Town of Harwich Massachusetts - Minutes

SELECTMEN’S MEETING

GRIFFIN ROOM, TOWN HALL

MONDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2007

SELECTMEN PRESENT: Cole, McManus, Piekarski, Wilkins

SELECTMEN ABSENT: Marsland

OTHERS PRESENT: Town Administrator James Merriam, Asst. Town Administrator Nan Balmer, Supt. Carolyn Cragin, Gary Costin, Susan Leven, Tom Blute, Mark Russell, Gerry Loftus, Linc Thacher, Tim Millar, Al Rosenberg, Ed Edsten, Peggy Gabour, David Purdy, Larry Ballantine, Kristine Larsen, Jennifer Thyng, and others.

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

Chairman Wilkins called for a moment of silence for the passing of former Finance Committee and Capital Outlay member, Barbara McCue. He explained that the Board had just come out of Executive Session and they hope to be able to report on a settlement with the Fire Association next week. He added that they settled the Police Chief’s contract for the next three years and he briefly outlined the contract changes.

No one appeared before the Board.

PUBLIC COMMENT/ANNOUNCEMENTS

No one appeared before the Board.

A. Approve Minutes - November 19, 2007 - Regular Session

B. Approve recommendation of Council on Aging for representative to the Community Center Facilities Committee

C. Approve appointment to the Community Center Facilities Committee (member-at-large)

D. Approve appointment to Golf Committee

E. Accept resignation of Larry Brophy from Planning Board

F. Approve 2008 annual General License renewals and new licenses

G. Approve 2008 annual Liquor License renewals

Mr. Cole moved to approve Items A through G in the Consent Agenda. Mr. McManus seconded the motion and the motion carried by a unanimous vote.

PUBLIC HEARINGS/PRESENTATIONS (7:15 P.M.)

Supt. Carolyn Cragin discussed some of the School Department’s accomplishments of the past year. She characterized their proposed budget as a progressive one which takes into consideration some of the NEASC recommendations. She noted that the 12.4% budget increase includes the absorption of traditional articles at the Board of Selectmen’s request and focuses on increased programs, technology and resources.

Gary Costin, School Business Manager, outlined the proposed School budget in detail and included an overview of maintenance initiatives, school spending sources and state aid. (See attached)

B. Public Hearing – Harwich FY 08 Community Development Strategy

Chairman Wilkins opened the hearing. Susan Leven explained that the Community Development Strategy is a required component of the FY08 Small Cities Housing Rehabilitation Grant. She outlined the document noting several necessary changes and Mr. Cole requested small editorial changes as well (see attached). She took questions from the Board and at Mr. McManus’ request she agreed to send the document to the Planning Board and Real Estate and Open Space Committee. With no one appearing from the public, Mr. McManus moved to close the hearing. Mr. Cole seconded the motion and the motion carried by a unanimous vote.

C. Annual Meetings with the Board of Selectmen:

Linc Thatcher and Tim Millar delivered the annual report of the Forest Committee to the Board.

2. Channel 18 Advisory Committee

Al Rosenberg reported that this Committee has not been meeting but they do hope to meet soon and the members are eagerly looking forward to acting in an advisory capacity. Chairman Wilkins requested that they get in contact with the Assistant Town Administrator and Channel 18 Director regarding the cable contract renewal before the Committee meets.

3. Community Preservation Committee

David Purdy delivered the annual report of the Community Preservation Committee and took questions and comments from the Board.

A. Update on West Harwich School Building and Old Rec Building

Mr. Merriam explained that he had contacted the architect, Lynn Spencer, and indicated to her that there was a growing sense of urgency to wrap up the project and that there was some discontent with the draft RFP for which comments would be forthcoming. Mr. Merriam further explained that Ms. Spencer indicated she is waiting for two other studies, including a summary of the site development from Coastal Engineering. Mr. Merriam noted that Ms. Spencer has offered to come before the Board next week to give another briefing. Mr. Loftus commented that it is necessary for Ms. Spencer to meet with the working group before she meets with the Board and Chairman Wilkins responded that he would need to set that up with Mr. Merriam. The Board agreed to meet with Ms. Spencer after Mr. Merriam forwards the comments from the interested committees to her and ascertains why subcontractors are late responding to her timeframe. The Board also reached a consensus that Ms. Spencer should meet with the working group that same day.

A. Approve grant from Barnstable County Land Management Grant Program to the Recreation and Youth Commission

Mr. McManus moved approval of the grant. Mr. Cole seconded the motion and the motion carried by a unanimous vote.

B. Approve increase to current IRS mileage rate to 48.5 cents for business miles driven

Mr. Piekarski moved to allow the Town Administrator and Town Accountant to utilize the IRS standard mileage rates for reimbursing all employees in the Town. Mr. Cole seconded the motion. Mr. Ryan pointed out that there is one employment contract for which the IRS mileage would not apply. Mr. Piekarski amended his motion to utilize the IRS standard mileage rates for reimbursing all employees in the Town where applicable. Mr. Cole agreed and the motion carried by a unanimous vote.

TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

Mr. Merriam delivered the following report to the Board:

Police Station Design

Building Committee Chairman Ray Jefferson has informed me that Kaestle Boos estimators have submitted a preliminary cost of $10,273,794, which includes the building cost of $9m, plus FFE and soft costs. The Building Committee will continue to refine the numbers, but I would not anticipate much more in additional savings. Ray and the Chiefs will be making a presentation to the HTA on Saturday, followed by meetings with Capital Outlay, Finance Committee and your Board.

Old Rec /West Harwich School

As a follow up to Gerry Loftus’ comments last week, I invited Lynn Spencer to provide your Board with a status report. Lynn has offered to attend your December 17^th meeting and update you as to what work has been performed and the details of any remaining work.

MidCape Board of Directors

As a follow up to Bill Doherty’s inquiry, Town Meeting in 1999, Article 16, stated that the Board of Selectmen would appoint a member from the Harwich Housing Authority to the MidCape Board of Directors. Your Board’s second appointment was Ray Gottwald on March 26^th, 2004 from the Council on Aging to the MidCape Board.

Mileage Reimbursement

Periodically, your Board sets new rates for mileage reimbursement. Rather than setting a fixed value, would you consider tying to the Internal Revenue Code? The 2007 IRS reimbursement rate is 48.5 cents per mile for work miles driven. This rate is based on an annual study of the fixed and variable costs of operating an automobile.

Citizens for Homeowners Insurance Reform

Paula Aschettino is seeking Fair Plan homeowners who have been affected by Rule 406 which addresses wind deductibles. Several policy holders will experience higher deductibles starting December 15^th. They would briefly like to talk to anyone who has been notified. Their number is 508-240-5231.

Geoff Larsen found the HTA signs to be in violation of the Historic District By-laws and Zoning By-laws. Attached is a memo from Building Commissioner Larsen which provides a chronology of events.

Leo has received a USDA grant reimbursement to install a new vertical pump and sprinkler repairs at our Main Street bog. Leo hopes to make the installation over the winter which will reduce the time it takes to flood a bog. He took me for a tour of the planned work.

My wife, Linda and I attended the Childrens Center fundraiser hosted at the Wequasset Inn on Sunday evening, December 2^nd. On December 4^th, I attended the Chamber of Commerce’s Holiday dinner at the Casa di Babbo Grill and on December 7^th, I attended the Cape Cod Tech’s Holiday luncheon.

I met with Chamber Director Sandy Davidson to discuss the Flex Bus meeting in Orleans, next Tuesday, that there is a dark area along Rt. 28 near Doane Park which should be evaluated for streetlights.

The monthly Department Heads meeting covered a number of topics.

Our Finance Team reviewed current a projected revenues for FY 09.

I met with Jeff Carter and Chief Mason to discuss a parking enforcement program.

I met with Chiefs Mason, Flynn and Nan to develop a separate Dispatch budget.

I met with Rob Caitlin, President of the C.V. Men’s Golf Assn

Nan and I met with Tony Pagliaro and George Boule to discuss Golf lessons

SELECTMEN’S REPORT

Mr. Cole commented that we currently have out to bid a Wind Feasibility Study and yet don’t have a Zoning By-Law that covers installation of an industrial or commercial wind tower. Mr. Merriam agreed that we need to get the zoning in place for a project of this magnitude. Mr. McManus requested that Mr. Merriam get a report from the Town Planner as to what is allowed currently under our zoning and a recommendation as to whether we need expand on that with a by-law change.

Jack Connell, former owner of the Cape Cod Claddagh Inn, remarked that he will be foreclosing on the establishment and inquired as to what happens with the liquor license. Chairman Wilkins responded that Mr. Connell needs to address this through the Town Administrator’s Office.

Mr. Cole moved to adjourn at 8:56 p.m. Chairman Wilkins seconded the motion and the motion carried by a unanimous vote.

Respectfully submitted,