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2008 E-Government Award with Distinction
 
 
Selectmen's Meeting Minutes 12/18/06
Minutes
Board of Selectmen
December 18, 2006 – 6:30 p.m.
Regular Session, Eastham Town Hall, Earle Mountain Room

PRESENT:        Linda Burt, Chair
                Kenelm Collins, Vice Chair
                Russell Sandblom, Clerk
                Martin McDonald
                David Schropfer

ALSO:           Sheila Vanderhoef, Town Administrator


Selectman Burt called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.

Public Information

Selectmen Schropfer commended Asa and his video team for their coverage of the wind turbine information session.

Selectman Sandblom wanted to alert the community of the use of heroin within the young community.  He noted that the Police are doing all they can, but are asking that parents talk with their children and help to alleviate this problem.

Carol Martin, citizen, questioned if the Town has found an answer yet to the question of land maintenance regarding the legality of use of funds from the Land Acquisition and Maintenance Fund for the Wiley Park Pedestrian Bridge.  Ms. Vanderhoef responded that we have not yet received an answer from Town Counsel .

6:35    Board of Health – Reconsideration of Steven Wasby

Steven Wasby, citizen, noted that as the appointment process dragged out, he scheduled meetings and speeches at many different functions throughout the months of August, September, and October, making him unable to attend the meetings.  He noted that he did inform Jane Crowley, Health Agent, and Ms. Vanderhoef of his absences.  He noted that he has read the material, as well as, freed his calendar for the remainder of the year.  

Selectman Burt questioned why he did not put his absences in writing.  Mr. Wasby responded that he felt the verbal notification was sufficient, however, if he had know this would result, he would have submitted a letter.  Mr. Wasby explained that the Board cannot expect people to be available immediately to serve.  Selectman McDonald noted that the charter does state that the position shall be taken immediately.  

Selectman Sandblom noted that Mr. Wasby’s explanation is reasonable, but due to his professional obligations, would be more appropriate serving on a non-regulatory Board.  Selectman Schropfer suggested the Town Administrator notify Mr. Wasby of openings on other Board or Committees of Mr. Wasby’s interest.  

Selectman Schropfer made a motion to amend the appointment certificate of Dr. James Taylor to a full term until June 30, 2009, deleting the words “or until a replacement is found”.  The motion was seconded by Selectman Collins and so voted 5-0.

6:50    Windmill Green Usage

Selectman Burt noted that the Universal Lodge would like to use the Windmill Green for a concert in June.  She noted that it will be a different weekend than the Hands on the Arts Festival.

Darin Krum, citizen, noted that their concert will be Dick Stocks, a guitar player who teaches in Orleans.  The event will run from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and will be free of charge.  Mr. Krum noted that they will be asking for donations, which will all go towards their programs.  Randy Gifford, citizen, noted that the Masonic angel fund began in Orleans and is now a nationwide program.  

Selectman Schropfer questioned if the group will have liability insurance.  Mr. Krum noted that they are able to obtain it if necessary.  Selectman Sandblom questioned if the Town insurance would cover it because it will be on Town property.  Ms. Vanderhoef noted that the Town insurance only covers Town sponsored committees and events, such as Hands on the Arts.  

Selectman Burt recommended using portable toilets, as well as obtaining liability coverage for the event.  Selectman Sandblom noted that the police detail would be slightly excessive.

Selectman Collins made a motion to approve the usage of the Windmill Green to the Universal Lodge with the additional requirements of installation of portable toilets and liability insurance coverage.  The motion was seconded by Selectman McDonald and so voted 5-0.

7:10    Resignation – Dianne O’Neill

Selectman Burt read Ms. O’Neill’s resignation letter aloud.  

Selectman Collins made a motion to accept Ms. O’Neill’s resignation with regret.  The motion was seconded by Selectman Schropfer and so voted 5-0.

7:12    Pole Hearing Continuation

Ms. Vanderhoef informed the Board that she has spoken with Mr. Eric Samuels, Verizon Right of Way Manager, and has determined that it is a new house, not a garage move.  She has informed Mr. Samuels that he will need to inform the applicant to request a new hearing.  

Selectman Collins made a motion to close the hearing at this time, and await a request for a new hearing.  The motion was seconded by Selectman Schropfer and so voted 5-0.

7:13    Licensing

Ms. Vanderhoef informed the Board that the incident list is available, however, there have been no incidents such as fights, disorderly conduct, or noise complaints.  Ms. Vanderhoef also noted that this list is only the annual renewals, not the seasonal licenses.  

Selectman Collins made a motion to approve the annual list of yearly licenses.  The motion was seconded by Selectman Sandblom and so voted 5-0.

Selectman Schropfer made a motion to approve 30,000 as the estimated population as of June 30, 2007.  The motion was seconded by Selectman Sandblom and so voted 5-0.

7:17    Administrator’s Report

Ms. Vanderhoef noted that there have been items stolen from the David Hill memorial and the theft is being investigated.  She is asking the public for any information, or for the return of the items.

Ms. Vanderhoef made note of the energy committee meeting with the National Seashore.  She noted the meeting was taped by Asa and will air on channel 17.

Ms. Vanderhoef informed the Board that she will be meeting with Comcast to attempt to move the license negotiations forward.

Ms. Vanderhoef noted that Fred Fenlon has supplied documents related to the Americorps program, which the Town will apply for this year.

Ms. Vanderhoef informed the Board that the tenant has been selected for the Martha Street House, who is a disabled woman with her disabled son.  She noted that the Selectmen are welcome to do a walk-through of the property.

Ms. Vanderhoef also noted that the Town was successful with the economic development application and will be applying for year two for money to continue work on the gas station.  She also noted that the DHCD has issued a grant that the Town will use for micro business enterprise, which will be managed by the CDC.

7:25    Minutes

Selectman Burt noted that the minutes will be held off so changes can be made.

7:25    Other Business

Selectman Sandblom noted that he received a letter regarding the memorial benches.  Selectman Sandblom suggested placing new plaques on current benches with the approval of the owners.  Carol Martin, citizen, noted that these people have paid over $1,000.00 for these benches, which have much emotion attached.  Selectman Sandblom suggested this policy for the future.  

7:27

Selectman Collins made a motion to adjourn into Executive Session for the purpose of land acquisition, litigation, and contract negotiations, not to return to public session.  The motion was seconded by Selectman Schropfer.  Selectman Burt, yes; Selectman Collins, yes; Selectman Sandblom, yes; Selectman McDonald, yes; Selectman Schropfer, yes.

Respectfully Submitted,


Krystal M. Boyd



 
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