HomeMy WebLinkAboutBoard of Selectmen Minutes February 14, 2008_201402061518088035BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Minutes of the Meeting of 14 February 2008 at 9:30 AM. The meeting took place in the Conference Room
at 16 Broad Street, Nantucket, MA 02554. Members of the Board present were Whitey Willauer, Brian
Chadwick, Patricia Roggeveen, Allen Reinhard, and Michael Kopko. Chairman Willauer called the meeting
to order at 9:32 AM.
WORKSHOP MEETING
Sewer Rates/Projects Prioritization Discussion. Chairman Willauer began the meeting by presenting a
sewer rate model he had developed. The Board discussed how to approach identifying project priorities
and ensuring the Sewer Enterprise Fund is balanced given the staggering costs associated with capital
improvements to the Town’s sewer system. In setting priorities, the number of new hookups should be
considered because the more the houses that are hooked up the more costs can be offset with privilege
fees. DPW Director Jeff Willett informed the Board that if special legislation pending in the Massachusetts
General Court passes, then the Town could look at the option of requiring sewer hookups in identified
needs areas. The Board then discussed the Town’s Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan
(CWMP) and how projects are prioritized in that plan. It was concluded that options for Madaket should be
considered separately from other sewer projects because of the prohibitive costs and unique circumstances
of the project. Town Administrator C. Elizabeth Gibson suggested that the Board could study additional
wastewater treatment options for Madaket, and proceed with capital design for other identified needs areas.
Town Counsel Paul DeRensis indicated that the Town may have to file a new CWMP with the state’s
Department of Environmental Protection if it deviated from the priority list it had submitted to the state. Mr.
Willett said he believed the Town could proceed with any project on its priority list because none of the
projects on that list were mandated by the state. After further discussion the Board reached consensus that
alternative options for wastewater treatment in Madaket should be studied while the estuaries report for
Madaket is being completed. The Board discussed sewer rates. In response to a question from Mr.
Chadwick, Mr. Paul DeRensis stated that the Town could charge a seasonal rate in the summer. Finance
Director Connie Voges and Mr. Willett said that this option would need further examination since the current
sewer rate structure already captures increased costs associated with the seasonal population influx.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:02 AM.
Approved the day of the 26th of March, 2008.