Town of Aquinnah

Minutes of Meeting of the
Board of Selectmen
January 25, 2018

Meeting with Board of Health

Attending: Jim Newman (Chairman), Gary Haley, Juli Vanderhoop, Jim Glavin, Sarah Saltonstall, Phoenix Becker, Jeffrey Madison (Town Administrator).

Discussion centered around perceived issues at the Landfill. Jim Glavin presented a memo in which he outlined various issues. All agreed that Natalie was doing a outstanding job. The issue of collecting payments for refuse disposal ticket books was discussed. It was agreed that tickets may be sold at the Town Hall with a discount offered for those purchasing a book of tickets. It was further agreed that payments would be processed through the Board of Health Assistant before being turned over to the Treasurer.

Meeting with the Board of Assessors

Attending: Jim Newman, Gary Haley and Juli Vanderhoop, Marsha Shufrin, Elise Lebovit, Adam Wilson, Angela Cywinski, Paul Manning, Jeffrey Madison (Town Administrator).

Discussion began with Jim reading a letter from the Personnel Board authored by Kathy Newman that suggested a meeting concerning the grievance filed by Angela Cywinski against Jeffrey Madison. The letter sought a meeting between the Board of Selectmen and the Board of Assessors without the persons involved in the incident. The Boards agreed that there needed to be clarification on the Town Administrator’s role in enforcing policy set by the Selectmen. Adam suggested that the two Boards “hammer out a consensus to be followed.” Adam agreed to take the lead in setting a date for the meeting. Ultimately it was agreed that the parties agreed would meet on February 5, 2018. Elise mentioned that she was not getting the bills from Comcast for the modem the Assessor’s had installed. Jim explained that bills were not being paid because the modem was installed against the stated desire of the Selectmen. Jim further indicated that the Selectmen may decide to have it removed.

Selectmen’s Meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. Joining the meeting was Sheriff Ogden and a deputy. Sheriff Ogden presented the Selectmen with a draft warrant article for consideration at the Annual Town Meeting. The article seeks to fund a deficiency in the County budget related to operation of the Communications Center. Sheriff Ogden provided a detailed explanation of how the deficiency came about and why it was necessary to pass the article as presented. After a long discussion Jim Newman motioned that the request be taken under advisement. Gary Haley seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous in favor.

Carolyn Feltz introduced Gabriella Camilieri as her appointed Assistant Clerk. Gabriella will serve as Carolyn’s assistant until the town election in May.

There was a discussion of the Town taking over management of the lighthouse for this coming summer season. Elise volunteered her assistance in operation of the affairs at the lighthouse. She suggested that there be a committee established to provide input on operations. Ultimately, Juli moved and Gary seconded that the town accept the recommendation of the Lighthouse Advisory Board to have the town manage the lighthouse tours. The vote was unanimous in favor the motion.

There was discussion of and the Selectmen approved a Special Town Meeting to be held on Tuesday, March 6, 2018 at 7 o’clock p.m. at the Town Hall. It was suggested by Jim that the Town meeting include a question that would change the Assessor’s from elected to an appointed board. Both Gary and Juli agreed.

The Board discussed a communication received from Tim Carroll, Chilmark Executive Secretary, that raised the idea of a tri-town fire department. The Board took the suggestion under advisement thinking it best to consult with our Fire Chief and Police Chief for their input before taking the issue further.

The Board Accepted six sets of minutes as submitted. The minutes of December 5 (2 meetings), December 12, December 13, 2017 and January 9 and January 10, 2018 were approved. The vote was unanimous to accept all minutes.

Julie suggested that Liz Witham be asked to proof read the website and make corrections to spelling and other errors she had noticed.

Julie suggested a series of monthly meetings with the Personnel Board to consider changes to the Town’s Personnel Bylaw.

Julie motioned and Gary seconded that the meeting be adjourned. The vote to adjourn was unanimous and the meeting was adjourned at 6:37 p.m.