Chilmark Board of Selectmen August 27, 2013 Meeting Minutes
Present: Chairman Warren Doty, Jonathan Mayhew, Bill Rossi, Tim Carroll, Jonathan Revere,
Paul Iantosca, Jaden Iantoska, Bob Nixon, Joan Malkin, Tony Omer, Jenna Patersiel,
James Sanfilippo, Frank Fenner, Merrily Fenner, Barbara Fenner, Jane Slater, Harriett P. Otteson, Janet Weidner, Ellen Biskis, Valerie Sonnenthal, Mary Boyd, Lori Keefe, Grady Keefe,
Daphne H. Parker, Alicia Knight, Julie Coleman, Beth Mayhew, Tom Langman, Phillip Harrington, Jessica Roddy, Dennis Barquinero, Susan B. Whiting, Carlton Crocker, Peter Knight, Sarah Creighton, Phil Lawrence, Elise Elliston, Robert Elliston, Richard E. Steves, Wayne Iacono, Margaret Maida, Spider Andresen, Lenny Jason, Everett Poole, Judy Mayhew,
Michael Parker, Rebekah Thomson, Jennifer Wlodyka, Betty Wlodyka, Dennis Jason and
Brian Cioffi,
At 7:30 PM Chairman Doty called meeting to order in the Selectmen’s Meeting Room.
Mr. Doty said the majority of the residents here tonight are here concerning licensing for beer and wine at local restaurants and Crab Corner restrictions in Menemsha Harbor. Mr. Doty said that that is the order for tonight’s agenda and then we will take up with the scheduled agenda once these two topics are discussed.
Licensing beer & wine discussion:
Paul Iantosca who owns a home in Chilmark and summers here said that he is in favor of this change and said that its time for Chilmark to catch up to other towns. Mr. Iantosca said this would be a valuable asset to our town.
Bob Nixon owner of Home Port, Beach Plum and Menemsha Inn spoke about his letter to the Selectmen asking for them to address his interest in selling alcohol at his establishments.
Sue Whiting said she has concerns about what alcohol would do to the ambiance of Menemsha; she said she is not keen on the idea.
Merrily Fenner read a letter that she sent to the Nixon’s. The letter reminded the Nixon’s the things they said they would and would not do concerning the Home Port and its effects on Menemsha. Mrs. Fenner said that at Town Meeting the Nixon’s stood up and said they would not change the way things have been with the Home Port and would support a town boat access area. Mrs. Fenner and Family are not in support of the alcohol licensing in Chilmark.
Philip Harrington said he is concerned with no pedestrian walk ways the pedestrians would be in danger if alcohol where sold in Chilmark.
Mr. Nixon said for the record he has not stopped the town in pursuing a boat access and said he would not stand in the way.
Carl Crocker asked why we need to change because other towns have. Mr. Crocker said it works fine the way it is now.
Licensing beer & wine discussion Continued….
Lenny Jason said he does not see how selling alcohol will benefit the town; it might benefit a few businesses.
Frank Fenner said this topic brings a lot of questions to be answered and thought about. For instance would the town need to have more police officers on duty later in the evenings in Menemsha. What costs would the town incur? how this licensing alcohol sales follows our Master Plan.
Chief Cioffi said that the Open Container law is not affected by licensing restaurants to sell beer and wine. Chief Cioffi said a patron can not bring alcohol or take away alcohol from the establishments with licenses. Chief Cioffi said he has received responses from the police departments of towns that have added alcohol licenses and he reported that there have been no concerns to speak of, that it was when the establishments add music venue that it becomes rowdy at times.
Chief Cioffi said that they judge each night in Menemsha if an officer should stay longer on a given night. Chief Cioffi said that if we have more people in Menemsha they would keep staff from the police department there.
Julie Coleman said our town is dry and that’s cool.
Wayne Iacono said it is better without liquor licenses and recommends remaining unique.
Everett Poole said Chilmark has been dry for several Centuries. This has not been a problem and we should stay the same.
Chairman Doty asked for a straw poll tonight to get a sense of who was in favor of perusing the licensing of alcohol sales; four people where in favor of pursuing this topic, the majority was opposed.
Joan Malkin said she did not vote and thought that it was misleading to judge an issue on this poll.
Bill Rossi said that it comes down to what the voters want it to be.
Margaret Maida asked if this would be brought to the ballot too as well as a town meeting. Mr. Doty said yes it would if it where pursued.
Crab Corner / Harbor:
Harbor Master Dennis Jason said he does not want to close Crab Corner. This summer kids have been going under the new dock from the Crab Corner and swimming out into harbor area, this is extremely dangerous.
Mr. Jason said he would like to secure this area possibly with mesh fencing to close access to under the dock area from crab corner.
Crab Corner / Harbor Continued:
Mr. Jason said he does not want fishing from the dock allowed and lastly in his effort to make area safe; to have dinghies paddle into dock (dinghy dock along Crab Corner area) and lifting motor out of water.
Mr. Doty said that the Harbor department can not be expected to enforce no swimming and that we should provide beach staff to do that.
Discussion ensued. Beth Mayhew said that she opposed to closing the new dock to fishing as it is finally handicap accessible and a friend of hers who is wheel chair bound can finally have a spot to fish from.
Mr. Doty summarized we are in agreement; No Swimming off the dock, No Swimming under the dock, No Swimming in the Harbor. And we need to work at restricting the dinghies in and out. Keep crab corner open for kids to play. Secure area under dock (barrier) so it cannot be accessed by crab corner.
Minutes:
Draft minutes from August 6, 2013 were reviewed, corrections were made. Mr. Rossi moved to approve minutes with corrections. Mr. Doty seconded the motion.
SO VOTED: 2 Ayes, 1 Abstain Mayhew was not at 8/6/13 meeting
8:30 pm David Norton and Isaiah Scheffer arrived.
Chilmark School Repairs:
Mr. Rossi said heavy rain caused failure of the landscaping, but surface run off was good. Mr. Rossi said that the repairs committee is in consultation with the engineer. They are meeting at the sight tomorrow at 10:00am.
Squibnocket Beach Committee:
Mr. Rossi said the process is still moving forward. Mr. Rossi thought there might be a plan to bring to the town in the next 30 days.
Menemsha Parking:
Mr. Doty said that he counted the cars in Menemsha on August 15 at 7:30 pm
North Road Hill (DH’s Hill) 63
Homeport Area and Galley Area 72
(Includes Homeport parking
Lot)
Basin Road (North Road to Crick Hill) 42
Basin Road (Crick Hill to Gas Station) 81
Main Parking Lot 89
Total for Cars Parked in Menemsha 347
Discussion ensued. Chairman Doty recommended forming a committee to work through options for 2014.
Film Request:
Matt Buckman of idofilms is seeking permission to film in the Menemsha dock location during a weekday in October 2013. Mr. Buckman’s request came in writing and described the area and that they would probably be filming 1-2 hours during sunset.
Mr. Doty said this is limited to a week day, Mr. Mayhew said this would be limited to six people allowed at this filming.
Mr. Rossi moved to approve filming request with the conditions mentioned. Mr. Mayhew seconded the motion. SO VOTED: 3 Ayes
Rotary Club MV Cycle Challenge:
William Brown a Rotary Club Member sent a written request to all the Selectmen in each of the island towns. The Rotary is hosting the fifth annual Martha’s Vineyard Cycle Challenge on Sunday October 6, 2013. They are requesting to use the Chilmark Community Center as a rest and water stop as they have each of the four years past.
There is a scheduled Yoga event at the Chilmark Community Center October 4, 5, and 6th. The MV Challenge would be limited to using the exterior on the grass and to set up Port-a- Potties out side, as the interior will be off limits.
Mr. Rossi moved to allow the CCC as a rest stop as long as it won’t interfere with the Yoga festival. Also porta potties are supplied for and removed after the event. Mr. Mayhew seconded the motion. SO VOTED: 3 Ayes
Valerie Sonnenthal presented information about the Gyrokenesis workshop she is hosting at the Chilmark Community Center September 20th -22nd. Ms. Sonnenthal asked if the Selectmen would charge less because hosting cost is coming out of her pocket. Ms. Sonnenthal said she is offering a free open to the public class each morning of the workshop.
Mr. Doty said there is still a fee and asked that she pay equal to what the yoga festival is paying.
Mr. Rossi moved to grant a lesser amount for the workshop like the yoga festival CCC rental. Mr. Mayhew seconded the motion. SO VOTED: 3 Ayes
Middle Line Road:
Mr. Carroll said that the funds received for the MLR rental units need to be directed. Mr. Carroll suggested funds in excess of budgeted maintenance should be applied to paying down the loan note. Mr. Rossi moved in favor of this plan. Mr. Doty seconded the motion.
SO VOTED: 3 Ayes
Audit Check List:
Mr. Doty said that next week the Auditors will be here to audit FY2013 next week.
Chapter 77 Transfers:
Mr. Doty read the transfers that the FinCom recommended at their meeting held August 20, 2013
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FY2013 Year End |
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Deficits and Sources of Funds |
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Beginning |
Chapter 77 |
Dept # |
Department |
Category |
Deficit |
Transfers |
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~ |
135 |
Town Accountant |
Expenses |
(795.05) |
795.05 |
145 |
Treasurer |
Expenses |
(199.25) |
199.25 |
151 |
Legal |
Expenses |
(3,240.03) |
3,240.03 |
175 |
Planning Board |
Salaries |
(2,303.00) |
2,303.00 |
176 |
Zoning Board |
Expenses |
(1,442.21) |
1,442.21 |
192 |
Town Offices/Bldg Maintenance |
Expenses |
(4,950.14) |
1,028.57 |
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Expenses |
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3,921.57 |
194 |
Community Center |
Expenses |
(1,140.40) |
1,140.40 |
199 |
Comfort Station |
Expenses |
(581.83) |
581.83 |
210 |
Police Dept |
Expenses |
(1,381.06) |
1,381.06 |
241 |
Bldg Inspections |
Salaries |
(5,000.00) |
5,000.00 |
241 |
Bldg Inspections |
Expenses |
(943.80) |
943.80 |
299 |
Shellfish |
Expenses |
(672.19) |
672.19 |
650 |
Parks |
Expenses |
(50.00) |
50.00 |
752 |
Short-Term Interest |
Expenses |
(2,648.86) |
2,648.86 |
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Total |
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(25,347.82) |
25,347.82 |
Mr. Rossi moved to approve transfers as presented and recommended by the FinCom. Mr. Mayhew seconded the motion. SO VOTED: 3 Ayes
Shellfish Constable:
Shellfish Constable Scheffer asked the Selectmen to approve a onetime stipend for towing of $1,000.00. This is for the repairs needed to the springs on his truck that were damaged twice from hauling the Shellfish boat in and out of the water.
Mr. Rossi moved to approve onetime stipend of $1,000.00. Mr. Mayhew seconded the motion.
SO VOTED: 3 Ayes
Special Town Meeting:
Mr. Doty said that the Town Accountant is finalizing free cash and will not have the figure for September 30th. Discussion ensued. Mr. Rossi moved to post Special Town Meeting for
October 21, 2013. Mr. Mayhew seconded the motion. SO VOTED: 3 Ayes
Tri Town Ambulance:
Mr. Carroll discussed the process of the town of Chilmark paying our portion of the Tri Town bill. Mr. Rossi moved to approve actions of the accountant regarding the TTA funds.
Mr. Mayhew seconded the motion. SO VOTED: 3 Ayes
Harbor:
Mrs. Maida said she wanted clarification on the Asst harbormaster position. She said recently she heard him saying that his last day will be September 4, 2013. Mr. Doty said that this position was made into a Seasonal Position limiting it to less than 16 weeks.
Fire Department:
Chief Norton presented the Selectmen with a formal establishment of Martha’s Vineyard (All Island) Fire Training Council. Along with the establishment is a memorandum of understanding from Chief Estrella of West Tisbury. West Tisbury fire Department will be the managing town, much like Chilmark is the managing town for TTA.
Chief Norton explained each town will be billed $3,000.00 annually to aid in Training Island Wide. Mr. Rossi moved to approve the training fee and the MOU. Mr. Mayhew seconded the motion. Mr. Mayhew suggested increasing the Fire Fighter stipend to encourage participating in the training. SO VOTED: 3 Ayes Chairman Doty signed MOU
Highway Laborer Position:
Human Resource Board reviewed and increased the position to a grade 4. There was discussion about grade 5 being closer to the Oak bluffs and West Tisbury positions. Mr. Mayhew said he believed the job description needed revisions with the Highway Superintendent with the HRB.
Mr. Rossi moved to approve HRB recommendation to increase grade for the Highway laborer position to grade 4, But to have the Highway Superintendent to work with the HRB to renew the position description and possibly increasing to 5 when completed.
Mr. Mayhew seconded the motion. SO VOTED: 3 Ayes
Social Media Policy:
The HRBC has submitted the Social Media Policy for the Selectmen to approve. Mr. Rossi moved to adopt this policy as submitted by the HRBC. Mr. Mayhew seconded the motion.
SO VOTED: 3 Ayes
HRBC Procedure Changes:
The HRB sent a memo for the Selectmen to approve; the change in the procedure is to remove the requirement that an employee attend the position review. Mr. Rossi moved to approve this procedure change. Mr. Mayhew seconded the motion. SO VOTED: 3 Ayes
USACE:
Mr. Carroll reported that U.S. Army Corps of Engineers representative retrieved a successful sampling of Menemsha Pond last week. This sample is to be used in the dredging plans of Menemsha Channel.
Tri Town Ambulance:
Mr. Carroll reported a savings of approximately $30,000.00 by using our option of purchasing the new ambulance through the Co-Op State Contract. Mr. Carroll requested the Selectmen sign the contract to purchase this ambulance. Chairman Doty signed the contract.
At 9:45 pm Chairman Doty moved to go into Executive Session to discuss land acquisition and not to return to regular session. Mr. Doty: Aye, Mr. Mayhew: Aye, Mr. Rossi: Aye
Also present was Tim Carroll.
Executive Session adjourned at 10:00 pm
Minutes respectfully submitted by Diana DeBlase. Approved 9/10/13
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