Town of Harwich Massachusetts - Minutes

SELECTMEN’S MEETING

GRIFFIN ROOM, TOWN HALL

MONDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2007

SELECTMEN PRESENT: Cole, Marsland, McManus, Piekarski, Wilkins

OTHERS PRESENT: Town Administrator James Merriam, Asst. Town Administrator Nan Balmer, Chief Mason, David Ryan, Paula Champagne, Judith Ford, Geoffrey Wiegman, Richard Waystack, Chester Berg, Michael Schriebman, Jack Brown, Pamela Howell, Jason Ford, and others.

MEETING CALLED TO ORDER at 7:00 p.m. by Chairman Wilkins.

Chairman Wilkins explained that the Board had just come out of Executive Session where they discussed contract renewals as part of labor negotiations.

David Ryan reported that we have received $890,000 in matching CPA revenue from the State and it has been posted to the proper account.

PUBLIC INFORMATION

No one appeared before the Board.

A. Committee Resignations

2. Police Station Building Committee

Mr. McManus moved approval of the Consent Agenda and the recommended actions thereon. Mr. Marsland seconded the motion and the motion carried by a unanimous vote.

TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

Mr. Merriam delivered the following report to the Board:

Commissioner Nunes Municipal Cabinet

I attended the Barnstable Town Hall meeting held on October 5^th that Lt. Governor Tim Murray chaired. The Lt. Governor informed me that he chairs the Seaport Advisory Council and would be receptive to working with Cape Towns on dredging / beach nourishment as well as with the Army Corps of Engineers. I asked that the Administration support Senator O’Leary’s request for SRF financing of wastewater and to monitor GIC membership and reduce the 70% threshold if communities don’t join.

Barry Worth, Nan and I met with Kevin Galligan from the Cape Light Compact regarding a draft RFP for a consultant to proceed with a feasibility study for the High School and Water Department properties. Kevin informed us of a net metering S1961 sponsored by Senator Morrissey in which our wind power is deducted from out total town electric bill, regardless of which site. This expands the number of sites as a community does not become concerned about reselling to the grid at grossly discounted prices. The feasibility study would be funded through a MTC grant. Congressman Delahunt’s Office is pursuing the FAA response to the Chatham airport and expect it within a month.

We received a letter from Commissioner Nunes that we will receive our full State share of CPA funds on October 12^th.

MMA’s Fiscal Analyst, John Robertson, informed me yesterday that the Lottery ended the year with a $120m deficit. Revenues for the first two months of FY 08 are flat, so the deficit could double unless the Legislature applies some of the $400m General Fund surplus to cover it. The Comptroller has opined that they can roll the deficit forward into FY 08. We’ll have to watch how this deficit is addressed and modify our FY 09 projection accordingly.

MMA Environmental Policy Committee

Our Committee is reviewing the Mass Ocean Partnership Fund and whether to endorse it.

Attached is a Cape Cod 5 printout of the impact of a $10.6m debt for principal and interest payments as well as effect on the tax rate and on an average valued home of $425,000, based upon a twenty year bond at 4.4 percent. Also included is a copy of the Capital Outlay Committee’s letter to Police Station Building Committee Chairman Ray Jefferson which lists a number of recommendations to improve the project.

Attached is Geoff Larsen’s memo in which the survey found the building to be unused, uninhabited or abandoned and an order to make it secure.

The Youth and Recreation Commission thanks those who participated in the September 18^th beach clean-up project, including Americorps Cape Cod and Cape Cod Regional Technical High School.

I met with Richard Waystack and Sandy Davidson on October 11^th. Sandy informed me that last Saturday a number of skateboarders and parents formed a work party and tackled a number of repairs and clean-up at the Visitors Center.

Richard presented a draft of a Partnership Economic Development Proposal. The Chamber has been performing our economic development function and they wish to partner with the Town. They would like Selectmen’s recommendation for membership for a committee that will meet once monthly at 4:30 p.m. on the first Thursday at the Chamber. Please review the draft and determine whether the Chamber shares the same vision as does your Board.

The Assistant Town Administrator reported on her activities for the week.

A. Annual Meetings with the Board of Selectmen

Dr. Kocot provided the annual report of the Board of Health after which he and Paula Champagne took questions and comments from the Board.

2. Conservation Commission

Chester Berg provided the annual report of the Conservation Commission after which he took questions and comments from the Board.

3. Town Wide Water Quality Task Force

Frank Sampson provided the annual report of the Town Wide Water Quality Task Force and took questions and comments from the Board.

A. Vote to approve Geo-Technical Proposals for the Harwich Police Facility

Mr. McManus moved to award a contract for Geo-Technical Study of the Police Station site to PSI for a total price of $9,225. Mr. Marsland seconded the motion. Mr. Merriam recommended that the Board approve this item. The motion carried by a unanimous vote.

B. Vote to renew License Agreement between the Town of Harwich and the Friends of the South Harwich Meetinghouse

Mr. Marsland moved to renew the License Agreement between the Town of Harwich and the Friends of the South Harwich Meetinghouse. Jack Brown pointed out that if this group applies for CPA funds they need to be aware that any project they do must comply with the National Historic Preservation Standards and he requested that Mr. Merriam oversee that. Judith Ford reported that they are well aware of the standards of the historic register and that all work done to date is in compliance with these standards. She outlined the progress on the building to date as well as their upcoming plans and added that they are very meticulous about having the work done properly. Mrs. Ford took questions from the Board regarding the Agreement. The motion carried by a unanimous vote.

C. Authorize Chairman to sign letter to Comcast to proceed with the cable television renewal process in Harwich

Mr. Marsland moved to authorize the Chair to sign the letter to Comcast to proceed with the cable television renewal process in Harwich with one change, that “Mashpee” be changed to “Harwich” in the third sentence of the paragraph under “Dear Mr. Casey.” Mr. Piekarski seconded the motion and the motion carried by a unanimous vote.

D. Vote to approve recommendation of Assistant Town Administrator:

1. Contract for Printing of Town Meeting Warrants to Lujean Printing

2. Contract for Printing of the Annual Town Report to J & R Graphics

Mr. Marsland moved to recommend approval of the recommendations of the Assistant Town Administrator regarding #1, the contract for the printing of the Town Meeting Warrants to Lujean Printing and also the contract for printing of the Annual Town Report to J & R Graphics. Mr. Piekarski seconded the motion. Mr. McManus questioned the purpose of the language in the specifications for the printing of the Annual Town Report which prohibits subcontracting. Ms. Balmer responded that this is how it was sent out in past years and also it allows us to know who is doing the work. Mr. McManus commented that this language should be eliminated so we can get the most effective job done. Mr. Piekarski remarked that he likes having this provision in the contract and Chairman Wilkins agreed. Ms. Balmer noted that the low bidder was not willing to disclose the printers that he uses and that was a concern. Mr. Ryan commented that J & R Graphics had reduced their bid this year and these reports are time sensitive which should be taken into consideration. The motion carried by a 4-1-0 vote with Mr. McManus in opposition.

E. Approval of Senior Citizen Property Tax Work Off Program

Mr. Merriam explained that the Council on Aging Director had recommended blanket CORI checks for this program. He noted that we have a policy on CORI and that should be incorporated into the Work Off Program. Mr. McManus moved to recommend approval of the program with the language the Town Administrator suggested with regard to CORI checks. Mr. Cole seconded the motion. Mr. Piekarski stressed the need for guidelines to ensure consistency in reading the CORI reports and enforcing them. At the recommendation of Barbara Anne Foley and Mr. Merriam, Mr. McManus amended his motion to include a start date of November 1, 2007. The motion carried by a unanimous vote.

F. Accept Potter’s/Senior Memorial Field Irrigation Gift

Mr. McManus moved to accept a donation valued at $19,175 from the Old Timers Softball League of Cape Cod for the provision of an irrigation system for Potters and Senior Memorial Softball Fields. Mr. Marsland seconded the motion and the motion carried by a unanimous vote.

G. Vote to accept gifts and send letters of thanks for landscaping at new round-about on Rte. 39

Mr. Cole moved to implement Lincoln Hooper’s recommendation. Mr. Marsland seconded the motion and the motion carried by a unanimous vote.

DISCUSSION ITEMS

A. Annual McCourt Road Race

Mr. McManus explained that the Recreation and Youth Commission had met with The McCourt Foundation and voted to approve use of the Schoolhouse Parking Lot for this race provided that the race start one half hour earlier and The McCourt Foundation meet with the Harwich Port Merchants Association before March 1, 2008. Mr. McManus recommended that the Board approve the race with these recommendation and condition it as follows: 1) that the process of meeting before March 1, 2008 does occur and that it be done specifically to put in a concrete fashion specific things for this coming race, 2) the report should contain a diagram of the lot and the required access lanes for residents and business people to access their properties, 3) there should be an agreed on location and language that gives parking directions and, 4) the Merchants Association and The McCourt Foundation should agree on a press release encouraging people to come and participate in the kickoff to the summer season and parking availability.

The Board agreed to bring this item back next week. They heard comments from members of the Merchants Association with regard to this compromise. Mr. McManus said it should be added to the conditions that The McCourt Foundation and the Merchants Association commit to meeting to critique the event the following week. Mr. Marsland stressed that the handicapped parking should be able to be accessed.

B. Board of Selectmen Goals

The Board struck two items that had been completed and added 1) Keep abreast of Local Comprehensive Plan, 2) Merkel Beach delineation 3) CORI policy, 4) Meeting with Mr. Cole and former Operations Review Task Force and, 5) Treasure Chest policy.

Mr. Marsland reminded the Board that they are in a timeframe to evaluate the Town Administrator.

C. Update on cable television renewal process

Ms. Balmer explained that Attorney Epstein provided the letter of formal initiation of the negotiation process and that the County agreed to fund $20,000 toward the efforts of the eight towns involved. She stated that it is important to continue to recruit for the Cable Advisory Committee and it is recommended that the Board conduct at least 2 public hearings on the issue. Mr. Cole commented that with no volunteers available, the Board may need to designate Jill Mason as the Cable Advisory Committee.

D. Bank Street Fire House Property

Mr. Merriam explained that the Conservation Commission has affirmed the wetlands delineation accuracy of the property per the Board’s request. Mr. Cole stated that he had attended the Conservation Commission’s meeting and it was well attended. He explained that the methodology and accuracy was strenuously questioned by the public but the Commission determined that the evidence was solid and affirmed what was in the map. Chairman Wilkins stated that the information needs to be brought back with a recommendation. Mr. McManus stated that they need to consider where they would relocate the Harbormaster and they will need input from the Waterways Committee.

SELECTMEN’S REPORT

Mr. Piekarski noted that he would like to add to the Board’s action list the Board’s ability to fine those operating without a Common Victualler license.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:18 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Administrative Secretary