Minutes
Board of Selectmen
Monday July 17, 2006
Regular Session – 6:30 P.M.
Eastham Town Hall, Earle Mountain Hearing Room
PRESENT: Kenelm Collins, Vice Chair
Russell Sandblom, Clerk
Martin McDonald
David Schropfer
Sheila Vanderhoef, Town Administrator
ABSENT: Linda Burt, Chair
Selectman Collins called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
Public Information
Joan Sullivan, Clerk for the Critical Planning Committee, updated the Board about the Bay Beaches sub committee. She informed the Board that they have been working well at the bay beaches and would like to expand to include Nauset Light beach and the freshwater ponds.
Fred Fenlon, citizen, brought electric cost concerns to the Board. He informed the Board that the electric rates on Cape Cod are the highest in the nation. He also informed the public that there will be a turn in program for inefficient dehumidifiers and air conditioning units.
Sue Rohrbach from Senator O’Leary’s office updated the Board on some of the State budgetary figures.
Selectman Schropfer wanted to address some concerns on the operation of the Nauset Light Beach. He informed the public and the Board that the Federal Government made a compact with the National Park Service to allow Eastham residents into the parking lot at no cost. Selectman Schropfer noted that by charging for the beach sticker, then the town is essentially breaking this agreement. Selectman McDonald noted that the sticker is for Eastham beaches, rather than the Seashore.
Selectman McDonald informed the Board that the Cultural Survival, which was held on the Field of Dreams July 15-16, was very successful. Selectman McDonald also wanted to recognize Michael Demetri, citizen, for his great involvement in the community. He also mentioned that Mr. Demetri was a family man, who was very active in the operation of the town as well.
6:55 Appointments
Board of Assessors:
Doreen Cahill, citizen, informed the Board that she is a realtor and has an interest in real estate. Selectman McDonald noted that Ms. Cahill’s background would be an important asset to the Board. Ms. Cahill noted that she understands that most of the work comes in December and that there are classes involved. Selectman Sandblom questioned if her real estate business might create a conflict. Ms. Cahill mentioned that she feels capable to decide when to excuse herself if necessary.
Selectman Sandblom made a motion to appoint Doreen Cahill to the Board of Assessors for a term to expire on June 30, 2009. The motion was seconded by Selectman McDonald and so voted 4-0.
Recycling Committee:
Aimee Eckman, citizen, informed the Board that recycling has always been a big passion for her. She noted that she feels it is very important to encourage recycling and to help educate people about recycling. She noted that she was the head of her neighborhood’s green team in Portland. Ms. Eckman mentioned that she believes in “think globally, act locally”. She noted that the most important part of the program is to sort and recycle to cut down on the amount of garbage.
Selectman McDonald made a motion to appoint Aimee Eckman to the Recycling Committee for a term to expire on June 30, 2009. The motion was seconded by Selectman Schropfer and so voted 4-0.
7:10 Visitors Tourism and Promotion Services Board
Bonnie Nuendel, citizen, informed the Board that she is a new resident in Eastham and is willing to help. Selectman Collins noted that this is a good initial board for a new resident. Selectman Schropfer noted that Ms. Nuendel has a medical background and has participated in many things in that past. Ms. Nuendel mentioned that she is retired, so she does not need to work around a work schedule.
Selectman Schropfer proposed to postpone the Visitors’ Tourism and Promotion Services Board until August 7, 2006, as the other applicant is not present.
7:15 Energy Committee
Gwen Pelletier, citizen, mentioned that energy is now an issue, and she is interested in the area of energy conservation. Selectman Collins noted that there will be controversial issues coming up within the energy committee. Selectman Sandblom noted that the Energy Committee is a strong committee and he believes that Gwen would be a great addition.
Selectman Sandblom made a motion to appoint Gwen Pelletier to the Energy Committee for a term to expire on June 30, 2008. The motion was seconded by Selectman Schropfer and so voted 4-0.
7:25 Public Access Committee of Eastham (P.A.C.E.)
Donald Olson, citizen, informed the Board that he became a friend of P.A.C.E. last year and has been attending the meetings regularly, and would like to get involved.
Selectman Schropfer made a motion to appoint Donald Olson to the Public Access Committee of Eastham for a term to expire on June 30, 2009. The motion was seconded by Selectman McDonald and so voted 4-0.
7:33 Bikeways
Robert Donahue, citizen, began by giving a brief update of what the Bikeways has been working on. Donald Ouellette, citizen, also helped to update the Board on the Bikeways’ involvements.
Selectman Schropfer made a motion to reappoint Robert Donahue and Donald Ouellette to the Bikeways Committee for a term to expire on June 30, 2009. The motion was seconded by Selectman Sandblom and so voted 4-0.
All applicants voiced their concern to the Board that safety is one of the most important aspects of the committee.
Selectman Schropfer made a motion to update the committee charge to membership of no less than seven with no more than twelve. The motion was seconded by Selectman McDonald and so voted 4-0.
Selectman Schropfer made a motion to appoint Beverly Hobbs to the Bikeways Committee for a term to expire on June 30, 2008.
Selectman Schropfer made a motion to appoint Judith Parmelee to the Bikeway’s Committee for a term to expire June 30, 2009. The motion was seconded by Selectman McDonald and so voted 4-0.
Selectman Schropfer made a motion to appoint Bonnie Nuendel to the Bikeways Committee for a term to expire June 30, 2007. The motion was seconded by Selectman McDonald and so voted 4-0.
7:55 Cape Cod National Seashore Advisory Committee
Donald Nuendel, citizen, noted that he gives guided tours for the Seashore. Gwen Pelletier, citizen, noted that the Seashore is important for the Town. Bob Smith, citizen, noted that the Advisory Board is a great way for residents to communicate their needs to the Seashore. Peter McDonald, citizen, noted that there should be an advocate for Eastham. Ms. Vanderhoef reminded the Board that they are only making recommendations, the Department of the Interior makes the final decision. Selectman Schropfer questioned the candidates’ point of view on the proposed ocean beach. Mr. Nuendel noted that the summer population is larger. He also noted that with the money being invested in the project, it would be a shame to see the beach get washed away in a bad storm. Mr. Nuendel’s most important goal is to have good communication between the town and the Seashore. Mr. McDonald noted that residents should have access to the beach. Selectman Sandblom noted that it is very important that
the needs of the town are met.
Selectman Schropfer made a motion to recommend Bob Smith as the primary member for the National Seashore Advisory Committee, with Donald Nuendel and Peter McDonald to be recommended as alternates for the committee. The motion was seconded by Selectman Sandblom and so voted 3-0-1; Selectman McDonald abstained due to family relations.
8:15 Council on Aging Board of Directors
Selectman Sandblom noted that it is very important to meet the people who are being chosen as appointees to the committees. Ms. Vanderhoef noted that in the future the nominees for the COA Board of Directors will be invited to speak.
Selectman Schropfer made a motion to reappoint Frances Bishop and Frances Perkins, as well as appoint Madeleine Anderson and Theresa McAlpine to the Council on Aging Board of Directors for terms to expire on June 30, 2009. The motion was seconded by Selectman McDonald and so voted 4-0.
8:23 Critical Planning Committee
Bernard Kaplan, citizen, would like to remain for one more term due to the critical nature of certain items the Board is dealing with. Selectman McDonald recommends doing reappointments before the new appointments. Kenneth Ainsworth, citizen, is very familiar with the wastewater issue and would like to remain on the Board to help deal with these issues. Joan Sullivan, citizen, is very active with the beaches sub committee, which is progressing well. Bob Smith, citizen, noted that he has great experience gathering information and presenting it. Kenneth Taber, citizen, noted that he is a local business owner and has been attending the committee meetings. Dwight Woodson, citizen, feels that he can bring new insight to the committee with his experience. Mike Abeid is also a business
owner and noted that he would like to help the town move forward.
Selectman McDonald noted that it is very important to get the business owners involved, as they are a valuable asset to the community.
Selectman McDonald made a motion to reappoint Kenneth Ainsworth, Bernard Kaplan, and Joan Sullivan for a term to expire June 30, 2008. The motion was seconded by Selectman Schropfer and so voted 4-0.
It was agreed upon that the Board would vote the new appointees when the Board was complete.
9:18 Administrator’s Report
Ms. Vanderhoef informed the Board that she received a letter from the Cape Cod Commission regarding the Eastham Inn condominium proposal. She also noted that because there cannot be a hotel in a residential zone, the Cape Cod Commission would like the matter referred to them. Selectman Sandblom noted that it should be handled by our local town Boards before any referral is made. Ms. Vanderhoef noted that if it is not referred, then the Commission can come in without invitation.
Selectman Schropfer made a motion to approve the list of fund transfers as attached pursuant to Chapter 44 Section 33B. The motion was seconded by Selectman Sandblom and so voted 4-0.
9:30 Selectman McDonald made a motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Selectman Schropfer and so voted 4-0.
Respectfully Submitted,
Krystal M. Boyd
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