Town of Eastham MA - Selectmen's Meeting Minutes 04/04/07

Paul Lothrop, citizen, informed the Board that he wanted to word the question as specific and simple as possible. Ms. Vanderhoef questioned his meaning of “industrial wind farm”. Mr. Lothrop responded that he means anything but private. He noted that the question can be reworded if necessary. Ms. Vanderhoef suggested “a vote of the Town of Eastham in favor of commercial wind turbines in the Town of Eastham.” Selectman McDonald noted that the question raises issues about locations, number of turbines, and other areas of concern. Selectman Sandblom noted that a vote should be taken, just not at this time.

Selectmen McDonald made a motion to include the question of industrial wind turbines on the ballot for the 2007 Town Meeting. The motion was seconded by Selectman Schropfer and so voted 0-4. This question will NOT be placed on the ballot in the 2007 Town Election.

Henry Lind, Harbormaster, informed the Board that that the dockage agreements need to be mailed out by May 1^st. He noted that there is a commercial discount for the mooring fee. Mr. Lind went through the list of fees, explaining them to the Board. Mr. Lind suggested charging a use fee for the Rock Harbor landing, which is permitted by the state. He suggested either a daily fee of $5 or a seasonal sticker for $50. Ms. Vanderhoef noted that the Rock Harbor fees would go into effect next year, with the new mooring fees into effect this year.

Selectman Sandblom questioned the length of the waiting list for the harbor slips. Mr. Lind responded that it is about fifteen (15) years, noting there are only eight (8) slips. He also noted that he had looked into increasing slip area with rack storage, but concluded that much too costly. Selectman Schropfer questioned possible harbor expansion. Mr. Lind responded that is not permitted by the Army Corps of Engineers, as it would remove salt marshland and grasses.

Selectman Schropfer made a motion to approve the Rock Harbor dockage and town mooring fees to go into effect May 1, 2007, including the new usage fee at Rock Harbor to go into effect May 1, 2008. The motion was seconded by Selectman Sandblom and so voted 4-0.

Mary Elizabeth Burgess, Town Planner, informed the Board that a comprehensive plan is a very lengthy and labor-intensive process. Selectman Sandblom questioned is Ms. Burgess takes overtime or works more than regular hours. Ms. Vanderhoef responded that the zoning application fee is included, and that these projects are development driven, often requiring more than one review per application. Selectman McDonald noted that there are many evening meetings, noting this is a fair fee for the amount of work involved.

Selectman Schropfer made a motion to approve the renewal of the Orleans Eastham Elks Lodge Seasonal Common Victualer Liquor License. The motion was seconded by Selectman McDonald and so voted 4-0.

Lisa Radke, Finance Committee, noted that residents apply to committees that may not necessarily be the best use of their effort. She noted that the search committee can match candidates to their best-fitting committees. Selectman Schropfer suggested an Ad-Hoc committee appointed by the Selectmen, Moderator, and Finance Committee so that if a change in the committee is needed, it does not need to go back to Town Meeting.

Selectman Sandblom noted that appointing the proposed three-member board would put a large amount of appointing authority within a few people. Ms. Vanderhoef noted that the former committee could not short listed, all applicants had been required to appear before the Selectmen.

Ms. Vanderhoef noted that there has been a change in publication of the warrants, fueling this change. She also noted that residents are given plenty of time and locations to obtain a warrant prior to Town Meeting. John Knight, Chair, Finance Committee, noted that the charter changes are unclear and would invite questions from the floor. Selectman Burt called for a vote to remove these two articles and appoint a charter review committee to investigate these possible changes.

Selectman Schropfer noted that the charter is required to be reviewed every ten years. Judith Cannon, Finance Committee, questioned if the review can be prior to the ten-year mark. Ms. Vanderhoef responded that it can.

Selectman Schropfer withdrew his motion. Ms. Vanderhoef read section 9.2 of the charter. She noted that the change would publish an ad of availability rather than the entire warrant. Ms. Vanderhoef noted that the Town would save about $600 to $800.

Mr. Knight noted that voters do not have enough information to make a true decision. Selectman Schropfer noted that there are three turbine related articles. He informed Mr. Knight that the Selectmen have voted to remove the land lease/zoning use article.

Mr. Knight noted that the setbacks in this article prevent turbines from being constructed anywhere in Eastham. Selectman McDonald noted that the land lease/zoning use article had been removed from the warrant due to misconceptions and lack of knowledge. Selectman Schropfer questioned if residents can just construct the turbine without a by-law. Ms. Vanderhoef responded that it is permissible by special permit.

David Skiba, citizen, noted that the model by-law does not protect undeveloped lots. Selectman Schropfer suggested asking the petitioned group to possibly withdraw their by-law. Phil Hesse, citizen, noted that he will need to meet with the group’s attorney and other members and discuss the possibility.

Carol Martin, citizen, noted that this is simply a timing issue. She noted that the Town needs more information, and that its very unlikely that someone will come in and build a turbine in the absence of a by-law.

Selectman McDonald made a motion to reconsider the Board of Selectmen’s vote on the Petitioned Commercial Wind Turbine By-Law. The motion was seconded by Selectman Sandblom and so voted 4-0.

Selectman Schropfer made a motion to postpone the vote to Town Meeting floor on the Petitioned Commercial Wind Turbine By-Law. The motion was seconded by Selectman McDonald and so voted 4-0.

Mr. Knight noted that the major concern with the Finance Committee was the lack of a spending limit on the account. Ms. Vanderhoef responded that this fund was set-up prior to the Community Preservation Fund and the Land Bank. She noted that this is an emergency response fund, not to be used for new ventures.

Selectman Schropfer made a motion to approve the Land Acquisition & Maintenance Fund article for inclusion in the Town Meeting Warrant. The motion was seconded by Selectman Sandblom and so voted 4-0.

Ms. Vanderhoef noted that the warrant only requires a debt schedule for the municipal water system. She noted that the cost drops off after the year 2025. Ms. Vanderhoef noted that there will be some revenues from commercial establishments at this point. She noted that this schedule does not include low-interest loans or grants because it is calculating the worst-case scenario.

Ms. Vanderhoef also noted that the equipment has been installed and connected for live broadcasts. She also noted that she will be speaking to Peter Epstein tomorrow regarding the Comcast contract.

Selectman Sandblom made a motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Selectman Schropfer. Selectman Burt, yes; Selectman Sandblom, yes; Selectman McDonald, yes; Selectman Schropfer, yes.