Town of Aquinnah

SELECTMEN’S MEETING
April 16, 2019
MEETING MINUTES

Attending: Gary Haley, Julianne Vanderhoop, Jim Newman (by phone), Wendy Swolinsky, Jay Smalley, Abbey Jardin, Simon Bolin, Vern Welch, Paul Manning, Richard Skidmore, Mike Hebert, Rahdhi Belain, Jeff Madison (Town Administrator)

Chairman Haley called the meeting to order at 4:34 p.m. There were no minutes for consideration.

Appointment of Representative for High School Sub Committee on Regional Funding
No action taken

Discussion concerned who may have interest in the position. Jim requested that the newspapers in attendance report that we are seeking someone to serve. Lucas Thors from the MV Times agreed to include a line in his report. Selectmen requested that an ad be placed in the newspaper soliciting a volunteer.

Vern Welch Request re: Repair of spiles at his shack in Menemsha

Vern Welch repeated his report that repairs are needed to the spiles at his shack on Menemsha channel. His inquiry included a decision on who would need to make the repairs given the recent court decision in his favor. Jim Newman asked if he knew how much the repairs would cost. Vern responded that three spiles needed replacement at $2500.00 per spile. He was informed that no funds were in existence presently that could be used for the repair. Jim further posed the question of whether CPC funds might be used to fund the cost of repair given the historic nature of the shack. Jeff stated that he would send an email to Derrill to find out. Wendy Swolinsky asked whether a permit allowing replacement has been issued. She was not provided a response. Vern further requested whether he could get a letter from the Town that stated that should he not be given permanent possession of the shack, or if the Court should rule that the shack did not belong to him, then the Town would reimburse him for his repair costs. Selectmen requested that Town Counsel be consulted on how best to respond.

Recommendation of Annual Assessor Line Item in Budget
Salary -0- Expenses $40,000.00

After discussion, Jim made a motion that the Selectmen recommend to the Finance Committee that the salary line item of Assessor’ budget be set at zero and that the Assessor’s Expense line item be increased to Forty Thousand Dollars ($40,000.00) to cover anticipated outsourcing expenses. Juli seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

Lighthouse Roof Repair Contract
Approved bid of Intenational Chimney Corp.

The Selectmen endorsed the award of the bid in the amount of Eighty-Seven Thousand Nine Hundred Dollars ($87,900.00) submitted by International Chimney Corporation to make roof repairs to the Gay Head Lighthouse. Julie moved and Jim seconded the motion to approve the bid. The vote to approve was unanimous.

Other Business:

Special Selectmen’s Meeting Set
Meeting set for April 23, 2019 at 8:00 a.m. to discuss potential litigation with Tribe and finalize budget and annual town meeting warrant.

Discussion on Rodman Land
Jardin Family given until Tuesday to Provide Proof of Their Claim

Abbey Jardin addressed the Selectmen to once again request that the Rodman property not be used for affordable housing. She repeated her contention that the Town had stolen the land from her family and that they want to reclaim it. It was pointed out by the Town Administrator that the warrant article seeking to use the land was deferred last year with the understanding that she, or her family, would provide proof of ownership, that would be reviewed by the Town, before this year’s Annual Meeting. A letter was sent to her and others in her family following the meeting at which the agreement memorializing the agreement was made. Over the course of the past year at least two letters reminding them of the Selectmen’s intent to once again bring the matter before the voters unless proof was submitted. Ms. Jardin dismissed the Town’s actions and charging them with stealing her family land while appealing to the Selectmen to return the land to her family.

Request for Funding for Lighthouse Promotional Materials

Richard Skidmore requested that he be authorized to expend Five Thousand Two Hundred Dollars ($5,200.00) to fund the cost of printing and distributing promotional materials for the upcoming season at the Lighthouse. The request was deferred pending discussion with the Treasurer.

Meeting was adjourned at 5:25 p.m.