HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-09-30
ADVISORY COMMITTEE OF NONVOTING TAXPAYERS
Minutes of meeting at 9:30 A.M., SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3OJ_VED
in the TOWN CLERK'S OFFICE
NANTUCKET MA 02554
2 Fairgrounds Road Meeting Room. '
OCT 0 2 2006
1. Present: Howard Blitman, David Brown, Bill Shermanrv,iferry ~\~7.4tV}
Sutphen, and Jim Treanor (our planned guest, selectman Michael C.
Kopko, was tied down by an emergency). CLERK: I tV\12
2. Chair Howard Blitman called the meeting to order at 9:35 a.m.
Minutes of the 9/9/06 meeting were approved, subject to
confirmation.
3. Terry Sutphen reported on the Forum "Water Quality Matters"
sponsored by the Nantucket Community Association, generally
regarded as a great success. The Forum's focus on encouraging
property owners in the Nantucket Harbor Watershed Zones to get
septic systems inspected will be reinforced through the next year. A
videotape of the Forum offers one resource. Howard will pass Forum
pamphlets in support of inspections along to Polpis resident Mark
Peterson. Other means for getting information to septic owners were
discussed, e.g., perhaps Civic League area associations could assist.
Terry noted that deadlines for inspections in Zone A (near the harbor)
and B (next beyond) coming in 2007 must be met. Jim Treanor,
referring to the Health Department's list of available inspectors,
thought area associations might gain advantage in working with
inspectors, acting collectively on behalf of area members.
4. A report on code enforcement inquiries undertaken by Jay Strauss led
to discussion of the standoff between the Planning Board and the
Zoning Enforcement Officer regarding Dreamland Theater delays.
Anecdotes of code non-enforcement were mentioned and the hope
expressed that the Town would follow-up on public concern about
failure properly to enforce compliance with Town bylaws and
regulations, and with restrictions in grants of zoning relief. The idea
of auditing Town departments and boards to determine their
performance in enforcement activities was commended. It is
understood to be under consideration by the Town Government Study
Committee as a policy recommendation.
5. Recognizing the severe limits the Town faces in bringing resources to
such a performance audit, the comment was made that Proposition 2
'h "starves the Town."
"
6. Bill Sherman distributed copies of a draft letter from ACNVT to the
newly formed Auto Limitation Study Group. [See his 9/30/06 e-mail]
After discussion, motion was made, seconded, and duly passed
authorizing our Chair to send the letter.
7. Anticipating the 10/23/06 Special Town Meeting and the April 2007
Annual Town Meeting, motion was made, seconded and duly passed
authorizing the ACNVT Chair to designate a spokesperson for
seasonal residents at the respective meetings. Terry Sutphen, who had
previously had that role, commented on the hurdles in gaining a seat
in the meeting and being recognized for timely speaking out.
8. To acquaint new seasonal residents with Town resources including
ACNVT, the welcome packet offered by NAREB real estate agents
could usefully be augmented. An example was offered of a new
family with a problem appropriately referred to DPW Director Jeff
Willett. [Both phone directories have very useful sections on
community resources including Town departments and NGOs - but
not ACNVT. The Anderson directory includes a Town organization
chart with box labeled "Non-Vote Taxpayers Adv Com.] In May
and/or June, our ACNVT Chair might write letters to the Independent
and I&M Editors urging seasonal residents to contact the ACNVT's
(listed) members for help with island questions.
9. The meeting was adjourned at 11 :05 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Bill Sherman, Secretary