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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOSminutes201103031 BOARD OF SELECTMEN Minutes of the Meeting of 3 March 2011. The meeting took place in the 2 Fairgrounds Road Conference Room, Nantucket, MA 02554. Members of the Board present were Rick Atherton, Robert DeCosta, Michael Kopko, Patricia Roggeveen. Whiting Willauer was absent. Chairman Atherton called the meeting to order at 4:00 PM. I. Joint Meeting with Finance Committee to Discuss: 1. Williams Airport Article 2. Soverino Sewer Article 3. Finance Committee Bylaw Amendment 4. Boulevarde-area Roads 5. Monomoy Sewer 6. Proposed Madaket Wind Turbine 7. Proposed Solar Projects 1. A. 43. Mr. Atherton stated as a practical matter this is going to be difficult. Mr. Williams stated no tax revenue collected from the Airport. Can charge fees as opposed to property taxes. Estimated to get $1.2 to $1.5 million a year. FAA will fight article. Town Manager C. Elizabeth Gibson stated it needs an angle, example PILOT payment in lieu of taxes. Mr. Clifford’s article might be “take no action.” A discussion followed. Doug Unruh stated the Town should stand up to the FAA. Steve McCluskey agreed and stated the Airport is generating revenue on Town owned land and should share some of that. Mr. DeCosta feels the Board should “take no action” on article with comment that the Town should look into the PILOT program. 2. A. 33. Mr. Atherton met with Mr. Soverino and Ms. Roggeveen, Libby Gibson and staff. It is the consensus of the group that the Town recognizes the problem in SEF because 33/33/34 funding. Who is responsible for paying for the shortfall? Options are the users of sewer fund and the taxpayers. Ms. Roggeveen stated as background the Board has control over rates but no flexibility to have freedom over tax base. Ms. Gibson sees some issues with the article itself. Mr. Atherton stated 1/3 currently on tax base stays there; 1/3 currently on users stays there; and, other 1/3 SPF asking taxpayers to pay for the shortfall here and possibly include Sconset debt as well. A discussion was held. Ms. Roggeveen explained the process going forward and the need for a ballot and possible STM. This might not be enacted until 2012. Mr. Kopko stated to get ATM authorization to allocate full 1/3 debt for SPF but then go year to year to taxpayers if needed. Mr. Kopko asked what is the potential for adjusting SPF? A discussion was held. Doug Unruh feels idea is punitive and to think about increasing hookup fees to cover gap. Mr. DeCosta stated we need a buy-in from septic users. 3. A. 44,45, 46 – wind turbines. Jim Kelly stated we need to prioritize. The Board is sure this is more important than infrastructure and roads. It has the highest and best use of capital compared to other projects. Mr. Kopko stated the Board hasn’t discussed this fully. Ms. Gibson stated consultants are coming back next Wednesday to allow further discussion. Mr. Atherton stated this began as an initiative of Energy Study Committee and is still not sure if it the best use of tax dollars. A discussion was held. Mr. Kelly stated to wait until more information is gathered. 2 4. A. 67 – Finance Committee Bylaw. Mr. Atherton stated it is a straight forward issue to clean up board. Mr. Kopko is comfortable getting rid of the whole thing and state regulations that we can look to. 5. A. 73 – Monomoy Sewer. Mr. Atherton has no issues with this article only with lot list for inclusion into district. Mr. Atherton wants to be sure list coincides with map presented at Board of Selectmen meeting last night. That list took Shimmo off the table. Mr. Atherton wanted 100% betterments but is a realist and goes with the recommendation of 2/3 for betterments, 1/3 to tax base. Mr. Atherton’s priority is for ATM to extend sewer lines in Monomoy to protect water quality. Ms. Roggeveen is in favor of 100% betterments. We need to educate kids and fix roads. John Tiffany agreed with Ms. Roggeveen. He stated in most parts of the country, if you develop a property you need to pay impact fees to offset costs of schools, infrastructure, etc. Mr. DeCosta stated Monomoy sewer benefits entire community and impact fees are illegal in Massachusetts. A discussion was held on betterments versus cost sharing. 75% betterments/25% tax base. Mr. Atherton would like to reassess CWMP as its 10 years old and see were next project would be. Monomoy is unique and health of harbor at stake. A discussion was held on funding mechanism for other projects. 6. Boulevard Area Roads. Mr. DeCosta stated there are two pieces of land in the area that if sold the money can be used to pay for takings and road repairs. Mr. Kopko stated residents are already committed to pay 30% and feels the Airport should kick in a significant amount, possibly 1/3. Mr. Atherton thought the deal struck was 1/3, 1/3, 1/3. Ms. Gibson stated residents have not committed to 30%. The article sponsor was committed to it and to persuade residents to pay this amount. Ms. Gibson stated regarding Mr. DeCosta’s idea, if land sold, the money will not be available this year. She is not sure if anything can be done this year. 7. Article 35. Irene Leviree stated no transfer necessary, Mr. Kelly recommends posting meeting for Wednesday, March 9. Mr. Soverino asked if there were any concerns with potential number of overrides and is there any interest in prioritizing or reducing them. The meeting was adjourned at 5:51PM. Approved the day 8th day of February, 2017 BOARD OF SELECTMEN MARCH 3, 2011 – 4:00 PM 2 FAIRGROUNDS ROAD CONFERENCE ROOM NANTUCKET, MASSACHUSETTS List of documents used at the meeting: None.