real property if the chair declares that an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the
negotiating position of the public body. Motion seconded by Selectman Kennedy. Roll Call Vote:
Kevin McCarthy-Present; Diane Kennedy-Present;Jack Keniley-Present; Steve Gaumer-Present; Paul
Schubert-Present.
Chairman Schubert called the meeting back to order and returned to open session at 7:43 p.m.
Pledge-Recited
Public Comment-Ralph Dormitzer-111 Atlantic Avenue presented the Board with a letter he drafted to
the Board with approximately 230 signatures of residents urging the Board to reassert the town's right
to choose the design for the Cunningham Bridge rail and roadside barrier.
License/Permits/Events-St. Stephens Annual Picnic-Senior Warden Sam Pease was present and gave an
overview of their annual picnic which is scheduled for Sunday, September 24th. Motion by Selectman
McCarthy to approve the St. Stephens Annual Picnic on Sunday, September 24th from 8 a.m.—3 p.m.,
seconded by Selectman Kennedy. Roll Call Vote: Kevin McCarthy-Aye-Diane Kennedy-Aye,Jack
Keniley-Aye, Steve Gaumer-Aye, Paul Schubert-Aye.
Perch 143-Change of Hours-The owners of Perch 143 are requesting to change their hours on Sundays
from 11 a.m. to 10 a.m. Selectman McCarthy asked for the list of other places that have earlier Sunday
hours. After a brief discussion the Board agreed to put on the next agenda. Selectman McCarthy asked
that the applicant be present when the Board discusses.
One Day Liquor License-Lavishly Dunn-Wedding Reception at the Sailing Club-Motion by Selectman
Kennedy to approve a one day liquor license for Lavishly Dunn wedding reception on September 2nd
from 4:30-10:00 p.m.,seconded by Selectman Gaumer. Roll Call Vote: Kevin McCarthy-Aye-Diane
Kennedy-Aye,Jack Keniley-Aye, Steve Gaumer-Aye, Paul Schubert-Aye.
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Selectmen Minutes August 8, 2017
Town Hall Renovation Advisory Committee-Update-Chairman Mary McGoldrick and member Fran
Collins were present along with Wendall Kalsow from McGinley Kalsow &Associates and Shane Nolan of
Daedelus. Chairman McGoldrick gave a presentation of the proposed plans for the Town Hall project
which include design updates based on feedback from THRAC and the residents who attended the
meeting on July 111h. They have considered an option of separating the buildings; the committee is
exploring the cost, advantages and disadvantages of the options.The Board was given an update on the
Committee's public outreach plans and upcoming meetings.
Preliminary Warrant Review-Large Home Review-Send to Planning Board for Public Hearing-Chairman
of Planning Board Clark Brewer discussed the proposed zoning bylaw amendment-Large Home Plan
Review. He stated the proposed changes will provide clarity for the review requirements, simplify the
calculation of floor area, and provide relief to homeowners planning small changes to their existing
house. The Board had a brief discussion about holding off until Annual Town Meeting versus Special
Town Meeting. Motion by Selectman Kennedy to refer to Large Home Review article to the Planning
Board for a public hearing, seconded by Selectman McCarthy. Roll Call Vote: Kevin McCarthy-Aye-
Diane Kennedy-Aye,Jack Keniley-Aye,Steve Gaumer-Aye, Paul Schubert-Aye.
Review of Proposed Articles-Mr. Senior reviewed the articles in the draft warrant. He stated that
Finance Director Mary Gallagher is still working on final numbers for the year and they will be inserted
into the articles as they become available. Mr. Senior distributed information about private way
betterments and a 5-year paving plan. Mr. Senior advised the Board they need to decide if they would
like town counsel to draft an article for the retail marijuana sales ban. He stated other communities
have done it, however,there could be litigation involved. After some discussion the Board agreed the
article should wait until Annual Town Meeting. Christine Murphy-38 Cedar Acres Lane-Chairman of
Cohasset Safe Harbor Coalition asked if the Board would articulate their position on retail sale shops in
town.The Board stated they are in favor of banning retail establishments.
Appointments/Re-Appointments-Election Workers-Chairman Schubert read aloud a list of Election
Workers to be appointed for a one-year term: Carol Anglin, F. Roy Fitzsimmons,Abigail Alves,James
Carroll,Jr., Kelly Grech,Joseph Astino, Debra Krupczak, Rebekah Mattey, Elizabeth Durant, Agnes
McCann, Ruth Nedrow, Bernadette Faulkner, Kathleen J. Psirogianis, Kenneth Warner,Jody Doyle, Carla
Getto, Rita Killion-Jones, Betts Murray, Diane Picot, Pearl Smith and Lauren Walsh. Motion by
Selectman Gaumer to appoint the list of Election Workers as read by the Chairman, seconded by
Selectman Kennedy. Roll Call Vote: Kevin McCarthy-Aye-Diane Kennedy-Aye,Jack Keniley-Aye,
Steve Gaumer-Aye, Paul Schubert-Aye.
CPC-Chairman Schubert stated the Board received an application from Thomas Reardon for a
citizen at large position on CPC. The Board had a brief discussion whether other applicants
applied. Motion by Selectman McCarthy to appoint Thomas Reardon to CPC as a citizen at
large. The motion was not seconded. Motion failed. The Board agreed to put the appointment
on the 9/5/17 agenda and see if there are other applicants. Russ Bonetti-Chairman of CPC
stated the only other candidate that applied withdrew the application due to time
commitment.
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Selectmen Minutes August 8, 2017
Cable Advisory Committee-Motion by Selectman Kennedy to appoint Nicole Graebner to
Cable Advisory for one year, seconded by Selectman McCarthy. Roll Call Vote: Kevin
McCarthy-Aye-Diane Kennedy-Aye, Jack Keniley-Aye, Steve Gaumer-Aye, Paul Schubert-Aye.
Motion by Selectman Kennedy to appoint Merle Brown, Pat Martin, Rick Schiff mann and Kara
Bianchi to the Cable Advisory Committee for a one year term, seconded by Selectman
McCarthy. Roll Call Vote: Kevin McCarthy-Aye-Diane Kennedy-Aye, Jack Keniley-Aye, Steve
Gaumer-Aye, Paul Schubert-Aye.
MA Coastal Camera Project-Discussion-John Grennon-Lan-Tel Account Executive, Eric Johnson-Lan-
Tel Project Manager and Kenneth Corson-V.P. of MA Harbormasters Association were present to discuss
the MA Coastal Camera Project. They discussed the initiative funded by FEMA through the Port Security
Grant Program. They installed four fixed cameras in the harbor area. The cameras do not have movable
lenses and camera feeds will be transmitted back to the Harbormasters Office for viewing on a work
station and recording on regional servers. The U.S. Coast Guard will also be able to view cameras to
better assist Harbormasters responding to situations within the port. There was a lengthy discussion
about the cameras being installed without the MOA being signed by the Board. Mr. Grennon stated the
cameras were installed but are not live and will not be live if the Board chooses not to sign the
agreement. The Board will discuss further at a future meeting.
Selectmen Update-OPEB-The Board reviewed the proposed charge and name change. The committee
will be renamed Post Employment Benefit Committee. The Board discussed changing the number of
members. Motion by Selectman Kennedy to adopt the new name of Post-Employment Benefits
Committee and the revised charge with edits discussed, seconded by Selectman Gaumer. Roll Call
Vote: Kevin McCarthy-Aye-Diane Kennedy-Aye,Jack Keniley-Aye, Steve Gaumer-Aye, Paul Schubert-
Aye.
Format for Committee Reports-The Board will discuss at a future meeting.
Selectmen Comments-Selectman Kennedy suggested the Board have a bigger discussion on
committee appointments at a meeting in September. She asked Mr. Senior about the bylaws
that were approved regarding the scenic bylaw by the Attorney General. Mr. Senior stated he
will get more info but the bylaw was approved however, the shade tree hearing must follow
state law not the local bylaw. Selectman Kennedy asked about the Jerusalem Road paving and
when it will take place. Mr. Senior stated there was a delay due to four or five houses wanting
to hook up to gas service. They decided to hold off since there would be a moratorium for
opening the road. The first phase of paving should be by next week and the second in October.
Selectman Kennedy also asked Mr. Senior if they could get a summary from town counsel at
some point in the future on the Municipal Modernization Act. Selectman Gaumer advised the
Board he received a letter about the MBTA installing 75' Wi-Fi towers. There is a hearing on
August 14t" if anyone would like to represent the town. He suggested the Board draft a letter
opposing the installation as it has no benefit for the town. Motion by Selectman Gaumer to
authorize Chris Senior to draft a letter to the MBTA objecting to the proposed Wi-Fi towers,
seconded by Selectman McCarthy. Roll Call Vote: Kevin McCarthy-Aye-Diane Kennedy-Aye,
Jack Keniley-Aye, Steve Gaumer-Aye, Paul Schubert-Aye. Selectman McCarthy asked that Mr.
Senior contact town counsel for a strategy to vigorously pursue the objection to these towers.
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Selectmen Minutes August 8, 2017
Town Manager Update-Cunningham Bridge-Mr. Senior stated the town continues to be engaged with
the state on the aesthetics of the bridge. He and Brian Joyce met with the state today at the site and
discussed more options. They are still willing to listen to the Town's opinions. Mr. Senior has retained a
consultant to help the town navigate the process.
Chairman Schubert read aloud a list of names that were appointed by the TROIKA.
Minutes-Motion by Selectman Kennedy to approve the minutes of 7/11/17,seconded by Selectman
McCarthy. Roll Call Vote: Kevin McCarthy-Aye-Diane Kennedy-Aye,Jack Keniley-Aye, Steve Gaumer-
Aye, Paul Schubert-Aye.
Motion by Selectman Kennedy to adjourn, seconded by Selectman Gaumer. Roll Call Vote; Kevin
McCarthy-Aye-Diane Kennedy-Aye,Jack Keniley-Aye,Steve Gaumer-Aye, Paul Schubert-Aye.
The meeting adjourned at 10:59 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Paul Schubert, Chairman
Documents
St. Stephen's Event App.
Perch 143 Change of Hrs. App.
One Day License-Lavishly Dunn
THRAC Presentation
Draft Warrant
Board/Committee Applications
OPEB Charge
Minutes
Harbor Camera Powerpoint
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