HomeMy WebLinkAboutBoard of Selectmen Minutes January 17, 2007_201402061500018278BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Minutes of the Meeting of 17 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 announced the “One Book, One Island” program sponsored
by the Atheneum to promote reading and literacy. Mr. Bennett moved to approve the related
proclamation. Mr. Chadwick seconded. So voted unanimously.
Public Comment. None.
Approval of Minutes of 3 January 2007. The Board approved the minutes by unanimous consent.
Approval of Payroll Warrant for Week Ending 14 January 2007. The Board approved the payroll
warrant by unanimous consent.
Approval of Pending Contracts for Week Ending 17 January 2007. The Board approved the
pending contracts by unanimous consent.
Public Hearings
1. Public Hearing to Consider Verizon New England, Inc., Petition No. 06-035 for a Joint Pole
Relocation on Hooper Farm Road. Town Administrator Libby Gibson advised the Board that this
matter has been withdrawn by Verizon due to a cancellation of the relocation.
2. Public Hearing to Consider Amending the Town of Nantucket Regulations for the Use of Town-
Owned Beaches with Regard to Town-Owned Land Adjacent to Ponds and Pond Areas. Chairman
Willauer opened the public hearing and Ms. Gibson provided background information about the
issue arising from a citizen request for renting kayaks at Miacomet Pond. She noted a
recommendation by the Beach Management Advisory Committee to prohibit commercial activity
around the ponds and added that Town Counsel has reviewed the revised regulations. BMAC
Chairperson Maureen Beck spoke in support of the additional language in the regulations and
noted public input at the committee meeting on the subject, which stressed the protection of the
ponds. Ms. Gibson reviewed the definition of “commercial activities.” Discussion followed on
ancillary beach use. Leslie Johnson of the Land Bank spoke in support of the regulations. Edie
Ray of BMAC noted that there was no one present at the committee’s meetings in opposition to the
restriction of commercial activity and added that the committee is not advocating denial of access
to ponds. Mr. Chadwick thanked the BMAC for its work on this project. Chairman Willauer closed
the public hearing. Mr. Kopko moved to approve the amendments to the Town of Nantucket
Regulations for the Use of Town-Owned Beaches with Regard to Town-Owned Land Adjacent to
Ponds and Pond Areas. Mr. Chadwick seconded. So voted with Mr. Chadwick, Mr. Kopko and
Chairman Willauer voting in favor. Mr. Bennett voted in opposition.
3. Public Hearing to Allow Citizen Input Regarding the Final Draft of the Nantucket and Madaket
Harbors Plan. Chairman Willauer opened the public hearing. Ed Sanford shared a request
regarding language edits or deletion of the goal on docks, wharves and piers. Marine
Superintendent Dave Fronzuto provided background information on hearings and public input to
Minutes of the Meeting of 17 January 2007 at 6:00 PM
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date and noted the latest set of changes have only recently occurred. He added that the public
comment period could be extended by the Board and asked that any comments be
provided in writing to the Harbor Plan Review Committee. He advised that it would likely be
approximately a year for the document back from the state. Mr. Kopko spoke in support of
continuing the public hearing to February 21 and of the important work of the committee. Maurice
Gibbs shared concerns and recommendations he also provided in writing. Discussion followed on
the procedural steps of going from a plan to a regulation. Urban Harbors Institute consultant Jack
Wiggin spoke to Chapter 91 specifics and noted that the plan has been developed up to now as it
applies to harbors. Chairman Willauer clarified that comments should be submitted to the Town
Administration or Marine Department offices. Sarah Oktay added that comments via the web are
also possible. Discussion followed on committee public hearing location and timing options.
Chairman Willauer closed the public hearing. Mr. Kopko moved to extend the public comment
period and to schedule another public hearing on February 21, 2007. Mr. Chadwick seconded. So
voted unanimously.
Town Administrator’s Report
1. Request for Approval of Proclamation of Implementation of National Incident Management
System (NIMS). Police Chief Bill Pittman reviewed the request, providing an explanation of the
system that all governmental entities are required to adopt and implement as part of Homeland
Security initiatives. Mr. Bennett moved to approve the proclamation (that the Town and County of
Nantucket will utilize the National Incident Management System as the standard for incident
management; and effective immediately the Director of Emergency Management for the
Town and County of Nantucket is designated as the single point of contact with the authority to
serve as the principal coordinator for overall NIMS implementation.) Mr. Chadwick seconded. So
voted unanimously. Ms. Gibson noted that the request would also come before the County
Commission at its January 24, 2007 meeting.
Selectmen’s Reports/Comment.
1. Action on Proposal to Engage Technical Consultant to Review Proposed Sconset Beach
Erosion Control/Nourishment Project and Associated Permit Applications, Reports. Chairman
Willauer introduced the matter. Ms. Gibson advised that a request for proposals can be developed
and invited the Board to share any scope of services suggestions or preferences. Ms. Gibson
reminded the Board of procurement law and noted policy decisions for the Board regarding the gift
of SBPF of funding to cover a consultant and regarding working through an RFP process to
engage a consultant. Discussion followed on data sources, addressing the Town’s concerns and
those of Sconset property owners, and Town Counsel direction. Cheryl Bartlett of the Sconset
Beach Preservation Fund suggested that if the Board would sign the Notice of Intent it could be
followed by the assignment of a consultant. Dr. Oktay indicated that quick turnaround is possible
for an RFP, clarified the Conservation Commission jurisdiction and advised that requirements of
the Town and the Con Com could differ. Discussion followed on development of the scope of
services. Mr. Kopko moved that the Board direct Town Administration staff to develop an RFP to
hire a consultant to provide a review of the SBPF proposed beach nourishment project’s technical
and other data relating to the project. Chairman Willauer seconded. Mr. Chadwick asked for an
amendment so as to hire a consultant within three weeks. On the original motion, all voted in
Minutes of the Meeting of 17 January 2007 at 6:00 PM
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favor. Mr. Kopko asked the Board to schedule an extra public hearing for educational purposes on
the project in anticipation of a related article at the 2007 Annual Town Meeting. There was no
support. Chairman Willauer suggested the Board discuss the process for informing the public at
the next Board meeting, to which the Board agreed.
2. Review of Draft 2007 Annual Town Meeting Warrant Articles. Ms. Gibson advised that this
matter is actually scheduled for a meeting tomorrow morning and welcomed questions, but there
were none.
3. Review of Meeting Schedule. Ms. Gibson reviewed the Board’s upcoming meetings.
Mr. Kopko spoke on his attendance at the Massachusetts Municipal Association Annual
Conference this past weekend.
Mr. Bennett asked to add an agenda item to the meeting of February 7, 2007 for a presentation on
the “Kyoto Treaty.” The Board consented to this.
The meeting adjourned at 7:50 PM.
Approved the 7th day of February 2007.