MINUTES
SELECTMEN’S MEETING
GRIFFIN ROOM, TOWN HALL
MONDAY, JANUARY 7, 2008
7:00 P.M.
SELECTMEN PRESENT: Cole, Marsland, McManus, Piekarski, Wilkins
SELECTMEN ABSENT: None
OTHERS PRESENT: Town Administrator James Merriam, Asst. Town Administrator Nan Balmer, Chief Flynn, David Ryan, Tom Leach, Geoffrey Larsen, David Scannell, JoAnne Brown, Joan McCarty, Alma Davis, Bill Crowell, Kathleen Remillard, Bruce Nightingale, Pete Watson, Barry Worth, Elizabeth Bridgewater, Emily Loomis, Brooke Williams, 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 approved agreements with the Police Benevolent Association and Harwich Employees Association and he briefly described the details.
WEEKLY BRIEFING
Mr. Ryan reported that we received certification of Free Cash with the General Fund being certified at $1,765,000, retained earnings for the Water Enterprise Fund certified at $266,090, and Cape Cod Regional Technical High School Excess Deficiency Account certified at $593,000.
Chief Flynn reported that as a result of an energy audit at Station 2, we received the Energy Star Award for the amount of energy used at the facility and the conservation efforts that go on there. He added that Deputy Chief Clarke is working to secure funding and grants from the Cape Light Compact in an effort to make headquarters more energy efficient.
Mr. Larsen reviewed the Building Department’s goals for the new year including working with staff, homeowners and builders in overseeing the transition to new building regulations for one and two family homes.
PUBLIC COMMENT/ANNOUNCEMENTS
With regard to a recent letter from Mr. Harris in a local newspaper in which a figure of $80 million was attached to the construction of the proposed new High School, Mr. Cole pointed out that the largest figure that has been mentioned in conjunction with this project is roughly $30 million. He noted that this would be for the construction of a new two-story High School, with the town’s share being roughly one-half of that. He added that the Capital Outlay Committee reduced the figure to $10 million last year on the assumption that the total cost would be $20 million.
Mr. McManus pointed out that the No Place For Hate group is looking to put together a program for Martin Luther King Day and they hope to have plans settled by next week. Chairman Wilkins asked that Ms. Balmer work with the No Place For Hate group and asked that the usual 12:00 noon time on the steps of Town Hall remain the same.
PUBLIC HEARINGS/PRESENTATIONS (7:15 P.M.)
A. Joint Meeting between Board of Selectmen and Library Trustees to fill vacancy on Board of Library Trustees
Mr. McManus explained that due to the passing of Library Trustee, Robert Prew, there is a vacancy on that Board. He added that Massachusetts General Law calls for the Trustees and the Board of Selectmen to have a joint meeting to make the appointment. JoAnne Brown, Chairman of the Library Trustees, stated that they had met this evening with three interested parties, Jackie Leach, Joe Pino, and Kathleen Remillard, and they would like to offer Mrs. Remillard as their recommendation to fill this position. Mr. Cole moved to approve the Library Board of Trustees recommendation and appoint Mrs. Remillard to the vacancy. Mr. Marsland seconded the motion. The Board agreed that the vote was to be taken jointly between the Trustees and the Board of Selectmen. Mrs. Brown pointed out that the term
of the position ends in May. The motion carried by a unanimous vote of both Boards, with Chairman Wilkins, Mr. Marsland, Mr. Piekarski, Mr. Cole, Mr. McManus, and Chairman Brown, Ms. McCarty, Ms. Davis, and Mr. Crowell voting unanimously in favor of the appointment.
CONSENT AGENDA
A. Minutes
1. December 3, 2007 – Regular Meeting
2. December 10, 2007 – Regular Meeting
3. December 10, 2007 – Executive Session
4. December 17, 2007 – Regular Meeting
5. December 17, 2007 – Executive Session
6. December 24, 2007 – Executive Session
B. Appoint Bikeways Liaison per request of Chairman of Bikeways
C. Committee Appointments:
1. Bikeways
2. Citizen’s Advisory Committee
3. Trail Committee
D. Approve renewal of 2007 Automatic Amusement license for Seafood Sam’s
The Board agreed to pull Items A2, A3, A4, A5 and A6 from the Consent Agenda. Mr. Cole moved to approve Item A1 subject to an editorial amendment and Items B, C and D. Mr. Marsland seconded the motion. With regard to Item A1, Mr. Cole requested that the language in the minutes be changed on page 2 in the third paragraph to reflect that Mr. McManus recommended a “consideration of” a full-time, short-term housing advocate. The motion carried by a unanimous vote.
Mr. McManus moved to approve the Regular Meeting minutes and Executive Session minutes of December 10, 2007. Mr. Piekarski seconded the motion. Mr. Cole requested an amendment to the December 10, 2007 Executive Session minutes to indicate that he voted in favor of a motion he had made. Mr. McManus agreed to exclude the December 10, 2007 Executive Session minutes from the motion. The motion carried by a 4-0-1 vote with Mr. Marsland abstaining from the vote.
Mr. McManus moved to table the December 10, 2007 Executive Session meeting minutes until next week. Mr. Piekarski seconded the motion and the motion carried by a unanimous vote.
Mr. McManus moved to approve the Regular Meeting minutes and Executive Session meeting minutes of December 17, 2007. Mr. Marsland seconded the motion and the motion carried by a 4-0-1 vote with Mr. Piekarski abstaining from the vote.
Mr. McManus moved to approve the minutes from the December 24, 2007 meeting with the correction that they are Regular Session minutes not Executive Session minutes. Mr. Marsland seconded the motion. The motion carried by a 4-0-1 vote with Mr. Piekarski abstaining from the vote.
PUBLIC HEARINGS/PRESENTATIONS (7:15 P.M.) (Continued)
B. Budget Presentation by Town Administrator to Board of Selectmen
Mr. Merriam and Mr. Ryan presented the FY09 Budget to the Board (see attached presentation). He and Mr. Ryan took questions and comments from the Board on the details of the budget.
C. Presentation of Capital Outlay Plan to Board of Selectmen
Mr. Watson presented the Capital Outlay Plan and took questions and comments from the Board (see attached presentation).
As a result of discussion surrounding the proposed new Police Station, Chairman Wilkins requested that Mr. Cole, representatives of the Capital Outlay Committee, Finance Committee and Police Station Building Committee meet to address concerns of the Capital Outlay Committee regarding this project.
OLD BUSINESS
A. Approve Wind Turbine Study – Weston & Sampson Task I
At the recommendation of Mr. Worth and Mr. Merriam, Mr. McManus moved to approve a fee proposal of $2,500 for the study grant application to Weston & Sampson. Mr. Cole seconded the motion and the motion carried by a unanimous vote.
NEW BUSINESS
A. Request from Lower Cape Community Development Corporation
Ms. Bridgewater and Ms. Loomis presented the request that the Board provide comments to the Massachusetts Housing Partnership as part of the review period for the 12 unit Main Street Extension affordable housing project. The Board took comments from Mr. Williams including questions about public process. Ms. Loomis pointed out that public hearings are required as part of the ZBA process, however some of those details will not be determined by the public at large because they were set in advance by the Housing Authority and are part of their contract with the Housing Authority at this time. Mr. Piekarski moved to authorize the Chair to send the letter to Ms. Nancy Sampson, Loan Officer, Massachusetts Housing Partnership. Mr. Marsland seconded the motion. Mr. McManus noted that this is property
that we have transferred from the Town to the Housing Authority and it is their project to manage He stated that the Board is simply being asked for any comments to determine whether the site is appropriate and whether the goals of the development meet the affordability requirements of State law. Mr. McManus also pointed out that the project will be reviewed by the Zoning Board of Appeals as specified in State law. Ms. Loomis answered questions from the Board on septic, water and energy issues. The motion carried by a unanimous vote.
B. Vote to sign Special Town Meeting Warrant
Mr. Merriam noted that Article 15, Grant of Easement – Ripple Way, has been amended to include specifics of the plan. Mr. Cole moved to sign the Special Town Meeting Warrant. Mr. Piekarski seconded the motion. Mr. Cole pointed out two minor editorial changes. The motion carried by a unanimous vote.
C. Vote to sign Dredge Agreement for Saquatucket Harbor
Mr. McManus moved to sign the dredge agreement with Barnstable County for Saquatucket Harbor. Mr. Cole seconded the motion and the motion carried by a unanimous vote.
D. Vote to sign Limnologist Consulting Contract for Water Quality Task Force
Mr. McManus moved to sign the limnologist consulting contract with Stearns and Wheler Engineers for a cost not to exceed $3,000 as recommended by the Town-Wide Water Quality Task Force. Mr. Cole seconded the motion and the motion carried by a unanimous vote.
TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Mr. Merriam delivered the following report:
Stonewood Products
I discussed public safety issues with staff regarding access/egress off Depot Street. Plan to meet with owner to find temporary solutions while awaiting CCC change of rules.
Voting machines
With Anita receiving notices that our current voting machines will not be serviced after this November’s election, we met to discuss acquiring new machines.
Police/ Fire radio towers
Staff met with Barnstable County representatives to develop a plan for replacing damaged towers. Nan Balmer are co-ordinating the proposals as we attempt to replace two smaller towers with one that can serve both departments and not interfere with the new Police Station project.
Red River Beach
Staff met at Red River Beach to discuss the dune restoration project. We were all pleased with the County Dredge project, but needed to address how the DPW cleans and deposits codium.
Cranberry Valley
Nan and I met with Dennis to discuss the STM article for the pro shop funding and developing a business plan, the revolving account in the ATM and the revised Golf Director job description. I have been invited to attend the Golf Committee’s January 28th meeting to further discuss these matters.
FY 09 Budget Recommendations
I have received numerous contacts inquiring about specific cuts. I’ve suggested that amendments may be considered in the future. I did speak to Carolyn Carey and Senna Fernandez regarding a proposed Principal Clerk cut in the Community Center budget. I assured Senna that it will have no impact upon her and her planned retirement in March 09. Carolyn will be discussing options with the Facilities Committee on Friday morning and she has already shared some budget adjustments which will restore full funding for this position.
Old Rec/ West Harwich School
We completed a very productive session with Lynn Spencer and Arthur Vogt from Menders. The group made major decisions regarding the final RFP. A copy of their schematics is in my office and hand-outs are in your office, including the price estimates, construction estimates, packets for each site and the draft RFP.
Ms. Balmer delivered a report of her activities for the week.
SELECTMEN’S REPORT
A. Selectmen’s Goals
Mr. Cole responded to Ms. Balmer that it would be acceptable to receive the list of goals once a month and he pointed out to the Board that a liaison column had been added.
Chairman Wilkins stated that, as Chair, he would be the voting member at the MMA convention this year. He explained the resolution on municipal and school finance being put forward for FY09 noting that are trying to move toward a municipal partnership ultimately with 40% of increased revenues being returned to the Town. The Board discussed the resolution and Mr. Piekarski moved to support it. Mr. Marsland seconded the motion and the motion carried by a unanimous vote.
Mr. Cole stated that in regard to #67 in Selectmen’s Goals, Adopt Town Charter Revisions, that we need to have specifically itemized two recommendations from Mr. Merriam regarding budget and capital.
Mr. McManus questioned if the Board had taken a vote to institute a moratorium on road takings and if so, they would need to take this up at some point. Chairman Wilkins noted his recollection that it was not voted on.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Marsland moved to adjourn at 9:38 p.m. Chairman Wilkins seconded the motion and the motion carried by a unanimous vote.
Respectfully submitted,
Ann Steidel
Recording Secretary
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