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BOS Minutes January 5, 2005
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BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Minutes of the Meeting of 5 January 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 Bruce Watts, Michael Glowacki,
Douglas Bennett and Timothy Soverino. Robert F. Murphy was absent. Chairman Soverino called the meeting to
order at 7: 1 0 PM, following a meeting of the Board of Health.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Nantucket resident John McLaughlin presented the Board with a photocopy of documents that belonged to his
mother.
Approval of Minutes for 15 December 2004 at 7:00 PM; 8 December 2004 at 7:00 PM; 9 November 2004 at 10:00
AM. Mr. Watts moved approval; seconded by Mr. Bennett. So voted.
Approval of Payroll Warrants for Weeks Ending 5 January 2005; 29 December 2004. Mr. Bennett moved approval;
seconded by Mr. Glowacki. So voted.
Approval of Treasury Warrants and Pending Contracts for 5 January 2005; 29 December 2004. Mr. Watts moved
approval; seconded by Mr. Bennett. So voted.
Decision Regarding Appeal of Historic District Commission Decisions/Great Harbor Yacht Club. Chairman Soverino
stated that this matter is being continued until January 12, 2005 when a full Board will be present.
Request for Partial Waiver of Sewer Connection Fee/27 Equator Drive. Chairman Soverino noted that a letter was
received from Andrew and Barbara Reis asking for a partial waiver from the $2,000 sewer connection fee.
Chairman Soverino noted that the Reis' septic system has failed and they now wish to tie into the town sewer but
the $2,000 represents a financial hardship for them. After a brief discussion, Mr. Bennett moved to reduce the
sewer connection fee to $500; seconded by Mr. Watts. So voted.
Request for Acceptance of Sewer EasemenVMyles Reis, Jr. Mr. Glowacki moved to accept a sewer easement from
Myles Reis, Jr., as required by the Planning Board, in connection with a subdivision approval for property located off
Nobadeer Farm Road (Hanabea Lane).
Discussion Concerning Fiscal Year 2006 General Fund Budget Recommendations. Town Administrator Libby
Gibson elaborated on a fiscal year 2006 general fund budget presentation made before the Board on December 22,
2004. Ms. Gibson provided several points of clarification as to the "free cash" issue and spoke on the limitations of
generating new revenue. Ms. Gibson noted that without a successful override, a reduction of municipal and school
staff can be anticipated and funding for health and human services may be eliminated or reduced. Finance Director
Connie Voges explained that a $4 million override would result in a 30-cent increase to the tax rate which roughly
equals an increase of approximately $300 on a tax bill for a property assessed at $1 million. Ms. Voges also stated
that the FY 06 budget represents a six percent increase over the 2005 budget due to wage increases, explaining
that all but two union contracts were settled this year. Ms. Voges addressed the rising costs of health insurance and
assessments from Barnstable Retirement, and spoke about the Stablization Fund. Ms. Voges reported that the
current balance in this fund is $35,000 and stated that the Department of Revenue has advised town officials that
the fund should be replenished as soon as possible. Ms. Voges explained in detail the reasons for the town wage
increases.
Discussion followed concerning these issues and Chairman Soverino noted that a past override proposed to
replenish the Stabilization Fund was rejected by the voters. Mr. Watts asked if a $4 million override would carry the
town for a few years or whether another override would be needed next year. Ms. Gibson responded that $4 million
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BOS Minutes January 5, 2005
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should carry the town for several years. Chairman Soverino expressed his opinion that he would like to have
stabilization monies funded in the general budget every year. Ms. Gibson and Ms. Voges were asked to draft a
Stabilization Fund policy. Some discussion also focused on the supplemental requests and Mr. Glowacki stated he
wants a "clear understanding" of why recommendations were made to either fund or deny these requests. After
some additional discussion, it was agreed that the Board will meet again on January 11, 2005 to continue the
budget discussion.
Request for Acceptance of Gifts in Connection with Renovation of Madaket Fire House. Scott O'Connor,
representing O'Connor Custom Builders, announced that his company would like to offer labor, materials and
management to renovate the Madaket Fire House. Mr. O'Connor stated the effort would consist of local Nantucket
vendors and laborers with the Town of Nantucket bearing no financial burden. Mr. O'Connor added that he would
like to include the Nantucket High School Industrial Arts program in the project. Mr. Watts moved to accept the gift
and authorize the Chairman to send a letter, on behalf of the Board, thanking Mr. O'Connor for his generosity;
seconded by Mr. Glowacki. So voted.
Selectmen's Comments Chairman Soverino acknowledged the Historic District Commission on its 50th year of
existence and asked that a letter be sent congratulating the Commission for its "hard work."
At 8:15 PM, Chairman Soverino polled the Board and Mr. Bennett, Mr. Watts, Mr. Glowacki and Chairman Soverino
voted unanimously to adjourn to Executive Session, not to return to Open Session, for the purpose of approving
minutes and discussing non union contract negotiations.
Approved the 16th day of March 2005.
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