MINUTES
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Monday, January 8, 2007 - 6:30 p.m.
Regular Session
Location: Earle Mountain Room
Present: Selectman~Linda S. Burt, Chair; Selectman Kenelm N. Collins, Vice-Chair;
Selectman David W. Schropfer; Selectman Martin F. McDonald.
Sheila Vanderhoef, Town Administrator
Absent: Selectman Russell H. Sandblom, Clerk
Selectman Burt called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m.
I. PUBLIC/SELECTMEN’S INFORMATION
Mr. Fred Fenlon, Eastham Representative, Cape Light Compact, was pleased to report that Eastham has steadily increased its standing in the Cape Light Compact’s Efficiency Program, and at present stands above goal (i.e., goal being 88.9%). Mr. Fenlon expressed his hope that individuals in lower income brackets will aggressively look into this program. Mr. Fenlon provided a reach number (i.e., 800-797-6699), and noted that individuals who are interested ask for an energy audit and if they so choose, request fuel switching (i.e., from electrical to gas). Selectman Sandblom recommended that these options be well advertised in order to reach as many individuals as possible with this information.
Ms. Jane Crowley, Health Agent, discussed the Eastham Potassium Iodide Distribution
Plan, which has been “streamlined” with other agents across the Cape.
She announced the availability of Potassium Iodide (KI) available to the residents of the Town of Eastham, free of charge. Each household member is allowed two tablets of KI. Ms. Crowley noted that residents may obtain KI pills for household members from the Eastham Health Department Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Eastham Town Hall starting this date, Monday, January 8, 2007. Proof of residence is required (i.e., tax bill, current lease agreement, or a valid driver’s license with a Town of Eastham address). If any individual can only pick up their KI on a Saturday, arrangements will be made through the
Fire Department to ensure distribution to these individuals.
Dave Sheptyck, Chair, Eastham School Committee, wished to update the Board of Selectmen and the public on the progress of construction at the Elementary School. Mr. Sheptyck indicated that at this time, they are 80% complete and 80% expended. Target date for completion is late March, 2007. Selectman Schropfer applauded the work being done, and said that the value of what has been spent on this project is very apparent, as it is as “modern and up-to-date” as can be. He also praised all of the work being done and the active and effective public input on this project.
II. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
1, Open Annual Town Meeting Warrant
Selectman Burt asked for a motion to open the Annual Town Meeting Warrant.
Selectman Schropfer moved that the Annual Town meeting Warrant for May 7, 2007, be opened today, January 8, 2007 and closed on February 7, 2007. Selectman Collins seconded the motion. APPROVED 4-0.
Selectman Schropfer asked how many signatures are required to place an Article on the
Warrant. Ms. Vanderhoef, noted that it is her understanding that ten (10) signatures are required. She will confirm this with the Town Clerk, and provide a definitive answer to the Board of Selectmen
III. APPOINTMENTS
6:50 p.m. FY 08 Town Administrator’s Draft Budget Presentation
Ms. Sheila Vanderhoef, Town Administrator, through a Power Point presentation, started the
discussion toward “a town meeting budget presentation which will allow the citizens to
voice their support or not, of planned services and programs and capital equipment acquisitions outlined in this budget.”
Ms. Vanderhoef acknowledged the presence of staff, department heads, and the School Committee and Finance Committee present here this evening. Highlights of the discussion included the following:
Available FY 08 Levy $15,419,913
Estimate FY 08 Levy $15,420,060
New Growth
FY 08 Estimate $ 100,000
Local Receipts Estimate $ 2,850,000
Cherry Sheet Receipts - Estimated $ 525,709
Exempt Debt - FY 08 $1,618,727
FY 08 Proposed Operating Budget $18,724,403
The FY 08 budget as presented is “fully funded” and does not require an override. Ms. Vanderhoef noted that this balanced budget relies more heavily on cash than in the past. Ms. Vanderhoef strongly recommended that this budget be accepted as presented. Ms. Vanderhoef also noted that projections for FY 09 budget based on a 4% increase, show a “deficit potential of $886,000, and may necessitate a potential override. The FY 10 projections show a potential deficit of $1,345,685. That is probably the year of no escape for an operating override.”
Ms. Vanderhoef also noted “hot topics” (i.e., wind turbines; municipal water, Village Center; renovation/construction of the Library; renovation/expansion of the Council on Aging) which
should be kept in mind. The town will be looking for funding for as many grants as possible
for the aforementioned projects.
Selectman Collins thanked Ms. Vanderhoef for a complete and thorough presentation.
Ms. Vanderhoef introduced and thanked the Department Heads present (i.e., Frank DeFelice,
Building Inspector; Mary E. Burgess, Town Planner; Jane Crowley, Health Agent; Mark Powers,
Recreation and Beach Director; Joan Plante, Treasurer; Gail Fitzback, Deputy Assessor; Martha Magane, Library Director; Kathy Gill, Director of the Adult Day Care Center; Robert Varley, Maintenance Supervisor; Jack Slavin, Management Information Systems Director; Fire Chief Glenn Olson; Lt. Ken Roderick, and Sgt. Robert Schnitzer representing the Police Department this evening in Police Chief Hedlund’s absence and Martin Mickle, Deputy Superintendent for the Department of Public Works, here in Steven Douglas’ absence and Victor Lopez, DPW. It was noted that Mr. Mickle has stepped up since May in managing the department.
Ms. Vanderhoef praised all of her staff, and wanted to especially thank, at this time, Ms. Noreen
Donahue, Assistant Town Accountant, for her expertise and Diane Rommelmeyer, who came
to the Town of Eastham with experience from Mashpee, and works with us now two to three days a week. Ms. Vanderhoef noted that they have proven to be a great team for the Town of Eastham.
Ms. Vanderhoef also noted that the Department Heads have been conservative in their requests,
and thaned them for their consideration during this process.
The Board of Selectmen are scheduled to review budgets for the Police Department, the Fire
Department and Human Services at their Wednesday, January 10,2 007 2:30 p.m. meeting.
Selectman McDonald congratulated Ms. Vanderhoef and staff for their work, and pointed
out that the “hot topics” noted may require “seed” money and noted that wind turbines, the Village Center, and Municipal Water are potential revenue sources for the future.
Selectman Schropfer also asked what is the available free cash. Ms. Vanderhoef stated that
number is $1,288,625.
IV. MINUTES
Ms. Vanderhoef noted that on the listing of Minutes to be considered this evening, there was
an agenda correction as follows: Regular Session, Tuesday, October 2, 2006 as listed on the
Agenda should read Executive Session, Tuesday, October 24, 2007. Correction was duly
noted.
The Board of Selectmen then proceeded to vote on the Minutes as presented.
Executive Session Tuesday October 24, 2007
Selectman Schropfer moved that the Executive Session Minutes for Tuesday, October 24, 2007
be approved as presented. Selectman McDonald asked that the word “again” be added
on the indicated line. This change to be made, Selectman McDonald seconded the motion.
APPROVED 4-0.
Regular Session Monday November 20, 2006
Selectman McDonald moved that the Regular Session Minutes for Monday, November 20, 2006, be approved as presented. Selectmen Schropfer seconded the motion. APPROVED 4-0.
Regular Session Monday December 4, 2006
Selectman McDonald moved that the Regular Session Minutes for Monday, December 4, 2006
be approved as presented. Selectman Schropfer seconded the motion. APPROVED 4-0.
Regular Session Monday December 18, 2006
Selectman Schropfer moved to approve the Regular Session Minutes for Monday, December 18, 2007 as presented. Selectman McDonald seconded the motion. APPROVED 4-0.
Selectman Collins asked if Town Counsel had responded to the legality of the “land maintenance
question” which had been previously raised. Ms. Vanderhoef stated yes, and noted that she will be reviewing this further with Lillian Lamperti, Town Clerk, regarding what went to the State House. However, she stated that it appears that the Board is constrained from using land acquisition fund money without Town Meeting approval. Ms. Vanderhoef will recommend either (1) refiling legislation with the State or (2) refiling after a new Annual Town Meeting vote, after determining which is necessary.
All matters having been discussed, Selectman Schropfer made a motion to adjourn at 7:50 p.m. Selectman Collins seconded the motion. APPROVED 4-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Lorraine Speros
Administrative Assistant
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