MINUTES
SELECTMEN’S MEETING
GRIFFIN ROOM, TOWN HALL
MONDAY, JUNE 16, 2008
7:00 P.M.
SELECTMEN PRESENT: Cole, LaMantia, Marsland, McManus, Wilkins
SELECTMEN ABSENT: None
OTHERS PRESENT: Town Administrator James Merriam, Assistant Town Administrator Nan Balmer, Chief Mason, Chief Flynn, Barbara Anne Foley, John Mahan, Ray Jefferson, Dean Knight, Barbara Yamamoto, Jay Weisman, 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 negotiations. He reported that a majority of the department heads have indicated that they would like the SEIU Local 888 to be their exclusive representative for the purpose of collective bargaining. He noted that a pending litigation and personnel issue were also discussed.
WEEKLY BRIEFING
Mr. Mahan reported that daily ticket sales at Red River Beach have steadily increased and he thanked the Highways and Maintenance Department for their efforts in keeping the beach in such good condition.
Chief Flynn reported on a recent fatal fire in East Harwich in which we lost a senior citizen. Ms. Foley urged all family, friends and neighbors of the elderly to enroll in the Friendly Visitor Program or the Telephone Reassurance Program as well as to fill out an Emergency Response Form.
Mr. Jefferson reported that the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Public Safety Facility is scheduled for July 20th from 12:00 to 3:00 and all are welcome to attend.
PUBLIC COMMENT/ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mr. Knight submitted e-mails to the Board regarding the Red River issue he had recently spoken about which he asked be made part of the public record and he encouraged the Board to review them.
CONSENT AGENDA
A. Approve Minutes - May 27, 2008 - Regular Meeting
B. Approve renewal of Common Victualler and Weekday Entertainment Licenses for Bishop’s of the Harwiches d/b/a Bishop’s Terrace
C. Vote to authorize Chairman to sign Animal Control Officer Warrant
D. Vote to waive site review fee for Cape Cod Council of Churches Hands of Hope Outreach Center
E. Vote to accept gift of Hobie 15 Powerskiff boat from Bill Doherty
F. Miscellaneous appointments
Mr. Cole requested to pull item F, Mr. Marsland requested to pull Item B and Mr. LaMantia requested to pull Item E from the Consent Agenda. Mr. McManus moved approval of the items on the Consent Agenda absent Items B, E and F. Mr. Marsland seconded the motion and the motion carried by a unanimous vote.
With regard to Item B, Mr. Marsland questioned why the Building Commissioner had not signed the Common Victualler application. He moved to approve the application for a Common Victualler License for Bishop’s Terrace of the Harwiches subject to the Building Commissioner signing off on the Regulatory Compliance Form. Mr. Cole seconded the motion and the motion carried by a unanimous vote.
With regard to Item E, Mr. LaMantia cautioned that acceptance of an item that generates cost should be in the current budget and when it gives out it does not get replaced automatically. Mr. LaMantia moved to accept the very kind gift of Mr. Doherty. Mr. Marsland seconded the motion. Mr. Merriam agreed to convey Mr. LaMantia’s remarks to the Harbormaster. The motion carried by a unanimous vote.
With regard to Item F, Mr. Cole stated that he would like the Board to have a discussion on the RTA representative appointment as well as have a discussion with Mr. Doherty. He also suggested considering appointing a Selectman or the Town Administrator to this position. Mr. Cole moved to approve the Annual Miscellaneous Board Appointments dated June 16, 2008 with the exception of the position of Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority Representative. Mr. Marsland seconded the motion. Mr. McManus commented that he would like to revisit the Tree Warden position with regard to the status of policy and law and preserving the Town aesthetically. He noted that Mr. Hooper is not particularly interested in this area. Mr. McManus further commented that he believes Mr. Doherty has represented the Town
exceeding well but will participate in the discussion. The motion carried by a unanimous vote.
PUBLIC HEARINGS/PRESENTATIONS (7:15 P.M.)
A. Discussion with producer of Shockwave Darkside film
Mr. Weisman explained that he would like to direct a low budget, science fiction movie in Crowell’s pit which will most likely be shot at night at the end of January. Mr. Weisman described his background, education, and past and current work. He further described the premise of the movie. He noted that it is not his intention to disrupt the Town in any way and to that end they will be using minimal lighting, engaging members of the community, continuing dialogue with the Chamber of Commerce and will present a production plan to the Police and Fire Departments by the end of summer. He noted that he will work with Ms. Leven and Ms. Hude on getting permits. Mr. Weisman took questions and comments from the Board.
OLD BUSINESS
A. Vote to approve Affordable Housing Special Revenue Fund policy
Chairman Wilkins noted that there is a Public Hearing scheduled on this policy as well as the Rules of Operation and Interview Procedures for June 30th. The Board discussed the Affordable Housing Special Revenue Fund Policy at length and agreed to delete the sentence “For any fund request exceeding $50,000, the Housing Committee will hold a public hearing.” The Board also agreed to change the requirement of “30 days” to “14 days.” Chairman Wilkins noted that the amended policy will be brought back on June 30th.
B. Vote to approve Selectmen’s Rules of Operation
The Board agreed to change “Questions of order are subject to appeal to the Board.” in Section 3 to “The Chair’s rulings on questions of order are subject to appeal to the Board.” The Board also agreed to add “not on the agenda.” to the end of the last sentence in Section 8 and to change the heading of Section 14 to “Clear Statement of Motions Being Voted On” and to change the text to “All motions, substitute motions and amendments shall be clearly stated immediately preceding the vote.”
C. Vote to approve amended Interview Procedure
The Board made no changes to this policy.
D. Vote to approve committee assignments
Mr. McManus moved to approve the recommended liaison assignments made by the Chairman of the Board. Mr. Cole seconded the motion and the motion carried by a unanimous vote.
E. Budget/warrant timeline
Mr. McManus moved to approve the proposed budget/warrant timeline for 2008-2009. Mr. Cole seconded the motion and the motion carried by a unanimous vote.
NEW BUSINESS
A. Falmouth request for dredging schedule changes
Mr. Merriam briefed the Board on the request and the Board discussed the contents of the proposed letter. After discussion, Mr. Marsland moved to send a similar letter to this. Mr. McManus seconded the motion and the motion carried by a unanimous vote. Mr. Merriam agreed to draft the letter.
B. Annual committee re-appointments
Mr. McManus moved to approve of the Annual 2008 Committee/Board Re-appointments as spelled out on the letter dated June 17, 2008. Mr. Marsland seconded the motion and the motion carried by a unanimous vote.
C. Process of updating Committee Handbook
Chairman Wilkins noted that this document was e-mailed to the Board and he requested they review it in an effort to bring clarity. He noted that he will agenda this item in the fall.
TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Mr. Merriam delivered the following report to the Board:
Beach Nourishment Group
The Beach Nourishment Group met on Tuesday to discuss Red River Beach, Saquatucket Channel and Falmouth’s request regarding dredging schedules. With regard to the Freedom Cruise, it struck what is believed to be a block which scarred the keel and damaged the propellers. The Freedom Cruise is out of service and will be until the boat is repaired. Regarding Falmouth’s concern over restricted dredging, we faxed a copy of letters how we addressed these issues last year. Coastal Engineering has filed their Environmental Notification Form to MEPA and is providing supplemental information regarding our 10 year dredging permit in hopes of avoiding to prepare an Environmental Impact Report, which would cost an additional $6,000.
Old Rec / West Harwich School Working Group
The Working Group approved an extension to receive proposals until July 21st at 3pm. Notices of the date change have been mailed to prospective proposers.
Cape Managers
I hosted this month’s Cape Managers meeting at the 400 Club on Thursday. We received a presentation from Bourne’s Integrated Solid Waste Manager Brent Goins and their offer to contract with Cape Towns to accept our municipal solid waste at the end of our SeMASS contract in 2015. Attached is a hand out of pertinent facts. They want to build a co-composting facility. Costs per ton have not been calculated, but they believe they will be quite competitive with the private sector.
George’s Fish Market Liquor License
George’s Fish Market has picked up their seasonal liquor license and paid for it in full. They may not renew their license for next year.
Sign By-law
Sue Leven, Geoff Larsen and I met to review the Sign By-law and we are drafting a Selectmen’s policy regarding town owned properties and then offer amendments to the by-law.
Fourth of July Week
With the 4th of July falling on a Friday this year, our Town Hall schedule will revert to an 8:30am -4pm schedule from Monday June 30th through Thursday July 3rd. This schedule will provide employees with a full day holiday on the 4th.
Water Rates
The Water Commissioners vote a new rate for FY 09 as follows as proposed on the attached schedule.
Yarmouth Golf Committee
Attached is the Town Meeting Article which created the current Yarmouth Golf Committee with a charge to “advise the Selectmen on budget, policy and other golf matters as the Board of Selectmen may deem appropriate.”
Stonewood Products update
Sue Leven and Geoff Larsen report that Anthony Baroni will be before the Planning Board at their June 24th meeting.~ It will probably be continued, since there is some information the Board is waiting for -- mostly dealing with the size of the product areas and the relation to # of pallets.
They will also need to go to the Board of Appeals for the retaining walls.~ Attorney Myer Singer is aware of that.
Farmers’ Markets
This comprehensive listing of Barnstable County regional farmers’ markets was put together by the Horticulture Department of the Extension Service. Many of the markets accept senior coupons, WIC, and credit cards. Please feel free to post in your town hall, senior center, and tourist information center. Barnstable County supports local farmers and agricultural producers. The 2008 Green Industry Directory will be updated and available for distribution by mid-June. If you would like more information on any of our initiatives, including Buy Fresh-Buy Local, please call 508-375-6690.
Fire Department Overtime
Chatham’s Personnel Director Gerry Panuczak provided the attached research on Fire Department spending on overtime. Chief Flynn reports that Dennis had 562 more runs, Sandwich 435 less runs, Eastham 1,888 less and Yarmouth 2000 more runs. Dave Ryan and I reviewed the FY 08 Fire Budget and determined that a Reserve Fund Transfer will not be required.
Financing Water Infrastructure
MMA sponsored a seminar in Hyannis through the Association of Finance Committees on State Revolving Loan financing. Harwich was represented by Pete Watson, Skip Patterson, Linda Cebula, Craig Wiegand, Sandy Cummings and myself. This will be helpful as the Water Department seeks financing of a water treatment plant planned for the upcoming year. It will also be applicable for any future sewer financing. The speaker was Scott Jordan, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Water Pollution Abatement Trust.
Upcoming Events
Pleasant Bay Alliance forum June 26th at 7pm at the Chatham Community Center
Broadband Summit 2 June 26th 9am-3pm at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.
Free Weekly Outdoor Concerts Monday nights, Brooks Park 6-7:30 pm presented by Citizens Bank Foundation, Arts Foundation of Cape Cod
Support our Immigrant Communities – July 12th from Sheila House
Required Training
MIIA Training on Workplace Harassment is scheduled for June 25th and July 24th.
Organization Chart
Attached is an updated organization chart for your review.
SELECTMEN’S REPORT
A. Tickler sheet/goals
Chairman Wilkins requested that Ms. Balmer update the list and remove Mr. Piekarski’s name and completed items. He noted that the Board will provide input to her as well.
B. Home Rule Charter, By-Laws
The Board took no action on this item.
C. Management Matrix/Priorities
Chairman Wilkins requested that the Board review the Priority List submitted by Mr. LaMantia and make additions and changes as they see fit for the June 30th meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. McManus moved to adjourn at 9:32 p.m. Mr. Cole seconded the motion and the motion carried by a unanimous vote.
Respectfully submitted,
Ann Steidel
Recording Secretary
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