MINUTES
SELECTMEN’S MEETING
GRIFFIN ROOM, TOWN HALL
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2008
7:00 P.M.
SELECTMEN PRESENT: Cole, Marsland, McManus, Wilkins
SELECTMEN ABSENT: Piekarski
OTHERS PRESENT: Town Administrator James Merriam, Asst. Town Administrator Nan Balmer, Chief Flynn, David Ryan, Allin Thompson, Gerry Loftus, Tony Pagliaro, and others.
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER at 7:00 p.m. by Chairman Wilkins.
PUBLIC COMMENT/ANNOUNCEMENTS
Allin Thompson, representing the Friends of the South Harwich Meeting House, explained that they had been invited to apply for a grant from Mass Preservation but have come to find out that there were too many restrictions and demands and therefore they have decided not to continue with the grant application. He stated that they are going to continue their fundraising efforts and have some other grant prospects as well.
Mr. Thompson, representing the Pleasant Bay Alliance, explained that the five-year plan is coming up for renewal and he submitted copies of the draft with updates and changes. He asked that the Board review and offer any comments and he noted that the Memorandum of Agreement is coming due again soon and the Board will need to sign it.
NEW BUSINESS
Chairman Wilkins skipped to Item H under New Business:
H. Approve letters from Selectmen/School Committee to Chatham and Dennis/ Yarmouth regarding regional schools
Chairman Wilkins explained that the Board has before them a letter to the Chairman of the Chatham Board of Selectmen and the Chatham School Committee as well as a letter to the Dennis and Yarmouth Town Administrators. He noted that the Chatham letter is a result of an informal discussion with the Chairman of the Chatham Board of Selectmen, David Whitcomb, on New Years Eve having to do with entering into a conversation regarding regionalization with Chatham. He reported that he had met with the Chairman of the School Building Needs Committee, Mr. Thompson, as well as Superintendent Carolyn Cragin and School Committee Chairman, Tom Blute at which time they discussed what the protocol should be and it was agreed that both our Board of Selectmen and School Committee should send a letter to Chatham in an effort to
formalize this informal conversation. Chairman Wilkins further explained that the objective of the letter to the Dennis and Yarmouth Town Administrators is to be as open as we can be and let them know that we are going to entertain a conversation with Chatham.
Mr. McManus moved to sign the letter to the Chatham Board of Selectmen and the School Committee. Mr. Cole seconded the motion and the motion carried by a unanimous vote.
The Board agreed that any communications on this issue should end up with the School Building Needs Committee and that they would make recommendations to the Board.
Mr. McManus moved to sign the letter to the Dennis and Yarmouth Town Administrators. Mr. Marsland seconded the motion and the motion carried by a unanimous vote.
CONSENT AGENDA
A. Approve Minutes –
1. January 28, 2008 Regular Meeting
2. February 4, 2008 Executive Session
B. Accept gift of lighting & poles at Whitehouse Field from Harwich Athletic Assn.
C. Approve committee appointments
Mr. McManus moved to approve the items on the consent calendar with the exception of Item C and approve the recommended actions thereon. Mr. Marsland seconded the motion. Mr. Cole asked that the minutes of January 28, 2008 be changed to reflect that Anne Anderson was active in HECH and not the Interfaith Council for the Homeless as was incorrectly stated in the newspaper. The motion carried by a unanimous vote.
Mr. McManus moved to make the following appointments:
Richard Bower to the Traffic Safety Committee with a term to expire June 30, 2008, Karyn Morris to the Youth Services Committee to an unexpired term until June 30, 2009, Maryrose Reynolds to the Disability Rights Committee to an unexpired term until June 30, 2009, Edward Etsten and Steve Duffy to the Cable Advisory Committee to a 1-year term to expire in 2009,
Karyn Morris to the Housing Committee with a term to expire June 30, 2010, Brent Hemeon to the Agricultural Committee as an Alternate Member for a 3 year term.
Mr. Cole seconded the motion and the motion carried by a unanimous vote.
Mr. McManus moved to appoint Joe McParland as the Planning Board’s representative to the Capital Outlay Committee and John Follas as their representative on the Trails Committee. Mr. Cole seconded the motion and the motion carried by a unanimous vote.
Ms. Balmer reported that the Orleans Board of Selectmen had received an opinion from Attorney Ford which confirms the position that you cannot opt out of the Flex Bus and you can only opt out of the RTA. She also provided a package from Bill Doherty which included the RTA’s recommendations on service and budget cuts as well as fare increases to be considered at their February 14, 2008 meeting.
NEW BUSINESS (Continued)
A. Award of ambulance contract to Specialty Vehicles, North Attleboro
At Mr. Merriam’s recommendation, Mr. Cole moved to approve the contract. Mr. McManus seconded the motion and the motion carried by a unanimous vote.
B. Approve lease of Jenkins Cranberry Bog
Mr. Merriam recommended that the lease be approved and that we continue to provide the agricultural use of Jenkins bog. He explained that the recommendation is not based on the finances but rather to keep the bog functional. He recommended awarding the lease to Alan Hall for a 10-year lease. Mr. Marsland moved Mr. Merriam’s recommendation and Mr. McManus seconded the motion. Mr. McManus outlined a number of capital improvements to be made as part of the lease requirements which he noted would be a benefit to the Town. The motion carried by a unanimous vote.
C. Approve Barnstable County Land Management Grant for Island Pond Trail Loop
At Mr. Merriam’s recommendation, Mr. McManus moved to accept a grant of $1,000 from the Barnstable County Land Management Grant Program and authorize the appropriate individual to sign the award. Mr. Marsland seconded the motion and the motion carried by a unanimous vote.
D. Cable Advisory Committee charge and timetable
Ms. Balmer outlined the draft charge noting that it is limited in scope to the re-licensing process although it could be broadened to include other tasks to be completed. She explained that there are only three members due to the limited number of those interested and she listed Jill Mason as an ex-officio member. Mr. McManus moved to adopt the charge of the Cable Television Advisory Committee as contained in a draft dated February 8, 2008. Mr. Marsland seconded the motion and the motion carried by a unanimous vote. Ms. Balmer outlined the draft timetable as well and no action was taken.
Chairman Wilkins requested that Ms. Balmer write a letter to John Roche in appreciation of his years of service.
E. Letter to Mass Highways regarding possible conveyance of State land for affordable housing
Mr. Cole moved to authorize the Town Administrator to send the letter before them, subject to editorial privilege, to Mass Highway inquiring about the status of this parcel. Mr. Marsland seconded the motion. Gerry Loftus requested that Sarah Peake be copied on this letter. The motion carried by a unanimous vote.
F. Letter from Golf Committee regarding transfer of land
Tony Pagliaro explained that Mr. Daluze was before the Golf Committee in December on this issue but he believes since that time Mr. Daluze has had a closing on the property. He stated that since neither Mr. Daluze nor the buyer is present this may be a moot point. Mr. Pagliaro noted that the Golf Committee voted to support a sufficient transfer of land to Mr. Daluze as he has been a good neighbor of the golf course for many years and our cart path is on the green space of the subdivision. Mr. Merriam explained that land swaps were much easier before the implementation of Chapter 30, bidding of property. He stated that if the new owner wishes to proceed and we can get particulars with regard to square footage than we can look for a legal process to do this and the first task is to get a survey out
there. Chairman Wilkins stressed that we have a responsibility to follow up and protect our interests and Mr. Merriam agreed to start the survey.
G. Annual Town Meeting warrant review
Mr. Merriam noted that Article 35, Fund Affordable Housing Needs Analysis, can be deleted from the warrant. Mr. McManus stated that he would rather see this in writing before they delete it. Mr. Merriam noted that he and Mr. Ryan are working on funding sources and budget amendments. He stated that the results of the HEA Study have not been incorporated into the budget and that will have an impact as well.
TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Mr. Merriam delivered the following report to the Board:
STM 2-11-08
Attached are the latest motions from FinCom and Selectmen. The FinCom voted a positive motion for Article 14 Medicare conditional on impact bargaining and the Selectmen have not voted a position. The FinCom reduced Article 16 to $50,666 and the Selectmen should also. For Article 18 Bank St. property. The Selectmen voted to transfer 2 parcels and the FinCom voted to transfer one parcel.
ATM May 08
Attached is the updated spreadsheet of one liners with funding sources and Town Administrator’s recommendations. There is only an $84,019 balance of Free Cash.
Flex Bus
Yarmouth Town Administrator Bob Lawton, who serves as the Chair of the RTA Budget Sub-Committee informed me that they have determined that it is their intention to address the FY 07 lack of state funding deficit by bonding over a ten year period such that Harwich would face at worst case, a $24,000 extra assessment per year. They have proposed to eliminate the FY 08 shortfall by reducing services by $1.37 million for the balance of this year (reduced Flex schedule, not eliminated), which would carry over only $181,000 into FY 09. If the State comes through with their share, service levels could be restored. The Legislative delegation met again yesterday with A&F Secretary Kirwan and EOT Secretary Cohen but according to the CC Times this morning, they did not receive any commitment. There was a
reference to amending the Supplemental Budget.
MMA
Attached is an MMA Legislative Bulletin requesting our efforts to seek an early Local Aid Resolution.
Bond Issues
Attached are new spreadsheets from Cape Cod 5 for our $2 million issue at 3% and our Police Station if approved, to be issued between July 1st and January 1st using a 4% interest rate.
Department Heads Meeting
We held a Department Heads meeting on Wednesday and the agenda covers the topics discussed. Included was NIMS mandatory training.
Stone Horse Motel
Dave Scannell has provided a packet of information with regard to ownership, which is Stone Horse Motel, Inc. The President is Harry B. Miller Jr. from Forestdale and the Treasurer is Douglas R. Levings from Chatham. Dave is indicating that the involuntary dissolution by Court Order has not yet affected the recorded deed. According to Treasurer Parkhurst, the owner owes $28,225.92 as of February 6th for property taxes, including a 2008 water lien plus $89.98 for personal property taxes. The property is in tax title. Also attached is a summary of Bill Baldwin’s substance free facility proposal prior to their withdrawal.
Capital Outlay Committee
As per my Charter obligation to appoint, I have appointed Robert George of 7 Harding Lane for a term expiring June 30, 2008.
Finance Department
As per your request, please find a draft Organization Chart.
Youth Counselor
Attached is an update of Sheila’s activities and flyers for a Darfur fundraiser to be held tonight, A Girls Circle 8 week program, and a Internet Safety seminar.
Section 18 Medicare Seminar
A seminar was held on February 6th at the Community Center for retirees and employees regarding acceptance of Section 18 Medicare. Selectmen McManus and Cole attended. The presentations were well received by those who attended. Attached are hand-outs at the seminar.
Harwich Chamber of Commerce
I met on February 4th with Sandy Davidson to discuss several issues including Flex Bus, the Business After Hours Tuesday night at the CC5 in Harwich Port, and Economic Development. Sandy provided me a copy of the Benchmarks Bulletin which is attached.
Harwich Conservation Trust
HCT sponsored a seminar last Saturday at the Community Center that Linda and I attended. Heinz Profit spoke about the Shellfish Lab and water quality testing program. Harwich is very fortunate to have Heinz serving the community with such knowledge and passion.
Ms. Balmer briefly outlined the Assistant Town Administrator’s Report.
With regard to the Stone Horse Motel item, Mr. Merriam agreed to find out why hotels aren’t inspected by the Health Department.
SELECTMEN’S REPORT
Chairman Wilkins reported that he had an informal conversation with Mr. Cakounes regarding the Harwich Civic Spirit Day luncheon and Mr. Cakounes indicated that he is willing to do it again. Chairman Wilkins requested that a letter be sent to Mr. Cakounes stating that we appreciate what he and his family have done in the past and that we would welcome his participation again this year. Mr. Cole clarified that this event is to show appreciation for our volunteers.
Chairman Wilkins requested that Mr. Merriam investigate and monitor the green communities movement. He added that we need to bring it out in front of the public and do an analysis of where we are in relation to being a green community.
Chairman Wilkins requested that Mr. Cole and Mr. McManus submit their Town Administrator’s evaluations and that Mr. Piekarski be sent a copy of the form.
Mr. McManus stressed that it is important to remember that the Board of Selectmen’s minutes need to reflect what actually was said at their meetings and not what someone intended to say and if there was a misstatement the correction should be made in the minutes of the meeting where the correction was made.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Cole moved to adjourn at 8:47 p.m. Mr. Marsland seconded the motion and the motion carried by a unanimous vote.
Respectfully submitted,
Ann Steidel
Recording Secretary
| 
