HomeMy WebLinkAboutBoard of Selectmen Minutes August 8, 2007_201402061459590465BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Minutes of the Meeting of 8 August 2007 at 6:00 PM. The meeting took place in the Court Room,
Town and County Building, Nantucket, MA 02554. Members of the Board present were Brian
Chadwick, Michael Kopko, Allen Reinhard, Patricia Roggeveen and Whiting Willauer. Chairman
Willauer called the meeting to order at 6:03 PM.
Announcements: Town Administrator C. Elizabeth Gibson noted the NRTA routes during the
Boston Pops concert on Saturday August 11th and announced that there will be a community
meeting on August 15, 2007 to discuss the progress at the Airport regarding the new terminal.
Dave Fronzuto spoke of the problems with the fishing in certain Island ponds. He said there are no
clear laws to enforce on that issue and, that the matter is being reviewed with the Executive Office
of Environmental Affairs and the Attorney General’s Office.
Mr. Fronzuto announced the Harbor Plan Implementation Group will be meeting the week of
September 4th and that Sesachacha Pond will need to be opened shortly for the third time due to
problems caused by high temperatures and humidity levels.
Public Comment: Catherine Flanagan Stover commented that the Sconset Beach Preservation
Fund has to start its permitting process over with the Conservation Commission. She asked the
Board of Selectmen if the public would get a chance to voice its opinion before the Board of
Selectmen sign-off on the license application. Chairman Willauer said the Board was in
negotiations with SBPF representatives. She then suggested the decision go to a ballot vote
before any other action is taken.
Approval of Payroll Warrant for Week ending 5 August 2007: The Board approved the payroll
warrant by unanimous consent.
Approval of Treasury Warrant and Pending Contracts for Week ending 8 August 2007: Chairman
Willauer reviewed the pending contracts. The Board approved the treasury warrant and pending
contracts by unanimous consent, Mr. Kopko moved to table the contract with O’Brien & Sons for
$17,873 for four beach mats for the Park and Recreation Department until further discussions can
be had. Chairman Willauer seconded. On the motion, Mr. Chadwick, Mr. Reinhard, Ms.
Roggeveen voted to approve the contract. Mr. Kopko and Chairman Willauer voted in opposition.
So voted to approve the contract.
CITIZEN/DEPARTMENTAL REQUESTS
1. Nantucket Homes for People: Request for Abatement/Waiver of Town Fees/Charges in
Connection with Abrem Quarry Housing Development (continued from 1 August 2007). Mr.
Chadwick recused himself from the discussion and left the meeting. Ms Gibson reviewed the
information regarding fees that was requested at the Board’s August 1, 2007 meeting. Building
Commissioner Bernie Bartlett spoke in opposition to the fee waiver request explaining that all
contractors, commercial or residential, are allowed to use their own engineer for building code
compliance at their discretion. DPW Director Jeff Willett explained the sewer fees. Mr. Kopko
spoke in favor of the waiver. Ms. Roggeveen spoke in opposition to the waiver. Mr. Kopko moved
to table the issue until next week. Mr. Reinhard seconded, so voted unanimously. Mr. Chadwick
rejoined the meeting.
2. Town Administration: Request to Set Annual Application Fee for Taxi License Waiting List. Ms.
Gibson recommended an annual $10.00 fee for applicants to remain on the taxi waiting list to be
reviewed the first of each year. Mr. Kopko moved to adopt the $10.00 annual fee; Chairman
Willauer seconded, so voted unanimously.
SELECTMEN GOALS AND INITIATIVES
1. Discussion on Town’s January 8, 2007 Letter to Department of Environmental Protection
Regarding Great Harbor Yacht Club Chapter 91 License Application. Ms. Roggeveen asked that
the matter be withdrawn from discussion. Chairman Willauer stated that since the DEP public
comment period on this license application is closed changing this letter in any way doesn’t make
sense at this time. Mr. Kopko noted the Harbor Master worked very hard on this process.
TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
1. Departmental Overview: Human Resources. Human Resource Director Patricia Perris provided
a detailed presentation as to Human Resource goals, activities, project status and costs. Some
discussion followed.
2. Ratification of Action to Schedule Special Town Election Pursuant to Article 3 of July 26, 2007
Special Town Meeting. Ms. Gibson noted she consulted with the Town Clerk who agreed to
September 18th date for the election. Curtis Barnes spoke of not being able to get information on
the Town’s website regarding what the amount of funding being sought is. Ms. Gibson explained
the amount cannot be listed in the question by statue. Jason Graziadei of the Inquirer & Mirror
asked if the vote fails at the ballot does the 2.5 million dollars promised by the Land Bank go into
the General Fund. Ms. Gibson answered affirmatively. Mr. Kopko moved to ratify the Board’s
action taken on August 6, 2007 to schedule the election for September 18, 2007. Mr. Chadwick
seconded, so voted unanimously.
SELECTMEN’S REPORTS/COMMENT
1. Reports from Selectmen Representatives to Other Committees/Work Groups. Chairman
Willauer noted that the Board’s draft 2007-08 Goals and Objectives are posted on the website and
reviewed the process by which they are developed. He noted if people have any suggestions they
would like to submit they should do so before next Wednesday’s meeting. D. Anne Atherton said
the Board should be complimented on its efforts, and asked if there is a timeline by which the goals
will be completed. Chairman Willauer stated although there is no formal timeline the Board is
committed to completing the goals in a timely fashion. Nat Lowell spoke on behalf of heavy
commercial development in the Bunker Road area. He suggested that the Board should look into a
management plan for the entire area so it is fair and clear to all businesses wishing to lease space.
Each Board member provided a status report on the Committees/Work Groups on which they
serve.
Ms. Roggeveen requested that due to growing litigation costs the Board should look into requiring
a report for costs already spent, and examine ways to curtail future costs.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:15 pm.
Approved the 5th day of September 2007.