COUNTY OF DUKES COUNTY
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
A regular meeting of the County of Dukes County Commissioners was held on Wednesday, February 24, 1999, at 7:30 p.m. at the Dukes County Courthouse, notice of such meeting having been posted as required by law.
Commissioners Present: Linda B. Sibley, Chairman
Daniel A. Flynn, Vice-chairman
Timothy R. Carroll
E. B. Collins
Leonard Jason, Jr.
Leslie H. Leland
Also Present: Carol Borer, County Manager
Mary Ann M. Alwardt, Executive Assistant
David O’Sullivan, County Sheriff’s Department
David Kann, MVAWWTF Chief Operator
Robert Culbert, Beach Manager
Earl B. Littlefield, DCEMA
William Searle, DCEMA
Robert Maciel, DCEMA
Brad Fligor, DCEMA
Robert Gilkes, DCEMA
Ethan Kelley, Vineyard Gazette
Chairman Sibley called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
It was noted that the minutes of the February 10, 1999 and February 16, 1999, meetings are pending.
County Manager’s Report. Mrs. Borer noted that her written report is pending. She commented on a taxi subcommittee formed via the All Island Selectmen’s Association and reported on the receipt of draft Island-wide taxi regulations for her review. She noted that the regulations address possible centralized licensing, etc. She indicated that she is discussing with them the possibility of the County providing such services. It was noted that John Alley was previously appointed as the County’s representative to this subcommittee. After further discussion,
Chairman Sibley appointed Commissioner Leland to this subcommittee to serve as the County’s representative. She asked Mrs. Borer to touch base with John Alley regarding this appointment. She suggested that if Mr. Alley does not presently represent the Town of West Tisbury that the Airport Commission might want to consider John as their representative to this subcommittee.
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Chairman’s Report: Chairman Sibley indicated that she had nothing to report at this time.
Subcommittee Reports: Commissioner Collins reported on behalf of the Legislation Subcommittee. He reported that the letter of protest of the proposed legislation for the Steamship Authority is nearly complete and ready to release.
Commissioner Flynn reported on a task force meeting he attended last Thursday in Woods Hole regarding the New Bedford SSA freight issue. He noted that the representatives from Martha’s Vineyard were poorly received. He reported that Cindy Mitchell did a very good job in representing the All Island Selectmen. He further elaborated on the discussions that took place.
Commissioners addressed Old Business: Mrs. Borer reported that 15 resumes have been received for the County Engineer position; noted that the closing date is March 5th. She indicated that the Committee will begin reviewing resumes during the week of March 8th and will make recommendations on candidates to interview.
Commissioners addressed New Business: Mrs. Borer addressed the formation of a Jail Study Committee. She noted that Sheriff McCormack had previously reported on the receipt of a grant to study the feasibility of expanding or renovating the existing correctional facility. She indicated that Sheriff McCormack has asked if the County would participate by forming a committee to assist both the County Commissioners and the Sheriff’s Department with providing some guidance in doing some analysis of the impacts on expanding or renovating the existing facility. He suggested potential committee members: a County Commissioner, someone from the Sheriff’s Dept., business community, religious or education community, and citizens. After further discussion,
Commissioner Carroll was appointed to represent the County Commissioners; Carol Borer to also participate. It was indicated that a press release would be issued in order to seek volunteers.
Commissioners addressed a request for appointments to the Dukes County Health & Human Services Advisory Council: Carol Borer, representing the County Commissioners; Joan Meadows, representing M. V. Hospital; Sherrill Butterfield, representing Windemere; Matthew Poole, representing Island Boards of Health. It was noted that Randi Vega, formerly representing the
County Commissioners, is now serving in the capacity as a Consumer representative.
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Commissioner Jason made a Motion to appoint the members as requested and to endorse Randi Vega in the capacity as a Consumer representative.
Commissioner Carroll Seconded the motion.
Motion Unanimously Approved.
Emergency Management representatives made a presentation to the Commissioners regarding the construction and location of a proposed Emergency Operation Center (EOC). Reference was made to the possibility of utilizing a portion of the Cape Air building which is to be relocated to a site near the Hot Tin Roof. Mr. Littlefield indicated that the Cape Air building structure is not adequate for an EOC per MEMA regulations. It was indicated that the Center must be a concrete, enclosed structure. Mr. Gilkes reviewed various plans that have been entertained in addition to quotes received for construction materials that would be required. There was some discussion on funding options. It was indicated that a specific site must be determined in order for Emergency Management to pursue funding, at which
point they would be placed on a waiting list. Commissioner Carroll recommended putting a full basement under the Cape Air building and to make allowance to build out for the EOC. Mrs. Borer indicated that she planned to recommend a full basement. After further discussion on a proposed site and issues regarding the erection of an antenna,
Chairman Sibley suggested that a site visit of the proposed site be made by all of the Commissioners. It was indicated that this would be scheduled within the next week. A committee was also formed to review and assess the needs and requirements of Emergency Management’s EOC; members being Commissioners Carroll, Jason, and Leland.
Mr. Fligor distributed copies of an Emergency Operations Center Inventory and reviewed the contents of a letter received from James Weaver from Commonwealth Electric Company whereby they give permission to Emergency Management to use a portion of the “Airport Substation” for the installation of water tank trailers and/or other mobile emergency management equipment. Mr. Fligor indicated that he is also discussing temporary use of the site for the EOC.
Meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.
Complete text of meeting is available on tape at the County Commissioner’s office.
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JOSEPH E. SOLLITTO, JR.
CLERK OF THE COURTS
minutes022499.doc
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