HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - BoS - 09/26/2017 Selectmen Minutes September 26, 2017
Selectmen's Meeting
Town Hall-Selectmen's Office
41 Highland Avenue
Cohasset, MA
Selectmen Present: Paul Schubert, Chairman
Jack Keniley,Vice Chairman
Diane Kennedy
Steve Gaumer
Kevin McCarthy
Others Present: Christopher Senior,Town Manager
Lisa Uglialoro, Director of Human Resources
Jack Murray, Consultant-Cunningham Bridge Project
Chairman Schubert called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
Roll Call Vote: Kevin McCarthy-Present, Diane Kennedy-Present, Paul Schubert-Present,Jack Keniley-
Present, Steve Gaumer-Present.
Pledge-Recited.
Public Comments-None
Licenses/Permits-Cohasset Yacht Club-Motion by Selectman Kennedy to approve the one-day liquor
license for the Cohasset Yacht Club Fall Cocktail Party on 9/30/17 from 6:30-9:30 p.m.,seconded by
Selectman McCarthy and the vote was unanimous (5-0).
Cohasset Historical Society-Motion by Selectman Keniley to approve the one day liquor license for the
Cohasset Historical Society Annual Meeting on 10/22/17 from 5:00-9:00 p.m.,seconded by Selectman
Kennedy and the vote unanimous (5-0).
Investment Report-Treasurer/Collector Paula Linhares was present and gave an overview of the year-
end report. All the Town's investments ended positively for the quarter and the year although most fell
short of their benchmarks for the quarter and year. Over the past 3 years the Town's investments are
up over 3.8%and are beating their respective benchmarks. Expendable Trusts are up 1%for the quarter
and 2.5%for the year. Permanent Trust funds are up 1.6%for the quarter and 5.9%for the year. OPEB
funds are up 3%for the quarter and 7.5%for the year.
Finance Director-Vote of Selectmen-Mr. Senior stated that the Town has been searching for a new
Finance Director/Town Accountant since current Finance Director Mary Gallagher gave her intended
retirement date. Mr. Senior noted that there was an intensive selection process,which included face-
to-face meetings with staff, representatives of the Board of Selectmen,Advisory, School and Capital
Budget Committee. He sought a candidate ready and eager to take on the multi-faceted workload
which Cohasset's Finance Director and Town Accountant must successfully manage. Mr. Senior then
introduced Don Piatt, his appointment for the Finance Director/Town Accountant. The Board had a
discussion with Mr. Piatt. Motion by Selectman Gaumer to ratify the appointment of Don Piatt as
Finance Director/Town Accountant, seconded by Selectman Keniley. Roll Call Vote: Kevin McCarthy-
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Aye, Diane Kennedy-Aye,Jack Keniley-Aye, Steve Gaumer-Aye, Paul Schubert-Aye. Motion by
Selectman Kennedy to accept the contract as presented, seconded by Selectman Keniley. Roll Call
Vote: Diane Kennedy-Aye,Jack Keniley-Aye,Steve Gaumer-Aye, Kevin McCarthy-Aye, Paul Schubert-
Aye.
Open the Warrant for Special Town Meeting-December 4,2017- Motion by Selectman Kennedy to
open the Warrant for Special Town Meeting on December 4, 2017,seconded by Selectman Keniley
and the vote was unanimous(5-0).The Town Manager noted that any citizen's articles for Special Town
Meeting must be in within one week of the opening of the warrant (end of business,Tuesday, October
2).
HR Update-Employee Training Program-Director of Human Resources Lisa Uglialoro gave the Board an
overview of the training opportunities for Cohasset town employees. Offerings include training
programs on Technology&Computers, Management& Leadership, Wellness and Illuminations. She
discussed the schedule for the year. There are incentives for employees to participate in the training
programs.
Joint Meeting w/Advisory Committee-Budget Message-The Board had a lengthy discussion with the
Advisory Committee about the Budget Message. They discussed changes to the draft. Selectmen
Kennedy& Keniley will edit the document as discussed and bring back to the next meeting for a vote to
adopt.
Selectmen Update-Selectman Keniley attended an MMA meeting. He reported the State is still waiting
on September numbers. Assuming September numbers come in on target there will not be any 9C cuts.
The Board had a brief discussion. Selectman McCarthy asked if the Board's goals have been shared with
the School Committee. Mr. Senior said he will send the Board's goals along. Selectman Kennedy asked
when the Town receives updated local meals/hotel tax disbursements. Mr. Senior stated they should
receive the summer totals sometime after the end of the month. Selectman Gaumer asked if they found
out any information about insurance for the harbor wall near Olde Salt House. Mr. Senior stated they
do have the insurance documentation and it's all covered under one policy.
Town Manager Update-Mr. Senior announced there are currently three openings on the following
committees: one member for CPC, one representative to the South Shore Vo-Tech and one
representative on Massport Advisory committee. Anyone interested should submit an application
online. Jerusalem Road paving project will begin this Friday between Hull Street and Rust Way. They
will begin milling, repairs, resetting and leveling work. The road will be intermittently closed over the
next few weeks. Cunningham Bridge Update-Mr. Senior distributed color shots of the proposed railings
for the bridge along with the current railings. The documents having been uploaded to the town
website. Capital Budget discussed this last night. They did not vote but generally agreed the design has
safety and community benefits. The Design Review Board met tonight and agreed with the proposal as
well. Project Consultant Jack Murray was present. He attended the Design Review Board meeting and
affirmed the committee's positive review. Mr. Murray discussed their proposal of lengthening the rails
to help with aesthetics. Motion by Selectman Keniley to approve the draft letter as presented in
response to Administrator Gulliver-Mass DOT regarding the Cunningham Bridge project,seconded by
Selectman McCarthy and the vote was unanimous(5-0).
Saiian d/b/a Cohasset Wine&Spirits-License case update-Mr. Senior explained the ABCC has finally
ruled on the appeal involving the disputed all alcoholic beverage retail sale license which had been
assigned to Cohasset Wine &Spirits. The ABCC has remanded the matter to the Town to hold a hearing.
The Board is bound to have to notice publically, conduct a hearing and anyone interested may apply.
Mr. Senior has updated special counsel Attorney James Lampke and has asked for counsel on the next
steps with this license. The Board will put the matter on the 10/25 agenda after hearing back from
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Attorney Lampke. Deb Hardy-Local Vines-spoke and noted that she has been advised that it is not
necessary to publically advertise the hearing and that she put her application in a year ago and should
get the license. She did the research to prove it was available. Mr. Senior did meet with Ms. Hardy
earlier today and discussed this. Again, he will discuss with Attorney Lampke.
Minutes-9/12/17 &9/19/17-Motion by Selectman Keniley to approve the minutes of 9/12/17,
seconded by Selectman Kennedy and the vote was unanimous (5-0). Motion by Selectman Kennedy
to approve the minutes of 9/19/17, seconded by Selectman Keniley and the vote was 4-0-1.
Selectman Gaumer abstained from the vote as he was not present at the meeting.
Motion by Selectman Gaumer to adjourn,seconded by Selectman Kennedy and the vote was
unanimous (5-0).
Respectfully submitted,
Paul Schubert, Chairman
Documents
One day license-Cohasset Yacht Club
One day license-Cohasset Historical
Investment Reports
Finance Director Contract
Draft Budget Message
Employee Training Program/Calendar
ABCC Letter-Sajjan
Minutes 9/12/17 & 9/19/17
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