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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTown Managers Newsletter - 2010 12 01 From the Desk of Town Manager Libby Gibson DECEMBER 1, 2010 VOLUME 1, NUMBER 7 Town of Nantucket 16 Broad St. Nantucket, MA 02554 P: (508) 228-7255 F: (508) 228-7272 Contact Us! Town of Nantucket Website Newsletter Archives Subscribe to the Newsletter Fiscal Year 2012 Budget Town Administration continues to actively work on developing its recommendations for the FY 12 General Fund budget. We are scheduled to present our recommendations to the Board of Selectmen on December 8, 2010. As mentioned in my November e-newsletter, part of our proposed FY 12 budget plan involves departmental consolidations. Conceptual proposals were reviewed with the Board at its November 17, 2010 meeting. These proposals were reviewed with the union that covers affected employees earlier in November and with all department heads on November 16. There are collective bargaining obligations associated with the proposals and meetings are underway. The consolidations are meant to address issues including: -- efficiency and operational improvements (regardless of the economy) -- cost savings to address on-going structural imbalance in the budget -- adjusting staffing where appropriate in accordance with economic conditions While savings are projected as a result of the consolidations, other personnel reductions are likely to be recommended in order to balance the budget. Town Projects Proposed Madaket Wind Turbine Various studies and activities have either been completed or are underway, including: feasibility, transportation, avian, noise/visual, flicker, engineering and design. We have engaged the Energy Study Committee to outline a public outreach plan and are hoping to seek construction funding at the 2011 annual town meeting. We received a $390,000 grant from the state’s Clean Energy Center for design and engineering earlier this year. Other funding for this project is coming from the Cape & Islands License Plate Fund. FY 2010 Capital Projects The Capital Program Committee is currently finalizing its recommendations for FY 12 capital projects. The Committee’s report is expected to be issued this month. In January, the Finance Committee will begin its review of the CPC recommendations, as well as 2011 annual town meeting warrant articles and the FY 12 budget. 2011 4th of July Fireworks At a November Board of Selectmen’s meeting, there was discussion about a potential lack of funding for the 2011 4th of July fireworks display. While the display for previous years has been specifically budgeted in the Visitor Services department budget, recently due to budget constraints funding has come from another source, the county Cape & Islands license plate fund. For FY 2011 and 2012, that fund will be primarily used for expenses associated with the proposed Madaket wind turbine and it is uncertain whether or not the fund can entirely support both expenses. In the event that it cannot, funding will be needed for the fireworks. At the Board’s November meeting on this, the Visitor Services and Information Advisory Committee was charged with coming up with a funding plan. The Committee and Visitor Services Director ran with this charge and came back to the Board on November 17th with not only a plan but a $10,000 anonymous donation. Sales by Visitor Services of 2010 4th of July T-shirts last spring and summer generated approximately $6,000 in revenue. Hopefully, with additional donations we are well on our way to fund this traditional summer event. 2011 Annual Town Meeting 32 citizen articles were received for the 2011 annual town meeting warrant. These and other warrant articles will now be sent to and reviewed by the various town agencies and departments. The articles are currently being compiled into a draft warrant and will be reviewed by the Board of Selectmen throughout December. A final warrant is scheduled for adoption by the Board at the end of January. The Finance Committee will begin its review of citizen warrant articles on December 16. Employee News Our Town Clerk, Catherine Flanagan Stover recently completed her term as President of the New England Association of City and Town Clerks. She was honored at a reception in Salem, Mass and presided over the 43rd annual conference of the Association in mid-November. It is a tribute to the Town when our employees are elected by their peers for positions like this. Good work, Catherine! Trivia question: where is this? Email me your answer by December 21st for inclusion in the January newsletter. NOVEMBER QUESTION & ANSWER What is an umbo? It’s that little “tail” on the bottom of a scallop shell (the non-technical answer) Correct answers from: Jim Lentowski H Flint Ranney Catherine Stover John Buckey Best wishes for healthy, happy holidays! The Town of Nantucket participated for the first time in the Nantucket Historical Association’s 2010 Festival of Trees. (Thanks go out to Erika Mooney and Kate Hamilton!)