Town of Eastham MA - Selectmen's Meeting Minutes 05/21/07

Board of Selectmen

Monday, May 21, 2007

Regular Session - 6:30 p. m.

Location: Earle Mountain Room, Eastham Town Hall

Present: Selectman Linda S. Burt, Chair; Selectman Martin F. McDonald, Vice Chair;

Selectman David W. Schropfer, Clerk; Selectman Kenelm N. Collins and

Selectman Carol F. Martin

Sheila Vanderhoef, Town Administrator

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

PUBLIC INFORMATION

Selectman Burt welcomed Selectman Martin on her successful election, as well as Selectman

Schropfer on his successful reelection for terms to expire in May, 2010. Selectman Burt also wanted to publicly thank Mr. James Ludwig on his run for election. Selectman Burt congratulated Mr. Ludwig on his efforts and welcomes his participation in future elections.

Selectman Burt said that she had attended an informative Global Planet workshop, which supports reduction of green house gases. Selectman Schropfer said that this dovetails nicely with the Resolution to be considered here today in honor of Rachel Carson, author of “Silent Spring” which was first published in 1962. Selectman Schropfer also stated he was very impressed at the wealth of information available at the aforementioned workshop.

Selectman McDonald made note of a Cape Cod Commission Newsletter which recently featured four pages devoted to Eastham. Selectman McDonald said that if a copy is desired, the Cape Cod Commission will send one free upon request.

Selectman Martin wanted to take a moment to thank those constituents who voted for her and

reaffirmed her commitment to do her best and proceed forward. Selectman Schropfer also wanted to thank all of the citizens who were so supportive of his bid for reelection, and vowed to continues listening to what the citizens have to say.

6:40 p.m. Veteran’s Grave Officer - Retirement Recognition - James Brewer

Ms. Vanderhoed noted that Mr. Brewer was here, as well as Mr. Sidney L. Chase,

Director and Veterans’ Agent. The Town of Eastham has been served well by Mr. Brewer

for forty two years as a Veteran’s Grave Officer. The Board of Selectmen wanted to

thank him for his long service on behalf of the Town of Eastham.

Selectman Burt then read into the record the following letter to be presented to Mr. Brewer:

“Eastham is very fortunate to have a wonderful pool of volunteers and you are one of these

chosen people. Needless to say, our thanks for your more than forty-two (42) years of commitment

in placing the American Flag on the graves of our dearly departed military and citizenry cannot

be adequately expressed. You are truly one of our unsung heroes. Your decision to withdraw

from this activity after so many years of service, is accepted and understood. Our good wishes

go with you in all your future endeavors. Again, may we express the appreciation of the Board,

the staff and indeed all the citizens of the Town of Eastham.”

Mr. Chase also publicly thanked Mr. Brewer as well, congratulating him on his commitment

and good work. Mr. Chase said that in the interim he will be placing the Flags on the graves.

He also stated that the new appointee must be a Veteran and resident of Eastham. Mr. Chase said that he would be glad to be of service as needed and to be a resource for the newly appointed individual.

Ms. Vanderhoef said that she had spoken to Ms. Lisa Radke, a Veteran and resident of Eastham.

Ms. Radke expressed her interest in providing this service and will be in touch with Mr. Chase and Mr. Brewer as suggested.

Selectman Burt then presented Mr. Brewer with flowers as a token of appreciation.

6:45 p.m. Recognition - Brittany Bohannon - Comcast Leaders & Achiever’s Scholarship

Ms. Vanderhoef noted that Brittany was not here this day because she had a prior commitment

to attend a leadership dinner. Her Aunt, Janice Nickerson was present in her absence and

Selectman Burt then read into the record a letter of congratulations to Brittany from the

Board of Selectmen as follows:

We are in receipt of a letter from Comcast Cable Communications, Inc., informing us that

you are the recipient of a $1,000 scholarship from the 2007 Comcast Leaders and Achiever’s

Scholarship Program (i.e., Comcast Foundation). Comcast has informed us that this year’s

winners have “participated in a wide variety of community service activities such as

mentoring and tutoring younger students, volunteering at hospitals and participating in local

blood, food and clothing drives.” Additionally, this award was given with the input of

your high school principal, guidance counselors and school administrators. It is our distinct

pleasure and honor to thank you for the service that you have given which has brought you

this award and to congratulate you on your efforts and achievement and to wish you

continued success as you enter Northeastern University. Thank you on behalf of the

ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS:

6:50 p.m. Reorganization of the Board of Selectmen

Selectman Collins, presently Vice Chair, made a motion to nominate Selectman Linda S.

Burt, presently Chair, to continue in this capacity. His motion included nomination of

Martin F. McDonald as Vice Chair and Selectman David W. Schropfer as Clerk. Selectman

Martin seconded the motion. APPROVED 5-0.

Selectman Schropfer voiced his appreciation to Selectman Collins for all that he has done

on behalf of the Town of Eastham in various capacities as Selectmen for some seventeen years.

6:55 p.m. At this time, James Brewer, former Veterans’ Grave Officer took leave of the

meeting. Mr. Brewer thanked the Board of Selectmen for their recognition, and stated that

he would help Ms. Lisa Radke in any way possible in assuming this project.

7:00 p.m. Energy Award - Request for Funding - Aimee Eckman

Selectman Burt read the following into the record from Maggie Brown, Club Leader, Third Grade Teacher, Eastham Elementary School:

Dear S.E.E.D. Club Supporter:

Our third and fourth grade energy club, S.E.E.D. (Save Energy Every Day) just recently won the

prestigious Massachusetts Primary School of the Year Award and we are a finalist for the National

Primary School of the Year Award. These awards are sponsored by Project NEED (National Energy Education Development). This is an amazing accomplishment for the children who worked so hard on this project. The project’s main focus was on energy and energy conservation. The children created demonstrations of alternative energy and taught others in the school and the community about different kinds of energy. They created a take home monitoring kit so that children and parents alike can see how much energy is used at home. The recycling program we started the year before was expanded to include plastic and glass. To date we have recycled 7,000 lbs (3 ½ tons) of what would have been trash. In recognition of their hard work, dedication and achievements the children have been invited to Washington D.C. to attend Project NEED’s National Recognition Ceremonies on June 23rd to receive their awards. We are reaching out to local businesses and residents to help raise money to make this once in a lifetime opportunity happen for the children. Expenses for each child will be $525.00. Your sponsorship would be greatly appreciated and certainly will have a positive effect in the life of one of these deserving children. Sincerely, Maggie Brown. Club Leader/Third Grade Teacher.

Selectman Burt then reclused herself from the discussion and possible vote as she is an employee

of the Eastham Elementary School, on whose behalf Ms. Eckman is requesting funding.

Ms. Eckman spoke on behalf of the third and fourth graders, and said that $35,000 was needed

to bring the children to Washington D.C. The children have been involved in fund raising

events which have included car washes and selling light bulbs. She also noted that S.E.E.D. is having a tag sale on June 2 at Arnold’s Restaurant to help fund this initiative. Ms. Eckman is requesting for any amounts up to $1,000 from the Timothy Smith Fund.

A brief discussion followed.

Selectman Martin made a motion to help fund the trip to Washington, D.C. by the third and

fourth graders of the Eastham Elementary School in order to attend Project NEED’s National Recognition Ceremonies on June 23, 2007 as presented. The supporting amount would be in $500.00, to be taken from the Timothy Smith Fund. Selectmen Schropfer seconded the motion, with the stipulation that this amount be taken from the Timothy Smith Fund for this effort, only if it is determined that we are not in violation of the intent of the same. APPROVED 4-0. *

* Selectman Burt had earlier reclused herself from this discussion and vote. After the

aforementioned vote was completed, Selectman Burt returned to the meeting.

7:05 p.m. Human Rights Commission - Update/Activities - Ernest C. Hadley

Ernest Hadley, Chairman of the County Human Rights Commission, gave an overview of the

Commission, stating that the three main functions of the commission included public

outreach, education and research and receiving complaints. Mr. Hadley said that their

complaint function has generated discussion. He noted that the Human Rights Commission

attempts to resolve the complaint before it goes on to Mass Commission Against

Selectman McDonald noted that what peaked their interest was the large amount of incidents

of discrimination that had been allegedly attributed to Eastham. Mr. Hadley noted that complaints are received through forums, leadership groups, etc. They have a formal complaint procedure, etc. They look to see if there is a trend, as for example, recent problems faced by “immigrants and visa workers at the Registry of Motor Vehicles.” Mr. Hadley also noted that the Human Rights

Commission was created by an ordinance passed by the Assembly of Delegates on October 5, 2005. The intake of complaints is confidential. Complaints are investigated not to reach conclusions per se, but rather through mediation to reach resolutions. This process is relatively recent.

Mr. Fred Fenlon, who was the most recent Town of Eastham representative on the Assembly

of Delegates had several concerns. Mr. Fenlon voiced his strong perception that Eastham is no place for discrimination and wanted the statistics that had been cited to be reported directly to the

Town as promised. Mr. Fenlon has asked that proper documentation be provided from respondents to general surveys. The providing of specific information will enable the Town to grapple with these

issues. Rather than general surveys where respondents may cite a whole array of generalities

in these matters, a closer accounting before distributing statistics must be in place. Mr. Fenlon

asked if the commission had in actuality broken it’s agreement with the town by not supplying

such information. Mr. Fenlon also indicated that after checking and rechecking he has only

come up with one or two incidents, rather than the approximate fifty per year that cited.

Mr. Hadley noted that the Human Rights Commission issues an Annual Report, which they are required to do by ordinance. He also stated that nothing requires them to report back to the town. However, he will be happy to do so periodically.

Ms. Vanderhoef noted that Barbara Steinau is the town’s representative on the Human Rights Commission, and apologized that she was not at this meeting, as she had not been contacted to do so. Ms. Vanderhoef asked the Board of Selectmen if they would like to have Ms. Steinau report to them periodically as well (i.e., semi-annually).

Selectman Burt thanked Mr. Hadley for his presence and overview of the Human Rights Commission and noted that they would be in touch with him at a future time, after reading the report he had handed out this evening.

7:25 p.m. Licensing - Cape Cod Scenic Tours - Cindy Ladd

Ms. Vanderhoef noted that this request had come before the Board of Selectman at an earlier

meeting and had been moved forward for placement on today’s agenda. Ms. Cindy Ladd is present here this evening to address any questions or concerns.

Ms. Cindy Ladd came before the Selectman and stated that she was starting a new business.

She said that the State requires a Municipal Street License to operate her tour van through

Eastham, and she is applying to all of the towns on her route. In the absence of such a

license, a letter signed by the Board of Selectmen will suffice.

Ms. Ladd stated that she will be picking up tourists in mid-cape on route to Provincetown

and would like to come through Eastham. She will go to the Fort Hill area, the Windmill,

Nauset Light and to the National Seashore, where the tourists will stop for a short picnic

Selectman Martin noted that this seemed like a good idea, but as it is a new concept for

the Town, her recommendation would be to review this request after a six month period.

Selectman Schropfer made a motion to approve the request as outlined by Ms. Cindy Ladd

to travel through the Town of Eastham d/b/a Cape Cod Scenic Tours for a one year

period (May, 2007 through April, 2008) with the stipulation that Ms. Ladd return to the

Board of Selectmen in six months to discuss any concerns by either party. Selectman

Martin seconded the motion. APPROVED 5-0.

7:35 p. m. Selectman Collins left the meeting at this time. Ms. Vanderhoef accompanied

Selectman Collins.

7:35 p.m. Update - Traffic - Proposed Speed Limits - South Sunken Meadow and

others - Police Chief Richard Hedlund

Chief Hedlund noted that a speed limit reduction had been requested on South Sunken meadow

Road and was originally considered by the Board of Selectmen in November, 2006. Chief Hedlund

visited the area recently, as well as roads accessing the West Shore beaches. Chief Hedlund, after

review, is requesting the standardization of the speed limits of the following roads:

Road Present m.p.h. Recommended

South Sunken Meadow Road 30 m.p.h. 25 m.p.h.

At the curve before the Beach Parking Lot 20 m.p.h.

North Sunken Meadow Road Unposted 30 m.p.h. 25 m.p.h.

Thumpertown Road 25 m.p.h. “As is, with a reduction

to 20 m.p.h. approaching the beach parking lot.”

Cole Road Unposted 30 m.p.h. 25 m.p.h.

West bound at Sunset Village Road Unposted 30 m.p.h. 25 m.p.h.

Bayview Road (Boat Meadow) Unposted 30 m.p.h. 25 m.p.h.

Dyer Prince Road Unposted 30 m.p.h. 25 m.p.h.

Approach to the parking area 20 m.p.h.

The Board of Selectmen, after a brief discussion wished, to defer to the Police Department

on the recommendations before them.

Selectman Martin made a motion to approve the recommendation before them related to the

standardization of the speed limits of all roads as presented leading to the West Shore

beaches. Selectman Schropfer seconded the motion. APPROVED 4-0.

Chief Hedlund also recommended that the newly constructed area of Herringbrook Board near the fishermen’s landing speed limit be maintained as posted at 20 m.p.h. Chief Hedlund noted

that he has reviewed this with Acting Deputy Superintendent Martin Mickle, who concurs

with him on this matter.

Selectman Schropfer made a motion to maintain the 20 m.p.h. speed limit at Herringbrook Road

near Fisherman’s Landing. Selectman McDonald seconded the motion. APPROVED 4-.0.

Chief Hedlund now brought before the Board of Selectmen a matter of concern via a complaint

received related to a Stop Sign at Arrowwood Drive and South Eastham Street. Chief Hedlund noted that there is heavy vegetation there and visibility is an issue. Chief Hedlund noted that perhaps reducing the vegetation may help alleviate this situation.

Selectman Schropfer noted that this item had not been placed on the agenda, and voiced no objection to commenting on it, but thought it preferable to more fully review this matter at another meeting. Selectman Burt asked Chief Hedlund to hold on to the pictures related to this matter for another meeting.

8:00 p.m. Sheila Vanderhoef, Town Administrator, returned to the meeting at this time.

8:00 p.m. Presentation - Eastham’s Electric Power Needs - Fred Fenlon

Mr. Fenlon had supplied copies of the new Net Metering legislation and the Green Communities

Act of 2007 earlier for the Board of Selectmen’s review. Potentially, if a “single turbine were

placed in a non-sensitive area like the Transfer Station, that is near to the Grid Lines, this

could supply 100% electric power needs of the Town of Eastham’s buildings.” Mr. Fenlon

also said that the excess that is not used in those buildings would potentially be applied to

every N Star account in the Town.

Selectman Schropfer noted that the Energy Committee will be reappointed by the end of this

fiscal year and hopefully they will review all of these matters. Additionally, the Ad Hoc

Committee to Develop a Commercial Wind Turbine Zoning By-Law may be involved in this

Mr. Fenlon said that he will continue looking into this matter with a view towards more

efficiency and savings for the town and it’s citizens.

Selectman Burt thanked Mr. Fenlon for his continuing interest and commitment to these matters

on behalf of the Town of Eastham.

ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS

ACTION/DISCUSSION

Resignation - Assembly of Delegates - Fred Fenlon

Selectman Burt noted that Mr. Fred Fenlon has submitted his resignation as representative

to the Assembly of Delegates. Selectman Burt noted that our Town Clerk, Lillian

Lamperti, has spoken with the Clerk for the Assembly of Delegates regarding a twenty-

one day period set for appointment of a new candidate. Ms. Lamperti has asked for

a short extension for reappointment, which was granted.

Selectman McDonald made a motion to accept, with regrets, the resignation of Fred Fenlon

as representative to the Assembly of Delegates and asked that a letter of thanks be sent

to Mr. Fenlon for his service. Selectman Schropfer seconded the motion. APPROVED 4-0.

Select Dates - Eastham - CARDINALS NIGHT

Ms. Vanderhoef noted that Selectman Ken Farrar of Orleans, who previously organized this event, was no longer doing so. Ms. Sue Horton, Representative of the Orleans Cardinals Baseball

Club, is happy to work with the town in “making this happen.” Several dates were discussed.

The Board of Selectmen, after a brief discussion, agreed on the date of July 9, 2007 as the Eastham

Night with the Orleans Cardinals at Eldredge Park. The matters pending regarding selection

of a singer for the National Anthem and donations of food will be addressed as appropriate.

Ms. Horton will be contacted regarding the selection of July 9, 2007.

Resolution - Rachel Carson Day - 100^th Anniversary

Selectman Burt noted that a Resolution had been prepared proclaiming May 27, 2007 as

Rachel Carson Day, in commemoration of the 100^th Anniversary of her birth. Ms. Carson

was the author of the prophetic “Silent Spring,” first published in 1962 on environmental changes and dangers due to the “indiscriminate use of pesticides.”

Selectman Schropfer had a copy of the book with him and asked to read into the record a short,

but significant blurb as follows:

“The Other Road. We stand now where two roads diverge. But unlike the roads

in Robert Frost’s familiar poem, they are not equally fair. The road we have long

been traveling is deceptively easy, a smooth superhighway on which we progress

with great speed, but at its end lies disaster. The other fork of the road - the one

“less traveled by” - offers our last, our only chance to reach a destination that

assures the preservation of our earth. The choice, after all, is ours to make.”

Selectman Schropfer made a motion to accept as presented the Resolution proclaiming May 27, 2007 as Rachel Carson Day. Selectman Martin seconded the motion. APPROVED 4-0.

Transient Vendor Permits - Various Vendors -

Hands on the Arts; Eastham Painter’s Guild.

Selectman McDonald made a motion to accept the Transient Vendor Permits as presented

for the Eastham Cultural Council Hands on the Arts Show to be held on the Windmill

Green on June 17 and 17, 2007. Selectman Martin seconded the motion. APPROVED 4-0.

Selectman Schropfer made a motion to accept the Transient Vendor Permits as presented

for the Eastham Painter’s Guild to be held at the Old Schoolhouse Museum and Windmill

Green throughout the months of May, June, July, August and September. Selectman

McDonald seconded the motion. APPROVED 4-0.