AGENDA
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2014
6:30 p.m. – Convene Meeting – Waquoit Meeting Room – Mashpee Town Hall
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
MOMENT OF SILENCE
MINUTES
Approval of the following:
Monday, November 3, 2014 – Regular Session
APPOINTMENTS & HEARINGS
6:30 Public Comment
6:40 Catherine Laurent:
- Community Park Final Design
- Vacancy Request – DPW/Heavy Equipment Operator – Vote Required
7:00 Public Hearing: 2015 Tax Rate Classification – Vote Required
7:15 Peter Zawadzki – Mashpee TV Update
COMMUNICATIONS & CORRESPONDENCE
OLD BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
- Mashpee Chamber of Commerce – Special Events Application for Annual Christmas Parade on December 13, 2014 – Vote Required
- Position Vacancy Request– Part-Time Library/Circulation Assistant – Vote Required
- Grant Position Vacancy – Part-Time Council on Aging/Office Assistant – Vote Required
- Acceptance of Resignation from Advisory Committee to Sewer Commission – Evelyn Buschenfeldt – Vote Required
- One Day Liquor License Request – Boys & Girls Club of Cape Cod, Inc.: Wine, Beer & Food Tasting Event on November 20, 2014 – Vote Required
ADDITIONAL TOPICS
(This space is reserved for topics that the Chairman did not reasonably anticipate would be discussed.)
LIAISON REPORTS
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Board of Selectmen
Minutes
November 17, 2014
Present: Selectman Taylor, Selectman Richardson, Selectman Sherman,
Selectman Cahalane, Selectman Gottlieb
Town Manager Joyce Mason
Assistant Town Manager Tom Mayo
Meeting Called to Order by Chairman Taylor at 6:30 p.m.
Mashpee Town Hall, Waquoit Meeting Room
MINUTES:
Monday, November 3, 2014 Regular Session:
Motion made by Selectman Richardson to approve the Regular Session minutes of Monday, November 3, 2014 as presented.
Motion seconded by Selectman Gottlieb.
VOTE: Unanimous. 5-0.
Roll Call Vote:
Selectman Taylor, yes Selectman Richardson, yes
Selectman Sherman, yes Selectman Cahalane, yes
Selectman Gottlieb, yes Opposed, none
APPOINTMENTS & HEARINGS:
Public Comment:
At the last meeting, the Board of Selectmen voted to form a Waste Management Committee to review all options and related costs for the reduction of trash disposal. A ten-member committee was recommended with two residents to serve as members at-large.
Tom O’Hara commented in support of the committee, and suggested that more residents be involved vs. town officials and employees. Mr. O’Hara expressed an interest in serving on the committee asking if any meeting dates have been arranged. Mr. O’Hara indicated that it is hopeful the new committee would gain full knowledge of the alternatives to waste management before the recommendation is placed on the ballot for the voters to decide the outcome.
Board of Selectmen
Minutes
November 17, 2014
APPOINTMENTS & HEARINGS:
Catherine Laurent – Community Park Final Design:
An illustrative site plan for the new Mashpee Community Park was presented to the Selectmen for comment by the Director of Public Works. The final plan for the expansion of the park includes the connection to the Veterans Garden, the Mashpee Archives and One Room Schoolhouse.
With the increased use of the Veterans Garden, the conceptual design enlarges the lawn in this area to allow for greater participation and access to the remainder of the park. Ms. Laurent indicated the open areas in the park and Veterans Garden area were also planned to allow for improved visibility and for safety reasons.
All pathways throughout the park will be handicap accessible. The design depicts three entry points to the park, and incorporates LED site lighting and signage for site identification. The adjacent parking lot will accommodate up to 78 spaces. The pavilion is intended to host small performances, concerts and movie nights. The structure will include a handicap accessible ramp and electrical outlets for power. It was noted that Wi-Fi connection is planned to be available throughout the entire park.
It is anticipated the park would be open by Memorial Day to re-establish this area as the center of the Town of Mashpee. The project was approved with the use of Community Preservation funding in 2013.
For electronic connection, the Board of Selectmen recommended that USB ports be installed in a few locations within the park. In addition, it was noted that two trees sited in the area of the pavilion may interfere with performances. The DPW Director indicated that she would further review this matter.
APPOINTMENTS & HEARINGS:
Catherine Laurent – Vacancy Request – DPW Heavy Equipment Operator:
A Position Vacancy Request was before the Board for the job of Heavy Equipment Operator to the Department of Public Works. The date of the vacancy is November 5, 2014 for the full-time position.
Motion made by Selectman Gottlieb to approve the Position Vacancy Request for the position of Heavy Equipment Operator to the DPW at Step 1 of the intended pay scale.
Motion seconded by Selectman Cahalane.
VOTE: Unanimous. 5-0.
Roll Call Vote:
Selectman Taylor, yes Selectman Richardson, yes
Selectman Sherman, yes Selectman Cahalane, yes
Selectman Gottlieb, yes Opposed, none
COMMUNICATIONS & CORRESPONDENCE:
Public Hearing – Route 151 Improvements:
A Public Hearing is scheduled on December 2, 2014 at 6:00 p.m. at the Mashpee Town Hall in the Waquoit meeting room to review site improvements to Route 151 with the DPW Director and Town Manager. The Board of Selectmen was invited to attend. If there is a quorum, the meeting will be posted.
Veterans Day Ceremony:
With the ongoing construction of the Community Park, the Veterans Day Ceremony was held at the Mashpee High School. It was noted the event was well attended, and the service was deemed exceptional. The School Superintendent and his staff were commended for their endeavors to make this a successful event for the Town of Mashpee.
Election:
The Town Clerk was also recognized for a well-organized election earlier this month. The voter turn-out was high, approximately 60% of the Mashpee voters participated in the election process.
APPOINTMENTS & HEARINGS:
COMMUNICATION & CORRESPONDENCE:
Metropolitan Planning Organization Meeting:
The Cape Cod Metropolitan Planning Organization (CCMPO) met today. With the new election, Perry Ellis was nominated to represent the Town of Sandwich. Sub Region A of the CCMPO formed to review regional transportation plans and studies is comprised of the Town of Mashpee, Bourne, Falmouth and Sandwich.
Cape Cod Commission Public Hearing:
The Cape Cod Commission (CCC) conducted their Public Hearing on the Nitrogen Control Bylaw approved by the voters at the October Town Meeting. The CCC was noted to be supportive of the Town’s proposed implementing regulations pursuant to the guidelines of the Cape-wide District of Critical Planning Concern (DCPC). However, it was noted that one staff member was not in favor, and objected strenuously to the proposal. Environmental Oversight Committee member Michael Talbot is expected to compile a factual representation of the allegations for the Town’s response. The Attorney General will now make the final determination with respect to this regard.
Section 208 Plan:
A brief discussion followed with respect to the CLF suit against the EPA as it relates providing for more stringent monitoring of the Cape’s Area-wide Water Quality Plan. If a settlement is approved, it would require the EPA to update the Cape’s Clean Water Action Section 208 Area-wide Wastewater Management Plan.
Chamber of Commerce – Open House:
An Open House is planned at the new office of the Mashpee Chamber of Commerce in South Cape Village on Thursday evening beginning at 5:30 p.m.
Dog Park Final Design:
Final cost estimates and plans for the Mashpee Dog Park were detailed by the project engineers; CDM Smith of Cambridge, MA and presented to the Board of Selectmen for review. With approval of these documents, the Town will move forward with the MOU process with the granting authorities.
Motion made by Selectman Cahalane to endorse the final design of the Mashpee Dog Park as presented.
Motion seconded by Selectman Sherman.
VOTE: Unanimous. 5-0.
Roll Call Vote:
Selectman Taylor, yes Selectman Richardson, yes
Selectman Sherman, yes Selectman Cahalane, yes
Selectman Gottlieb, yes Opposed, none
Mashpee Chamber of Commerce – Special Events Application for Annual Christmas Parade on December 13, 2014:
Mary Lou Palumbo, Executive Director of the Mashpee Chamber of Commerce was in attendance to request the Board approve the Special Events Application for the 9th Annual Mashpee Christmas Parade celebrating Family Traditions. The event is being sponsored by Eastern Bank.
The parade is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Mashpee Library and end at approximately 6:30 p.m. in the South Cape Village complex. There are no changes to the route from last year. This season, there are more floats and participants. New bands include the “Spirit of America Band” and the “Shriners Oriental Band”. A special performance will conducted by the “Spirit of America Band” at the end of the parade; rain or shine.
Motion made by Selectman Richardson to approve the Special Events Application of the Mashpee Chamber of Commerce for the Annual Christmas Parade as referenced.
Motion seconded by Selectman Sherman.
VOTE: Unanimous. 5-0.
Roll Call Vote:
Selectman Taylor, yes Selectman Richardson, yes
Selectman Sherman, yes Selectman Cahalane, yes
Selectman Gottlieb, yes Opposed, none
NEW BUSINESS:
Position Vacancy Request – Part-Time Library/Circulation Assistant:
Kathleen Mahoney, Librarian submitted a Position Vacancy Request to the Board for a Circulation Assistant; part-time, 19 hours per week at Step 1 of the intended pay scale. The date of the vacancy is November 7, 2014.
Motion made by Selectman Richardson to approve the Position Vacancy Request to advertise for a Part-Time Library Circulation Assistant as requested.
Motion seconded by Selectman Cahalane.
VOTE: Unanimous. 5-0.
Roll Call Vote:
Selectman Taylor, yes Selectman Richardson, yes
Selectman Sherman, yes Selectman Cahalane, yes
Selectman Gottlieb, yes Opposed, none
Grant Position Vacancy – Part-Time Council on Aging/Office Assistant:
A grant-funded position for Office Assistant to the Council on Aging was before the Board for advertisement. The standard part-time positon, up to 304 hours is available immediately and funded until June 30, 2015.
Motion made by Selectman Cahalane to approve the Grant Position Vacancy Request to the Council on Aging for a Part-Time Office Assistant as referenced.
Motion seconded by Selectman Richardson.
VOTE: Unanimous. 5-0.
Roll Call Vote:
Selectman Taylor, yes Selectman Richardson, yes
Selectman Sherman, yes Selectman Cahalane, yes
Selectman Gottlieb, yes Opposed, none
NEW BUSINESS:
Acceptance of Resignation from Advisory Committee to Sewer Commission – Evelyn Buschenfeldt:
Correspondence was received from Evelyn Buschenfeldt dated November 1, 2014 resigning from the Advisory Committee to the Sewer Commission effective immediately.
Motion made by Selectman Richardson to accept the resignation of Evelyn Buschenfeldt from the Advisory Committee to the Sewer Commission.
Motion seconded by Selectman Gottlieb.
VOTE: Unanimous. 5-0.
Roll Call Vote:
Selectman Taylor, yes Selectman Richardson, yes
Selectman Sherman, yes Selectman Cahalane, yes
Selectman Gottlieb, yes Opposed, none
One Day Liquor License Request – Boys & Girls Club of Cape Cod, Inc.,
Wine, Beer & Food Tasting Event on November 20, 2014:
Ruth Provost, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Cape Cod submitted an Application for License to sell a variety of beer & wine at the annual food tasting event scheduled to be held on November 20, 2014 at 30 Bates Road, Mashpee from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The site is the former New Balance store next to the new Chamber of Commerce office in South Cape Village.
This is a fundraising event for the Boys & Girls Club.
Motion made by Selectman Richardson to approve the request of the Boys & Girls Club of Cape Cod, Inc. for a One-Day Wine & Malt License on November 20, 2014 as referenced.
Motion seconded by Selectman Sherman.
VOTE: Unanimous. 5-0.
Roll Call Vote:
Selectman Taylor, yes Selectman Richardson, yes
Selectman Sherman, yes Selectman Cahalane, yes
Selectman Gottlieb, yes Opposed, none
APPOINTMENTS & HEARINGS:
Peter Zawadski – Mashpee TV Update:
Peter Zawadski, Station Manager of the Mashpee Community Media Center on Industrial Drive was in attendance to review the position he began approximately 2 ½ months ago with the Board of Selectmen and interested public.
Mr. Zawadski indicated the main goal of MTV is to increase community engagement. Plans include changing the face of Mashpee TV as a venue to learn and teach, and be a part of the community. Programs being offered include production classes, editing, social design and basic computer skills. An education coordinator was recently hired to work at the schools. In addition to teaching students actual production values, audio events include a weekly magazine show.
Mashpee TV is also teaming with the Cape Cod Children’s Museum, Boys & Girls Club, Chamber of Commerce and Library. Mr. Zawadski reported there have been over thirty productions since December. Programs include the PAYT forum, the Solar Arrays at the Transfer Station and the Seaside Lemans to name a few.
Public Hearing – 2015 Tax Rate Classification:
The Board of Selectman opened the Public hearing on whether the Town of Mashpee should implement the Classification Act. The Hearing notice was read into the record to conform to posting procedures. Jason Streebel, Director of Assessing was in attendance to facilitate the Classification Hearing.
The Board in their informational packet reviewed the Classification Options as identified for planning purposes. Mr. Streebel indicated the shifting of the tax rate between categories of properties would place a greater tax burden on Commercial, Industrial and Personal Property taxpayers while reducing the tax rate for open space and residential properties.
Secondly, under consideration is whether there should be a residential exemption of up to 20% for Mashpee residents. If this were to be adopted, the Director of Assessing has recommended a lead-time of one year. Lastly, the Board would consider whether to adopt a small commercial exemption of up to 10%. Of the 466 commercial properties, 136 would qualify for this exemption.
APPOINTMENTS & HEARINGS:
Public Hearing – 2015 Tax Rate Classification: (continued)
With all of this information, it is the recommendation of the Board of Assessors that a single tax rate be adopted with no residential exemption and no small business exemption. The Board of Assessors considers the commercial classes of properties to be too small to absorb the burden of a tax rate shift or small commercial exemption and it would have a negative impact on growth. The BOA also feels that a residential exemption would unfairly shift the tax burden to homeowners who use the least amount of services and would have adverse effects on Mashpee’s housing market.
Mr. Streebel indicated the single tax rate is $9.11 per $1,000 valuation which is down $0.09 from last year’s tax rate. The average tax bill for a single family home assessed at $460,974 will increase by $98. Last year, the increase was $130. It was noted that overall, the value of homes have increase by approximately 4% from last year.
Motion made by Selectman Richardson to move that the Town of Mashpee adopt a tax rate Factor of “1” for all classes of property with no discount for Open Space, no Residential Exemption and no Small Commercial Exemption.
Motion seconded by Selectman Sherman.
VOTE: 4-1. Motion carries.
Roll Call Vote:
Selectman Taylor, yes Selectman Richardson, yes
Selectman Sherman, yes Selectman Cahalane, yes
Selectman Gottlieb, no Opposed, (1)
Selectman Gottlieb disclosed that he favors the residential exemption.
LIAISON REPORTS:
Chamber of Commerce – Thanksgiving Dinner:
The Mashpee Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring their annual distribution of Thanksgiving dinners to Mashpee residents in need. It was noted the local Roche Bros supermarket prepares the meals that are distributed by volunteers the day prior to Thanksgiving. Last year approximately 90 dinners were donated.
Schools:
The Mashpee High School received a technology award last week. The Board of Selectmen was encouraged to visit the impressive Technology Center of Excellence at MHS.
EOC:
The Environmental Oversight Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday.
FY16 Budget:
The Town Manager announced that budget packets will be available next week.
Adjournment:
Motion made by Selectman Cahalane to adjourn at 7:15 p.m.
Motion seconded by Selectman Richardson.
VOTE: Unanimous. 5-0.
Roll Call Vote:
Selectman Taylor, yes Selectman Richardson, yes
Selectman Sherman, yes Selectman Cahalane, yes
Selectman Gottlieb, yes Opposed, none
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen M. Soares
Secretary to the Board of Selectmen
| 
