MINUTES
Board of Selectmen
Monday, August 20, 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
Sheila Vanderhoef, Town Administrator
Chairman Linda Burt called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
PUBLIC/SELECTMEN’S INFORMATION
Selectman David Schropfer stated that he attended the Centennial of the Provincetown monument. He noted that there were many people there and the event seemed to be a great success.
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
1. Transient Vendor’s Licenses - Windmill Weekend - September 8-9, 2007
Selectman Carol Martin made a motion to approve the transient vendor licenses for the Windmill Weekend scheduled for September 8-9, 2007.
The motion was seconded by Selectman Schropfer and so voted 5-0.
2. Special Town Meeting Warrant - Opening and Closing
Sheila Vanderhoef, Town Administrator, noted that the warrant for the October 1, 2007 Town Meeting will need to be published in the local paper on August 14, 2007, in accordance with Charter requirements.
Selectman Martin McDonald made a motion to approve the opening of the warrant on August 21, 2007 and to close it on August 31, 2007.
The motion was seconded by Selectman Schropfer and so voted 5-0.
The Board then discussed the possibility of allowing other non-water related articles to be included on the warrant.
Mr. Henry Curtis, Chairman of the Community Preservation Committee, was present to ask the Board if the warrant could include an article to appropriate $36,800.00 from the Community Preservation Fund for the old portion of the Schoolhouse Museum. The money would go towards roof restoration, window replacement, interior and exterior trim repair and painting, insulation of the attic roof, completion of the alarm system, and the installation of a pot bellied stove. Mr. Curtis said the proposal is well thought out and well budgeted. He stated that the Community Preservation Committee would be meeting tomorrow August 21, 2007, and he wanted to relay the Board’s decision on this matter. The committee had discussed this previously and he anticipated a formal affirmative vote of support at the meeting.
The Board of Selectmen agreed to delay voting on whether to add this item to the warrant until their August 22, 2007 meeting. At that time, they will know the outcome of Community Preservation Committee’s vote.
3. Resolution in Support of the Mass Recycles Paper Campaign
The Board discussed recycling issues and asked questions about how the Town of Eastham recycles its paper products. Mrs. Vanderhoef stated that the Board passed a resolution 5 to 6 years ago regarding the Town’s recycling policy and stated that the Town buys recycled paper, recycles their toner cartridges, and also brings their recyclables (glass and plastic) to the transfer station. She added that the Town is also looking into buying a hybrid car. She stated that buying recycled goods does cost more, but it is consistent with the policy currently in place.
There was a question as to whether paper copies of Town records are needed and whether records could instead be kept electronically. Mrs. Vanderhoef explained that the records keeping law has not kept up with the current advances in technology, so we are obligated to keep paper copies for now.
In an effort to save paper, some Board members expressed that they would be interested in receiving meeting packets electronically. Others however, were not as supportive of this approach.
Selectman Schropfer made a motion to support the Mass Recycles Paper Campaign.
The motion was seconded by Selectman McDonald and so voted 5-0.
4. Discussion of The Wind Turbine Noise Study
The Board discussed whether it was feasible to continue with the Wind Turbine Noise Study, which is funded by a grant from the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative. It was noted that consideration of four proposed sites for the wind turbines began fall of 2006. It was suggested that the noise study should be based on a twelve-month cycle, as noise perception varies by the season.
Selectman McDonald made a motion to vote in favor of continuing with the Wind Turbine Noise Study. The motion was seconded by Selectmen Schropfer and so voted 4-1, with Selectman Martin opposing.
5. Memorials on Town Property Policy
The Board discussed and made suggestions on the draft of the policy. It was expressed that the Town of Wellfleet does not allow memorials. However, it was noted that if they are erected, the Town of Wellfleet will not take them down. After some discussion, the matter was referred back to staff with suggested changes.
ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
1. Request for Public Record Fees to be Waived.
Ms. Mary Ann Bragg, Cape Cod Times reporter, wrote a letter requesting that the $99.11 fee she would be charged for a copy of Town records on Community Policing Grants be waived.
Selectman Schropfer motioned to grant Ms. Bragg’s request to waive the $99.11 fee.
The motion was seconded by Selectman McDonald and so voted 5-0.
2. August 22, 2007 Board of Selectmen’s Meeting.
Mrs. Vanderhoef stated that members of the Water Resources Advisory Board will be present at the meeting to discuss the proposed brochure containing key questions and answers about the Municipal Water Plan that will be addressed at the October 1, 2007 Town Meeting.
3. September 10, 2007 Orleans Board of Selectmen’s meeting.
Mrs. Vanderhoef stated she received a letter from the Town of Orleans inviting the Board to a meeting at the Orleans Town Hall on September 10, 2007 at 5 p.m. The meeting is being held to discuss the Rock Harbor Embayment System, identify wastewater planning contacts for each town, share the status of each town’s wastewater planning progress, and to discuss possible regional grant opportunities through the Cape Cod water Collaborative. All Board members stated they are able to attend.
4. Part-time Resident Taxpayers Meeting- Saturday August 24, 2007.
Mrs. Vanderhoef reminded the Board that Richard Hedlund, Police Chief; Glenn Olsen, Fire Chief; and herself are invited to the meeting. The main issues to be discussed are Town finances and the Municipal Water Plan.
5. Charter Budget Policy
Mrs. Vanderhoef briefed the Board about the Town’s budget policy.
6. Eastham Elementary School
Mrs. Vanderhoef stated that the Eastham Elementary School is still under construction and that details for opening day are being finalized. She noted that September 5, 2007 is the first day of school. School is expected to start on that day, and no problems are anticipated.
7. Massachusetts Municipal Association Meeting (MMA)
The MMA will hold their annual meeting from January 11-13, 2008. Mrs. Vanderhoef said she received confirmation from all members except Selectman Collins that they would attend.
MINUTES
Board of Selectmen’s Regular Session Meeting - July 2, 2007
Selectman Schropfer made a motion to approve the minutes as presented of the July 2, 2007 meeting. The motion was seconded by Selectmen McDonald and so voted 4-0. Chairman Linda Burt abstained; she was not at the July 2, 2007 meeting.
OTHER BUSINESS
None
Selectmen Kenelm Collins made a motion to go into Executive Session at 7:45 p.m. for a discussion on litigation and personnel issues and not return to public session.
Selectman Burt, yes; Selectman McDonald, yes; Selectman Schropfer, yes; Selectman Collins, yes; Selectman Martin, yes.
Respectfully submitted,
Lisa Shaw
| 
