Town-wide Policy Goals Adopted for FY 2008

The Provincetown Board of Selectmen held a public hearing on Monday, August 13, 2007 at Provincetown Town Hall and then and there adopted annual Town-wide policy goals for Fiscal Year 2008 as set forth below. The annual adoption of policy goals by the Board of Selectmen is a focal point for the Town Government, as these goals are translated into objectives to be achieved by the Town Administration in the coming fiscal year.

Mary-Jo Avellar, Chairman, Board of Selectmen

1. Fiscal Management: Of high and critical importance is to continue the path of clear communication in providing transparent data from staff in order that all citizens of Provincetown have the information they need regarding the fiscal decision making process. This includes providing a concrete understanding of fiscal policy goals, an update of the 10 year fiscal policy plan, and continuing to work with the Department of Revenue in the execution and completion of the management review requested by the Town to begin January 2008. Continue the process of addressing outstanding record keeping practices and audit findings with emphasis on Cash Reconciliation and Capital Projects Accounts. Continue the work to meet the Department of Revenue required dates for submission of Schedule A, Tax Recap Sheet, Cash Reconciliation, Balance Sheet and Free Cash Certification. 

Continue the dialog between the Board of Selectmen, School Committee and Finance Committee. 

Develop the budget in a fiscally responsible manner to address the needs of Town Government, the wishes of the taxpayer while working toward the ultimate goal of financial stability.  This will include providing information on budget preparation, tax recap sheet (setting the tax rate) and a clear understanding to the citizens of the levy limit requirements and restrictions.

2. Affordable Housing: Final acquisition and completion of a Request for Proposal of the property site located at 90 Shank Painter Road in order for an affordable housing plan to be developed to include both middle income and community housing opportunities. Work with the newly appointed Community Housing Council in the creation of a Housing Office to address fundraising and grant opportunities while employing a Housing Officer to direct this program.

3. Water Management Plan: Continue to work with Truro officials to further implement the approved Inter Municipal Agreement in the pursuit of North Union Field to address the mandated redundancy issue and subsequent filings to the Department of Environmental Protection through the new source acquisition program. Initiate the examination of water quality while maintaining the focus on water quantity supply problems. Continue system improvements on both the supply side and distribution system.

4. Town Facilities Master Plan: Creation of a long term plan and vision for town owned facilities to include restoration of town clock, town hall renovations and the completion of Fire House #2 and Fire House #3. Determine use of the Freeman Street building and additional uses for the Community Center.

5. Wastewater: Continue oversight and completion of Phase 2 sewer construction including maximization of utilization and connection of Manor Care Campus and final construction of Bradford Street-East connection as well as pump station on Shank Painter Road. Finalization of fiscal review for wastewater operations which is being prepared by consultants to include an absolute rate reduction schedule and increase of red dot delay properties. Follow through with optimization of the Phase I system so as to increase available gallons for economic development, connecting nearby properties with Administrative Consent Orders, and thus bringing a higher level of financial efficiency to this system.

6. Paving of Commercial Street: Review of needs analysis being completed and due in September 2007 for reconstruction of Commercial Street to include base paving, sidewalk restoration and beautification.

7. Economic Development and Tourism: Continue work to support Economic Development Council and Visitor Services Board in their efforts to maintain an improved year round economy. Developing a smart growth zoning plan to include a review of existing zoning by-laws for purposes of clarity. Assign newly appointed Assistant Town Manager to plan and develop strategy for growth and sustainability.

8. Alternative Energy: Continue to explore the uses of alternative energy resources and the use of renewable fuel energy while educating and supporting employees and citizens to further the commitment of the Cape Cod Renewable Fuels Partnership.

9. Storm Drain Repairs: The harbor side drainage assessment was completed in 2003 reflecting that the town has 25 outfall pipes that directly discharge into the harbor. It is necessary to pursue the availability of grants and other funding mechanisms in order to continue the process of completing a major drain rehabilitation project each year.

10. Cape Cod National Seashore:  Succinctly communicate with CCNS Superintendent in order to find common ground for partnering of a shared garage facility. Work and support efforts of CCNS to improve highway access, intersection signalization and other vehicular traffic related issues affecting citizens and visitors to Provincetown. Support and respect the efforts of the Dune Shack dwellers to validate their plea for recognition as a traditional, historic and cultural community.

11. Harbor Plan: The Department of Environmental Protection utilizes a Harbor Plan for direction when making decisions on individual Chapter 91 licenses in the attempt to provide public benefit when private property has encroached on public tidelands.  The Harbor Committee is chartered to review and update the plan.  Finalize an updated Harbor Plan for approval by state officials and Town Meeting 2008 voters.

Posted: www.provincetown-ma.gov 8/15/07 3:30 pm