Town of Aquinnah

Gay Head Lighthouse Advisory Board
Notes of Meeting 3-25-19
Aquinnah Town Hall Selectmen’s Meeting Room

Members present: Chairman Len Butler, Richard Skidmore, Jim Pickman
Members Not present: Tom Murphy, Bettina Washington, Kathy Rainey
Also present: Selectmen Gary Haley

- The meeting began at 4:37pm

- First on the agenda was a review of the 2/19 minutes. Richard motioned to approve the minutes as written. Motion was seconded by Jim. The Committee voted 3-0, the motion passed.

- Under Old Business, Jim gave a review of accounts. He reported that there is approximately $66,300 remaining in the account and $15,000 remaining in CPA FY’19 funds. Payment has been made to Elizabeth Cecil for the photos of the Lighthouse move. Len informed the Committee that he sent one of the photos to Jerry Matyko and another to Byron Stone. Both were thankful to receive the photos. CPC has approved the FY’20 request for $20,000 for Lighthouse restoration.

- Next, Richard gave a Lighthouse and Park report. Fencing replacement is a serious need this year. Richard plans on surveying the fencing in May. The Committee requested that photos be taken of the fencing to document the recent erosion. Len and Richard will be meeting with Landscope to review grass remediation for park areas. In early May, DPW will get Matt Merry in to resurface the pathway from the Lighthouse to the gate. Richard has spoken with George Sourati, engineer, on developing a new pathway design and plans on getting an estimate on the cost. Richard will be meeting with the Museum to get an order of brochures and rack cards ready for this season. Phillip Duarte, State Rep and Chairman of the House Committee on Technology and Intergovernmental Affairs, is interested in touring the Lighthouse. His main objective is to assess all of the Lighthouse’s conditions (comparing them to Boston Light’s condition) and see how Lighthouse caretakers are maintaining them. Kaley Moore will be reaching out to Philip Duarte to help support the push for the $300,000 earmark. The Committee reviewed the CPC FY’20 Lighthouse warrant request. There was discussion concerning the sun/weather shade for Lighthouse employees. Richard will set up a meeting with himself, Len, Jeffrey and Deb Meddors, Lighthouse Coordinator, to get the shade ordered.

- Len gave a restoration update. There have been three respondents to the RFP for roof restoration work: International Chimney Corp., a Boston historic restoration company, and West Mill Preservation. After reviewing the documents, the Boston company felt that this project would have been something that they would have subcontracted out and will be passing on the project. Richard and Len met with two employees of West Mill Preservation. Richard and Len felt that the company will not qualify based on lack of experience with Lighthouse restoration and the tight work window but were unsure if they would place a bid. Bids for the work are due on April 5th and will be awarded within 7 days after. Work should be completed by the beginning of May. The Committee discussed adding an addendum to the contract requiring that the contractor take a series of progress photos during the work. In reading the ICC Lighthouse restoration assessment, Len found that they recommended a 3-coat protective system on the roof. Len will talk with ICC to see what this additional cost would be and inquire about the possibly of adding it as an alternate cost. The Committee agreed that if possible, the coating should be done while work is being done on the roof, depending on pricing. Richard noted that they should know about the $300,000 earmark come June.

- Next, the Committee discussed fundraising and grants. Len gave an update on the Vineyard Wind project. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) determined that Vineyard Wind project will have adverse effect on several historic properties including the Lighthouse (will be within the Lighthouse viewshed). As an impacted party, the Lighthouse qualifies for mitigation grants. Thus far, Vineyard Wind has offered the Lighthouse $26,800: $10,000 for signage (5 laminated signs: devils bridge and cliff info, geology info, circle of stone info, wind turbine project info), $1,800 for app development and $15,000 for restoration. After further review, Len and Richard agreed that the app development will cost closer to $5,000 and BOEM felt that the increase was a reasonable request. Len consulted ICC for possible restoration projects that could fall under this grant: $17,500 for mortar joints and collar repointing, $6,300 Keeper’s passageway repointing/rebricking, and $2,800 for a center support up to the watch level. Len requested additional funds for restoration based on these potential project costs. Len will be attending a meeting with BOEM, Vineyard Wind and other affected parties/participants off-island on April 2nd. There was brief discussion on the other Vineyard Wind affected parties, including an invitation to the Aquinnah Cultural Center. There was question on whether the grant money can be shifted between costs. BOEM will ask. The grants will be available once a Memorandum of Agreement has been signed by all parties. The Committee discussed the size of the wind project.

- Next, the Committee discussed the continuation of the access pathway (woodchip pathway leading up to the shops). Len was unsure if there were remaining funds available from last years warrant article. Len will contact the Town Accountant. Len has asked Matt Merry to give an estimate on finishing the pathway. There was brief discussion concerning the town override for this year and school budgets. The Committee briefly discussed the status of removal of telephone poles at the Cliffs.

- The Committee scheduled their next meeting for Monday April 29th, 2019 at 4:30pm.

- With no other business to discuss, a motion was made and seconded to adjourn. The Board voted unanimously in favor, the motion passed.

- The meeting ended at 5:37pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Sophia Welch
Board Administrative Assistant