Town of Eastham MA - Selectmen's Meeting Minutes 05/19/08

Board of Selectmen

Monday, May 19, 2008 – 6:30 p.m.

Location: Eastham Town Hall – Earle Mountain Room

Present: Linda S. Burt, Chair

Martin F. McDonald, Vice Chair

David W. Schropfer, Clerk

Also: Sheila Vanderhoef, Town Administrator

Absent: Kenelm N. Collins

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

Public Information

Selectman Martin reminded all of the Annual Town Election for Tuesday, May 20, noting that the polling hours are from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

John Knox, citizen, questioned if the Board has reached a decision regarding a request to have the Pledge of Allegiance stated at the beginning of regular Board of Selectmen meetings. Selectman Burt noted that it had been discussed but a decision had not been reached. The consensus of the Board is to begin saying it at the next regular Board of Selectmen meeting, which will take place Monday, June 2, 2008.

Aquaculture License Renewals

Henry Lind, Shellfish Constable, informed the Board that the application from Mr. Doug Edmunds is for a new license and the application from Mr. Jim Bright is for renewal and expansion. Mr. Lind added that Mr. Edmunds has been working with other license holders and is familiar with the process and applicable regulations. Mr. Lind also informed the Board that Mr. Bright’s site will require an inspection by the State Department of Marine Fisheries due to the amount of time the location has stood idle. However, Mr. Edmunds’s site will not require an inspection. Mr. Lind is recommending approval of both applications.

Selectman McDonald made a motion to approve the aquaculture license for Mr. Doug Edmunds as presented. The motion was seconded by Selectman Schropfer and so voted 3-0-1, Selectman Burt abstained.

Selectman McDonald made a motion to approve the aquaculture renewal and expansion for Mr. Jim Bright as presented. The motion was seconded by Selectman Schropfer and so voted 3-0-1, Selectman Burt abstained.

Public Hearing – Captains Quarters Motel

Selectman Burt read the legal notice as follows:

“The Board of Selectmen will hold a public hearing on Monday, May 19, 2008 on a request for a Seasonal All Alcoholic Innholder Common Victualer License by Eastham Quarters, LLC dba Captains Quarters Motel, Richard Sacchetti, Manager, located at 10-30 Captains Quarters Court. The hearing will be held at 6:45 p.m. in the lower level conference room at the Town Hall, 2500 State Highway, Eastham, MA 02642. Please note this time is approximate”

Richard Sacchetti, Manager, informed the Board that he has made the requested changes to the application. Selectman Schropfer questioned if Mr. Sacchetti will be personally responsible for the alcohol service. Mr. Sacchetti responded that he will be, adding that the only time alcohol will be served is for large groups who are dining in the function hall. Selectman McDonald questioned service to non-tour guests. Mr. Sacchetti responded that the function hall will never be open for alcohol service only, adding that alcohol will only be served with food.

Selectman Schropfer made a motion to approve the license with the following restrictions: (1) that there be no liquor promotional advertising on the street; (2) that there be no service to outside customers and (3) that service be restricted exclusively to the dining area. The motion was seconded by Selectman McDonald and so voted 4-0.

Grandview Productions – Request for Filming at Bridge Road Cemetery

Kevin Harrigan, resident, is requesting to shoot a movie scene at the Bridge Road Cemetery. Mr. Harrigan noted that the rating of the film is comparable to a PG-13, with no uncomfortable content. Selectman Schropfer noted that the generator used for the filming should be approved by the Fire Department. Selectman Burt questioned the potential noise that the generator may cause. Mr. Harrigan responded that the noise is very minimal. Selectman McDonald noted that Mr. Harrigan should notify the abutting residences about the filming. Selectman Martin noted that the Board of Cemetery Commissioners has approved the request.

Selectman Schropfer made a motion to approve filming at Bridge Road Cemetery on Saturday, May 24, 2008 from 8:30 p.m. to Midnight as presented with the additional stipulation that abutters be notified prior to filming. The motion was seconded by Selectman Martin and so voted 4-0.

Request for Sign Change at Bay Meadows Development

Brian K. Tilton, resident, is requesting a change in the sign identifying the Bay Meadows Development, located on Sandy Meadow Way. Mr. Tilton noted that the development sign is still there but building is complete. He is requesting the removal of the current sign and replacing it with a boulder with “Bay Meadows” engraved into it. Selectman Martin questioned how close it will be to the street. Mr. Tilton responded that it will be in the same location as the current sign. However, the Department of Public Works will be the final decision maker on its location due to safety. Selectman McDonald questioned not placing the street name on the boulder due to the possible confusion of emergency services personnel. Mr. Tilton informed the Board that “Bay Meadows” was selected as that is the name of the development, and there currently is a street sign for “Sandy Meadow Way”.

Selectman Schropfer made a motion to replace the development sign at Bay Meadows as presented. The motion was seconded by Selectman McDonald and so voted 4-0.

Barnstable County Home Consortium Update – Bernard Kaplan

Bernard Kaplan, Eastham Representative to the Barnstable County Home Consortium, began by informing the Board of a conference on affordable housing that will take place June 19, 2008 at 8:30 a.m. Mr. Kaplan then informed the Board of how the Consortium was formed and of available funding. Selectman Burt asked how soon the town can apply for these funds. Mr. Kaplan replied that the application must outline usage of the funds, adding that there must be a project in place. Mr. Kaplan noted that the individual Housing Authorities develop a grant request and submit it to the consortium. Mr. Kaplan noted that the highest priority of the consortium is to help towns acquire affordable rental properties.

Eastham Flag Design Proposals

Ms. Vanderhoef informed the Board that there currently is no Eastham flag in the hall of flags at the Statehouse, which is displayed in the Fall. Donna Knight, Eastham Painter’s Guild, informed the Board that the designs presented are based on a 4’x 6’. She indicated she used bold colors and shapes so the flag would stand out at a distance. Ms. Knight also noted that she used Nauset Light as it is symbolic of Eastham. Selectman Martin noted that the use of the lighthouse is consistent with the logo for the Chamber of Commerce. Selectman McDonald suggested displaying the designs and allowing residents to vote. Selectman Burt thanks Ms. Knight on her generous work on this project.

Bikeways Resignation – Jeffrey A. Smith

Selectman Martin made a motion to accept the resignation of Mr. Jeffrey A. Smith from the Bikeways Committee. The motion was seconded by Selectman Schropfer and so voted 4-0.

Appointment of Joint Transportation Representative – Neil Andres

Selectman Schropfer made a motion to appoint Mr. Neil Andres, Superintendent of the Department of Public Works, as the Eastham representative to the Cape Cod Regional Joint Transportation Committee. The motion was seconded by Selectman McDonald and so voted 4-0.

Selectman Schropfer noted that this meeting is Selectman Kenelm Collins’s last meeting, and would like to thank him for his eighteen years of service to the town and this Board.

Cancellation of May 21, 2008 Meeting

Selectman Schropfer made a motion to cancel the May 21, 2008 Work Session meeting. The motion was seconded by Selectman McDonald and so voted 4-0.

Administrator’s Report

Ms. Vanderhoef noted that there is a letter in the packet from the Chamber of Commerce regarding their annual meeting (attached) and is wondering if the Board would like to respond to it. Selectman McDonald noted that they do not ask for a response in the letter.

Selectman Martin questioned if the Board needs to address the issue of boats left at Great Pond. Ms. Vanderhoef noted that the last year’s solution worked out and they will be pursuing the same course of action this year.

Selectman Martin made a motion to approve the minutes of the February 20, 2008 Work Session. The motion was seconded by Selectman Schropfer and so voted 4-0.

Selectman McDonald made a motion to approve the minutes of the March 5, 2008 Executive Session. The motion was seconded by Selectman Schropfer and so voted 4-0.

Selectman Martin made a motion to approve the minutes of the March 27, 2008 Work Session. The motion was seconded by Selectman McDonald and so voted 3-0-1. Selectman Schropfer abstained as he was not present at that meeting.

Selectman Schropfer made a motion to accept the minutes of the April 22, 2008 Subcommittee meeting. The motion was seconded by Selectman Martin and so voted 2-0-2. Selectmen Burt and Selectman McDonald abstained as they were not present at that meeting.

Selectman Martin made a motion to accept the minutes of the April 30, 2008 Work Session. The motion was seconded by Selectman McDonald and so voted 4-0.

Selectman McDonald made a motion to enter into Executive Session at 7:45 p.m. for the purpose of land acquisition and contract negotiations, and not to return to Public Session. The motion was seconded by Selectman Schropfer. Selectman Burt, yes; Selectman McDonald, yes; Selectman Schropfer, yes; Selectman Martin, yes.

Respectfully Submitted,