BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Minutes
Monday, June 19, 2006
Regular Session - 7:00 p.m.
Location: Earle Mountain Room
Present: Selectman Linda S. Burt; Selectman Kenelm N. Collins; Selectman Russell H. Sandblom; Selectman Martin F. McDonald.
Selectman David W. Schropfer absent.
Sheila Vanderhoef, Town Administrator, present.
Selectman Burt called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
PUBLIC INFORMATION:
Selectman Sandblom noted that he, together with Dave Schropfer and Bob Smith had helped put the “final touches” on the fencing at the Nauset Light Beach. He stated that law enforcement met today to consider the flow of traffic. Selectman Sandblom wanted to recognize the Ocean Beach Committee for all of their efforts on behalf of the town, which he felt positively impacted the resulting parking spaces at the Nauset Light Beach for Eastham residents.
APPOINTMENTS:
7:10 p.m. P.A.C.E. Committee Awards Presentation - Richard Adelman, Chair
Mr. Adelman (P.A.C.E. Committee Chair) thanked Ms. Vanderhoef and the Board of Selectmen
for their support and cooperation in making the Town of Eastham accessible. On behalf of the
P.A.C.E. Committee, Mr. Adelman wanted to present awards to Barbara Niggel (Willy’s Gym) and Michael Cole (Cape Associates) for their outstanding and effective efforts on behalf of the
residents of the Town of Eastham. Ms. Niggel and her staff were applauded for their initiatives in meeting special needs by installing a lift for the swimming pool and by providing wheelchairs for individuals needing help in getting into the gym. The extra steps taken by Ms. Niggel and her staff are very much appreciated. Mr. Cole was applauded for helping to adapt the Bandstand at the Windmill and making it accessible. Mr. Cole worked with Mr. Frank DeFelice (Building Inspector) in providing a “beautiful and subtle access” to the bandstand at no cost to the Town.
Mr. Richard Kern (P.A.C.E.) noted that he had read an article about accessibility across the
country, which was termed as disastrous. Mr. Kern noted that our community has made remarkable strides in this area.
Selectman Burt thanked Mr. Adelman, Ms. Niggel, Mr. Cole and members of the P.A.C.E.
Committee for all of their efforts. Selectman Burt noted that this is another way in which our
community is outstanding.
7:15 LICENSING
One Day All-Alcoholic Common Victualer’s License - Willy’s Gym
Ms. Barbara Niggel asked the Board of Selectmen to approve the One Day Pouring License request from Willy’s Gym for Sunday, August 5, 2006 (Lower Cape Open Barbeque and Auction in memory of Steve Metz to benefit the Cape Cod Junior Tennis Fund).
Ms. Niggel noted that the event ,which is open to the public, would take place from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. There are no ticket sales.
Selectman Collins made a motion to approve the One Day All-Alcoholic Common Victualer
License to Willy’s Gym for Sunday, August 5, 2006 in memory of Steve Metz as presented.
Selectman Sandblom seconded the motion. Approved 4-0.
PUBLIC HEARING
7:15 p.m. Pole Petition - Samoset Road
Selectman Burt read the following Public Hearing notice:
“A hearing will be held on Monday, June 19, 2006, at 7:15 p.m. in the Earle Mountain Room at Eastham Town Hall, 2500 State Highway, Eastham, MA on Petition No. 06-008 from Verizon new England Inc., and Commonwelath Electric Company for permission to locate poles, wires, cable and fixtures, including the necessary anchors, guys and other such sustaining and protecting fixtures to be owned and used in common by petitioners, along and across the following public way or ways: Samoset Road (at/near Herring Pond Way). This work is necessary to provide service to two new homes within the public way of Samoset Road).”
Mr. Ken Horne (Verizon Representative) noted that Verizon needed to place a pole approximately four feet from the side of the road. Selectman Collins asked why Commonwealth Electric Company was named in the petition, since it was his understanding that this named company no longer existed. Mr. Horne noted that Commonwealth Electric was the original name, and some legalities dictate that they have to be mentioned as such.
Mr. Joseph Bianchi (Citizen) expressed concern that the removal of trees along the described
path would not be acceptable. Mr. Horne noted that he meet with Mr. Bianchi to let Mr. Bianchi and other concerned citizens exactly where the wires would be coming from.
Selectman Burt asked that this hearing be continued after ascertaining which trees are going to
be affected. Ms. Vanderhoef additionally asked that Verizon give the Town a more detailed plan.
The Board of Selectmen agreed to meet with Mr. Horne and concerned abutters at their
2:30 Work Session meeting scheduled for Wednesday, June 21, 2006. The Board of Selectmen
and interested parties will meet at Town Hall and then commence to the site.
APPOINTMENTS:
7:30 p.m. Update - Eastham Wind Turbine
Energy Committee - Jack Slavin/Brian Eastman
Mr. Jack Slavin (Management Information Systems Director) noted that the Energy Committee
is here to ask for the Board of Selectmen’s authorization for the “Energy Committee to
proceed in issuing an R.F.P. with necessary local officials and departments and authorization for the Energy Committee to explore and obtain necessary local and state permits”.
Kristen Burke (Massachusetts Technology Collaborative) and Ric O’Connell (Black &
Veatch) provided a power point presentation which included the North Eastham Wind Feasibility
Study Results. Mr. Slavin noted that the Energy Committee had reviewed the results of the
Feasibility study and recommended Option 4: Up to Four (4) Turbines at the North Eastham site.
Ms. Burke noted that M.T.C. had up to this date absorbed all of the costs (Feasability, Education and Support) and will continue to help support the project. Black and Veatch were assigned
as consultants for this project. There are many steps that will follow, which include beginning
discussion with the Cape Cod Commission. To-date, the Energy Committee has been gathering
information, but would like the Board of Selectmen’s permission to take additional steps.
Discussion and concerns included leasing, actual lease payments; potential revenue, undesirability of housing in close proximity to the turbines; effect, if any, on cell phone conversations; R.F.P. considerations; finding a buyer for this power and dollar amount;
continuance of wind monitoring; need to get better wind measurements; minimizing many of the uncertainties expressed before going out to bid; clearing as many roadblocks as possible before
going out to bid; providing permitting certainty so that developers are not held up; need to
reach out to community; education; land use regulations; need to work with Conservation
Commission; Town Planner; Cape Cod National Seashore (setbacks; restrictions for building
something near the seashore); wind analysis; environmental assessments, etc.
The Energy Committee noted that with increasing energy and electrical costs this is an
opportunity for potential revenue to offset energy costs for the Town of Eastham. Additionally,
their purpose in going before the Board of Selectmen at this time is to express that they are
at a point where they need feedback and permission to go ahead.
Selectman McDonald noted that one of the original premises for a wind turbine was to provide
energy for the municipal buildings. Mr. Eastman noted that the original concept was difficult
and involved regulatory issues. Mr. Eastman stated that how we offset cost to the town is not
as important as providing economic benefit and environmental benefit to the area. Therefore,
they are recommending Option 4: Up to Four (4) turbines. Ms. Burke also noted that the North
Eastham site may provide the best value to the town.
Selectman Burt noted that an R.F.P. cannot be put out until all of the analysis necessary
is gathered.
Ms. Burke noted that M.T.C. is willing to continue supporting the town if the town if
willing to proceed. Mr. Fred Fenlon (Cape Light Compact Representative) noted that other
options should be considered (Cape Cod Compact - looking at results of investigation of
so-called Cooperative and also public/private partnerships under I.R.S. Ruling). Selectman
McDonald recommended that the Energy Committee follow up on some of the suggestions
made by Mr. Fenlon.
There was a consensus from the Board of Selectmen to give permission to the Energy Committee to begin the process for the wind turbine project by gathering information and contacting individuals as appropriate. The Board of Selectmen will receive all necessary information for review before the issuance of an R.F.P. for this project.
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
Action/Discussion
Release of License - Bay Meadows Subdivision
The Board of Selectmen signed the release as presented for the Bay Meadows Project.
Establishment of Gift Fund - Village Center Planning
Ms. Vanderhoef noted that “we have $37,000 in grants which the Town Planner wrote toward the study portion of this project. The complete study and implementation is expected to cost
significantly more”.
Selectman McDonald made a motion to establish a gift fund to be known as the Village Center planning and Development Fund as outlined below:
The Board of Selectmen in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44, Section 53A, hereby establish a gift fund to be known as the “Village Center” Planning and Development Fund to accept funds from any and all individuals, clubs, private non-profits, or corporations interested in supporting the study, planning, development, redevelopment or related activities, equipment or supplies which focus on the “Village Center” area located in the vicinity of Brackett Road and Route 6".
Selectman Collins seconded the motion. Approved 4-0.
Selectman McDonald posed a question regarding implementation of the aforementioned gift fund, and whether or not there would be restrictions on solicitations. Ms. Vanderhoef noted that this would have to be reviewed by Town Counsel. Ms. Vanderhoef further noted that if the Critical Planning Committee wished to start the process, it would be refined and finalized through Counsel. Mr. Michael Cole (Critical Planning Committee) expressed surprise at what he viewed as an “impasse”. Mr. Cole and Ms. Vanderhoef will meet to further clarify any steps that are necessary in this regard.
3. Permission to Trap Raccoons for Rabies Study - Tufts Veterinary Medicine
The Board of Selectmen received a request from Ms. Alison Robbins and Janet Martin (Tufts
Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine) seeking permission to trap raccoons in Eastham
“along roadsides and on Town owned property as a follow-up to the oral rabies vaccine distribution that Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary medicat5ion and USDA Wildlife Services completed this spring. Their purpose is to evaluate how well they have vaccinated raccoons and skunks in the treatment area, and to make an estimate of animal population density”.
Selectman Collins made a motion to grant permission as requested and presented, and asked that
a letter confirming this permission be sent to the appropriate parties. Selectman Sandblom seconded the motion. Approved 4-0.
4. Cable T.V. License Renewal - Denial
Selectman Collins made a motion, and Selectman McDonald seconded the motion to issue a preliminary assessment of denial to Comcast as follows:
The Board of Selectmen, as statutory Issuing Authority for the Town of Eastham, hereby votes
to issue a preliminary assessment of denial of Comcast of Massachusetts I., Inc.’s formal cable
television renewal proposal to the Town dated February 27, 2006. The Board of Selectmen
will issue a written statement of reasons within fourteen (14) days of this vote, in accordance
with 207 CMR 3.06 (3), detailing the reasons for the preliminary assessment of denial.
Approved 4-0.
ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Thumpertown Beach -
Thumpertown has experienced a loss of drainage. The DPW put in a large
sand berm to prevent water from cascading down. DPW’s plan at this
point is to replace drainage basin with three; Dig Safe will not come
out before Wednesday at Noon. The parking lot does not drain and may
present a hazard. One option is to keep Thumpertown closed while this
work is taking place. Discussion also followed about the stairs and
the possibility of creating a landing, which would necessitate
a change of design and engineering.
The Board of Selectmen would like to go on site on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 to Thumpertown Beach before making a decision to keep Thumpertown closed. The Board of Selectmen
will also look at the stairs on Wednesday.
Selectman Sandblom reports that the work at the Nauset Light Parking Lot
is almost finished. The bumpers are back on. Selectman Sandblom has been
meeting with the National Seashore regarding operational issues, traffic flow,
and intent to reassess and reevaluate as the season progresses.
Jacob House - on Nauset Road - seeking site restoration - construction plan.
Project Lifesaver International - Memorandum of Understanding signed with Orleans and Brewster. Total project estimate is $9,375.00 Each town is putting in about $2,791.00. This is a program that “enhances support and assistance to members of the community who are primary caregivers for an individual suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia disorder as well as families afflicted with Down Syndrome, Autism, traumatic brain injuries or cognitive impairments”. The Police Chief will come in to further explain this project at another time.
Still working on Neighborhood Gas; Heads Up Grant to start going forward as well.
Dedication of Historic Plaque (George Abbott) took place last week.
Selectman Schropfer and Selectman Sandblom were present.
Selectman Sandblom requests that a letter of thanks be sent to
AmeriCorps for their excellent work in helping with the clean up at
Nauset Light. They have saved the town approximately $1,500 by
their efforts.
Eastham’s “Town Night” at Cardinals Baseball Game set for Thursday,
July 6, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. at Eldredge Park in Orleans.
MINUTES
Day Date Session Motion Seconded Vote
Monday June 5, 2006 Regular Session Selectman Selectman Approved 4-0
Collins Sandblom
Wednesday June 7, 2006 Work Session Selectman Selectman Approved 4-0
Sandblom McDonald
All matters having been discussed, Selectman Burt moved to go into Executive Session at 9:05 p.m. for the purposes of discussion of Contract Negotiations and not to return to Public Session. Selectman Burt, yes; Selectman Collins, yes; Selectman Sandblom, yes; and Selectman McDonald, yes.
Respectfully submitted,
Lorraine Speros
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