Chilmark Board of Selectmen October 7, 2014 Meeting Minutes
Present: Chairman Bill Rossi, Jonathan Mayhew, Warren Doty, Tim Carroll, Brian Cioffi, Jonathan Klaren, Marina Lent, Jim Malkin, Jane Greene, Max McCreery, Jane Slater,
Rosalie Hornblower, Rich Regan, Edie Prescott, Alex Elvin and Lynne Christoffers.
At 7:30 PM Chairman Rossi called meeting to order in the Selectmen’s Meeting Room.
Minutes:
Draft minutes from September 23, 2014 Selectmen’s Meeting were reviewed. Corrections were made. Mr. Doty moved to approve minutes with corrections. Mr. Mayhew seconded the motion.
SO VOTED: 3 Ayes
Public Hearing: At 7:32 Chairman Rossi opened the public hearing for the Community Development Strategy. Christine Flynn from the Martha’s Vineyard Commission described the block grant for home improvements and child care. Selectmen reviewed the draft Chilmark Community Development Strategy. Mr. Mayhew suggested some changes to our draft Community Development Strategy.
Mr. Doty said that the home rehab program has been working well for our older residents. Mr. Doty wanted to know how many Chilmark residents utilize the child care grant. Ms. Flynn said she would return with those figures and the recommended changes to the draft Community Development Strategy for the next Selectmen’s meeting.
At 7:44 PM after no more public input Chairman Rossi closed the public hearing.
Human Resources Board / Pay Classification Study:
Mr. Malkin Chairman of the Human Resources requested clarification of the pay classification study the Selectmen are seeking. There are three points that the Human Resources Board would like the Selectmen to address.
- Should the study be conducted by an independent consultant or by an “in-house” group appointed by the Board of Selectmen?
- What should be the scope of the study: should it be strictly limited to compensation, or would it also touch on the content of positions under review?
- What Town positions should be reviewed? Year-round only? Year-round and part time positions? Or year-round, part time, and seasonal positions?
Discussion ensued. Mr. Doty said to hire a consultant to evaluate pay rates for positions 20 hours or more. Mr. Mayhew said an independent study should be completed at least every 10 years. More discussion ensued.
Ms. Greene said to be clear about what we have decided tonight the Selectmen are requesting that all benefited town employees are in this survey. And when we do hire the consultant for the external study they are to compare pay rate and job description.
Human Resources Board / Pay Classification Study Continued…
Ms. Greene asked if it would be kept to just island towns or are we comparing to off island.
Mr. Malkin recommended keeping the study to areas that have relative Cost Of Living.
AT 8:16 PM Mr. Malkin said that the Town Committee on Squibnocket has new business not anticipated by the chairman at time of posting this meeting’s agenda.
Chairman Rossi said he would hear from the Town Committee on Squibnocket at this time.
Town Committee on Squibnocket:
Mr. Malkin reported that at their 8:00 AM meeting today the need for funds to continue the work that the committee has been tasked to do was a top priority of discussion.
Discussion ensued. Mrs. Slater expressed the necessity of these requested funds. More discussion ensued. Mr. Doty moved to authorize funding of $20,000.00 to the Town Committee on Squibnocket to utilize specialized consultants.
Mr. Mayhew seconded the motion. SO VOTED: 3 Ayes
Menemsha Fall Walkabout
Chairman Rossi said the Selectmen met Monday morning at 8:00 AM and conducted the annual Fall Menemsha Walkabout. Chairman Rossi read from the report that was compiled from this meeting yesterday:
Harbor Master Jason reported that the season as good as last season, that Crab Corner was better controlled this summer, and that the wood decking on the floating transient yacht dock was coming loose from the softer wood used as sleepers.
Two of the s/s bands on the new pilings had failed and need to be replaced.
The Fuel Dock configuration of three pilings on the two end corners is awkward and makes tying up at the fuel dock more challenging for people.
The new harbor office was a complete success. However, the access ramp needs to be built this winter.
The Pumpout system was used approximately 40 times this season. It was discussed that the two hydrants were inadequate and that next spring additional hydrant valves should be installed on the existing stubs.
Pressure Treated (PT) pilings were purchased this summer at a good price. Those not used in the charter dock area are stacked across lot 7 (Karsten Larsen) for the winter. They will be used in the spring.
Menemsha Fish House on lot 5 was looked at. The derelict truck must leave unless it is repaired and in active use. Gear cannot be stored onsite unless it is in use. No long term storage of gear or equipment. Menemsha Fish House is asking to install a surface drain from lot 6 (Matt Mayhew) into the harbor and will be contacting the Park and Recreation Committee.
Menemsha Fall Walkabout Continued..
Power pedestal by lot 4 is being used by commercial boats at the south end of the loading zone, resulting in the use of three extension cords. The cords and their plugs were under water at this morning’s high tide. Town should explore power pedestals for the south end of the commercial bulkhead if needed.
Parking was an ongoing concern. The Handicap space added to the comfort station was not properly signed at this time.
Litter and the placement of trash next to empty barrels were discussed.
The comfort station operator, Seth Karlinski, was praised by users of the restrooms for doing a good job cleaning it.
Fender piling abreast of lot 3 was loose.
Lot 3 (Donald Poole’s) was discussed. Stanley Larsen said that some of the materials strew about the front of the lot were his and other items were Al Gale’s. The Selectmen questioned if Donald Poole was using the lot for his oyster fishery.
The Selectmen spoke of the need for new commercial fishermen that lack slips and lots to have a place to operate out of. The commercial fishing use of the seven commercial slips on the west dock were also discussed.
Seth Karlinski agreed to reinstall the missing float under the ramp to the Charter Dock this fall.
Three marine batteries, motor oil and other debris were found in back of Casey Elliston’s slip. The Harbor department said that the items were his and Lev Wlodyka’s. The Selectmen directed the Executive Secretary to write a letter to them to remove it all immediately. Additional items were on the floating dock behind the slip where the Terri II is berthed.
The water line along the channel side of the filled West Dock was leaking ahead of the Banjo’s berth.
The location and design of the new transient temporary tieup dock south of the green dock was reviewed. The Selectmen will apply for permits this winter to construct in the spring.
The elevation of the green dock/drop down dock was discussed. It goes under water at many high tides, causing the deck planks to work free. Mr. Mayhew suggested raising the deck a foot.
The curb stops at the end of the filled West Dock were moved for either the unloading of commercial fishing boats this year or the Yacht Relamar’s gangway. The Harbor Master will move the two concrete stops back into place to prevent a vehicle from rolling off the filled dock parking lot.
All but one of the settling potholes along the filled dock and the timber channel dock were successfully repaired this spring.
Menemsha Fall Walkabout Continued….
However the two inch wide crack still exists in many sections between the two structures and is a potential hazard. It was suggested to fabricate a cap to go over the two surfaces like a threshold in a doorway.
Plywood covering windows on the Creek Lots was noticed and not acceptable.
All items were reviewed and discussed.
State Election Warrant:
Town Clerk prepared the State Election November 4, 2014 Warrant for the Selectmen to approve and sign. Mr. Doty moved to approve and sign the State Election Warrant. Mr. Mayhew seconded the motion. SO VOTED: 3 Ayes
Chairman Rossi recommended rescheduling the Selectmen’s meeting regularly scheduled for November 4, 2014 (same night of State Election) to Wednesday November 5, 2014 at 7:00 PM.
Nab’s Corner Community Housing:
Mr. Doty reported about the October 25, 2014 Housing Committee workshop. Mr. Doty said he was very impressed and pleased at the effort and professionalism by town hall staff and the Housing Committee members.
Public Safety Building Site Committee Update:
Chairman Rossi reported that the Public Safety Building Site Committee met October 1, 2014.
The committee elected Andy Goldman as chairman and Cody Coutinho as secretary. The mission statement is: Establishing the space needs for Fire and EMS departments’ .The committee will meet 2nd and 4th Wednesday each month.
Mr. Carroll said that the last time the town worked towards the new emergency building the Historic Commission asked that they consider adding enough space for police department to possibly be added in the future.
Capital Improvements Planning Committee Update:
Tim Carroll reported that several department heads attended the Capital Improvements Planning Committee meeting held October 1, 2014 at 4:30 PM. Mr. Carroll said the committee will work on these numbers and address additional departments’ requests at their next meeting.
Mr. Carroll said that the town has not been able to recruit the at large members to the Capital Improvements Planning Committee and asked that the Selectmen appoint Melanie Becker Town Treasurer and himself in the vacant at large positions for this year. Mr. Doty moved to approve this recommendation and appoint Mr. Carroll and Mrs. Becker. Mr. Mayhew seconded the motion. SO VOTED: 3 Ayes
Mr. Doty said the Capital Improvements Planning Committee members are Linda Coutinho, Bruce Golden, Warren Doty, Tim Carroll and Melanie Becker.
Old News /Commercial Slip Follow up:
Mr. Carroll said Jen Wlodyka came into the town hall to give an update on the documentation of the boat listing Walter as an owner of the vessel. Mrs. Wlodyka had sent in the documentation request in August 28, 2014 she just received a notice from the vessel documentation office but the documentation has Lev with last name being wife’s maiden name and the vessel documentation office would not list Walter until the name was corrected in their system.
Mr. Doty said the Wlodyka’s were given till October 6 to report back that the requirements set by the town were met. Mr. Doty said they have proof of attempting to complete this but that the vessel documentation office is taking a long time to process the requests.
Chairman Rossi said he would make a follow up call to Walter Wlodyka to confirm his intent.
Hunting Permission:
Cody Pachico has submitted a request to hunt in the Town Forest. The Selectmen’s office has the required documentation from Mr. Pachico with his application. Mr. Doty moved to approve this application from Cody Pachico. Mr. Mayhew seconded the motion. SO VOTED: 3 Ayes
Solar Array Update:
Mr. Carroll said as of October 2, 2014 the solar array at the town landfill is operational and the town has started selling electricity back to the grid. Selectmen were please about this news.
Town Hall Staffing:
Mr. Carroll said that with the added projects of Squibnocket and Nab’s Corner the staff at the town hall has been over extended and at this time he is requesting permission to hire some temporary help. Mr. Doty moved to approve spending up to $1,000.00 for temporary help at this time. Mr. Mayhew seconded the motion. SO VOTED: 3 Ayes
Mr. Carroll will ask the High School for intern help for technical work on our website posting.
Wellness Program:
Mr. Carroll said Melanie Becker has worked at getting town employees and health Insurance recipients signed up for a Walking challenge. This wellness program is brought to our town through the Cape Cod Municipal Health Group. Mr. Doty said he has signed up.
Free Cash
Mr. Doty said town Accountant received certification of free cash from the State. Discussion ensued.
Police Department:
Mr. Carroll requested extending the due date for the patrolman position applications to noon on October 14, 2014. Mr. Mayhew moved to approve the extension. Mr. Doty seconded the motion.
SO VOTED: 3 Ayes
Police Department Continued…
Mr. Carroll requested the Selectmen to decide if they would adopt the (5 page) Commonwealth of Massachusetts Essential Task List for a police officer.
Mr. Mayhew moved to approve adopting the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Essential Task List for a police officer. Mr. Doty seconded the motion. SO VOTED: 3 Ayes
At 9:17 PM Mr. Mayhew moved to adjourn. Mr. Doty seconded the motion.
SO VOTED: 3 Ayes
Minutes respectfully submitted by Diana DeBlase. Approved 11/05/14
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