Town of Eastham MA - Selectmen's Meeting Minutes 03/21/07

Selectman Schropfer suggested adding a clause about using vehicles as signs. Ms. Vanderhoef noted that would qualify as an outdoor display or merchandise and would not fall under the sign regulation. Selectman Sandblom noted that the vehicle is not an abuse of the sign regulations, and adding a clause would appear anti-business. Selectman Burt suggested that if a vehicle is used excessively, then the Board could act. Ms. Vanderhoef noted that this will entirely replace the existing sign code. The Board agreed to hold the vote until April 2, 2007.

Selectman Schropfer made a motion to recommend the taking of Limerick Way/Galway Lane taking as a public road for inclusion on the annual town meeting warrant. The motion was seconded by Selectman Collins and so voted 5-0.

Selectman Schropfer made a motion to recommend the petitioned commercial wind turbine zoning by-law for inclusion on the Annual Town Meeting Warrant, for discussion purposes only. The motion was seconded by Selectman Sandblom and so voted 0-5.

Selectman McDonald made a motion to recommend the petitioned change to the animal control by-law for inclusion on the Annual Town Meeting Warrant. The motion was seconded by Selectman Collins and so voted 5-0.

Ms. Vanderhoef noted that the zoning by-laws need a 2/3 vote to pass. Selectman McDonald noted that there are still many unanswered questions and a number of residents who are upset by this. He also noted that the Energy Committee is still in the process of conducting studies. Selectman Schropfer noted that section 4.2 implies confiscation of the right to build within a property line. Selectman McDonald noted that this is a by-law, which is not location specific. Selectman Schropfer would like a clarification on the property limitations before making a decision. Ms. Vanderhoef noted that the Selectmen should feel comfortable with this article before recommending it, and suggested holding the vote until April 2, 2007.

Ms. Vanderhoef also noted that it may not take property if people are able to build under the turbine. Selectman Schropfer suggested adding into section 4.2 “appointing authority may consider additional setbacks if a hardship will exist on current properties”. Carol Martin, citizen, questioned if an amendment is made at this stage if the article will go back to the Planning Board for another public hearing or if that is how it will appear on the warrant. Selectman Schropfer noted that the Planning Board is holding a public hearing on the article Monday.

Selectman Schropfer made a motion to recommend the commercial wind turbine zoning by-law for inclusion on the Annual Town Meeting Warrant. The motion was seconded by Selectman Collins and so voted 5-0.

Selectman Burt suggested that this group go to the Human Services Advisory Committee next year. She also noted that we will still require quarterly reports, and suggested the Juice Bar also ask other towns for funding.

Selectman Schropfer made a motion to recommend the funding for the Juice Bar for inclusion on the Annual Town Meeting Warrant. The motion was seconded by Selectman Sandblom and so voted 5-0.

Selectman Schropfer made a motion to recommend the appropriation of funds from the hotel/motel excise tax account into the Visitor’s Tourism and Promotion Services Board account for inclusion on the Annual Town Meeting Warrant. The motion was seconded by Selectman Sandblom and so voted 5-0.

Selectman Sandblom made a motion to recommend the transfer of $50,000 into the stabilization fund for inclusion on the Annual Town Meeting Warrant. The motion was seconded by Selectman McDonald and so voted 5-0.

Selectman Sandblom made a motion to recommend the usage of $12,000 to support operations of the Chamber of Commerce Information Booth for inclusion on the Annual Town Meeting Warrant. The motion was seconded by Selectman McDonald and so voted 5-0.

Selectman Schropfer made a motion to recommend the disposal of the property at 325 Camplground Road for inclusion on the Annual Town Meeting Warrant. The motion was seconded by Selectman Collins and so voted 5-0.

Ms. Vanderhoef noted that this article would change the zoning of the land from general municipal land to general municipal land available for land leasing. Carol Martin, citizen, questioned if the seashore has any regulations for use on their property. Ms. Vanderhoef responded that they encourage a zoning by-law. She noted that they may object to the project, but cannot stop it. Ms. Vanderhoef noted that the article is virtually the same as last year, but changes the district zoning from H to G.

Selectman Burt questioned how this compared to Harvard Pilgrim or Blue Cross. Joan Plante, Treasurer, responded that it is completely comparable. She noted that all the retirees are currently on Medicare and MedEx, however, they can remain on the town policy if they choose. Ms. Vanderhoef noted that this will only apply to employees who are eligible for Medicare.

Selectman Schropfer made a motion to recommend the mandatory enrollment in Medicare of retired town employees for inclusion on the Annual Town Meeting Warrant. The motion was seconded by Selectman Sandblom and so voted 5-0.

Selectman McDonald made a motion to approve the proposed salary increases for inclusion on the annual town meeting warrant. The motion was seconded by Selectman Collins and so voted 5-0.

Selectman McDonald noted that the Board should develop a policy regarding memorial, in case the neighborly solution does not work out. Ms. Vanderhoef noted that the Board needs to consider enforcement in development of the policy. Selectman Burt noted that it will be developed at a future meeting.

Selectman Schropfer made a motion to see if the Town will vote, pursuant to G.L. c.43B Section 10(a), to amend the Town Charter by deleting the text of Section 9-5-1, Search Committee, in its entirety, or take any action relative thereto. The motion was seconded by Selectman Collins and so voted 5-0.

Selectman Schropfer made a motion to adjourn into executive session for the purpose of litigation and contract negotiation strategy, not to return to public session. The motion was seconded by Selectman Collins. Selectman Burt, yes; Selectman Collins, yes; Selectman Sandblom, yes; Selectman McDonald, yes; Selectman Schropfer, yes.