HomeMy WebLinkAboutTown Managers Newsletter - 2010 05 20
From the Desk of Town
Manager Libby Gibson
MAY 20, 2010 VOLUME 1 NUMBER 2
Town of Nantucket The First Edition…
16 Broad St.
Nantucket, MA 02554
This new monthly e-newsletter is meant to convey information to the public about
current Town projects, programs, initiatives and accomplishments in a timely,
easy-to-access manner. This is a new initiative for Town Administration and
comments and suggestions about this newsletter are welcome. P: (508) 228-7255
F: (508) 228-7272
Contact Us!Our Island Home Memorial Service
On April 21, 2010, Assistant Town Manager Gregg Tivnan and I attended an
annual memorial service at Our Island Home for residents who have passed away
during the year. It was a lovely ceremony conducted by Reverend Georgia Ann
Snell with original music performed by Vaughan Machado. I highly encourage
people to visit OIH, it is well-run, friendly and the residents love visitors.
Town of Nantucket
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Wind Turbine Grant
The Board of Selectmen recently approved the submittal of a grant application to
the state for nearly $400,000 for the construction of a 1.5 megawatt wind turbine
at the landfill where the current communications tower is located. The total cost
of the turbine is estimated at approximately $4,500,000. Payback is expected to
be made within 8-10 years. Subsequently, on-going savings would be realized
through the energy generated by the turbine. The project cost, less the grant (if
approved) would be sought through a debt exclusion override at a fall special
town meeting and election. As the project develops further, more information will
follow. We would appreciate receiving public input on the prospect of this wind
turbine.
Open Meeting Law Information Sessions
We recently held informational sessions regarding changes to the Open Meeting
Law which go into effect on July 1, 2010. Detail regarding the specific changes
can be found on the state website at www.mass.gov. While intended to better
keep the public fully informed and make access to public information easier,
implementing these changes will require additional work on the part of town
personnel. Among other things, the changes include:
• The Town must maintain a listing of all public meetings which may be
viewed/accessed by the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• A list of all documents used at a public meeting by the body holding the
meeting must be attached to the minutes of the meeting
• The 48 hours required notice of a public meeting will no longer include
Saturdays
• Meeting notices must include the topics which are reasonably expected to
be discussed at each meeting
Town Administration is currently working on issuing protocols as to
implementation of these changes for all affected Town agencies.
Post-Annual Town Meeting Workshop
On May 5, 2010, the Board of Selectmen held a post-annual town meeting
workshop meeting to review what went well and what could be improved from the
2010 annual town meeting, and what could be considered for the future. Some of
the suggestions to consider for the future included: holding town meeting on a
Saturday; holding an annual town meeting without zoning and a fall town meeting
with zoning; holding additional public informational sessions about the various
warrant articles to which the public is encouraged to attend to learn more about
the articles and to express concerns, questions or comments ahead of time. The
Board will be discussed the outcome of its workshop meeting at a subsequent
regular Wednesday night meeting.
Have You Noticed?
As you drive through the mid-island round-a-bout this week, you will hopefully be
pleasantly surprised at its appearance: DPW crews were out last week clearing
out weeds, trash, mulching and removing dead plants. The area looks much
better, thanks to the DPW for attention to this area! While you are in the area,
check out the new roof on the Fire Station! The contractor did a great job (Paul
Kosciuk) and the project was completed significantly under its appropriation. If
you have time to stop in the Fire Station, there is a new and interesting mural in
the front vestibule, depicting the Great Fire of 1846, painted by a local volunteer.