Minutes
Board of Selectmen
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Regular Session – 4:00 p.m.
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 4:05 p.m.
Public/Selectmen’s Information
Selectman Sandblom noted that the stairs at Nauset Light Beach should be complete in approximately two weeks.
Fred Fenlon, citizen, noted that the students at the Elementary School have won the NEEDS energy award again and will be traveling to Washington, D.C. to receive the award.
4:10 Municipal Water Presentation
Jane Crowley, Health Agent, presented a power point slide show, as attached. The slide show outlined the role of the Town’s Health Department.
Dr. Karl Weiss, Water Resources Advisory Board Chair, began his power point slide show as attached. He noted that the map illustrates how the ponds, streams, and groundwater are connected and feed each other. He also noted that as usage increases more water is converted into wastewater. Dr. Weiss noted that the water quality is measured by nitrates because the nitrates are a good overall measure of water quality. He noted that within a three-year period, the percentage of the town with high nitrates has almost doubled. Mr. Weiss noted that the cost of installing a water treatment facility is much more than the cost of town wide water. He also addressed the issue of development by noting that the town can decide the impact of development by making a change in the zoning by-laws. Dr.
Weiss noted that the annual cost of the system will be approximately $200.
Mark White, Environmental Partners, began his power point slide show as attached. He noted that the group determined the peak water need was one million gallons per day, with the well yield being based on its ability to sustain itself. He noted that the Orleans or Marconi system are possible supplemental contributors, if needed. He noted that they plan to permit the project once, with phased approvals in order to minimize the impact to people living in town.
Selectman Schropfer noted there is a question on the impact of municipal water on development, specifically; his concern was if the town accepted state funds, we would not be allowed greater density. He also noted concern regarding hiring a water manager for the system, and suggested sharing a water system manager with other towns.
Ms. Vanderhoef spoke to the issue of financing. She noted that the town will bond the project over several years, with phased bond issuances. She also noted that it will be the same method of bond issuance as prior projects. Ms. Vanderhoef noted what each bond issuance will fund:
· 1st Issuance: Permitting and Planning
· 2nd Issuance: Water Towers and Initial Service (Commercial)
· 3rd Issuance: Water Hookups
· 4th Issuance: Hookups
· 5th Issuance: Hookups
· 6th Issuance: Final Hookups
Ms. Vanderhoef noted that after all the debt is issued, the highest expense per taxpayer will be $203 each year, for a median valued house. She noted that this schedule does not include low-interest loans or grants.
A citizen in the audience noted that town will still need to deal with wastewater.
Selectman Collins left the meeting at 5:15 p.m.
Nate Weeks, Stearns and Wheeler, noted that the issue here is public health, adding that municipal water is lower cost and the first way to protect public health. Ms. Vanderhoef noted that every well is not contaminated, however, the public supply will be tested every month and protected. A citizen questioned approval of financing in phases rather than all at once. Ms. Vanderhoef noted that it would not benefit to approve the project in phases. She noted that the approved amount will be the maximum to spend, and if more is needed it will need to go before another town meeting. A citizen questioned if inflation was taken into account in the debt schedule. Ms. Vanderhoef replied that as it has not been done before, she did not include it this time.
Another citizen questioned security for the water source and buildings. Paul Gabriel, Environmental Partners, noted that the vast majority of development is on the bayside, while the system will be on the oceanside. He added that there will be a 400-foot radius around the well, with fences and cameras around the buildings. He also noted that the holding tanks are fenced, with the security costs being included in the bonds. A citizen questioned how many water towers there will be and what there locations will be. Ms. Vanderhoef noted that they will located near the well, with an anticipation of two towers.
5:40 Appointments to Ad-Hoc Commercial Wind Turbine Zoning By-Law Committee
For the at-large committee there are three applicants.
Doreen Cahill, citizen, noted that she has been involved with the town in various ways, and noted that this issue is very important to the town.
Tom Reilly, citizen, noted that he does not see this committee as time consuming as others. He also noted that he is in favor of things that help the environment, but is neutral on this subject.
Fred Fenlon, citizen, noted that he has been on several committees, and noted that the goal is to achieve a source of renewable energy in the coming months. He also noted that the by-law needs to be flexible enough to cover numerous town locations.
Selectman Sandblom questioned if Mr. Fenlon will be able to make the time commitment. Mr. Fenlon replied that as he is no longer on the Assembly of Delegates, he had the time. Selectman Sandblom questioned Mr. Reilly on what his experience has been working with groups. Mr. Reilly replied that the group sizes have differed, but noted he has an entrepreneurial spirit. Selectman McDonald noted that Mr. Fenlon has had opinions at past meeting and questioned this. Mr. Fenlon responded that he has had opinions at meetings in the past. Selectman McDonald noted that Mr. Fenlon has served the town well, but there may be a conflict with his serving on the Cape Light Compact. Selectman McDonald thanked Mr. Reilly for his interest, and questioned Ms. Cahill’s close proximity to the
potential North Eastham site.
Selectman Schropfer made a motion to appoint Mr. Tom Reilly to serve as the neutral party on the Ad-Hoc committee to develop a commercial wind turbine zoning by-law. The motion was seconded by Selectman Sandblom and so voted 4-0.
Selectman Schropfer made a motion to appoint Mr. Philip Hesse and Mr. Andrew Wells to serve as representatives from the petitioned group on the Ad-Hoc committee to develop a commercial wind turbine zoning by-law. The motion was seconded by Selectman Sandblom and so voted 4-0.
Selectman Schropfer made a motion to appoint Mr. Joseph Mistretta and Mr. Brian Eastman to serve as representatives from the Energy Committee on the Ad-Hoc committee to develop a commercial wind turbine zoning by-law. The motion was seconded by Selectman McDonald and so voted 4-0.
Selectman Schropfer made a motion to appoint Ms. Leslie Ann Morse and Mr. Craig Nightingale to serve as representatives from the Planning Board on the Ad-Hoc committee to develop a commercial wind turbine zoning by-law. The motion was seconded by Selectman Sandblom and so voted 4-0.
Selectman McDonald made a motion to appoint Mr. Tom Reilly as the chair to this committee. The motion was seconded by Selectman Schropfer and so voted 4-0.
6:05 Minutes
Selectman Schropfer made a motion to approve the minutes of the July 5, 2006 Work Session minutes. The motion was seconded by Selectman McDonald and so voted 4-0.
Selectman Sandblom made a motion to approve the minutes of the November 8, 2006 Work Session minutes. The motion was seconded by Selectman Schropfer and so voted 4-0.
Selectman Schropfer made a motion to approve the minutes of the December 6, 2006 Work Session meeting. The motion was seconded by Selectman McDonald and so voted 3-0-1; Selectman Sandblom abstained, as he was not present at the meeting.
Selectman Schropfer made a motion to approve the March 19, 2007 Regular Session minutes. The motion was seconded by Selectman Sandblom and so voted 4-0.
Selectman Schropfer made a motion to approve the April 4, 2007 Work Session Minutes. The motion was seconded by Selectman Sandblom and so voted 4-0.
Selectman Schropfer made a motion to approve the April 11, 2007 Regular Session minutes. The motion was seconded by Selectman McDonald and so voted 3-0-1; Selectman Sandblom abstained, as he was not present at the meeting.
Selectman Schropfer made a motion to approve the April 18, 2007 Regular Session Minutes. The motion was seconded by Selectman McDonald and so voted 3-0-1; Selectman Sandblom abstained, as he was not present at the meeting.
6:10 Warrant Article Motions
The list of motions was agreed on as follows:
1. To be moved by Selectman Burt
2. To be moved by Selectman Burt
3. To be moved by Selectman Schropfer
4. To be moved by Selectman McDonald
5. To be moved by Selectman Burt
6. To be moved by Selectman McDonald
7. To be moved by Selectman Sandblom
8. To be moved by Selectman Sandblom
9. To be moved by Selectman Schropfer
10. To be moved by Selectman McDonald
11. To be moved by Selectman Sandblom
12. To be moved by Selectman Burt
13. To be moved by Selectman Burt
14. To be moved by Selectman Burt
15. To be moved by Selectman Schropfer
16. To be moved by Selectman Burt
17. To be moved by Selectman Schropfer
18. To be moved by Selectman Sandblom
19. To be moved by Selectman McDonald
20. To be moved by Selectman Sandblom
21. To be moved by Selectman Schropfer
22. To be moved by Selectman McDonald
23. To be moved by Selectman Burt
24. To be moved by Selectman Burt
25. To be Moved by Selectman McDonald
26. To be moved by Selectman Sandblom
27. To be moved by Selectman Schropfer
28. To be moved by Selectman Schropfer
29. To be moved by Selectman McDonald
30. To be moved by Selectman Burt
31. To be moved by Selectman Sandblom
32. To be moved by Selectman Schropfer
33. To be moved by Selectman McDonald
34. To be moved by Selectman McDonald
35. To be moved by Selectman Burt
36. To be moved by Selectman Schropfer
37. To be moved by Selectman Sandblom
38. To be moved by Selectman McDonald
39. To be moved by Selectman Burt
6:17 Other Business
Selectman Schropfer noted that there will be 49 committee vacancies that need to be filled.
Selectman Schropfer made a motion to establish an ad-hoc search committee, with one appointment each from the Finance Committee, Moderator, and Board of Selectmen, to serve three-year overlapping terms, in accordance with Section 9-5-14 of the Eastham Home Rule Charter. The motion was seconded by Selectman Sandblom.
Selectman McDonald noted that this issue was not on the agenda and he is not prepared to address it tonight. Selectman Schropfer noted that he wanted something in place for voters when they went to town meeting. Selectman Burt noted that there needs to be a cutoff date for accepting committee applications. Carol, Martin, citizen, noted that this is a very big issue and should be held to a Monday night meeting so people are better informed of what is being done. Selectman Schropfer noted that this meeting is being taped and will be aired on television, and comments can be brought up at town meeting.
Selectman Schropfer withdrew his motion and Selectman Sandblom withdrew his second.
6:25 Administrator’s Report
Ms. Vanderhoef asked the Board what their feelings are on Transfer Station Campaigning. Selectman Burt noted that by the Swap Shop would be a good location as long as the candidates are not in the way. Selectman Sandblom suggested designating an area for people to approach the candidates to help eliminate confusion. Ms. Vanderhoef questioned if the staff would be empowered to make changes if needed. Selectman Burt responded yes. Aimee Eckman, citizen, noted that this policy should be in writing so candidates have the information when they take out their papers.
Carol Martin, candidate, noted that she has no strong feelings, as long as it’s a mutual agreement.
Ms. Vanderhoef noted that the draft motions for town meeting will be brought to the Board on Friday night.
6:35
Selectman McDonald made a motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Selectman Schropfer. Selectman Burt, yes; Selectman Sandblom, yes; Selectman McDonald, yes; Selectman Schropfer, yes.
Respectfully Submitted,
Krystal M. Boyd
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