HomeMy WebLinkAboutBoard of Selectmen Minutes January 7, 2010_2014020616201960861
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Minutes of the Meeting of January 7, 2010. The meeting took place in the Conference Room, 16
Broad Street, Nantucket, MA 02554. Members of the Board present were Rick Atherton, Brian
Chadwick, Michael Kopko, Allen Reinhard, and Patricia Roggeveen. Chairman Kopko called the
meeting to order at 9:08 AM in open session.
Attorney Wayne Holmes requested the Board send a letter of support to the state for a new
courthouse, and reviewed the history of plans for a new courthouse, noting Nantucket had
previously qualified for a $12 million state bond but the sitting Board at that time voted against the
project. Attorney Holmes proposed that the Town take out a bond to build a new courthouse,
presumably at 2 Fairgrounds Road, and that the Town would lease the structure to the State and
the lease payments would pay for the debt service and cover any associated maintenance costs.
Mr. Reinhard said he supported the concept. Town Manager C. Elizabeth Gibson asked who would
pay the design costs, construction management, and associated costs, and who would oversee the
construction of the project. Attorney Holmes said it would be the Town’s responsibility. Ms. Gibson
noted action on the request would require at least two Town Meetings to approve the design and
construction costs, and will require a signed agreement from the state to pay back all costs.
Attorney Holmes said the state is not interested in a capital expenditure and will not consider
funding the construction of a new courthouse, and that it will always have to be a lease scenario.
Mr. Reinhard again voiced his support for the project and sending a letter of support. A discussion
followed about the 2 Fairgrounds Road site and whether a courthouse will fit into long-range plans
for the property. Mr. Atherton recommended the Town conduct its due diligence regarding the 2
Fairgrounds Road location to ensure there is space available before endorsing the project. A
discussion then followed in different scenarios regarding the courts, the police station relocation,
the Sheriff’s Department, and the Registry of Motor Vehicles. Clerk Magistrate Roxanne Viera
reviewed reasons why the courthouse should be relocated near the police station, including
prisoner transport, holding, and privacy and security issues. Town Counsel Paul DeRensis
cautioned the Board on taking action as his experience is that leases with the state are not held up
in court and are unenforceable. A discussion followed on whether the state will have funding to pay
for a lease and maintenance costs. The Board consensus is for the Town Manager to work with
Attorney Holmes, Ms. Viera, and Town Counsel on a draft letter of support which the Board will
then review.
At 9:48 AM Mr. Reinhard moved to adjourn to executive session for the purpose of discussing
pending litigation and not to return to open session; Ms. Roggeveen seconded. So voted
unanimously by roll call vote.
Approved the 3rd day of February, 2010.