The Cohasset Advisory Committee voted unanimously on Wednesday to recommend an article authorizing the town to lease the roofs of the Osgood and Deer Hill schools for solar panel installation, a key step before the Nov. 3 Special Town Meeting.

During the virtual meeting, Alternative Energy Committee Chair Tanya Bodell framed the vote not as a final commitment, but as a crucial pre-approval needed to attract serious proposals from solar developers. Bodell noted a similar project at the old town landfill has already generated significant financial benefits. "That has now generated for the town $500,000 in savings," Bodell said, adding the goal is to lock in stable, low electricity prices and "help the environment when it makes sense."

Committee members questioned the proposal’s financial oversight, developer risk, and approval process. Member Courtney Murphy asked about the long-term plan beyond the two school roofs, while Member Mike Flaherty raised concerns about developer viability. "What happens if the developer goes belly up?" he asked. Bodell assured the committee that a multi-committee evaluation group, with liaisons from the Advisory and School Committees, would vet any proposals and that the final decision would rest with the Select Board and School Committee. Member Michael Barclay sought to confirm the vote’s intent, asking, "Are we just leaving the question open so that at a future date we can drill into the economics?" Bodell confirmed that was the case. Member Mark Maggi also questioned the financial decision-making process, asking, "Who makes that final decision on whether it is a good deal or not?" Bodell reiterated the shared oversight role of the Select Board and School Committee.

Following the discussion, the committee voted to support the article. Motion made by Michael Barclay to recommend Special Town Meeting Article 11, authorizing the lease of school property for the siting of a solar power electric generation facility. Seconded by Mark Cameron. The motion passed 7-0.

With its official business on the warrant article concluded, the committee turned its attention to the upcoming Town Meeting, anticipating lively debate on several other issues. In a notable turn, Michael Barclay announced he would be reversing a previous vote and now plans to oppose the transfer station enterprise fund. "The more I've thought about it, the more I've read it... I regret my vote at the time," he stated, clarifying he would not speak against the article on the Town Meeting floor. Members also predicted a lengthy discussion on a citizen's petition regarding kindergarten fees. Member Mark Cameron worried the debate "is going to get bogged down in what people want versus what can actually be done," while Member Thomas Callahan voiced strong opposition to the petition's approach. "I think we should emphasize that it's just bad policy to do anything this way," Callahan said. "Citizens groups should not be coming in the middle of a fiscal year proposing to move money around."

The committee also finalized its liaison assignments for the upcoming year, with Mark Cameron volunteering to serve on the newly expanded Public Safety Working Group. Acting Chair Jeanne Astino explained the need for a representative "to participate in this conversation and figure out the way forward on it." Members were appointed as liaisons to various town boards, including the Capital Budget Committee, School Committee, and Planning Board. The committee also approved minutes from three prior meetings.

Motion made by Michael Barclay to approve the minutes of May 7, 2025. Seconded by Mark Cameron. The motion passed 7-0.

Motion made by Mark Cameron to approve the Sept. 17, 2025 minutes. Seconded by Mike Flaherty. The motion passed 7-0.

Motion made by Courtney Murphy to approve the Oct. 1, 2025 minutes. Seconded by Thomas Callahan. The motion passed 7-0.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:21 p.m.