Board of Selectmen’s Meeting
April 8, 2008
The meeting was called to order at 4:00 p.m. by Chairman David Whitcomb in the Town Hall downstairs meeting room. Selectmen present included Douglas Ann Bohman, Ronald Bergstrom and Sean Summers. Selectman Deborah Connors was absent. Town Manager William Hinchey also attended.
Minutes
On a motion by Bohman, seconded by Bergstrom, the Board voted unanimously to approve the minutes of March 26, 2008 and April 1, 2008, with Summers abstaining from the vote on the minutes of April 1st.
Public Forum
· Robert Duncanson, Director of Health and Environment, announced that the Lovers Lake/Stillwater Pond draft report has been completed. A public meeting on the draft report is scheduled for Saturday, April 19th at 2:00 p.m. in the Town Hall downstairs meeting room - this will be an opportunity for the public to hear from the consultants. The draft report will be posted on the Town’s website.
· Emily Loomis, Housing Development Manager for the Lower Cape Cod Community Development Corporation, addressed the Board to request support in obtaining a grant from the Massachusetts Housing Partnership to help fund their housing development staff and to pursue affordable housing opportunities throughout the Lower Cape. Bergstrom moved and Bohman seconded a motion to sign a letter of support. Summers indicated that he will abstain from this vote due to the late receipt of this request and his concern with the direction of such organizations. Whitcomb suggested that the motion be amended to authorize the Chairman to sign the letter of support. On
a motion by Bergstrom, seconded by Bohman, the Board voted 3-0-1, with Summers abstaining, to authorize the Chairman to sign the letter of support for the Lower Cape Cod Community Development Corporation.
Request for Approval – Nun Run
Kathleen Giorgio addressed the Board to request approval for the second annual Nun Run noting that proceeds go to support Dream Day on Cape Cod. On a motion by Bohman, seconded by Bergstrom, the Board voted unanimously to support the second annual Nun Run on Saturday, September 20, 2008.
Request to Place Sign for Vendor Fair
Bill Bystrom, Community Center Director, requested permission to advertise the Vendor Fair to be held at the Community Center on April 19, 2008, by placing a two and one half foot wide by four foot high sign on the front lawn of the Community Center on the day of the event from 8:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. Mr. Bystrom noted that the Chatham Sign Company is developing a proposal for a permanent sign which, after the permitting process, will hopefully be available by sometime this summer. Mr. Bystrom announced that the fitness room opened this past Monday and updated the Board on upcoming Community Center programs. He noted the “outstanding” work of Danni Krash on the fitness video and thanked him for a “great job”. Discussion included the safety of teens using the fitness room
equipment and it was suggested that a letter be sent to the parents of teenaged participants. On a motion by Bohman, seconded by Bergstrom, the Board voted unanimously to approve the sign request.
Request to Sign Proclamation – Historic Preservation Month
Mary Ann Gray, Chairman of the Preservation Awards Committee of the Chatham Historical Society, addressed the Board to request that the Board sign a proclamation designating May as Historic Preservation Month in Chatham. She indicated that the proclamation is sponsored by the Historical Commission, Historic Business District Commission, the Historical Society and the Garden Club. She outlined the list of May events celebrating National Preservation Month. On a motion by Summers, seconded by Bohman, the Board voted unanimously to sign this proclamation.
Request to Place Signs/Banners - Festival of the Arts
Mary Carroll Allen of the Creative Arts Center addressed the Board to request permission to place signs on the Town Hall lawn at the corner of Main Street and Cross Street to direct traffic to Chase Park, by the roadside in North and South Chatham to direct traffic to the shuttle bus pick-up locations, and beside the parking lot at Oyster Pond and the side parking lot on Hitching Post Road at Chatham Elementary School to identify shuttle bus pick-up locations from Thursday, August 14th until 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 17th. She noted that permission has already been received from the School. On a motion by Bohman, seconded by Bergstrom, the Board voted unanimously to approve placement of the signs for the Festival of the Arts.
Ms. Allen requested permission to place 10-12 banners on Main Street corresponding to the sites used by First Night, from August 1st to Monday, August 18th. Discussion included concern that this is not a Town event and community sensitivity to displays on Main Street. Steve Goldman, a Board member of the Creative Arts Center, noted the positive benefits of the Center and that the banners will help with marketing. Bergstrom suggested that this request be put off for a week or two to see if there is public input. The Board discussed the number of banners and the length of time that they would be displayed – it was suggested that eight banners for ten days (8/8-8/18) may be more appropriate. There was consensus to continue this discussion at the Board’s April 22nd meeting.
Public Hearing – Entertainment License – Chatham Coffee Co.
The Board held a public hearing to consider the application of the Chatham Coffee Company for a year round entertainment permit. Whitcomb read the public notice. Caroline Geishecker presented her request to the Board noting that on three occasions she has been granted permission for a one day entertainment permit and that the events have been successful. She indicated that she currently is permitted for ten seats but has received permission from the Board of Health to increase seating to twenty-five. Discussion centered on the recommendation from Community Development Director Kevin McDonald that the Board postpone the decision to issue this license for more than ten seats until the Planning Board approves the additional seating and determines there is sufficient parking. Ms. Geishecker
requested that, if a year round permit cannot be approved this evening, one day permits be granted for May 9 and June 18. Assistant Planner Lynn Thatcher indicated that the entertainment license is not tied to the number of seats, but that Ms. Geishecker’s application for increased seating must be reviewed for parking adequacy by the Planning Board and Building Inspector – the Planning Board is scheduled to hear this request on May 20. On a motion by Bohman, seconded by Bergstrom, the Board voted unanimously to approve this entertainment license for the current seating. Mr. Hinchey advised that the Board take a second vote to address the proposed increase in seating. Bill Hammatt spoke in favor of Ms. Geishecker’s business. Norma Avellar noted that Ms. Geishecker’s business provides a non-alcoholic venue that young people can frequent. Paula Liska, Central Permitting Coordinator, explained that an increase in seating could
effect restroom requirements. On a motion by Summers, seconded by Bohman, the Board voted unanimously to continue to support this entertainment license contingent upon approval of the increase in seating capacity by the Planning Board and Building Inspector.
Request for One Day Liquor License – The Pals for Life Foundation
There was consensus to reschedule this request because the applicant was not in attendance and comments from all appropriate department heads had not been received.
Appointments
On a motion by Bergstrom, seconded by Bohman, the Board voted unanimously to appoint Barry Greco to the Shellfish Advisory Committee until June 30, 2010 unless sooner revoked or a successor is appointed.
Other Business
Summers requested a report on the activities of the Shellfish Advisory Committee. Mr. Hinchey suggested that the Committee be scheduled for an update before the Board of Selectmen.
Bergstrom commented on fuel use by Town departments. Mr. Hinchey noted that this is a budgetary issue with minimizing use being the biggest challenge and that more economic vehicles and alternative fuels have been and will continue to be considered.
On a motion by Bergstrom, seconded by Bohman, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn at 5:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda Smulligan
Recording Clerk
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