Minutes
Board of Selectmen
Wednesday, October 17, 2007 – 1:30 p.m.
Work Session
Location: Eastham Town Hall
Present: Linda Burt, Chair
Martin McDonald, Vice Chair
David Schropfer, Clerk
Kenelm Collins
Carol Martin
Sheila Vanderhoef, Town Administrator
Selectmen Burt called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m.
1:30 p.m. FY 09 Budget Policy
Ms. Vanderhoef informed the Board that the budget policy that will be developed will be a Town policy and will be reviewed by the school district in order to anticipate funds and develop their own budget.
Ms. Vanderhoef informed the Board that the State is considering the elimination of the vehicle excise tax. Selectman Schropfer suggested that rather than developing the entire budget policy now, the Board should create a message that they can convey at the school budget meeting this afternoon. Selectman Martin suggested a level funded budget, with justification for anything over. Selectman Schropfer noted that there should be a cap on what the Board will approve.
Ms. Vanderhoef informed the Board that this will be the year to consider redoing the staffing plan. Selectman Schropfer noted that the Town will eventually need to address municipal water and wastewater, so consideration should include creating these new staff positions. Selectman Schropfer also suggested looking at issues such as outsourcing and job sharing with other towns.
John Knight, Finance Committee Chair, suggested going in at level funding and asking the school administration what they can do to keep costs controlled. Ms. Vanderhoef suggested holding a joint meeting with the Finance Committee to discuss the budget policy. The date for this meeting was then set for Monday, October 22, 2007 at 2:00 p.m.
2:10 Cape Cod Children’s Place
Kate McCaulay, Director of the Cape Cod Children’s Place provided the Board with an overview of the facility and the many programs the Children’s Place has to offer. Ms. McCaulay mentioned that the Children’s Place hopes to expand their facility. Selectman Martin asked how they advertise their services. Ms. McCaulay noted that there is a weekly article in the Cape Codder and advertising is also done through a parent education network. She added that the facility has a newsletter that goes out to a number of households both through the mail and electronically. Selectman Burt asked what the qualifications are for a child to attend. Ms. McCaulay informed the Board that it is mostly based on age, adding that children may attend until they are six (6) years old. Ms.
McCaulay added that there are vouchers for low income families, as well as a hardship fund for those who may not be able to pay for tuition.
Ms. McCaulay informed the Board that they have been trying to provide more services focused on family support. She noted that they would like to have a family center in which they would be able to give certain human services agencies space so that families do not have to travel to Hyannis to meet with them. Selectman Schropfer asked for a plan that shows growth, funding proposals, and other Town contributions.
Selectman McDonald questioned what the next step in the process is for their proposed expansion. Ms. McCaulay informed the Board that they need to speak with an architect and meet with Alice Boyd about applying for grants. Ms. McCaulay noted that her reason to come before the Board was that it is Town-owned property and they would like the support of the Board. Ms. Vanderhoef informed the Board that the Town may write a grant for this project.
2:40 Meeting Continuation
Selectman Schropfer made a motion to continue the meeting at the Nauset Regional School District Budget Subcommittee meeting in Orleans. The motion was seconded by Selectman Martin and so voted 5-0.
Respectfully Submitted,
Krystal M. Boyd
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