Minutes
Board of Selectmen
May 18, 2005
Wednesday, WORK SESSION, 2:30 p.m.
Present: Chairman Linda Burt; Selectman Kenelm Collins, Clerk; Selectman Russell Sandblom, Clerk; Selectman Peter Whitlock. Selectman Joyce
Brookshire, Vice Chair, absent. Ms. Sheila Vanderhoef, Town Administrator.
2:30 WORK SESSION
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Burt at 2:30 p.m.
2:31 Review of Fees - Shellfish, Harbors/Landings, Plumbing and Gas
Ms. Vanderhoef noted that Mr. Henry Lind (Natural Resources Officer) is present today to address and further review any concerns and questions related to the Shellfish, Harbors/Landings fees.
Chairman Burt asked for clarification of the “Transient Daily Fee.” Mr. Lind explained that most towns provide such a service, and that transient spots are granted for one week at a time, with a maximum two weeks continuous occupation allowed.
Selectman Whitlock asked if it were common to have a sharp difference between resident and non-resident fees. Mr. Lind noted that in comparison to other towns/fees we are on a moderate scale.
Selectman Sandblom referred to the Shellfish $30 renter fee’s proposed increase to $65.00. Mr. Lind noted that this increase is again consistent with fees charged by other towns, and that approximately 1400 permits are issued to tax payers, 300 to renters and approximately 25 to non-renters.
Selectman Whitlock noted that he would like to discuss stick dock fees, as this is a particular
concern of Selectman Brookshire who is absent today. Ms. Vanderhoef noted that Selectman
Brookshire was also concerned about making the harbor more service- oriented (suppling electricity, water, etc.). Ms. Vanderhoef noted that there are some monies put aside in Capital Improvement
for consideration of improvements (i.e, approximately $45,000 - $50,000).
Mr. Lind noted , for example, that recreational floats need to be replaced. Electricity would provide for the usage of power tools, but most importantly, batteries could be charged.
Mr. Lind noted as a matter of interest that there is a piece of legislature that is presently being challenged in Quincy Massachusetts, whereby “the town may not have a differential rate between resident and non-residents for mooring and dockage.” Mr. Lind further noted that there are approximately eighty names on the waiting list, which translates into an approximate twelve year wait.
There being no further discussion on this item, Selectman Whitlock moved and Selectman Collins
seconded the motion to accept the Shellfish Harbors/Landings fee increases as presented (copy attached). Approved 4-0.
3:00 Public Walkway - Massasoit Hills
Ms. Vanderhoef welcomed Mr. Mark Powers (Recreation and Beach Director) and Mr. Henry Lind to join the Board of Selectmen on this topic. As noted in the packet of information distributed to the Board of Selectmen, the “Salt Works Walkway - located approximately 100 yards South of Sunken Meadow Beach was partially destroyed this past winter due to weather related problems.” Although the walkway “appears” to be private, the walkway in fact sits on town property. The Massasoit Hills Association has agreed to do the labor for such repairs, and has asked the town to provide materials for same.
Ms. Vanderhoef noted that there is sufficient money in the beach general Capital article to respond to this, and asked if the Board of Selectmen had any opposition to same. Ms. Vanderhoef noted that this is a priority item for consideration. Mr. Lind also noted that this may present a safety hazard.
Mr. Powers stated that the cost for executing this work would be approximately $500 if the work is done by our DPW. However, if contracted out, the cost could range from $3,000 - $4,000.
Selectman Collins moved that materials be provided to repair the walkway, in cooperation with the Massasoit Hills Association as recommended. Selectman Whitlock seconded the motion.
Approved 4-0.
Mr. Lind, in response to Ms. Vanderhoef’s question, noted that the Red Tide Algae is still present. Mr. Lind noted that the good news is that research will be completed this year, and said that there are some interesting dynamics emerging from this testing, correlating concentrations of red tide
algae with the tides.
Mr. Lind also noted that “Beacon” the whale which washed ashore sometime in early November
will be removed in pieces by methods that included using knives as old whalers used to use. He noted that at this time, approximately 30 - 50% of the weight of the whale is in its remaining bones.
3:15 p.m. Selectman Sandblom at this time wished to pose a question to Mr. Lind present
here today. Selectman Sandblom said that he would like to talk about how the Ocean Beach
project is being treated by the Conservation Commission. Selectman Sandblom also asked if there has ever been any other project that has come before the Conservation Commission where it was felt necessary to have other opinions, after experts in related fields had already had input.
Selectman Sandblom felt that because so many individuals are concerned and emotionally charged over the Ocean Beach project on both sides it was important to know how Mr. Lind stands on this
issue. Selectman Sandblom said that he was not sure this was the right forum in which to do into this matter.
Ms. Vanderhoef noted that a letter has been sent to the Conservation Commission requesting
answers to some of the questions posed by this situation and progress related to same. It is Ms. Vanderhoef’s understanding that the Conservation Commission is working on that response. These responses may address the concerns raised here today.
Mr. Lind agreed that this was not the right forum for this discussion. However, he noted that it was
his responsibility to get information for the Conservation Commission. Mr. Lind, in answer to
Selectman Sandblom’s concern, also stated that other opinions are regularly sought, and further noted that this is a huge project. The record has to show that the Conservation Commission did the best it could to get accurate information.
3:30 p.m. Review of Proposed Interagency Agreement between Town of Eastham and
Barnstable re Aquaculture Facility at Hemenway.
The Board of Selectmen discussed the application for $25,000 from Barnstable County to
provide funding assistance for staffing, equipment, supplies and miscellaneous expenses necessary to operate the Eastham Aquaculture Facility, and to “carry out a variety of shellfish enhancement and research activities. Ms. Vanderhoef noted that these monies would offset expenses related to
supplies and equipment. Selectman Burt asked what are the expenses over and above the
$25,000. Ms. Vanderhoef noted that there is approximately $45,000 that we do not recover. This
amount covers expenses including employees, supplies, etc. Ms. Vanderhoef also asked whether or not the Board of Selectmen wished to have more time to go over this, as this agreement, as presented was just obtained a few weeks ago.
Selectman Collins noted that this was basically the same as the previous agreement. Ms. Vanderhoef
noted that there is an emphasis on the experimental, but not at a significant sacrifice of the production piece. Selectman Whitlock noted that the experimental has been a part of this
agreement all along, however, there is a “new” kind of research described (i.e., impact of nuisance brown algae Pilayella Littoralis, commonly called mung, on water quality at Cape Beaches).
Selectman Whitlock moved to approve the new Interagency Agreement between the Town of Eastham and Barnstable County as presented. Selectman Collins seconded the motion.
Approved 4-0.
3:55 p.m. The issue of how to best handle the issue of the Comorans resurfaced. Selectman
Whitlock asked Mr. Lind if putting plastic PVC tubing on wires to discourage the Comorans from congregating on wires and ponds would be feasible and present a better remedy. Mr. Lind
noted that these lines are high voltage and this tubing would necessitate a huge expense to install. Further, the entire system would have to be shut down. Selectman Sandblom suggested creating an alternate habitat for the Comorans. Mr. Lind thought this was an interesting idea for consideration. Mr. Lind also noted that the influx of Comorans has historically been slowed down by a disease.
4:00 p.m. Return to Review of Fees - Plumbing and Gas
Selectman Sandblom suggested the possibility of adding a Saturday schedule of hours for plumbing inspections. Ms. Vanderhoef noted that she will speak to the Building Inspector regarding this suggestion.
Selectman Whitlock asked as to what is the projected impact of the increases as presented
Ms. Vanderhoef noted that a worksheet could be created showing projected revenues.
Selectman Collins moved to approve the Plumbing and Gas Fees as presented (copy attached). Selectman Whitlock seconded the motion. Approved 4-0.
4:15 p.m. Other Business
Citizen Jane Fisher stated that she was here today to present her opinion regarding fences. It was her
understanding from the Annual Town Meeting on May 2, 2005, that the issue of fences would be discussed at this meeting. Ms. Fisher expressed her concern that the fences which she has observed being put up around town are creating a “walling effect.” Further, Ms. Fisher expressed her safety concerns related to having to go “beyond the fences” in order to gain visibility before going out on Route 6.
Selectman Whitlock recommended that the Board of Selectmen meet jointly with the Planning
Committee, and that this issue be further addressed for possible inclusion on the anticipated Special Town Meeting to be held in August. Additionally, the idea of the possibility of imposing a moratorium on fences be put into effect immediately be considered on a Monday or Wednesday Board of Selectmen’s meeting.
Ms. Vanderhoef noted that she would check with Counsel regarding same.
Selectman Collins moved to adjourn this meeting at 4:15. Selectman Sandblom seconded the motion. Selectman Collins, yes; Selectman Sandblom, yes; Selectman Burt, yes; Selectman
Whitlock, yes.
Respectfully submitted,
Lorraine Speros
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