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2008 E-Government Award with Distinction
 

Selectmen's Meeting Minutes 10/15/07
MINUTES
Board of Selectmen
Monday, October 15, 2007
Regular Session- 6:30 p.m.

Location:  Earle Mountain Room-Eastham Town Hall

Present:
Selectman Linda S. Burt, Chair
Selectman Martin F. McDonald, Vice Chair
Selectman David W. Schropfer, Clerk
Selectman Kenelm N. Collins
Selectman Carol F. Martin

Michael Ferreira, Assistant Town Administrator

Absent: 
Sheila Vanderhoef, Town Administrator

Selectman Linda Burt called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.

PUBLIC/SELECTMAN’S INFORMATION

Selectman Carol Martin stated that the Library has chosen Centerbrook Architects and Planners LLC, a company based out of Connecticut to design the new library.  She stated that from now until Christmas, Centerbrook will be holding workshops in order for the public to be involved in the process and also so that Centerbrook can get an idea as to what the community would like to see included in the new library. No dates have yet been set for these workshops.

Selectman David Schropfer stated that this meeting is the first to be broadcast live on Channel 18. He recognized James Ludwig, Asa Larson, and Aimee Eckman for their help in making this possible.

Mr. Fred Fenelon stated that on Saturday October 20, 2007, Cape Light Compact will be hosting a rebate event at the Mid Cape Home Centers. The company will be offering rebates for old air conditioners, dehumidifiers, and lightbulbs. People will be able to use these rebates to buy more modern and energy efficient equipment.

APPOINTMENTS

Access to Swap Shop Charges - Letter of Concern- Lisa Cousineau

The Board of Selectman received a letter from Ms. Lisa Cousineau, a resident of Orleans, stating that she is upset over the $10 fee she must pay to visit Eastham’s Swap Shop.

It was decided that since the policy of charging a fee was voted on and approved by Eastham taxpayers at the May 2007 Town Meeting, and is in effect from July 1, 2007 through June 30, 2008, it will remain in place until that time. It was noted that there might be an adjustment next year when the issue could come up at Town Meeting. The Board stated that Ms. Cousineau should be sent a letter outlining the Board’s decision.

Ms. Aimee Eckman stated that she would welcome Ms. Cousineau as a volunteer at the Swap Shop. Selectman Kenelm Collins disagreed.  Selectman Schropfer noted that Ms. Eckman is doing a great job at the Swap Shop and it is a huge success. Selectman Collins said that it is an excellent operation, and there is no need for change.

Cape Cod Commercial Hook Fisherman - Request Letter of Support - Evan Cornell, Research Program Coordinator

Mr. Evan Cornell, a research program coordinator, and Mr. Henry Lind, Natural Resources Director, were present to discuss the issue. They asked the Board to sign a letter addressed to the New England Fisheries Management Council (NEFMC) requesting that the Council make the management of the Sea Herring Fishery a priority in 2008. The letter outlines a variety of concerns and also proposes measures that should and need to be taken. Mr. Cornell expressed that the management of Atlantic herring has a major impact on local river herring runs and the viability of traditional fishing fleets. He said that the Atlantic Herring Fishery has serious problems that can only addressed with changes to the Herring Fishery Management Plan (FMP).  He stated that mid-water trawlers currently operate without proper monitoring and insufficient observer coverage levels, and there is a growing body of evidence and concern that the decline of our local river herring runs has a direct correlation to the increase of mid-water trawling in the Sea Herring Fishery. 

Selectman Schropfer made a motion that the Board of Selectman sign the letter of support as amended.
The motion was seconded by Selectman Collins and so voted 5-0.

"Cape Goes Red 2008" - American Heart Association (AHA) - Melinda Gallant

Chairman Linda Burt stated that Melinda Gallant was unable to make the meeting tonight. She stated that in the past Eastham has participated in the “Cape Goes Red” Campaign. The Campaign, part of the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women health initiative, is in place to raise community awareness about women’s cardiovascular disease. The AHA’s goal during the weeks of February 1-15, 2008, is to light up in red, Cape monuments, buildings, and other places of interest. The AHA hopes to have more than 50 landmarks across the Cape shining in red.
Selectman Martin McDonald made a motion that the Town of Eastham participate in the campaign.
The motion was seconded by Selectman Schopfer and so voted 5-0.

Consideration for Phosphorus Bill - Request Letter of Support Banning Phosphorus in Dishwasher Detergents - Sandy Bayne
Selectman Schropfer made a motion that the Board of Selectman sign the letter of support as amended. 
The motion was seconded by Selectman McDonald and so voted 5-0.

ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS Action - Discussion

Request to Purchase Town Owned Property - Cynthia Granata

The Board agreed that before any decision can be made on this matter they need to see the maps, and more importantly, they need answers to some pertinent questions. The questions included: why the applicant wishes to purchase the property, how many bedrooms the existing house has, what restrictions if any should be placed on the property, and whether buying this property will change the owner’s zoning requirements. There was also the question of who actually owns the property.

The Board will discuss this issue at a future meeting.

Acceptance of Resignation- Howard Sandler – WRAB / WWMPC

Selectman Schropfer motioned that the Board accept the resignation of Mr. Howard Sandler with regret and express thanks to him for his service.  The motion was seconded by Selectman McDonald and so voted 5-0.

Acceptance of Resignation- Charles W. Beattie - Recycling Advisory Committee

Selectman Collins stated that Mr. Beattie is one of the nicest men one will ever meet, as well as a wonderful school bus driver.

Selectman Schropfer motioned that the Board accept the resignation of Mr. Charles W. Beattie with regret and express thanks to him for his service. The motion was seconded by Selectman Martin and so voted 5-0.

Flag Display Policy - Sheila Vanderhoef

The Board discussed and made suggestions to the draft of the flag display policy. They agreed to continue the discussion at a future meeting.

ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

None

MINUTES

July 16, 2007 Regular Session

Selectman Schropfer motioned to approve the minutes of July 16, 2007 with amendments.
The motion was seconded by Selectman Collins and so voted 5-0.

July 18, 2007 Work Session

Selectman Martin motioned to approve the minutes of July 18, 2007.
The motion was seconded by Selectman Schropfer and so voted 5-0.

July 25, 2007 Work Session

Selectman Schropfer motioned to approve the minutes of July 16, 2007.
The motion was seconded by Selectman McDonald and so voted 5-0.

July 25, 2007 Executive Session

Selectman Schropfer motioned to approve the minutes of July 16, 2007.
The motion was seconded by Selectman McDonald and so voted 5-0.

August 6, 2007 Regular Session (Revisit)

The Board agreed to hold off on these minutes and to discuss them at a future meeting.

August 8, 2007 Work Session

Selectman Schropfer motioned to approve the minutes of August 8, 2007 with amendments.
The motion was seconded by Selectman McDonald and so voted 5-0.

September 5, 2007 Work  Session

Selectman Martin motioned to approve the minutes of September 5, 2007.
The motion was seconded by Selectman McDonald and so voted 5-0.

September 19, 2007 Work Session

Selectman Schropfer motioned to approve the minutes of September 19, 2007 with amendments.
The motion was seconded by Selectman McDonald and so voted 5-0.

September 19, 2007 Executive Session

The Board agreed to hold off on approving these minutes until they can discuss them at a future meeting.

OTHER BUSINESS

Budget Policy for Fiscal ‘09

The Board expressed that they would like to have more information regarding the budget before they attend the October 17, 2007 meeting in Orleans.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

The Board agreed not to have an Executive Session.

Selectman McDonald made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:30 p.m.
The motion was seconded by Selectman Schropfer and so voted 5-0.

Respectfully Submitted,
Lisa Shaw





Eastham, Massachusetts
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