MINUTES
Board of Selectmen
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Work Session - 2:00 p.m.
Location: Earle Mountain Room, Eastham Town Hall
Present: Selectman Martin F. McDonald, Vice Chair;
Selectman David W. Schropfer, Clerk
Selectman Kenelm N. Collins
and Selectman Carol F. Martin
Sheila Vanderhoef, Town Administrator
Diane Rommelmeyer, Town Accountant
Absent: Linda S. Burt, Chair
Finance Committee Present: John Knight; Russell French; Judy Cannon
Selectman Martin McDonald, in Selectman Burt’s absence, called the meeting to order at 2:00 p.m.
I. WORK SESSION - Budget Review Continued
Ms. Vanderhoef went over the MMA Government Release related to Gov. Deval Patrick’s Fiscal Year 2009 Budget Proposal. Of note, under the budget submitted, the “MMA opposed conditioning any part of the Lottery distribution on passage of separate casino legislation. Under the budget submitted, $124 million of existing Lottery local aid would be contingent on passage of this new revenue source.”
Ms. Vanderhoef noted that the figures presented were what the budget would look like if Governor Patrick’s budget passes. Because the figures are variable, Ms. Vanderhoef noted that no changes will be made to our budget as presented until the figures from the government are more solid. Cherry sheets are usually out in March, at which time figures will be solidified. It should be kept in mind that this is the first cut.
The following budgets were then discussed:
DPW and Natural Resources
There is nothing extraordinary to report. The bulk of monies for overtime cover snow and ice removal and events such as downed trees, etc.
Whatever is left from these budgets goes to free cash. Mr. Russell French (Finance Committee) asked if it is felt that we have an adequate number of personnel in DPW to take care of the towns’ needs. Ms. Vanderhoef indicated that more personnel (i.e., 15 hours clerical for example) would be desirable in the summer. Additionally, the DPW could use an extra person. In the staffing plan, we would definitely look for one extra person on the DPW side and one extra machine operator.
For the Boards information, Ms. Vanderhoef noted that there will be a luncheon at 12:00 Noon on January 31, 2008 in honor of Steve Douglas, DPW Superintendent, who is retiring. An advertisement has been placed for a replacement and it is also on-line. At this time, there have been a fair amount of responses which will be reviewed.
Selectmen Schropfer asked about the efficiency of street lights. Ms. Vanderhoef indicated
that we don’t own the streetlights but do, however, pay for the electricity. Consideration for
more energy efficient light bulbs might be helpful in cutting electrical costs.
Selectman Martin noted that a line item for Equipment Leases was missing. Ms. Vanderhoef indicated that would be added in and thanked Selectman Martin.
Discussion followed regarding separation of recyclables and haulers and the desirability of keeping recyclables separated.
Selectman McDonald noted that Ms. Diana Palm, Animal Control Officer, appears very
conscientious and knowledgeable in her area, and applauded her efforts and expertise.
Nothing extraordinary was noted in the Council on Aging’s budget. The meal budget for
the Lower Adult Day Care will be reviewed as the census is down and food may be a little “over-budgeted.” A review of fees will also be considered for medical transportation provided by the Council on Aging. This will take into account fees, mileage and hardship as it may apply. It was noted that this was and continues to be an important and valuable service.
The Human Services budget was discussed. Selectman Martin thought that a 5% increase
should be looked at closely, considering that the message to “hold the line” should apply
across the board. Ms. Vanderhoef asked the Board if they would like to speak with
Human Services again. They agreed that this was not necessary as they have met previously
with them. However, looking ahead, this budget should remain “as is” without increases.
Selectman Collins recommended keeping it this way at this time. However, the Human Services Advisory Committee should be notified that there will be no increases forthcoming in the near
future.
Therefore, by consensus, the Human Services Advisory Committee will be held at $53,500 for
FY 09 and FY10. At this time, the Board of Selectmen would like the Human Services Advisory Committee to be notified in writing both for their information and future planning.
Discussion followed regarding the Library. Mr. Russell French (Finance Committee) noted
that he had attended a meeting on the Library on the 22nd and it was his impression that the public would like to keep the Library where it is presently situated. Testing is presently being
conducted on the water quality. If the results are positive, it could help make the case for the
Library to be sustained at its present location for approximately ten to twenty years.
Selectman McDonald noted that Library representatives (i.e., Martha Magane, Director and Board of Library Trustees) are due to come back to the Board of Selectmen with an update. This will most probably take place after the water quality testing is completed. Selectman Martin
noted that the Samoset site is being considered pending water analysis. If the results are
negative, we will “go back to the drawing board.”
Discussion followed on Beach and Recreation Services. Ms. Vanderhoef noted that the
biggest increases are in the Rent/Leasing area. The portable bathroom units, which include handicap units, are increasing in expense ( higher cost of fuel, gas, etc.). The pumping of the “tight tank” at First Encounter has also proven to be very expensive.
A review of our insurance policies was recommended. Ms. Vanderhoef noted that MIIA comes to us every year and reviews the same.
Water Supply/Water Distribution System
Selectman Schropfer expressed his concern regarding the water supply and water distribution system which did not get the required 2/3 vote at the Special Town Meeting held on October 1, 2008 nor at the May 7, 2007 annual town Meeting. Some amount would be helpful for basic consulting work on water and wastewater. Selectman Martin agreed with Selectman Schropfer that there would be some benefit in adding in an amount for continuing consultation in the Capital Five Year Plan.
Ms. Vanderhoef noted that water supply had been taken off the Five Year Capital Plan but would be placed back on as a five million debt exclusion at the request of the Board of Selectmen.
Dave Schropfer made a motion to add the Municipal Waste Water/Water/Planning Implementation back on to the Five Year Capital Plan for consideration at Town Meeting
May 5, 2008 as discussed. Selectman Martin seconded the motion. APPROVED 4-0.
All matters having been discussed, Selectman Martin made a motion to adjourn at 3:55 and go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussion of litigation and not to return to
Public Session. Selectman Schropfer seconded the motion. Selectman Martin, yes; Selectman Schropfer, yes; Selectman Collins, yes and Selectman McDonald, yes.
Respectfully submitted,
Lorraine Speros
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