The Mariner did a good job in accounting the meeting so I won't rehash it here.
http://www.wickedlocal.com/cohasset/topstories/x2048882663/Bear-Hill-forum-draws-a-crowd
This is one of those issues that has so many layers we may never be able to fully resolve them. I did find answers to a couple of questions posed in my original blog. I'm reporting, you decide.
ATT pulled out of negotiations with St. Stephen's due to site restrictions and ATT rejected the Scituate Hill water tank because of conflicts with existing towers in the area.
I finally talked to the chair of the ZBA who said that federal law trumps local law and that the cell industry can pretty much put a tower or antennas anywhere they like.
Although it's a commercial installation in a residential zoned area, the ZBA and the Building Inspector decided it doesn't trip anything that would call for a hearing.
The Traffic Study showed that Reservoir Road is heavily traveled with about 600 vehicles per day. Their conclusion is that a little more traffic won't negatively impact safety.
The meeting went until 11pm with much discussion back and forth between the public and the commissioners but questions await answers. On the bright side, I think I saw a very small shift in the dynamics. Tune in for the next installment.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
BOS AGENDA - Monday, October 25
PROPOSED SENIOR CENTER UPDATE: members of the CEA, Friends and Building Ad Hoc Committee will present a status report on the project
DPW REVIEW and UPDATE: including an overview of the scope of responsibilities and duties of the DPW
TOWN MEETING ARTICLE REVIEW
Amendments to FY2011 operating budget
Local option meals excise tax
Local option room occupancy excise tax
Unpaid bills from previous fiscal years
Citizens' Petition - Water Department Expenses
SHERBROOK EASEMENT for Rain Garden
CAT DAM Notice of Intent (NOI)
DPW REVIEW and UPDATE: including an overview of the scope of responsibilities and duties of the DPW
TOWN MEETING ARTICLE REVIEW
Amendments to FY2011 operating budget
Local option meals excise tax
Local option room occupancy excise tax
Unpaid bills from previous fiscal years
Citizens' Petition - Water Department Expenses
SHERBROOK EASEMENT for Rain Garden
CAT DAM Notice of Intent (NOI)
WHOSE SIDE ARE YOU ON, ANYWAY?
Lately, I get asked that question by both sides of an issue and from some in town government. Some ask nicely, some don't.
Ultimately, any decision I make has to be in the best interest of the town which sometimes is not in the best interest of all of the townspeople. Herein lies the conundrum: how to justify negatively impacting some to the greater good of the whole. I've never resolved that within myself but I focus on the facts, filter out the politics and make the best decision I can. It's never easy.
Since I've been elected there have been a few of these: Treat's Pond, Cat's Dam, police chief, stormwater flooding, sewer betterments. These have been very difficult to say the least as they affected people I know, like and respect and many more who are unknown to me.
Every decision results in a portion of the community fuming at me and another thanking me and I'd never make any decision if I only took into account the political aspect or worried about being re-elected.
Some say leave it to town meeting to decide. Well, if we leave it to town meeting to decide the 'hard ones' why did you elect us? To make the easy ones? I became a selectman to do more than issue liquor licenses and preside over pole hearings. Having standing socially or politically never mattered to me.
In campaigning I said I wouldn't be afraid to make the tough decisions. I haven't. Most people like that until it affects them. Others like it no matter what.
I've never advocated for a vested interest or let personal connections influence me. Whatever decision I make, it's mine and I don't run away from it.
I admire Margaret Thatcher for her strength and determination and her sense of humor. Here's a couple of quotes that hit home to me these days: "Standing in the middle of the road is very dangerous; you get knocked down by traffic from both sides." and "I seem to smell the stench of appeasement in the air."
Ultimately, any decision I make has to be in the best interest of the town which sometimes is not in the best interest of all of the townspeople. Herein lies the conundrum: how to justify negatively impacting some to the greater good of the whole. I've never resolved that within myself but I focus on the facts, filter out the politics and make the best decision I can. It's never easy.
Since I've been elected there have been a few of these: Treat's Pond, Cat's Dam, police chief, stormwater flooding, sewer betterments. These have been very difficult to say the least as they affected people I know, like and respect and many more who are unknown to me.
Every decision results in a portion of the community fuming at me and another thanking me and I'd never make any decision if I only took into account the political aspect or worried about being re-elected.
Some say leave it to town meeting to decide. Well, if we leave it to town meeting to decide the 'hard ones' why did you elect us? To make the easy ones? I became a selectman to do more than issue liquor licenses and preside over pole hearings. Having standing socially or politically never mattered to me.
In campaigning I said I wouldn't be afraid to make the tough decisions. I haven't. Most people like that until it affects them. Others like it no matter what.
I've never advocated for a vested interest or let personal connections influence me. Whatever decision I make, it's mine and I don't run away from it.
I admire Margaret Thatcher for her strength and determination and her sense of humor. Here's a couple of quotes that hit home to me these days: "Standing in the middle of the road is very dangerous; you get knocked down by traffic from both sides." and "I seem to smell the stench of appeasement in the air."
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