Town of Chatham, MA - Selectmen's Meeting Minutes 2/19/08

Vice-chairman Connors called the meeting to order at 4:00PM with Mrs. Bohman, Mr. Bergstrom, and Mr. Summers present. Community Development Director Kevin McDonald attended this meeting in Mr. Hinchey’s absence.

Ms. Connors announced that the Agenda item Warrant Article - Outside Display Setback will not be discussed at this meeting because the proponent could not be present.

Mrs. Bohman moved the Board of Selectmen vote to approve the minutes of the February 5, 2008 Board of Selectmen’s meeting. Mr. Bergstrom seconded the motion and the Board of Selectmen voted unanimously in favor.

Mrs. Bohman moved the Board of Selectmen vote to approve the minutes of the February 12, 2008 Board of Selectmen’s meeting. Mr. Bergstrom seconded the motion and the Board of Selectmen voted unanimously in favor.

Dr. Robert Duncanson, Director of Health and Environment, announced the Pleasant Bay Resource Management Plan is scheduled to be updated in 2008. He said the public is invited to comment on the Plan. The Plan is on a link from Chatham’s website. There will be public meeting Thursday March 6, 2008 at 7:00PM in the Brewster Town hall. Written comments to the Alliance will be accepted through March 14, 2008.

Mr. Alan McClennan, Chatham’s consultant on the MCI leases addressed the Board of Selectmen concerning House Bill #4198, a request from the Town that all construction at the RCA Marconi site be exempted from the prevailing wage law and certain public bidding requirements. Representative Sarah Peake has indicated that there is little interest by the House committee to seeing this bill passed. Ms. Peake suggested that if we remove the potential public construction activities the bill may have a chance to pass as it will only refer to the non-profit agencies doing work on the project to be exempted.

Mr. Charles Bartlett, president of the Marconi group asked the Board of Selectmen to support this letter. He noted prevailing wages could add as much as 30% to the project.

Mrs. Bohman moved the Board of Selectmen vote to forward the letter prepared by Mr. McClennan and authorize Town Manager William Hinchey to sign on behalf of the Town. Mr. Bergstrom seconded the motion and the Board of Selectmen voted unanimously in favor.

Ms. Connors noted Mr. McClennan’s recommendation to place an Article on the Warrant for 2008 in the event our first legislation does not pass before July 1, will be on an upcoming agenda.

Mr. McClennen told the Board of Selectmen he has become of aware of a grant being offered by the Massachusetts Historical Commission that, if funded, would provide additional money for the Railroad Museum restoration. The application requests $38,000 for the Museum.

Mr. Bergstrom moved the Board of Selectmen vote to have Mr. McClennan proceed with the grant application and further that Mr. Hinchey be authorized to sign the application on behalf of the Town. Mrs. Bohman seconded the motion and the Board of Selectmen voted unanimously in favor.

Water and Sewer Manager William Redfield attended this meeting. Mr. Redfield asked the Board of Selectmen to place the “Town of Chatham Rules and Regulations for the Sewer Department” on the Annual Town Meeting Warrant. These have been reviewed by the Citizens’ Advisory Committee as well as the Water and Sewer Advisory Committee and the Board of Selectmen.

Mrs. Bohman moved the Board of Selectmen place this Article on the Annual Town Meeting Warrant. Mr. Bergstrom seconded the motion and the Board of Selectmen voted unanimously in favor.

Mrs. Bohman moved the Board of Selectmen recommend approval of this Article to the Town Meeting. Mr. Bergstrom seconded the motion and the Board of Selectmen voted unanimously in favor.

Mr. Redfield explained the Town has an easement over 35 Phoebe Lane, since the water main has been replaced, the Town no longer needs to burden this property.

Mrs. Bohman moved the Board of Selectmen place this Article on the Annual Town Meeting Warrant. Mr. Bergstrom seconded the motion and the Board of Selectmen voted unanimously in favor.

Mrs. Bohman Moved the Board of Selectmen recommend approval of this Article to the Town Meeting. Mr. Bergstrom seconded the motion and the Board of Selectmen voted unanimously in favor.

Health and Environment Director Robert Duncanson addressed the Board of Selectmen. He said with the establishment of a Wildfire Management Team, the Town can begin to implement recommendations made in the Plan and work with abutters on various aspects.

During the ensuing discussion both Mr. Summers and Mrs. Bohman suggested they would feel more comfortable accepting the Plan if the abutters had been notified of the hearing before the Conservation Commission so that their concerns and questions could be addressed.

Conservation Agent Kristen Andres reviewed the development of the Plan with the Cape Cod Cooperative Extension beginning in 2003, including meetings with the Fire Department, Water Department as well as Parks and Recreation.

The goals of the plan are to increase safety of officials and the public, reduce hazards for fires at the Town Forest and Goose Pond, and provide public education and awareness of wildfire preparedness.

Mr. Bergstrom said noted the Plan is labor intensive and very aggressive. He expressed concern about the costs. Ms. Andres said the County may be able to provide some funding.

Ms. Connors asked for a more specific summary of the Plan. Mr. Joel Carlson addressed the Board of Selectmen. He explained the Plan will establish a management team, attempt to educate property owners on protection and preparedness, reduce low story fuel (brush under larger trees) and improve access for fire apparatus. The Plan is designed to be ecologically sound for the management of plants as well as animal habitat.

Mr. Bergstrom wanted to discuss a remedy for the Board’s concern that abutters were not part of this process. Dr. Duncanson said he will hold a public meeting and presentation of the Plan and notify all abutters.

This item will appear on a future agenda for the Selectmen’s endorsement after a public meeting is held with the abutters.

Mrs. Bohman moved the Board of Selectmen vote to establish a wildfire management team consisting of representatives from the Fire Department, Department of Public Works, Conservation, and the Water Department. Mr. Bergstrom seconded the motion. Ms. Connors noted the charge for the Team is included in the Executive Summary. The Board of Selectmen voted unanimously in favor.

Director of Community Development Kevin McDonald reviewed the letter the Town has prepared for Mass Housing Coordinator Michael Busby. He noted there are concerns about density expressed in the comments from several departments.

Mr. Bergstrom said there is no mention of septic plans in the proposal. Mr. McDonald said those plans will be revealed in the process. The Town will seek funding from Mass Housing Partnership for a consultant as it has with other 40B applications.

Mrs. Bohman said she is pleased with the positive and constructive comments from our Town departments. Mrs. Bohman moved the Board of Selectmen forward the letter with comments to Mass Housing. Mr. Bergstrom seconded the motion and the Board of Selectmen voted unanimously in favor.