HomeMy WebLinkAboutTown Managers Newsletter - 2011 07 08
From the Desk of Town
Manager Libby Gibson
JULY 8, 2011 VOLUME 2, NUMBER 7
Town of Nantucket
16 Broad St.
Nantucket, MA 02554
P: (508) 228-7255
F: (508) 228-7272
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June 14, 2011 Special Town Election
The results of the special town election were as follows:
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) -- failed;
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) -- failed;
3. operating override for $100,000 for the development of a
mosquito control program – passed.
At this point, with regard to these results, the Board and Town Administration
continue to work on a wastewater action plan which will include a financing
and funding component that we hope will ultimately be found to be equitable;
the abutters to the Boulevarde-area roads are working toward raising the
funds to repair the intersection at the Boulevarde and Lover’s Lane; the Town
is currently working toward what it can do with the $100,000 to develop the
program and/or mitigate 2011 mosquito issues.
Annual Committee Appointments
The Board of Selectmen made its annual committee appointments on July 6,
2011. Results may be found on the Town website. Applicants are still being
sought for the Parks and Recreation Commission and the Town Government
Study Committee.
Board of Selectmen Goals & Objectives
2011-2012
Objective #1 – Improved Financial Management. There are several goals
related to this objective. All of the goals are being worked on actively and
progress is reported to the Board on a monthly basis as well as to the Audit
Committee at least once month. The Audit Committee will meet twice in July
(July 12 and July 26) and met twice in June and May to monitor progress and
hear directly from the Town’s auditor. At a meeting in June, the Finance
Committee approved a request for a transfer from the Reserve Fund for
interim financial management services. These services will provide, among
other items: oversight for the continuity of operations in the Department,
assistance with the development of a manual for policies, procedures,
timelines and responsibilities; objective review of progress toward a timely
and unqualified audit for FY 2011; advice and consultation as to operational
improvements.
Objective #2 – Long-term Wastewater/Water Quality Plan. There are four
goals associated with this objective, all are active. See below for a schedule
of Selectmen’s workshop meetings pertaining to the development of a
wastewater action plan.
Objective #3 – Long-term Municipal Facilities Management. The three
associated goals are at different stages. One of the current activities is a
review on the reuse options for the building at 20 South Water Street (former
Police Station). We have engaged an architect to assist us in the process of
developing options and estimated costs and are meeting with an informal
workgroup comprised of town officials, business owners and interested
individuals from the community.
Department News
Board of Selectmen
The Board has begun its summer meeting schedule, with the regular
Wednesday evening meetings twice per month in July and August (July 6;
July 20; August 3; August 17). Weekly meetings will resume on September
7. The Board will also be holding a series of workshop meetings in connection
with the development of a wastewater action plan.
Fire Department
New firefighters Beau Barber and Shane Perry graduated from the
Massachusetts Firefighting Academy’s 60-day Recruit Firefighting Program in
the 191st Class on June 24, 2011. Students receive classroom and practical
training in all basic firefighting skills. To graduate, students must
demonstrate proficiency in public fire education, hazardous material incident
mitigation, flammable liquids, stress management, water rescue procedures,
confined space rescue techniques, repelling, search and rescue, ladder
operations, water supply, pump operation, and fire attack. Upon successful
completion of the Recruit Program all students have met national standards
of National Fire Protection Association 1001 and are certified to the level of
Firefighter I/II, and Hazardous Materials First Responder Operational Level by
the Massachusetts Training Council. We welcome both recruits into their new
careers.
Madaket Wind Turbine Project
On Thursday, July 7, Town Administration had a demonstration balloon
floated at the landfill in Madaket, at the site of a proposed wind turbine. A
balloon is commonly used to get a perspective of the height and sight lines of
a turbine. The HDC requires this demonstration before completing its review
of the turbine application. Atlantic Design Engineers, LLC of Sandwich, MA
floated the balloon in compliance with the reimbursable grant awarded to the
Town by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center. All costs associated with
this test are reimbursable.
The balloon was floated at the height of 325 feet (99 meters) to represent
the maximum blade height. The streamers were set at the rotor height of 233
feet (71 meters). National Grid presently has placed limitations on
Nantucket’s net metering potential, which means that only one 900 kW
turbine (mid-size) makes economic sense. The balloon was flown at the
compost pad site which is the most likely site based on its location on the
southern edge of the landfill and its constant wind speed. A second turbine is
being held in abeyance until the restrictions by National Grid are removed.
Community Events
Fourth of July
The 4th of July fireworks display, which was funded by an anonymous and
other donors for 2011, was terrific despite the looming threat of fog late in
the day. Thanks to Visitor Services Director Kate Hamilton, her assistant
David Sharpe and their staff, the Fire Department, Marine Department, Police
Department, DPW, Chamber of Commerce, US Coast Guard, Steamship
Authority and NRTA.
The 8th annual reading of the Declaration of Independence was held at the
Unitarian Church which gave us the opportunity to see the beautiful
restoration of the Church’s famous trompe l’oeil ceiling. The restoration was
funded through the Community Preservation Fund. Bob and Diane Lehman
provided lively musical accompaniment.
Unfortunately, a black mark on 4th of July weekend festivities was the
significant amount of trash left on our beaches, most notably Nobadeer.
Despite the Town’s provision of dumpsters and trash bags, the results were
extremely disappointing. We are grateful to have had the assistance of
volunteer groups such as The Clean Team, Sibley Liddle Construction and
area homeowners; however, the Town had to expend valuable resources to
collect, sort and dispose of the trash.
JULY TRIVIA QUESTION
Name one or more of the coldest interior locations on Nantucket during the
summer (note: not the office of the Town Manager…)
Answer to JUNE TRIVIA ITEM
Where is this:
The Land Bank fountain at the corner of Main and Fair Streets
Correct answers from:
Jim Lentowski
Jason Graziadei
Barbara Gookin
Catherine Stover
Charley Walters