HomeMy WebLinkAboutCounty Commission Minutes 04-22-2009_2014020517260305611
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Minutes of the Meeting of 22 April 2009. The meeting took place in the Court Room, Town and County
Building, 16 Broad Street, Nantucket, MA 02554. Members of the Commission present were Rick
Atherton, Brian Chadwick, Michael Kopko, Allen Reinhard, and Patricia Roggeveen. Chairman
Chadwick called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
Chairman Chadwick opened nominations for the Chair of the County Commissioners. Ms.
Roggeveen nominated Mr. Chadwick and he accepted the nomination. Mr. Kopko moved to affirm
the nomination. The County Commissioners then voted unanimously to elect Mr. Chadwick as
Chair. Nominations were then taken for Vice-chair of the County Commissioners. Mr. Reinhard
nominated Mr. Atherton, who accepted the nomination. Mr. Kopko moved to affirm the nomination.
The County Commissioners then voted unanimously to elect Mr. Atherton as Vice-chair.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
None.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES, WARRANTS AND PENDING CONTRACTS
Approval of Payroll and Treasury Warrants for April 2009. The payroll and treasury warrants for the
month of April 2009 were approved by unanimous consent of the meeting.
OFFICIAL BUSINESS
Request for Acceptance of Public Safety Equipment for Marine and Coastal Resources
Department from Sheriff's Department. Town Manager C. Elizabeth Gibson said Marine
Superintendent Dave Fronzuto brought forward the need for this specialized equipment many
months ago and has recently received endorsement for the equipment from the Sheriff's
Department. Mr. Fronzuto said the need for this equipment was borne out of a tragedy at
Sesachacha Pond last summer where there was a loss of life. He said the Marine Department did
respond in a timely manner with equipment that was available at that time; he went on to say that
the MA State Police dive team, which helped with the Sesachacha incident, helped develop
specifications for the new equipment. Mr. Fronzuto said the equipment to be donated can also be
used for patrol use on the ponds. Chairman Chadwick noted the patrol and enforcement use of the
equipment does qualify it for deeds excise funds. Mr. Fronzuto noted that the new equipment will
be housed at 2 Fairgrounds Road and will be dedicated solely to pond use. Mr. Atherton moved to
accept the gift of public safety equipment from the sheriff’s Department; Mr. Reinhard seconded.
All in favor, so voted.
Request for Revision of FY 09 Budget Amendment. Ms. Gibson said on 25 March 2009 the County
Commissioners approved an amendment to the FY 2009 County budget of $850,000; that
amendment was also approved by the County Review Committee (FinCom) on 26 March 2009.
She said it now appears that additional funds may be necessary to fund the FY 2009 Sheriff's
budget, with deeds excise revenue continuing to be down. Therefore, it is likely to be necessary to
use an increased portion of the corrections deeds excise fund balance to fund the 2009 Sheriff's
budget than originally thought which could reduce the amount available for FY 2009 County
2
Administration use. Ms. Gibson noted the funds would be used for the new police station recently
approved at the 2009 Annual Town Meeting and Annual Town Election. Ms. Gibson added that the
amount being sought is $700,000, down from $850,000. Mr. Reinhard moved to approve the
amendment; Mr. Atherton seconded. All in favor, so voted.
COMMISSIONERS REPORTS/COMMENTS
Mr. Atherton asked for the status of the state taking over the County Sheriffs. Ms. Gibson said
there has been contact between Town Administration and Senator O’Leary who is the vice-chair of
the legislative committee considering the proposed legislation to take over Sheriffs Departments.
She said she thinks they have an amendment worked out that would allow for the use of surplus
deeds excise funds for the police station project to offset the debt service. She said the legislation
is expected to be finalized shortly. Chairman Chadwick said three weeks ago he met with Senator
O’Leary and legislative liaisons from Senator Joyce and Senator Therese Murray’s offices and put
across to them the Town’s concerns on the funding.
The meeting was unanimously adjourned at 6:40 PM.
Approved the 27th day of May, 2009.