AGENDA
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2006
6:30 p.m. - Convene Meeting - Conference Room 1
MINUTES
Approval of the following:
Monday, October 30, 2006 Regular and Executive Sessions
APPOINTMENTS & HEARINGS
6:30 Public Comment
6:40 Public Hearing – Road Conversion – Greenwood Development
6:50 DPW Director – Route 130 and Great Neck Road Bikepaths
7:00 Public Hearing – Mashpee Christmas Parade
COMMUNICATIONS & CORRESPONDENCE
1) Boston City Council – Proposed Bill Regarding Meals Tax
OLD BUSINESS
1) South Cape Beach Update
NEW BUSINESS
1) Request of Willowbend Country Club to Close for a Period More than 30 Days
2) 120 Day Waiver Form for Land Acquisition by Department of Conservation and Recreation
3) Certification and Confirmation of Hiring Process – Treasurer/Collector
4) Board of Selectmen Vision and Goals
MMR ISSUES
BLUE RIBBON COMMITTEE UPDATE
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Board of Selectmen
Minutes
November 13, 2006
Present: Selectman Cook, Selectman Cahalane, Selectman Green
Town Manager Joyce Mason
Absent: Selectman Taylor, Selectman Myers
Meeting Called to Order by Vice-Chairman Cook at 6:30 p.m.
Town Hall, Conference Room #1
MINUTES:
Monday, October 30, 2006 Regular and Executive Sessions:
Motion made by Selectman Cahalane to approve the Regular and
Executive Session minutes of Monday, October 30, 2006 as presented.
Motion seconded by Selectman Green.
VOTE: Unanimous. 3-0.
APPOINTMENTS AND HEARINGS:
Public Comment:
Library Board of Trustee’s Chair David Burton indicated the Library Board of Trustee’s has adopted a proposed vision for the Town of Mashpee whereby the citizens would be provided the opportunity to determine what size building is envisioned for the next Library. The proposed vision statement would be presented to the Board of Selectmen at their next meeting.
Carol Scogstrum indicated that she feels the Library expansion is important to families of the Town of Mashpee. Adopting the vision statement would give an opportunity for the community to decide if funding for the project can be increased.
In other business, Chief Baker updated the Selectmen with regards to the 1980 tanker engine failure, specifically a cracked engine block. He is expected to go before the Finance Committee for an emergency reserve fund transfer in the amount of $25,000 to repair Engine/Tanker 352. The funding request is outlined in a memorandum to the Finance Committee dated November 13, 2006.
COMMUNICATION AND CORRESPONDENCE:
Boston City Council – Proposed Bill Regarding Meals Tax:
Correspondence was received from John Tobin, Boston City Council District 6 dated November 1, 2006 requesting support of a bill planned to file that would redirect a portion of the state’s 5% meals tax back into the respective community. Presently, revenue collected from the meals tax is directed to the state’s coffers regardless of how much funding restaurants generate. The matter was taken under advisement at this time.
OLD BUSINESS:
South Cape Beach Update:
It was announced the Conservation Commission voted to ratify an emergency certificate to move forward with urgent repairs to South Cape Beach and further, agreed to work towards a more permanent solution to protect the beach and parking area which was damaged during a recent storm. It was noted however, the area does lie within a velocity zone. The Selectmen expressed appreciation to the Conservation Commission for quick response to assist the needs of the Town.
NEW BUSINESS:
Request of Willowbend County Club to Close for a Period More than 30 Days:
Selectmen Cook disclosed that she would evoke the rule of necessity to vote on this matter.
David Wood, Chief Operating Officer of the Willowbend County Club was in attendance to request the Selectmen grant permission to temporarily shut down restaurant operations under its liquor license from January 1, 2007 to March 31, 2007. The club will be performing deep cleaning, maintenance and capital improvements during this time frame.
Motion made by Selectman Cook to approve the request of Willowbend Country Club to close from January 1, 2007 to March 31, 2007 for cleaning, maintenance and capital improvements as disclosed.
Motion seconded by Selectman Green.
VOTE: Unanimous. 3-0.
120 Day Waiver Form for Land Acquisition by Department of Conservation and Recreation:
In accordance with 310 CMR 51.08, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, acting through its Department of Conservation and Recreation, is considering the acquisition of approximately 5 acres of land located between Amy Brown Road and Abigail’s Brook Road.
To comply with requirements, the Selectmen were requested to announce this matter, and shorten the 120 day notice period that, the Commonwealth, if it should decide to proceed, may complete this transaction as soon as possible.
Motion made by Selectman Green to announce the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is considering the acquisition of approximately 5 acres of land as referenced above, and vote to waive the 120 day notice period pursuant to 301 CMR 51.08 and MGL, Chapter 7, Section 40I.
Motion seconded by Selectman Cahalane.
VOTE: Unanimous. 3-0.
Certification and Confirmation of Hiring Process – Treasurer/Tax Collector:
The Town Manager approved for hire, Bethany Fierro in accordance with the Town’s Hiring Certification for the Final Candidate for the position of Treasurer/Tax Collector. Correspondence was received from the Personnel Administrator dated November 9, 2006 indicating the candidate has provided strong references and outstanding recommendations on her behalf.
Motion made by Selectman Cahalane to certify and confirm the appointment of Bethany Fierro as Treasurer/Tax Collector.
Motion seconded by Selectman Green.
VOTE: Unanimous. 3-0.
APPOINTMENTS AND HEARINGS:
Public Hearing – Road Conversion – Greenwood Development:
The Board of Selectmen opened the Public Hearing on the private to public road conversions of the following roads in the “Greenwood Development”: Bearberry Circle, Chicory Circle, Grassy Knoll Circle, Great Pines Drive, Heron Circle, Shadbush Circle, Tern Circle and Yachtsman Circle as shown on plans entitles Easement Taking and Layout Plan prepared by Eagle Surveying, Inc., dated March 6, 2006.
The Hearing notice was read aloud in accordance with posting procedures. An outline of work to be performed by the Department of Public Works to bring the roads to standards was disclosed. Catherine Laurent, Assistant DPW Director was present to discuss the project proposal.
The maximum estimated betterment cost to be borne by 104 property owners is $4,183.89. The total estimated cost for construction, legal and engineering and interest is $435,124.25.
The Board opened the Hearing to solicit comment.
Roxane Iwaszko 85 Great Pines Drive, a member of the Greenwood Development Board of Directors spoke on behalf of the residents. When asked of the cost per year on the tax bill, it was disclosed that property owners have the option to spread the payment from one to twenty years. The maximum interest is 5%. The timeframe for construction if approved at the May 07 Town Meeting would allow work to commence in the fall of 2007 with completion anticipated in July of 2008. Property owners would obtain the betterment assessment at the end of 2008 or in the beginning of 2009 before it is reflected on their tax bill.
When asked about the catch basins and flooding, it was noted the project involves complete road re-construction and significant drainage improvements.
It was noted an easement for Great Hay Road is not part of the intended road conversion. A set of plans is available for review at the Selectmen’s Office at Town Hall. Upon conclusion of the Hearing and receipt of a petition signed by 50% of the property owners, the Board of Selectmen shall proceed with placing an article on the May 2007 Town Meeting warrant.
Being no further comment, the Board motioned to close the Public Hearing.
Motion made by Selectman Cahalane to close the Public Hearing.
Motion seconded by Selectman Green.
VOTE: Unanimous. 3-0.
Motion made by Selectman Cahalane to approve the private to public road conversion of the “Greenwood Development” as referenced.
Motion seconded by Selectman Green.
VOTE: Unanimous. 3-0.
APPOINTMENTS AND HEARINGS:
DPW Director – Route 130 and Great Neck Road Bikepaths:
Gregory Taylor, Director of Public Works was in attendance to discuss with the design engineers, the two bikeway/sidewalk projects proposed for construction.
Matthew Eddy of Baxter and Nye Engineering and Survey discussed the Great Neck Road South Sidewalk Extension project that would provide an 8’ paved area from Godfrey Road to the Children’s Museum. A Tree Warden’s public hearing will be scheduled. It was noted that one large tree is anticipated to be removed.
Stephen Farr, Project Manager of VHB, Inc. discussed the Route 130 Sidewalk Extension with the Board and interested public. A plan was presented to the Selectmen representing 25% design. A Tree Warden’s public hearing is also required in accordance with general law.
Mr. Farr indicated the bikeway/sidewalk is proposed to be constructed on the residential portion of the road in the matter of safety. A 20’ easement would be maintained from each property. Plans also detail a controlled crossing at Nicolletta’s Way and at Sturgis Lane, an existing intersection with a pedestrian signal.
The Selectmen opened the discussion to obtain public comment.
Peter Thomas, a resident of Pickerel Cove related support to the project proposal. The project as presented is good and safe, and it makes sense to have the path on the side where the residents live. Mr. Thomas indicated that a controlled crossing is all about safety. It was noted that Nicoletta’s Way has good visibility for pedestrian crossing. In closing, Mr. Thomas stated the residents of Pickerel Cove heavily endorsed the proposal.
The Selectmen were in receipt of correspondence from Pamela O’Sullivan, attorney for Kathleen Pierce 575 Main Street dated October 19, 2006 regarding the DPW’s request to move several small boulders from the front of her property.
Plans in detail can be reviewed at the DPW Office. Mr. Taylor indicated he is available to answer comments regarding the project proposals.
Public Hearing – Mashpee Christmas Parade:
The Board of Selectmen opened the Public Hearing on the application for the 1st Annual Mashpee Christmas Parade. The parade will take place on Saturday, December 9, 2006 at 11:00 a.m.; the rain/snow date is Sunday, December 10, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. The parade will begin at the Quashnet School on Old Barnstable Road, onto Great Neck Road North, to Bates Road ending in Mashpee Commons.
The parade organizers, Margarete Maillho, Sue Aitken and Kevin Shackett were in attendance to discuss the parade proposal with members of the Board of Selectmen.
Special appreciation was given to the Mashpee Chief of Police and Fire Chief, who assisted with the parade route and to Jim Vaccaro and Lissa Lindsley of Mashpee Commons who approved utilization of the Mashpee Commons property for a majority of the parade route.
It was noted that thirty units are anticipated to be a part of the parade event that is hopeful to be sustained and the start of a new tradition in the Town of Mashpee.
Being no comment, the Board motioned to close the Public Hearing.
Motion made by Selectman Green to close the Public Hearing.
Motion seconded by Selectman Cahalane.
VOTE: Unanimous. 3-0.
Motion made by Selectman Green to approve the application for the 1st Annual Mashpee Christmas Parade as referenced.
Motion seconded by Selectman Cahalane.
VOTE: Unanimous. 3-0.
NEW BUSINESS:
Board of Selectmen Vision and Goals:
Town of Mashpee – Vision Statement:
Mashpee is, and shall remain, a small town community whose members choose to live in harmony with one another and with nature; known for its leadership ability and creativity in educating and serving its residents.
Motion made by Selectman Green to adopt the Vision Statement for the Town of Mashpee as presented.
Motion seconded by Selectman Cahalane.
VOTE: Unanimous. 3-0.
It was agreed the goals and objectives of the Board of Selectmen would be deferred to the next meeting for a full quorum.
COMMUNICATION AND CORRESPONDENCE:
Save Cape Cod Waters:
It was announced Mashpee Channel 17 will be airing a program entitled Save Cape Cod Waters on Friday November 17th and on Sunday, November 26th at 4:30 p.m.
Adjournment:
Motion made by Selectman Cahalane to adjourn at 7:19 p.m.
The Board will enter into Executive Session at this time for the purpose of discussing a grievance. The Board will not reconvene in Open Session.
Motion seconded by Selectman Green.
VOTE: Unanimous. 3-0.
Roll Call Vote:
Selectman Taylor, absent Selectman Cook, yes
Selectman Cahalane, yes Selectman Myers, absent
Selectman Green, yes Opposed, none
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen M. Soares
Secretary to the Board of Selectmen
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