Skip Navigation
This table is used for column layout.
 
June 18, 2007
AGENDA
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MONDAY, JUNE 18, 2007

6:30 p.m. - Convene Meeting - Conference Room 1

        MINUTES

Approval of the following:
                
        Monday, June 4, 2007 Regular and Executive Sessions

APPOINTMENTS & HEARINGS
6:30    Public Comment
6:40    Economic Development Industrial Corporation - Update
7:00    Chairman, Mashpee Water District

COMMUNICATIONS & CORRESPONDENCE


OLD BUSINESS

1)      Annual Reappointments
2)      Ambulance Abatement Policy
3)      Resolution of Support of the Municipal Partnership Act

NEW BUSINESS

1)      Recommendation for Award of Contract Extension – Operation of Transfer Station
2)      Request of Mashpee Wampanoag Rod & Gun Club – One-Day License
3)      Acceptance of Resignation – James Hanks
4)      Review and Execution of Order of Betterment Assessment – Grant Breen Drive and Quashnet Woods Drive

MMR ISSUES

ENVIRONMENTAL OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE

EXECUTIVE SESSION


Board of Selectmen
Minutes
June 18, 2007

Present:        Selectman Cook, Selectman Cahalane, Selectman Myers,
                Selectman Green, Selectman Taylor
                Town Manager Joyce Mason
                Assistant Town Manager Renè Read

                Meeting Called to Order by Chairman Cook at 6:30 p.m.
                Town Hall, Conference Room #1

                MINUTES:

                Monday, June 4, 2007 Regular and Executive Sessions:

                Motion made by Selectman Taylor to approve the Regular and
                Executive Session minutes of Monday, June 4, 2007 as presented.
                Motion seconded by Selectman Green.
                VOTE:  Unanimous.  5-0.

                APPOINTMENTS AND HEARINGS:

                Public Comment:

Charter Commission member Edward Larkin discussed Article 21 proposed and passed at the May 2007 Town Meeting warrant regarding the Town’s Home Rule Charter and amendments which pertain to the Mashpee Water District.  Mr. Larkin explained the article as written intended to amend Section 9 by changing the date of the election of the Water District Commissioners to coincide with the Town Election.  The article did not intend to take-over the Water District.  All powers and duties of the Water District would remain the same.

The next process as required by MGL, Chapter 43B is a ballot question that would seek voter approval of the amendment at the May 2008 Annual Town election.

                Economic Development Industrial Corporation – Update:

Members of the Mashpee Economic Development and Industrial Corporation (EDIC) were in attendance to update the Selectmen on a number of economic development initiatives.  The EDIC was established by the Board of Selectmen in June of 2006.

A Mission Statement developed by the EDIC strives to maximize the economic potential of land in Mashpee by attracting commercial, industrial and research and developmental enterprises as well as governmental agencies.  In addition, the EDIC would assist new and existing businesses in creating specific job opportunities in these areas.

The EDIC is presently seeking comment from property owners of the Mashpee Industrial Park to discuss future development plans and how the EDIC could be of assistance in their endeavors.  A comprehensive review is also being conducted of Town owned land that would be best suited for disposal and/or EDIC use.  A Town website is also being prepared for the EDIC to assist property owners in their initiatives.

Future economic development initiatives include the establishment of a marketing strategy for Town owned properties.  A focus on renewable energy resources and medical and health care industries is presently under consideration for development at the Town’s 8 plus acres of property located in the Mashpee Industrial Park area.

The Selectmen did make note of a late-filed letter of interest from Robert F. Walsh to serve as a member of the Economic Development Industrial Corporation.  The matter will be forwarded to the EDIC for a recommendation and placed on the Selectmen’s upcoming agenda for consideration.

OLD BUSINESS:

Ambulance Abatement Policy:

George Baker, Fire Chief brought a revised Ambulance Billing Policy to the Selectmen for approval.  It was noted that Chief Baker met with Selectmen representatives to re-visit the policy proposal.

Policy No. 053 is a policy of the Board of Selectmen to collect all receivables as generated by the Mashpee Fire Department with the exception of cases where payment would create a severe financial hardship.

Motion made by Selectman Taylor to approve Ambulance Billing Policy - No. 53 as amended.
Motion seconded by Selectman Cahalane.
VOTE:  Unanimous.  5-0.

NEW BUSINESS:

Recommendation for Award of Contract Extension – Operation of Transfer Station:

Catherine Laurent, Assistant DPW Director was in attendance to recommend the Board award the fourth year of a five-year bid for the operation of the Transfer Station and hauling of recyclables to We Care Transportation, Inc. for fiscal year 2008.

The FY08 base bid is a 2.7% increase from FY07.  The FY08 hauling bid prices remain unchanged from FY07.

Motion made by Selectman Myers to approve Year 4 for the Operation of the Transfer Station to We Care Transportation, Inc. for fiscal year 2008.
Motion seconded by Selectman Cahalane.
VOTE:  Unanimous.  5-0.

Request of Mashpee Wampanoag Rod & Gun Club – One-Day License:

Mashpee Wampanoag Road & Gun Club representative W.C. Mills was in attendance to request the Board approve two liquor license dates for 2007.

Motion made by Selectman Green to approve the Mashpee Wampanoag Rod & Gun Club liquor license dates of June 23rd and June 30th, 2007 as requested.
Motion seconded by Selectman Cahalane.
VOTE:  Unanimous.  5-0.

Acceptance of Resignation – James Hanks:

James Hanks submitted a letter of resignation from all offices to which the Town of Mashpee has appointed him effective July 1, 2007.

Motion made by Selectman Green to accept the resignation of James Hanks with sincere regret.
Motion seconded by Selectman Taylor.
VOTE:  Unanimous.  5-0.

APPOINTMENTS AND HEARINGS:

Chairman, Mashpee Water District:

Kenneth Marsters, Water District Chairman was in attendance with Water District members Tom Fudala and Perry Ellis for the purpose of discussing Article 21 of the May 7th Annual Town Meeting Warrant.  Legal counsel to the District, William Henchy was also present.

Chairman Cook read aloud a statement prepared by Town Counsel with respect to this regard.  It was disclosed on June 12, 2007, the Office of the Attorney General issued an opinion relative to the proposed Home Rule Charter amendment.  It is the Office of the Attorney General’s opinion there is no conflict between the proposed amendments and the laws and Constitution of the Commonwealth.  In accordance with this opinion, the legal process for amendment of the Charter as proposed by Article 21, will move to the next phase required under general laws, Chapter 43B, Section 10 which is a ballot question seeking voter approved of the proposed amendment at the May 2008 Annual Election.

It was also disclosed the Board of Selectman are in favor of this measure in so far as it will be more convenient for the voters of the Town and Water District to exercise their voting privileges.  There is no reason to pursue further changes in the existing relationship between the Town and Water District.

Mr. Marsters affirmed the Water District is in agreement and that it is the will of the citizens of the Town of Mashpee to determine the outcome at the May 2008 Annual Election.  It was agreed that Selectman Taylor, liaison to the Water District would meet with Mr. Marsters and representing counsel’s to further review this matter.

OLD BUSINESS:

Annual Reappointments:

The Board of Selectmen reviewed the Annual Reappointment list as dated June 14, 2007.  

Correspondence was received from Robert Nelson, ZBA Chair dated June 14, 2007 requesting the appointment of Marshall Brem as a full-time member and Eric Dublier as associate member not be renewed.  The Selectmen were also in receipt of a retirement notice from Fred Borgeson from his position as a full member to the Zoning Board of Appeals.
James Reiffarth, George Bolton and William Blaisdell were recommended for appointment to the ZBA as full voting members.  The Selectmen were in agreement with the appointment recommendation.

Motion made by Selectman Cahalane to approve the Annual Reappointment list as amended.
Motion seconded by Selectman Green.
VOTE:  Unanimous.  5-0.

It was agreed the Chairman of the Board of Selectmen would further review the list of annual appointments, and if necessary, the Board would vote to formally disband in-active committees.  Current vacancies and information regarding the duties and needs of vacant positions would be duly advertised on the Town’s website; www.mashpeema.gov.

The Board of Selectmen discussed the four-year service of Town Counsel, Patrick Costello and expressed appreciation for his dedication to the Town of Mashpee.  To remain in line with comparable communities, the Town Manager recommended the Board consider a pay increase from $125 to $150 per hour for Town Counsel services.  Funds presently exist in the Legal and Engineering Account to offset the additional cost assumption.

Motion made by Selectman Cahalane to increase the rate of pay of Town Counsel Patrick Costello to $150 per hour.
Motion seconded by Selectman Green.
VOTE:  Unanimous.  5-0.

                Resolution of Support of the Municipal Partnership Act:

A State House rally is scheduled on Thursday, June 21, 2007 with Governor Deval Patrick to act on the Municipal Partnership Act.  A Resolution in support of the Municipal Partnership Act was presented to the Board for adoption.  

The Act provides cities and towns with real revenue options to reduce reliance on the property tax and provide new tools to control local expenses.

Motion made by Selectman Cahalane to remit a letter of support to endorse and adopt the Model Resolution associated to the Municipal Partnership Act.
Motion seconded by Selectman Green.
VOTE:  Unanimous.  5-0.

NEW BUSINESS:

Review and Execution of Order of Betterment Assessment – Grant Breen Drive and Quashnet Woods Drive:

The Board of Selectmen reviewed the Order of Betterment Assessment regarding Grant Breen Drive and Quashnet Woods Drive.  Correspondence was received from Catherine Laurent; Assistant DPW Director dated June 4, 2007 indicating the total cost for the conversion is $37,869.24.  The cost is under budget projections.

Motion made by Selectman Green to approve and execute the Order of Betterment Assessment for construction improvements to Grant Breen Drive and Quashnet Woods Drive.
Motion seconded by Selectman Taylor.
VOTE:  Unanimous.  5-0.

ENVIRONMENTAL OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE:

Appointment of Selectmen Representative:

Motion made by Selectman Cahalane to appoint Don Myers as the Selectmen’s representative to the Environmental Oversight Committee.
Motion seconded by Selectman Green.
VOTE:  Unanimous.  4-0.
Selectman Myers abstained.

Adjournment:

Motion made by Selectman Taylor to adjourn at 7:25 p.m.
Motion seconded by Selectman Green.
VOTE:  Unanimous.  5-0.

Respectfully submitted,

Kathleen M. Soares
Secretary to the Board of Selectmen