Minutes
October 6, 2004
Work Session
Present: Selectmen Linda Burt, Chairman, Kenelm Collins, Russell Sandblom, Joyce Brookshire, Peter Whitlock and Town Administrator Sheila Vanderhoef. Judy Brainerd was also present representing the Open Space Committee. There were two others in the audience.
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Burt at 2:30 p.m.
Conversion from Cape Cod Land Bank Program to Community Preservation Act - Judy Brainerd discussed the concerns of the Open Space Committee with regards to the possible conversion from the Land Bank to the Community Preservation Act (CPA). They are particularly concerned about the loss of guaranteed open space funds. They feel it is important to have a firm commitment in terms of funds. The Open Space Committee is proposing that, should we move to the CPA, we set aside 50% of the funds for open space. No one is proposing that we approve the CPA in addition to the Land Bank, but rather that we take the Land Bank and turn it into the CPA. By doing so we would receive matching money and expanded purposes for which the money can be used.
The Open Space Committee’s suggestion for an Article which would allocate 50% to open space is their attempt to assure that open space will have the same amount of money available to it under the CPA as it currently has under the Land Bank. They want to ensure there is no net loss of funding for open space.
Selectman Brookshire noted that the Town has been very generous in buying open space land. She is definitely opposed to adding another 3% as a surcharge on taxes because that would hurt those affordable housing is geared to.
Selectman Whitlock said he thinks there is an urgent need to buy open space.
Judy Brainerd noted that you can do other things with the money under the CPA that you can’t do under the Land Bank. Mr. Whitlock commented that most people had expected the Land Bank to last forever and that the voters of Eastham in general are for buying open space. Evidence of that is the fact that all three land purchases proposed at the last ATM were passed unanimously.
Selectman Whitlock moved, Joyce Brookshire seconded, to adopt the Community Preservation Act by converting the Land Bank into the CPA. Approved 5 - 0
A warrant article and ballot question will be developed.
The question remains whether to set aside some “super” amount for Open Space? Selectman Brookshire thinks 50% is too much. Selectman Whitlock suggested 40%. Town Administrator
Minutes -2- October 6, 2004
Vanderhoef noted that the Board appears to accept the concept that they want to set aside something larger than 10%. Selectman Brookshire noted that affordable housing is equally important. Mr. Whitlock suggested that two minimums be set at something “not less than...” Open space is important; affordable housing is important.
Sheila Vanderhoef will do a rundown of what 20%, 30%, and 40% will mean. The conversion option will be placed on the Special Town Meeting warrant with the question to be placed on the ballot in May.
Part Time/Seasonal Employee Compensation Schedule (3:36 p.m.) There is one correction to the Compensation Schedule as included in the packet. Call Fire Fighters should be paid the same as Police. Selectman Brookshire moved, Kenelm Collins seconded, to approve the Part Time/ Seasonal Employee Compensation Schedule as corrected. Approved 5 - 0
Land Disposition Agreement - Agreement between the Town and New Boston Housing is ready for signing by the Chairman of the Board. The only change since the Selectmen reviewed the Agreement was in the schedule of payment of $250,000 to the Town. The Town had originally wanted a lump sum payment but a payment schedule has been negotiated.
40B Eligibility Application - The Town Administrator reported that McShane has filed a 40B Eligibility Application for “Brackett Landing.” There will be a comment period during which the Town will be able to give its input. Selectman Whitlock asked whether changes are a moot point? Ms. Vanderhoef said “no.” McShane has indicated a willingness to work with the Town in developing its final plan. Town Planner Terry Whalen will talk to the Cape Cod Commission about driveways and traffic offset at Brackett Road. Mr. Whitlock said he hopes they can “fix Brackett Road.”
Mr. Whitlock suggested we approach McShane to work with us on an alternative treatment plant on the Purcell property. The Town would partner with them to place water and septage disposal on the Purcell property. We will need to talk to John McShane about this.
Selectman Sandblom asked who would be responsible in the long term for the septic plant. We would expect McShane to retain responsibility.
Other comments included the suggestion that perhaps we could get the businesses in the Ben and Jerry’s complex to move their parking to the back of their buildings. We will need to talk to the owners of the complex.
Selectman Collins moved, Russell Sandblom seconded, to adjourn at 3:55 p.m. and go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing land acquisition, personnel matters, and contract negotiations and not to return to Regular Session. Voted: P. Whitlock, yes; J. Brookshire, yes; R. Sandblom, yes; K. Collins, yes; and L. Burt, yes.
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