AGENDA
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MONDAY, JULY 10, 2006
6:30 p.m. - Convene Meeting - Conference Room 1
MINUTES
Approval of the following:
Monday, June 19, 2006 Regular Session
APPOINTMENTS & HEARINGS
6:30 Public Comment
6:40 Health Agent – Glen Harrington – Flu Pandemic Preparation
7:00 Sewer Commission – Status Update
7:10 Willowbend Development Corp., d/b/a Willowbend Country Club
Request to Change License Type to Commercial Club License
7:20 Waterways Commission
- Mashpee River Dredging Update
- Recommendation for Bid Acceptance – Engineering Services for Obtaining Dredging Permits
COMMUNICATIONS & CORRESPONDENCE
1) Resolution – Otis Coalition
2) Tribal Discussions
OLD BUSINESS
1) EDIC Appointments
- Government Representative/Low Income Representative
2) Strategic Planning Session
NEW BUSINESS
1) Grant Application Request – Fire Chief
2) Recommendation for Appointment - Shellfish Commission Associate Member
3) Acceptance of Policy Amendment – Planning & Construction Committee Guidelines
4) Acceptance of Policy Amendment – Appointments of Boards and Committees
5) Review and Execution of Grant of Easement – AFCEE
6) Approval of Year End Transfers
MMR ISSUES
BLUE RIBBON COMMITTEE UPDATE
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Board of Selectmen
Minutes
July 10, 2006
Present: Selectman Taylor, Selectman Cook, Selectman Cahalane,
Selectman Myers, Selectman Green
Town Manager Joyce Mason
Assistant Town Manager Renè Read
Meeting Called to Order by Chairman Taylor at 6:30 p.m.
Town Hall, Conference Room #1
MINUTES:
Monday, June 19, 2006 Regular Session:
Motion made by Selectman Myers to approve the Regular
Session minutes of Monday, June 19, 2006 as presented.
Motion seconded by Selectman Cahalane.
VOTE: Unanimous. 4-0.
Selectman Green abstained.
APPOINTMENTS AND HEARINGS:
Public Comment: None at this time.
NEW BUSINESS:
Grant Application Request – Fire Chief:
George Baker, Fire Chief was in attendance to request the Board grant permission to apply for Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant Funding through the Federal Department of Homeland Security to offset funds needed to staff the future South Mashpee sub-station.
The SAFER grant program requires a non-federal match in years one through four. The grant would also offset fringe benefits. In the fifth year, the Town would be required to fully fund the personnel. The grant if attained would allow the department to increase staffing by (6) to bring forth a total of 8 to meet the employment needs of the new sub-station.
A funding matrix was provided in the grant application proposal that was presented to the Selectmen in a memorandum dated June 26, 2006.
Discussion followed regarding the potential risks and savings regarding the grant program. It was disclosed, Town Meeting approval is necessary to activate the grant funding if the Town is chosen as a recipient. Grant funding notification would be announced in late October. Hiring could be deferred to concur with the opening of the new South Mashpee sub-station.
Motion made by Selectman Myers to grant the Fire Chief permission to pursue grant funding under the SAFER Program as outlined.
Motion seconded by Selectman Green.
VOTE: Unanimous. 5-0.
APPOINTMENTS AND HEARINGS:
Health Agent – Glen Harrington – Flu Pandemic Preparation:
Glen Harrington, Health Agent was present to discuss plans to treat and vaccinate residents in the event of an avian flu pandemic. The plan includes identifying dispensing response sites. It was however noted, the Town of Mashpee has not been asked by the State Department of Health to conduct a flu pandemic plan to date.
Presently, the Town is taking a proactive stance and identifying the at-risk population, naming specific individuals who would offer immediate assistance and attending training seminars that would assist in the development of a working tool for the Town in a time of need. The Mashpee High School has been earmarked as the Town’s dispensing response site.
Mr. Harrington informed the Board that presently, there are no vaccines. Once the actual flu is identified, a vaccine is developed from the actual strain of the flu. The process takes several months. A limited amount of vaccine would be made available on a monthly basis to distribute to first responders. The general public would then receive the vaccine at the designated flu clinics when additional amounts would become available for disbursement. Presently, the flu clinics operated by the Town serve approximately 600 people per day.
The Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) was presented to the Board. The document provides guidelines and policy to ensure the execution of essential functions in the event the Mashpee Board of Health is threatened by a major emergency.
Discussion followed with respect to regionalization. It was agreed the State should take the lead to develop and fund a regional structure as many Cape towns have understaffed health departments.
Mr. Harrington indicated he would continue to update the Selectmen
as more answers are obtained regarding this matter.
COMMUNICATIONS AND CORRESPONDENCE:
Mashpee High School Treatment Facility:
The Board of Health Agent was requested to meet with the School Committee to discuss matters associated to the Mashpee High School septage treatment facility.
APPOINTMENTS AND HEARINGS:
Willowbend Development Corp., d/b/a Willowbend Country Club
Request to Change License Type to Commercial Club License:
Selectman Cook stepped down for the above referenced appointment.
Counsel for the Willowbend County Club discussed the recent approval made by the Selectmen to convert Willowbend’s existing restaurant license to a private club license. Although the Board of Selectmen approved the request, the ABCC did not. It is the opinion of the ABCC to treat the requested designation as a “Commercial Club” license pursuant to its existing restaurant license so that admission would be limited to dues paying members of the Willowbend Country Club.
To date, Willowbend has approximately 450 dues paying members. Membership is offered in accordance with the Clubs Membership program. Membership may not be denied on the basis of race, color, and creed, place of national origin or sex.
Motion made by Selectman Cahalane to grant the Willowbend Development Corp., d/b/a Willowbend Country Club existing restaurant license to a Commercial Club License as referenced.
Motion seconded by Selectman Myers.
VOTE: Unanimous. 4-0.
Selectman Cook absent.
Sewer Commission – Status Update:
Tom Fudala was in attendance with members of the Sewer Commission to discuss the status of the Mashpee Watershed Nitrogen Management Plan. Information was distributed that detailed the Popponesset Bay Massachusetts Estuaries Program Report, the Quashnet River-Hamblin Pond-Jehu Pond MEP Report and the Three Bays Massachusetts Estuaries Program Report.
It was noted the Waquoit Bay-Eel Pond-Childs River MEP Report is not complete to date.
Septic systems were deemed the largest contributor of nitrogen in the Popponesset Bay embayments. The second largest contributor of nitrogen derives from fertilizers and runoff. Maps enclosed in the report depicted the average total nitrogen concentrations from the results of the present conditions loading scenario for Popponesset Bay.
The findings detailing the three eastern sub-embayments of Waquoit Bay; the Quashnet River, Hamblin Pond and Jehu Pond have found that sediments are deemed the largest contributor of nutrient loading. Septic systems, fertilizers and run-off follow.
The report documented sewer modeling and preliminary design evaluations for potential wastewater discharge areas. Capital costs for the combination gravity/low pressure system reflect an estimate of $110,000. The low pressure system and vacuum system are each estimated to cost $120,000. The estimates were prepared in November 2005 by Stearns & Wheler, LLC.
The Popponesset Bay Pilot Project funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, UMASS-Dartmouth in May of 2006 presents alternative wastewater treatment scenarios modeled using the Massachusetts Estuaries Program Popponesset Bay Model.
In scenario #1, 100% nitrogen is removed from the Mashpee River watershed below Mashpee Pond, the Santuit River watershed below Santuit Pond, the Cotuit Water District Well #5 watershed and the Shoestring Bay watershed. Scenario 1 + 1 involves 100% nitrogen removal from the watersheds as identified to include the watersheds of the Mashpee Water District Quaker Run well and the watershed of Quaker Run.
Scenario 2a and 2b consider the use of on-site denitrifying septic systems for all existing and future development in the Popponesset Bay watershed except those served by private wastewater treatment facilities.
It was noted the Popponesset Bay Pilot Project considers the Town’s of Mashpee, Barnstable and Sandwich. The Town of Mashpee is noted to add 74% to the nitrogen loading.
A timeline of the Mashpee Watershed Nitrogen Management Plan was reviewed. In November of 2006, the report associated to the Development and Evaluation of Alternate Scenarios should be complete. The Conceptual Design and Cost Estimates for the Selected Scenarios in Phase V are anticipated to be complete in January of 2007. The Recommended Plan, Phase VI of the project proposal is projected in April of 2007. The Selectmen will continue to be updated with respect to this regard.
Waterways Commission:
Mashpee River Dredging Update:
Jim Hanks, Waterways Commission Chair was present to discuss the results of the sediment resistivity analysis. The results were outlined in a memorandum dated July 2, 2006 addressed to the Board of Selectmen.
Upon examining the values, the Town Transfer Station, upland disposal was not considered a viable option as a result of the measured salinity. It was noted that the use of hydraulic dredging as the slurry would contain 90% brackish water before dewatering. After it is dried, it would have the same or higher conductivity as the top samples and therefore be unsuitable.
The Waterways Commission will continue to review options for dredging disposal. This would include the option to build salt marsh islands. Mr. Hanks is expected to conduct a strategy session with Dr. Brian Howes later this month. It is hopeful that recommendations will be brought to the Selectmen in mid-September.
Waterways Commission:
Recommendation for Bid Acceptance – Engineering Services for Obtaining Dredging Permits:
Correspondence was received from the Waterways Commission dated July 5, 2006 recommended the Board approve the technical request for proposal received from BSC to provide engineering services for obtaining dredging permits as dated June 23, 2006. BSC, the sole bidder, has met all requirements and has working knowledge of the dredging project.
A typo was noted on Item #23 to read: Permitting to be completed by 1 December 2006.
Motion made by Selectman Cahalane to accept the RFP from The BSC Group (BSC) to provide engineering services for obtaining permits for the maintenance dredging of Waquoit Bay and Popponesset Bay and allow the proposal to move forward with contract negotiations.
Motion seconded by Selectman Cook.
VOTE: Unanimous. 5-0.
COMMUNICATIONS AND CORRESPONDENCE:
Resolution – Otis Coalition:
The Selectmen were in receipt of a draft resolution to “revive” the Otis Coalition. A draft resolution was prepared by Mark Forest dated June 28, 2006 with respect to this regard. The Coalition is expected to meet on a monthly basis to share information. Fire Chief George Baker would serve as the Town of Mashpee’s representative.
Motion made by Selectman Green to adopt the Otis Coalition Resolution as presented.
Motion seconded by Selectman Cook.
VOTE: Unanimous. 5-0.
Tribal Discussions:
Motion made by Selectman Cook to place the above topic on the Selectmen’s agenda.
Motion seconded by Selectman Myers.
VOTE: Unanimous. 4-0.
Selectman Green abstained.
The Town of Mashpee received a letter from Attorney William McDermott, counsel for the Mashpee Wampanoag Indian Tribal Council outlining the Tribe’s list of objectives as formal talks with the Town of Mashpee move forward.
Proposed topics were outlined for discussion purposes. The Selectmen agreed to continue talks with the initial three-member subcommittee and to seek a closed meeting date on the morning of July 26, 2006.
Attorney McDermott requested in his letter that representing attorneys would not be present. After discussion, it was agreed Town Counsel Patrick Costello and Attorney McDermott would be included in the initial and private discussion to be tentatively held on July 26, 2006.
It was disclosed, the letter as referenced reflects a lot of promise and cooperation. The leaders will discuss topics and questions regarding the Tribe’s plans after formal recognition.
OLD BUSINESS:
EDIC Appointments:
Government Representative/Low Income Representative:
Motion made by Selectman Cahalane to appoint Renè Read to the Economic Development Industrial Corporation (EDIC) to serve as Government Representative and further to appoint Mr. Read as Chairman Pro Tem of the EDIC.
Motion seconded by Selectman Green.
VOTE: Unanimous. 5-0.
Correspondence was received from Estella Fritzinger CACCI dated July 10, 2006 offering three names of individuals to serve on the EDIC serving as representation for low income persons.
Motion made by Selectman Cahalane to appoint Robyn Simmons, Director of Fiscal Services to the EDIC to serve as Low Income Representative.
Motion seconded by Selectman Cook.
VOTE: Unanimous. 5-0.
Strategic Planning Session:
Motion made by Selectman Green to place the above topic on the Selectmen’s agenda.
Motion seconded by Selectman Myers.
VOTE: Unanimous. 5-0.
The Selectmen will attend a strategic planning session with an outside consultant as agreed upon for the purpose of strategic planning. The meeting will tentatively be held on the date of Saturday, August 12, 2006.
NEW BUSINESS:
Recommendation for Appointment – Shellfish Commission Associate Member:
Richard J. Cook was the recommended candidate for appointment to the Shellfish Commission as an associate member. A letter of interest dated June 7, 2006 was included in the Selectmen’s correspondence as was the recommendation from the Shellfish Commission.
Motion made by Selectman Cook to appoint Richard J. Cook, Jr. as an Associate Member of the Shellfish Commission as recommended.
Motion seconded by Selectman Green.
VOTE: Unanimous. 5-0.
Acceptance of Policy Amendment – Planning & Construction Committee Guidelines:
Police No. 009 was presented to the Selectmen for approval relative to the Planning & Construction Committee Guidelines.
Motion made by Selectman Cahalane to approve Policy No. 009 relative to the Planning & Construction Committee guidelines with the stipulation, the policy concurs with the Town Charter.
Motion seconded by Selectman Cook.
VOTE: Unanimous. 5-0.
Acceptance of Policy Amendment – Appointments of Boards and Committees:
The Selectmen reviewed Policy No. 045 as it pertains to the Appointment of Boards and Committees. It was agreed the policy would be amended to reflect in the third paragraph of the process, first word to read: New Individuals.
Motion made by Selectman Cook to adopt Policy No. 045 relative to Appointments of Boards and Committees as amended.
Motion seconded by Selectman Cahalane.
VOTE: 4-1. Motion carries.
Selectman Myers in opposition.
Review and Execution of Grant of Easement – AFCEE:
Correspondence was received from Town Counsel dated June 29, 2006 regarding a Grant of Easement for the Department of the Air Force for remediation activities at the Quashnet Bogs. Town Counsel has approved the Grant to form.
Motion made by Selectman Myers to approve the Grant of Easement for the Department of the Air Force for remediation activities at the Quashnet Bogs as recommended.
Motion seconded by Selectman Green.
VOTE: Unanimous. 5-0.
Approval of Year-End Transfers:
Motion made by Selectman Green to place the above topic on the Selectmen’s agenda.
Motion seconded by Selectman Cook.
VOTE: Unanimous. 5-0.
Joyce Mason, Town Manager presented two late-filed Year End Transfers to the Selectmen for approval. It was noted that Ms. Mason is meeting with the Finance Committee on July 11, 2006 to obtain approval.
Motion made by Selectman Cook to approve the sum of $2,800.00 a Transfer from the Police Department Dispatch Salary Account to the Police Salary/Wage Account.
Motion seconded by Selectman Green.
VOTE: Unanimous. 5-0.
Motion made by Selectman Cook to approve the sum of $5,000.00 a Transfer from the Medical Insurance Account to the Medicare Line Item Account.
Motion seconded by Selectman Cahalane.
VOTE: Unanimous. 5-0.
Adjournment:
Motion made by Selectman Green to adjourn at 8:34 p.m.
The Board will enter into Executive Session at this time for the purpose of discussing potential litigation and personnel matters.
The Board will not reconvene in Open Session.
Motion seconded by Selectman Cook.
VOTE: Unanimous. 5-0.
Roll Call Vote:
Selectman Taylor, yes Selectman Cook, yes
Selectman Cahalane, yes Selectman Myers, yes
Selectman Green, yes Opposed, none
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen M. Soares
Secretary to the Board of Selectmen
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