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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 Contact Us! Town of Nantucket Website Newsletter Archives Subscribe to the Newsletter 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!