Cohasset Declares Emergency After Recycling Facility Fire

Town Seeks Flexibility in Spending, Operations to Address Damage

COHASSET, MA - November 6 - A fire at Cohasset's recycling transfer facility on Oct. 28 has led the town to declare a state of emergency, allowing for emergency expenditures and alternative waste collection arrangements as officials work to repair and restore the facility.

The Select Board unanimously approved the declaration November 6, granting the town more flexibility in procurement and finances to address the damage.

"This presents a major disaster which poses an immediate threat to public health, safety and general welfare of people residing both within and outside of the town of Cohasset," the declaration states.

Emergency Management Director Glenn Pratt told the board the site has been inspected by an environmental professional and cleanup ordered by authorities has been completed. The metal garage and office building were demolished and removed from the site.

"We're opening Friday this week," Pratt said. "But there'll be no recycling - all trash will be commingled."

He explained the town has a waiver from environmental authorities to temporarily bring material to an incinerator in Rochester. Residents will still need to use blue bags, though construction trash will be limited to one barrel each.

Pratt warned recovery costs will be substantial beyond what insurance covers. He urged the board to consider allocating funds at the upcoming town meeting.

"We are spending money every day right now," Pratt said. "It'll be many months for sure before insurance money comes in. And in the meantime, we need to be able to keep our vendors paid."

The board also discussed a citizens petition to amend the Town Manager Act regarding the hiring process for department heads. However, after working with town officials on a new hiring policy, the Elder Affairs Board agreed to withdraw the petition.

"We believe this policy to be a great start and look forward to working with HR in an effort to make all the stakeholders more effective," said Paul Kierce of the Elder Affairs Board.

The new policy involves committees in discussing job requirements and providing input on candidates, while leaving final appointment decisions to the Town Manager.

Select Board members expressed support for the collaborative approach.

"I think this is a good example of what happens when everybody in town is committed to good government, transparency, and working together," said board member Jack Creighton.

In other business, the board:

- Approved petitioning the state legislature for five additional all-alcohol on-premise licenses, citing town growth and economic revitalization.

- Heard an update on plans to work with the UMass Boston Collins Center to study town operations and workspaces.

- Endorsed a statement condemning a recent incident where a swastika was drawn on a political sign in town.

- Thanked the town of Scituate for allowing Cohasset residents to use its transfer station while repairs are underway.

The board's next regular meeting is scheduled for Nov. 19. An executive session is set for Nov. 12 where the meeting will only open and close in open session.