Dukes County Commission
Minutes
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
5 p.m.
Dukes County Administration Building
9 Airport Road, Edgartown, MA
Commissioner Present: Tristan Israel, Melinda Loberg, John Alley, Les Leland
Not present: Carlene Gatting, Lenny Jason, Tom Hallahan
County Staff present: Russell H. Smith – County Manager, Martina Thornton – Ex. Assistant
*Others: Remy Tumin of Vineyard Gazette, Joanie Ames – MVTV.
Meeting was called to order at 5:05 PM
1. Minutes 5-18-2011
Melinda proposed an amendment to the Minutes - changing the word “contract” in the Personnel Committee Report section, to “employment”.
John/Tristan moved to approve the Minutes of 5-18-2011 as amended. So voted. In favor: Melinda, Tristan, John. Abstained: Les.
2. Philanthropy Day Proclamation – Russell read the Proclamation as submitted by the MV Donors Collaborative Director Peter Temple to proclaim July 8, 2011 as Philanthropy Day (see Proclamation on file).
Melinda/Les moved to approve the proclamation. So voted. In favor: Melinda, Tristan, Les. Nay: John. Motion carries.
3. FY2011 Budget Transfers (see on file)
The transfers do not change the bottom line of the budget. Commissioners gave compliments to Noreen for having explanations on the right site, which makes it easier to understand the reasons for the transfers.
Les/John moved to approve the transfers as presented. So voted. All in favor.
Russell said that these are transfers need to be also approved by the County Advisory Board. He also pointed out that the revenue projections (see on file) are very good and there will be no money needed to transfer from reserve fund.
4. Joining the Mass Municipal Association
Tristan suggested that since the Pilgrim RC& D Council ended, we can use the money put aside for that membership to joint the Mass Municipal Association, which he finds very helpful and informative.
John/Melinda moved for the County to become members of the Mass Municipal Association. So voted. All in favor.
Tristan asked Martina to make sure that once we become members all Commissioners get the legislative updates the Association distributes via e-mail.
5. No dogs on the beach
Tristan suggested that we set up a group of up to 7 people as courtesy rangers for the patrol of the beach; give them cards listing the major rules that need to be enforced to give out to people who are in violation. If the people who are being approached do not respond positively the rangers could call the Edgartown Animal Control, Oak Bluffs Police Department or the Sheriff to inform them that there is a violation and ask them to come and help. We would need to go to Town of Edgartown and Oak Bluffs to get support for this solution. Melinda liked the idea and asked about the County’s liability for people that we appoint as rangers. Tristan said there is a precedent when we used the rangers at Norton Point. Russell said that the no dogs on the beach rule started April 1st because of the nesting season of the endangered
birds and lasts all summer due to the heavy use of the beach by public. He put extra “no dogs” signs at the entrances to the beach and he needs to order more to make sure it is at every entrance. We asked the Sheriff, Town of Edgartown, the Barrier Beach Task Force, Friends of Sengekontacket and the Audubon representatives to help out.
John/Melinda moved for the Chairman to explore this approach to enforce the rules for no dogs on the beach further. So voted. All in favor.
6. Manager’s Report
Veterans’ services - Russell met with Congressman Keating’s staff couple weeks ago and updated them on the history of the situation with the prolonged negotiations between the VA and the Hospital to provide basic medical services for the veterans.
CGI video – the videographer was here last week and the videos should be finished in couple of months.
Courthouse – the gutters will be installed this week.
Second Bridge – fence was installed at the bridge.
Animal Shelter – hosted a successful Celebration of Pets past Saturday in Oak Bluffs and the Board is working on applying for the 501c (3) status.
7. Old Business – (see list on file) – no comments.
8. Correspondence – John mentioned in connection with the invitation to the 4th of July Parade in Edgartown that Ted Morgan was featured on CBS News. Commissioners should get back to Martina to let her know who will represent the County in the Parade.
Letter from MVTV – Russell will meet with the representative to discuss future coverage of the County Commissioners’ meetings next week. If anyone has any suggestions, please get back to Russell.
9. Next meeting – July 13th at 5pm.
Adjournment:
John/Les moved to adjourn the meeting at 5:25 p.m. All in favor.
Respectfully Submitted by:
______________________________
JOSEPH E. SOLLITTO JR., Clerk of the Courts
Documents presented at the meeting and part of the official records:
- Agenda
- Philanthropy Day Proclamation
- FY2011 Budget Transfers
- FY2011 Revenue Projections
- Old Business List
- Invitation to 4th of July Parade
- Letter from MVTV
- Cape Light Compact – April report
- SSA 6-21-11 meeting memorandum
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