MINUTES
SELECTMEN’S MEETING
GRIFFIN ROOM, TOWN HALL
MONDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2006
7:00 P.M.
SELECTMEN PRESENT: Cole, Marsland, McManus, Piekarski, Wilkins
SELECTMEN ABSENT: None
OTHERS PRESENT: Acting Town Administrator Stephen Lombard, Chief Remillard, Lincoln Hooper, Ginny Hewitt, David Scannell, JoAnne Brown, Bill Crowell, Geoff Wiegman, Gerry Loftus, and others.
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER at 7:00 p.m. by Chairman Wilkins.
WEEKLY BRIEFING
No one appeared before the Board.
PUBLIC INFORMATION
No one appeared before the Board.
CONSENT AGENDA
A. Approve Minutes –
1. November 13, 2006 Regular Meeting
2. November 27, 2006 Executive Session
B. Authorize Chief Remillard to sign Memorandum of Understanding with American Red Cross
C. Approve request for assistance from the Caleb Chase Fund
Mr. Cole motioned to approve the items on the Consent Agenda. Mr. Marsland seconded the motion and the motion carried by a unanimous vote.
TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Mr. Lombard stated that the Golf Commission has scheduled a hearing to discuss golf fees and he questioned what process the Board would like to follow in that regard. Chairman Wilkins stated that he would like to follow past practice of the Planning Board and Waterways Committee where the committee meets and then brings the fees to the Board for discussion. He noted that in his review of the Board’s responsibilities when it comes to Town-wide programs, all references he has read indicates that the Board should have some involvement in the process although the Charter is not explicit that fee setting is the responsibility of the Golf Commission. He stated that after discussing this with Mr. Lombard he feels that the appropriate procedure should be that the Golf Commission holds the hearing and makes
a recommendation to the Board. He added that this procedure also serves as a system of checks and balances. The Board discussed the matter and agreed that the Golf Commission would hold the hearing, bring back a recommendation to the Board and that no public hearing would be held by the Board.
Mr. Lombard reported that he had approved a change order to the construction project at the golf course which reduces the contract amount by $9,434.89.
Mr. Lombard thanked the Board for giving him the opportunity to serve the Town as Acting Town Administrator for the past six months. He outlined his accomplishments and noted that he finds the Town to be in good shape. Mr. Lombard thanked the public and all the Town employees.
ACTION ITEMS
D. Abatement of Ambulance Bills
Mr. Lombard recommended approval of the ambulance bill abatements totaling $1,838. Mr. Piekarski motioned to accept Mr. Lombard’s recommendation. Mr. McManus seconded the motion and the motion carried by a unanimous vote.
E. Petition by Nstar for 2 Pole Placements
Mr. Lombard explained that application was made by Commonwealth Electric for permission to install 2 new poles on Route 39 at the rotary to support existing poles. He noted that a hearing was held on November 30, 2006 at Town Hall and no abutters appeared. Mr. Lombard recommended approval subject to the requirement that sufficient notice be provided to the Water Department and Highway Department by the utility company.
Mr. McManus pointed out that the map provided to them indicates that the poles will be located in the roadway. Mr. Lombard agreed to provide a corrected map and bring this item back to the Board.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
F. Request by Harwich Commercial Fishermen’s Group that Town consider leasing a parcel of land for storage of commercial fishing gear.
Mark Leach spoke as the representative from the Harwich Commercial Fishermen’s Group. Mr. Leach requested an area to lease from the Town possibly near the landfill to store their commercial fishing gear. He explained that they would need an area approximately 50’ x 80’ to store about 800 traps as well as fishing gear. He stated that although it is not critical, ideally the land would have access to water and electricity and they would be willing to undertake the expense for installation of the utilities. Mr. Hooper explained that any activity on top of the old disposal area would require a post-closure use permit from the Department of Environmental Protection and it is an in-depth, expensive process. Mr. Hooper explained that there is possibly 10 acres available at the
sandpit but they have no space at the DPW garage.
Chairman Wilkins suggested that Mr. Lombard leave this as “to do business” for the new Town Administrator. He recommended that the new Town Administrator meet with Mr. Leach, the Highway Department and Harbormaster to get an assessment of what their specific needs and priorities are in terms of water and electricity and then come back to the Board with a plan. Mr. McManus pointed out that they would be limited to a three year lease without Town Meeting approval and it should be investigated what the procedure would be for developing a lease. Mr. Marsland suggested seeking an opinion from Town Counsel and Chairman Wilkins agreed.
G. Request by Trustees of Brooks Free Library to discuss library matters and that a liaison be appointed
JoAnne Brown, Chair, read the attached report to the Board. Mrs. Brown and Ginny Hewitt took questions and comments from the Board. Chairman Wilkins motioned to appoint Mr. Cole as liaison to the Brooks Free Library Trustees. Mr. Piekarski seconded the motion and the motion carried by unanimous vote.
H. Presentation by AmeriCorps Cape Cod
Representatives Amy Souci, Molly Kitchel and Jay DeMaris provided background information on AmeriCorps Cape Cod and reported on services they provide. They outlined some of their past and current projects and explained that are always looking for new projects that would incorporate community volunteers. To that end, they encouraged the Board to contact them with any project ideas or contacts for projects that fall within their mission statement.
Mr. Cole suggested that the bike trail may need maintenance and Mr. Piekarski suggested that they could be involved in beach management. Mr. Marsland requested that Mr. Lombard check with the department heads to see who may require services.
SELECTMEN’S REPORT
A. Warrant Article – Asset Management Study
Mr. Lombard noted that the purpose of this article is to develop a capital plan for the maintenance of Town buildings. He stressed that we need to see what needs to be done over the next several years. Mr. Piekarski agreed and urged them to be prepared to explain the needs to the taxpayers. The Board agreed to draft an article when Mr. Merriam comes on board.
Mr. Cole motioned to appoint Chris Wood to the Housing Committee. Mr. McManus seconded the motion and the motion carried by a unanimous vote.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Chairman Wilkins announced that the Hall of Fame nominations deadline will be extended to December 29, 2006.
The Board agreed not to meet again until January 8, 2007 due to the holidays.
Mr. Piekarski requested that at the January 8th meeting, the Board designate a representative to vote on resolutions for the MMA meeting.
Chairman Wilkins asked the Board to consider using their office as an additional meeting space as well as reducing the number of Board meetings per month.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Cole motioned to adjourn at 9:12 p.m. Mr. Marsland seconded the motion and the motion carried by a unanimous vote.
Respectfully submitted,
Ann Steidel
Recording Secretary
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