SECOND HOME OWNERS MEETING
August 27, 2005
10:00 a.m. at the Town Hall
MINUTES
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Michael Storch welcomed the group to what he hoped would be a productive and annual meeting.
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Michele Miller, chair, gave an overview of activities since our last meeting.
~A. There has been an overhaul of town government regarding systems, accountability, and public meeting access.
~B. There are long term goals of planning and finances.
~C. She encouraged all to pick up the Town Report and the pamphlet regarding the building of a new home.~ She added encouragement to participate in the town government.
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The meeting was then turned over to the attendees.
~A. Issue: Should a 911 sign be posted?
~~~~~ Answer: Your house number is your 911 number and must be displayed at the end of your driveway.
~B. Issue: What entitlements do second home owners have, I.e. serving on boards.
~~~ Ans:SHO cannot be elected or appointed to a position.~ Volunteer positions are encouraged.
~C. Issue:~ We should have the right to vote on the budget.
~~~~~ Ans: We are encouraged to participate in the process of meetings, discussion, and input.~ This would have a greater impact.~ It is a state mandate concerning who may vote and goes beyond the Board’s abilities.~ Since Jean G. has information, she was asked to make a presentation in the future.
~D.~ Issue:~ How does one become a voting town resident?
~~~~~~ Ans: See the town clerk who has that information.
~E. Issue: How can we get cell service?
~~~~~ Ans:Pressure through the state utilities commission is the only way.~ Some expressed that towers would interfere with the beauty of our town.~ Thhe town had passed a by-law permitting service,~ Since it requires three towers, the board is considering changing the by-law.
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~F. Issue:~ Can there be two meetings?
~~~~ Ans: Next year, there will be a meeting at the beginning of the season on June 24th and one at the end on August 26th.
~G. Issue: Hotels outside of Monterey have been told that they have access to Lake Garfield.
~~~~~ Ans: Since we are a public beach, we cannot regulate access, but parking permits may be the answer. It will be considered.
~H. Issue: The fire chief was asked if Elephant Rock Road was sufficiently cleared so that a fire truck could gain access.~ He never returned the calls.
~~~ Ans:The board will check with the chief and get back to Mrs. Salke.
~i. Issue:There is a need for communication.~ Could there be a newsletter.~ Could it include names and hours of town personnel and offices?~
~Ans: Will Marsh of The Monterey News will be contacted to include information concerning this meeting.~ Barbara Haver will be in charge of this endeavor.~ The town website is www.monterey-ma.org
~J. Issue:~ Regarding jet ski prohibitions, why is the final approval sitting on a state person’s desk.
~~~ Ans: They too are waiting for a response,~ It is the understanding that if it is not signed within thirty days, it will become law.~ Michael will check.
~K. Issue: Regarding the purple loosestrife project, it seems that the transfer station is loathe to accept the plants.
~~~ Ans.: Board will talk to Maynard and he will discuss it with the transfer personnel.
~L. Issue:~ Julio Rodriguez suggested that SHO take a table at the Fireman’s Ball.~ It is $500.
~~~ Ans:~ If one doesn’t want to contribute to a table, perhaps a contribution could be made.
~M. Issue: Michael discussed the $50,000 the town budgeted in the last budget.~ $35,00 went to the volunteer fir persons as their tax abatement has become taxed by the state.~ As a result there is a full complement of volunteer fire persons.
~N. Issue:~ Michele discussed the budget in terms of rising health care for town employees.~ Monterey has applied to the state to become a single payer health care plan.
~O. Issue: We are charged to get rid of large articles such as refrigerators.~ A system should be in place to guarantee that the money goes where it should.
~~~~ Ans: Dennis receives 15% of what is brought in.~ A receipt should be given.~ Dennis will be reminded.~ Many of agreed that the transfer station is well tended and Dennis and Bev should be commended.~ They will receive a turkey at Thanksgiving.
~P. Issue: What tax abatements are available to SHO?
~~~~~ Ans: Speak to those in the tax office.
~Q. Issue: Whar rules are there in renovations and building?
~~~~~ Ans: See the Zoning Board’s publication.~ Know that state by-laws take precedence.~ See Don Turico, the building inspector.
~R. Issue: How are we assessed?
~~~~~ Ans.: There are 3 assessors and one estimator who will view both the inside and outside of your house and input information into the Patriot computer system.~ Further answers are available from the appropriate boards.
~S. Michael suggested all to peruse the Master Plan.
~T. The fund raising effort for the Edith Wilson house is in need of help.~ Please consider volunteering.
~ The meeting was adjourned at 11:30 a.m.
~Submitted by Judith Friedman
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