COUNTY OF DUKES COUNTY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
A regular meeting of the County of Dukes County Commissioners was held on Wednesday, December 08, 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 Sibley, Chairman
Daniel Flynn
Leonard Jason, Jr.
Leslie H. Leland
Robert Sawyer
Tim Carroll
E. B. Collins
Also Present: Carol Borer, County Manager
Marsha Smolev, Executive Assistant
Michael McCormack, Sheriff
Sheriff Look
Chief Carter
Shirley Searle
Tim Williamson
Members of the public and press
Chairman Sibley called the meeting to order at 7:37 p.m. Approximately 30 members of the public were present for the presentation of citations. Honored were Shirley Searle, for her devoted years of service as Supervisor of the Communications Office, and Tim Williamson, recipient of the George L. Hanna Award for bravery. Sheriff Look, Commissioner Flynn, County Manager Carol Borer, and County Commissioners Chairman Linda Sibley added words of thanks, appreciation and congratulations to Mrs. Searle and Officer Williamson.
The meeting recessed at 7:46 PM for refreshments and reconvened at 8:01 PM.
Commissioner Leland Moved to accept the Minutes of November 10, 1999 after three typographical errors were noted. Commissioner Sawyer Seconded the Motion. Commissioners Carroll, Collins, and Jason abstained. The Motion passed.
Mrs. Borer began the County Manager’s Report by distributing the Island Master Plan as drafted by the Martha’s Vineyard Commission. She also gave out the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital Emergency Room Financial report that is being presented to the Boards of Selectmen.
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Chairman Linda Sibley did not have a report. She thanked the Proclamation Committee for preparing the citations for Shirley Searle and Tim Williamson.
The Dukes County Regional Housing Authority, represented by Juleann VanBelle, David Vigneault, and James O’Brien presented a report, including a pamphlet that described properties and programs. In the last 3 years, the DCRHA brought 34 of their 42 properties into their program, but the need for more properties is great. The DCRHA’s commitment presently is to wrap up current properties and take stock of Island housing problems. The Board reported that the Rental Assistance program has been successful. About $3500 has been loaned and is being repaid, making the funds available to more people. The DCRHA asked the County Commissioners for $20,000 to cover another 15 hours of salary for James O’Brien, the Administrator. There was some discussion about whether or not the County
Treasurer could be asked to provide some bookkeeping, but Juleann VanBelle thought it best not to separate bookkeeping from the other tasks of the Administrator. There was also discussion about office space and the possibility of eventually having a desk in the Cape Air Building. Commissioner Flynn suggested investigating County properties like the New York Ave. property, to see if the County could help the DCRHA find possibilities for renovation. Chairman Sibley believed there are restrictions on the New York Ave. property, but agreed the concept of renovating County space should be investigated. There was mention of the Community Preservation Act, and how passage would bring in some funds for the Housing Authority.
Representatives of the Dukes County Health Council, Cynthia Mitchell, Steve Bernier, Arthur Wortzel, reported on the Council’s activities. The DCHC asked for an extension on member appointments. Commissioner Flynn Moved that the deadline for appointments be extended. Commissioner Collins Seconded the Motion. The Motion passed unanimously. Present appointees will hold their positions until new appointments are made.
There was presentation and discussion about the John Snow
Feasibility report, which is Phase 1 of the Health Plan. (More than 85 people were interviewed for the study.) The three parts of Phase 1:
Do what we’re doing, which includes Healthcare Access Program, which Sarah Kuh heads, and provide a community health center.
Create an insurance plan.
All the above. Do the whole thing.
The DCHC chose to go for levels 1 and 2 in Phase 2.
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The cost of Phase 1 was $35,000. The cost for Phase 2 will be $70,000, of which the Council has $35,000. The Council is asking for $35,000.00 from a County supplemental budget appropriation to help pay for Phase 2.
There was discussion about the Intermunicipal Agreement for Emergency Services. The DCHC expressed disappointment in not being included so far in the development of this Agreement. The Council expressed its belief that it could be helpful in gathering support for the Agreement.
There was discussion about the definition of the poverty level, and also about primary care. Commissioner Carroll was concerned that a primary care plan would drain funds from the hospital (considering the number of people who presently use the Emergency Room for primary care.) Cynthia Mitchell explained her belief that the primary care facility would be complementary to the Emergency Room. There was some discussion about Steve Bernier’s statement that 75% of Emergency Room activity is not truly for emergencies. Cynthia Mitchell thought the number was 70%.
Commissioner Jason left at 8:52 PM. Commissioner Sawyer explained that he didn’t feel the County Commissioners excluded the Health Council from working on the Intermunicipal Agreement. In fact, he said, the Health Council encouraged the County Commissioners to pursue the idea. Commissioner Flynn thought the Health Council was saying they wanted to participate now, not after the Agreement is done. Commissioner Sawyer read the Health Council Minutes of March 25, 1999, that urged the County to find funding and engage the public. Mrs. Borer explained that the final document will be presented to the Health Council at their meeting the next day (12/9/99) and that the Health Council will be asked to help draft details. Steve Bernier said that while the Council needs $35,000 to continue with Phase 2,
$20,000 would help (the Council would return funds if they receive more than they need.)
Commissioner Jason returned at 9:00. Phase 2 of the John Snow Plan is due to be completed by 6/30/00. Phase 3 will focus on implementation. Arthur Wortzel explained that interviews showed that programs built around existing state programs would be acceptable as part of the Health Plan. County Treasurer Noreen Flanders asked if there is cooperation with Falmouth’s Health Council. Cynthia Mitchell has had some contact with Barnstable, but not Falmouth.
Commissioner Jason asked about the poverty level for an individual. Mrs. Borer will find out and report back to the Commissioners.
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Cynthia Mitchell asked how to go about asking for the funds. Chairman Sibley told her to speak to the County Manager, who noted that the State had not yet passed our budget.
There was a short presentation by Aquinnah Selectman Michael Hebert concerning the State’s request that the County Commissioners concur with Mass Highway and sign Loop Road over to the town of Aquinnah. Selectman Hebert said no real changes would be made except perhaps to add some resident parking and to occasionally close one lane of the road for sledding. Commissioner Carroll Moved that the Commissioners sign the agreement. Commissioner Sawyer Seconded the Motion, which passed unanimously.
It was decided that Appointments will be made early next year, but it was necessary to appoint the representative to the MV Commission in December. A letter was received by the County Manager indicating Commissioner Jason’s interest in reappointment. Commissioner Sawyer Moved that the County Commissioners appoint Leonard Jason, Jr. to be the representative to the MV Commission for the coming year. Commissioner Carroll Seconded the Motion. The Motion passed. Commissioner Jason abstained.
Commissioner Jason left at 9:16 PM. There was discussion about the “Committee” as defined in the Intermunicipal Agreement, and the history of the Agreement. Commissioner Carroll was concerned about the Advisory Board being the Committee, since their role is financial. Commissioner Carroll Moved that the Committee consist of one Selectman from each town sent by the Boards of Selectmen, and 2 County Commissioners. Commissioner Flynn Seconded the Motion. The Motion passed, with Commissioners Leland and Sawyer abstaining. At present, there is still just the Task Force.
Commissioner Jason returned at 9:30 PM.
The discussion turned to Appointments to the Airport Commission. Airport Commissioner Marc Villa asked to address the County Commissioners. He requested that the Airport Commission be downsized, since 2 members “never attend,” and there are other absences which make it difficult to have a quorum. He also asked that there be some procedure for removing members that miss 3 consecutive meetings without a leave. He also asked that there be no County Commissioners on a 5 member Board. He thinks County Commissioners are sometimes in conflict, and are also overtaxed.
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Commissioner Flynn asked if Mr. Villa was seeking term limits. Mr. Villa said he was not, but he would like to see a CPA on the Board, as well as
someone in a legal field, someone in aviation. Mr. Villa would like to see more solicitation than just advertising.
Chairman Sibley reported that she had received Airport Commissioner Frost’s resignation by fax and phone.
Commissioner Leland asked if Airport Commission members who don’t attend could be asked to resign. At the present, Mr. Villa answered, there is no format for handling this issue. Commissioner Collins said this will be covered in the Administrative Codes.
Chairman Sibley invited questions from the public. County Treasurer Noreen Flanders said that there needs to be better communication between the Airport and County offices, especially if there are no County Commissioners on the Airport Commission. Rich Michelson asked if meetings are public when County Commissioners make appointments. He was told they are.
Marcia Cini requested reappointment as County Counsel. Chairman Sibley said she had received a letter from Counsel Cini.
Commissioner Jason reminded the Commissioners that an entire meeting is supposed to be devoted to these issues. Commissioner Carroll said he came to the meeting because he thought there would be discussion about the size of the Airport Commission. He thinks the new Airport Manager will need a large Board and thinks the scaling down should be done in steps. Commissioner Sawyer said he thought appointments should be deferred to allow the Commissioners time to debate the reorganization of the Airport Commission.
Commissioner Collins Moved that in view of the difficult year approaching, he would like the County Commissioners to issue a letter to Ron Rappaport reaffirming our faith in him and expressing our appreciation for his efforts. Commissioner Jason Seconded the Motion. The Vote passed, with Commissioner Flynn voting in opposition.
Commissioner Carroll asked whether the County was trying to eliminate an Airport bank account. Treasurer Flanders said no, that it was only a rumor. Commissioner Carroll asked if the County borrows from the Airport account to make payments for cash flow. Treasurer Flanders answered that there is a separate fund for the Airport. Commissioner Carroll also asked if the
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County was going to recover from the Airport, past losses. There was discussion about $20,000 that was borrowed from the County (Cape and Island License Plate funds) and used for the Airport Business Park. There was mention of a surplus of $60,000 but Treasurer Flanders questioned the number. Treasurer Flanders reminded the County Commissioners that if the Airport doesn’t have an obligation on its deficits, then it can’t benefit from its profits. Commissioner Collins suggested that at the next meeting somebody explain what the auditors suggest, what’s required, and what the effects will be of adopting a vehicle to recover money. Mr. Villa said the Airport Commission voted to ask FAA to audit the County. Treasurer Flanders thought the agreement reached at an earlier
meeting with Mr. Villa was for the auditors of the County and for MAC to talk to one another. Commissioner Carroll asked that $209,000 less the fuel adjustment be available to the Airport but the County Manager reminded everyone that the figures are not yet certified by the auditors. Commissioner Carroll wanted a vote to show on record that the County Commissioners acknowledged that the Airport can’t be charged with a deficit. No action was taken. Commissioner Jason reminded the County Commissioners that the County needs to recover the money loaned to the Airport from the Cape and Islands License Plates.
It was decided to put the issue of the funds available to the Airport on the next agenda. Chairman Sibley said she would form a subcommittee to look into this matter and formulate a Motion.
Chairman Sibley asked for a Motion to go into Executive Session. Commissioner Carroll Moved that the County Commissioners go into Executive Session and not reconvene for the purpose of voting on the Union Contract for Airport Employees. Commissioner Sawyer Seconded the Motion A roll call vote was taken with all Commissioners voting Yes. A Motion was made by Commissioner Carroll and Seconded by Commissioner Sawyer to include Marsha Smolev, Executive Assistant. A roll call vote was taken with all Commissioners voting Yes.
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 minutes120899.doc
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