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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning and Economic Development Commission Minutes - November 3, 2011_201402060754304049APPROVED MINUTES Nantucket Planning & Economic Development Commission SPECIAL MEETING THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2011 6:30 PM at 2 Fairgrounds Road, Nantucket, MA 02554 Purpose: Special Meeting: (12) Members Present: Nat Lowell, Andrew Bennett, Jack Gardner, Sylvia Howard, Bert Johnson, John McLaughlin, Barry Rector, Don Visco, Linda Williams, Rick Atherton, Brian Chadwick, and Kara Buzanoski. Chairman Lowell welcomed the new representative for the Department of Public Works, Kara Buzanoski, to the NP&EDC Commission. Staff Members: Andrew Vorce (Director of Planning Office), T. Michael Burns (Transportation Planner), and Catherine Ancero (Planning Board Administrative Specialist) Members of Public Present: Arthur D. Gasbarro I. Call to Order: Chairman Lowell called the meeting to order at 6:32 PM. II. Establishment of Quorum: The Chairman declared a quorum was present. III. Approval of Agenda: The motion was made by Sylvia Howard, duly seconded and the agenda was approved by a unanimous vote as presented. IV. Approval of October 3, 2011 Minutes: Ms. Williams made a motion that was duly seconded to approve the minutes with minor changes as discussed, which was passed by a unanimous vote. V. Public Comment Arthur Gasbarro participated in the discussion with the Commission in “VI. (C)” see below. 1 VI. Action/Discussion Items A. Operation Budget: Mr. Vorce reviewed the bylaw requiring the Commissioners must vote to approve the budget that is before them. He also stated that he submitted the budget within the Town’s timeframe. Mr. Vorce and the Commission briefly discussed the budget particulars. Ms. Williams made a motion that was duly seconded to approve the budget which was passed by a unanimous vote. B. Expense Increase Request Form for Fiscal Year 2013: Mr. Vorce stated that at the previous Commission meeting there was a discussion about creating a new job description which would consolidate the Land Use Planner position and the Zoning Board of Appeals Administrator position into one position that would then be part of the Planning Office. The position would continue to serve the Zoning Board of Appeals as well. The new position would be reclassified as a Land Use Specialist at either Level SA or SB. Mr. Vorce suggested moving current ZBA Administrator John Brescher into this new position as he was already assisting the Planning Office. There was a general discussion about continued service and what happens if a conflict should arise. Ms. Williams made a motion, which was duly seconded, to approve the change in the job description as presented and the increase in the budget for FY 2013, which motion was approved by a unanimous vote. C. Placement of Packets on Town Website Mr. Atherton requested that the Commissioners consider having staff place the Commission packet on the Town website prior to the meetings for public review. Mr. Vorce reviewed current operations and citied examples of other departments and what information is published. There was a general discussion among Commission members, Staff and Mr. Garbarro. Concern was expressed by staff and Commission members about the possible negative ramifications such as confusion over complex issues on the agenda, extensive plans, items related to all detailed transportation matters etc. Mr. Vorce stated that he would keep an open mind about said implementation and would review the matter with a goal towards having information from the packets available by the close of the fiscal year. Ms. Williams made a motion and it was seconded and favorably voted unanimously to leave the decision and timing of the implementation up to the discretion of Planning Director Vorce. D Revision of Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) Transportation Planner Mike Burns briefly reviewed the Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) with the Commission. He explained the outline of all activities that his office undertakes using the proceeds of the planning grant from the MassDOT. Mr. Burns proposed that they need to remove task 3.1 (Wilkes Square: Transportation Center and Parking Strategy), 3.2 (Parking Management Strategies) and 3.4 (Park and Ride Implementation). In order to amend the UPWP it would need to be advertised with these changes for thirty (30) days for public review. The Board will need to approve the amendment for it to become effective. Ms. Williams made a motion that was duly seconded to approve the amendments advertise as needed, which was passed by a unanimous vote. 2 E Prospect Street Path/Prospect Hill Improvements Staff explained FY2013 Capital Projects that were submitted to the Town for ATM. There was a brief discussion regarding the project description including location and source of cost estimate which would improve access for bicyclists and pedestrians between Hummock Pond Road, Madaket Road and Prospect Street paths. Mr. Burns suggested that a subcommittee from the Commission be established to review the matter. Ms. Williams made a motion that was duly seconded to establish a subcommittee group to study these issues which was approved by a unanimous vote. The subcommittee members as voted are: Kara Buzanoski, Andrew Bennett, John McLaughlin, Jack Gardner and Nat Lowell. VII. Other Business A. Notice of Appointment of Office Manager/Administrative Assistant Mr. Vorce reported that Lynell Vollans had been hired new member of the staff. As a matter of protocol as stated in the Commission By-laws, Mr. Vorce asked the Commissioners to consent to this hire and waive any rights regarding a resolution of disapproval so she may start as soon as possible. A discussion about the Bylaws occurred Ms. Williams made a motion that was duly seconded to consent to the hiring of Mrs. Vollans as the Office Manager/Administrative Assistant and waive any rights regarding a resolution of disapproval, by a vote of 11-0 with Mr. McLaughlin abstaining from the vote. VIII. Adjournment Mr. McLaughlin made a motion that was duly seconded to adjourn the meeting at 7:50 PM, which was passed by a unanimous vote. Respectfully Submitted, Catherine Ancero 3 4 Documents Included:  NP&EDC Agenda for Nov. 3, 2011  Minutes Oct. 3, 2011  Operation Budget Fiscal Year 2013  Town &County of Nantucket Organization Chart-Planning Office 10/24/2011  Town & County of Nantucket Organization Chart-Planning Office Proposed  Expense Increase Request Form FY 2013  Transportation Planning Report  T. Michael Burns, AICP November 3, 2011  Hummock Pond Road Bike Path-Phase 1, 2, and 3 Implementation Strategy  NP&EDC- UPWP: Program Budget by Task: FFY 2012  Proposed FY2013 Capital Project  Woods Hole, Martha’s Vineyard & Nantucket Steamship Authority Traffic Report as of Sep 1 2011 Through Sep 30 2011  Email from Andrew Vorce dated November 2, 2011 with red stamped confidential