Town of Eastham MA - Selectmen's Meeting Minutes 03/09/07

Selectman McDonald noted that he and Selectman Schropfer attended an affordable housing brainstorming workshop with Sarah Peake attended by all lower cape towns. Selectman Schropfer noted that the focus was mostly on what the State Legislature can do to help towns develop affordable housing.

Selectman Burt informed all in attendance that Provincetown is asking Eastham to participate in its parade festivities. Robert Littlefield, Organizer for the Provincetown 4^th of July Parade, informed the Board that Provincetown will be doing the fireworks, but would like to add a parade to take focus off the fireworks. He noted that the theme for the parade will be “show the colors”.

“On Monday, March 19, 2007, the Town of Eastham Board of Selectmen will hold a public hearing on the transfer of the Seasonal All Alcoholic Common Victualer Liquor License currently held by Poor’s Acre’s d.b.a. The Lobster Pool, located at 4380 State Highway. The license is transferring to the Ferro Family Lobster Pool, LLC d.b.a. The Ferro Family Lobster Pool with Michael J. Ferro listed as manager. The hearing is scheduled for 6:45 p.m. at the Eastham Town Hall, 2500 State Highway, Eastham, MA. 02642.”

David Skiba, Attorney representing the Ferro Family, informed the Board that they have been a LLC since February, and the sale is contingent on the transfer of the license. Mr. Skiba also noted that they plan to operate as a seasonal business, with a capacity of 234 people. Selectman Sandblom questioned what hours the business will hold. Michael Ferro, Manager, noted they plan to be open for six (6) months through October.

Selectman Collins made a motion to approve the seasonal license transfer from Poor’s Acres’s d.b.a. the Lobster Pool to The Ferro Family Lobster Pool, LLC d.b.a. The Ferro Family Lobster Pool. The motion was seconded by Selectman Schropfer and so voted 5-0.

Donna Knight, Eastham Painter’s Guild, noted that their group usually holds their sales on the grounds of the Old Schoolhouse Museum, but due to construction, they are unable to hold shows there for the beginning of the summer. Kate Alpert, Eastham Historical Society, noted that they anticipate the grounds to be ready for use in the beginning of July. Ms. Alpert also noted that the Historical Society is requesting the Green for their annual antique show. She informed the Board that the Society hires their own police detail and rents portable toilets for the event.

Ms. Alpert noted that the lawn should be planted in May, and the grounds ready for use in the beginning of July. Selectman Sandblom questioned the possible use of sod rather than seed. Ms. Alpert responded that it is Hydra seed.

Selectman Collins made a motion to approve the requested Windmill Green usage by the Eastham Painter’s Guild until the Old Schoolhouse Museum is available for use. The motion was seconded by Selectman McDonald and so voted 5-0.

Ms. Vanderhoef noted that the Monday night concerts are sponsored by the Visitors Tourism and Promotion Services Board, while the Wednesday night concerts are sponsored by the Visitors Tourism and Promotion Services Board, The Arts Foundation, and the Cape Cod Bank Foundation.

Selectman Schropfer made a motion to approve the requested Windmill Green usage for the Historical Society Antique sale. The motion was seconded by Selectman Collins and so voted 5-0.

Selectman Schropfer made a motion to approve the requested Windmill Green usage for the Wednesday night concerts for July and August. The motion was seconded by Selectman Collins and so voted 5-0.

Ms. Vanderhoef informed the Board that she has received an email from a concerned citizen regarding the memorial at Samoset and Herringbrook Road. She noted that she has spoken to Mr. Gerard Hill, owner of the memorial, and he has expressed a desire for the memorial to stay.

Greg Persbecker, citizen, noted that this is a private memorial on public property. He noted that there are many other ways to memorialize someone. Mr. Persbecker is concerned that this memorial is an eyesore going into tourist season. Selectman Burt noted that Mr. Hill does not mean any harm, but agreed that there should be a policy regarding the general issue of memorials. Selectman Sandblom suggested limiting the length of time the memorial is allowed and the size of the memorial.

Willow Shire, citizen, informed the Board that, as a neighbor, she is willing to contribute to a more permanent memorial for the Hill family. She noted that she is also willing to meet with Mr. Hill regarding what he would like for the memorial. Ms. Vanderhoef noted that she will get in touch with Mr. Hill and inform him of what took place tonight and set up a meeting with him.

Selectman Schropfer made a motion to invoke the rule of necessity, as three Selectmen have shellfish grants. The motion was seconded by Selectman McDonald and so voted 5-0.

Henry Lind, Shellfish Constable, informed the Board that Peter Burns, shellfish farmer, would like to request a floating shellfish grower. Mr. Burns informed the Board that the type he is requesting is commonly used in the nursery stage. He noted that he plans to use grant funds to acquire the equipment. Selectman Burt questioned if it would be sturdy enough if a boat were to hit it. Mr. Burns responded that it would, and that the new dock would replace the current finger pier. He also noted that there is moving water pumped through the unit, to help prevent freezing.

Mr. Lind noted that the goal is to buy the shellfish as inexpensive as possible and grow as fast as possible to get the shellfish to market. He noted that some of these units are in Salt Pond, confirming their success. Mr. Lind noted that the farmers could efficiently maximize their time my tending the upwellers on high tide and being on the flats at low tide. He noted that the seeds would be in the units for approximately two to three months, with the possibility for several batches of seed throughout the season.

Selectman Collins questioned the closing of Rock Harbor to the taking of Shellfish. Mr. Lind responded that it is due to high bacteria count. He noted that the size and location of the seed would prevent it from being adversely affected by the bacteria. Selectman Sandblom questioned the possibility of oil or gasoline spills. Mr. Burns responded that the pump takes water off the bottom, while the spill remains on the surface of the water. Selectman Schropfer questioned the use of an electric pump in the water. Mr. Burns responded that it is a submersible pump made for this use. Mr. Lind noted that salt water dissipates electricity, greatly lowering the risk of electrocution.

Selectman Schropfer made a motion to approve the proposal for the powered upwell nursery growth dock as presented. The motion was seconded by Selectman Sandblom and so voted 5-0.

Henry Lind, Shellfish Constable, is requesting the Board to ask the State Division of Marine Fisheries for an extension of the Bay Scallop season, which will end on March 31. He noted that the winter had been especially hard on the scallop fishermen. Mr. Lind noted that there was a provision for extension provided the water is cold enough and the scallops are still viable.

Selectman Collins made a motion to petition the Division of Marine Fisheries Director to extend the Bay Scallop season. The motion was seconded by Selectman Schropfer and so voted 5-0.

Ms. Vanderhoef noted that the statistics are based on pickup amounts. She noted that these statistics show cost per passenger. Selectman Sandblom noted that the program can only get better. Selectman Schropfer noted that when the bus “flexes” it becomes later for stops, and suggested that it be more timely. Selectman Schropfer also noted that the high school stop should be a four-town expense as it is a regional school.

Ms. Vanderhoef also noted a pamphlet in the packets regarding a beach nourishment seminar. She noted that it should be both a public and private cooperative effort to replenish our beaches.

Ms. Vanderhoef noted that she had received the actual numbers from Cape Cod Tech and the health insurance and noted the Cape Cod Tech number has lowered, while the health insurance stayed virtually the same. She noted that some cash will be placed in the stabilization fund. Ms. Vanderhoef noted that she will present policies in the budget development to the Board.

Selectman Schropfer made a motion to approve the Greenhead Fly Control article for the Town Meeting Warrant. The motion was seconded by Selectman McDonald and so voted 5-0.

Selectman Sandblom made a motion to approve the Nauset Regional School District fund calculation formula for the Town Meeting Warrant. The motion was seconded by Selectman Schropfer and so voted 5-0.

Selectman Schropfer made a motion to approve the Community Preservation Fund usage to restore the Swift Daley House article for the Town Meeting Warrant. The motion was seconded by Selectman Collins and so voted 5-0.

Selectman Collins made a motion to approve the Community Preservation Fund usage to restore the Town Clerk’s Vital Records article for the Town Meeting Warrant. The motion was seconded by Selectman Sandblom and so voted 5-0.

Selectman Schropfer made a motion to approve the Community Preservation Fund usage for the Gravestone Conservation Project article for the Town Meeting Warrant. The motion was seconded by Selectman Collins and so voted 5-0.

Selectman Schropfer made a motion to approve the Community Preservation Fund usage for restoration of the Seabury-Sparrow House article for the Town Meeting Warrant. The motion was seconded by Selectman Collins and so voted 4-1.

Selectman Schropfer made a motion to approve the Community Preservation Fund usage for the Eastham Elementary School Playground article for the Town Meeting Warrant. The motion was seconded by Selectman Sandblom and so voted 4-0-1.

Selectman Collins made a motion to approve the Community Preservation Funds for the Wiley Park – Great Pond Connection Bridge project article for the Town Meeting Warrant. The motion was seconded by Selectman McDonald and so voted 3-2.

Selectman Schropfer made a motion to approve the FY08 operating budget known as Article 12 for the Town Meeting Warrant. The motion was seconded by Selectman Sandblom and so voted 5-0.

Selectman Collins made a motion to approve the FY 08 capital acquisition known as Article 13 for the Town Meeting Warrant. The motion was seconded by Selectman Sandblom and so voted 5-0.

Selectman Schropfer made a motion to approve the 5-year capital improvements known as Article 14 for the Town Meeting Warrant. The motion was seconded by Selectman Collins and so voted 5-0.

Selectman McDonald made a motion to approve the Community Preservation Fund usage for the North Eastham Village Center Concept article for the Town Meeting Warrant. The motion was seconded by Selectman Schropfer and so voted 4-0-1.

Selectman Schropfer made a motion to approve the Community Preservation Fund usage for administrative expenses article for the Town Meeting Warrant. The motion was seconded by Selectman McDonald and so voted 5-0.

Selectman Collins made a motion to approve the estimated community preservation revenue appropriations article for the Town Meeting Warrant. The motion was seconded by Selectman Schropfer and so voted 5-0.

Selectman Schropfer made a motion to approve the COA Adult Day Center revolving account article for the Town Meeting Warrant. The motion was seconded by Selectman McDonald and so voted 5-0.

Selectman Collins made a motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Selectman Sandblom. Selectman Burt, yes; Selectman Collins, yes; Selectman Sandblom, yes; Selectman McDonald, yes; Selectman Schropfer, yes.