Board of Selectmen
Library Meeting Room
November 8, 2005
Minutes
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairman Dale Donovan. Selectmen present included Michael May, Ira Wood, Helen Miranda Wilson and Jerry Houk. Town Administrator Tim Smith also attended.
Announcements:
· Donovan announced that a launch party is scheduled to celebrate the Historical Commission’s “A Guide to Monuments, Memorials and Burial Grounds in Wellfleet, Massachusetts” on November 11 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Lighthouse Restaurant.
· Donovan announced that the Forum’s discussion of the Special Town Meeting articles is scheduled on November 16 at 7 p.m. in the Library Meeting Room.
The Board discussed:
a) Request to Set Deputy Tax Collector’s Bond – on a motion by Wood, seconded by Wilson, the Board voted unanimously to set the amount of the bond for Deputy Tax Collector Brian LaCroix at $6,500.
b) DPW Director, Use of Town Vehicle – DPW Director Mark Vincent met with the Board to request reconsideration of the policy on use of Town vehicles for snow removal and other emergencies and that the Assistant DPW Director and Director as necessary be permitted the use of a vehicle from approximately November 15 to April 15. He read his memo submitted to the Board, outlined snowplowing needs and explained the Assistant Director’s responsibilities for snow and ice removal. Wood noted receipt of letters from the Police Chief and Interim Fire Chief regarding this matter - Police Chief Rosenthal and Interim Fire Chief Silverman each noted that the use of a Town vehicle by the Assistant DPW Director would be in the best interest of the Town. It was suggested that the DPW Foreman who lives
in Wellfleet be assigned emergency responsibilities. On a motion by Donovan, seconded by Wood, to allow the Assistant DPW Director the use of a Town vehicle as assigned by the DPW Director from approximately November 15 – April 15, the Board voted 2-3, with Houk, May and Wilson voting against.
c) Request to Close Business, The Lighthouse Restaurant – Bob Derow met with the Board. He explained that The Lighthouse Restaurant is for sale and the difficulties of operating in the winter, that if the business does not sell they plan to reopen in April and that at some point they will probably have to consider applying for a seasonal rather than an annual liquor license. On a motion by Wood, seconded by Wilson, the Board voted unanimously to allow The Lighthouse Restaurant to close until Spring, 2006.
d) Request to Close Business, Finely J.P.’s – on a motion duly made and seconded, the Board voted unanimously to grant the request of Finely J.P.’s to close until May 25, 2006.
e) Fire Chief Screening Process – the Town Administrator reviewed the proposed process and timeline recommending that the Board schedule the initial screening of candidates in executive session on December 20, interviews in open session on January 10, assessment center on January 28 and the final round of interviews and final decision on February 14. A consultant will perform background checks. Wilson suggested that a professional in the field be involved in the process. Interim Fire Chief Dan Silverman indicated that he plans to apply for the position and
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would have a conflict with the proposed date for the assessment center. On a motion by Houk, seconded by Wood, the Board voted 4-1, with Wilson voting against, to accept the schedule with the dates proposed with some flexibility.
f) Appointments – on a motion by Houk, seconded by Wilson, the Board voted unanimously to appoint Sibel Asantugrul as a permanent member of the Board of Appeals and Betsey Patterson as a Voter Registrar. On a motion by Wood, seconded by May, the Board voted unanimously to appoint Marilyn Silver to the Commission on Disabilities. On a motion by Donovan, seconded by May, the Board voted unanimously to appoint Anthony Tullio and John O’Hara to the Cable Advisory Committee. On a motion by Wood, seconded by May, the Board voted unanimously to appoint Ashley Fawkes-Sylver to the Historical Commission. On a motion by Donovan, seconded by May, the Board voted unanimously to appoint Vincent Devito as an alternate member of the Marina Advisory Committee.
g) Business Licenses – on a motion by Wood, seconded by Wilson, the Board voted unanimously to approve the business licenses of Abiyoyo; Andre Pottery; Bay Sails Marine, Inc.; Blue Heron Gallery; Bookstore and Restaurant, Inc. (bookstore); Codder’s House Furniture, Co.; Copy Caps; Cottontail Art Gallery; Eccentricity; Off Center; Emperor’s Old Clothes; Eccentricity’s Oualie; Frances Francis; Golden Cod Gallery; Harmon Gallery; Herring River Gallery/Guests; Idle Times Bike Shop, Inc.; Jacob Fanning Gallery; Jules Besch Stationers, Inc.; The Nicholas Harrison Gallery; Old Wharf Dory, Co.; Olivers’ Tennis; Pickle and Puppy; The Secret Garden; Wellfleet Glass Works; Wellfleet Pottery; White’s Upholstery and Fabric Co.; Jac’s Mate; Snooper. On a motion by Wood, seconded by
May, the Board voted unanimously 4-0, with Wilson recusing, to approve the business license of Moby’s Cargo.
h) Dog Officer Position – Police Chief Rosenthal and Lieutenant Fisette were in attendance. Chief Rosenthal outlined his proposal that the Town combine the Dog Officer position with that of a full-time police officer. It was suggested that an officer already in the Department assume the duties of the Animal Control Officer – Chief Rosenthal noted that this would have to be bargained with the Union due to its impact on the work schedule and Lt. Fisette noted that this would reduce coverage while an additional officer would add police coverage as well as animal control services. Budget ramifications were discussed. It was suggested that the position be advertised as it stands and if necessary, the Board could revisit this proposal.
i) STM – Wood discussed the need to spread the word about the upcoming Special Town Meeting. Suggestions included televising Pre-Town Meeting, providing a question and answer handout and reproducing a newspaper article about the status of the Fire Department.
j) Executive sessions – Wilson moved and Houk seconded a motion that executive sessions be noted on the agenda in the future. The Town Administrator explained that executive sessions have not been included on agendas since Town Counsel so advised due to a presumption of discussion before the meeting. On the motion the Board voted 3-2, with Donovan and Wood voting against.
Wood presented the correspondence report and noted:
· Letter from Bethia Brehmer re: purchase of Town land – it was noted that this letter was forwarded to the Open Space Committee.
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· Letter from Irene Paine re: proposed plan to buy Gutsy Bender property and dirt bikes under the power lines – there was consensus to schedule the issue of dirt bikes under the power lines on a future agenda.
Open Session:
· Jeff Stewart addressed the Board to:
o note the letter of commendation from the Board of Health and Board of Appeals for the work of Christine Bates;
o discuss the use of a fire truck for rides for school children, suggesting that an event sponsored by the Town separate from the school be scheduled – Interim Fire Chief Dan Silverman was asked for suggestions for a Town-wide activity;
o comment on the Board’s vote regarding the use of a Town vehicle – feels it should be the Department Head’s decision.
· Jerry Houk noted Helen Miranda Wilson’s art opening in New York and the nice reviews in the New York Times and that Dorothy Watson, a friend to many, has passed away.
On a motion by Wood, seconded by May, the Board voted 4-0-1, with Houk abstaining (he had not attended the meeting), to approve the minutes of October 25, 2005 with one amendment.
On a motion duly made and seconded, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn at 8:58 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda Smulligan
Administrative Assistant
Dale Donovan, Chair Michael May Ira Wood
Helen Miranda Wilson Jerry Houk
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