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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTown Managers Newsletter - 2011 06 07 From the Desk of Town Manager Libby Gibson JUNE 7, 2011 VOLUME 2, NUMBER 6 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 June 14, 2011 Special Town Election The Board has scheduled a special election, pursuant to action taken at the 2011 annual town meeting, for June 14th to take up three ballot questions: 1. debt exclusion override for the General Fund to take over a portion of debt from the Sewer Enterprise Fund, which would take effect in Fiscal Year 2013 (July 1, 2012 – June 30, 2013); 2. debt exclusion override to fund a prior vote at the 2004 Annual Town Meeting for repairs and taking costs for roads in the Surfside area (specifically, Boulevarde, a portion of Lover’s Lane, Okorwaw Avenue and Monohansett Road); 3. operating override for $100,000 for the development of a mosquito control program. Tax rate impact information was reviewed at the June 1, 2011 Board of Selectmen’s meeting. A question I have been asked several times is “why isn’t the amount noted in the questions”? The answer is that debt exclusion overrides (Questions 1 and 2), by law, may not contain an amount. This is because while the amount of a particular item may be known the borrowing costs which are part of the total override amount are not known at the time of the election. In the case of an operating override (Question 3), the amount by which the tax levy will be raised is known. Annual Committee Appointments The Board of Selectmen will be making its annual committee appointments at its June 22, 2011 meeting. The Board held two public hearings on applications, one on May 25 and one on June 1. One committee did not receive any applications and currently has no members: Town Government Study Committee. This committee was established in 2007, as part of a Town Charter amendment. Individuals interested in serving on this Committee are encouraged to complete a committee interest form. School Wind Turbine Dedication On May 7, 2011, a dedication of the school’s wind turbine was made in memory of Jack McFarland, former school Facilities Manager who passed away in December of 2009. The turbine is a legacy to Jack’s dedication and commitment to quality work, efficiency and cost savings. I had the opportunity to work with Jack for a number of years and was always impressed with his knowledge and efforts on behalf of the school and the town. The turbine dedication is a fitting tribute. Board of Selectmen Goals 2011-2012 At its May 25, 2011 meeting, the Board adopted three goals and agreed to further consider a list of secondary goals later in the summer. With regard to the development of a wastewater action plan, workshops have been scheduled for July 13, August 10, September 14, and October 12 to discuss the various components of an ultimate plan, including the possible update(s) to the Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan, prioritization of projects, funding and financing. We encourage public participation in this process and attendance at the workshops. Department News Marine & Coastal Resources Department Catherine Dickey, formerly of the Conservation Commission office, is now working at the Marine Department as a result of the 2012 department consolidations. Catherine replaces Liz McIsaac whose service is much appreciated. Jeff Carlson has become the Town’s Natural Resources Coordinator and will be overseeing ConCom activities. JC Johnsen has been hired to fill a vacant assistant harbormaster position. That position met the criteria for an exemption from the Town’s on-going hiring freeze. Our Island Home OIH received two awards from MassPro (a Massachusetts organization dedicated to advancing healthcare quality, patient care and performance improvement across all sectors of health care) in May 2011 for its participation in healthcare quality initiatives and a successful campaign in Restraint Reduction. The first award was Most Improved in Physical Restraint Reduction and the second was for being a Restraint-Free facility. Code Enforcement I would like to recognize the service of long-time Building Commissioner Bernie Bartlett who retired earlier this spring. We thank him for his work and wish him all the best. Human Resources The Town continues to seek efficiency and improved services to taxpayers and employees. As part of this effort, benefits administration has transferred from the Finance Department to Human Resources. On May 23, 2011, Human Resources hosted the Town’s first Employee Benefits Fair, where representatives from the insurance companies offering programs to employees such as health insurance spent the day meeting and speaking to employees one-on-one. Eleven representatives attended the Fair, held at the new police station. This new approach doubled the number of employees who sought benefits information in previous years. We are planning to continue to educate our employees so that they become better health care service consumers. The news is full of stories about how municipal and state governments are beset with uncontrolled health insurance costs. Here on Nantucket we can report that due to an excellent claims experience and the fact that the Town is self insured health insurance premiums have remained relatively stable for several years. The Town’s health insurance costs have also recently decreased somewhat because the Town employs fewer people than three years ago through attrition, a hiring freeze and layoffs. Nantucket Regional Transit Authority While not technically a Town agency (rather, a separate political subdivision of the Commonwealth), the NRTA held an event at the Greenhound building on May 10, 2011 to unveil its new logo and colors. “Ride the Wave” was the winning entry in a contest held last winter. The new colors are lively and invigorating and the event was very well attended. Board of Selectmen On May 14, 2011, the Board hosted the monthly meeting of the Cape Cod Selectmen and Councilors’ Association at the Brotherhood. Special guests included Congressman Bill Keating and State Representative Timothy Madden. There was a good turnout of Cape officials and a lot of interesting discussion about regional issues. Thank you to Selectman Michael Kopko for arranging the event. Park & Recreation Park & Recreation Director Jimmy Manchester is now located at the DPW as a result of the department consolidations for 2012, but remains available to schedule use of the Park & Rec properties, including Children’s Beach, Nobadeer Farm Road playing fields, and Tom Nevers Park. He can be reached at 508-228-7244. JUNE TRIVIA ITEM Where is this: MAY TRIVIA QUESTION In what Canadian province is there a neighborhood called “Nantucket”? The answer, I thought, was Nova Scotia; however, different responses were submitted, all of which I accept! H Flint Ranney – Nova Scotia Charley Walters – an island in New Brunswick Catherine Stover – Scarborough, Ontario Barbara Gookin – Nova Scotia