Cohasset Select Board Tackles Volunteer Recruitment, Approves Triathlon Plans
Board discusses town committee vacancies, hears updates on Town Hall renovations and high school athletics
COHASSET - June 5 - The Cohasset Select Board addresses the need for volunteers to fill open positions on town boards and committees during their recent meeting, while also approving plans for the upcoming triathlon and receiving updates on the Town Hall renovation project.
Chair Ellen Maher emphasizes the importance of volunteer recruitment, noting that the town "runs on volunteers" and that all boards and committees are "very important to the smooth operations of the town."
"There's something for everyone, you know, that can peak anyone's interests," Maher says, encouraging board members to promote volunteer opportunities within their social circles.
The board reviews a chart of open positions, including terms that are expiring and applications received. Town Manager Chris Senior confirms that his office contacts current board members whose terms are expiring to gauge their interest in continuing to serve.
Maher stresses the importance of having formal applications from those wishing to return to their positions, referencing challenges from the previous year with the Open Space and Recreation Committee.
"I think it's only proper that people who want to return notify us that they want to return," Maher says.
Bill Burnett, representing the Cohasset Triathlon, receives approval to use the town common on Saturday, June 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for packet pickup. The event typically uses the town hall meeting room, but Burnett explains it had been double-booked by the recreation department.
Burnett shares that according to USA Triathlon, the Cohasset event ranks in the top 20 sprint races in the country by size.
"We have a lot of people coming—1,200 people," Burnett says, noting that while he's "not thrilled" about using the town common for packet pickup, he has a backup plan with the recreation department if it rains.
The board unanimously approves the use of the town common for the triathlon.
Maher provides an update on the Town Hall renovation project, reporting that the working group met recently and progress is being made on fire suppression, HVAC, and windows.
"Nick and Brian Joyce and John Howland and Michelle are really working hard getting everything done for town hall," Maher says, adding that staff expect to move out of the building in early fall when HVAC installation begins.
She notes that the working group has "made a commitment that we will stay on budget" for the project.
Town Manager Chris Senior reports on an employee appreciation day held at the recreation center, featuring a taco truck and participation from various town departments including fire, police, public works, and the library.
"We had a nice day today," Senior says, thanking HR staff Meaghan James and Maria Spitzer for organizing the event.
Senior also highlights the success of Cohasset High School sports teams:
- The softball and baseball teams made the playoffs
- The girls tennis team advanced to the round of eight
- The boys and girls lacrosse teams are advancing to the round of eight
Maher adds that according to a consultant's report presented at a recent School Committee meeting, every spring sports team made the tournament this year, and 86% of high school students participate in at least one sport.
Board member Paul Grady suggests exploring benefits for town employees, such as beach passes or dump stickers, noting that "they work their tails off for the town all the time" and "keep it ticking."
David Farrag recognizes the recent Memorial Day parade, stating that "Cohasset takes care of their veterans like no other town."
The board also notes:
- A June 17 meeting is scheduled to discuss goals for the coming year
- Plans to address the failed enterprise fund for the RTF (Recycling Transfer Facility) beginning in July