HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - BoS - 03/20/2018 Selectmen's Minutes March 20, 2018
Selectmen's Meeting
91 Sohier Street
Willcutt Commons-Chart Room
Cohasset, MA
Selectmen Present: Paul Schubert, Chairman
Diane Kennedy
Steve Gaumer
Kevin McCarthy
Jack Keniley
Others Present: Christopher Senior,Town Manager
Chairman Schubert called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. and asked for a roll call vote: Kevin
McCarthy-Present, Diane Kennedy-Present, Paul Schubert-Present,Jack Keniley-Present, Steve
Gaumer-Present.
Pledge-Recited.
Public Comments-Rob Ross-159 South Main Street read aloud a letter to the Board regarding a project
at 83 Spring Street that was initially denied by the Conservation Commission. The proponent appealed
the decision and it was overturned by DEP. He requested the Board look into this.The Board had a brief
discussion and asked Mr. Senior to look into and report back to the Board.
Introduction&Appointment of Veteran Services Officer-Mr. Senior introduced Philip Mahoney as the
new Veterans Services Officer. He explained the interview process that was conducted. Mr. Mahoney-
24 Wood Way gave an overview of his background and experience. He thanked the Town for the
opportunity. He will be mentored by Vinnie Fountaine who Mr. Senior noted had done a great job. The
Board welcomed Mr. Mahoney. Motion by Selectman Keniley to appoint Phil Mahoney to the
Veterans Service Officer for a three-year term, seconded by Selectman Gaumer and the vote was
unanimous (5-0).
Events-Filming Application-Universal Television LLC-Joseph Piasecki of Universal Television was present
to explain the television pilot"Suspicion" which is being filmed in Cohasset at 49 Margin Street(Roy
Estate). They originally were shooting the scenes at the estate but now would like to shoot one scene
on Tuesday, March 27t"on the street. They have met with Public Safety Officials. The Board had a brief
discussion. Motion by Selectman Kennedy to approve the filming on Margin Street on 3/27/18 from
4-7:30 p.m.,seconded by Selectman Keniley and the vote was unanimous(5-0).
Citizens' Petition-Plastic Bags-Katie Dunn-715 Jerusalem Road gave an overview of the proposed
citizen's petition. She explained the purpose and intent. The Board had a lengthy discussion.
Selectman Gaumer asked what the response has been from the retailers. Ms. Dunn responded that they
had reached out to Stop&Shop; some of the local shops are already in compliance as they currently use
paper bags.They will reach out to the dry cleaners in town. Selectman Gaumer stated he would like to
know how it would affect retailers and if it would be burdensome. The Board discussed the
enforcement of the bylaw. After further discussion, it was agreed that the Board will put on next week's
agenda on 3/27 to allow time for retailers to respond.
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Selectmen's Minutes March 20, 2018
Harbor Committee-Lisa Hewitt Dick-27 Parker Avenue discussed her proposed Citizen's Petition to see if
the Town will amend the number of members on the Harbor Committee from 9 members to 11. The
petition is asking that one representative from the Cohasset Maritime Institute and one representative
from the Cohasset Center for Student Coastal Research be added to the committee. She discussed the
experience, expertise and talent that these groups have.The Board had a brief discussion and will
request the Chairman of the Harbor Committee come to the 3/27 meeting to discuss. The Board will
vote on the article at the 3/27 meeting.
Warrant Update-Mr. Senior distributed a red/blue line version of the proposed revised agreement with
the South Shore Vo-Tech. Mr. Senior gave the history of the agreement. The Advisory Committee has
met with the SSVT but has not voted on the article yet. The SSVT currently has 3 students from
Cohasset. The Board had a brief discussion about promoting the school. Motion by Selectman Kennedy
to recommend Article#16-Amendments to the South Shore Vocational School District Agreement to
Annual Town Meeting, seconded by Selectman Keniley and the vote was unanimous (5-0).
Article#17-Acceptance of Chapter 90 s. 17 of the General Laws-The Board briefly discussed the article.
Motion by Selectman Kennedy to recommend Article#17 to Annual Town Meeting, seconded by
Selectman Keniley and the vote was unanimous(5-0).
Article#18-Recodification of the Cohasset General Bylaws-Mr. Senior advised the Board that Town
Council,the Town Clerk and Bob Egan has all reviewed. Motion by Selectman Kennedy to recommend
Article#18 to Annual Town Meeting,seconded by Selectman Keniley;the vote was unanimous(5-0).
Article#19-Recodification of the Cohasset Zoning Bylaw-Mr. Senior advised the Board that the Planning
Board had the public hearing on the article. Motion by Selectman Kennedy to recommend Article#19
to Annual Town Meeting,seconded by Selectman Keniley and the vote was unanimous(5-0).
Article#20-Zoning Bylaw Amendment-Mr. Senior stated the Planning Board has another meeting
scheduled to discuss the Article tomorrow night. The Board will vote the article on 3/27.
Mr. Senior stated the Public Marijuana Forum is scheduled for Thursday, 3/22/18 at 7 p.m. at the Senior
Center. The discussion will be focused on retail marijuana in Cohasset.
Mr. Senior reported that Capital Budget has completed about 80%of the Articles. They are meeting
again on Monday.
Mr. Senior stated he is meeting with the Water Commission tomorrow to go through the budget.
Town Manager's Update-Mr. Senior stated there may be another storm tomorrow.Town Hall will be
open. The schools will be closing early. They will wait and see what happens on Thursday. Mr. Senior
stated they have hired a new Health Agent and a new Veteran Services Officer. They are still in the
negotiating process with unions. He will continue to keep the Board updated.
Selectmen's Update-Selectman McCarthy stated his neighborhood lost power earlier tonight. There is
obviously issues with the grid. Selectman Kennedy also reported her neighborhood lost power on
Saturday. Selectman Kennedy stated the Health & Rec Fair is this Sunday from 1-4 p.m. as well as the
Road Race. Selectman Gaumer asked that the Board put a discussion about 83 Spring Street(as
discussed earlier) on the agenda. Selectman Gaumer also asked for an update from the consultant on
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Selectmen's Minutes March 20, 2018
the Cunningham Bridge project. Chairman Schubert reminded residents that All Facility Stickers expire
on 3/31/18 and will be sold at the Health & Recreation Fair on Sunday.
Motion by Selectman Gaumer to adjourn,seconded by Selectman Keniley and the vote was
unanimous (5-0).
The meeting adjourned at 8:59 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Paul Schubert, Chairman
Documents
R. Ross Letter-83 Spring Street
VSO Resume
Filming Application
Citizen's Petitions
Draft Warrant
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