Minutes
Board of Selectmen
Wednesday, September 19, 2007 – 2:30 p.m.
Work Session
Location: Eastham Town Hall
Present: Linda Burt, Chair
Martin McDonald, Vice Chair
David Schropfer, Clerk
Kenelm Collins
Carol Martin
Also: Sheila Vanderhoef, Town Administrator
Selectman Burt called the meeting to order at 2:30 p.m.
Jane Crowley, Health Agent, questioned if the Board had anymore questions on the water packet.
2:35 Cable Television Contract
Larry Greely updated the Board that four towns to date have voted to support the Lower Cape Access Group. Mr. Greely added that obtaining the community center in Yarmouth will be key. He added that the live channel can be activated when Eastham obtains all the equipment that is needed. Mr. Greely noted that the Town can pick a designee, who can then act on certain issues. Selectman Schropfer questioned the role of the designee. Mr. Greely responded that the designee is appointed by the Selectmen and a letter would go to Comcast informing them of this contact person. Selectman Schropfer then questioned if it should be Mr. Greely himself. Mr. Greely replied that he is familiar with the contract and the circumstances surrounding it. He added that a letter should go to Comcast
requesting the non-compliance items.
Ms. Vanderhoef redirected the Board to address two separate issues: signing on with the lower cape group and the Comcast contract. She suggested having the cable television committee be the designee to Comcast. Selectman Martin questioned how active Attorney Epstein is and how long he’s been working with the Town. Ms. Vanderhoef responded that he has been going back and forth with Comcast, adding that the Town does not have sufficient funds to manage two channels (governmental and educational). Selectman Martin questioned the legality of Comcast’s actions. Ms. Vanderhoef responded that the Department of Telecommunications and Energy is aware of the problem and all actions have been lawful.
Ms. Vanderhoef added that the Lower Cape group is not part of the Comcast negotiations, but the aim is to get on the same expiration term as the other towns.
Selectman Schropfer made a motion that states the Town of Eastham will cooperate with the other four towns in the Lower Cape Public Access Regionalization group. The motion was seconded by Selectman Martin and so voted 5-0.
3:05 Funds Transfer – Timothy Smith Funds
Selectman Collins questioned what replenishes the “needy fund” as it is spent on human services. Joan Plante, Treasurer, responded that it is by interest and money transfers. Ms. Vanderhoef added that the money is requested and paid, and usually replenished with Timothy Smith loan money. Selectman Burt questioned what happened to the Juice Bar funding. Ms. Vanderhoef responded that is was returned to the General fund. Selectman Martin asked for a recommendation on an appropriate amount to move into the fund. Ms. Vanderhoef responded that the $5,000 that was moved last transfer, lasted for a long while. Selectman Martin questioned if Outer Cape Health will be in the budget this year. Selectman Schropfer noted that their request is to be forwarded to the Human
Services Committee this year.
Selectman Martin made a motion to move $5,000 from the Student Loan Fund into the Timothy Smith Needy Fund. The motion was seconded by Selectman Schropfer and so voted 5-0.
3:15 Timothy Smith Loans
Ms. Plante suggested offering a principal only payment acceptance for those loans that are past due. Ms. Vanderhoef added that the auditors want a policy and the books cleaned up dealing with these past due loans. Ms. Plante informed the Board that she has obtained a new program to track and monitor the loans, as well as include a collection method for the loans. Selectman Martin suggested reviewing the loan information without the names, as is the policy with the ambulance abatements. Ms. Plante noted that the loans need to follow rules/policy and not be based on individual loans. Ms. Vanderhoef also noted that the Board has a different obligation as a trustee to the fund, and that they need to develop a policy, based on external factors. Selectman Burt suggested addressing this policy
at a later date.
3:20 Health Connector
Ms. Plante is requesting the Board to sign in effect a new Section 125 Cafeteria Plan for the Town’s health insurance. Selectman Martin questioned if we are sending certified letters to inform retirees of the change. Ms. Plante responded that it is included in their check. Ms. Vanderhoef informed the Board that this vote establishes the plan, which is required by law.
3:30 Other Business
Selectman Martin questioned when the Board will discuss the process for Town Meeting. Ms. Vanderhoef responded that Gwen Pelletier, Moderator, liked the idea of an expert panel to address questions. She added that there will be two microphones, one in proposition and one in opposition. Ms. Vanderhoef added that the Board needs to decide how the Town Meeting will be ultimately run, suggesting that questions would be better answered from the Selectmen, Water Resources Board, Jane Crowley (Health Agent) and Ms. Vanderhoef rather than the consultants. Selectman Martin suggested that the consultants are there and available to answer questions. Ms. Vanderhoef responded that both Environmental Partners and Stearns and Wheeler will be at the meeting.
Selectman Martin suggested stressing how widespread the problem is. Selectman McDonald suggested meeting on Monday to discuss who will be on the panel and what kinds of changes will be made to the presentation. Selectman Martin suggested including someone from the Planning Board to be on the panel to address planning and zoning issues. Ms. Vanderhoef noted that the panel will tentatively consist of a WRAB representative, the Health Agent, a member of Environmental Partners and a member from Stearns and Wheeler.
3:47 Adjournment
Selectman Schropfer made a motion to adjourn into Executive Session for the purpose of litigation and contract negotiation, and not to return to Public Session. The motion was seconded by Selectman Collins. Selectman Burt, yes; Selectman McDonald, yes; Selectman Schropfer, yes; Selectman Collins, yes; Selectman Martin, yes.
Respectfully Submitted,
Krystal M. Boyd
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