Minutes
Board of Selectmen
Monday, July 3, 2006
Regular Session – 7:00 p.m.
Eastham Town Hall, Earle Mountain Hearing Room
PRESENT: Linda S. Burt, Chair
Kenelm N. Collins, Vice Chair
Russell H. Sandblom, Clerk
Martin McDonald
David W. Schropfer
Sheila Vanderhoef, Town Administrator
Selectman Burt called the meeting to order at 6:57 P.M.
Public Information
Selectmen Sandblom informed the public that the seventy parking spaces reserved for Eastham residents are available, and noted that individuals should arrive early in order to get a parking space. Ms. Vanderhoef noted that according to the past weekend calculations, the parking spaces turn over approximately three times a day. Selectman Sandblom noted that about half of the people waiting to get into the beach, turn around and go to Coast Guard beach and make the loop onto Cable Road. He suggested trying to determine how many Eastham taxpayers are turned away and leave rather than make the loop.
Wind Turbine Discussion
Kevin Holland, citizen, would like to discuss with the Board his feelings on the wind turbines that are being studied. He questioned what Eastham will receive from the four, four hundred foot tall towers. Selectman Sandblom informed Mr. Holland that the turbines are currently only a study to help cope with the worldwide energy crisis. Selectman Sandblom also noted that it will be a tax savings for the town, but they have not received solid numbers at this time. Mr. Holland voiced his concern on the rural character of Eastham and the potential drop in property values if the turbines are built. Selectman Burt mentioned that this is a good place to start looking into alternative energy.
Mr. Holland also mentioned that in the town by-laws it states that you cannot build on only an easement. Selectman Collins mentioned that it is not in the best interest of the Town of Eastham to overlook wind energy. Selectman McDonald reminded folks that this is currently only a feasibility study. He noted that the turbines may not be 400 feet tall and they might not put up all four. Selectman McDonald also noted that the energy goes into the grid, not directly to the houses and the money would come back to the town.
Selectman Sandblom also mentioned that the Board will wait for statistics to consider the value for the town before making any decisions. Mr. Holland questioned how the town would gain access if they indeed do build the turbines. Selectman Collins noted that this is not an issue to be discussed right now, as the turbines have not been approved yet. Mike Escher, citizen, questioned where the turbines will go and what kind of influence this will have on the cost of electricity. Selectman Burt said that she will put this on an agenda for a Monday night meeting.
John Lennox, citizen, voiced his favor of wind energy. He said that he is proud that the town is looking at using wind power. He mentioned that he does not think that the turbines will take away from the rural character of Eastham. Aimee Eckman, citizen, noted that two weeks ago there was a good presentation about the wind turbines, and that the tape is available at the library. Selectman Schropfer mentioned that if they do not consider this possibility, people in the future will question why they did not. He also mentioned that when the study comes in and is reviewed the Board will make a decision in the best interest of the town.
7:25 Transfer Station Procedures
Ms. Vanderhoef informed the Board that there are currently signs being made up for placement at the transfer station that say “Eastham taxpayers only”. She also noted that the transfer station is on schedule for revenue, however costs have gone up. Marty Mickle, acting DPW superintendent, mentioned limiting access to residents and taxpayers only, which would be more controlled. Mr. Mickle noted that a sticker only policy would eliminate the coupons and coupon books, as well as limit access to the swap shop and recycling facilities, as the problem is that some of these people also dump their trash.
Mr. Mickle also noted that leaves have been coming in great numbers and mentioned possibly charging extra for leaves. He also mentioned that the DPW transports the leaves to another location in order to help them compost. Mr. Lennox suggested people bringing their leaves to the compost site, thereby eliminating the transportation process. Mr. Mickle mentioned that they move the leaves after they have partially composted for approximately 6 months to a year. Mr. Mickle also noted that they currently allow leaves without a sticker. Selectman Sandblom noted that requiring a sticker will cut down on leaves from other towns.
Ms. Vanderhoef noted that there is no sticker required for recycling, which cuts down on control of the site. She mentioned that the next step is to talk with the recycling committee.
Mr. Mickle noted that the attendants would then only need to look for one sticker, making it easier for operations. This would create less back up and help speed up the process. Selectman Schropfer questioned if the recycling committee and the swap shop volunteers would be at the public hearing Wednesday July 5, 2006. Ms. Vanderhoef responded that the swap shop volunteer will and she will call the recycling committee. Selectman McDonald and Selectman Schropfer both questioned if the sticker only policy might discourage people from recycling. Ms. Vanderhoef noted that there was no recommendation for this evening, but the issue needs to be resolved. Mr. Lennox suggested offering the recycling sticker for free. He also noted that there is usually an attendant at the dumpsters to
discourage people from dumping trash.
7:50 Cable T.V. Denial
Selectman Burt noted that there were many reasons for denying the cable television contract set forth by Comcast. The reasons involved issues the Town of Eastham feels are important, yet were passed over by Comcast. All of the reasons have been agreed to by the Board in previous discussion.
Selectman Schropfer made a motion to approve the written statement of reeason for denial of Comcast’s formal Cable Television Renewal Proposal, as written, to the town dated February 27, 2006. The motion was seconded by Selectman Collins and so voted 5-0.
7:53 Ambulance Abatements FY06-07
Ms. Vanderhoef noted that these abatements are for uncollectable fees for any reason, the largest being insurance difference and the second largest being insurance denial.
Selectman Sandblom made a motion to approve the ambulance abatements for the fiscal year 2006-2007. The motion was seconded by Selectman Collins and so voted 5-0.
7:55 Committee Reappointments
Ms. Vanderhoef informed the Board that she did not include the regulatory boards or committees with interest (as they will be reviewed at another time) in this listing.
Selectman McDonald made a motion to approve the list of committee reappointments as follows:
Robert Carlson Cemetery Commissioners Term to Expire 6-30-06
Virginia Delaney Cultural Council Term to expire 6-30-08
Sue Pellowe Cultural Council Term to expire 6-30-08
Elaine Lipton Cultural Council Term to expire 6-30-08
George Katz Energy Committee Term to expire 6-30-08
John Sherff Energy Committee Term to expire 6-30-08
David Crary Board of Highway Surveyors Term to expire 6-30-09
Lucy-Ellen Cookson Historical Commission Term to expire 6-30-09
Edmond Hartnett Historical Commission Term to expire 6-30-09
Nancy Heller Historical Commission Term to expire 6-30-09
Elisabeth Sandler Historical Commission Term to expire 6-30-09
Kathryn Sette Historical Commission Term to expire 6-30-09
Gail Hoffman Human Services Advisory Board Term to expire 6-30-09
Dilys Smith Human Services Advisory Board Term to expire 6-30-09
Nina Opel OTC Historic Commission Term to expire 6-30-09
Kathryn Sette OTC Historic Commission Term to expire 6-30-09
Alan Cabral Recreation Commission Term to expire 6-30-09
Susan Horton Open Space Term to expire 6-30-09
John Dowman Recycling Committee Term to expire 6-30-09
Loretta Neilson 1651 Forest Advisory Term to expire 6-30-09
The motion was seconded by Selectman Schropfer and so voted 5-0.
Selectman Schropfer made a motion to reappoint Peter McDonald to the Old Town Center Historic District for a term to expire on June 30, 2009. The motion was seconded by Selectman Sandblom and so voted 4-0-1, Selectman McDonald abstained due to family relation.
8:07 Liaison Listing
At this time the Board members chose their liaison committee. The current listing is attached.
Selectman Schropfer mentioned that the charter calls for the Board to meet with the committees once a year. Selectman Burt mentioned that by reading the meeting minutes the Board should be able to get an idea of what’s going on currently. Selectman McDonald mentioned touching base with the regulatory Boards, as many times they deal with controversial issues. Ms. Vanderhoef suggested inviting the regulatory boards on a Monday night. Selectman Schropfer mentioned a presentation by the ethics commission for the boards. He suggested making it mandatory for the chair and vice chairs. Ms. Vanderhoef noted that those have been held before with a good response. Steve Wasby, citizen, suggested that it be mandatory for all, if mandatory.
8:30 Town Flag
Ms. Vanderhoef noted that the State House in Boston has a great hall with all the Town flags from the state. She noted that Eastham does not currently have one and the Town should organize volunteers to create one. Selectman Collins suggested giving the task to Jim Owens, Miller of the Windmill. Selectman Schropfer suggested a design contest to include more of the community. Selectman McDonald suggested the competition last through the summer and be judged on Windmill Weekend in September.
8:35 Administrator’s Report
Ms. Vanderhoef noted that the water at Wiley Park is high, creating a concern of where the parents will sit during the swim lessons. She also noted that the swimming docks are from last year. The Board will need to look at options for new docks for next year. Ms. Vanderhoef also wanted to inform the Board that the mooring situation at Great Pond needs to be addressed. She noted that there are moorings on both sides of the swimming area, making it smaller.
Ms. Vanderhoef also noted that the fireworks went well. She noted that people were able to leave in a much shorter amount of time, as the parking was more organized and orderly. Ms. Vanderhoef also noted that she has not heard from the DEP. She noted that money will be available for the old gas station and Alice Boyd is working to create workforce housing in that area. Ms. Vanderhoef informed the Board that she received the contract terms from Stantec and noted some changes. Ms. Vanderhoef also informed the Board that the Town is moving forward with the well testing at the Roach property.
8:42 Approval of Minutes
Selectman Sandblom made a motion to accept the minutes for the regular session meeting of April 18, 2006. The motion was seconded by Selectman Collins and so voted 3-0-2, as Selectman McDonald and Selectman Schropfer abstained.
Selectman Schropfer made a motion to accept the emergency session minutes of July 27, 2006, with minor corrections. The motion was seconded by Selectman Sandblom and so voted 5-0.
8:45 Renewal of Timothy Smith Loan for an Individual
Selectman Sandblom voiced his recommendation to approve the renewal as presented.
Selectman Sandblom made a motion to approve the renewal of the Timothy Smith Loan as presented. The motion was seconded by Selectman Collins and so voted 5-0.
8:47 Meeting Time Schedule
Selectman Schropfer and Selectman Sandblom requested to discuss possibly meeting at an earlier time. Ms. Vanderhoef noted that the Board has met at 7:00 p.m. since 1992. Selectman Sandblom noted that having been through both meeting times, earlier is better as more of the public attends. Selectman McDonald mentioned that some people don’t get out of work until five or six, and also that people know the meeting time is 7:00. Selectman Sandblom noted that it is inconvenient to meet at 7:00. Selectman Schropfer noted that there are only a few people left at 8 or 8:30.
Mike Escher, citizen, noted that he does not get out of work until 5 or 6. John Lennox, citizen, noted that people leave when their discussion is finished, rather than stay for the whole meeting. Selectman Schropfer noted that he feels the Board should have enough time to finish their work. He noted that he does not want to see that meeting rushed to an end because of the time. Selectman Schropfer suggested meeting at 6:30. Selectman Collins noted that 6:30 is reasonable.
Selectman Schropfer made a motion to change the Monday meeting time to 6:30 P.M. to be effective July 17, 2006 until further notice. The motion was seconded by Selectman Sandblom and so voted 5-0.
9:02 Town Night
Ms. Vanderhoef noted that Eastham’s Town Night at the Orleans Cardinal’s game will be July 6, 2006, with the game beginning at 7:00 p.m. Selectman Sandblom informed the Board that Dawn Derow has volunteered to sing the national anthem.
9:05 FY 06 Fund Transfers
Ms. Vanderhoef informed the Board that departments are allowed to transfer up to 3% of their budget between each other. She noted that the Finance Committee has yet to vote on this list of transfers.
Selectman Schropfer made a motion that the Board vote in accordance with Chapter 44, Section 33B to transfer the sum of $32,480 from the FY 06 budget to the appropriate departments. The motion was seconded by Selectman Collins and so voted 5-0.
Transfer of Conservation Funds
Ms. Vanderhoef noted that the Board will also need to transfer money into the Conservation Commission. This money will be used for equipment and supplies, as well as overtime pay.
Selectman McDonald made a motion that the Board transfer from the fund known as Conservation Receipts Reserved, the sum to be spent without further appropriation by the Conservation Commission, for the purposes in support of the activities to promote, enforce or administer the state and local wetlands and conservation by laws, and in accordance with Chapter 131, Section 40. The motion was seconded by Selectman Schropfer and so voted 5-0.
9:10 General Discussion
Ms. Vanderhoef informed the Board that she invited Town Counsel to discuss the proper procedures for running a meeting, licensing hearings, executive sessions, as well as conflict of interest for new selectmen. She noted that this is tentatively scheduled for 3:00 during the Wednesday July 5, 2006 work session.
Ms. Vanderhoef informed the Board that Cliff Ambrose, citizen, came to suggest rezoning to allow the activity on the Chavez property to continue. Selectman Sandblom noted that this issue should be addressed immediately. Ms. Vanderhoef suggested discussing this with the planning board in their meeting with them. She also noted that to rezone would require a special town meeting. Selectman Schropfer suggested that the next step should be a public hearing, as this is a very large issue that should be discussed before just rezoning. Selectman McDonald noted that the Chavez property is a water resources protected area, and mentioned considering 19-20 acres of undeveloped industrial land that the town has. He suggested getting access to this undeveloped land rather than rezone the Chavez
property. Ms. Vanderhoef suggested placing the general future of industrial land uses in Eastham on the agenda for August 7, 2006.
Selectman Sandblom suggested that the town planner could prepare something so that the town would know what is currently available. Ms. Vanderhoef suggested spending a Wednesday work session discussing what the Town wants for industrial land. Ms. Vanderhoef noted that the discussion will be August 7, 2006 with presentations to be made by the town planner and building inspector. She also noted that the presentations will only provide data, there will be no staff recommendation.
All matters having been discussed, Selectman Schropfer made a motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Selectman Sandblom and so voted 5-0.
Respectfully Submitted,
Krystal M. Boyd
| 
