TOWN OF
Chairman Michele Couture convened the meeting at
Other attendees:
Town Manager
Recorder:
The following are meeting minutes, in brief:
1. PUBLIC HEARING: ADOPTION OF TOWN-WIDE
POLICY GOALS FY-2009
Chairman Couture read the
Public Hearing Notice into the record
MOTION: Move
that the Board of Selectmen vote to waive the reading of the eleven goals
published in the public hearing.
Motion by:
No comments received in
writing prior to the deadline advertised in the Public Hearing Notice.
Comment from Public
Candace Nagle – Read
statement into the record – See attachment #1
Board of Selectmen Comments
Fiscal Management
MOTION: Move
that the Board of Selectmen vote,
pursuant to
Charter §
Motion by:
1)
Fiscal Management: Continuing to focus on the
recommendations made by the Massachusetts Department of Revenue in its report
issued in April 2008 to the Board of Selectmen, it is a high priority to address
these comments with precision and clarity. The Town Manager continues to hold
bi-weekly meetings with the Finance Department staff to ensure strong
communication while meeting expected timeline goals. An efficient process of
accountability on all staff levels continues to take precedence and periodic
checks are in place. This includes providing a concrete understanding of fiscal
policy goals and developing a 5 year fiscal policy plan, while continuing to
work with the Department of Revenue in the execution and completion of their
recommendations. Continue the process of addressing outstanding record keeping
practices and audit findings with em
Commit to meet quarterly
with the Finance Committee and continue the dialog between the Board of
Selectmen, School Committee and Finance Committee.
Research and assess
alternative sources of revenue to supplement the real estate tax revenue
stream, including the pursuit of a meal tax and a fair room tax rate. Develop
the budget in a fiscally responsible manner to address the needs of Town
Government, while meeting specific deadlines requested by the Finance
Department. In working toward the goal of financial stability it is important
to adhere to the mandated deposit into a stabilization fund.
2)
Town Hall Restoration: Saving
Continuing to relocate Town
Hall staff while providing the most efficient, cost effective approach to
service the needs of the community is a priority. 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 to work with the Provincetown Community Housing Council
(PCHC) in the creation of a Housing Office to address fundraising and grant
opportunities while employing a Housing Officer to direct this program.
Institute quarterly
meetings of the Board of Selectmen with the Provincetown Community Housing
Council in order to share information and communicate initiatives.
Follow through and award a
bid to one of the two respondents of the
4)
Water Management Plan: The
Continue
to work with
Continue
system improvements on both the supply side and distribution system.
5)
Town Facilities Action
Plan: Continue with the design,
construction and opening of public rest room facilities at Fire House #2 while
maximizing use of other town owned buildings.
Transition the office of
the Tourism Director into the ground floor of the
Continue to explore
expanded uses for the Community Center while taking advantage of space needs
for various offices relocating out of Town Hall.
Utilize the
6)
Wastewater: Continue with flow
optimization for Phase I Wastewater to include the pursuit of all options that
would allow additional connections for Economic Development through Growth
Management and additional connections for those properties with Administrative
Consent Orders. To provide additional flow at a low investment cost while
bringing a higher level of financial efficiency to this system in an effort to
offer rate relief to users.
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. To determine which town
buildings are suitable for solar or wind generators as a long term energy
savings goal.
Work with state and regional groups in the acquisition of alternative
energy sources.
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 2009
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.
10) Paving of
11)
Motion
to adjourn by
Minutes transcribed for approval by: Vernon G. Porter, Secretary to Board of Selectmen