Town of Aquinnah

Selectmen’s Meeting
Minutes
June 5, 2018

Attending: Jim Newman, Juli Vanderhoop, Gary Haley (Chairman), Jeffrey Madison (Town Administrator), Mike Hebert (Chm. Local Housing Authority), Simon Bollin (Fire Chief), Jay Smalley (Highway Superintendent), Richard Skidmore (Lightkeeper), Randy Belain (Police Chief).

Public Attending: Frank Perez, Kristina Hook, Marsha Shufrin, Vern Welch, Wendy Swolinsky, Durwood Vanderhoop, Oliver Crowell, Adriana Ignacio, Amera Ignacio, Jamie Vanderhoop, Grace Vanderhoop, Matthew Vanderhoop, Jared Salvatore, Amdrew Bell, Lisa Vanderhoop. Barbara Bassett. Vern Welch, Brian Dowd, Daniel T. Keegan, Paul manning, Beverly Weright, Kamonchonok S. Warren, David R. Warren, James Benoit, Nancy Benoit, Laina Benoit, Breeze Tonnesen (IHT), Barbara Hoffman, Terri Keech, Carla Cuch, Kristina Hook Derrill Bazzy, Taylor and Sarah Ives.

Meeting was called to order at 5:33 p.m.

The first order of business was a review of the minutes from previous meetings. By acclamation that agenda item was deferred to the next meeting.

The next order of business was the housing lottery conducted for award of houses at Smalley’s Knoll Development. Mike Hebert, Chairman of the Local Housing Authority thanked the voters, Selectmen, Island Housing Trust and the Dukes County Regional Housing Authority and Brickstone Builders for their assistance in the process of getting the development to this point. Derrill Bazzy spoke briefly about the project. Terry Keech gave a rundown of the 4 categories and qualifying applicants that included: James & Nancy Benoit, Oliver Crowell, Taylor & Sarah Ives, Burbridge/Salvidor, Keegan Matthews, Gracie Vanderhoop, David Warren, Sharpe/Gorham, Worthington. Kristina Hook selected from the first pool of applicants the following:
1. Jim & Nancy Benoit,
2. Taylor & Sarah Ives
3. Kaitlan Burbridge
4. Keegan/Matthews
5. Oliver Crowell
Derrill Bazzy reported on a letter received from the Community Preservation Committee wherein they requested that the Selectmen approve an informal committee comprised of Derrill Bazzy, Kathy Newman, Jim Pickman, Richard Skidmore, Juli Vanderhoop, Bettina Washingon, Jeffrey Madison, Mitzi Pratt, Durwood Vanderhoop, Tobias Vanderhoop and Berta Welch for the purpose of assisting the Martha’s Vineyard Commission in completion of an initial phase of a preliminary Open Space and Recreation Plan. Juli moved and Jim seconded a motion to approve the temporary committee. Voted unanimously.

Next item: Vern Welch gave a report on his intention to install a temporary boat launch apparatus at his lot on Menemsha Channel. He also indicated a desire to do temporary repairs to the shack that include fixing missing/worn out railings and pilings and to try to raise mussels at the location. Wendy Swolinsky voiced an objection to any work being done on the shack that she claims to own. Juli moved that he be allowed to complete any repairs that enhance safety. The Selectmen asked that the town Administrator obtain an opinion from Seth Barnett on the need for approval by the Selectmen of any improvements.

There was a short discussion on chairs missing from the Selectmen’s meeting room. No action was taken.

Theresa Manning spoke to the Selectmen regarding the deplorable conditions at the restrooms and need for general improvements at the circle and lookout. The discussion centered around the possible need for a new well. No action was taken.

Richard Skidmore gave a brief report on advertisements and printed materials related to the Lighthouse. Several brochures were presented.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:54 p.m.