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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning and Economic Development Commission Minutes December 3, 2007_201402060748162462MINUTES REGULAR MEETING NANTUCKET PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION 7:00 PM, MONDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2007 2 FAIRGROUNDS ROAD 10 Members Present: Sylvia Howard, Jack Gardner, David Gray, Michael Kopko, Nat Lowell, John McLaughlin, Barry Rector, Frank Spriggs, Don Visco, Jeff Willett Staff Present: Andrew Vorce, T. Michael Burns, Leslie Woodson Snell, Tom Broadrick, John Brescher, Jeromette Hicks Audience: Town Manager, Libby Gibson, Paula Leary (NRTA), Keith Mansfield, Peter Brace (Independent), Sara Rosner (I&M) I. Call to Order Chairman Rector called the meeting to order at 7:00PM. II. Establishment of Quorum The Chairman declared a quorum was present. III. Approval of Agenda The motion was made by Frank Spriggs and seconded that the NP&EDC does hereby vote to approve the agenda for Dec. 3, 2007 The vote was unanimous. IV. Approval of Minutes: Approval: Meeting of Oct. 1, 2007 Approval: Meeting of Nov. 5, 2007 Approval: Corrected Minutes Meeting of Aug. 6, 2007 The motion was made by Frank Spriggs and seconded that the NP&EDC does hereby vote to approve the minutes of Oct. 1, Nov. 5 and Aug. 6, 2007. The vote was unanimous. V. Public Comment - None VI. Action / Discussion Items A. Action / Discussion: Town Administrator, Libby Gibson Re: MOA for the ZBA Office Town Manager Libby Gibson stated that the ZBA office work load is being handled by the Planning staff until union negotiations are completed. John Brescher reported that the workload is manageable, things are running smoothly and he is working on creating a data base for all files. The MOA has not been written yet, but will include the Planning Board Administrative Specialist, Housing Planner-Specialist as well as the ZBA administration. This document will be voted on after the 2008 ATM in April. It was stated that the staff makes professional staff recommendations, but it is the Commission or Board members that make the decisions. There is no conflict with the staff working for all three entities. The Boards are not in any conflict either since as always, they can make different decisions on the same project. The motion was made by Jeff Willett and seconded that the NP&EDC does hereby vote to endorse the concept of the MOA between the BOS and NP&EDC. The vote was nine (9) in favor and one (1) Sylvia Howard opposed. B. Action / Discussion: ATM 2008 Citizen Articles Article by Mr. Barnes concerning the Planning Director reporting to the Town Manager was discussed. The discussion included: NP&EDC Bylaws are in compliance with the Town Code NP&EDC created by Special Legislation Any changes would have to go back to the Legislature & could possibly take years NPEDC is not a Town dept. but works & partner with them NP&EDC is quasi-State Dept. The Town Charter does not supersede the Special Legislation If passed, it could affect our State & Fed. Funding for our Transportation Planner, bike path projects, some NRTA bus funding etc. The possible idea of the article was to streamline & centralize authority and goals There are 13 RPA’s in the State and all report to their Commissioners not a Town entity The RPA’s are not municipal agencies We do not want to take a chance of the NP&EDC being dissolved Town Manager Libby Gibson’s comments included: The article did not come through her in any way. She is taking no position on it It involves policy & is political in nature She generally does like centralization The Director’s contract would be negotiated with her and approved by the BOS if article is passed and not the Commission. The Director’s existing contract was signed off by the Town Manager for consistency The daily running of the office already follows the Town procedures concerning bill paying, account sharing etc. Mike Burns asked that Articles # 6, 9, 15 & 17 be considered for discussion of NP&EDC Planning Concern. There will be a public hearing by the Planning Board on Citizen Zoning Articles on Jan. 7, 2008. C. Action / Discussion: Transportation Hub Power Point Presentation Director Vorce & Transportation Planner Michael Burns presented a power point presentation. The Town Meeting vote was to secure the parcels. The Election vote was to secure the financing. Paula Leary stated her support for the project, said it was exciting and for the benefit of the NRTA, the Town and the community. The motion was made by Michael Kopko and seconded that the NP&EDC does hereby vote to approve the concept of the Transit Hub at 10-12 Washington Street and recommend it to the NRTA Advisory Board. The vote was nine (9) in favor and Jeff Willett left the room and did not vote. D. Action / Discussion: RC&D Report / Tim Soverino - Rescheduled E. Action / Discussion: Review of Tom Nevers Area Plan / Continued to Feb. 4, 2008 Meeting Last Comments due by Friday Dec. 7th F. Action / Discussion: Final Class/ Flexible schedule The motion was made by Frank Spriggs and seconded that the NP&EDC does hereby vote to approve the Director’s flexible schedule due to his final Master’s class on Tuesdays from Jan. 15 – Apr. 29, 2008. The vote was unanimous. G. Action / Discussion: Director: Annual Salary adjustment The Chairman asked each Commissioner to fill out the Director’s evaluation form with a raise recommendation and have it back to him by Jan. 14, 2008. He will compile the results into a final evaluation. VII. Report Items* A. Director's Report B. Transportation Planner's Report There was a discussion on the fact that the Town of Nantucket is in violation of submitting financial audits to EOT, which is causing a problem with the State reimbursements on all transportation staff & project reimbursements. Libby Gibson has assured Chairman Rector & the Commission that the Town will cover all expenses until reimbursements continue, so there will be no interruptions. Friendship Lane, Bartlett Rd. & Fairgrounds Rd. were discussed. VIII. Other Business – BOS will hold a workshop on Dec. 11, 2007 at the Land Bank, Re: Candle Street Project. It will be a posted NP&EDC Meeting in case a quorum does attend. IX. Executive Session: Contract Negotiations with Non-Union Personnel Not Held X. Adjournment The motion was made by Frank Spriggs and seconded that the NP&EDC does hereby vote to adjourn. The vote was unanimous. The Chairman adjourned the meeting at 8:40 PM.