Board of Selectman Minutes
Wednesday July 18, 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
Selectman Burt called the meeting to order at 2:38 p.m.
I. PUBLIC/SELECTMAN’S INFORMATION
Transfer Station Fees
Diane Rommelmeyer, Town Accountant, Joan Plante, Town Treasurer, and Martin Mickle, Acting Superintendent of the Department of Public Works were present to discuss the issue of the recycling sticker policy with the Board of Selectmen.
At the Monday July 16, 2007 Board of Selectman’s meeting the Board voted to institute a new recycling sticker policy. Because of this change, many citizens are complaining they want refunds. Martin Mickle stated he has received numerous letters and heard many complaints about the change. Joan Plante expressed that there was not a policy set as to how refunds and other issues would be handled. Diane Rommelmeyer explained that the 2007 fiscal year is closed and 2007 monies are not available for refunding.
Chairman Linda Burt expressed that when the Board changed the policy they did not take into account the possible problems it could cause with regards to refunds. Sheila Vanderhoef, Town Administrator, stated that the public hearing is scheduled for August 6, 2007.
The Board of Selectmen agreed to hold their decision until the public hearing. They agreed that no refunds shall be given and that if any changes are agreed upon at the public hearing they will not be effective until possibly next year.
II. WORK SESSION
Municipal Water-Discussion
Paul Gabriel, The Environmental Group, Jane Crowley, Town of Eastham Health Agent, and other interested parties were present to discuss the Municipal Water issue.
Mr. Paul Gabriel conveyed that it is imperative the town develop a Municipal Water System. He stated that only after this is accomplished should the town contend with the issue of implementing a wastewater management plan. He stated that the municipal water system will cost approximately 75 million, whereas a Waste Water development plan will cost much more.
Dr. Karl Weiss, Chairman of the Eastham Water Resources Advisory Board, provided the Board a list of the key questions raised by citizens at the May 2007 Town Meeting regarding this issue.
He stated that The discussion centered on how best to answer these questions and better circulate this and other important information on the issue to the public. It was communicated that due in part to the lack of communication with the citizens, the article did not pass at the May Town Meeting. Selectman McDonald added that the presentation at the May Town Meeting could not be heard very well.
The Board discussed the cost of the project. Selectman Collins expressed that betterments and loan possibilities need to be discussed. It was stated that the cost to implement a Municipal Water system increases by $2 million each year. Thus, if the town continues to wait, by the time it is approved the cost will be too expensive for the town to afford.
The Board of Selectmen made suggestions as to how to disseminate information to residents. Jane Crowley informed the Board that the Municipal water issue will be discussed at the July 25, 2007 Water Resources Advisory Board meeting.
The Board agreed that the special town meeting should be scheduled for October 1, 2007.
Massasoit Hills Staircase- Mark Powers, Dan Maloof
Selectman Schropfer recused himself from this issue because he is a member of the Massasoit Hills Homeowners Association.
Mark Powers, Director of Recreation and Beaches, and Mark Maloof, President of Massasoit Homeowners Association, were present to discuss the issue with the Board of Selectmen.
Mark Powers stated that before repairing the deteriorating staircases at Eastham bay beaches, he recommends the town engage the services of an engineer to look into current staircase engineering technology. He asked for direction from the Board of Selectmen regarding this proposal.
The Board asked questions and discussed a possible budget cap for this proposal. Mr. Powers expressed that if the engineer goes over the approved cap that he, Mr. Powers, will come before the Board again to discuss. He added that the staircase at Thumpertown Beach is not included in this proposal because it is currently being repaired.
Selectman Martin made a motion to approve a $5,000 cap for engineering services to evaluate plans for repairing the three bay beach staircases. The motion was seconded by Selectman McDonald and so voted 4-0.
At 4:05 p.m. Selectman Schropfer returned to the meeting after the discussion and vote.
Beach Nourishment- Peter Markunas
Mr. Peter Markunas of the Woods Hole Group and a resident of Eastham, was present to discuss beach nourishment and present a powerpoint slideshow to the Board. He stated that Russ Sandbloom approached him about giving this talk to the Board.
Mr. Markunas showed before and after photos of beach restoration projects completed in other towns. He expressed that Eastham, as well as Wellfleet, needs to develop a plan for the restoration of their eroding town beach shorelines.
The Selectmen voiced concern as to how the project would be funded. They expressed they will look into the issue and consider having a dialogue with the Town of Wellfleet.
Sheila Vanderhoef, Town Administrator stated that the issue needs to be dealt with and if the Board agrees, that it should be added to Eastham’s five-year capital plan.
Minutes Policy Discusssion
The policy will be discussed at the July 25, 2007 Board of Selectmen’s meeting.
III. OTHER BUSINESS
None
IV. ADJOURNMENT
Selectman Collins made a motion to adjourn at 5:00 p.m.
The motion was seconded by Selectman Schropfer and so voted 5-0.
Respectfully Submitted,
Lisa Shaw
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