Town of Eastham MA - Selectmen's Meeting Minutes 09/18/06

Board of Selectmen

Monday September 18, 2006

Regular Session – 6:30 P.M.

Eastham Town Hall-Earle Mountain Hearing Room

PRESENT: Linda S. Burt, Chair

Kenelm N. Collins, Vice Chair

Russell H. Sandblom, Clerk

Sheila Vanderhoef, Town Administrator

Selectmen Burt called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m.

Public Information

There is no public information at this time.

Seal Population – Paul Bremser

Paul Bremser, citizen in Chatham, noted that the Marine Mammal Protection Act passed in 1972 was aimed at helping the endangered gray seal population. However, since then, the population has exploded creating a problem with too many seals. Mr. Bremser informed the Board that the seals eat the stomachs out of striped bass, a valuable area game fish, discarding the rest. Also, the seal scat carries parasites that are being found in many game species such as striped bass, flounder, cod and shrimp. He noted that tourism and fishing are in danger because of the large number of seals. Mr. Bremser informed the Board that a 500-pound seal can eat up to 100 pounds of fish a day. Tom Rudolph, research director for the Cape Hook Fisherman’s Association, noted that information needs to be gathered and an extensive study needs to be done on all the species being affected by the seal population.

Selectmen McDonald noted that he spoke with the Town’s Natural Resource department, who noted no significant increase in the seal population in Eastham. Selectman Burt noted that a letter would be prepared showing support for such a research project as needed.

6:50 Speed Limit Change, South Sunkenmeadow Rd.

Selectman Schropfer recused himself from discussion and vote.

Jean and Mike Gatzkiewicz, citizens, were present to discuss the possibility of lowering the speed limit on the road. They claim that traffic has increased significantly since the beach sign was placed at the end of the road. They note that the beach has a very limited amount of parking spaces and when many people discover there are no spots, they speed back up the street and to the next beach. They are very concerned with safety as the slight hills in the road make it difficult for motorists to see the people on the street. They noted that many people have carriages and bikes on the street. They noted the limits on Steele Rd. being 25 changing to 20 towards the beach. They would like South Sunkenmeadow to be the same.

Selectman Burt noted that lowering the limit will not discourage speeders, enforcement will. She also questioned when Ms. Gatzkiewicz notified police of the problem. Ms. Gatzkiewicz noted that she called about the issue a couple years ago and stopped by a few days before dropping off this letter. Selectman McDonald noted that he drove around town checking the speed limits on the beach access roads and noticed that South Sunkenmeadow is higher than the others, making it inconsistent.

Chief Hedlund was on hand to address the issue. He noted that under Chapter 90, Section 1 is the recommended speed limit by the state. He noted that he would rather place patrol cars in the area before lowering the limit. Ms. Vanderhoef noted that the survey should be conducted and Chief Hedlund could return to the Board at a later date to discuss the findings. Chief Hedlund noted that he would return to the Board November 6, 2006 with his findings.

7:05 Janet Demetri Resignation

Janet Demetri has submitted a resignation letter from the Visitor’s Tourism and Promotion Services Board.

Selectmen Sandblom made a motion to accept Ms. Demetri’s resignation from the Visitor’s Tourism and Promotion Services Board. The motion was seconded by Selectman Collins and so voted 5-0.

Selectman Burt noted to send a letter of regret to Ms. Demetri.

7:06 Cape Cod Commission Representative

David Maynard, citizen, informed the Board that he is a civil engineer and serves on the Bikeways committee and the Board of Highway Surveyors. He noted that he only understands the Commissions decisions by what is read in the newspaper. He also noted that he is here all winter and that he would be able to fulfill the time commitment. Selectman Schropfer noted that there is a weak link back from the commission and feels like communication could be improved with the choice of a good representative. Mr. Maynard agreed with the concern.

Joyce Brookshire, citizen, informed the Board that the Cape’s towns aren’t the same, but have the same issues with housing and wastewater, etc. She would like to continue to work with these issues. She also noted that she understands the time commitment, and would do her best to represent the entire cape rather than just Eastham. Ms. Brookshire noted that she does travel. Selectman McDonald noted that Ms. Brookshire, being a former selectmen, has a great knowledge of the Town, and suggested Mr. Maynard being a possible alternate while she is away. Ms. Vanderhoef noted that she will get in touch with the commission and find out if that is possible. Ms. Brookshire noted that she has no problem communicating with Mr. Maynard after the meetings.

The Board held this appointment until all the necessary information could be gathered.

7:27 Appointments

Visitor’s Tourism and Promotion Services Board

Prudence Kerry, citizen, seeking reappointment, informed the Board that she is working with the Monday Night Concert Series. She noted that the concert gets almost 300 visitor’s a week, some of which come and go.

Judith Cannon, citizen, would like to represent the Chamber of Commerce on the committee. Selectman McDonald questioned her as a business owner on the committee. Ms. Cannon responded that some of the issues, as a business, aren’t part of the board and that she knows it is not intended to help promote specific businesses.

Selectman Collins made a motion to reappoint Prudence Kerry to the Visitor’s Tourism and Promotion Services Board for a term to expire June 30, 2009. The motion was seconded by Selectman Schropfer and so voted 5-0.

Selectman Sandblom made a motion to appoint Judith Cannon to the unexpired term of Janet Demetri, who resigned, on the Visitor’s Tourism and Promotion Services Board. The motion was seconded by Selectman McDoanld and so voted 5-0.

Conservation Commission

Dennis Murley, citizen, informed the Board that he works for the Audubon and has been in Town for fourteen years. He noted that he was on the Commission for eight years, with six as the chair. He noted that he was always willing to compromise, strayed away from the press, and remained friendly with the applicants that came before the commission. He also noted that during his term there was never a need to hire an expensive outside consultant to delineate certain areas. Selectman McDonald noted that the Commission needs stability and knowledgeable, fair members.

Selectman McDonald made a motion to appoint Dennis Murley to the Conservation Commission for a term to expire June 30, 2007. The motion was seconded by Selectman Collins and so voted 5-0.

7:47 United Nations Day

Selectman Burt read the proclamation declaring October 24 United Nations Day.

Selectman Collins made a motion to approve the Declaration of October 24 as United Nations Day. The motion was seconded by Selectman Schropfer and so voted 5-0.

7:52 Rail Trail Renovations

Danny O’Brien, Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, was on hand to update the Board on the Rail Trail renovations. He informed the Board that they have begun work on the Brewster to Wellfleet section. Mr. O’Brien informed that Board that Nstar has given the Department a land gift to aid in widening the dangerous approaches to the Route 6 Tunnel in Eastham. He is asking the Board to exercise the eminent domain taking to clear the title.

Selectman Schropfer made a motion to approve the exercise of the power of eminent domain by the Commissioner of the Department of Conservation and Recreation, acting pursuant to and in accordance with Section 3 and 3A of Chapter 132A of General Laws, to acquire a fee interest in approximately 974 square feet of land, and a perpetual easement in approximately 2328 square feet of land, located in the Town of Eastham, said land now or formerly owned by Commonwealth Electric Company. The motion was seconded by Selectman Sandblom and so voted 5-0.

8:12 Cape Light Compact

Ms. Vanderhoef informed the Board of the Town’s Energy Committee’s request for the Cape Light Compact to use their counsel to draft the wind turbine lease documents.

Selectman Schropfer made a motion to send a letter of request to the Cape Light Compact to use their pro-bono attorneys to draft the documents for the wind turbine project. The motion was seconded by Selectman Collins.

Selectman Sandblom noted that if a new test tower is built, statistics need to be taken from it often. Selectman Schropfer noted that the company should communicate often with surrounding homeowners about concerns and questions.

The motion was so voted 5-0.

8:18 Administrator’s Report

Ms. Vanderhoef met with Alice Boyd, Bailey Boyd Associates, regarding the fiscal year 2007 small cities grant. Ms. Vanderhoef informed the Board that the grants are issued based on scores. She also informed the Board that the grant tends to favor urban and rural communities. Ms. Vanderhoef also noted that any project funded by the grant cannot be used by tourists.

Ms. Vanderhoef informed the Board that the Town Hall float won second place in the Windmill Weekend parade. She thanked Susan Barker for her hard work towards building the float.

Ms. Vanderhoef informed the Board that Dr. Karl Weiss, Water Resources Advisory Board, will be working with another test well for the municipal water supply.

Ms. Vanderhoef also met with Ms. Boyd and the DEP regarding control of the property for the neighborhood gas station, located at 1035 State Highway.

Selectman Schropfer made a motion to approve the minutes of the Tuesday September 5, 2006 regular session meeting with minor corrections. The motion was seconded by Selectman McDonald and so voted 4-0-1. Selectman Burt abstained due to her absence from the meeting.

Selectman Collins made a motion to enter into executive session, not to return to public session. The motion was seconded by Selectman Sandblom and so voted 5-0.

Respectfully Submitted,