Minutes
Board of Selectmen
Regular Session
Monday February 5, 2007 – 6:30 p.m.
Earle Mountain Room, Eastham Town Hall
PRESENT: Linda Burt, Chair
Kenelm Collins, Vice Chair
Russell Sandblom, Clerk
Martin McDonald
David Schropfer
Sheila Vanderhoef, Town Administrator
Selectman Burt called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m.
Public Information
There is no public information at this time.
6:34 Nauset Together We Can Funding
Ms. Vanderhoef noted that the third quarter billing had been received and would like the Board’s direction on what they would like to do. Selectman Burt questioned Mr. Louis Bryan, Executive Director, on where they are operating, available staff, and operations.
Mr. Bryan responded that they are operating out of the Martial Arts Studio in Orleans, with limited Friday and Saturday night hours. He also noted that they currently have workshops with Independence House and a few members on the Youth Congress. Mr. Bryan noted that they are looking for another location in order to expand programming with a larger facility.
Selectman Burt suggested meeting with the Director, as she is more involved with daily affairs. Selectman Burt also noted that the question has always been the number of Eastham children that participate in the Juice Bar and its programs. Selectman Sandblom questioned Mr. Bryan if the director has regular office hours. Mr. Bryan responded that she does not have office hours at the Studio, but does most of her work from home. Selectman Schropfer questioned if she is present on Friday and Saturday nights. Mr. Bryan responded that she is there on Saturday, but not on Friday. Mr. Bryan also noted that the new policy has an age limit, and kids are not allowed to leave and reenter the building.
The Board decided to hold this issue until they can meet with the Director.
6:50 Cape Cod Commission 21st Century Task Force
On hand to discuss the task force are Margo Fenn, Cape Cod Commission, Elizabeth Taylor, Cape Cod Commission, and Joy Brookshire, Eastham Representative to the Cape Cod Commission. Ms. Fenn noted that there were approximately thirty issues that were given to the Task Force by a steering committee. She noted that the four major areas that will be addresses are: 1) Changes in Regulation; 2) Changes in Policy; 3) Internal Issues; 4) Resources Needed. Ms. Fenn noted the Task Force will be working with regional and local comprehensive plans to make them more localized; they will be working with the RDRI thresholds; mitigation structure will be addresses; more joint hearings will be conducted with local boards; they would like to more limit the DRI review scope.
Selectman Sandblom questioned if the current wind turbine and North Eastham Village Center projects need to go before the commission. Ms. Fenn responded that there is currently no threshold for the turbines, making it a discretionary referral only. Selectman Sandblom noted that some growth is restricted by the Commission, limiting the amount of work available in an area. Ms. Fenn responded that those issues were discussed and asked for input on what the Town’s needs are.
Selectman McDonald questioned why the majority report differed so much from the minority report. Ms. Fenn responded that many of the issues did not have majority support, but did have minority support. She also noted that many of the minority issues will be addresses in the majority report.
Selectman Schropfer noted that local issues should be handled by the local boards. He then read a section from the report that was against retail development. Ms. Fenn responded that the Task Force would like to see more economic centers rather than economic sprawl. Selectman Schropfer then noted that there is a need for more definition in the economic development section.
Selectman Sandblom questioned where the mitigation fees go once they are collected. Ms. Fenn responded that the funds are held by the county, with the Town having access to the funds for use for the project that incurred the fees.
7:33 League of Women Voters
Ms. Jari Rappaport noted that there will be a candidate’s forum to inform citizens on February 16, 2007 by their non-partisan group. She noted that many candidates go uncontested and they are trying to get more citizens involved and interested in running for office. Selectman Schropfer noted the office terms that will be up for reelection this year in Eastham
7:40 Citizens for Homeowners Reform
Ms. Paula Aschettino is asking the Board of Selectmen for their support of the Citizens for Homeowners Insurance Reform. She noted that they are a grassroots group who aim to change the current practices surrounding homeowners insurance. Ms. Aschettino noted that their group has been traveling the cape for “coffee and chat” to meet with residents. She also noted that their group is looking for a legislation change, not just an easy fix to the problem. Selectman Schropfer noted that he has contacted our state representative, Sarah Peake, and noted she is very interested in this cause.
Selectman Schropfer made a motion that the Town of Eastham support the initiative for positive change to the present unfair insurance practices and that the Town of Eastham support the Citizens for Homeowners Insurance Reform in their efforts to bring about insurance reform for homeowners. The motion was seconded by Selectman McDonald and so voted 5-0.
7:50 Hotel/Motel Tax
Ms. Vanderhoef noted she received a letter from a citizen questioning the Board’s support of the tax, however, upon further research, the Board did vote to support the tax. Selectman Burt noted that they supported it if 100% of the tax came back to the Town. Selectman Sandblom questioned what the return from the state was and which businesses paid what amount. Ms. Vanderhoef noted that the State would not release that information.
7:53 2010 Census Information
Ms. Vanderhoef noted that the Secretary of the Commonwealth, Mr. William Francis Galvin, is asking the Town to provide his office with some contact information when compiling the 2010 census.
Selectman Collins made a motion to notify Mr. Galvin that the Town Clerk’s office be the 2010 census contact. The motion was seconded by Selectman Schropfer and so voted 5-0.
8:55 Artisan’s Guild Sign Application
Ms. Vanderhoef noted that the applications are for numerous dates during the summer. She also noted that the group is from Orleans and the event that is to be advertised is exclusively in Orleans. Selectman McDonald noted that the spot in front of Town Hall should be reserved for Eastham activities, but there is no reason their sign cannot go in front of the information booth. Ms. Vanderhoef noted that if these dates are approved, no other signs will be allowed up on those dates.
Selectman Schropfer suggested limiting the signs to the information booth and to only allow them to use the Town Hall if another Eastham event does not have the area.
Ms. Vanderhoef noted that the applications will be approved on a rolling basis as the dates approach.
8:05 Ambulance Abatements
Ms. Vanderhoef noted that the abatements will be done quarterly. She informed the Board that the reasons for non-payment are listed on the information pages. Ms. Vanderhoef noted that the rates are based on the type of transportation.
Selectman Schropfer made a motion to accept the ambulance abatements as presented. The motion was seconded by Selectmen Collins and so voted 5-0.
8:07 Lien Release
Selectman Schropfer made a motion to release the lien at Lot 17, 19 Sandy Meadow Way, Eastham. The motion was seconded by Selectman Collins and so voted 5-0.
8:10 Land Acquisition and Maintenance Funds Usage
Ms. Vanderhoef informed the Board that the new legislation that has been passed requires a Town Meeting vote of approval for use of the funds. She noted that a letter will be sent to the Statehouse asking for clarification and to the involved parties noting that the funds cannot be used for the Wiley Park Bridge project.
8:12 Minutes
Selectman Schropfer made a motion to approve the minutes of the Monday, January 8, 2007 regular session meeting. The motion was seconded by Selectmen Collins and so voted 4-0-1; Selectman Sandblom abstained, as he was not present at the meeting.
Selectman Collins made a motion to approve the minutes of the Tuesday, January 16, 2007 regular session meeting. The motion was seconded by Selectman Schropfer and so voted 5-0.
8:15 Budget Adoption
Ms. Vanderhoef noted that there were minor changes in the budget based on the Board’s review. She noted that the primary change was due to changes in the elementary school budget. Ms. Vanderhoef noted that the FY 08 budget is 11.7% over FY 07, mainly due to the debt payments on the elementary school construction. Ms. Vanderhoef noted that the FY09 and FY10 budgets might run a deficit. She also noted that the current numbers for the Cape Cod Tech and insurance fees are questionable, as the final numbers have not been received yet.
Selectman Collins made a motion to accept the FY08 budget as presented by Ms. Vanderhoef. The motion was seconded by Selectman McDonald and so voted 5-0.
8:25 New Business
Selectman Schropfer noted that he has drafted a warrant article pertaining to the town’s Search Committee. He explained that draft A would remove the requirement from the charter, and replace that with a Town By-law. He also explained that draft B would authorize a temporary committee be assembled in the absence of a permanent committee. Selectman Burt noted that these drafts will need to go to Town Counsel to be reviewed first. Selectman McDonald noted that the warrant should just address removal from the charter, it does not need to mention what will replace the requirement.
8:30 Administrator’s Report
Ms. Vanderhoef noted that the last day to file nomination papers for elected office is Tuesday, March 27 at 5:00 p.m.
Ms. Vanderhoef questioned who is interested in attending the Cape Cod Selectmen and Counselor’s Association meeting. Selectman Sandblom and Selectman McDonald expressed interest.
Ms. Vanderhoef noted the Representative Peake met with her on Friday and informed her that there would be no new money, and that the formula for lottery and education reform money is being changed.
Ms. Vanderhoef informed the Board that the math has been done for the water system, the study has been done, and they have received grant money for the project, however, she is still trying to obtain more money to cover the cost of the project. She noted that the current statute allows the planning debt to be scheduled over thirty years and the piping over forty years.
Selectman Burt noted that there will be an Eastham Energy Committee meeting Friday, February 9, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. at Town Hall where they will be discussing the wind turbines.
8:37
Selectman Collins made a motion to continue the regular public meeting until Wednesday, February 7, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. The motion was seconded by Selectman Schropfer. Selectman Burt, yes; Selectman Collins, yes; Selectman Sandblom, yes; Selectman McDonald, yes; Selectman Schropfer, yes.
Respectfully Submitted,
Krystal M. Boyd
Minutes
Board of Selectmen
Wednesday, February 7, 2007
Work Session – 2:00 p.m.
Eastham Town Hall
Continuation of February 5, 2007 Meeting
PRESENT: Linda Burt, Chair
Kenelm Collins, Vice Chair
Russell Sandblom, Clerk
Martin McDonald
David Schropfer
Sheila Vanderhoef, Town Administrator
Selectman Burt reconvened the meeting from Monday, February 5, 2007 at 2:10 p.m.
Jenifer Dibble, Juice Bar Director, is present to answer questions that could not be answered Monday night.
Selectman Burt asked if she had gone to Brewster, Orleans, and Wellfleet to ask for funding. Ms. Dibble responded that she has not. Ms. Dibble also noted that these children mainly attend on concert nights, and they are required to pay to enter. Selectman Collins asked if they were paying any money to the martial arts studio for use of their space. Ms. Dibble responded that they pay utilities.
Ms. Dibble noted that Victoria Hatch works in the evenings when she is not available. Selectman Collins questioned how many hours Ms. Dibble works. Ms. Dibble responded that because of bookkeeping and such, she works well over the contracted 30 hours. She noted that when they lost their space, she moved everything to her home office and began a without wall program, sponsoring nights such as bowling and mini-golf.
Selectman McDonald questioned how often the Board of Directors meet and if they have recorded minutes. Ms. Dibble responded that they meet at least once a month and do have recorded minutes. Selectman Schropfer questioned if the Friday night concerts are still limited to age and residency. Ms. Dibble responded that they are limited by age, but not by town. She noted that the old policy was any age and the children could come and go as they pleased, however, the policy has changed to limit ages and refuse come and go. She noted that the new policy is if you leave, you are not allowed back in. She also noted that the line to get in is also supervised. Selectman Schropfer questioned if this policy is only for the concert nights. Ms. Dibble responded that it is because the group
during the week is much smaller and manageable.
Selectman Burt noted that next year the group will need to go through the human services group.
Selectman Schropfer made a motion to adjourn the Monday, February 5, 2007 Meeting. The motion was seconded by Selectman Collins. Selectman Burt, yes; Selectman Collins, yes; Selectman Sandblom, yes; Selectman McDonald, yes; Selectman Schropfer, yes.
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