Cohasset News

09/04/2025

Very interesting and informative public forum on the RTF to Enterprise Fund proposal, with town officials tonight. Most of the 1.5 hours were spent on dialogue, questions and answers - with the Selectboard and Town Manager listening and answering questions. Should have done this the first time around. 👍

08/31/2025

Man arrested, charged with murder in connection with body found outside South Shore Hospital

Source: Boston 25 News

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08/17/2025

Cohasset Police Log (July 7–13, 2025). 🚓🔥🐾

🚨 Arrests & Serious Incidents
July 8, 8:07 PM – Sky View Way 54-year-old Hingham man arrested for domestic assault. Caller said he was “highly intoxicated,” slapped her, threatened to burn the house down, and refused to return her car keys.

July 9, 8:49 AM – Jerusalem Rd Wave of dog-license crackdowns: eight criminal summonses issued to residents aged 48–70 for unpaid dog license violations.

🔥 Fires, Hazmat & Odd Deliveries
July 10, 5:30 PM – Beach St Resident opened an Amazon delivery containing a beach chair... and something that looked like a leaking bomb. Smelled of turpentine. FD evacuated caller. Turned out to be heavy equipment delivered to the wrong address.

July 7, 9:37 AM – Rust Way Multiple blasting alerts throughout the day: “BLAST IN 5 MINUTES @0932. BLAST COMPLETE @0938.”

July 9, 5:04 PM – Hill St Smoke detector went off in a home. No smoke, no fire — just a “blown smoke detector on the second floor.” Reset and cleared.

July 10, 7:47 AM – Jerusalem Rd & Linden Dr Flooding caused a sinkhole. DPW barricaded the scene; road reopened later the same day.

🐾 Animal Antics
July 9, 2:21 PM – Beechwood St Caller reported a Canadian goose with a broken wing near a bridge. Goose located and “swam off.”

July 9, 3:21 PM – Doane St Chocolate lab with a pink and purple collar running loose. Officers returned it safely to its home.

July 10, 12:40 PM – King St Rabbit trapped in a resident’s house. Caller given advice — bunny safely left unarrested.

July 9, 9:50 AM – Pond St Officers assisted in search for a missing 70-lb chocolate golden doodle. Later: “Dog has been found.”

🚗 Road & Marine Mishaps
July 10, 7:30 AM – Chief Justice Cushing Hwy Black sedan stalled in deep floodwaters, ended up fully submerged. Owner confirmed: “My car died in the water.”

July 10, 11:36 AM – Parker Ave Boat Ramp Docked skiff capsized due to water. Vessel recovered.

July 10, 12:59 PM – Jerusalem Rd Car vs. tree crash. 20-year-old male self-extracted with minor injuries.

July 10, 2:26 PM – Sandy Cove Beach Three paddleboarders stopped for not wearing life jackets. Escorted to shore without incident.

🧠 Drug & Mental Health Calls
July 9, 12:48 PM – North Main St Officers and clinician conducted well-being check. Subject transported for evaluation.

July 10, 5:08 PM – Jerusalem Rd Caller accused ex-husband of giving drugs to their daughter. Police found no one home; neighbor reported they had left an hour earlier.

08/08/2025

Some June 30 – July 6 Cohasset Police Log highlights.

🐾 Animals
07/01 – 8:45 a.m. — Deceased deer washed ashore; reported to harbormaster.

07/01 – 8:06 p.m. — Husky found wandering; reunited with owner.

🔥 Fire / Utility
06/30 – 7:58 a.m. — Controlled blasting; multiple detonations completed.

06/30 – 4:23 p.m. — Faulty smoke detector triggered alarms until replaced.

06/30 – 5:57 p.m. — Leaking hydrant with water “boiling up” from base; Water Dept responded.

07/01 – 11:06 a.m. — Leaning utility pole; short road closure until secured.

07/01 – 1:40 p.m. — Smoke report from golf course; turned out to be a contained fire pit in a neighboring town.

07/01 – 8:33 p.m. — Broken hitch lock discovered on a beach light tower.

🚗 Vehicle Incidents
06/30 – 8:49 a.m. — Stalled BMW later driven home and scheduled for tow.

07/01 – 5:13 p.m. — Hyundai reported stolen; alert issued.

07/01 – 7:42 p.m. — Report of erratic Lexus driving; driver cleared.

🚨 Disturbances / Public Safety
06/30 – 7:22 p.m. — Verbal dispute involving reportedly intoxicated tenant; no arrests.

06/30 – 8:29 p.m. — Group jumping off bridge; moved along.

07/01 – 7:19 p.m. — Large group on bridge playing loud music; moved along.

🧠 Domestic / Mental Health / Protective Orders
07/01 – 8:03 p.m. — Domestic dispute; wife locked husband out; both separated after welfare check.

07/02 – 10:27 a.m. — Abuse prevention order served; one party packed belongings to leave.

💊 Drug / Wellness Checks
07/01 – 9:52 p.m. — Follow‑up at a wellness center.

🎣 Miscellaneous / Unusual
06/30 – 2:41 a.m. — Officer checked on man fishing from bridge — “waiting for high tide.”

08/06/2025

RTF as an Enterprise Fund back under Consideration

Cohasset is once again wrestling with the future of its Recycling Transfer Facility (RTF). In a memo dated Aug. 1, Town Manager Christopher Senior laid out two starkly different paths: keep the facility under the Department of Public Works’ general budget or spin it off into an enterprise fund. The decision, which will come before a special town meeting this fall, could dramatically affect how much residents pay to dispose of household waste.

The RTF currently operates as part of the Department of Public Works and is open to the public four days a week. All money from All‑Facilities stickers, pay‑as‑you‑throw bags and item‑specific disposal fees is funneled into the town’s general fund, where it’s split 61/39 between the schools and municipal services. Rising costs for waste disposal, electricity and labor mean property taxes are increasingly propping up the facility.

Town meeting voters in May rejected an article to convert the RTF to an enterprise fund, leaving a hole in the fiscal 2026 budget because the spending plan assumed the change would occur. The failure of that article means the town will need to take up the issue again at the fall special town meeting to balance the books.

Under the enterprise‑fund proposal, every dollar from RTF sticker sales and bag fees would stay with the facility. The RTF would operate like a stand‑alone business, setting fees to cover its own expenses, building reserves for equipment and weathering market swings without leaning on property taxes. In this scenario, a primary permit would cost about $150 and pay‑as‑you‑throw bags would be $2 for a small bag and $4 for a large one. Secondary All‑Facilities stickers would remain $75, and senior permits would rise from $30 to $60, with revenue from secondary stickers continuing to flow to the general fund.

Keeping the RTF in the general fund would force the town to raise fees dramatically because only 39 percent of the facility’s revenue would be available to pay its bills. The memo estimates a primary permit would jump to roughly $385, and bag prices would climb to $5 for a small bag and $10 for a large one. “Creating an RTF enterprise fund is both the more fiscally responsible and less fiscally impactful approach for town residents,” Senior wrote.

The memo also calls for a pilot program to sell up to 300 non‑resident permits at $300 each beginning Sept. 1, an increase in bag fees to $2 and $4 on the same date, and retaining the All‑Facilities sticker system. Existing stickers are good until March 2026, so no immediate action on those fees is necessary.

An enterprise fund would separate the RTF’s books from the rest of town government and require the facility to live within its means. Advocates say that makes costs transparent and ensures that people who use the service pay for it. It would also free up general‑fund dollars for schools and other municipal services. Critics worry that relying solely on user fees could leave the RTF strapped for cash during economic downturns or when trash volumes drop, leading to more frequent fee hikes. Others point out that the current system spreads the cost of waste disposal across all taxpayers, subsidizing residents who produce a lot of trash and providing a break to those who generate little; an enterprise fund would shift more of the burden directly onto users.

Town officials have already hired an industry professional to overhaul day‑to‑day operations after a fire last fall exposed weaknesses in the facility’s management. New equipment and a streamlined layout are improving efficiency, and Senior argues that a business‑style enterprise fund would keep the momentum going.

This fall’s special town meeting will decide whether the RTF continues as part of the town’s general budget or begins operating as its own business. The outcome will shape trash fees, the town’s budget and how Cohasset residents pay for waste disposal for years to come.

08/01/2025

Today the agenda for next Tuesday’s Selectboard meeting was amended to include a public update on the new Police Station. See below.

07/30/2025

Below is the agenda for next Tuesday’s Cohasset Selectboard meeting.

07/23/2025

Breaking News 🗞️! After more than 1 and 1/2 hours of interviews, questions and discussion between 2 candidates for the open position of Planning Board associate member, the Selectboard and Planning Board voted 5-5 between David McNally and Nino Dinunno!

The joint boards weren’t sure on how to proceed due to the tie vote - something some said was unprecedented - so they decided to recess the appointment process and consult with the town attorney. The matter to be taken up at the next meeting on August 5th!

Stay tuned on this stalemate!

07/22/2025

Here’s a summary of 15 significant entries from the Cohasset Police Dispatch Log (June 23–29, 2025):

⸻

📅 Monday, June 23, 2025
• 01:13 – Directed patrol at landscaping business, log entry only.
• 05:53 – Traffic stop: unlicensed driver cited for 84 mph in 45; vehicle towed.
• 08:53 – Report of missing black Australian Shepherd in Whitney Woods; reunited via Hingham ACO.

🩺 11:36 – Two-car fender-bender in Starbucks lot; no injuries, refusals for treatment.
• 14:04–14:40 – Verbal disturbance at elderly housing: maintenance turned AC off, used abusive language; AC restored after officers intervened.
• 20:01 – Former patient at wellness center ingested pills; police and EMS responded, patient taken to hospital.

📅 Tuesday, June 24, 2025
• 01:11 – Suspicious vehicle (dark Volvo) reported parked with no one present; found clear.
• 10:15 – Welfare check for individual at Sky View Way who had expressed suicidal thoughts; EMS responded.
• 11:34 – Kids jumping off Border Street Bridge repeatedly moved along; no injuries reported.
• 11:40 – Caller reported truck parked with barking German Shepherds; windows rolled down, owner advised.
• 19:12–20:58 – Transformer smoking/fire on South Main; National Grid dispatched and cleared.
• 20:38 – Lights malfunction at North Main/Forest Ave rail crossing; MBTA and DPW responded, issue resolved by 20:45.

📅 Wednesday, June 25, 2025
• 07:21 – Audi Q7 crash into guardrail at North Main & Rocky Ln; airbag deployed, driver cited.
• 13:00 – Deceased wild turkey reported on Route 3A; MassDOT notified.
• 14:05 – Intoxicated individual at wellness center refused exit, broke mother’s windshield; police/EMS transported subject to hospital.
• 13:28–14:40 – Mental-health transport from Jerusalem Rd after person was found outside in distress; police secured scene, ambulance escorted to SSH under Section 12.

⸻

💡 Highlights are:

• Traffic enforcement remained strong, including high-speed and unlicensed driver citations.
• Mental-health calls were significant: two cases required EMS interventions and transport.
• Recurring youth safety concern at Border Street Bridge involving children jumping into water.
• Animal welfare addressed twice: rescuing a missing dog and checking on dogs in hot vehicles.
• Public safety & utilities: transformer fire and malfunctioning rail lights disrupted parts of town.

07/15/2025

Cohasset Select Board Summary – June 17, 2025

The Select Board held its FY26 Goal Setting Workshop at Willcutt Commons. Key updates and discussions included:

✅ License Withdrawal – The applicant for a Cohasset Harbor Restaurant liquor and victualler license withdrew; public hearing was closed.

🎯 FY26 Goals Set:
• 41 Highland Ave project will move forward with funding now secured.
• 135 King Street headed to bid and construction; repairs at 62 Elm Street need funding strategy.
• Improved Communication with the public via multimedia remains a top priority.
• Review of Board & Committee Structures to begin this year.
• RTF Enterprise Fund will return to Special Town Meeting with finalized details.

🛠️ Other 2025-26 Initiatives Discussed:
• Employee appreciation ideas (raffles, parking perks).
• Full review of town leases, with a focus on maintenance reserves.
• Improved transparency on staffing/stability at the Senior Center.
• Harbormaster shed proposal being scoped, with potential for pro bono support.
• Legal document repository to be created for Board access.
• Village parking review, possible shuttle service, and Town Lot reconfiguration.

👏 The meeting adjourned at 8:51 PM. Present: Ellen Maher, Paul Grady, Chris Plecs, David Farrag, Julie Rollins, TM Chris Senior, ATM Michelle Leary.

07/15/2025

🚓 COHASSET POLICE LOG — HIGHLIGHTS (June 16–22) Here are 16 of the week’s somewhat notable or interesting entries :):

Erratic Operation 🗓️ June 16, 12:52 AM — Lamberts Ln A white Ford SUV hit a curb and drove slowly. “Vehicle parked and unoccupied at residence.”

Suspicious Vehicle 🗓️ June 16, 1:57 AM — Elm St Car found with door open, owner located. “Contact made with vehicle owner, door secured.”

Loose Chicken by the Road 🗓️ June 17, 10:37 AM — Cedar St Resident concerned chicken might be hit. “Resident afraid it will get hit by a vehicle.”

Lost Yellow Lab 🗓️ June 17, 10:50 AM — Ripley Rd Dog seen wandering by post office, quickly reunited. “Dog was reunited with its owner.”

Wellbeing Check 🗓️ June 17, 12:30 PM — Beechwood St Meal left untouched; neighbor contacted. “Party called headquarters, he is OK.”

Boat Disabled in Harbor 🗓️ June 17, 4:29 PM — Cohasset Harbor Boston Whaler dead in water, 4 aboard. “No one in distress. HM bringing parties to the mooring.”

Burnt Food = Fire Alarm 🗓️ June 17, 7:58 PM — King St Microwave mishap triggered alarm. “Room 102 burnt food in the microwave.”

911 Call at 8th Grade Photo Op 🗓️ June 17, 6:09 PM — Lighthouse Ln Two accidental calls from large student group. “Large group of 8th graders taking a photo.”

Possible Gunshots Near Day Camp 🗓️ June 18, 9:43 AM — Jerusalem Rd Construction noise mistaken for gunfire. “May have caused the noises.”

Unoccupied Home with Fire Alarms 🗓️ June 18, 1:34 PM — South Main St Alarms sounding, no one home. “Front door was supposed to be open with a locked screen door.”

Jumpers Removed from Bridge 🗓️ June 18, 1:57 PM — Border St Bridge Police cleared group jumping off bridge. “Unit removed a group of jumpers.”

Popcorn Steam Sets Off Alarm 🗓️ June 17, 8:54 PM — Pond St No fire, just steamy popcorn. “KH requesting cancelation. Steam from popcorn.”

Tree Down Across Road 🗓️ June 17, 10:42 PM — William B Long Jr Rd No damage reported, tree removed by DPW. “Tree removed, no damage to car.”

Text-Based Harassment 🗓️ June 17, 11:03 PM — Bay View Dr Caller threatened via phone, advised of options. “Caller was advised of 209A rights and declined.”

Suspicious Solicitor 🗓️ June 18, 3:34 PM — Red Fox Ln Woman in sweatpants asked to use restroom. “Caller does not want to speak to an officer.”

Late-Night Solicitor Raises Eyebrows 🗓️ June 22, 9:12 PM — King St Pest control solicitor out “too late.” “Young girl holding iPad, unable to locate.”

END

06/01/2025

Here are 15 somewhat interesting and newsworthy entries from the Cohasset Police log between May 5–11, 2025:

Arrest at Curtis Liquors (5/5, 21:16 PM) – A motor vehicle stop resulted in a written warning being issued in the parking lot. No further details.

Disorderly Conduct at Stop & Shop (5/5, 10:48 AM) – A man was reported swearing loudly into his phone near the mailbox, causing concern among shoppers. Officers checked on him but determined no crime had been committed.

Suspicious Behavior at Stop & Shop (5/5, 3:34 PM) – A man and woman were reportedly yelling at cars, stopping traffic, and attempting to get people to open their car doors near Feng Shui and Stop & Shop. They were gone when officers arrived.

False Alarm at Abington Bank (5/5, 5:02 PM) – A commercial alarm went off, leading to police response. It turned out to be accidental and was canceled before arrival.

Turkey Trouble on King St (5/6, 10:13 AM) – Police had to move turkeys off the roadway near Extra Space Storage.

Opossum Under a Porch (5/6, 11:39 AM) – A homeowner reported an opossum living under their porch and was advised to contact a private removal company.

Suspicious Vehicle at MBTA Cohasset Station (5/6, 10:40 AM) – Officers secured an open trunk after ensuring there were no signs of forced entry.

Fire Alarm at Cohasset Housing for the Elderly (5/6, 9:53 AM) – A false alarm sounded throughout multiple buildings. It was later determined to be a test conducted by the fire alarm company.

Click It or Ticket Grant (5/6, 4:07 PM) – Officers conducted a two-hour town-wide seatbelt enforcement patrol. Seven verbal warnings were issued, but no arrests or citations.

Expired Vehicle Registration (5/6, 2:21 PM) – A driver with an expired registration was given a verbal warning but successfully completed a roadside renewal.

Preschool Evacuation Due to Smoke (5/6, 2:27 PM) – A commercial fire alarm at a King Street building was triggered due to smoke from a toaster oven. A preschool was evacuated as a precaution.

Tree Down on Dolan Lane (5/6, 9:47 PM) – A large tree fell across a driveway, cutting off power to nearby homes. National Grid and DPW responded to remove the hazard and restore electricity.

Unlocked Business Door (5/7, 3:51 AM) – Officers found an unsecured door at Old Colony Square and secured the premises.

Another Unlocked Door at Cohasset Plaza (5/7, 2:05 AM) – A second unlocked commercial door prompted police to secure the property.

Parking Violation at Beechwood Street (5/6, 1:46 PM) – A vehicle blocking the roadway was ticketed by police.

END