Public Notice
Adoption of Annual Town-wide Policy Goals for FY 2010
The Provincetown Board of Selectmen will hold a public
hearing on Monday, June 29, 2009 at 6
p.m. in Larkin Hall, Center for Coastal Studies, 5 Holway Street, Provincetown,
MA, to receive comments from the public on the following proposed Town-wide
policy goals for Fiscal Year 2010:
The
Town Manager, the Finance Director, the Town Treasurer, the Principal Assessor,
the Town Collector along with all employees involved in fiscal responsibility
and management of their departments continue to contribute significantly in
taking strides to comply with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue
recommendations noted in their report to the Board of Selectmen in April 2008.
Efforts to further improve all financial processes remain a priority while
maintaining strong communication and accountability.
A five
year fiscal policy plan and a five year capital improvement plan are essential
tools which need to be in place for future forecasting and planning. The
importance of these financial planning tools will enable the Board of
Selectmen, the Finance Committee, the Town Manager and staff to communicate the
financial needs of the Town throughout the budget process in the fall and
winter months. Transition both the Town and the School Departments to the
upgraded MUNIS financial package software in order to work efficiently within
the guidelines established by the Finance Director. Institute an open dialogue
with new school administrators and continue efforts to work with School
Committee members in finding solutions for the viability of educational
programs.
Commit
to meeting quarterly with the Finance Committee to have a clear and concise
planning strategy for budget preparation as well as for the future financial
projections of the Town. Concentration and focus on identifying key sources of
additional revenue are paramount to providing a sound financial future. These
include urging state government leaders to equitably distribute revenues
received from future local receipt options in order to maximize return to the
Town; the continued dialogue with Town retirees so that there is an
understanding of the urgency to approve the adoption of Section 18 of Medicare
benefits; and the inclusion of a pay station model for the benefit of
maximizing parking revenues received during the seasonal months of the year.
Continue recognizing the importance of the stabilization fund while building reserves for the future financial health of the Town. Formally adopt policies to build reserves by establishing a target balance of cumulative reserves in the range of three-to-five percent of the operating budget.
Maintain
the process of closing outdated articles holding any remaining cash balances
for purposes of efficiency.
2)
Town Hall Restoration
Saving Provincetown’s historic, esteemed Town Hall has been a high
priority of this Board of Selectmen and one which is blissfully being
fulfilled. The systematic approach to restoration through Phase I of
construction to maintain the structural integrity of this historic building
which houses the Town’s governmental offices will be completed in July 2009. In
order to move back into the building the outdated electrical, mechanical,
plumbing and fire protection systems, which have not been improved in well over
sixty years, must be replaced. Additionally, the building must meet safety and
accessibility standards. These improvements are outlined in Phase II of the
work scope which will hopefully be approved by Town voters with a potential
construction completion date of December 2010.
Federal stimulus funding will continually be sought and identified in
addition to state funding through the Massachusetts Historical Commission.
Although alternative funding sources are scarce in today’s economy, continuing
to be creative in the pursuit of acquiring the maximum amount of grant dollars
is important to the success of this project.
Throughout the renovation and rehabilitation project, Town Hall staff will
continue to provide efficient, effective service to all citizens and visitors
to Provincetown, while relocated at the Jerome Smith Road site. Efforts to
improve communication with all residents and second home owners are continually
improving. The largest business in Town, that of local government, will
prevail, until the heart of the Town is repaired and reestablished.
3)
Affordable Housing
Continue over site of the Town’s project at 90 Shankpainter Road while
working through the various Town boards to elicit required approvals. Ensuring
that construction of the 50 rental apartments are completed with due diligence
and timeliness. Work with the Cape Cod Commission traffic engineers to complete
a traffic study analysis on Shankpainter Road, a highly congested two lane road
impacted by business, commercial/retail property, existing residential
properties and projected increased traffic from build-out of a 50 unit
affordable rental community. Investigate solutions and options for varying
traffic patterns or traffic control devices at the intersection of Shankpainter
Road and Route 6 as well as the intersection of Shankpainter Road and Bradford
Street.
Institute quarterly meetings of the Board of Selectmen with the
Provincetown Community Housing Council in order to share information and
communicate initiatives.
4)
Water Management Plan
Continue discussions with Truro through the
Continue system improvements on both the supply
side and distribution system while applying for grant funding available through
the USDA stimulus monies earmarked for such projects by the Federal government.
Continue to work toward an expeditious
solution to acquire land in Truro to achieve the DEP mandate of obtaining a
redundant water source for Provincetown. Support grey water systems.
5)
Town Facilities Action Plan
Advertise and award a bid for construction using the approved scope of
work for public rest room facilities at Fire House #2 with a target opening
date of April 2010. Maximize use of other town-owned buildings, including the
public schools.
Investigate alternative options for the location of the Community Center
programs and related Recreation Department activities.
Develop a plan for all town owned buildings which describes current
uses, if the building is
appropriate for such usage and listing the repairs needed for each of the buildings for the short and long
term. The information
gathered on these buildings will be used by the Board of Selectman to assist in crafting long-term
policy which will enable a proactive approach for the maintenance of all town owned buildings as opposed to
being reactive as buildings fail in meeting their individual needs.
Continue to provide viable space considerations at the Freeman Street
Building by communicating with the Tourism Director, PTV Coordinator and Art
Commission for creating a healthy and livable environment for employees,
citizens and visitors. Continue to explore expanded uses for the Community
Center while taking advantage of space needs for various offices relocating out
of Town Hall.
Continue to utilize the Provincetown Public Schools, the Provincetown
Public Library, the Grace Gouveia Building and the Community Center for public
meeting space of various Town Boards and Committees while Town Hall is closed.
Review and evaluate the detailed needs assessment being prepared for the
current location of the Police Department while determining future demands on
resources, manpower, training and equipment.
Identify sources of funding for façade and landscaping completion of the
Public Library by working with the Board of Library Trustees and a new
Director.
6)
Wastewater
Pursue funding from the USDA for ongoing projects and expansion of the
system through Beach Point to the Truro town line. Plan and construct Phase III
expansion and improvements to the East End users as approved by Town Meeting
vote of April 2009.
Continue to seek additional rate relief for all current users on the
system.
7)
Alternative Energy
Continue to support and encourage the Recycling and Renewable Energy
Committee in their pursuit for sources of alternative energy and grant funding
while meeting with this group more frequently. To determine which town
buildings are suitable for solar or wind generators as a long term energy
savings goal.
Work with state leaders, regional groups and the Cape Cod National
Seashore in the acquisition of alternative energy sources in the form of wind
turbines.
Pursue a town-owned utility system for electricity and a back-up
generator system for emergency situations.
8)
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 2010 voters.
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.
Pursue improvements being targeted through
grant funding for two locations at 252 Bradford Street and the Court Street
town landing.
10) Paving
of
Continue to pursue solutions and funding sources for the repaving and
reconstruction of Commercial Street.
11)
Work and support efforts of CCNS to improve highway access, directional
signage and other vehicular traffic related issues affecting citizens and
visitors to Provincetown. Support and respect the efforts of the Dune Shack
dwellers of the Peaked Hill Bars Historic District to validate their plea for
recognition as a traditional, historic and cultural community.
Enhance the partnership with the CCNS concerning matters of mutual
interest, particularly water withdrawal.
12)
Economic Development and Tourism
The Board of Selectman officially recognize that tourism is the town's
primary economic engine and will work in conjunction with the VSB and
the EDC to improve and enhance the infrastructure needed to support this
economy. Included in this effort will be continuing support of
any legislative efforts to augment the tourism fund by way of extending room
tax to short term rentals. Continue to work on initiatives and incentives
that keep businesses in town in addition to attracting new businesses,
including accommodations, dining and retail establishments. Work
with the Department of Community Development to create a more effective and
efficient environment for regulatory transactions between businesses and the
town.
Focus on funding and finalizing plans for Cape-wide internet access.
Work to minimize the impact of the closure of Town Hall by frequently
communicating with business owners, residents and visitors.
Written comments may be submitted by mail to the
office of the Town Manager/Board of Selectmen, 260 Commercial Street,
Provincetown, MA 02657, or delivered by hand to the Selectmen’s office at 16
Jerome Smith Road, no later than Monday June 22, 2009. Comments may also be made in person at the
hearing.
Michele Couture, Chairman, Board of
Selectmen
Posted Town Hall, www.provincetown-ma.gov: June 4,
2009 1:40 pm dj
Provincetown Banner:
June 11 and 18, 2009