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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-05-25 BOS Minutes May 25, 2005 Page 1 of2 BOARD OF SELECTMEN Minutes of the Meeting of 25 May 2005 at 7:00 PM. The meeting took place in the Court Room, Town and County Building, Nantucket, MA 02554. Members of the Board present were Douglas Bennett, Whiting Willauer, Bruce Watts, Michael Glowacki and Brian Chadwick. Chairman Glowacki called the meeting to order at 7:00. ANNOUNCEMENTS Chairman Glowacki announced that a Special Town Election will be held on June 7,2005 at the Nantucket High School from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Approval of Payroll Warrant for Week Ending 22 May 2005. The payroll warrant was approved by unanimous consent of the meeting. Approval of Treasury Warrant and Pending Contracts for Week Ending 25 May 2005. The treasury warrant and pending contracts were approved by unanimous consent of the meeting. Citizen Request for Abatement of Betterment Assessment/Appleton Road. Town Administrator Libby explained the background. David Bradt, who owns property at 2 Appleton Road, filed an application for abatement of $260.89 which was assessed to him. Mr. Bradt stated that he wants an abatement because he believes the improvements were made in a location "remote to his property." Chairman Glowacki asked if Mr. Bradt feels this betterment charge is a hardship and Mr. Bradt responded no. Mr. Chadwick moved to deny the abatement; seconded by Mr. Bennett. So voted. Town Administrator's Report. 1.Status Report on Smith's Point Access. Town Administrator Libby Gibson reported that one post at the access to Smith's Point has been removed and vehicles are now allowed to travel approximately 12 mile along the beach by the water. Ms. Gibson noted that while there has been some indication of concern by a nearby property owner, no official complaints have been received to date. Ms. Gibson also reported that there is very soft sand along this stretch of beach and vehicles are getting stuck. Marine Superintendent Fronzuto reported that he has been in contact with the homeowner at the access point and he is satisfied with the fencing installed by the town. Ms. Gibson added that the situation will continue to be monitored. 2.Joint NRTA Administrator/Town Administrator Status Report on Nantucket Information and Transportation Center Town Administrator Libby Gibson and NRTA Administrator Paula Leary gave a presentation regarding a proposed Transportation Center to be located at 2 Candle Street. A photograph of the proposed structure was displayed and Ms. Leary noted that it will contain an open atrium area with six kiosks, four offices, and two restrooms. Ms. Gibson gave background information on the project stating that the concept was initiated several years ago and handled by a selectmen's work group who negotiated with Nantucket Electric Company, the owners of the property. Ms. Gibson stated that a "term sheet" was approved several weeks ago, but has not yet been executed, nor has a lease been negotiated. Ms. Gibson stated that the conceptual plan of operation is to consolidate visitor information services and transportation services at one easily accessible site. Ms. Leary noted the necessary components of the plan of operation stating that there will be a year-round presence with the NRT A and Visitor Services offices to be re- located to this site, as well as the NRTA shuttle buses and other transportation providers. Ms. Gibson summarized a five year projected Transportation Center budget and noted future funding options. Ms. Leary spoke about the benefits of the proposed project as well as potential "drawbacks." Ms. Gibson concluded by asking the Board for direction on whether or not to pursue/proceed with the project. Visitor Services Advisory Committee chairman Charles Balas spoke in opposition to the project expressing his opinion that the location is too far "off the beaten track" and the town could not recoup the money it needs to pay the lease with just a five month operation. Nantucket resident Michael Kopko asked if the town has thought of purchasing the property and Ms. Gibson responded that this is not an option as the Electric Company has no plans to sell the property. Some discussion followed and it was the general consensus of the Board to further study the merits of the project and discuss it at an http://www .nantucket - ma. gOY 1 departments/bos/minutes2005/BOS05 25 05 .html 8/31/2006 BOS Minutes May 25, 2005 Page 2 of2 upcoming meeting. 3.Status Report on Finance Department Operations. Finance Director Connie Voges gave a detailed report on Finance Department operations noting that the department is in "better shape now than since 2000." Ms. Voges summarized the Town's financial condition and reporting; explained how deficits are handled and "free cash" is certified, and noted some of the issues that have come up in the past two years that have resulted in late tax billing. Ms. Voges also explained how the Town's financial statements are audited. Ms. Voges concluded by speaking about the staffing issues in the Finance Department, noting that a new position approved for 2006 will bring staffing back to its 1999 level. The Board thanked Ms. Voges for providing a concise informative report. Status Report on Budget Policy Development. Town Administrator Gibson reported on several budget policy development issues such as a "free cash" use policy, which she is working on with the Finance Director to be reviewed at the June 15, 2005 meeting with input expected from the Board and the Finance Committee and School Committee. Ms. Gibson also noted that she is developing a budget timeline which will also be reviewed with the Board, Finance Committee and School Committee on June 15,2005. Ms. Gibson concluded by stating she and the Finance Director will be working on the budget guidelines and a budget "message" over the summer months. Selectmen's Reports/Comments. Chairman Glowacki noted some upcoming matters that will be discussed at future Board meetings and Mr. Chadwick wished Mr. Willauer a happy 74th birthday. Mr. Chadwick had a copy of the Inquirer & Mirror for the year Mr. Willauer was born and read some of the events that happened that day. There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 9:20 PM. Approved the 22nd day of June 2005. http://www .nantucket - ma. gOY 1 departments/bos/minutes2005/BOS052505 .html 8/31/2006