Inter-Municipal Cooperation Committee – Eastham, Wellfleet, Truro, Provincetown
Thursday, October 22, 2009 10:00 AM
MINUTES
Location:
Eastham Town Hall- Small Room
Present:
Sheila Vanderhoef, Eastham Town Administrator; David Schropfer, Eastham Selectman;
Sharon Lynn, Provincetown Town Administrator; Curtis Hartman, Truro Selectman;
Paul Sieloff, Wellfleet Town Administrator; County Assembly Representatives: Teresa Martin, Eastham; Fred Schilpp, Truro
Cape Cod Commission Representatives: Peter Graham, Truro; Roger Putnam, Wellfleet
Absent:
Michele Couture, Provincetown Selectman; Ira Wood, Wellfleet Selectman;
Pam Nolan, Truro Town Administrator
Chairman David Schropfer called the meeting to order at 10:07 a.m.
Regional Response on Issues of Mutual Interest
N-Star Herbicide Spraying- Laura Kelly, Landscape Specialist, Update on Eastham’s Right of Way vegetation plans
Ms. Laura Kelly, Organic Landscape Specialist and Eastham resident, was present to speak to the committee about the NStar herbicide spraying, the ways in which Eastham and its’ residents would be effected by the spraying, and how Eastham and volunteers can clear the right-of-way without using herbicides. Ms. Kelly expressed that she is very proud of Eastham and the citizens for stepping up to fight the herbicide spraying. She said that this committee’s involvement in the issue will go a long way towards coming up with a solution. It was noted that the town of Eastham has until June 1, 2010 to have a plan to present to NStar to clear the right-of way in the future.
Ms. Kelly talked to the committee about organic eco-friendly products, such as Avenger, and other solutions that could be implemented to mitigate the growth of invasive plants instead of spraying toxic herbicides. She stated that the volunteers who came out to clear the right-of way did a wonderful job. The committee discussed whether or not a law could be passed whereby herbicides are not allowed in town, however, it was expressed that the town does not have jurisdiction over state and federal laws already in place.
The committee expressed they would like to ask the Cape Cod Commission, by way of Director Paul Niedzwiecki, for an opinion on this issue, and to see what help the Commission might be able to provide. Selectman Curtis Hartman stated he will contact Mr. Bill Clarke at the County Commissioner’s office to see if he might offer advice as well.
RMV closing- Eastham branch
The Committee was informed that Representative Sarah Peake spoke with RMV representatives regarding the closure of the Eastham RMV branch. Rep. Peake was informed that that the closure was due to many issues and based on her conversations with RMV representatives, she was not hopeful that the branch would be reopened.
The Committee spoke about obtaining data regarding the number of people who used the Eastham branch. They agreed to write a letter to the RMV signed by all of this committee’s members asking for the branch to be reopened. Eastham Selectman David Schropfer will obtain a copy of each town’s previous letter to the RMV and draft a new one.
Other Business
County Assembly Representatives, Ms. Teresa Martin, Eastham and Mr. Fred Schilpp, Truro, asked questions regarding the inter-municipal committee’s goals and objectives. The Committee informed them of issues/projects the committee has been working on. It was suggested that Ms. Martin and Mr. Schilpp be emailed copies of past committee minutes so they may better understand the issues.
Eastham Town Administrator Sheila Vanderhoef informed the committee about the Water Protection Collaborative. She stated that the public comment regarding this issue has been extended until the end of October 2009. The information regarding this issue will be sent to the County Assembly for an ordinance and will be put together as one package.
Approval of Minutes of September 22, 2009 in Provincetown
Truro Selectman Curtis Hartman motioned to approve the minutes of the September 22, 2009 meeting. The motion was seconded by Eastham Town Administrator, Sheila Vanderhoef, and so voted 5-0.
Future Agenda Items
The Committee asked that future agenda items consist of the following:
-A discussion regarding Gasby 45 -post employee benefits. Invite Mark Foley of the Retirement Board.
-Cape Cod Commission’s response to the NStar letter.
-Update on joint purchasing and actions implemented due to the discussion of this committee.
-Update on the National Park Service maintenance garage. Truro Selectman Curtis Hartman will inform Truro Town Administrator Pam Nolan to come to the next meeting prepared to speak about this issue.
Next Inter-municipal Committee Meeting
The next meeting will be held in Provincetown on Thursday, November 19, 2009 at 10:00 a.m.
ADJOURNMENT
Truro Selectman Curtis Hartman made a motion to go adjourn the meeting at 11:15 a.m.
The motion was seconded by Provincetown Town Administrator, Sharon Lynn, and so voted 5-0.
Respectfully Submitted,
Lisa Shaw
Town of Eastham
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