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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTown Managers Newsletter - 2012 04 18 From the Desk of Town Manager Libby Gibson APRIL 18, 2012 VOLUME 3, NUMBER 4 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 ANNOUNCEMENT: The household hazardous waste collection day schedule may be found here. Town Administration News and Updates 2012 Annual Town Meeting The Annual Town Meeting began with a tribute to former Moderator and community servant, Wayne F. Holmes. A legislative certificate was presented to Mr. Holmes’s family by state Representative Timothy Madden. Of the 98 articles on the 2012 Annual Town Meeting warrant, 40 were called. Significant actions taken by the Town Meeting included: approval of use of General Fund sources to cover various Airport capital project deficits and current budget year projected shortfalls. There was some discussion about these articles and an information sheet was made available at Town Meeting. Article 13 (Appropriation: Wind Turbine), arguably the most controversial article on the warrant was defeated by a vote of 463 (No) to 282 (Yes). Article 31 (Appropriation: FY 2013 Community Preservation Projects) which included a $990,000 recommendation toward an affordable housing project known as Sachem’s Path, had a Finance Committee Motion which removed that item; however, Town Meeting voted to fund it, as recommended by the Community Preservation Committee. Most of the zoning, general bylaw amendments and real estate articles were approved with little discussion. A lot of discussion occurred over the various articles relating to the Sconset Bluff Preservation Fund’s proposed erosion control project. A complete list of the action taken on the warrant articles may be found on the Town’s website in the near future. The Town Meeting began on Saturday, March 31 and concluded on Monday, April 2. At its April 4 meeting, the Board of Selectmen discussed the pros and cons of a Saturday town meeting and generally agreed to try it again for the 2013 annual town meeting, with the hope of completion in one day. Photo by James Roggeveen 2012 Annual Town Election The Board presented Michael Kopko, departing Selectman, with a gift certificate and card at its March 28th meeting, and welcomed Bruce D. Miller, elected on April 10th at its April 11th meeting. The Board also elected Patty Roggeveen as Chair and Bobby DeCosta as Vice-chair for 2012-13. Of the three questions that were on the election ballot, the only one that was valid (due to actions taken at the town meeting) was Question 2, a debt exclusion override for the Hummock Pond Road bike path which was approved by the voters. Committee Vacancies Upcoming committee vacancies will be advertised shortly and posted on the Town’s website. If you are interested in serving the Town, please check the website for openings. Employee News Our Island Home I visited Our Island Home on March 16th to issue years of service pins to: Jean Baptiste (20 years), Sheila Barrett (20 years), Mary Patton (20 years), Gloria Sanders (20 years) and Jack Hayes (10 years) (post-retirement). Pamela Meriam, Human Services Director was present and also received a pin, for 10 years service. It is always a pleasure to visit OIH and see the residents and employees. There is always delicious food and treats – on this day Jean Baptiste provided sweet potato turnovers… Employee Benefits Fair The second annual employee benefits fair was held at the Public Safety Facility at 4 Fairgrounds Road on Monday, April 9th. Employees had the opportunity to sign up for new benefits, ask questions and obtain information about benefits. Community Service Visits Erika Mooney, of Town Administration, represented town government on an annual visit and trip with Meals on Wheels, organized by Mark Budaj of Elder Services of Cape Code & the Islands. Erika said that “it was a wonderful experience meeting different elder members of our community and lending a helping hand!” Monday, April 2, 2012 was designated by the Board of Selectmen at its March 28th meeting through a proclamation as World Autism Day. We were invited to participate in “Wear Blue Day” in recognition of the proclamation. A number of town employees, officials and others participated as shown in the photo: NEW E-NEWSLETTER FEATURE “Get to Know Your Town Volunteers”. This new feature will ask a member of a Town board, committee or commission questions about their interest in serving and some other information about them. I start this month with Matt Mulcahy, Chairman of the Finance Committee: Q: How long have you lived on Nantucket? A: 12 years Q: What is your job? A: General Dental Practice Q How long have you served on the Finance Committee? A: 5 Years Q: What interests you about the Finance Committee and makes you want to be involved? A: The functions that the Committee performs, including its role in Town Meeting and the fiscal policies it oversees for the Town. Q: What is the most rewarding part about serving? A: Performing a public service along with the opportunity to work with various individuals and organizations synergistically for a better future for the town. Q: What is the most challenging part? A: Serving on the Finance Committee brings with it, at times, the unenviable position of making unpopular recommendations and following through on these recommendations. Q: What is your favorite quote? A: “If you do not listen and understand what has happened in the past, you are bound to repeat it.” Q: What is your favorite color? A: Aqua Thanks, Matt! APRIL TRIVIA QUESTION Where is this: ANSWER TO MARCH TRIVIA QUESTION In what year was the “new” (current) Our Island Home, dedicated? Answer: 1981 Answers submitted by: Pamela Meriam Jim Lentowski Linda Roberts As always, ideas for future e-newsletter topics are welcome!