HomeMy WebLinkAboutBoard of Selectmen Minutes July 3, 2007_201402061500025153BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Minutes of the Meeting of 3 July 2007 at 9:00 AM. The meeting took place in the Conference
Room, Land Bank, 22 Broad Street, 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 9:00 AM.
Discussion on Potential Meeting to Discuss Sewer Act. The Board discussed whether or not to
hold a meeting to hear opponents’ concerns of the pending Sewer Act prior to the legislative visit
and public hearing on July 17, 2007. Town Administrator C. Elizabeth Gibson explained the
proposed meeting as being an opportunity to determine whether or not any differences could be
resolved with interested parties prior to the legislative hearing. Mr. Reinhard noted his reading of
the document, its strength and its importance to the town, adding that he would be opposed to
holding a meeting that could hinder the acceptance process and that ample opportunity has existed
for comment. Ms. Roggeveen spoke on the legislators’ decision to hold a local public hearing and
the strategic importance of presenting a united position with the Board having answers to any
opponent’s concerns. Nancy Wheatley shared her thoughts on the passage of the legislation,
stating that she is not opposed to its passage, but is concerned about language in the act, which
should accurately reflect the Annual Town Meeting vote.
Discussion followed on the apparent difference between what the Town Meeting specifically voted
and what the legislation now reads and how to correct it. Discussion continued on management
flexibility for the future with regard to sewers and the agreement in concept of the sewer act. Mr.
Chadwick moved to meet with the opponents for the purpose of working toward presenting a united
position to the legislative members. Ms. Roggeveen seconded. Mr. Reinhard spoke in opposition.
Discussion followed on allowing citizen input and its value to the Board. On the motion, Mr.
Chadwick, Ms. Roggeveen and Chairman Willauer voted in favor. Mr. Kopko and Mr. Reinhard
voted in opposition. So voted to meet on Monday, July 9, 2007 at 9:00 AM to determine a
legislative strategy and to consider any necessary changes to the proposed Act.
Mr. Chadwick noted the importance of the Board’s working together on this and other matters. Ms.
Roggeveen echoed the comments in relation to recent “blog website” accusations, noting that a
letter from herself and Mr. Chadwick is being directed to The Inquirer and Mirror on the Board’s
due diligence with regard to the Sewer Act. Mr. Reinhard spoke on the team building workshop
lessons and the healthiness of resolving issues at open meetings.
Special Town Meeting Article 3 (Real Estate Acquisition: 10-12 Washington Street). Ms. Gibson
noted that the Board of Selectmen has not officially put forward a determination as to how the Reith
property on Washington Street would be specifically utilized if approved for acquisition at the July
26, 2007 Special Town Meeting. She reviewed costs associated with a move of the Nantucket
Regional Transit Authority shuttles for next summer, which she noted could probably be met by the
Town and the NRTA. She shared an area map of the potential NRTA bus stop. The Board agreed
that the general consensus is that the Washington Street area under discussion would serve as a
“bus hub,” not a “transportation center.” NRTA Administrator Paula Leary addressed the need for
the entire property to be used by the buses to get them off the street and for no other uses to be
allowed to ensure required space to maneuver buses. Mr. Chadwick agreed to find out about any
historic value of the existing structure. Mr. Atherton noted the need to consider the consequences
of concentrating buses in the one area. Ms. Gibson advised the Board of a question by the
Minutes of the Meeting of 3 July 2007
Page II
Finance Committee at its June 28, 2007 meeting about the conditions of the swap between the
Land Bank and the Town for this matter. Dirk Roggeveen, Conservation Commission
Administrator, noted differences between the Land Bank and Conservation Commission in its
administrative concerns with its respective properties. Mr. Chadwick agreed to attend today’s noon
meeting of the Conservation Commission to review the proposal. Mr. Atherton noted that policy
issues should be considered and briefly reviewed concerns of the Finance Committee with regard
to the Special Town Meeting articles.
Discussion/Review of 2007-08 Goals (continued from 21 June 2007, 11 June 2007, 29 May 2007,
22 May 2007, 11 May 2007 and 8 May 2007). Chairman Willauer shared an updated draft of the
goals, noting additions from the last meeting. Discussion followed on those changes within the
goal “Improve Administrative Management,” clarifying relationships between the Board and
enterprise fund and school departments and adding the measurement to develop policies and
procedures for interfacing with them. The Board also consented to alter language about directing
setting of departmental goals via the Town Administrator and about exploring performance-based
budgeting.
Discussion followed on objectives under the goal “Improve Financial Management,” including
employing a different approach to annual budgeting with “expanded services” replacing
“supplemental budgets.” Discussion continued on objectives under the goal “Improve
Infrastructure.”
The Board consented to meet to continue discussion on its goals on Monday, July 23, 2007 at 9:00
AM.
The meeting adjourned at 11:05 AM.
Approved the 25th day of July 2007.