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BOARD OF SELECTMEN
August 21, 2018
MEETING MINUTES
Attending: Julie Vanderhoop, Gary Haley, Jim Newman, Simon Bollin, Randhi Belain, Barbara Bassett, Sibel Suman, Marsha Shufrin, Paul Manning, Jack Collins Jeffrey Madison (Town Administrator).
Meeting was called to order at 5:08 pm.
First on the agenda was a discussion on whether to lease a vehicle for use by town personnel while travelling. The vehicle is to replace the former police cruiser that was previously parked in the Palmer Avenue/Steamship Authority lot in Falmouth that car having been returned to the Vineyard. During the discussion the Town Administrator indicated that this would save time as leasing from the colonial Municipal Group would eliminate the need to go out to bid as that company is already approved as a low-bid provider under MA procurement regulations. The company had provided several lease options that were reviewed. The Town Administrator also explained that should the Town fail to appropriate monies to cover the lease at any time during the course of the lease the Town could return the car to the lesssor without penalty. There are no mileage costs and at the conclusion of the lease the car can be purchased by the town for One Dollar ($1.00). Following the discussion Julie moved that the Town accept a 5 year lease of a 2018 Ford Escape.offered by Colonial Municipal Group in Plymouth, MA at a cost of $452.86 per month with a deduction from each department’s expense line item to fund the cost until an appropriation can be obtained at town meeting. Gary seconded her motion. The board voted unanimously to have the Town Administrator lease the vehicle.
The Selectmen discussed an appeal by James Decoulos to the Applate Tax Board of his most recent tax bills. They decided to request that Town Counsel attend a meeting to discuss whether to hire an expert land appraiser to assist in defense of the Town’s assessed valuation.
Marsha Shufrin made a request that a review of correspondence from Town Counsel that related to the Assessor’s Assistant be postponed. The discussion involved the Assistant Assessor questioning a title to property owned by Kenneth DiPietro at 5 Sunset Lane and a sharply worded rebuke of the Assistant Assessor’s action by an eminently qualified lawyer. The Selectmen voted unanimously to accept her request to postpone the discussion.
The Board heard a presentation by Tom Heffernan of Clear Government, a web-based program that allows the public to access Town spending information and compare it with spending in other Massachusetts communities. The program, that would be integrated into the Town website would facilitate taxpayer’s understanding of where/how their tax dollars are spent. Following the discussion Jolie moved and Jim seconded a motion to contract with the firm to provide the service. The board approved the motion unanimously
In a discussion on compensation time policies the Selectmen reviewed a memo sent by Jack Collins, labor counsel wherein Atty. Collins outlined compensatory time as defined under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Following the discussion Selectmen decided by acclamation to set up a meeting between Jack Colliins, labor counsel, and the Personnel Board for discussion on how the Town should proceed. .
In “Other Business” Jim Newman brought up the possibility of securing grant funds to refurbish the boat sitting beside the Fire Station. Simon indicated that there may be funds available under a Firehouse Grant Program and agreed to seek information and report back to the Selectmen
Julie brought up the idea of a need for a pedestrian cross-walk that would protect visitors who in increasing numbers are crossing the road near the Lighthouse to Aquinnah Park to go to the restrooms. Chief Belain agreed that this would be a good idea. The Board agreed to consider such a cross-walk for next season.
Barbara Bassett told the Selectmen of a potential public safety presented by washouts on both sides of Lobsterville Road above her driveway. It was noted by several in attendance that they had observed several bike riders who had difficulty because of gravel washing into the roadway during rainstorms. Selectmen agreed to discuss the matter with the Highway Superintendant.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:56 p.m.
