Town of Aquinnah

Gay Head Lighthouse Advisory Board
Notes of Meeting 4-29-19
Aquinnah Town Hall Selectmen’s Meeting Room

Members present: Chairman Len Butler, Richard Skidmore, Tom Murphy, Jim Pickman*, Renee Pianka (representing Condo Owners)*
*via phone
Members Not present: Bettina Washington, Kathy Rainey
Also present: DPW Director Jay Smalley, Ally Reed, Lighthouse Coordinator Deb Meddors

- The meeting began at 4:00pm

- First on the agenda was a review of the 3/25/19 minutes. Richard motioned to approve the minutes as amended. Motion was seconded by Jim. The Committee voted 3-0-2, the motion passed. Renee and Tom were not present for the last meeting and abstained.

- Under Old Business, Jim gave a review of accounts. He reported that there were no changes from the previous month. There is approximately $66,500 remaining in the account and $15,000 remaining in CPA FY’19 funds. For FY’20, there will be $20,000 from CPA funds for Lighthouse restoration.

- Next, Richard gave a Lighthouse and Park report. Jay and Richard have looked at the ongoing fencing issue and noted that they are concerned with the nature of the post fencing. There was discussion on using a different type of fencing that will have less ground disturbance. Jay and Richard will continue to look into this. The Committee reviewed Matt Merry’s estimate of $4,000 to resurface the pathway to the Lighthouse and the pathway along the road. There was brief discussion concerning the speed of erosion and current position of the Lighthouse. Richard said that he will be notifying the press when International Chimney begins the next round of restoration work.

- Next, the Committee met with Deb Meddors and Ally Reed to discuss the temporary weather shelter at the Lighthouse. The Committee is looking at purchasing a 6’x8’ shed instead of a sunshade, as originally discussed. Deb stated that the docents would prefer to have a shed like structure with canvas siding to allow for a cross breeze. This would also allow for a 360-degree view of patrons entering the Lighthouse. Richard has contacted Nantucket Sheds to see if they can build a 6’x8’ saltbox without siding. There was brief discussion concerning other structures that could be used. Richard informed the Committee that the Planning Board will be reviewing the proposed temporary shed at the May 20th meeting. After further discussion, the Committee agreed on requesting and constructing a gable roofed post and beam structure measuring 6’x8’ with brick red asphalt roof shingles and closed gables with vertical cedar boarding. There was question on whether any other agency needs to approve the structure. Renee didn’t feel that the Condo owners would have an issue with the temporary structure. Deb questioned if there were any plans on adding more electrical sockets in the Lighthouse. Richard stated that he would put an order in. There was brief discussion regarding WIFI and installation of a webcam.

- Len gave an update on the Vineyard Wind project mitigation grants. The Town will be receiving $38,000 of which $15,000 will be used for signage and creation of a phone app. Memorandum of Agreement is still being developed. There was brief discussion regarding the context for the signage. The Committee discussed whether the WIFI can be funded through the Lighthouse budget even though the Lighthouse budget funds are for restoration. There was question on whether the WIFI could be paid with the remaining funds from the shed warrant article. Tom will discuss ways to fund this with Jeffrey. Len reviewed the MOA details with the Committee: The Committee will have 3 years to use the grant and complete the proposed projects and will be able to re-allocate the funds between intended categories (restoration and education/information).

- The Committee discussed upcoming restoration work. International Chimney plans on coming May 8th to begin work. ICC anticipates that the project will take about 2 weeks (work should be completed by May 24th). The Committee discussed the contract and base bid: contract has been signed by the Town and ICC, bid includes contractor taking photographs of the project and 3-coat protective system on the roof (ICC threw this in). Total work will cost $87,900 and ICC will bill at completion.

- Richard gave an update on the Bond Bill. A letter from Dylan Fernandes has been sent advocating for the release of funds for the Lighthouse. Richard is waiting to hear if the Town should send a letter as well. The Commitee discussed State Rep. Angelo Puppolo’s June 24th visit to the Lighthouse.

- Len gave an update on the pedestrian guardrail. Bartlett, the guardrail contractor, informed the Town that in the proposed area for the guardrail there is an existing buried electrical line, identified by Dig Safe (not sure if it is active or inactive), and as a result we could not mount the guardrail as originally proposed (cutting blacktop and digging down 30”). Len thought that the alterative of mounting to the blacktop would work. Bartlett would only agree to this method if the Town had the plan approved by an engineer. Len and Jeffrey met with Kent Healy, engineer, who is working on a drawing of the project. Project has been delayed and is dependent on how soon the brackets for the guardrail can be manufactured.

- Richard read a letter from Phillip Duarte, State Rep Angelo Puppolo’s assistant. The letter outlined the reason for Rep Puppolo’s visit to the Lighthouse in June: concern with the condition of Massachusetts Lighthouses. The Committee discussed the Bond Bill again.

- Tom informed the Committee that he had sent a letter to Sail MV regarding the sail around the Island and having the Lighthouse Park as a viewing spot but has not gotten a response yet.

- The Committee scheduled their next meeting for Thursday May 23rd, 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 5:33pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Sophia Welch
Board Administrative Assistant