HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-02-02
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Minutes of the Meeting of 2 February 2006 at 4:00 PM. The joint meeting with the Finance
Committee took place in the Nantucket High School Cafeteria, 10 Surfside Road, Nantucket, MA
02554. Members of the Board present were Brian Chadwick, Michael Glowacki, and Whiting
Willauer. Doug Bennett and Bruce Watts were absent. Chairman Glowacki called the meeting to
order at 4:00 PM.
Review of Solid Waste Enterprise Fund Budqet.
Chairman Glowacki provided background of the arbitration status of Waste Options and noted
points to consider in today's discussion. Finance Committee Chairman Rick Atherton noted
revenue and expense projections as prepared by Finance Director Connie Voges who reviewed
these in general and in detail.
Mr. Atherton noted three questions before us involving the change in status quo and law and the
approach to the deficit. Discussion followed on construction and demolition debris and current
treatment. Chairman Glowacki noted that the Board is anticipating response from WO on how to
deal with the change in law. Discussion followed on retained earnings to cover the deficit annually.
Finance Committee member Bruce Miller added that $1,650,000 number is "key" and that we
"need to determine what that number should be." He noted off-setting savings potential mentioned
by WO and reminded all about zero increase basis and "lots can happen" to negotiate with WOo
Discussion followed on "some broad categories that may lower costs to the Town" and the
suggestion of the Finance Committee landfill work group to reduce the $1 ,650K shipping expense
to $825K.
Ms. Voges spoke on setting the tax rate and the possibilities for dealing with outcome, including
raising rates, using general fund revenue, Special Town Meeting to provide revenue as "free cash
options won't exist." Discussion followed on tipping fees and a potential private source for a new
handling facility. Finance committee member Tim Soverino offered perspective that Nantucket is a
"mandatory recycling community and discrepancy in fees exist to encourage recycling, though in
reality, much is not recycled." He asked if the Town can force compliance and wondered how a
new entity would be set up. Discussion followed on any mandate of a private enterprise activity.
DPW Director Jeff Willett noted permit limits would exist.
The meeting adjourned at 4:55 PM.
Approved the 8th day of February 2006.