HomeMy WebLinkAboutBoard of Selectmen Minutes February 5, 2009_201402061612130430BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Minutes of the meeting of 5 February 2009 at 9:00 AM. The meeting took place in the Conference
Room, 3 East Chestnut Street, Nantucket, MA 02554. Members of the Board present were Rick
Atherton, Brian Chadwick, Michael Kopko, Allen Reinhard, and Patricia Roggeveen. Also present
was Town Manager C. Elizabeth Gibson. Chairman Kopko called the meeting to order at 9:08 AM
in open session.
Mr. Chadwick spoke regarding the Pledge of Allegiance issue brought up at the 4 February 2009
Board of Selectmen meeting. Following discussion among Board members, it was the consensus
to leave things as they are for now.
Mr. Reinhard asked about follow up to the Department of Public Works (DPW) reorganization draft
report, specifically what happens next, and said he sees this as an opportunity to take a close look
at the responsibilities of the DPW. Ms. Gibson said that Human Resources Director Patricia Perris,
DPW Director Jeff Willett and she met the previous week to lay the groundwork for an
implementation plan, though noting that it does not have priority status at the moment. Mr.
Reinhard discussed the surveyor position and said he feels the Town needs a full-time licensed
civil engineer.
Mr. Reinhard said he has spoken with Wayne Holmes regarding his proposed new court house
project. Ms. Gibson said she has spoken with Mr. Holmes as well, and that Mr. Holmes said the
Trial Court, through him, wonders if the Town would be interested in pursuing an arrangement with
it where the Town would lease land located at 2 Fairgrounds Road to the Trial Court for a new
court house and pay for its construction, and that the Town would be paid back by the Trial Court
over a period of time. After a discussion among Board members, it was the general consensus that
it would be unlikely for the Town to seek an appropriation of funds within the next two years, but
this could perhaps be re-visited if the state would be willing to pay the debt service.
Mr. Reinhard inquired about a letter the Board received regarding erosion at Sheep Pond Road. He
said the Board needs to be aware of it, and that he is concerned because of the outcome of a court
case involving the County last year. Mr. Chadwick said MA General Laws allow for abandonment
of a county road. Ms. Gibson said the letter has been forwarded to Town Counsel for review. A
discussion regarding the abutting Nantucket Conservation Foundation property and the possibility
of land takings followed. Chairman Kopko said the Board needs to take a look at the broader issue
of erosion of Town and County coastal resources, the future implications of such, and develop a
policy approach. Ms. Gibson noted this would hopefully be covered within the Coastal
Management Plan currently under development.
At 9:30 AM Mr. Reinhard moved to adjourn to executive session to discuss real estate disposition
and litigation and not to return to open session; Ms. Roggeveen seconded. So voted unanimously
by roll call vote.
Approved the 5th day of August, 2009.