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Cohasset Select Board votes 3-2 to sponsor public forum on harbor agreement
Summary
The Select Board voted 3-2 on Feb. 5 to sponsor a town forum on the Intermunicipal Harbor Agreement after members split over whether a board-sponsored meeting would help resolve disputes; the board approved holding the forum with "guiderails."
The Cohasset Select Board voted 3-2 on Feb. 5 to sponsor a public forum focused on the town's Intermunicipal Harbor Agreement, after members disputed whether a Select Board'sponsored meeting would clarify outstanding issues or amplify divisions.
Chair Ellen Maher called the discussion and noted the board's heavy schedule before Annual Town Meeting. Select Member Julie Rollins reported she had received feedback that only two residents wanted a forum and "many more" opposed one. Select Member Chris Plecs said the board had made a decision he believed was best for the town while acknowledging a minority remained unhappy.
Select Member Paul Grady strongly urged the board to hold a forum to "get it all out on the table," saying it would help clear the air. Select Member David Farrag said he believes mooring holders are generally satisfied with the agreement but supported a narrowly focused forum confined to the harbor's ongoing issues and said he would like input from CSCR. Chair Maher said she was torn but asked for a motion to schedule a forum per a resident request, with structured "guiderails" outlining where the board expects the conversation to go.
A motion to schedule a Select Board'sponsored Harbor forum was moved by Select Member Paul Grady and seconded by Select Member David Farrag. The roll-call vote was Paul Grady-Aye; David Farrag-Aye; Chris Plecs-Nay; Julie Rollins-Nay; Ellen Maher-Aye, and the motion passed 3-2. Chair Maher said the board would sponsor the forum but impose limits on scope and format.
The decision follows a period of mixed public sentiment: some residents and mooring holders have voiced support for the board's approach to the agreement, while others have urged more public discussion. Farrag's request to include CSCR input and Maher's emphasis on a defined forum structure suggest the board intends to narrow the agenda to practical harbor issues rather than reopening the entire agreement.
The Select Board also handled routine minutes approvals earlier in the evening. The forum's date and the board's detailed guidelines for the event were not specified in the public portion of the meeting; the board asked staff to structure the event with clear parameters before advertising it.
