Town of Eastham MA - Selectmen's Meeting Minutes 01/16/07

Aimee Eckman, citizen, questioned when the Town Warrant will close and if there are more meeting before the closing for discussion of the articles. Ms. Vanderhoef noted that the articles are discussed after the closing of the warrant. Ms. Eckman questioned how many signatures are needed to get an article in the warrant. Ms. Vanderhoef noted that ten are needed for the Annual Town Meeting Warrant and two hundred are needed for the Special Town Meeting Warrant.

Melinda Gallant, District Director for the American Heart Association of Cape Cod, the Islands and Plymouth County, would like to discuss the lighting of Town building(s) from February 1 through February 15. The lighting is to raise awareness of heart disease and its effect on all people. Ms. Gallant is asking for the Town to bathe a building(s) in red lighting, as well as place publicity and educational material around the lighting. She noted that several other locations have supported the effort. Selectman Schropfer questioned the use of drapings rather than lights. Ms. Gallant responded that only lighting is being used.

Janice Barton, Barnstable Town Council Liaison to the Barnstable Human Services Committee, and Tom Naples, Outreach Worker for Cape Cod, would like to request funds from the Board to help continue the program. Ms. Barton noted that the Town of Eastham had been awarded a certificate of appreciation thanking groups and organizations for participating in last years program. She noted that Operation In From the Streets in an expansion of Operation In From the Cold, and the program would like to be sustainable year round. Ms. Barton noted that the main goal of the program is to provide one point of entry for people to come and access all services available to them.

Mr. Naples noted that the biggest goal is to get people safe, both men and women. He said there are currently ten to fifteen people in the program with more to follow. Selectman Burt questioned how long the one thousand dollar cost per person lasts. Ms. Barton responded that the program manages people into more permanent settings and provides access to counseling services, making total cost difficult to estimate as it varies by case. Selectman Sandblom questioned what the end goal of the program is. Ms. Barton responded that they would like to provide one point of entry for many services to people who are homeless or may become homeless. She noted that they are currently putting together a web of contacts for incoming people who provide an umbrella of care.

Selectman McDonald questioned the use of the Eastham Human Services Committee for this request, citing that the Board did approve their budget list prior to this request. Selectman Burt noted that it would be late to add it to the Human Services List and the funds would come from the Timothy Smith Fund, however, it would go to the Human Services Committee next year.

Selectman McDonald made a motion to approve the $2000 funding request from Operation In From the Streets, with the funds to be taken out of the Timothy Smith fund. The motion was seconded by Selectman Schropfer and so voted 5-0.

Jim Russo, Eastham Chamber of Commerce, gave the selectmen copies of their article request and prior years budgets for the Chamber. Selectman Burt questioned if the Chamber is planning any work or updating for the information booth. Mr. Russo noted that they currently are not, but may do some computer upgrades. Selectman Sandblom questioned if there have been any traffic accidents in front of the booth. Mr. Russo noted that there was one accident where a summer worker from the Lobster Shanty was crossing the road on his bike and was hit, however, it was determined it had not resulted from information booth operations/interest. Selectman Sandblom also questioned if the size of the building was adequate. Mr. Russo responded that it is a good location, however, the building does get crowded sometimes. He noted that the Chamber had discussed a possible expansion and the addition of some form of restroom facility.

Joy Brookshire, Eastham Tri-Town Representative, noted that the capital budget for the plant is in the Selectmen packets. She also has provided the Board with the facility evaluation. Ms. Brookshire noted that the plant is in its 20^th year and is operating very well. She also noted that an evaluation of the plant concluded that the plant could be a model plant for others in Massachusetts. Mr. Brookshire noted that there is a new chain link fence, as well as a new fire alarm system. She also noted that the plant license will need renewal in August of 2007. The plant plans on sending a letter to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection seeking renewal under the same terms of the current license.

Ms. Vanderhoef noted that the Board of Selectmen of Kingston, MA. have sent a letter requesting their support regarding business closings of more than two weeks. Selectman McDonald questioned how the Town will know of such underpayment of wages as noted in their letter. Ms. Vanderhoef responded that the employee would file a complaint with the Town, also noting that there are currently no complaints. Selectman Burt noted that this applies more to larger towns. Selectman Collins appreciated them keeping Eastham informed, but as it does not apply to our Town, we will not send a letter of support.

Ms. Vanderhoef noted that there is one member who will be resigning from the Visitor’s Tourism and Services Board. She also noted that a letter of resignation will be needed before a new member can be appointed. Ms. Vanderhoef also informed the Board that the Tourism Board is considering a new “Welcome to Eastham” sign on Route 6 by the rotary. She noted that they would like to have the letters carved to help with shedding water. Ms. Vanderhoef noted that the provided picture is the final look of the sign.

Selectman Collins made a motion to approve the new “Welcome to Eastham” sign as proposed by the Visitor’s Tourism and Services Board, with carved lettering. The motion was seconded by Selectman Schropfer and so voted 5-0.

Ms. Vanderhoef also noted that the Energy Committee will be meeting in Town Hall from now on, as their group has grown so large. Selectman Schropfer noted that the questions and answers from the information sessions have been posted on the Town website.

Selectman Schropfer suggested that the Selectmen attend the Elementary School budget presentation to the Finance Committee on Thursday night to alleviate calling them in for another meeting. He also questioned if the tentative meeting on January 29, 2007 would be an appropriate time to vote to accept the budget. Ms. Vanderhoef noted that the budget can be voted as late as February 5, 2007. Selectman Sandblom questioned waiting, as he will be out of town on the 29^th. Ms. Vanderhoef noted that the 24^th, 25^th, and February 5 will be posted. Selectman Burt decided to hold the decision until tomorrow’s work session.

Selectman Schropfer questioned if Ms. Vanderhoef has gotten any response in regard to the Town Flag. Ms. Vanderhoef responded that she is still working on finding a design for the flag. Selectman Schropfer noted that he liked the Chamber of Commerce seal, which is the Windmill, and questioned using that design. Ms. Vanderhoef responded that it is the Official Chamber seal and cannot be duplicated.

Aimee Eckman, citizen, questioned the progression of the Comcast Licensing Agreement. Ms. Vanderhoef noted that the Selectman are keeping their stance with no reasonable response from Comcast. She also noted that both parties are to operate under the old contract until a new one can be accepted by both parties.