Town of Aquinnah

Selectmen’s Meeting
Minutes
May 22, 2018

Attending: Gary Haley, Juli Vanderhoop, Jim Newman, Elise LeBovit, Mike Hebert, Eleanor Hebert, Paul Manning, Simon Bollin, Richard Skidmore, Jim Pickman, Deborah Medders, Derrill Bazzy, Liz Witham, Jeffrey Madison, town administrator.

Gary called the meeting ot order at 5:37 p.m.

First item on the agenda was acceptance of minutes. Juli moved and Gary seconded that minutes of April 10, April 20, April 24, May 3 and May 14 be accepted. Both voted in favor. Jim was not present when the vote took place.

Mike Hebert spoke to the by Taylor and Sarah Ives who requested to be placed in Pool 1 of the Housing Lottery. Mike explained that there were four pools of applicants. Pool 1 was comprise of Aquinnah residents meeting the minimum family size of 2; Pool 2 is comprised of all residents who currently don’t live in town; Pool 3; is applicants who don’t meet the required minimum family size; and, Pool 4 comprised of other applicants who don’t live in town and don’t meet requirements.

Currently there are 4 applications in Pool 1 and 1 application in Pool 3 seeking review/appeal to the Board of Selectmen. That applicant, Taylor and Sarah Ives sent a letter which was read into the record. Mike stated that he didn’t want the Dukes County Housing Authority to make a ruling on the appeal and felt it better that the Selectmen hear the appeal. Elise felt that allowing the appeal would set a precedent. Mike disagreed as did Derrill Bazzy. Both Mike and Derrill recommended that the Ives be placed in Pool #1. Julie stated that she felt that it is important that the local Housing Committee weighed in on the appeal. In the end Jim moved and Juli seconded a motion that the Ives family be included in Pool #1. The vote was unanimous to make that recommendation to the Dukes County Housing Authority.

Paul Manning introduced Patrick Souza of Vineyard Haven who was recommended for appointment as a special police officer. Jim moved and Juli seconded a motion to appoint Mr. Souza effective May 22, 2018. Sgt. Manning also presented a request that the Board appoint Michael Sellitti, Michael Leccese and Roshawn Groce as special officers for the period May 22, 2018 until December 31, 2018. Julie moved and Jim seconded a motion to make such appointment, the vote was unanimous.

Under Other Business Richard Skidmore made the following remarks:
1. John Keene Excavation will be repairing the path to the Lighthouse on Thursday
2. The Lighthouse will open on Saturday
3. Signage for Lighthouse Park will be installed on Friday
4. The signage will include notice of the 10k race in October
5. There is still a need to install wifi and electric to the Lighthouse
6. There will be a wedding at the Lighthouse on Saturday
7. He introduced Deborah Medders as the Lighthouse Coordinator
8. Richard pointed out that Randhi has informed him that the Police will no longer open Lighthouse Park
There was much discussion of the topics listed above Deborah Medders expressed appreciation for the support she has received over the past 2 months since her appointment. Selectmen deferred any decision on Richard’s comments that the police will no longer open the gate to the Park until such time as Chief Belain had an opportunity to comment. Juli asked if there is a script that the docents use in their tour. Deborah stated that she is developing just such a s script. Elise commented that she is feeling like she has no place on the Lighthouse Advisory Board and perhaps it is time to appoint another committee to advertise the Lighthouse and conduct events such as a Lighthouse Art Show.

Liz Witham informed the Board that her film, “Keepers of the Light,” is finished and she has been approached by M.V. Film Society to do a screening at the Cliffs this summer. Jim asked if the event would be free. Liz said she thought that it would, but would need to check with the Society for their input. The Selectmen gave their approval on the condition that the final date would be approved at a later meeting and the event was free and open to the public.

Jim Pickman raised the issue of the need for more funding at the Lighthouse. Gary mentioned that Rep. Fernandez had submitted a $300K earmark for Lighthouse funding in the current state budget. The earmark was approved by the House of Representatives and is awaiting approval by the Senate before going to the governor’s desk for approval.

Jim moved to adjourn the meeting, Julie seconded and the meeting was adjourned at 6:27 p.m.