Town of Eastham MA - Selectmen's Meeting Minutes 04/30/08

Board of Selectman

Wednesday, April 30, 2008 – 2:30 p.m.

Location: Eastham Town Hall – Timothy Smith Room

Present: Linda S. Burt, Chair

Martin F. McDonald, Vice Chair

David W. Schropfer, Clerk

Also: Sheila Vanderhoef, Town Administrator

Selectman Burt called the meeting to order at 2:30 p.m.

Selectman Collins questioned if the placement of the signs will be standard at all locations. Neil Andres, Department of Public Works Superintendent, noted that they all will be close to the entrance. Selectman Schropfer questioned the lack of a disclaimer on the sign stating where the full set of rules and regulations can be obtained. Ms. Vanderhoef responded that they will be given out with the beach stickers. Mr. Andres added that the size of the signs will allow for them to be clear and concise, as well as readable from a vehicle. Ms. Vanderhoef noted that they will not be placing these signs on ways to water, only designated beaches.

Termination of Massachusetts Technology Collaborative Grant

Selectman Schropfer questioned if there was a timetable for the grant. Ms. Vanderhoef noted that the grant is specific to the four turbines in North Eastham. Selectman Martin noted that the end of the letter should mention the town’s continued interest in alternative energy.

The changes were made to the letter and it was signed by the Board.

Comcast Discussion

Selectman Schropfer noted that there have been discussions between the cable consortium and the high school to move the video studio to the high school, adding that both Principal Thomas Conrad and Superintendent Michael Gradone are very receptive to the idea. Selectman Schropfer informed Ms. Vanderhoef and the Board that the consortium is meeting with the Nauset Regional School Committee tomorrow and will be discussing this option amongst themselves on Friday, May 2, 2008. Selectman McDonald questioned who will control access to the studio. Selectman Schropfer noted that the only requirement is that a custodian must be on premises.

Aimee Eckman, a member of the Lower Cape Television Consortium, added that those who wish to use the studio must make an appointment to do so. Selectman Martin questioned if there will be any agreement documentation outlining terms of use. Ms. Eckman and Selectman Schropfer responded that there will be such documentation. Ms. Eckman added that before the group enters into any agreements they must establish non-profit status.

Selectman Martin questioned how this will affect the drafting of a new contract with Comcast. Ms. Eckman noted that the consortium is trying to band the six towns together with a ten - year contract. Ms. Vanderhoef noted that the town has received a standard letter from Comcast regarding contract renewal. Selectman Schropfer suggested showing it to Attorney Solomon who is representing the consortium.

Selectman Martin noted that if a committee is appointed for contract renewal they need to work more closely with the Board. Ms. Vanderhoef suggested adding a member of the Finance Committee to such a committee.

Ms. Vanderhoef informed the Board that if the letter terminating the grant with MTC is mailed prior to Town Meeting, Pamela Hesse, organizer of the Petitioned Commercial Wind Turbine Zoning By-Law, has stated that she will indefinitely postpone the article on Town Meeting floor.

Ms. Vanderhoef informed that Board that she has drafted the motions for Town Meeting and gone over them with Betsy Lane, Esq., Town Counsel.

Selectman Collins made a motion to approve the Work Session minutes of Wednesday, January 23, 2008. The motion was seconded by Selectman Schropfer and so voted 4-0-1.

Selectman Martin made a motion to approve the Executive Session minutes of Wednesday, January 23, 2008. The motion was seconded by Selectman Schropfer and so voted 4-0-1.

Selectman Martin made a motion to approve the Work Session minutes of Thursday, January 24, 2008, with minor corrections. The motion was seconded by Selectman Schropfer and so voted 3-0-2.

Selectman Martin made a motion to approve the Executive Session minutes of Thursday, January 24, 2008, with minor corrections. The motion was seconded by Selectman Schropfer and so voted 3-0-2.

Selectman Martin made a motion to approve the Work Session minutes of Wednesday, January 30, 2008. The motion was seconded by Selectman Schropfer and so voted 4-0-1.

Selectman Martin made a motion to approve the Regular Session minutes of Monday, March 3, 2008, with corrections. The motion was seconded by Selectman Schropfer and so voted 4-0-1.

Selectman Martin made a motion to approve the Work Session minutes of Wednesday, March 19, 2008. The motion was seconded by Selectman Schropfer and so voted 4-0-1.

Selectman Schropfer made a motion to approve the Regular Session minutes of Monday, April 17, 2008, with minor corrections. The motion was seconded by Selectman Martin and so voted 4-0-1.

Selectman Martin made a motion to approve the Work Session minutes of Wednesday, April 9, 2008. The motion was seconded by Selectman Schropfer and so voted 4-0-1.

Selectman Martin made a motion to approve the Work Session minutes of Thursday, April 17, 2008. The motion was seconded by Selectman Schropfer and so voted 3-0-2.

Housing Authority Article Discussion

Selectman Martin noted she had reservations about committing money to the Housing Authority without full membership, suggesting indefinite proposal of the Community Preservation funds article for the Housing Authority. Selectman McDonald questioned if we need to give them the money if the article is approved. Ms. Vanderhoef responded that the article is designed to transfer the funds to the Housing Authority. Selectman Martin suggested making an amendment to the article making the money more restricted. Ms. Vanderhoef questioned if the vote by the Housing Authority requesting this article was unanimous. Selectman Martin responded that David Skiba, Housing Authority member, proposed the article but did have reservations related to new membership.

Selectman Burt proposed adding the requirement of signatures from at least three members of the Board of Selectmen for approval of purchases. Ms. Vanderhoef noted that that article also does not outline what happens if their purchase is not approved by the required groups, adding that she will have Betsy Lane, Esq., draft the amendment. Selectman Martin suggested informing the Housing Authority and the Community Preservation Committee after the amendment has been finalized.

Ms. Vanderhoef updated the Board on the Beach and Recreation budget, noting that costs have risen significantly for portable toilets and shipping and handling charges. She noted that revenue will be tight unless sticker prices are increased significantly.

Massachusetts Fair Plan Homeowners Insurance Increase Protest Letter

Selectman Martin noted that Selectman Burt can, as chair of the Board, be authorized to sign the letter protesting the increase in premiums for homeowners who are part of the Massachusetts Fair Plan.

The Board authorized Selectman Burt to sign the letter, as presented, as chair of the Board.

Selectman Schropfer made a motion to go into Executive Session and not to return to Public Session for the purpose of land acquisition and personnel issues at 3:30 p.m. The motion was seconded by Selectman Martin. Selectman Burt, yes; Selectman McDonald, yes; Selectman Schropfer, yes; Selectman Collins, yes; Selectman Martin, yes.

Respectfully Submitted,