Chilmark Board of Selectmen May, 17 2016 Meeting Minutes
Present: Chairman Warren Doty, Bill Rossi, James Malkin, Tim Carroll, Isaiah Scheffer,
Ebba Hierta, Bruce Golden, Ben Retmier, Jessica Elder, Peter Cook, David White,
Janet Weidner, Margaret Maida, Joan Malkin, Linda Coutinho, Will Reich, Lynn Christoffers, Dennis Jason, Scott Nelson, John Eisner, Alex Elvin, Edie Prescott.
At 7:00 PM Chairman Doty called meeting to order in the Selectmen’s Meeting Room.
Chairman Doty said that the Selectmen have decided to try changing the meeting time for Selectmen meetings to 5:00 PM. Chairman Doty asked for any input if people felt strongly, the Selectmen will consider their concerns. The next scheduled meeting is for June 7, 2016 and will be posted to start at 5:00 PM.
Chairman Doty said that this week is Emergency Medical Services week and that he wanted to take a moment to thank all of the EMTs and Paramedics who work so hard for our community.
Minutes: Draft minutes from May 3, 2016 were reviewed, corrections where made. Mr. Rossi moved to approve minutes with corrections. Mr. Malkin seconded the motion.
SO VOTED: 3 Ayes
At 7:10 PM Chairman Doty opened the public hearing as advertised: The Public Hearing Scheduled for April 19, 2016 for Shellfish Regulations has been rescheduled to May 17th 2016 at 7:05 PM at the Selectmen’s Meeting Room, Town Hall.~ Copies for examination are available during office hours at the Town Hall.
Shellfish Constable Isaiah Scheffer presented the amendments:
Oyster
A1. There shall be no dragging for oysters unless the air temperature reaches a minimum of twenty-eight (28) degrees Fahrenheit, by no later than 10:00 a.m. on any calendar day.
A2. If one or more days (Monday through Friday), fails to reach a minimum air temperature of twenty-eight (28) degrees Fahrenheit by 10:00 a.m. Then a commercial licensee may fish a commercial limit on Saturday of the same calendar week, if an air temperature of twenty-eight (28) degrees Fahrenheit is reached by 10 a.m. There shall be no make-up day for any other method of catching oysters.
Oyster Aquaculture
A3. Each person holding an aquaculture permit shall submit a written report annually to the Selectmen. The aquaculture report is due no later than January 15th Mr. Scheffer listed the required documentation each licensee shall submit by January 15 each year. Assistant Shellfish Constable Will Reich asked if the recently awarded oyster grant recipients will have to follow these as well. Chairman Doty said it applies to everyone with an aquaculture grant as soon as the amendments go into effect (tonight). At 7:14PM Chairman Doty moved to close the public hearing. Mr. Malkin seconded the motion. SO VOTED: 3 Ayes
Mr. Malkin moved to adopt the regulation amendments recommended by the Shellfish Advisory Committee and the Shellfish Constable as presented. Mr. Rossi seconded the motion.
SO VOTED: 3 Ayes
At 7:20 PM Chairman Doty opened the public hearing as advertised: the petition of NSTAR COMPANY d/b/a EVERSOURCE ENERGY to locate underground cables, conduits and manholes, including the necessary sustaining and protecting fixtures, in, under, along and across
the following public way or ways: South Road @ 181 South Road, Chilmark, Walter Meinelt: To install 45’ of underground conduit and cable.
Jessica Elder was present on behalf of Eversource. Selectmen welcomed Ms. Elder and reviewed the request. There was no public comment. At 7:21 PM Chairman Doty moved to close the public hearing. Mr. Rossi seconded the motion. SO VOTED: 3 Ayes
Mr. Rossi moved to approve this Eversource utilities petition for 181 South Road, Mr. Malkin seconded the motion. SO VOTED: 3 Ayes
Chilmark Library:
Library Director Ebba Hierta presented the recommendation from the Library Trustees for the temporary youth services librarian. Their recommendation is Olivia Larsen. Mr. Rossi moved to appoint Olivia Larsen to this temporary (3 month) position, Mr. Malkin seconded the motion.
SO VOTED: 3 Ayes
Ms. Hierta proposed a change to library hours and days. Ms. Hierta said the library is in the process of developing a new 5-year plan of service. The process has included extensive surveying of our community, including several focus groups and an online questionnaire. One of the areas of inquiry we delved into is the library’s schedule of open hours, which is the area of our current plan of service that generates the most complaints.
Among the areas that were clear in our survey is that a small majority of our patrons do not support adding additional open hours at this time. However, keeping with our present staffing plan, a larger majority expressed the desire to have off season hours that included Fridays instead of Mondays. We’ve checked with the school and they concur that holding school library visits on Fridays instead of Mondays would also better suit their needs.
The Trustees will be meeting at the end of June and making decisions about the proposed changes and are seeking any feedback from the Selectmen prior to the Trustees making a decision.
The proposed new Chilmark Library schedule:
Off season: 31 hours per week Summer: 34 hours per week
Monday closed Monday 10:30-1:30
Tuesday 10:30-5 Tuesday 10:30-5
Wednesday 10:30-7 Wednesday 10:30-7
Thursday 10:30-5 Thursday 10:30-5
Friday 10:30-1:30 Friday 10:30-1:30
Saturday10:30-5 Saturday 10:30-5
Selectmen Rossi said he appreciated the Library Trustees using a questionnaire that was distributed to all of Library patrons from Chilmark. Using the data collected is a great way to formulate a schedule. Chairman Doty supported opening at 10:30 AM consistently as proposed.
Library Director:
Chairman Doty said that Ms. Hierta is requesting to utilize unused vacation time in the next fiscal year. Chairman Doty said the Selectmen heard this request at their last meeting and is requesting a motion. Mr. Malkin moved to approved Ms. Hierta utilizing unused vacation time in this next fiscal year. Mr. Rossi seconded the motion. SO VOTED: 3 Ayes
The Yard:
Chairman Doty said the Yard is requesting permission to host a performer walking very slowly on Menemsha beach which will be billed as “A Body in Places”. This performance will be filmed and is free and open to the public. The date of this single performer’s slow walk is proposed to be Monday June 6, 2016.
Mr. Rossi moved to approve this request as it is free to the public and is before our busy season, with very little impact. Mr. Malkin seconded the motion. SO VOTED: 3 Ayes
Mr. Carroll asked that the yard send the town office a copy of a certificate of liability for the day of this event listing 62 Basin Road (Menemsha Beach).
Tri Town Ambulance:
Selectmen have received an updated position description for the Tri Town Ambulance Chief from the Human Resources Board. Mr. Malkin moved to approve this position as submitted. Mr. Rossi seconded the motion. SO VOTED: 3 Ayes
Ambulance Chief Ben Retmier submitted a request from the Tri Town Ambulance Committee and himself to appoint Eamonn Solway as a (40 hours a week) fulltime paramedic. Mr. Malkin moved to appoint Mr. Solway as a fulltime paramedic, Mr. Rossi seconded the motion.
SO VOTED: 3 Ayes
Chief Retmier said that starting May 23rd - October 10th staffing up island will increase to the seasonal staffing.
Planning Board / Subcommittee:
Members of the Chilmark Planning Board Subcommittee were present to discuss an outline for addressing updating the Chilmark Master plan. Below is a link to the outline:
http://www.chilmarkma.gov/Pages/ChilmarkMA_SelectAgenda/2016/05172016/Menemsha%20Planning%20Milestones%205-9-16.pdf Janet Weidner of the Planning Board and Subcommittee gave an outline of what the committee is working towards first with the Menemsha area. Joan Malkin discussed the need for community input and asked for a gathering of all town boards and committees in a forum setting possibly at the Community Center this fall. It was clear that the summer would be a good time to hear from the tax payers. Chairman Doty recommended utilizing
the Summer Resident Meeting that is held in August at the Chilmark Community Center. Mr. Carroll will contact the Town Advisory Board that schedules the summer program and see if we can adapt that meeting for this purpose of a Menemsha visioning session.
Mr. Malkin stressed that all persons involved in this process have no preconceived notions.
Mr. Carroll pointed out that the Planning Board’s administrative assistant is the Town Clerk with a busy election year and asked they remember not to task her too heavily into the fall.
West Tisbury Board of Selectmen School Taskforce Report:
Task force committee members sent Chilmark Selectmen their final report. The School task force members are: Richard Knabel, co-chair, Susan Silk, co-chair/secretary, Robert Lionette, Wenonah Madison, Michael Marcus, Gary Montrowl and Greg Orcutt. Chairman Doty said he is looking forward to a joint meeting of West Tisbury, Aquinnah and Chilmark Boards of Selectmen to meet and review this report. A date for this meeting will be set. Mr. Malkin recommended reviewing this report with our Town Accountant and FinCom members prior to this joint meeting.
Human Resources Board:
Bruce Golden was present to request to be appointed to the Human Resources Board to replace Jim Malkin. Mr. Doty moved to appoint Mr. Golden to the Human Resources Board. Mr. Malkin seconded the motion. SO VOTED: 3 Ayes
Harbormaster:
Harbormaster Dennis Jason was present to request the summer appointments for the harbor department. Mr. Jason said there is one new hire recommendation for junior assistant wharfinger;
Tucker Simonsen. Mr. Jason said he would like to have Richard Steves, Glenn DeBlase, Landon Steere and Virginia Jones return to the positions they have been working at the Harbor department. Mr. Rossi move to appoint the Harbormaster’s recommendations. Mr. Malkin seconded the motion. SO VOTED: 3 Ayes
Dredge:
Harbormaster Jason said until the dredge is removed it and the pipe line will be lit to aid in navigational safety.
Harbor Electrical Pedestals:
Harbormaster Jason said that all of the pedestals are up and secure and there is a part that the electrician has ordered to complete the connection. Mr. Jason said the plumbing also will be worked into the pedestals. Chairman Doty asked if they (the pedestals) would be operational by Memorial Day. Mr. Jason said he hoped they would.
Malkin’s Harbor Proposal:
Mr. Malkin presented a proposal to hire / appoint Ms. Christina Colarusso as a 5 week aid to the harbor. Mr. Malkin asked that Ms. Colarusso prepare a Harbor Operating Plan. Mr. Malkin recommended the pay be equal to the Assistant Harbormaster grade and be a temporary position with a funding for this position up to $5,000. Mr. Malkin moved to hire Ms. Colarusso for this temporary position. Mr. Rossi seconded the motion. SO VOTED: 3 Ayes
Chairman Doty said the funding for this is still to be worked out.
Beach Department:
Margret Maida was present to request Selectmen appoint the Beach Committee’s recommendation for summer employees. Chairman Doty reviewed the extensive list of recommendations for appointment. Ms. Maida discussed consolidation of lifeguard numbers in June and September to decrease the budget load. Ms. Maida said not all Beach Committee members felt reduction was prudent. Mr. Rossi thought that later in June for full staff was a good recommendation. Ms. Maida said the schools don’t usually get out till the 3rd week of June.
Beach Department Continued…
Mr. Malkin moved to approve the beach employees as recommended by the Beach Committee. Mr. Rossi seconded the motion. SO VOTED: 3 Ayes
Mr. Malkin said that the FinCom has agreed and would be willing to help any town department or committee review their budgets and offer budget improvements.
Beach Department Budget:
The Beach Committee sent a request for supplemental budget to staffing the month of June. The Beach Committee agreed to reduce their budget last year by $30,000.00 with the understanding that $15,000. Of this would be held in a budget line in the Selectmen’s budget under departmental reserves. The Beach Committee acting chair Clarissa Allen has sent a letter this requesting $12,000.00. Mr. Malkin moved to approve this request. Mr. Rossi seconded the motion. SO VOTED: 3 Ayes
Linda Coutinho recommended that the Beach Committee review the budget at the end of October with the beach superintendent.
Squibnocket Pond District Advisory Committee (SPDAC):
The co-chair of the SPDAC Wendy Weldon sent a written request seeking a Selectmen liaison for their committee. Mr. Rossi said he would be the liaison. Mr. Malkin moved to approve Mr. Rossi as the liaison to the SPDAC. Mr. Doty seconded the motion. SO VOTED: 3 Ayes
North Road Spring Point Entrance Project
Mr. Carroll said at the last Selectmen’s meeting the Selectmen discussed an alternate plan for the drainage problem at Spring Point entrance proposed by the Highway Superintendent. Mr. Carroll reported that engineer Kent Healy recommended sticking with his original proposal.
Nab’s Corner Affordable Housing Project:
Mr. Carroll said that a utility H20 hand hold was damaged at the Nab’s corner site and will need replacing. The cost to replace this is estimated to be $750.00. Mr. Malkin moved to approve this expense. Mr. Rossi seconded the motion. SO VOTED: 3 Ayes
American Tower Corporation Wi-Fi Proposal:
ATC responded to the conditions the Selectmen proposed from the last meeting with a request to keep the big solar trash bin at the beach location. They are counter offering free Wi-Fi to all users for a year. Mr. Malkin moved to allow ATC to move forward with their trial Wi-Fi project with the condition that is offered by ATC. Mr. Rossi seconded the motion.
SO VOTED: 3 Ayes
Menemsha Walkabout Update:
Mr. Malkin said at the site visit walkabout in Menemsha it was decided to instruct the Harbormaster to send a letter to a person who is misusing the area around our dock. Mr. Carroll said Mr. Jason (harbormaster) has drafted a letter and intends to send it. Mr. Malkin moved to request that this letter be sent. Mr. Rossi seconded the motion. SO VOTED: 3 Ayes
Road Easement Final Agreement:
Chairman Doty said that the Selectmen have been working with the Wlodyka/Martin a property road easement. This easement was brought to the Chilmark voters at the Annual Town Meeting in April were it passed. The Selectmen have received the final wording prepared by legal counsel for the easement. No action was taken
Annual Town Meeting Review:
Chairman Doty referred to page 212 in the 2015 Town Report. The entire warrant was reviewed with updates given on the warrant projects. Mr. Malkin recommended that the town committees and boards be present at the Annual Town Meeting. Each committee can present a definition of what they have been working on for certain articles and answers questions.
Mr. Rossi supported assigning committee members to speak to articles at the Annual Town Meeting.
New Business:
Chairman Doty asked for discussion of the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School athletic field artificial turf. Mr. Rossi said he did not know enough about this topic to discuss it at this time. This topic will be discussed at a later date.
Coastal Conference:
Chairman Doty said he would register to attend the conference for June 6, 2016. Mr. Rossi said he will register to attend as well.
At 9:00 PM Mr. Rossi moved to adjourn. Mr. Malkin seconded the motion. SO VOTED: 3 Ayes
Minutes respectfully submitted by Diana DeBlase.
List of Documents:
- Draft minutes 5/3/2016
- Proposed shellfish regulations amendments
- Eversource documents for permitting underground utilities access for 181 South Road
- Temporary Youth Services Librarian proposal from Library Trustees
- Library trustees proposal for change of hours that Chilmark Library is open
- Library director request to use prior year vacation time
- HRB approved grade and position description for Tri-Town Ambulance Chief
- Appointment recommendation from Chief Retmier to appoint full time paramedic
- Planning Board masterplan updating schedule
- Final report from West Tisbury Selectmen’s School task force about Up Island Regional School.
- 2015 Chilmark Town Report pages 212-221
- Letter from Co-Chair of the Squibnocket Pond District Advisory Board Committee requesting a Selectmen liaison
- Estimate to repair Nab’s Corner Affordable Housing utility power hand hole replacement
- WiFi in Menemsha contract with American Tower
- Final wording for Easement to Cagney lot for Wlodyka / Martin off Middle Line Road
Document list continued…
- Harbormaster’s recommended 2016 appointments for staffing the harbor department
- Jim Malkin’s Menemsha Harbor Assignment proposal
- Beach Committee’s recommended 2016 appointments for staffing the beaches.
- Beach Committee request for funding FY16 deficit in lifeguard budget line
- Letter from Executive Secretary to Planning Board on Menemsha projects they could help with
- June 6th & 7th 2016 Martha’s Vineyard Coastal Conference outline and signup information.
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