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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTown Managers Newsletter - 2011 03 07 From the Desk of Town Manager Libby Gibson MARCH 7, 2010 VOLUME 2, NUMBER 3 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 The Finance Committee continues its review of the FY 2012 budget, has met with several town departments and agencies, enterprise funds, County and the School Department. The Committee is scheduled to adopt its motions for the 2011 town meeting warrant articles, which include the general fund and enterprise fund budgets, within the first two weeks of March. Town Administration continues to engage in collective bargaining negotiations pertaining to the department consolidations planned for FY 2012. We have also met with the Nantucket Builder’s Association and Nantucket Bar Association to discuss the code enforcement and regulatory services consolidation. Several pertinent concerns and suggestions were raised at these meetings, mostly relating to availability of staff for inspections, permit issuance and files review. As we have discussed since the consolidations were initially presented to the Board of Selectmen in November, department operations may have to change due to the staffing reductions, including the possibility of office hours limitations or restrictions. We are also actively reviewing permit software which would, ideally, increase the information and activities that people can obtain and conduct on-line. We are scheduled to review the Human Services consolidation at a Healthy Community Collaborative Group luncheon meeting on March 22 at noon at Faregrounds Restaurant. 2011 Annual Town Meeting The 2011 Annual Town Meeting begins on Monday, April 4th at 6:00 pm at the Mary P. Walker Auditorium at Nantucket High School. The Finance Committee held its annual public hearing on the 2011 Annual Town Meeting warrant articles on February 28th with a good turnout. As noted above, the Finance Committee is scheduled to adopt its motions in early March. The Planning Board also has a statutory role in making motions to the zoning articles. The Planning Board will be having a public hearing(s) in March as well to finalize its motions. The warrant, with Finance Committee and Planning Board motions as well as Board of Selectmen comments is required to be mailed to voters 7 days prior to Town Meeting. Town Projects Proposed Madaket Wind Turbine The Town proposes to install two 900 kW wind turbines, or perhaps one 1.5 MW turbine, on Town-owned property at the Madaket landfill. Due to Madaket’s highest-in-the-state wind speeds and highest-in-the-state electric costs, which translate into significant potential for a successful project, the Town received a favorable nod and a $390,000 reimbursable grant from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center for the study and design of turbines on the property in 2010. While keeping a close eye on other turbine projects on Cape Cod and elsewhere, the Project Team is methodically obtaining permits and permission as well as conducting necessary research and outreach before the project is approved to make sure wind-generated energy is feasible and appropriate for the island and its residents. To date, over $250,000 of the grant has been allotted for avian studies, acoustic tests, visual models, wetlands delineation, state and federal authorization, and dynamic economic models. All this information is available to the public at http://www.ackenergy.org/Madaket.html. Additionally, the Energy Study Committee is appearing before all Town regulatory agencies for necessary bylaw approval and permits and has been conducting public forums to discuss matters important to our residents. There are many public events scheduled so please refer to the Committee’s outreach page at http://www.ackenergy.org/Press.html. The turbine(s) will be tied directly to the electric meter at the waste composting plant (the “digester”) at the landfill, to offset the enormous costs of running that facility 24/7. In FY 2012, without the benefit of lower per- kilowatt hour wind energy, the Town is budgeting $370,000 to fund the composting operation. Based on current electric rates, the economics of the project speak for itself. Most recently financial analysis was provided to the Finance Committee at its meeting on February 17th. Sewer Issues At its March 2, 2011 meeting, the Board of Selectmen discussed implementing mandatory sewer connections when and if sewer becomes available to properties not currently sewered. There is an article on the 2011 annual town meeting warrant which would allow for the adoption of regulations for this purpose. There is also an existing Board of Health regulation that can require mandatory connections. The Board will be continuing its discussion on this issue in the coming weeks. The Board also discussed funding formulas for the expansion of sewer to the so-called Monomoy “needs area”. An appropriation for this project will be sought at the 2011 annual town meeting. A “needs area” is an area identified in the Town’s Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan (CWMP) that essentially should be sewered because conditions for subsurface wastewater treatment disposal systems (ie, septic systems) are poor. At its March 2, 2011 meeting, the Board of Selectmen agreed to recommend to the Finance Committee a funding formula for the Monomoy project of 2/3 of the cost to be assessed in the form of betterments to the affected abutters and 1/3 to be sought from the taxpayers through a debt exclusion override. Employee News and Accomplishments Fire Department During the week of February 21st, Chief Mark McDougall attended a leadership course at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, MD. This intensive 6-day course provides the appropriate skills for the volunteer emergency services officer to view administrative effectiveness through adaptive leadership skills and efficient management practices. Course units include leadership -- setting the stage, planning, forging partnerships, human resource management, recruitment, retention, needs assessment and assets, risk assessment, leading change, and "putting it all together." Mark returned from the course reporting that it was well worth it and a great experience. Cape Cod Manager’s Meeting On February 10th, I attended the monthly Cape Cod Manager’s meeting with other Cape managers in recognizing the contributions of former Yarmouth Town Manager Bob Lawton. The event took place at the newly renovated Sandwich Town Hall. The presentation of a gift and words of praise from various managers took Bob by surprise. Over a thirty-year career Bob set the standard for professionalism in public administration. He has been a mentor to many of us and is held in high regard statewide for his knowledge of municipal government. He has agreed to continue to work with the managers group and we welcome his ongoing commitment to seek solutions to problems confronting town governments on Cape Cod. In memoriam It is with great sadness that I write of the passing of DPW Director Jeff Willett on February 28th. Jeff joined the Town in 1988, the same year I started. I was just beginning my municipal career while Jeff was continuing with his. I have learned a lot from Jeff and I am grateful for his advice, support and help over the years. With Jeff’s leadership, the Town has moved forward progressively and in comparison with many other communities, much farther ahead in the areas of sewer, wastewater, solid waste and stormwater management. He leaves a legacy that will benefit our community far into the future. We will miss him very much. MARCH TRIVIA QUESTION In what year was the Town of Nantucket incorporated? FEBRUARY TRIVIA QUESTION In what year was the current Nantucket Atheneum built? Answer: 1847 (and in less than 1 year after the Great Fire!) Correct answers from: Linda Roberts Jim Lentowski Catherine Stover Diane O’Neil Winter is almost over!