A special meeting of the County of Dukes County Commissioners was held Wednesday,
July 16, 2003 at 5:00 p.m. in the conference room of the County Administration Building, notice of such meeting having been posted as required by law.
Commissioners Present: Leonard Jason, Jr.; Robert Sawyer; Leslie Leland; John Alley, Chairman; Nelson Smith; Paul Strauss. Absent: Roger Wey
Also Present: Dianne Powers, Acting County Manager; Marsha Smolev, Executive Assistant; Sheriff McCormack; Ezra Blair, MV Times; Liz Bomze, Vineyard Gazette; Laurie Perry.
The Chairman opened the meeting at 5:00 p.m. stating that Commissioner Sawyer had asked that the fax from SSA Representative Cassie Roessel (asking that the Commissioners take action on the issue of the ferry tax) be addressed. After discussion, Commissioner Jason suggested that there be hearings or a forum after the tax becomes Law so the public can be informed. Commissioner Strauss noted that this was not a head fee for anyone coming to the Island, but an attempt to help port towns. Chairman Alley stated the sense of the Board that the issue be addressed once it becomes Law. Commissioner Smith added that Senator O’Leary and Representative Turkington be asked to present it to the public.
Commissioner Jason Moved that the Commissioners write a letter to Senator O’Leary and Representative Turkington and invite them to speak to the Vineyard soon. Commissioner Strauss Seconded the Motion. The Motion Passed Unanimously.
Commissioner Sawyer Moved that the Commissioners enter into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing non-union contract negotiations and not return to Open Session and invite Ms. Powers, Ms. Smolev, and Ms. Perry to attend.
Sheriff McCormack asked that before that, the Commissioners take action on an issue before him regarding monies owed to the County as a result of past alarm fees. Ms. Powers said the issue would be brought to the County Attorney.
Commissioner Smith said he thought the Commissioners were past Contract Negotiations and were discussing the professional competence, character, and reputation of Laurie Perry. He added he thought that discussion of professional competence should be in open meeting but reputation and character should be Executive Session and that Laurie Perry should then be given 48 hours written notice if that were the Motion on the floor.
Commissioner Strauss Seconded Commissioner Sawyer’s Motion. Commissioner Sawyer agreed that if those issues were to be discussed it would be appropriate to give 48 hours written notice but that could be waived by the party. Chairman Alley called for a Roll Call vote on the Motion: Commissioner Sawyer – aye; Commissioner Jason – aye; Commissioner Smith – nay; Commissioner Strauss – aye; Commissioner Leland – aye. The Commissioners moved into Executive Session at 5:14 PM.
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JOSEPH E. SOLLITTO, JR., CLERK OF THE COURTS -
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