Cohasset Approves $70,000 for July 4th Fireworks Celebration
Town also moves forward with public safety building plans, town hall renovations
COHASSET - January 7 - Cohasset's Select Board has approved an estimated $70,000 budget for the town's annual July 4th fireworks display, set to take place on July 2. The event, entering its third year, has quickly become a local tradition, attracting nearly 4,000 attendees in 2024.
Craig MacClellan, who initiated the fireworks celebration, expressed enthusiasm for the continued growth of the event. "It'll get better every year," MacClellan said. "We'll have the police operation aspect of it completely figured out now. That is like a plug and play."
The fireworks display, which will be held at Sandy Beach, is now a collaborative effort between MacClellan and the town's recreation department. Ted Carroll, representing the Recreation Department, emphasized the need for a team approach to fundraising and organization.
"We're looking for sponsors who, like I was saying, maybe you could come in and you can be the DJ sponsor," Carroll said. "Because we know what that costs, maybe you could be the trash sponsor because we know what that costs or whatever."
The board also discussed plans for a new public safety complex at 135 King Street, combining police and fire department facilities. The project aims to address longstanding issues with the current 62-year-old facility on Elm Street.
Michelle Leary, Assistant Town Manager, highlighted the progress made since September. "We've gone through programming reiterations on several at this point for both police fire for both 135 King Street and 62 Elm Street," Leary said.
The new facility will utilize the existing building at 135 King Street, with additions for the fire department substation and police station. The project team has conducted soil tests, engaged structural and civil engineers, and is preparing permit applications.
Leary emphasized the cost-effective approach to the project. "They're really working with the framework that we set forth to make sure that we maximize the benefit of something that we already purchased," she said.
The town aims to have bids in hand for the Annual Town Meeting on May 12, where residents will vote on the project.
In addition to the public safety building, the board received updates on the ongoing Town Hall renovation project. Jack Creighton, Select Board member, reported progress on the renovations with significantly lower cost estimates than previous projections.
"We're finding prices drop, progress gets done bit by bit," Creighton said. "So I think we're doing well."
The project now focuses on essential upgrades like fire suppression systems and window replacements. Michelle Leary presented updated cost estimates, including $400,000 for fire suppression and alarm design, $90,000 for HVAC design, and $100,000 for window replacements.
The board also addressed the town's security camera system, clarifying that the project primarily involves replacing existing cameras rather than implementing a new surveillance system.
Police Chief William Quigley explained, "This is just pure and simple security cameras. It's the replacement program, and while we were replacing cameras that are old, probably more than, I think they're 10 years old now, at least, maybe about 12, some other departments weighed in and said, hey, it would be great if we had cameras, too."
The board emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to the camera system, with suggestions to involve the Police Department in overseeing the project.
In other business, the board approved a conservation restriction for 487 King Street, marking the end of a four-year process. The restriction will protect the parcel as a conservation asset for the town.
The meeting concluded with board members emphasizing the importance of public participation in upcoming budget and town meeting preparations. They encouraged residents to stay informed by watching capital budget and advisory meetings, which can be accessed through the town website.
Full meeting available via the Town of Cohasset YouTube page.