Town of Eastham MA - Selectmen's Meeting Minutes 02/20/07

Aimee Eckman, Recycling Committee, noted that there are currently junk mail reduction kits that will be available at Town Hall and the Post Office for those people interested.

Gail Fitzback, Deputy Assessor, noted that this article is a joint article between the Board of Assessors and the Treasurer/Collector’s office. Ms. Fitzback noted that every year there are many personal property tax bills that are for a very little amount. She is requesting that a minimum value be required before bills are issued. She also noted that a lien cannot be placed on a personal property tax bill.

Selectman Sandblom questioned if the Town is able to electronically bill residents. Ms. Fitzback responded that that is not her area of experience, but did note that the state has specific laws regarding tax bills.

Ms. Vanderhoef noted that this article would require town retirees to go on Medicare. She noted that all but one are currently on Medicare. Selectman Schropfer noted that Medicare would be more beneficial to both parties involved.

Mary Elizabeth Burgess, Town Planner, noted that they were able to get the signature of the owner and submit their paperwork on time. Selectman Sandblom questioned if the roads are up to current road condition standards. Ms. Burgess noted that Martin Mickle, Acting Superintendent of the DPW, and the Board of Highway Surveyors have inspected the road and noted that there are no needed improvements currently. Selectman McDonald questioned if the Highway Surveyors approved this taking. Ms. Burgess responded yes.

Ms. Vanderhoef noted that this article is a funding request for continuation of the pond studies. Dr. Karl Weiss, Water Resources Advisory Board, noted that they are asking the Selectmen for funds because the CPA could not give them funding. Dr. Weiss noted that five items are measured from eleven Town ponds. He noted that these studies are very important to wastewater management as the ponds remove impurities from the flowing water.

Selectman Burt questioned if the water is tested year round. Dr. Weiss responded that as the ponds freeze, they are generally tested from May to October. Bruce Whitmore, Water Resources Advisory Board, noted that the ponds stratify in the summer, lending different results in the fall. Selectman Sandblom questioned the scale that these levels are measured against. Dr. Weiss responded that he is not specific how it works, but noted it is a standard scale put together by the Cape Cod Commission.

Selectman McDonald questioned how the project has been funded previously. Dr. Weiss responded that it was funded by the Assembly of Delegates and the National Seashore previously.

William O’ Shea, Eastham Dog Owners Association, read the mission statement of the newly formed group. He noted that the group is seeking an amendment to the town dog by-law. Mr. O’ Shea noted that the existing by-law considers a barking dog the same level of violation as the mauling of a child. He noted that the barking should be responsibility of the dog owner. Mr. O’ Shea noted that their group’s concern is that a dog could potentially be put to sleep because of barking.

Ms. Vanderhoef noted that this is a petitioned zoning by-law which the Selectmen will vote to the Planning Board. She noted that the Planning Board currently has two by-laws drafted, one for public and one for private wind turbine development.

Philip Hesse, resident, noted that their main concerns in drafting this by-law was shadow flicker, noise, and safety. Andy Wells, citizen, noted that they increased the setback limits to a more industry standard. Mr. Wells noted that the constant noise would be around 50DB, creating a community nuisance.

Selectman Schropfer questioned if the height setback is for all four sites collectively, or for each individual turbine. Mr. Hesse responded that it would pertain to any individual site, using an average of the four corners. Mr. Wells noted that anything 10-15DB over the ambient sound level, receives an adverse community response.

Selectman Schropfer noted that the Town needs to consider every question and look at every study being done. Selectman Collins noted that the Town can use this project as a source of revenue to cover the increasing operating budget and stabilize the taxes. Mr. Wells noted that Fred Fenlon, at an Energy Committee meeting, noted that the only revenue received would be from the lease of the land. Selectman McDonald noted that more studies need to be conducted and looked at before any decisions can be made.

Richard Gleason, Massachusetts Motorcycle Association, is asking the Selectmen for approval of the sign he would like to place in a visible location. He noted that the group will provide all the labor and materials needed for the sign. Selectman Schropfer noted that the message may be stronger if the sign is placed in from of the police station.

Selectman Schropfer made a motion to approve the sign application, in compliance with Town laws and regulations, for the length of the five weeks being requested. Selectman Collins seconded the motion.

Selectman McDonald questioned the length of the five weeks. He noted that a shorter time would be better on the Windmill Green. He also noted that the Police/Fire Station or the rotary may be better locations.

Selectman Collins made a motion to approve the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Great Mass Getaway MS 150 Bike Tour as presented. The motion was seconded by Selectman McDonald and so voted 5-0.

Selectman Sandblom made a motion to approve the resignation of Ms. Nancy Underhill from the Visitor’s Tourism and Promotion Services Board, with regret. The motion was seconded by Selectman Schropfer and so voted 5-0.

Selectman Schropfer made a motion to release the lien on 18 Sandy Meadow Way, and accept a check for the amount. The motion was seconded by Selectman Collins and so voted 5-0.

Ms. Vanderhoef introduced the new Assistant Town Administrator, Michael Ferreira. Mr. Ferreira noted that he is looking forward to working with everyone and noted that he has had extensive experience with grants and infrastructure development.

Ms. Vanderhoef also noted that the Town Warrant has closed and some articles have been sent to Town Counsel for review. She noted that Sarah Lightfoot, resident, has sent a letter to the Board regarding the dog by-law, but it does not address the specific changes mentioned this evening.

Ms. Vanderhoef updated the Board that there were about thirty people at the Board of Health hearing on the municipal water system. She noted that she is currently working with Joan Plant, Treasurer, regarding bonds and grants for the project.

Selectman Collins made a motion to approve the December 18, 2006 Executive Session minutes. The motion was seconded by Selectman Sandblom and so voted 5-0.

Selectman Collins made a motion to approve the January 10, 2007 Work Session minutes. The motion was seconded by Selectman McDonald and so voted 4-0-1; Selectman Sandblom abstained, as he was absent from this meeting.

Selectman Sandblom made a motion to approve the February 5, 2007 Regular Session meeting. The motion was seconded by Selectman Schropfer and so voted 5-0.

Selectman Collins made a motion to refer the petitioned wind turbine zoning article to the Planning Board for public hearing and review. The motion was seconded by Selectman McDonald and so voted 5-0.

Selectman McDonald made a motion to refer the petitioned article requesting the taking of Limerick/Galloway to the Planning Board for review. The motion was seconded by Selectman Collins and so voted 5-0.

Selectman Collins made a motion to adjourn into Executive Session, not to return to Public Session. The motion was seconded by Selectman Sandblom. Selectman Burt, yes; Selectman Collins, yes; Selectman Sandblom, yes; Selectman McDonald, yes; Selectman Schropfer, yes.