TOWN OF
Chairman Mary-Jo Avellar convened the meeting at
Excused Absence: Pam Parmakian
Other
attendees: Town Manager
Recorder:
The following are meeting minutes, in brief.
1A1 PUBLIC HEARING – MASS
COMMUNITY BLOCK GRANT’S FY ’08
COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT FUND – Water Treatment Program
Michelle Jarusiewicz gave a brief overview of the Grant application. Board of Selectmen Chairman Avellar read the
Public Hearing notice into the record.
Public Comments – None.
Board of Selectmen Comments – Open discussion ensued.
MOTION: Move that the Board of Selectmen vote to authorize the execution of a grant application under the Massachusetts Community Development Block Grant‘s Community Development Fund for a grant of approximately $800,000 for a water treatment program at Knowles Crossing well field through the Massachusetts Department of Housing & Community Development.
Motion by: Austin
Knight Seconded by: Michele
Couture Yea
4 Nay 0
1A2 PUBLIC HEARING - MASS COMMUNITY BLOCK GRANT FY ’08
COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT FUND – Housing Rehabilitation Program
Grant Administrator Michelle Jarusiewicz gave a brief overview of
this program. No comments form the
Public.
Open discussion ensued.
MOTION: Move that the Board of Selectmen vote to authorize the execution of the joint authorization
form for participation in a regional
Motion by: Michele
Couture Seconded by:
Austin Knight Yea
4 Nay 0
1B OUTER
Update by Chief Executive Officer
Henry Tuttle
Mr.
Tuttle gave an overview of Outer Cape Health Services, their values, vision and
how they plan to get there. New plans to expand along with dental surgical care
clinic, expansion of offices and medical exam rooms, a new health care facility
in Wellfleet. (See attachment #1)
Open discussion ensued. No motions made.
2. PUBLIC STATEMENTS
Ginny Binder - Invitation to 10th Anniversary
of the largest fire in
Rick Murray – Here tonight to ask that the Board of
Selectmen and the Town Manager discuss
at some point the discrepancy with regards to the Water Enterprise Funds and
how the share of municipally owned buildings is being allocated. I.E., The costs
of such are borne just by the sewer users and not the general fund.
Rachel White – First, I would like to thank Marcene and
Clarence because I see on their blog they recognize that I did not get the adequate
answers that I was looking for the last time.
So, here I am again to make some corrections and statements. Mary-Jo last week mentioned something about a
deal being made. What kind of a
deal? What funding source are you
planning for a half position to be increased to a full position? We’d all like
those answers. To Michele – and last
week you did say the Town upgrades from within, like they did the Permit
Coordinator. I got that message and it
meant Maxine, but the system should be promoting from within. They’ve done it
before, they’ll do it again. And you should do that with the Police Chief right
now. The Permit Coordinator was established at Town Meeting at least since
1997, and I have a whole documentation which I am going to present to Michele
Couture. You can pass it around. I researched it in all of the Town
Reports.
I question the validity of the Town Manager reorganizing
of personnel in the Town Clerk’s office and how the assistant town clerk’s
position is going to be funded.
Vaughn Cabral – Regarding the Chief of
Police opening – I believe that you promote within.
3. SELECTMEN STATEMENTS
Austin
Knight
Regarding Dr. Murray’s questions on the
Sewer Enterprise Fund, there is going to have to be a meeting on this. This
will be discussed at tomorrow nights budget meeting. I do believe the Town is
responsible for its use.
Addressing Mrs. White concerns about the assistant
town clerk’s position process from half time to full time; the Town Manager
explained that a few weeks ago.
I understand the hire within for the Chief
of Police – there is mixed feelings within the community that goes both ways.
The process is open, and the current Acting Chief of Police is able to apply
for the position. The process, at this
point, has been chosen and it is going forward.
That ‘s all I need to say.
Michele
Couture
I had a conversation with Dr. Murray
regarding his concerns earlier this afternoon. I’ve always supported the idea
of the users paying for the sewer. The
question as to why the general fund has not been paying for town building from
the beginning I can’t answer at this time.
When phase I was initially proposed, I thought it was going to accommodate
sewer users, and that town buildings were a cost that was going to be borne by
all of the townspeople. Since they were the users of the systems, I expected
that it was incorporated in it.
In terms of rebates, I am not prepared to
answer that question this evening. I appreciate the comments and will look into
it, and Dr. Murray you’ll be notified by Town Staff whether we’re going to have
an agenda item on it or what the answer is.
So, thank you for bringing that to our attention.
Mrs. White – I think it is within the purvue
of the Town Manager to assign staff as she deems necessary. It was an appropriate hire, and I think we
will have to disagree on your interpretation of the propriety of that and I
certainly supported the full time position of the assistant town clerk. It certainly is a position that the Town
Manager sought fit to fill and that the Town Clerk felt was more than necessary,
and was within the purvue of the Town Manager to have done so.
There was a report from DPW Director a couple
of weeks ago Re: Meeting with DEP on
Sharon Lynn – The meeting with DEP is Tuesday, February
12th. At that point, those
properties that can and have requested to expand will be identified. On February 13th that process can
begin. The application process, which is
being worked on by the Acting Building Commissioner, is being fine tuned, and
that will be in place by February 13th for those folks to start
making applications if they haven’t already done so. We do have a file of those requests, and I
assume we will receive more request of the same.
Michele Couture - My
suggestion would be that if that on our meeting of the 11th, because
it is the Board of Selectmen that grants the permits, that we could have some
information about if there is criteria that needs to be run by the Selectmen,
that we get it then. I would recommend
that we even have a special meeting, perhaps the following week just to tighten
things up, and if we are going to grant permits to those folks that we do it at
a special meeting. (Thursday – Feb. 14th @
The
criteria – we can have Staff downstairs working on. That’s the part that we need to see on the 11th
and hash that out, and then when we meet on the 14th it will be a
matter of saying OK – these are the gallons, this is what DEP said, and
hopefully all of the other stuff will be done, We can say then we have this
many gallons, we have these folks as applicants
- how do we choose to assign the gallons? And that is really all I want
to do on the 14th.
Email from citizen who was not really happy
that they went on line and was looking for the minutes for the Economic
Development Council, and there were only two meetings posted in the last six
months. I was wondering Madam Chair, if
you could have a chat with the Chair to see what the deal is. Answer: He is in
Lynne Davies
Regarding
Dr. Murray’s statement: It is
regrettable that everything happened did happen. But it is done. So now we have
to figure out how we are going to correct it.
I would hope that if we have a 2 ½ override. that if there is any way
that we can have a line by line vote for each item. It would be easier on the
population to pick and choose what they feel is important amongst those
expenditures that we need above and beyond the budget. I do like the idea of a credit going forward
if that is how it turns out to be as far as some kind of a rebate. So we’ll just see what happens.
Along
with that is monies that are going to be needed to cover the cost of the
hook-up for Seashore Point. I don’t think this totally should be borne by the
sewer owners. I think it should be borne by the townspeople. I would like to see what would happen if we
pushed a little to Seashore Point and say: “can you pick up a portion of this,
we’ve given you land, we’ve given you just about everything to come on board
and we’re still picking up some of the cost of your employees.”
Open discussion ensued. Michele Couture explained the deal that was
made between the Town of Provincetown and Seashore Point, and that in no way
should they be asked to bear any of the cost.
Lynne Davies – I
am aware of the deal even though I was not on the Board, I did keep apprised of
the goings on. All I am saying is that
the townspeople were told that we had this Agricultural Grant that was sure to
come through, and would cover the cost and nothing was done to put money aside
or to find a way to pay for this if the grant did not come through. So, I’m looking for some imaginative ways to
help mitigate the impact to our townspeople; whether it be find another grant
or go to Seashore Point to see if we can do a split due to the fact that this
is an unexpected situation. But in
either case, I don’t think the total remaining amount that is owed should be
borne strictly by the folks on the sewer system.
Business
I brought this up at the last Board of
Selectmen meeting, and I’m going to ask again.
What is the understanding of what our housing needs are? Things have changes a lot in the two years since
the last assessment was made. Housing
Counsel is looking for these numbers as well.
We need to know exactly what we need so we can better manage our
housing.
MOTION: Move that the Board of Selectmen vote
to instruct the Housing Counsel to move forward in trying to pull this
information together.
Motion by: Michele Couture Seconded by: Mary-Jo Avellar
- Motion withdrawn -
Plea to
anyone out there interested in becoming a member of our Planning Board. We sure
could use some people, otherwise the Board of Selectmen will end up being your
Planning Board.
I have
to say that I couldn’t agree more with Dr. Murray. I think that people should understand that
the override that failed in November was only going to address a small portion
of that portion of the betterment that we were going to ask taxpayers to
assume. Right now 100% of the cost of
town owned buildings that are on the sewer are only paid by people who are on
the sewer. So, if you are not on the sewer, and you pay taxes in
The question raised, once again by Mrs. White, when
I said there was a deal made, I didn’t mean there was a deal in the shady sense
of the word. The reason I agreed to that
was that there was not going to be a replacement. A position was being eliminated. That was the
only reason I agreed for the assistant clerk’s position to become full time is
because we’re eliminating a half a position and that is what I am hoping what
we’re going to do. I have to say that I
can’t control what people say or write, but the notion that something improper
was done has been left out there. Nothing improper was done. It was perfectly legal, and personally I
stand by my decision as far as it went.
But it was not improper, not sneaked or underhanded. There was nothing
improper about it. I hope that is the
last we are going to hear about it.
I agree with Ms. Davies concerning Seashore Point –
she’s correct. It’s not fair. There is no mechanism right now to address that
inequity. I totally agree that we need to
schedule a meeting about this. We need
to figure out how we are going to deal with this. I don’t know if the Water and
Sewer Board should be part of this? I
really think there is a miscarriage of just and it has been going on for about
five year now, I really thank Dr. Murray for stepping up to the plate and
saying what really needs to be said, and that is that people need to either get
a rebate or a credit. I would like to
get this scheduled - for February 25th.
Sharon Lynn – If I might just clarify
the email you received today. Mr. Bedard
does feel better about the situation.
Unfortunately, it was an oversight, and steps have been taken to clarify
it in the future.
4A APPOINTMENT
None at this time.
5A JOHN ANDERSON FRANCIS
FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP
This agenda item was
requested by Phil Gaudiano and he explained the purpose of his request.
Open
discussion ensued.
Board
decided to have a Public Hearing on
5B FLOAT OWNERS
ASSOCIATION – Candace
Nagle
Ms.
Nagle was represented by her attorney Mr. Edward Patten of
Submitted
a petition signed by Taxpayers. (See Attachment #2).
Float Owners Comments
Sandy Silva Float Space 1E –
After they doubled the rent, I had to scramble to find a tenant. I entered in the hole for 3 years. Finally
this year I came up with a deal with the Pier Corp for half the rent. I have people knocking at my door who would
love to rent the space for recreational use.
Jeff
Johnson – 7W – My fee used
to be $500, and now it is going to be over $8500. It takes a long time to get
things to happen at the Pier. Things work in their favor and nothing in my
favor. When is the price increase going to stop? I would like to see some
support from the Board.
Vaughn
Cabral - I’m torn between
this. Those are our spaces. They are
Chapter 91 license. We should be able to
do what we want with them. It is not up
to us to maintain the whole Pier by ourselves.
Candace
Nagle – Several float
owners who have not maximized their float spaces.
Steve
Melican – 5W - There is a
necessity for this. There use to be 4 Whale Watch companies, and now there are
only 2. I feel the Courtesy Float Extension is a danger.
Board of Selectmen Comments
Lynne
Davies
Thank
you for your information and I think we need to listen to Pier Corp and Town
Counsel and get their opinions on this.
Austin
Knight
Why was
the lawsuit withdrawn? Answer –
Because the court found in their favor.
Michele Couture
I’ve spoken with Ms. Nagle this morning
on this, and I’ve spoken with the Harbormaster as well.
I think possibly a modification of the
license. I don’t think that it is the intent of the Pier Corp to put the
fishermen out of business.
I try
to look at the situation – can there be a compromise? Up to 50% for Recreational and 50% Commercial
-- that is going to be my recommendation. They don’t have to take our
recommendation but that is up to them.
5C FIREWORKS
FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE –
Marcene Marcoux
Open discussion ensued.
Keith ? (Beacon
Light Guest House) – would like to secure Corporate Sponsorships for this years
fireworks.
Michele Couture – Does not like the idea of Corporate Sponsorship.
The Task Force raised
$32.860 last year.
MOTION: Move that the Board of Selectmen
vote to give a letter of support to the Fourth of July Task Force to raise
funds through Corporate Sponsorships.
Motion by: Austin Knight Seconded by: Lynne Davies
Yea
3 Nay 1 (Michele Couture)
5D HAZARD
MITIGATION GRANT PROGRAM – BUILDING RETROFITS FOR
HURRICANE
PREPAREDNESS
Application to Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency
– Brian Carlson
MOTION: Move that
the Board of Selectmen vote to approve the grant applications to
the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) to seek funds from the
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) to retrofit the following critical
structures so to mitigate the potential for damage caused by a high-wind event
and/or Hurricane: Veterans Elementary School,
Provincetown High School, Community Center, Town Hall and the Historic School
House (WOMR Radio Station).
Motion by: Lynne Davies Seconded by: Michele Couture Yea
4 Nay 0
5E REGIONAL
HAZMAT PLAN – Brian
Carlson
MOTION: Move that
the Board of Selectmen vote to send a letter to Chairman Chief George Baker, Barnstable County
Regional Emergency Planning Committee advising him that in accordance with the Superfund Amendments
and Reauthorization Act (SARA Title III) and the Emergency Planning and
Community Rights to Know Act (EPCRA) that the Town of Provincetown accepts the
Barnstable County Hazardous Materials Emergency Plan (November 2007 edition),
prepared by the Barnstable County Regional Emergency Plan Committee. Further, the acceptance of this emergency
plan reaffirms that the Town of
Motion by: Michele Couture Seconded by: Lynne Davies Yea
4 Nay 0
5F MCDBG
– WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS
All
MOTION:
Move that the Board of Selectmen vote to approve and execute Change
Order #1 to the contract with All Cape Well Drilling Inc. for $51,262.20, for a
total contract of $297,188.20 under the 2006 Massachusetts Community
Development Fund program for additional work at South Hollow & Knowles
Crossing well fields under the water system improvements projects funded by the
Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development.
Motion by: Michele Couture Seconded by: Austin Knight Yea 4
Nay 0
5G H2B & J2 WORKFORCE NEEDS SURVEY
Follow-Up – Grant Administrator Michelle Jarusiewicz
Michele Couture – Like the suggestion by PBG of a Senior Volunteer working in the lobby of Town Hall, suggest High School kids. We’ve got to come up with creative ideas.
MOTION: Move that the Board of Selectmen vote to
direct staff to: 1) contact Career Opportunities at DET and request staff
assistance for job placement in Provincetown, 2) direct staff to plan the March
18th business forum with a focus on workforce issues, 3) direct
staff to explore electronic job posting capabilities/process in partnership
with the local business organizations, and /or another strategy.
Motion by: Michele Couture Seconded by: Lynne Davies Yea 4
Nay 0
5H 83
SHANKPAINTER ROAD PRESENTATION - Ted Malone
Request
for Project Eligibility Letter
MOTION: Move that
the Board of Selectmen vote to send a letter to the Massachusetts
Housing Partnership acknowledging receipt of the information on the proposed 83
Shank Painter Road Chapter 40B Comprehensive Permit project to state the
following: 1) that the project is consistent
with the Selectmen’s goals for creating of affordable rental housing and reuse
of existing structures; 2) proposed by an organization (Community Housing
Resource) that has a good track record with the town; and, 3) recommend
issuance of the Project Eligibility Letter so that the 40B
Comprehensive Permit process can proceed to the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Motion by: Michele Couture Seconded by: Lynne Davies Yea 4
Nay 0
5I USE
OF
Sharon Lynn – Spoke with Herb Taylor and they expect to be out by the end of April, 2008.
Open discussion ensued.
Mary-Jo Avellar left the room as she works for the Provincetown Realty Group
5J
Amendments and Deed Restrictions
MOTION: Move that the Board of Selectmen vote to approve (1) a Regulatory Agreement which redesignates “Exhibit D” as “Exhibit E” and adds a “Town of Provincetown Affordable Housing Restriction (Ownership)” document as Exhibit D, for the housing development known as Sandy Hill Lane and (2) to approve the affordable housing restrictions for moderate income ownership for 6 Sandy Hill Lane units #5, #6, #7 and #8 and approve the affordable housing restrictions for median income ownership for 6 Sandy Hill Lane units #9, #11, and #12.
Motion by: Michele Couture Seconded by: Lynne Davies Yea 3
Nay 0
6A PAMET LENS OVERSIGHT
GROUP – UPDATE
Open
Discussion.
Next
meeting will be in
6B
Set Dates for Opening and Closing of
Warrants
MOTION: Move that the Board of
Selectmen vote to open the Wednesday, April 7, 2008 Annual and Special Town
Meeting warrants February 29, 2008 and to close them on Monday, March 7, 2008
at 5:00 p.m., in accordance with Charter §2-1-7.
Motion by: Michele Couture Seconded by: Austin Knight Yea 4
Nay 0
6C TOWN
MANAGER FOLLOW-UP/OTHER
Flex bus.
7. MINUTES
OF BOARD OF SELECTMEN‘S MEETINGS
MOTION:
Move
that the Board of Selectmen vote to approve the minutes of
Motion by: Michele Couture Seconded by: Austin Knight Yea 4 Nay
0
MOTION:
Move
that the Board of Selectmen vote to approve the minutes of
Motion by: Michele Couture Seconded by: Austin Knight Yea 4 Nay
0
MOTION:
Move
that the Board of Selectmen vote to approve the minutes of
Motion by: Michele Couture Seconded by: Austin Knight Yea 4 Nay
0
8. CLOSING STATEMENTS
Lynne Davies – None Austin
Knight - None
Mary-Jo Avellar
- None Michele
Couture –
Motion
to adjourn by Michele Couture at
Minutes transcribed by: