Chilmark Board of Selectmen May 6, 2014 Meeting Minutes
Present: Chairman Warren Doty, Jonathan Mayhew, Bill Rossi, Tim Carroll, Pam Bunker,
Dennis Jason, Steven Lewenberg, Glenn DeBlase, Matt Flanders, Matthew Mayhew, Denny Jason , Jim Malkin, Joan Malkin, Isaiah Scheffer, Brian Cioffi, Margaret Maida, Remy Tumin and Lynn Christoffers.
At 7:30 PM Chairman Doty called meeting to order in the Selectmen’s Meeting Room.
Minutes:
Draft minutes from the April 15, 2014 Selectmen’s meeting were reviewed. Corrections were made. Mr. Rossi moved to approve minutes as corrected. Mr. Mayhew seconded the motion.
SO VOTED: 3 Ayes
Reorganization of the Board of Selectmen:
Chairman Doty said that in May (following Annual Town Meeting) the Selectmen reassign a new chairman, vice chairman and clerk within the Board of Selectmen. Mr. Mayhew moved to have Bill Rossi Chairman, Mr. Doty seconded the motion and moved to have Mr. Mayhew vice chairman and himself the clerk. Mr. Mayhew seconded the addition to the motion.
SO VOTED: 3 Ayes
7:40 PM Mr. Rossi continued meeting as new chairman for to the Board of Selectmen.
Notice of Intent to Convert Recreational Land:
Chairman Rossi spoke about the notice of intent sent from Carole Flanders representing Allen Flanders. The Notice of intent is to convert recreational land to residential land enabling Matt Flanders (Allen’s nephew) to build a primary residence. Assistant Assessor Pam Bunker explained the process and documents that where presented to the Town of Chilmark on this matter.
Matt Flanders said he and his soon to be bride have been working to find housing and were offered this generous option by his uncle. Discussion ensued.
Mr. Doty moved to not exercise our option for first refusal on the Parcels: map 26, lots 31-2 & 31-3, allowing this process to convert the recreational property to residential property to move forward. Mr. Mayhew seconded the motion. SO VOTED: 3 Ayes
Shellfish Oyster Grant:
Chairman Rossi said the Selectmen have received 2 applications for the grant Mr. Armstrong is turning back to the town. Melanie Flanders and Matthew Mayhew both sent in applications for this single grant. Selectmen reviewed both applications. Jonathan Mayhew recused himself from discussion and decisions in this matter as his son Matthew is one of the applicants.
Mr. Doty reported on the 6 grants that the town already has in place the holders at this time are;
- Emmett Carroll 4. Donald Poole
- Steve Broderick 5. John Armstrong
- Tim Broderick 6. Vincent Iacono
Shellfish Oyster Grant continued…
Matthew Mayhew and Denny Jason presented the Selectmen their plan for the grant if they were awarded it. Mr. Doty moved to grant the lease to Matt Mayhew. Mr. Doty said Melanie Flanders had a strong application and would like to see if we can get another grant. Mr. Rossi seconded the motion. SO VOTED: 2 Ayes, 1 Abstain Mr. Mayhew
Mr. Doty moved to direct Shellfish Constable Scheffer to explore expanding the grant area for two more leases. Discussion ensued. Mr. Mayhew seconded the motion.
SO VOTED: 3 Ayes
Matt Mayhew recommended the Selectmen’s office keep a list of applicants who would be getting the next leases if they become available. Discussion ensued. Mr. Doty said they would take this suggestion under advisement. No action was taken at this time.
Mr. Doty asked what was being done about the fishing equipment left on the West Dock. Mathew Mayhew said he will clear that out.
Phase III Harbor Project:
Mr. Carroll said the Town has $106,441.15 from the Sea Port Advisory Council to complete the tie-up dock project. The plans prepared by Vineyard Land Surveyors, Dennis Jason and Tim Carroll were distributed and discussed.
Mr. Carroll said that this plan costs more than we have and asked if the Selectmen would approve taking a request to Special Town Meeting with a warrant to appropriate $15, 000.00 from Waterways Fund. Mr. Mayhew asked that we consider tidal upweller space available. More discussion ensued.
Mr. Doty moved to proceed in securing the plan and moving forward with these dock plans as presented tonight. Mr. Mayhew seconded the motion. SO VOTED: 3 Ayes
US Army Corps:
Mr. Carroll said the USACE has sent a revised draft plan for the Menemsha jetty repairs with rights of entry. Mr. Carroll said that the project for the jetty repairs is from January 2015-April 2015. The Discussion ensued. Mr. Doty moved to approve the access plan presented by the USACE. Mr. Mayhew seconded the
motion. SO VOTED: 3 Ayes
Mr. Carroll said that the USACE is also requesting this same area for the dredging project if it goes forward from October – December 2014. Mr. Doty said he would be willing to address this at the public hearing the ACE will host here in Chilmark concerning this dredging project.
Mr. Doty asked if the Chairman would consider moving the Harbor Department agenda next for discussion as people are present about that agenda item. Chairman Rossi directed the Harbor department to be next on tonight’s agenda.
Harbor Department:
Mr. Lewenberg of the Human Resources Board read aloud the recommendations for the 2014 seasonal harbor positions. On May 5, 2014 Mr. Lewenberg along with Selectmen Doty and Harbormaster Jason and Richard Steves (for part of the time) conducted the interviews in person and also over telephone. The following is the recommendations at the conclusion of this meeting:
Assistant Harbormaster: Mr. Glenn DeBlase.
Assistant Wharfinger: (from last season) Katherine Smith.
Assistant Wharfinger: Landon Steere.
(Mr. Lewenberg read) If any of the recommended persons listed is unable to take position the committee recommended Judd Vail for either of the positions. Mr. Jason said the recommendation about Mr. Vail was not approved at the meeting but would be taken under advisement.
Margaret Maida spoke about her concerns about appointing Mr. Vail. No action was taken at this time concerning Mr. Vail.
Mr. Doty said Glenn DeBlase is here tonight if anyone has questions and said he is very qualified for the position and holds a 100 ton Master Mariner License. Mr. DeBlase introduced himself and said he is looking forward to working with Dennis Jason and for the Town this season.
Mr. Doty moved to approve and appoint the Harbor Seasonal Positions as presented with the condition that the Assistant Harbormaster passes a SORI & CORI inspection. Mr. Mayhew seconded the motion. SO VOTED: 3 Ayes
Chilmark PTO / Chilmark Community Center:
Chairman Rossi said the Chilmark School Principal Susan Stevens presented a fundraiser idea to the PTO. The Fundraiser is “ART/Bar”, the company will bring all of the painting equipment. The PTO would prepare food and adults attending would bring a beverage. The Fee is $35.00 per person with $10.00 of that going to the PTO Outing Program. This event would be for adults only. This event is presented as a night out without having to leave town. There is a limit of 50 participants for the event.
Mr. Doty said Principal Stevens was very enthusiastic about this event, which she attended earlier this year and is looking forward to bringing it to Chilmark for adults only. Mr. Doty moved to approve this fundraiser. Mr. Mayhew seconded the motion. SO VOTED: 3 Ayes
Summer Program Preschool - Chilmark Community Center:
Chairman Rossi said he received a call from Nancy Street (2014 chairman of the Summer Program Committee) she shared with him her concerns about the need for more rooms to use at preschool (located in Chilmark School) from July 1st –August 8th.
Mr. Doty said that the town has worked hard with the school to have a bathroom in the room that is allocated as preschool and to not add another room for their use. Chairman Rossi said we will work together to minimalize disruption with the roof repairs that are happening this summer.
Discussion ensued.
Summer Program Preschool - Chilmark Community Center Continued…
Mr. Doty moved to allow the Summer Program the use of the one room that is designated for preschool from July1st –August 8th. Mr. Mayhew seconded the motion. SO VOTED: 3 Ayes
Chilmark Community Center Parking Policies:
Chairman Rossi said he would recommend a broad review of parking for commercial venues at the CCC. Chairman Rossi moved to form a CCC Parking Review Committee. Discussion ensued. The Committee would have 3 members that would report back to the Selectmen by June 2014. This committee will consist of Jim Malkin, Andy Goldman and a third member to be appointed by the Chairman. Mr. Doty seconded the motion. SO VOTED: 3 Ayes
Nab’s Corner:
Chairman Rossi said that on Monday May 5, 2014 the Selectmen met with Chilmark residents, representatives from the Housing Committee, MVLB and newspaper reporters at town counsel’s office for a ceremony of the closing on the Nab’s Corner property.
The Nab’s Corner property will be 4 resident home sites. The town will be moving forward with an access construction road and utilities. Mr. Doty said that a firm plan was approved by the Planning Board. Mr. Doty also said that the Molly Flender Housing Trust has funds that we should seek to pay for the utilities, wells and construction road costs. Extensive discussion ensued.
Chairman Rossi recommended proceeding with finding how many qualified applicants we may have. Mr. Carroll said that we have been recommending people to go to Dukes County Regional Housing Authority and to fill out an application, like we did with Middle Line Road.
Mr. Doty moved to have Chuck Hodgkinson move forward with bid specifications and documents to bring in construction road and utilities and wells at our Nab’s Corner home sites property. Mr. Mayhew seconded the motion. SO VOTED: 3 Ayes
Mr. Carroll asked if the Selectmen would work with MV Land Bank to decide on the trails through the Nab’s Corner area. Discussion ensued. Chairman Rossi said he would contact James Lengyel and discuss the trails proposed.
Mr. Carroll said on the topic of affordable housing there is going to be an opening at MLR rental duplex for a one bedroom apartment. If you know someone who is looking for an apartment to please contact the Dukes County Regional Housing Authority.
Ethics Disclosure:
Town counsel Ron Rappaport has sent to the Selectmen’s office a notice of his Ethics Disclosure. Mr. Carroll said Mr. Rappaport is representing someone interested in purchasing property at The Squibnocket Farm Association.
Evaluations:
Mr. Doty said that the evaluations for the Harbormaster, Building Inspector, Shellfish Constable, Police Chief and Executive Secretary are completed by the Chairman of the Selectmen.
Evaluations Continued…:
Chairman Rossi said he would be doing the evaluations next spring and asked Mr. Doty complete the evaluations for FY14.
Shellfish Department:
Shellfish Constable Scheffer has copied the Selectmen on a memo he sent to Mass DMF requesting to harvest Green Crabs. Mr. Doty said that the green crabs are good bait for conch.
Mr. Doty moved to approve continuing the green crab harvesting program and to allow Niles Leaf to sometimes haul and sell. Mr. Mayhew seconded the motion. SO VOTED: 3 Ayes
MIIA Insurance Renewal:
Mr. Carroll has the FY15 Insurance renewal package from MIIA for the Selectmen to approve. Mr. Carroll discussed the savings programs that MIIA offers. Mr. Carroll said that the last two years the town has saved over $42,000.00.
Mr. Carroll said that the policy this year has an increase of 2.10% but he hopes to claim more rewards from town departments participating in the rewards programs. Mr. Mayhew moved to approve renewal of our policy with MIIA. Mr. Doty seconded the motion. SO VOTED: 3 Ayes
Annual Town Meeting Review:
Selectmen decided to postpone till ATM review till May 20, 2014.
Discussion turned to progress on the USCG boathouse and the impact construction has had on the roads.
Harbor Shack:
Mr. Doty said that the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School will be ending their work on the harbor shack soon and we need to schedule completion of the shingling, windows and doors. Mr. Doty said that Chris McCloud has said he will be available to help wrap up this project.
Mr. Carroll will seek quotes to complete the shack.
Human Resource Board:
Chairman of the HRB Jim Malkin presented the Selectmen with information concerning position descriptions for both the town’s Treasurer and Accountant. Mr. Malkin said the HRB reviewed and approved the draft job descriptions at their May 1, 2014 meeting. Mr. Malkin said that at the next HRB meeting scheduled June 5, 2014. The board will be addressing re-grading these positions and asked for the Selectmen’s input and also to consider having the Treasurer position changed to an appointed position. Mr. Malkin asked Selectmen for their input. Discussion ensued with no action was taken at this time.
At 9:15 PM Mr. Mayhew moved to adjourn. Mr. Doty seconded the motion.
SO VOTED: 3 Ayes
Minutes respectfully submitted by Diana DeBlase. Approved 05/20/14
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