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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBoard of Selectmen Minutes August 22, 2007_201402061459594997BOARD OF SELECTMEN Minutes of the Meeting of 22 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 6:45 PM following a meeting of the Board of Health. Announcements. Town Administrator C. Elizabeth Gibson announced the Board will not meet on Wednesday, August 29, 2007 at 6 pm and that the next regularly scheduled Board of Selectmen meeting will be Wednesday, September 5, 2007. Public Comment. Bonnie Fitz-Gibbon of South Shore Road spoke in opposition of the South Shore Road bike path currently being constructed. Ms. Fitz-Gibbon requested the Board of Selectmen modify the width, she stated it was too wide for the area that is the most densely populated area for horses on the Island and that the current width of 10’ will present a safety issue. Michelle Perry of 14 South Shore Road also requested the Board reconsider the width. Linda Meredith of Whero Whero Lane spoke in opposition to the path because of its proximity to horses in the area. Fred Clark of 52 South Shore Road stated although he is in favor of the path, he does not understand why the layout swings up into an area of Town owned land he is using as a driveway. Mr. Clark also acknowledged he realizes this is town land but wants the layout changed. Jeanne Clark noted she also supports the path itself but does not like the layout. Margaret Duff who does not live in the area also expressed opposition to the width of the path because of the horses. Mr. Kopko stated the bike path has been subject to a long and public process, that these discussions should have occured long ago within the public hearing process and since the construction contract has already been approved, construction is imminent. Transportation Planner Mike Burns stated the contract has been executed, construction has begun and the plan is to have the path completed before the start of school in September 2007. Ms. Roggeveen asked if the plans had been changed in any way. Mr. Burns stated the designer gave three options at the original 25% design public hearing was narrowed down at the 75% design public hearing and finalized at the 100% design public hearing and the subsequent plan was selected through that process. Mr. Burns also stated that the recently adopted standard is that a path needs to be a minimum of six feet from the edge of the road. Mr. Chadwick noted this is not a public hearing, but public comment and noted that the Town already has a contract and if the scope is changed in any way the project would have to go back out to bid. Mr. Burns noted the right of way along South Shore Road is over 45’ from the edge of the road and that only 10’ of that will be used for the shared use path. Andrew Vorce, Planning Director noted that any changes at this point will result in additional costs and delay. Mr. Vorce also added that the customary public process which was followed, that the abutters were notified at every step and to change it now would not make sense. DPW Director Jeff Willett noted a sewer problem on Center Street and that the DPW crews would be tearing up Center Street from Broad to India to make the necessary repairs on Thursday, August 23, 2007. Tim Shea of Great Harbor Yacht Club (GHYC) read a statement regarding GHYC’s willingness to work with the Town to continue to utilize GHYC’s travel lift for marine use. Ms. Roggeveen spoke Minutes of the Meeting of 22 August 2007 – 6:00 PM Page II. in support of a public dialogue on this issue. Sue Genthner, owner of a marine related business, noted a great concern about the travel lift not being available. Mr. Kopko stated GHYC’s special permit from the Planning Board requires them to provide the services of the travel lift. Approval of Payroll Warrant for Week Ending 19 August 2007. The Board approved the payroll warrants by unanimous consent. Approval of Treasury Warrant and Pending Contracts for Week Ending 22 August 2007. The Board approved the treasury warrant and pending contracts by unanimous consent. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. Public Hearing to Consider Committee Applications (Capital Program Committee, Cemetery Commission Work Group, Disability Commission, Park & Recreation Commission). Chairman Willauer opened the public hearing. Mr. Chadwick requested a discussion regarding the elimination of the Capital Program Committee at some point. Chairman Willauer noted the Cemetery Commission Work Group at large seat has one applicant, James McIntosh who was not present. The Commission on Disability has one applicant, Phil Gallagher, who chose not to speak. The Park & Recreation Commission has two applicants, Bobby Frick and Michael Kopko. Mr. Frick was not present, Mr. Kopko stated he has taken a great deal of interest in the Park & Recreation department and that he can help to coordinate needs and is familiar with the budget process. Mr. Reinhard commented on the relationship between staff and the commission. CITIZEN/DEPARTMENTAL REQUESTS 1. DPW: Request for Approval of Chapter 90 Road Projects. Ms. Gibson reviewed the annual request by the DPW. The list of roads proposed to be approved include: Broad Street from Center to Easy Street; a section of Orange Street; Fairgrounds Road; Vesper Lane; and Quaker Road. Mr. Kopko questioned the dollar amounts for Quaker Road and Orange Street and if any of the streets on the list will be cut soon for new sewer connections. Assistant DPW Director Mohamed Nabulsi explained that Orange Street would be a part of the upcoming sewer project and would need to be partially torn up in the process. Mr. Kopko questioned the difference in price per ton for different roads. Mr. Kopko requested the matter be tabled until the September 5, 2007 meeting to review any cost estimate errors. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT 1. Review of Preliminary FY 09 Expense and Revenue Projections. Finance Director Connie Voges provided a detailed presentation of the Town of Nantucket Fiscal Year 2009 initial budget projection. Discussion followed. Ms. Gibson noted the projected expense and revenue increase of 4.2% is overall not by department. Ms. Roggeveen noted the need to look at departmental requests with specific focus on Board of Selectmen goals. She also requested a cost breakout of Town litigation to be reviewed and reported formally to the public. The Board generally endorsed budget guidelines for departments to include a 4.2% overall increase. 2. Request for Approval of Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plan. David Murphy of Milone & MacBroom gave a presentation of the final Pre-disaster Mitigation Plan. Ms. Roggeveen asked if having the Minutes of the Meeting of 22 August 2007 – 6:00 PM Page III. mitigation plan in place could help reduce homeowner insurance costs on the Island. Mr. Murphy noted this is a separate program, not related to homeowner insurance but is in place to help the Town get more money for post disaster relief. Some discussion followed regarding the types of disasters that could take place, the rankings of those types in the plan and the plan itself. Mr. Kopko moved to approve the plan. Mr. Chadwick called the County Commissioners to order to approve the plan at the same time. Mr. Kopko moved to approve the resolution as written, Mr. Chadwick seconded, so voted unanimously. SELECTMEN’S REPORT/COMMENT Mr. Chadwick noted the need to protect the eel grass in the harbor regarding mooring of boats over 100’ in length in the area between First and Second Point. He then requested this issue be added as an agenda item as soon as possible. Chairman Willauer stated he thought that issue was covered within the Harbor Plan. Ms. Gibson suggested referring the issue to the Shellfish and Harbor Advisory Board. The Board consented to refer the matter to SHAB. Mr. Chadwick stated the Board should be working with the Planning Department to ensure that anyone requesting a new subdivision along any waterfront area be required to provide a public easement to the water. Mr. Kopko moved to send a letter requesting this. Mr. Reinhard seconded, so voted unanimously. Mr. Chadwick requested an item on a future agenda to discuss hiring a full time Town Surveyor/Engineer. Ms. Gibson stated one of the outcomes of the ongoing DPW reorganization study may suggest just that. Mr. Kopko suggested referring the issue to Town Administration. Mr. Kopko commented on the passing of Alvin “Toppy” Topham. Mr. Kopko stated Mr. Topham served the Town in many ways, was most recently vigorously working on raising money for the new VFW building and suggested those who wish to should make a donation to the VFW building fund in Mr. Topham’s name. Mr. Chadwick stated he echoes all of those sentiments and apologized for not being able to attend the funeral service. The meeting adjourned at 8:39 PM. Approved the 10th day of October 2007.