Minutes
Board of Selectmen
Monday November 6, 2006
Regular Session – 6:30 p.m.
Eastham Town Hall, Earle Mountain Room
PRESENT: Linda Burt, Chair
Kenelm Collins, Vice Chair
Russel Sandblom, Clerk
Martin McDonald
David Schropfer
Sheila Vanderhoef, Town Administrator
Selectman Burt called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
Public Information
Selectman McDonald informed the Board and the public that the Community Preservation Act Committee’s grant applications are due by November 30, 2006. He noted that the funds can be used for housing, recreation, open space and historical projects, and that the committee is encouraging people to apply for these funds.
Selectman McDonald also noted that the Critical Planning Committee and the engineering firm Stantec held two seminars and made presentations to residents regarding the North Eastham Village Center concept. He noted that the concepts should be available at Town Hall within one to two weeks. He also suggested changing the name to the North Eastham Management Plan because it is more of a plan to manage future development in that area.
Selectman Schropfer noted that he also attended that meeting. He noted that many people expressed concerns regarding changes in Eastham and the progression of the town. Selectman Schropfer also noted that he attended a sustainable budget meeting with the Nauset Regional School District regarding declining enrollment and increasing costs.
Fred Fenlon, citizen, updated the Board on the last Assembly of Delegate’s meeting. He noted that data has been collected on the financial situations of the Cape towns regarding costs and taxes per resident. Mr. Fenlon noted that larger towns do seem to have an advantage, and he has no knowledge of where the data was acquired. Mr. Fenlon also noted that there will be workshop on wind and turbine issues on November 17, 2006 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
6:35 Resignations
Selectman Collins made a motion to accept the resignation of Judy Brainerd from the Open Space Committee with regrets. The motion was seconded by Selectman McDonald and so voted 5-0.
Selectman Sandblom made a motion to accept the resignation of Sharon Vecsey from the Human Rights Council with regrets. The motion was seconded by Selectman Schropfer and so voted 5-0.
Selectman Schropfer made a motion to accept the resignation of Robert Nusbickle from the Recycling Committee with regrets. The motion was seconded by Selectman Sandblom and so voted 5-0.
6:40 Release of Lien, Lot 15, 4 Sandy Meadow Way
Selectman Burt noted that the release needs to be signed by the Board.
Selectman Schropfer made a motion to approve the $25,000 the Town will receive from the release of the property. The motion was seconded by Selectman Collins and so voted 5-0.
6:40 Human Rights Council
Selectman Schropfer made a motion to appoint Barbara Steinau to the Barnstable County Human Rights Council as the Eastham Representative. The motion was seconded by Selectman McDonald and so voted 5-0.
6:43 Open Space Committee
Selectman Collins made a motion to appoint Robert Cook to the Open Space Committee for a term to expire on June 30, 2009. The motion was seconded by Selectman Sandblom and so voted 5-0.
Selectman Burt noted that as the other interested applicants are not present the other appointment will be held off until a future meeting.
6:47 “Share the Road” Signage
Robert Donahoe, Chair of the Bikeways Committee, and Richard Hedlund, Police Chief were on hand to seek the Board’s approval on erecting informative signs for motorists.
Mr. Donahoe informed the Board that the Committee has been thinking of putting up the signs but have not had the money. They now have $1900 in a gift fund that the Committee plans to use to buy and maintain the signs. Mr. Donahoe noted that the signs are intended to remind motorists of the bikers on the roadways. The signs will be placed in locations such as Bridge Road, Herringbrook Road, Massasoit Road, Bracket Road, Samoset Road, and Nauset Road. Mr. Donahoe noted that the signs will be put in their designated spots in April. The Committee is recommending approximately ten to twelve total signs.
Chief Hedlund noted that the signs are a good safety idea for the cyclists. He noted that the Police Department will lend all the help necessary with placement of the signs.
Selectman Schropfer made a motion to approve the Bikeways Committee request to install twelve signs with Locust Road being an additional placement. The motion was seconded by Selectman McDonald and so voted 5-0.
7:57 South Sunkenmeadow Road Update
Chief Hedlund and the Gatzkiewicz Family were on hand to address the Board.
Chief Hedlund noted that cruisers were placed on the road for more than one hundred active shifts. He noted the recorded speeds ranged from seven to thirty-four miles an hour. Chief Hedlund also noted that the time of year affected the results, as there is significantly less traffic in the area than the summer time. He also noted that there has been no data that would support a speed limit reduction. He recommended another patrol in the late spring or summer, or standardize the speed limits of the west heading roads.
Ms. Vanderhoef suggested revisiting the issue in the spring with possibly more data.
7:10 Multiple Sclerosis Walk Route
Chief Hedlund noted that the walk route outlined by the event coordinator was very specific and has worked well for the past few years. He also noted there are no current conflicts with the walk route related to Windmill Weekend.
Selectman Collins made a motion to approve the walk route as presented. The motion was seconded by Selectman Schropfer and so voted 5-0.
7:15 Administrator’s Report
Ms. Vanderhoef noted that Carol Martin has retired and she is already sorely missed.
Ms. Vanderhoef also noted that the Capital Budget Plan is nearing completion and will be ready for the December 1 completion date.
Ms. Vanderhoef also requested to close the Town Offices for a mid-week day to clean and sort through records. She would prefer a Wednesday or Thursday because they are optimum days. Selectman Schropfer questioned the destruction of certain documents. Ms. Vanderhoef replied that the Secretary of State authorizes the destruction. Ms. Vanderhoef also noted that there is a schedule of retention that we will be using as a guideline, however, we will be cautious in saving sensitive documents and reports.
7:15 Other Business
Fred Fenlon, citizen, wanted to inform the Board and the public the half of the families in town have electric heat, which help to generate very high bills. He noted that the Cape Light Compact offers a fuel-switching program for low-income families.
Ms. Vanderhoef also noted that there will be an announcement mailed to the abutters of the wind turbine. She noted that they will be informed of two public information sessions to be held Saturday November 18 and Saturday December 2, both at 10:00 a.m.
Ms. Vanderhoef also wanted to note that the Cape and Islands Boy Scout Council of America will be holding and honorary breakfast for Representative Shirley Gomes at the Harwich Community Center.
7:20 Minutes
Selectman McDonald made a motion to accept the minutes of the September 6, 2006 Work Session. The motion was seconded by Selectman Schropfer and so voted 4-0-1; Selectman Burt abstained, as she was absent from that meeting.
Selectman Collins made a motion to accept the minutes of the September 20, 2006 Work Session. The motion was seconded by Selectman Sandblom and so voted 4-0-1; Selectman Schropfer abstained, as he was absent from that meeting.
Selectman McDonald made a motion to approve the minutes of the October 18, 2006 Executive Session. The motion was seconded by Selectman Sandblom and so voted 5-0.
7:30
Selectman Collins made a motion to adjourn to executive session for the purpose of litigation and land acquisition, 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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