HomeMy WebLinkAboutTown Managers Newsletter - 2013 02 22
From the Desk of Town
Manager Libby Gibson
FEBRUARY 22, 2013 VOLUME 4, NUMBER 2
Town of Nantucket
16 Broad St.
Nantucket, MA 02554
P: (508) 228-7255
F: (508) 228-7272
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Town Administration News and Updates
Current General Town Administration Activities
Taxi Meters
Following discussion last summer and into the fall about taxi issues, the
Board held a public hearing on January 23, 2013; and, among other changes,
amended the taxi regulations so as to require meters. The Board also
designated a representative from the “taxi community”, one Selectman and a
representative from the Police Department to prepare a new or modified fare
structure for the meters for the Board’s consideration. This group is meeting
in February and will plan to provide its recommendations to the Board in
early March. The group’s meetings are public and posted.
MMA Annual Conference
The annual Massachusetts Municipal Association held its annual conference in
Boston the weekend of January 24-26. Chairman of the Board Patty
Roggeveen, Assistant Town Manager Gregg Tivnan, and I attended. All of us
attended some excellent and timely workshops and brought back with us
relevant information about various topics including the new medical
marijuana law; community credit and bond rating; social media; and
modernizing employee benefits. Patty and I attended the annual Women
Elected Municipal Officials luncheon where US Attorney Carmen Ortiz was the
speaker and Patty met Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll, outgoing President of the
Massachusetts Mayors Association.
Events
On Quahog Day (February 2), “Quentin” the quahog was sacrificed in order
that we might find out how much more winter is left. Unfortunately, he
“squirted to the left” indicating 6 more long weeks of winter. According to
several knowledgeable sources, Quentin always squirts to the left…
Over the weekend of February 8-10, the region experienced a fierce winter
storm named “Nemo” by the National Weather Service. The Town Pier
sustained significant damage which necessitated its temporary closure; and,
it is currently undergoing an engineering evaluation. There was notable
erosion along Sconset Bluff and Codfish Park. Extensive flooding occurred in
downtown areas and Brant Point, causing major issues with the sidewalk on
Easy Street as shown in the photo below. Despite this, by most accounts,
Nantucket fared better than most areas in the region, including Cape Cod.
Thanks to National Grid our power remained mostly on for the duration of the
storm. We did open the Emergency Shelter at the High School for warming
purposes; however, no citizens actually used it. Emergency Management
Coordinator Dave Fronzuto is actively following up with state and federal
emergency agencies with regard to the potential for damage reimbursement.
Projects
Downtown Sewer Rehabilitation Project
This project began the week of January 21st. Click here for a map of the
streets that will be affected and additional information about the project.
Because of the scope of the project, it will be started now, temporarily halted
for the summer and will begin again and be (hopefully) completed by the
spring of 2014.
Fire Station
When the Public Safety Facility at 4 Fairgrounds Road was initially designed,
it was intended to house the Police and Fire Departments. While the project
was approved by the 2008 Annual Town Meeting, it was not approved by the
voters at the subsequent election. The Board of Selectmen established a
Citizen Advisory Board for a Public Safety Facility to review the project. That
group recommended that the project be phased with the first phase being the
Police Department. Funding for that phase was approved at the 2009 Annual
Town Meeting and subsequent election, and construction was completed in
2011. Recently, the Board of Selectmen voted to recommend the
appropriation of $600,000 for the completion of design and construction plans
for phase two of the project: the Fire Station. At the 2005 Annual Town
Meeting, voters authorized the Board of Selectmen to dispose of the Fire
Station property. Revenue from the sale of the property could be used to
offset the cost of construction of the facility which is estimated between $8 –
11 million.
Open Space Survey/Nantucket Planning & Economic Development
Commission
The NP&EDC has recently completed an open space survey.
Announcements
Millie’s and Massasoit Bridges
Both bridges have been identified by Massachusetts Highway Department
bridge reports as being in need of repair. Appropriations were approved at
the 2011 and 2012 annual town meetings, procurement accomplished and
the work is in the process of being done. Due to delays in the delivery of the
necessary bridge materials (due to winter storms), the work is now starting
on February 20, 2013 at Massasoit Bridge and on or around March 5, 2013 at
Millie’s Bridge.
Town Energy Office Coordinating Free Home Energy Assessments: March 11-
15th
The Town of Nantucket Energy Office is working with National Grid to
facilitate free home energy assessments during the week of March 11th to
any National Grid residential customer as part of the Mass Save Program.
Mass Save is National Grid’s energy conservation program that offers
incentives for residents to make their homes more energy efficient. The
Home Energy Assessment is not only a chance to receive free CFL light bulbs,
low-flo shower heads and programmable thermostats, but is an opportunity
for you to learn how safely and efficiently the systems in your house operate,
as well as how to cost-effectively maintain and upgrade them.
In addition to the free home energy assessments, MassSave provides
information about energy-saving products, loans, rebates, and other
incentives for energy-saving home improvements. Tenants must get
permission from their landlords for some energy improvements.
To sign-up for your “no-cost” home energy assessment during March 11-
15th, fill out a simple online form on the Town Energy Office’s website or call
MassSave at 1-800-632-8300.
Contact: Lauren Sinatra, Energy Coordinator
Employee Achievements
We are pleased to announce that Detective Steve Tornovish, an eight-year
veteran of the Police Department was promoted to the rank of Sergeant on
Monday, February 11, 2013 in a brief ceremony held at the Public Safety
Facility. Sgt. Tornovish is the recipient of several letters and a commendation
recognizing his dedication to duty, commitment to the community and
diligent work investigating criminal cases. During the brief promotion
ceremony Chief Pittman reminded Sgt. Tornovish that as a Sergeant he will
be responsible to provide responsible leadership for those officers charged to
his care. And, he is equally as responsible to the citizens of this community
to insure that their constitutional rights are respected by those officers.
Get to Know Your Town Volunteers
This monthly feature contains questions to a member of a Town board,
committee or commission about their interest in serving and some other
information about them. This month, Jen Iller, elected member of the School
Committee agreed to be interviewed:
Q: How long have you lived on Nantucket?
A: I am a Nantucket Native. I was born at Nantucket Cottage Hospital in
1977 and raised here on the Island. I graduated from Nantucket High School
in 1995 and attended St. Michael’s College in Vermont where I received a
Bachelor of Arts degree.
Q: What is your job?
A: I am the full time mom of three amazing children and property manager
for a wonderful family.
Q: How long have you served on the School Committee?
A: I am in my first term on the Committee.
Q: Have you served on any other Town boards or committees besides that
one?
A: I have not served on any other Town boards or committees. I have
volunteered at the Nantucket Elementary School and I was a member of NES
School Council for three years.
Q: What interests you about serving the Town makes you want to be
involved?
A: I am very passionate about my involvement with School Committee
because I attended the Nantucket Public Schools and had a great educational
experience. Now I am a parent of enrolled students and have invested
interest in the overall success of our Nantucket Public Schools.
Q: What is the most rewarding part about serving?
A: The most rewarding part of serving on School Committee is attempting to
give back to our community when Nantucket has afforded me so many
opportunities. I feel very grateful to be a part of this tremendous
community.
Q: What is the most challenging part?
A: The most challenging part about serving on School Committee is being a
“new” member and not really knowing what to expect. There is a great deal
to learn and I look forward to my second year.
Q: What is your favorite spot on Nantucket?
A: I love spending time on Coatue with my family. My husband, Chris, who is
the Property Supervisor of the Nantucket Conservation Foundation, has
opened my eyes to some of our Island’s most pristine and untouched areas.
FEBRUARY TRIVIA QUESTION
What was Cliff Road called before it was called Cliff Road?
JANUARY TRIVIA QUESTION
Whose nickname is “Signs Lines & Fines”?
Answer: Jack Gardner! (worked at DPW doing signs and lines, then became
Parking Ticket Hearings Officer, doing fines)
This proved to be a challenging question and one of the correct responders
suggested that this is an “inside” nickname…
Correct answers submitted by:
Correct answers:
Jeanette Topham
Jim Lentowski
Catherine Stover (took a second guess)
Diane O’Neil (5th try)
As always, ideas for future e-newsletter topics are welcome!