Town of Eastham MA - Selectmen's Meeting Minutes 08/08/07

Ms. Vanderhoef informed the Board that the goal today is to answer the questions aimed for the Board and finalize the pamphlet for the Special Town Meeting. She added that these will be used in conjunction with regularly scheduled informational meetings for the public.

Selectman Schropfer suggested placing the benefits to the town in the beginning of the pamphlet. He suggested placing question three (3) in the position of question one (1), as well as adding the degradation of wells in chart form. Selectman Collins noted that this pamphlet should show the long range benefits to the Town, noting that the expense of the project increases dramatically for every year it is delayed. Ms. Vanderhoef noted that question three (3) can be expanded to include information about property resale value.

Selectman Martin noted that this pamphlet is very good, adding that it is an informational piece that builds on what was learned in May. She also noted that the length is good, as people will be less inclined to read it if it is longer. Selectman Schropfer noted that some answers are lengthier than needed and added that question five (5) should be limited to state the zoning by-law and the state statutes.

Ms. Vanderhoef suggested that another fold can be added to the pamphlet to create to make more room for information. Selectman Schropfer questioned if the information is from the Selectmen or the Water Resources Advisory Board (WRAB). Ms. Vanderhoef responded that it’s from the Selectmen as they need to be the primary supporters of the water system.

Selectman McDonald noted that the amount that septic systems account for the problem should be removed. Selectman Martin added that it does point out alternative systems to that of septic. Selectman Burt suggested making question 1 into two questions. Selectman Schropfer suggested “is there a plan for wastewater” as being the second part of the question.

Selectman Schropfer noted that there are other systems such as reverse osmosis. Ms. Vanderhoef noted that people can get other filtration systems which as usually placed on the drinking water supply, but added there are systems that can filter the entire supply of water to the house. Selectman Burt added that plumbers and pumpers won’t get the business that they used to.

Selectman Schropfer noted that this response includes the tax and insurance advantage. Selectman Martin suggested that the issue of wastewater versus municipal water should be addressed first. Selectman Schropfer suggested using paragraph 1 as a lead in paragraph and have paragraph 2 answer the question. Ms. Vanderhoef gained a consensus to leave question 3 as is and put the issues in bold print. Selectman Schropfer suggested adding the savings that Orleans realizes. Ms. Vanderhoef countered that this is not Orleans and the savings may not be the same.

Ms. Vanderhoef informed the Board that the real concern is if the town spends $76 million and almost finishes town, people may not vote for more money because they already have the water. Ms. Vanderhoef also questioned the studies as being from 2006, and asked the Board if they would like studies for 2007 done. Selectmen Schropfer and McDonald believed that the 2006 data is sufficient. Ms. Vanderhoef informed the Board of some concern that the prices will not hold long enough to finish the project but added that this is a relatively simple project.

Selectman Schropfer noted that property that was not previously large enough to build on, could potentially be if the water is supplied. Selectman Martin added that zoning changes do need to be approved by Town Meeting before they are instituted. Ms. Vanderhoef suggested showing a comparison of other towns’ changes in zoning after installation of the water system.

Selectman Martin questioned the issue of connection being mandatory or voluntary. Ms. Vanderhoef suggested that if a house is not hooked up by a certain time then there will be a hookup charge. She also added that the primary revenue from the system will be along the highway. Selectman Schropfer questioned if a house can be sold without connecting. Selectman Martin noted that the goal should be to eventually have every house on the system. Ms. Vanderhoef added that the water will be in the tax rate for everyone and there will be a betterment charge which will put more cash into the system.

Selectman Martin suggested making hookup mandatory at some point, but provide options for hookup. Selectman Burt noted that this issue can be addressed at Town Meeting. Selectman McDonald suggested leaving the question as is. Selectman Martin suggested revisiting this issue adding that hookup should be mandatory upon sale and no more residential or commercial well permits be issued. Ms. Vanderhoef noted that the Board will postpone this issue.

Selectman Schropfer noted that larger pipes will be layed before the smaller ones. Ms. Vanderhoef noted that the funding will be for exploration and development then installation. She added that there has been an identification of plenty of water based on the test wells. Ms. Vanderhoef reminded the Board that the feasibility study is done and now the town is at the permitting stage.

Ms. Vanderhoef informed the Board that the Search Committee is currently updating the volunteer form. Selectman Martin added that incomplete forms should not be accepted. Selectman Burt added that this gives the Search Committee the ability to refer the applicant to the correct committee. She added that the Search Committee is encouraging applicants to attend these meetings and they are also in the process of acquainting themselves with the different committees. Selectman Martin noted that applicants should meet basic qualifications before coming before the Board and it be made mandatory to have attended a meeting of their committee of interest.

Ms. Vanderhoef suggested using the attached questions to decide which candidates the Board would like to see after they have been interviewed by the Search Committee. She added that the appointment process can begin in April so it’s complete by July. Selectman McDonald wanted to clarify that the Search Committee will not cut the list of applicants. Ms. Vanderhoef responded that they will be making notes and recommendations, but no cuts. Selectman McDonald also stated that the applicant needs to come to the Selectmen’s meeting, and if not, they will not be considered for the position. Lillian Lamperti, Town Clerk, noted that the Board should be careful not to appoint people to committees with questionable tax/residency status. Selectman Schropfer noted that this will be part of the investigative task of the Search Committee. Ms. Vanderhoef suggested limiting the number of committees that people can serve on. Selectman Collins added that serving on more than three committees is usually too time consuming.

Ms. Vanderhoef informed the Board that many people are requesting information by email. Ms. Lamperti added that because of the public records law, every email exchange needs to be kept on record. Ms. Lamperti added that the Board needs to develop a policy that deals with email information sharing and suggested having a file in the Selectmen’s office of email exchanges. Selectman Burt noted that these emails would be treated as informational. Selectman Schropfer added that the emails need to be shared with all on the Board so they all have the same information. Ms. Vanderhoef added the best way to get email to the Board is to send it to Town Hall first to allow for time constraints.

Selectman Martin then asked about the progress on the Brackett Road reconstruction. Ms. Vanderhoef replied that the town needs to identify the funding source, hire an engineer, and obtain Chapter 90 funds. She added that it is currently an engineering exercise.

Ms. Vanderhoef informed the Board that a letter was sent to Comcast and there will be a conference call with Attorney Peter Epstein tomorrow. She noted that the town is now into its own legal budget in order to pay the fees for negotiations. Selectman Schropfer questioned if a letter should be sent to Comcast that is from the Board. Ms. Vanderhoef responded that Selectman Collins signed the last letter, which did not receive any different response.