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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBoard of Selectmen Minutes January 11, 2007_201402061500017184BOARD OF SELECTMEN Minutes of the Meeting of 10 January 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, Douglas Bennett and Michael Kopko and Whiting Willauer. Catherine Flanagan Stover was absent. Chairman Willauer called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM. Announcements. Chairman Willauer advised that only water is to be consumed in the court room. He then announced that Addison Louisa Wotring, granddaughter of Catherine Flanagan Stover, was born on January 4, 2007. Public Comment. None. Approval of Minutes of 14 December 2006 at 1:00 PM (continued from 27 December 2006 and 3 January 2007). The Board approved the minutes by unanimous consent. Approval of Payroll Warrant for Week Ending 7 January 2007. The Board approved the payroll warrant by unanimous consent. Approval of Treasury Warrant and Pending Contracts for Week Ending 10 January 2007. The Board approved the treasury warrant and pending contracts by unanimous consent. Town Administrator’s Report. 1. Traffic Safety Workgroup Recommendations. Town Administrator Libby Gibson reviewed a recommendation and background for the proposed installation of a four-way stop on Surfside Road at South Shore and Fairgrounds Roads. Transportation Planner Mike Burns spoke on safety and congestion issues and on a report provided by a traffic consultant recommending this action. Mr. Bennett asked for a public hearing on the matter. Discussion followed on the increased level of use of the area in the recent past and the expected increase in the near future. Nat Lowell spoke in support of the four-way stop in the intersection and an open comment period following implementation. He suggested the Town look into making a wider turning area for trucks from Fairgrounds Road to Surfside Road. Phil Gallagher spoke on improving area sightlines. Discussion followed on implementation and speed limits. Mr. Kopko moved to approve the installation of the four-way stop as per the Traffic Safety Workgroup’s recommendation. Mr. Chadwick seconded. So voted with Mr. Chadwick, Mr. Kopko and Chairman Willauer voting favor. Mr. Bennett voted in opposition. Ms. Gibson noted that the signs will not be in place immediately, but that an implementation plan would be developed and publicized. Ms. Gibson reviewed a recommendation for extension of an existing loading zone on Centre Street at India Street to allow better utilization of the parking space for delivery trucks. Discussion followed on limiting trucks by gross vehicle weights, the pros and cons of encouraging “breakdowns” of truck contents, and potential parking time restrictions. Mr. Bennett moved to approve the recommendation for extending the existing loading zone. Mr. Chadwick seconded. So voted with Mr. Bennett, Mr. Chadwick and Chairman Willauer voting in favor. Mr. Kopko voted in opposition. 2. Departmental Overview: Department of Public Works. Jeff Willett, Director of Public Works, gave a presentation of the department’s general fund operations, noting that future discussions Minutes of the Meeting of 10 January 2007 at 6:00 PM Page II would cover solid waste and sewer activities. He gave an overview of activity and personnel resources, and then noted specific projects and future challenges including maintenance of existing roads as per a pavement management study conducted a year ago. He reviewed administrative responsibilities, in-house construction activities, bike path maintenance actions, urban forestry work, street maintenance, infrastructure and growth impacts. He also mentioned stormwater management and mosquito control plans and presented a five-year forecast in the context of the Board’s goals. The Board commended Mr. Willett and his staff for its work. Selectmen’s Goals and Initiatives. 1. Action on Automobile Limitations Study Committee Recommendation. Chairman Willauer reviewed the recommendation made to implement a vehicle sticker program and noted the need for a “value-added” reason for the program. He noted the need for a method of implementation and asked how the Town would limit parking with this program. Discussion followed on next steps. Mr. Kopko moved to forward the recommendation to the NP & EDC for further study and potential incorporation in a comprehensive approach to parking and vehicle limitation. Mr. Bennett seconded. Discussion followed on the need for a clear specific and detailed aim for collecting the data before data is collected. Chairman Willauer advised that the sticker system relates to parking, not data collection. Nat Lowell clarified the mission of the committee to limit cars, elaborated on the difficulties in settling the issue and spoke in support of Mr. Kopko’s motion. Ms. Gibson commented that the Board needs to clarify the question and referenced the recommendation language of the committee and subsequent confusion of the public on the intent of the proposed sticker system. Discussion followed on a medallion system and ways to use a sticker system. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion. 2. Review of Draft 2007 Annual Town Meeting Warrant Articles. Ms. Gibson noted that this matter was discussed on January 9, 2007 and is also on the agenda next Wednesday and Thursday, pending the Board’s adoption of the warrant on January 24th. 3. Review of Proposed “Committee Experience” Form. Mr. Kopko suggested the implementation of this form. He explained his reason for suggesting use of this tool for those leaving committees and reviewed the form’s content. Mr. Bennett moved to accept the form. Mr. Chadwick seconded. So voted unanimously. Selectmen’s Reports/Comment. 1. Dissolution of Sewer Advisory Committee (continued from 3 January 2007). Mr. Kopko advised that the committee requests more time to finish its business and asked for an extension of the dissolution. Mr. Chadwick seconded. So voted unanimously. 2. Sconset Beach Preservation Fund Project. Mr. Kopko reviewed the status of the Sconset Beach Preservation Fund proposed erosion control project and the need for more information about it. He proposed that the Board hire an independent consultant to review the project on the Town’s behalf as soon as possible. He asked for the matter to be considered next week regarding engaging a consultant soon, to schedule a meeting with the SBPF and to get a sign-off from Town Counsel as to the Board signing a Notice of Intent. Discussion followed on an SBPF offer to pay Minutes of the Meeting of 10 January 2007 at 6:00 PM Page III for the independent review and scheduling of a potential public hearing on the matter. The Board unanimously consented to put the matter on the agenda of January 17, 2007. 3. Funding for School by the Sheriff. Mr. Bennett advised that the Sheriff will provide funding for a security system at the school. Some discussion followed. The meeting adjourned at 8:00 PM. Approved the 7th day of February 2007.