Town of Eastham MA - Selectmen's Meeting Minutes 07/16/07

Selectman Martin noted that there will be a public forum at the Wellfleet Library, sponsored by the Barnstable Human Rights Commission, on how spending habits affect your environment on Wednesday, July 18. She informed the public that the forum begins at 7:00 p.m.

Selectman Burt noted that there have been many complaints on the new fees imposed at the transfer station. She added that there needs to be a much fairer system for those who only use the facility to recycle. Selectman Schropfer questioned if there has been a reduction in the amount of recyclables since the new fee has been in place. Selectman McDonald stated that by preventing unauthorized trash dumping, the town is harming honest recyclers. He suggested that for a short term solution, people with beach stickers are allowed into the facility to recycle only, but if they are seen disposing of trash, then they risk having their beach sticker permanently revoked. Selectman Martin reminded the Board that the solution of a recycling sticker with proof of trash pickup is currently before them.

Martin Mickle, Acting Superintendent of the Department of Public Works, noted that it is too late to issue new stickers as the current ones have already been printed and issued. Selectman Burt questioned if there have been many complaints on the new fee. Mr. Mickle responded that it has been a surprise to those who have never purchased a sticker. Selectman McDonald suggested using taxpayers beach stickers for the rest of this year with the issuance of a recycling sticker next year. Mr. Mickle noted that there is not enough staff to monitor all the vehicles once they enter the facility. Selectman Martin questioned if the Board of Health requires commercial haulers to take recycling. Ms. Vanderhoef responded that Eastham does not have a facility for commingled, but the haulers that do recycle separate their recycling.

Selectman Burt suggested having a $10 recycling card that is kept in the windshield, and without that the vehicle is not admitted to the facility. Ms. Vanderhoef reminded the Board that $10 allows anyone into the facility.

Selectman Schropfer made a motion to designate a separate card for recycling only, which clearly displays the license plate of the vehicle, with the potential loss of their beach sticker if they are caught using the trash facilities. The motion was seconded by Selectman McDonald.

Emilie Miller, resident, suggested having the letter “R” on a sticker so it is clearly identified as a recycling sticker. Vicki Anderson, resident, noted that she has only seen one reaction to the new fees, and pointed out that once people are aware of the cost when purchasing a sticker, they are not as devastated by it. Aimee Eckman, Swap Shop Manager, requested that the Board allow two (2) non-residents into the transfer station without paying the fee to do their volunteer work at the Swap Shop. She noted that they are now required to pay the daily fee for entrance. Selectman Schropfer noted that the Town Administrator can send a letter to those people designating them as volunteers, which can be presented at the gate for entrance without being subject to the entrance fee.

Mary Coleman, citizen, stated that she has private trash pickup and should be able to get into the Transfer Station facility with her beach sticker, rather than paying any extra fee. Selectman Martin questioned if there are enough stickers to impose an “R” on some of them. Ms. Vanderhoef responded that it the Board wishes, more stickers can be printed. Selectman Burt noted that the stickers can be looked into for next year.

The Board invited Ms. Emilie Miller to speak on her behalf. Ms. Miller informed the Board that she had been a retail manager for many years and currently volunteers at the Eastham Elementary School. Selectman Martin questioned what shift Ms. Miller works as a dispatcher. Ms. Miller responded that she is able to choose which shift she would like, and has a lot of flexibility.

Selectmen Schropfer noted that he is very supportive of John Dowman due to his prior experience on the committee. Selectman Martin added that the Board should be encouraging new people to volunteer, despite Mr. Dowman’s experience. Lisa Radke, resident, noted that she would like to see someone serve who can represent parents with school aged children. Selectman Martin recommended the appointment of Mr. Knox.

Selectman Schropfer made a motion to appoint John Dowman to the Finance Committee for a term to expire June 30, 2010. The motion was seconded by Selectman McDonald and so voted 4-1, with Selectman Martin voting opposed.

Robert Mahoney, Chairman of the Cape Light Compact’s Governing Board, informed the Board that the primary goals of the proposed Cape and Vineyard Electric Cooperative are energy conservation and consumer advocacy. He noted that this cooperative would have more advantages than the Cape Light Compact. Mr. Mahoney informed the Board that Barnstable County, the Town of Barnstable and the Cape Light Compact have already joined the cooperative. He noted that there is no cost to the town and they are not required to join. Mr. Mahoney also noted that the biggest hurdle now is receiving tax-exempt status from the IRS.

Esq. Bernstein informed the Board that the cooperative will be governed by an executive committee of five members: one from the Cape Light Compact, one from Barnstable County, one from the Town of Barnstable, and two at large positions to be voted by the member towns. He noted that each town is asked to put up a monetary pledge based on that town’s energy consumption.

Fred Fenlon, resident, informed the Selectmen that there was a new by-law passed requiring a compact member to meet with the Board within 48 hours. He also suggested that the Board of Directors of the cooperative be designated as the executive committee also. Mr. Fenlon also suggested an amendment to the cooperative that by-laws may be altered by an 80% vote of those members present. Selectman Burt noted that his questions will be answered with time and investigation.

Esq. Bernstein noted that there is no reason to proceed if the IRS does not rule favorably. He also noted that the cooperative is a sister entity to the Cape Light Compact and stated that it is too early in the process to answer every question that may arise.

Ms. Vanderhoef suggested that if the Board wishes to dissolve the Housing Task Force, they consider instituting a housing trust that has the ability to purchase land and act on projects in its place. She also noted that there should not be a void regarding affordable housing.

Selectman Martin suggested addressing the issues of the task force before choosing to dissolve it. Ms. Vanderhoef also suggested forming a trust that would work with the housing committees in town. Selectman Martin also asked for copies of the housing needs study and the action plan that had been completed by the task force, adding that these tasks need to be updated regularly rather than done once and left.

Lisa Radke, Co-Chair, informed the Board that she felt there was no need for the group to meet because the group felt they were spinning their wheels. She also noted that it was difficult to get a quorum for the meetings. Bernard Kaplan, Member, noted that he feels disbandment would be premature, citing an increased need for affordable housing. Mary Lou Petitt, resident, noted that the town lacks good strong leadership on housing. She urged the Board to get involved and be leaders for the community.

Selectman Schropfer noted that Eastham is last in affordable housing. Selectman McDonald noted that it is premature to make a decision on the Housing Task Force and suggested aiming to strengthen the task force with energy and dedication. Selectman Martin suggested sending a letter to each member questioning their interest to continue on the task force.

Joy Brookshire, CCC Task Force Representative, would like to update the Board on the task force’s progress. She informed the Board that the Commissioners are looking at the minority report, in addition to the majority report. Ms. Brookshire also noted that Margo Fenn’s last day at the commission is Wednesday. She noted that the task force is working on having better communication with the towns with more emphasis on planning and technical services that are available to the towns. Ms. Brookshire noted that Eastham was the first to have its land use mapped with four areas or focus: village highway, resource protection areas, other areas, and commercial centers. She noted that the new regulations are designed to decrease the regulatory role of the commission and discourage growth in sensitive areas.

Ms. Brookshire also informed the Board that there will be a limited DRI in certain areas: water resource, affordable housing and economic growth, open space disturbed and more traffic created. Michael Cole, resident, noted that the commission is working very hard to incorporate these reports in the new regulations and suggested that the town have constant communication with our commissioner.

Selectman Martin questioned if they are using the trailer for habitation or work. Administrator Vanderhoef responded that the building permit does allow habitation for a certain time length, which has expired, and added that this request is only for parking the trailer, not habitation. Ms. Vanderhoef added that if the Board feels this trailer will be habitated, they can deny the request and meet with the applicant at a later date.

Selectman McDonald noted that he has observed the property and noted that the trailer looks habitated, adding that the trailer also should be on the same lot as the house that’s being constructed. Selectman Burt noted that the zoning by-law allows for a storage trailer only.

Selectman Schropfer informed the Board that the applicant he interviewed, Greg Plante, is majoring in Criminal Justice, and was an honor student at the high school. Selectman Schropfer added that he understood the obligation to repay.

Selectman Collins made a motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Selectman Schropfer. Selectman Burt, yes; Selectman McDonald, yes; Selectman Schropfer, yes; Selectman Collins, yes; Selectman Martin, yes.