Minutes-Board of Selectman
Wednesday June 20, 2007-2:30 p.m
Work Session- Eastham Town Hall
Present:
Selectman Linda Burt, Chair
Selectman Martin McDonald, Vice Chair
Selectman Dave Schropfer, Clerk
Selectman Carol Martin
Selectman Kenelm Collins
Sheila Vanderhoef, Town Administrator
Richard Hedlund, Police Chief
Selectman Burt called the meeting to order at 2:40 pm.
Public/Selectman’s Information
The Selectmen announced that the Bikeway trail will open June 21, 2007
1. Formation of Cape and Vineyard Electric Cooperative -Power Point Presentation by Fred Fenlon.
Mr. Fred Fenlon discussed his document regarding the Cape and Vineyard Electrical Cooperative. He cited the Massachusetts General Law on Cooperatives and voiced his concern that the Cooperative is not following the by-laws. The other concerns he spoke about was the short notice of the Wednesday June 13, 2007 meeting to the Cape Light Board of Directors, the fact that Board members are not able to make changes to the articles of incorporation or by-laws, and also the potential conflict of interest/ and/or appearance of conflict of interest related to the reporting relationships within the Cape Light Compact.
Sheila Vanderhoef suggested that representatives of the Cape Light Compact and proposed board of directors meet with the Board of Selectmen.
2. Eastham Forum Road Sign Project 2007 -Power Point Presentation by Christopher Lovelock.
Mr. Christopher Lovelock, a member of the Eastham Forum, gave a power point presentation to the Board regarding traffic signage in the Town of Eastham. Route 6 signs were not included in the survey. He made it known that Mr. Herbert France, also an Eastham Forum member also worked extensively on the project, but was not able to attend the meeting. Mr. Lovelock noted that The Eastham Town Forum initiated its road signage project in the fall of 2005, and that the project’s objective was to survey all traffic signs on town roads and to make recommendations to the Town.
Mr. Lovelock stated that the recommendations regarding the town signs will improve public safety, communicate regulatory and advisory messages more clearly to residents and visitors, and ensure that signs are properly located. Recommended is the removal of faded, damaged, duplicate, or unnecessary signs, and signs that have outlasted their purpose. He expressed that instead of using word signs internationally recognized sign symbols should be implemented. These types of signs have the advantage of being seen from a greater distance, and international visitors to Eastham will be better able to understand the signs’ meanings. He suggested that in implementing these changes, he is hopeful that Eastham will become a model for other towns nationwide.
The Board discussed and asked questions regarding town intersections, specifically the Locust Road intersection, and Bridge Road and Herring Brook Road intersection, and what signage might be helpful.
Selectman McDonald suggested that the Board obtain accident information histories at these town intersections to enable them to make the necessary improvements. Chief Hedlund stated that the Selectmen will receive the information.
On the subject of broken or damaged signs, Chief Hedlund was asked if the Police Department has a policy for reporting signs in disrepair. He answered that police officers book a report on signs and that town owned signs get repaired but that state signs must be fixed by the state. It was recommended that a separate meeting be held to discuss signs along Route 6.
The Selectmen expressed their thanks to Mr. Lovelock and to Mr. France for the impressive and thorough job they did on the project.
Other Business
1. Timothy Smith Fund
The Board discussed increasing the maximum single year loan amount for Timothy Smith Fund loans to $2,000. Currently it is $1,000.
Selectmen Collins made a motion to increase the Timothy Smith Fund loan amount to a maximum of $2,000.
The motion was seconded by Selectmen Schropfer and so voted 5-0.
2. Timothy Smith Fund- Loan request
It was reported that the treasurer had been notified to release the loan funds to Samuel R. Erickson, as Selectmen Collins had interviewed the candidate and highly recommended him.
Selectmen Schropfer made a motion to go into Executive Session at 4:00pm for a discussion on negotiations and not return to
public session.
Selectman Schropfer yes; Selectman Burt yes; Selectman Collins yes; Selectman Martin yes; Selectman McDonald yes.
Respectfully Submitted,
Lisa Shaw
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