Town of Eastham MA - Selectmen's Meeting Minutes 04/18/07

Selectman Schropfer noted that he had recently attended a PACE Committee meeting, where the issue of accessibility in private homes was discussed. He noted it was a very informational meeting about what people can do in their own homes to help those with disabilities manage. Selectman Schropfer also noted that he recently attended a flex bus meeting, citing that Eastham covers the largest portion of the cost for the service. He also noted that the group is going to look at different cost assignment formulas, all of which lower the cost to Eastham.

Selectman McDonald noted that there is a water presentation summary in the packets, and informed the Board that it is possible to get the presentation in town. He noted that he would try and schedule something.

Ms. Vanderhoef informed the Board that she got a call regarding the memorial at Samoset and Herringbrook Road. She noted that she has asked Mr. Hill and Willow Shire, neighbor, to come in and give the Selectmen an update. Ms. Shire noted that she has had several meeting with Mr. Hill, trying to help move him from an angry memorial to a more appropriate and joyous memorial for both the family and the neighbors in the area. She informed the Board that the group had found an organization in Hyannis called the Duffy Center, which deals with depression. The group had collected about $1000 for a memorial fund, but Mr. Hill requested that they refund all the money and forget about the memorial.

Linda Burt noted that a private citizen had taken the memorial down and turned it into the police station, also noting that Mr. Hill replaced the memorial as soon as he retrieved the removed items. Selectman McDonald noted that private citizens removing these memorials cannot continue, and noted that the Board needs to make a policy on the issue.

Selectman Burt questioned a possible date for removal. Selectman Schropfer suggested removal by Monday. Selectman McDonald noted that giving him 30 days to remove it is reasonable. Selectman Burt noted that people will be using the beaches in the near weeks, and there will be many questions about the purpose of the memorial. Selectman Schropfer suggested a two week removal time. Ms. Shire noted that Mr. Hill will not be happy with any length of time, also noting that the memorial has been up for six months, which is long enough. Selectman Burt noted that the 30-day removal is acceptable.

Selectman McDonald made a motion to require Mr. Gerard Hill to remove the memorial on the corner or Samoset and Herringbrook Road by May 18, 2007. The motion was seconded by Selectman Schropfer and so voted 3-0.

Matthew Hunt, Sullivan & Rodgers, noted the results in the Financial Summary. He summarized the findings of the audit and explained changes in the Government Funds. Selectman Schropfer questioned what affect an increase in the stabilization fund would have. Mr. Hunt responded it is just moving cash from one location to another.

Chris Rodgers, Sullivan & Rodgers, noted that the company has received a letter regarding the auditing standards requiring a more stringent review of internal controls. He noted that this is one reason the Town should have a policies and procedure manual. Selectman McDonald questioned getting a copy of the auditing procedure and standards. Mr. Rodgers noted that it is possible if he would like. He noted that these are low-level recommendations.

“In accordance with Section 6-5 of the Town of Eastham Home Rule Charter, the Board of Selectman and Finance Committee will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, April 18, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. on the FY 09 – FY 13 Five Year Capital Improvement Plan. The plan includes vehicles, technology replacements and improvements. New this year is a harbor improvement project for FY 13, generator replacement at the Council on Aging and $120,000 for planned road improvement. All amounts and items shown in said capital improvement plan are estimates and are subject to review, refinement, additions, and deletions at each annual town meeting where the plan is authorized. The plan outlines capital acquisitions in all town departments and the elementary school. Copies of the plan are available for inspection at Town Hall, Mon. – Fri. 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.”

“In accordance with Section 6-2-2 of the Town of Eastham Home Rule Charter, the Finance Committee shall hold a public hearing on Wednesday, April 18, 2007 at 7:15 p.m. on the FY 08 Operating Budget at the Eastham Town Hall, Earle Mountain Room, 2500 State Highway, Eastham, MA. 02642.”

Selectman Schropfer wanted to inform that public that the Board has met with the group of abutters to the turbine project, and both groups will be indefinitely postponing their articles at town meeting. Ms. Cannon questioned what would happen if the abutters do not remove their article at town meeting. Ms. Radke noted that anyone on the floor can move for indefinite proposal.

Selectman McDonald noted concern for what he felt was editorializing in the report of the Finance Committee. Norman Newell, Finance Committee, noted that they were trying to discuss the various issues in town. Mr. Knight noted that the only budget items that the school had cut were the related to the needs of the children. He noted that they will be more involved in the budget process earlier in the future to try and prevent these cuts. Mr. Knight also noted that trying to keep budgets within a certain percentage is very difficult due to the nature of the increased enrollment of students with special needs.

Selectman Burt began to read through the articles, asking if anyone had questions. At article 19 Ms. Vanderhoef noted that at the information on the municipal water system, people were mostly looking for answers to various questions. She suggested having another presentation May 2 in the late afternoon so that more people are available to attend.

Selectman Burt continued through the warrant. At article 21 John Knox, citizen, questioned if this meets the state historic standards, and if an opinion had been sought from the Attorney General’s office. Ms. Vanderhoef responded that it has been approved in the past.

Selectman Burt continued through the warrant. Selectman McDonald took over questioning at article 26. There were no questions on the remainder of the warrant. Ms. Vanderhoef reminded the Board and the public that the municipal water question is two parts. She noted that both the article and the ballot question need to pass to go forward with the project.

Ms. Vanderhoef noted that she had added a possible configuration for the Ad-Hoc committee regarding the commercial turbine zoning. Selectman McDonald suggested forming the group before town meeting to show that the Board is acting in good faith. Selectman Schropfer noted that setting a number of meetings is difficult, but placing a date for a written conclusion would be more acceptable. Ms. Vanderhoef noted that something will be placed in the paper and appointments will be made at the May 2, 2007 meeting. She also noted that the Selectmen will make all the appointments as its an Ad-Hoc committee.

Selectman McDonald made a motion to appoint an Ad-Hoc committee to develop a zoning by-law for commercial wind turbine development in the Town of Eastham. The motion was seconded by Selectman Schropfer and so voted 3-0.

Ms. Vanderhoef noted that the visitability policy mentioned earlier by Selectman Schropfer is included in the packets for the Selectmen to view. She noted that this information can be included in a packet given to people obtaining a building permit.

Ms. Vanderhoef noted that she received a letter from the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative stating they will continue to provide funds up to $150 thousand for the commericial wind turbine project. She noted that the letter is not site specific. Brian Eastman, Energy Committee Chair, noted that the committee has the money earmarked for title searches and other expenses. Mr. Eastman also noted that the flicker study is complete and will be on the website, and the noise study will be completed soon, with some money coming out of this fund to help pay for it.