Annual Goals Adopted for FY 2010
The Provincetown Board of Selectmen held a public hearing on Monday, June 29, 2009 at 6 p.m. in Larkin Hall, Center for Coastal Studies, 5 Holway Street, Provincetown, MA, and then and there adopted the following Town-wide policy goals for Fiscal Year 2010:

1) Fiscal Management: 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 was 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 Pamet Lens Oversight Group (PLOG) in following through with actions cited in the Watershed Management Plan completed and approved in 2009. Seek continued discussions with the Cape Cod National Seashore to work through pitfalls of obtaining water resources and withdrawal from CCNS property.

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. Work on Economic Development policy to include consideration of water usage in the decision-making process regarding additional gallon requests from property owners.

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 Center for Coastal Studies Ruth Heibert Laboratory Building, 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.

Explore possibilities for 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 Town-owned Streets: Continue to pursue solutions and funding sources for the repaving and reconstruction of all Town-owned streets, with emphasis on downtown districts.

11) Cape Cod National Seashore: Work to support efforts of CCNS to improve safety issues affecting citizens and visitors to Provincetown. Encourage CCNS to develop dedicated paved bicycle lanes from Moors Road leading to all beach access areas. 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.

Michele Couture, Chairman, Board of Selectmen

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See Prior Year's goals: FY 2009, FY 2008, FY 2007, FY 2006, FY 2005, FY 2004, FY 2003, FY 2002, FY 2001, FY 2000