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Cohasset expands public-safety facilities panel, appoints two citizens to alternatives analysis
Summary
The Select Board expanded the Public Safety Facilities Committee from eight to nine members, revised the committee charge to require an Elm Street vs. King Street alternatives analysis, and appointed Richard Fitzpatrick and Daniel Duffy as citizens members.
The Cohasset Select Board voted on June 16 to expand the Public Safety Facilities Committee and to amend its charge so the panel will deliver an alternatives analysis comparing an Elm Street addition and options at 135 King Street or other town-owned locations.
The board increased membership to nine and appointed two citizen members: Richard (Rich) Fitzpatrick and Daniel Duffy. Fitzpatrick, a former advisory-committee member who helped lead earlier town projects, told the board he sought appointment because the town needs a new public-safety facility and he wants to help deliver a feasible, fundable plan. Duffy said he would emphasize cost-control and rebuilding public trust by comparing multiple site options.
The revised charge asks the committee to produce conceptual plans, logistics for construction on an active site, and cost estimates sufficient to allow a future special town meeting decision. Board members and applicants urged the committee to avoid overly prescriptive scope language and to coordinate with public-safety officials to prioritize required functions (evidence storage, interview rooms, apparatus bays, EOC) rather than pre-allocating square footage.
The Select Board also emphasized communication and recommended the committee and staff improve outreach and transparency as the work proceeds.
Next steps: the committee will begin work under the amended charge; the board asked for an alternatives analysis and a recommendation that could be presented at a special town meeting.
