COUNTY OF DUKES COUNTY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
A regular meeting of the County of Dukes County Commissioners was held on Wednesday, May 12, 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
Timothy R. Carroll
E. B. Collins
Leonard Jason, Jr.
Leslie H. Leland
Also Present: Carol Borer, County Manager
Mary Ann M. Alwardt, Executive Assistant
Michael McCormack, County Sheriff
Robert Culbert, County Beach Manager
Nathan Durawa, County Asst. Beach Manager
David Duarte, County Recreation Dept.
Susan Jones, County Recreation Dept.
Ethan Kelley, Vineyard Gazette
Chairman Sibley called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m.
County Manager’s Report: Mrs. Borer reported that an amendment to the Hot Tin Roof lease has been executed; re: utilizing parking areas in exchange for more parking. Mrs. Borer reported that two bids have been received for the relocation of the Cape Air Building; $50,200 from Northern Construction Service and $29,280 from Michael Carroll. She indicated that she plans to award the contract to Michael Carroll and will execute a contract with him next week. She noted various tasks to be completed prior to moving the building; i.e. design foundation, clear trees, trench work for utilities, and confirm that existing heating system is in working order.
Commissioner Collins inquired as to the total cost of this project.
Mrs. Borer indicated that she does not have a total for the additional costs (foundation design, cutting trees, etc.) but will soon be acquiring estimates.
Mrs. Borer reported on the Cape Light Compact. She indicated that the Compact is expected to review summaries and recommendations from the Power Supplier Review Committee on May 19 and May 26; anticipated award given by May 26. She reported that Scott Ridley is expected at the June 2nd meeting of The All Island Selectmen to discuss the power supplier and contract.
Mrs. Borer reported that the Executive Assistant position has been advertised and the application deadline closed last Friday; will be interviewing five candidates between now and the beginning of next week.
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Mrs. Borer reported that a follow-up meeting on the DEM land swap proposal is scheduled for Tuesday, May 18th, at 4:30 p.m. at the Katharine Cornell Theatre; will be meeting with DEP officials. She noted that the same individuals invited to the last meeting, in addition to the County Commissioners, are invited to attend this meeting.
Mrs. Borer reported that the County Commissioners annual meeting on Cuttyhunk has been scheduled for Wednesday, July 28, 1999, with a rain date of Thursday, July 29, 1999.
Mrs. Borer suggested to the Chairman that consideration be given to scheduling one meeting a month during the months of June, July & August.
Chairman Sibley concurred that this would be a good idea. She suggested scheduling one regular meeting and reserving one Wednesday for backup. There was a general consensus; no definite decision made.
Mrs. Borer noted that the June 9th meeting of the County Commissioners is scheduled to be held at the Edgartown Town Hall. She reported that Marguerite Bergstrom, Associate Commissioner for Affairs Concerning the Elderly, would be addressing a regional proposal being discussed by the Council on Aging. She suggested inviting Sandra Lothrop (Associate Commissioner for Affairs Concerning Handicapped Persons) to attend.
Chairman’s Report: Chairman Sibley reported that Commissioner Sawyer has returned home from a recent stay at the M. V. Hospital and is feeling better. She reported that, in light of his stay at the Hospital, Commissioner Sawyer has requested that he be appointed a subcommittee of one to pursue the $500,000 for the Hospital. She indicated that it has been brought to her attention that The All Island Selectmen have already formed a committee to address this matter and recommended appointing Commissioner Sawyer to this committee. There was no objection to this recommendation.
Subcommittee Reports: Mrs. Borer noted that representatives of the Dukes County Health Council are not present this evening. She reported that the Chair, Cindy Mitchell, has requested and encourages attendance of the Health Council’s annual meeting scheduled for next Wednesday evening. It was indicated that the Council would report at a later date.
Sheriff McCormack reported on behalf of the Jail Study Committee. He reported that the first meeting of the Committee was held this past Monday. He indicated that members of the Committee were given a tour of the facility and thereafter reviewed the goals & objectives of the task force. He noted that a consulting team analyzed the conditions at the Jail and predicted
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future inmate population numbers. He reported that the Committee is scheduled to meet again next month (June 14, 1999, at 6:30 p.m. at the Courthouse) and will continue a review for renovations or replacing the facility.
Commissioner Leland commented that those in attendance concurred that the existing facility is not adequate.
Chairman Sibley reported on behalf of the Regional Education Subcommittee. She commented that the recent forum was very successful; several good comments made, and received an expressed interest in continuing the dialogue. Mrs. Borer noted that it was a good meeting with future meetings to be scheduled.
Mrs. Borer commented on the activities of the Proclamation Subcommittee. She reported that they have met, and whatever is planned will be on Island tomorrow afternoon. She inquired as to what is envisioned for Friday’s ceremony (re: Sheriff Look), as the County Commissioners are listed at the beginning on the agenda. It was decided that Mrs. Borer would speak on behalf of the County Commissioners.
Commissioners addressed New Business: Mrs. Borer noted that at the last meeting some of the Commissioners asked if the Recreation Dept. could come in and give a presentation on their activities, etc.
Robert Culbert, Beach Manager, introduced Recreation Dept. staff members; namely, Nathan Durawa, Assistant Beach Manager; David Duarte, Beach Maintenance; Susan Jones, Shorebird Monitor. Mr. Culbert reported that the Recreation Department has received approximately $35,000 in grant funds; $30,000/year for three years to be utilized for vegetation planting for dune stabilization and future projects (i.e. handicapped access) and a Coastal Access grant of $4,700 for signs. Mr. Culbert and David Duarte addressed the beach grass planting project. Nathan Durawa addressed the utilization of the Coastal Access funds and reviewed the various signs to be erected on the beaches. He noted that the Norton Point Beach rules & regulations are now printed on the vehicle permit. Mr. Culbert reported that
permission has been received from the Oak Bluffs Conservation Commission to erect fencing at Eastville Point Beach. Susan Jones reported on piping plover nesting activities at State Beach and Norton Point Beach. She commented on a problem with rats at State Beach. Mrs. Borer noted that this situation has also been discussed with Scott Melvin, and he has been asked how we might remedy this problem.
There was some discussion regarding Norton Point Beach vehicle trails.
Mrs. Borer reported that all structured gatherings are prohibited on Norton
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Point Beach from Memorial Day through Labor Day, which is consistent with Edgartown bylaws.
Commissioners thanked the staff of the Recreation Department for their attendance.
Commissioner Carroll inquired as whether any correspondence has been received from the Airport Commission regarding lack of attendance and their difficulties in obtaining a quorum for meetings; specifically, the absence of William Frost.
It was indicated that correspondence of this nature has not been received.
Commissioner Carroll inquired as to whether Emergency Management has reviewed and/or discussed the possibilities of utilizing the basement of the proposed addition to the Communication Center building. He suggested that Mr. Littlefield be directed to meet and discuss this matter with Sheriff McCormack. Mrs. Borer noted that it had been voted to support the Sheriff in seeking funds for an addition to the Communication Center with a full basement with the potential of expanding for Emergency Management, etc. She suggested that Mr. Littlefield direct his staff to speak with the Sheriff.
Commissioner Carroll commented on Emergency Management’s plans for erecting an antenna. It was suggested that it would be beneficial if this, too, were reviewed and discussed with Sheriff McCormack.
Commissioner Jason made a Motion to direct Mr. Littlefield to coordinate the needs and future plans of Emergency Management with Sheriff McCormack.
Commissioner Leland Seconded the motion.
Motion Unanimously Approved.
Meeting adjourned at 8:40 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
minutes051299.doc
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