INTERIM TOWN MANAGER:
Interviews of three finalist candidates
Discussion
Selection of Interim Town Manager
Saturday, October 16, 2010
BOS AGENDA - Monday, October 18
COHASSET SAILING CLUB - Tim O'Brien will present their plans for the new clubhouse and shed
SPECIAL TOWN MEETING ARTICLE REVIEW
Capital Improvements Budget: presentation of their proposed project funding
Capital Budget Committee Bylaw Amendments: the proposed revisions (a) propose an associate member and (b) expand the scope of the CBC
Water Treatment Plant Upgrade: the Water Commissioners are seeking funding for a capital improvement mandated by the DEP to prevent the accidental overload of chemicals into the system. This was triggered by an incident in western MA
Beach Street Easement: the BoS will reconsider approval of this easement due to a misinterpretation by the chair of the maintenance responsibility
APPROVAL OF THE SPECIAL TOWN MEETING WARRANT
INTERIM FINANCE DIRECTOR: discussion of whether to consider proposal
EXECUTIVE SESSION: for the purposes of discussing a strategy for contract negotiation with non-union personnel
SPECIAL TOWN MEETING ARTICLE REVIEW
Capital Improvements Budget: presentation of their proposed project funding
Capital Budget Committee Bylaw Amendments: the proposed revisions (a) propose an associate member and (b) expand the scope of the CBC
Water Treatment Plant Upgrade: the Water Commissioners are seeking funding for a capital improvement mandated by the DEP to prevent the accidental overload of chemicals into the system. This was triggered by an incident in western MA
Beach Street Easement: the BoS will reconsider approval of this easement due to a misinterpretation by the chair of the maintenance responsibility
APPROVAL OF THE SPECIAL TOWN MEETING WARRANT
INTERIM FINANCE DIRECTOR: discussion of whether to consider proposal
EXECUTIVE SESSION: for the purposes of discussing a strategy for contract negotiation with non-union personnel
WATER UPDATE: GOOD NEWS!
At last week's Water Planning Group meeting there was some very good news: the $5-6 million plant upgrade is being tabled. Our new commissioners have been initiating efficiencies in the operation of the plant with increased oversight and monitoring of the level of chemicals introduced to the water. It seems that whichever standard is used, existing and 2012, the plant will be in compliance.
Further good news is that the quality may be able to be improved with some low-tech, less expensive improvements to the plant and new procedures that will increase the percentage below the compliance figure.
Kudos!
I repeat myself in pointing out that our new commissioners, Chris Seebeck and Peter DeCaprio, have brought sound business and financial practices and procedures to the operation of our water department that have resulted in immediate improvements and savings. An excellent example for the rest of town government.
Further good news is that the quality may be able to be improved with some low-tech, less expensive improvements to the plant and new procedures that will increase the percentage below the compliance figure.
Kudos!
I repeat myself in pointing out that our new commissioners, Chris Seebeck and Peter DeCaprio, have brought sound business and financial practices and procedures to the operation of our water department that have resulted in immediate improvements and savings. An excellent example for the rest of town government.
IS THE GLASS HALF EMPTY OR HALF FULL?
Attitude. It makes all the difference. Admittedly, it's a challenge to have the two top executives at town hall resign at the same time. I choose to focus on the opportunity this presents.
We now have the possibility to benefit from the objective perspective of experienced professionals to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of our operational, management, and financial processes. Like the credit card ad says: priceless.
The purpose is not to criticize nor to initiate change for change sake. It's to improve to a greater degree and extent the way we run town hall. I'm sure we'll find we do some things just fine, others we could do better, and still others we need to revamp.
The end goal is always to better position Cohasset for success.
We now have the possibility to benefit from the objective perspective of experienced professionals to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of our operational, management, and financial processes. Like the credit card ad says: priceless.
The purpose is not to criticize nor to initiate change for change sake. It's to improve to a greater degree and extent the way we run town hall. I'm sure we'll find we do some things just fine, others we could do better, and still others we need to revamp.
The end goal is always to better position Cohasset for success.
WHO DOES KAREN THINK SHE IS.
I thought it an appropriate time to remind those who know me and inform those that don't why I participate in town government and how that affects my decision making process.
As a member of the Open Space Committee I became involved with a group of neighbors who had concerns about the town-sponsored project to develop the Cook Estate. We were dismissed by Town Hall as Nimbys and as bored & disgruntled housewives with nothing better to do with their time. After all, we were just unknown citizens. How could we have valid positions? How could we be taken seriously? We weren't. The result: the town spent upwards of $800,000 pursuing an ill-fated project.
My point is to illustrate how important it is for those of us in Town Hall to have open minds and listen to the concerns and opinions of the citizens we were elected/appointed to represent.
Yes, we are the leaders and we have to show leadership. Yes, we are privy to information they are not. No, we are not smarter or better.
We do The People's Business. It should be incumbent on each of us to listen, seriously consider the input and objectively determine if and how it should impact our final decision. It's humbling but sometimes The People really do have a point. Sometimes they don't. It's our duty to determine the difference.
My first night as selectman I vowed never to forget how it felt to be on the other side of the desk. I haven't. If I ever do, please smack me upside the head.
As a member of the Open Space Committee I became involved with a group of neighbors who had concerns about the town-sponsored project to develop the Cook Estate. We were dismissed by Town Hall as Nimbys and as bored & disgruntled housewives with nothing better to do with their time. After all, we were just unknown citizens. How could we have valid positions? How could we be taken seriously? We weren't. The result: the town spent upwards of $800,000 pursuing an ill-fated project.
My point is to illustrate how important it is for those of us in Town Hall to have open minds and listen to the concerns and opinions of the citizens we were elected/appointed to represent.
Yes, we are the leaders and we have to show leadership. Yes, we are privy to information they are not. No, we are not smarter or better.
We do The People's Business. It should be incumbent on each of us to listen, seriously consider the input and objectively determine if and how it should impact our final decision. It's humbling but sometimes The People really do have a point. Sometimes they don't. It's our duty to determine the difference.
My first night as selectman I vowed never to forget how it felt to be on the other side of the desk. I haven't. If I ever do, please smack me upside the head.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
BOS AGENDA - Wednesday, October 13
REVIEW OF INTERIM TOWN MANAGER APPLICATIONS – the selectmen have received 14 applications; we will attempt to come to a consensus on our top 3 choices to be invited for interviews on October 20
SPECIAL TOWN MEETING REVIEW
Tax Collector's Demand Fee - request for $15 to be added to tax
Water Treatment Plant Upgrade - this is a request for funding for a capital improvement
Citizen's Petition regarding Water Department's Expenses - seeks to put control of all spending under the BoS
Amendment to Harbor Bylaw - seeks to include LIttle Harbor under the jurisdiction of the Harbor Master
SPECIAL TOWN MEETING REVIEW
Tax Collector's Demand Fee - request for $15 to be added to tax
Water Treatment Plant Upgrade - this is a request for funding for a capital improvement
Citizen's Petition regarding Water Department's Expenses - seeks to put control of all spending under the BoS
Amendment to Harbor Bylaw - seeks to include LIttle Harbor under the jurisdiction of the Harbor Master
TRI, TRY AGAIN
To some 'The Tri' is sacrosanct and the selectmen's efforts to lessen it's impact on the community unreasonable. Is it? No one is talking about not permitting the Triathlon but what if we didn't. Would Cohasset suffer? No. Presumably such a desirable event could be held in another local town and Cohasset's athlete's would compete there. But we did permit it - with some provisos.
According to USA Triathlon, this is an issue nationally and they stress that the event and the athletes must have a respect for the host community. Locally, Cohasset's concerns are not unique: the Scituate selectmen debated at five meetings before permitting the duathlon for its second year.
Let's stipulate it's a great athletic event, raises money for a very good cause and that Bill Burnett does an excellent job. At the same time, let's acknowledge that Streamline Events is a for profit organization. I don't have a problem with that. I wish I could find a way to make money doing what I love and also contribute to charity. Don't you?
Now, consider that some may have a point that the Tri prevents them from getting where they need/want to go. Big deal you say. Well, yeah, it's not an hour or so, it's the better part of the day. Some view attending their Sunday morning church service with the same fervor as the triathletes view the competition. Some need to get to work, the beach, the dump, visit sick relatives, whatever. Competing priorities need equal respect.
So what can be done? The size of the event does make a difference: in 2007 Bill agreed to cap the entries at 700 but the 2010 website listed 950. Bill has agreed to cap the 2011 Tri at 850. Less people (athletes & spectators) = less impact.
In 2011 the novice and older competitors will be in the first waves. With those who take longer to finish going first the overall length of the event will be less. Shorter = less impact.
Chief Deluca is putting together a plan to increase police presence in problem areas and an increased effort will be made to educate the public of road closings. When one lane remains open to the public, athletes need to respect it and police need to enforce it. Planning/education = less impact.
Everything always comes down to the bottom line and USA Tri emphasizes the need for a direct benefit to the community. Streamline Events pays for police, fire, safety and makes a contribution to the Sandy Beach Assn. and in 2011 they will pay for DPW. That's overhead.
What's the benefit? The Tri says it's the people who come to town. Hmmm. Neither the Chamber nor merchants have given me any concrete evidence or even hinted at any increase in business. Best case, "Maybe they come back." No national sponsors have opened businesses in town, and, despite Bill's assertion, Cohasset was "on the map" long before he and the Tri came along.
Is it good PR for the town? Sure it is but I'm not that altruistic. To his credit, with just a little prodding, BB is in the process of putting together an arm of the Tri that would award money to a local non-profit or town organization. Okay, that's a direct benefit.
See, we can play nicely together - athletes and couch potatoes and everyone in-between!
According to USA Triathlon, this is an issue nationally and they stress that the event and the athletes must have a respect for the host community. Locally, Cohasset's concerns are not unique: the Scituate selectmen debated at five meetings before permitting the duathlon for its second year.
Let's stipulate it's a great athletic event, raises money for a very good cause and that Bill Burnett does an excellent job. At the same time, let's acknowledge that Streamline Events is a for profit organization. I don't have a problem with that. I wish I could find a way to make money doing what I love and also contribute to charity. Don't you?
Now, consider that some may have a point that the Tri prevents them from getting where they need/want to go. Big deal you say. Well, yeah, it's not an hour or so, it's the better part of the day. Some view attending their Sunday morning church service with the same fervor as the triathletes view the competition. Some need to get to work, the beach, the dump, visit sick relatives, whatever. Competing priorities need equal respect.
So what can be done? The size of the event does make a difference: in 2007 Bill agreed to cap the entries at 700 but the 2010 website listed 950. Bill has agreed to cap the 2011 Tri at 850. Less people (athletes & spectators) = less impact.
In 2011 the novice and older competitors will be in the first waves. With those who take longer to finish going first the overall length of the event will be less. Shorter = less impact.
Chief Deluca is putting together a plan to increase police presence in problem areas and an increased effort will be made to educate the public of road closings. When one lane remains open to the public, athletes need to respect it and police need to enforce it. Planning/education = less impact.
Everything always comes down to the bottom line and USA Tri emphasizes the need for a direct benefit to the community. Streamline Events pays for police, fire, safety and makes a contribution to the Sandy Beach Assn. and in 2011 they will pay for DPW. That's overhead.
What's the benefit? The Tri says it's the people who come to town. Hmmm. Neither the Chamber nor merchants have given me any concrete evidence or even hinted at any increase in business. Best case, "Maybe they come back." No national sponsors have opened businesses in town, and, despite Bill's assertion, Cohasset was "on the map" long before he and the Tri came along.
Is it good PR for the town? Sure it is but I'm not that altruistic. To his credit, with just a little prodding, BB is in the process of putting together an arm of the Tri that would award money to a local non-profit or town organization. Okay, that's a direct benefit.
See, we can play nicely together - athletes and couch potatoes and everyone in-between!
SCITUATE HAS SAME CONCERNS AS COHASSET RE AT&T CELL TOWER IN THEIR NEIGHBORHOOD
Seems we're not unique – yet again! Check this out in today's (Sunday 10/10) Boston Globe South: AT&T proposed cell tower in residential area, Scituate
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