Town of Eastham MA - Selectmen's Meeting Minutes 03/27/08

Ms. Vanderhoef informed the Board that she received a letter from David Scheptyck, Elementary School Committee Chair, requesting the town’s Department of Public Works take over the duties of lawn care and maintenance, allowing the school to utilize the money allocated for other needs. Martin Mickle, Acting Superintendent of the Public Works Department, informed the Board that they stopped mowing when construction began on the new building. Mr. Mickle added that to take over the job again will require more man hours and an additional seasonal hire.

Selectman Martin noted that this is an unreasonable request due to the demands it will place on the current DPW staff. Ms. Vanderhoef estimated the total cost to the town at approximately $6,500. Susan Helman, Eastham Elementary School Principal, stated that $5,250 is currently included in the budget for mowing while the rest is for trimming and maintaining the area. Ms. Vanderhoef noted that this may be added to the town’s budget for next year, noting it is too late to make the changes this year.

Selectman Martin McDonald noted that the amount of time the Board has to work with the article is limited due to the approaching date of Town Meeting (May 5, 2008).

Selectman Collins made a motion to remove all articles relating to the Wind Turbines, both private and commercial, from the Annual Town Meeting Warrant. The motion was seconded by Selectman Martin and so voted 4-0.

A citizen questioned the validity of the grant allotted from the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative for another project as the grant is site specific to the North Eastham proposal. Ms. Vanderhoef noted that the town will notify the MTC of issues relating to the project. She added that the town has not yet been directed to investigate land ownership in that area.

Selectman McDonald made a motion to recommend the Petitioned Commercial Wind Turbine Zoning Bylaw for the Annual Town Meeting Warrant. The motion was seconded by Selectman Collins and so voted 1-3-0.

The Board decided to place this article on the warrant before the additional zoning by-law changes as those are contingent upon the passing of the Petitioned Commercial Wind Turbine By-law article.

Selectman McDonald noted that the National Seashore has supplied a fitting alternative and does not see the need for a 250 space parking lot. He added that the project will not financially support itself and will be an expense to the town. Selectman Collins stated that the Board should hold this vote until all Selectmen are present.

Selectman Martin made a motion to recommend this article for the Annual Town Meeting Warrant. The motion was seconded by Selectman McDonald and so voted 4-0.

Selectman McDonald made a motion to recommend this article for the Annual Town Meeting Warrant. The motion was seconded by Selectman Martin and so voted 4-0.

Selectman Martin made a motion to recommend this article for the Annual Town Meeting Warrant. The motion was seconded by Selectman McDonald and so voted 4-0.

Ms. Vanderhoef questioned if the Board would like to place an article on the warrant regarding the trust. Selectman Martin noted that the Board can get the trust up and running and then finalize the charge. She added that a five - member board with a non-voting Selectman, with each member serving a minimum term of three years should be sufficient. The consensus of the Board is that the terms will be overlapping.

Selectman McDonald made a motion to approve that the article for a Housing Trust Fund to be placed on the Annual Town Meeting Warrant. The motion was seconded by Selectman Collins and so voted 4-0.

Ms. Vanderhoef informed the Board there is $22,265 available for equipment purchases. She added that the town would like to purchase a recommended list of equipment upgrades. The consensus of the Board is to purchase the equipment requested.

Ms. Vanderhoef updated the Board on the Wiley Park Bridge Project. She informed the Board that there was additional money to finish the project and the bridge has been completed. There were problems, however. She showed photos of the damage done by the work equipment to the surrounding area.

Ms. Vanderhoef informed the Board that the area has been sectioned off as a construction site and a stop work order has been issued to prevent further damage. She added that the area will need to be graded and filled and the undergrowth replanted. Selectman Martin questioned if the contractor will pay the expenses for the necessary repairs. Ms. Vanderhoef said the contractor is willing to come back and make repairs.

Joe Bianchi, Project Engineer, noted that they were given permission to access the site from the South side. He added that they used both sides as access and completed both ramps. Ms. Vanderhoef noted that the repairs will be completed as soon as possible, adding that a conservation agent will remain on site to oversee the work.

The issue of horses being ridden over the bridge was also discussed. Mr. Bianchi stated that the bridge is not designed to support horses, and as such, signs should be posted at the site notifying riders of this. It was also stated that a warning notice should be painted on the bridge itself. Mr. Bianchi also informed the Board that the bridge is made of wood, therefore, it will require sealing every two years.

Selectman McDonald informed the Board that at the appeal hearing in Orleans District Court, the judge requested a member of the Board of Selectmen be present at the hearing scheduled for Friday, March 28, 2008. Selectman McDonald stated that he will attend.

Selectman Martin addressed the matter of Hoffman Lane with regards to access and repair issues. Ms. Vanderhoef stated that this issue comes up every year and that it can be put on a future agenda if the Board wishes.