COUNTY OF DUKES COUNTY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
A regular meeting of the County of Dukes County Commissioners was held on Wednesday, November 14, 2001, at 7:30 p.m. in the Conference Room of the County Administration Building, notice of such meeting having been posted as required by law.
Commissioners Present: Leslie H. Leland, Chairman
Roger Wey
Leonard Jason, Jr.
Robert Sawyer
John Alley
E. B. Collins
Absent: Daniel Flynn
Also Present: Carol Borer, County Manager
Marsha Smolev, Executive Assistant
Sandra Lothrop, Associate Commissioner
David O’Sullivan, Special Sheriff
Murray Frank, Health Council
Jane Cleare, Health Council
Lorna Andrade, Health Council
Joshua Sabatini, MV Gazette
Chairman Leland called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
Commissioner Collins Moved that the Minutes of October 24, 2001
be approved. Commissioner Sawyer Seconded the Motion. The Minutes were approved as written.
The County Manager reported that the Website was up and running. Mrs. Borer reported also, that the County’s Budget had been passed. The County Finance Review Board noted when passing the Budget, that there would be need for a revision due to Airport security expenditures.
Mrs. Borer reported that the legal notice for appointments was advertised and appointments for the Martha’s Vineyard Commission and Steamship Authority are scheduled for December 5. Letters of interest for appointments are to be mailed or hand delivered and are due 4 PM on 11/27/01.
Mrs. Borer explained an energy audit was being done for the Courthouse and Administration Building. Nothing remarkable was noted for the Administration Building, since it is new. There was a two-page audit on the Courthouse, however, and $1800 can be saved if light bulbs are changed in the courtroom, as recommended.
Mrs. Borer reported that she would be meeting with Emergency Management to review the mission statement and goals and to revise the hurricane disaster plan.
Commissioner Jason asked how many counties exist in Massachusetts. Mrs. Borer answered 6.
There was discussion about the recommendation by the Housing Authority to appoint Bernet Sumner to the DCRHA. Commissioner Alley Moved to make the appointment and Commissioner Sawyer Seconded the Motion, but when Commissioner Collins stated that he preferred seeing the letter of interest and resume before voting and so he would abstain, the Motion and Second were withdrawn. The documents (letters of interest and resumes) will be distributed to the Commissioners and the vote held at another meeting.
Jane Cleare was asked to begin the Chronic Illness Network presentation. The Network began as a task force in 1999 to plan and survey Islanders with chronic illness. The target population was the group under 65, since Medicare policy changes had reduced that coverage. The goal was to provide a clearinghouse of services, a volunteer organization, and professional services. The task force became a committee and now was forming a Network. Discussion followed about survey results that were presented to the Health Council in March, 2001. Of the 120 responses, 42 were under 65 years old. Commissioner Wey asked if the Network had funding. Ms. Cleare answered no. Commissioner Sawyer said this was a natural offshoot of the Health Council. Murray Frank said the Health Council would apply
for grants to fund the Network. Chairman Leland questioned why this wasn’t just a committee, why it was a board? Commissioner Sawyer said the Network meetings would be subject to the Open Meeting Law. Mrs. Borer asked who would hire the administrator? Murray Frank said this Network was no different than the Health Care Access Board. Commissioner Jason said this sounded like the Health Council was setting up another committee to meet its mission to provide health care. Murray Frank said servicing those with chronic illness was part of an integrated health plan program, just like the Dental and Access Programs. Discussion continued. Commissioner Sawyer was concerned that not all members were members of the Health Council, so they wouldn’t have been sworn in. Marni Lipke noted that the Health Council was only 32 members, and couldn’t possibly do all the work. Lorna Andrade stressed this was an advisory board
that only recommends to the Health Council. She said it was a common situation and shouldn’t be such a big deal. Commissioner Jason asked if the Health Council Bylaws allow the Council to appoint members not on the Health Council? Murray Frank replied yes. Commissioner Jason said it appeared they were all set. Commissioner Sawyer stressed the need to take oaths to abide by the Open Meeting Law. Commissioner Jason said, provide service to those in need. If the Bylaws allow it, so be it. Murray Frank acknowledged that all committees know they must abide by the Open Meeting Law, but if appropriate, swear them in. Commissioner Collins said it sounded like the Health Council was asking for people to advise them. Ms. Andrade said, “trust us.”
Commissioner Collins Moved that the Commissioners do research and
report at the next meeting on what the Bylaws say, if it’s in the scope.
Commissioner Wey Seconded the Motion. The Motion passed Unanimously.
Commissioner Jason Moved that the meeting adjourn. Commissioner
Wey Seconded the Motion. The meeting adjourned at 8:35 PM.
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
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