Board of Selectmen Minutes
Board of Selectmen Minutes for: 11-17-2008
Hard to read? Click here to view Minutes alone. (Opens in a new window)
Board of Selectmen
November 17, 2008
Selectmen’s Meeting Room
Falmouth Town Hall
Board of Selectmen
Present: Ahmed Mustafa, Chairman; Carey Murphy, Vice-Chairman; Mary Pat Flynn and Brent Putnam
Others Present: Robert Whritenour, Town Manager
Absent: Kevin Murphy and Heather Harper, Assistant Town Manager
Ahmed Mustafa called the meeting of the Board of Selectmen to order at 7:00 p.m.
Summary of Actions
1. U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod - 1 Day Liquor License at Shoreway Acres Inn, 59 Shore Street - 12/12/08
2. Approve Pole Hearing Decision - Trotting Park Road
3. Approve Pole Hearing Decision - Davisville Road
Brent Putnam made a motion to approve the requests. Carey Murphy seconded. 4-Yes, 0-No
Summary of Actions Held
1. Falmouth Freeze for Dan Mahoney Fundraiser - Old Silver Beach - 11/30/08
Carey Murphy expressed concern for the safety of those taking part in this fundraiser. There was also a question of serving beverages and whether the parking lot would be used. Don Hoffer, Beach Superintendent, said there was a new memo that clarifies their desire to use the parking lot but no Town services. Carey Murphy made a motion to approve the request with the condition that they contact the E.M.T. Fire Services. Mary Pat Flynn seconded. 4-Yes, 0-No
2. Carol Martin - Authorization to Extend Loan
Robert Whritenour said this is a borrowing for fire apparatus. He quoted a state bylaw which authorizes the Board of Selectmen to extend this loan up to fifteen years. Carey Murphy made a motion to approve the borrowing of a ten year loan. Mary Pat Flynn seconded. 4-Yes, 0-No
3. Chamber of Commerce - Annual Christmas Parade - 12/7/08
Michael Kasparian gave the Board details on the upcoming parade through Falmouth. He encouraged the Selectmen to join in walking the parade route. The Selectmen said they would gladly get involved. Brent Putnam made a motion to approve the request. Carey Murphy seconded. 4-Yes, 0-No
4. Approve Minutes of Meeting - 11/3/08
With a minor correction, Brent Putnam made a motion to approve the 11/3/08 Selectmen’s minutes. Carey Murphy seconded. 3-Yes, 0-No, 1-Abstention
John P. Turner, Trustee, Green Pond Realty Trust - Wetland Hearing
Michael McGrath, Civil Engineer, is requesting a special permit to construct a new concrete ramp for
Green Pond Marina which will protect the waters of Green Pond. Green Pond Realty Trust is willing to donate money for the study of shellfish. Carey Murphy made a motion to approve the request with a Plan date of 7/9/08. Brent Putnam seconded. 4-Yes, 0-No
Discuss Woodbriar Senior Living Site Eligibility - 40B
Those present included Joan Houlihan, Manager in Falmouth and Jim Lane, Development Planning Director, who began the discussion by making a correction regarding the site visit date of MassHousing. It should have stated in the letter sent, October 23, 2008; not November 23, 2008. The site visit did occur and he apologized for the error and said another site visit with the Selectmen will be scheduled at some point in time. Paul Glenn, who represented Atria Senior Living Group, spoke on what the development would be: a Chapter 40B affordable housing development. Mr. Lane gave an extensive background on the group; noting that they operate 10 assisted living facilities in 124 communities in 27 states. All they do is senior housing and assisted living. Seventy percent of the residents are from Falmouth. They will be creating
Falmouth Selectmen’s Meeting 11/17/08
Page 2
good paying jobs with benefits; sixty of which will be full time. They also offer financial aid to employees. The Atria pool is offered for swimming lessons to the community. Mr. Lane noted they are conforming to all the Town bylaws and will be using the latest in “green” material. A wastewater treatment plant will be built at the facility, and there will be a conservation restriction on 15 acres of land. These 15 acres will have walking trails and a park. The 300 Committee is amiable to working with them on this aspect of the development. There is also the added benefit of the increase in the tax base. Peter Schmidt, President of TGA Architects, explained the architectural plans for the development, which totals 137,000 square feet. Michael McGrath explained the layout of the buildings and the water issues. They will be applying for a ground water discharge permit. The Jones Pond study will be given to the Board of Appeals as they, too, need to approve this project. Various questions were raised by the Board including transportation needs of the residents, which they do provide. Robert Whritenour said a letter of comment to MassHousing for the approval of the project will be issued next week.
Discuss and Vote 2009 Strategic Plan
Robert Whritenour’s Power Point presentation centered on six key areas: Financial and economic stability, beaches and harbors, leadership and public trust, community development, wastewater planning and energy resources. He stressed the need for more public discussion on this matter as he handed out a draft of the Plan. Mr. Whritenour explained what has occurred thus far and what will happen in the future. Brent Putnam and Mary Pat Flynn will begin this week to work on the committee process and will bring it back to the Board for discussion. Carey Murphy discussed the public/private element to the project. County, State and Local government need to make this work, he said. Mary Pat Flynn said there should be a report from the Selectmen to E.D.I.C. relative to economic development and innovations such as broadband usage. She was also concerned about how to achieve the progress reports. These reports help you to focus on what you need to do. A six-month review may be needed to see where we are at the end of the year. Robert Whritenour thanked the Board for their effort in the Strategic Plan Report. Carey Murphy made a motion to accept the document. Brent Putnam seconded. 4-Yes, 0-No
Request Extension of Sign Permit - Michael Lynch
Michael Lynch came before the Board to request an extension of time to display a “For Sale By Owner” sign at the corner of Soares Lane and Central Avenue. Carey Murphy made a motion to approve the extension for 90 days. Brent Putnam seconded. 4-Yes, 0-No
Brian Dale - Asian Long Horn Beetle Update
Brian Dale, Tree Warden Superintendent, gave background on the Asian Longhorned Beetle and it’s affect in the Worcester area at this time. While handing out a booklet on this insect, he said 34 million dollars has been granted to control and eradicate this pest. Various types of trees have become diseased because of the insect, and there are no known chemical treatments for the beetle. Mr. Dale, with the help of Raymond Jack, DPW Director, is proposing that a letter be sent to 85 Falmouth landholders that live within Worcester and the surrounding Towns to tell them there is reason for concern. Firewood containing ALB larvae could potentially have been transported from this area to Falmouth through these landholders. If anyone is buying firewood, they need to find out the area of origin. It appears to have entered the U.S. from pallet wood brought from China. There must be a quarantine of this wood. Carey Murphy suggested sending a letter and the booklet to firewood dealers to let them know of the danger. Ahmed Mustafa said if residents of Falmouth see a hole approximately 3/8” in a tree, Call Mr. Dale’s department. The hole will look like it was drilled out. The larvae starts out the size of a small grain of rice and grows. Residents should look at their property for signs of this beetle. No action was taken on the letter.
Town Manager’s Report
Robert Whritenour, Town Manager, reported on four activities. The major highlight of the previous week involved preparation for and carrying out the November Town Meeting on Monday, November 10th and Wednesday, November 12th. Mr. Whritenour thanked all of the Town Officials who worked so hard to
Falmouth Selectmen’s Meeting 11/17/08
Page 3
make sure that the Town Meeting process was a smooth one. He can now turn his focus to the implementation of the decisions made. Carey Murphy noted that credit should be given to him and Heather Harper for their tremendous effort.
The Menauhant Beach Nourishment Project has moved forward smoothly with no major delays. Over the next several days, the Barnstable County dredge will complete the task of pumping the material to the beach where it will be graded into place. It will be completed this week. Mr. Whritenour again thanked Jack Moakley and NOAA, along with the Army Corps. Of Engineers, the CONCOM and all of the other agencies participating in this important project.
On Friday, November 14th, Mr. Whritenour joined the legislative delegation along with Assistant Town Manager, Heather Harper, and Selectmen Carey Murphy and Mary Pat Flynn, in participating in the Chamber’s annual legislative luncheon. One of the key issues involved concern over the economy, with legislators pointing to possible budget cuts for next year that could affect local spending.
Mr. Whritenour conducted a Department Head meeting on Wednesday, November 5th, to focus on some of the financial issues confronting the Town in the preparation of the fiscal year 2010 annual budget. Given the tight economic times, he felt it was very important to engage all Department Heads from the very start of the process to enhance communications and build the best team effort possible to put together our budget for the coming year. He passed out an outline for the areas in the Strategic Plan which the Department Heads can work on. Mr. Whritenour is impressed with the way that Department Heads have responded with strong ideas and leadership to help both implement the Selectmen’s Strategic Plan and to put the Town in the best position for forward progress given the tight financial times. He will continue to keep the Board apprised of the progress on these issues.
Selectmen’s Informational Update
Mary Pat Flynn attended the press conference this morning in Woods Hole with Governor Patrick and Senator Murray regarding the 15 million dollar grant to the Marine Biological Laboratory from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. The money will be used for improvements to the Loeb building to help further research in the Life Sciences. It is a huge economic development because it creates many jobs in Town. She told Senator Murray that notification of such events would be appreciated in the future.
Brent Putnam announced a CPC meeting this Thursday. It’s important as they are getting ready for Spring Town Meeting. There is also a Beach Committee meeting being held at the Harbor Master’s office.
Adjournment
Carey Murphy moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:21 p.m. Brent Putnam seconded. 4-Yes, 0-No
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah Aguiar
Recording Secretary
Falmouth Selectmen’s Meeting 11/17/08
Board of Selectmen Minutes for: 11-17-2008
Hard to read? Click here to view Minutes alone. (Opens in a new window)
Board of Selectmen
November 17, 2008
Selectmen’s Meeting Room
Falmouth Town Hall
Board of Selectmen
Present: Ahmed Mustafa, Chairman; Carey Murphy, Vice-Chairman; Mary Pat Flynn and Brent Putnam
Others Present: Robert Whritenour, Town Manager
Absent: Kevin Murphy and Heather Harper, Assistant Town Manager
Ahmed Mustafa called the meeting of the Board of Selectmen to order at 7:00 p.m.
Summary of Actions
1. U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod - 1 Day Liquor License at Shoreway Acres Inn, 59 Shore Street - 12/12/08
2. Approve Pole Hearing Decision - Trotting Park Road
3. Approve Pole Hearing Decision - Davisville Road
Brent Putnam made a motion to approve the requests. Carey Murphy seconded. 4-Yes, 0-No
Summary of Actions Held
1. Falmouth Freeze for Dan Mahoney Fundraiser - Old Silver Beach - 11/30/08
Carey Murphy expressed concern for the safety of those taking part in this fundraiser. There was also a question of serving beverages and whether the parking lot would be used. Don Hoffer, Beach Superintendent, said there was a new memo that clarifies their desire to use the parking lot but no Town services. Carey Murphy made a motion to approve the request with the condition that they contact the E.M.T. Fire Services. Mary Pat Flynn seconded. 4-Yes, 0-No
2. Carol Martin - Authorization to Extend Loan
Robert Whritenour said this is a borrowing for fire apparatus. He quoted a state bylaw which authorizes the Board of Selectmen to extend this loan up to fifteen years. Carey Murphy made a motion to approve the borrowing of a ten year loan. Mary Pat Flynn seconded. 4-Yes, 0-No
3. Chamber of Commerce - Annual Christmas Parade - 12/7/08
Michael Kasparian gave the Board details on the upcoming parade through Falmouth. He encouraged the Selectmen to join in walking the parade route. The Selectmen said they would gladly get involved. Brent Putnam made a motion to approve the request. Carey Murphy seconded. 4-Yes, 0-No
4. Approve Minutes of Meeting - 11/3/08
With a minor correction, Brent Putnam made a motion to approve the 11/3/08 Selectmen’s minutes. Carey Murphy seconded. 3-Yes, 0-No, 1-Abstention
John P. Turner, Trustee, Green Pond Realty Trust - Wetland Hearing
Michael McGrath, Civil Engineer, is requesting a special permit to construct a new concrete ramp for
Green Pond Marina which will protect the waters of Green Pond. Green Pond Realty Trust is willing to donate money for the study of shellfish. Carey Murphy made a motion to approve the request with a Plan date of 7/9/08. Brent Putnam seconded. 4-Yes, 0-No
Discuss Woodbriar Senior Living Site Eligibility - 40B
Those present included Joan Houlihan, Manager in Falmouth and Jim Lane, Development Planning Director, who began the discussion by making a correction regarding the site visit date of MassHousing. It should have stated in the letter sent, October 23, 2008; not November 23, 2008. The site visit did occur and he apologized for the error and said another site visit with the Selectmen will be scheduled at some point in time. Paul Glenn, who represented Atria Senior Living Group, spoke on what the development would be: a Chapter 40B affordable housing development. Mr. Lane gave an extensive background on the group; noting that they operate 10 assisted living facilities in 124 communities in 27 states. All they do is senior housing and assisted living. Seventy percent of the residents are from Falmouth. They will be creating
Falmouth Selectmen’s Meeting 11/17/08
Page 2
good paying jobs with benefits; sixty of which will be full time. They also offer financial aid to employees. The Atria pool is offered for swimming lessons to the community. Mr. Lane noted they are conforming to all the Town bylaws and will be using the latest in “green” material. A wastewater treatment plant will be built at the facility, and there will be a conservation restriction on 15 acres of land. These 15 acres will have walking trails and a park. The 300 Committee is amiable to working with them on this aspect of the development. There is also the added benefit of the increase in the tax base. Peter Schmidt, President of TGA Architects, explained the architectural plans for the development, which totals 137,000 square feet. Michael McGrath explained the layout of the buildings and the water issues. They will be applying for a ground water discharge permit. The Jones Pond study will be given to the Board of Appeals as they, too, need to approve this project. Various questions were raised by the Board including transportation needs of the residents, which they do provide. Robert Whritenour said a letter of comment to MassHousing for the approval of the project will be issued next week.
Discuss and Vote 2009 Strategic Plan
Robert Whritenour’s Power Point presentation centered on six key areas: Financial and economic stability, beaches and harbors, leadership and public trust, community development, wastewater planning and energy resources. He stressed the need for more public discussion on this matter as he handed out a draft of the Plan. Mr. Whritenour explained what has occurred thus far and what will happen in the future. Brent Putnam and Mary Pat Flynn will begin this week to work on the committee process and will bring it back to the Board for discussion. Carey Murphy discussed the public/private element to the project. County, State and Local government need to make this work, he said. Mary Pat Flynn said there should be a report from the Selectmen to E.D.I.C. relative to economic development and innovations such as broadband usage. She was also concerned about how to achieve the progress reports. These reports help you to focus on what you need to do. A six-month review may be needed to see where we are at the end of the year. Robert Whritenour thanked the Board for their effort in the Strategic Plan Report. Carey Murphy made a motion to accept the document. Brent Putnam seconded. 4-Yes, 0-No
Request Extension of Sign Permit - Michael Lynch
Michael Lynch came before the Board to request an extension of time to display a “For Sale By Owner” sign at the corner of Soares Lane and Central Avenue. Carey Murphy made a motion to approve the extension for 90 days. Brent Putnam seconded. 4-Yes, 0-No
Brian Dale - Asian Long Horn Beetle Update
Brian Dale, Tree Warden Superintendent, gave background on the Asian Longhorned Beetle and it’s affect in the Worcester area at this time. While handing out a booklet on this insect, he said 34 million dollars has been granted to control and eradicate this pest. Various types of trees have become diseased because of the insect, and there are no known chemical treatments for the beetle. Mr. Dale, with the help of Raymond Jack, DPW Director, is proposing that a letter be sent to 85 Falmouth landholders that live within Worcester and the surrounding Towns to tell them there is reason for concern. Firewood containing ALB larvae could potentially have been transported from this area to Falmouth through these landholders. If anyone is buying firewood, they need to find out the area of origin. It appears to have entered the U.S. from pallet wood brought from China. There must be a quarantine of this wood. Carey Murphy suggested sending a letter and the booklet to firewood dealers to let them know of the danger. Ahmed Mustafa said if residents of Falmouth see a hole approximately 3/8” in a tree, Call Mr. Dale’s department. The hole will look like it was drilled out. The larvae starts out the size of a small grain of rice and grows. Residents should look at their property for signs of this beetle. No action was taken on the letter.
Town Manager’s Report
Robert Whritenour, Town Manager, reported on four activities. The major highlight of the previous week involved preparation for and carrying out the November Town Meeting on Monday, November 10th and Wednesday, November 12th. Mr. Whritenour thanked all of the Town Officials who worked so hard to
Falmouth Selectmen’s Meeting 11/17/08
Page 3
make sure that the Town Meeting process was a smooth one. He can now turn his focus to the implementation of the decisions made. Carey Murphy noted that credit should be given to him and Heather Harper for their tremendous effort.
The Menauhant Beach Nourishment Project has moved forward smoothly with no major delays. Over the next several days, the Barnstable County dredge will complete the task of pumping the material to the beach where it will be graded into place. It will be completed this week. Mr. Whritenour again thanked Jack Moakley and NOAA, along with the Army Corps. Of Engineers, the CONCOM and all of the other agencies participating in this important project.
On Friday, November 14th, Mr. Whritenour joined the legislative delegation along with Assistant Town Manager, Heather Harper, and Selectmen Carey Murphy and Mary Pat Flynn, in participating in the Chamber’s annual legislative luncheon. One of the key issues involved concern over the economy, with legislators pointing to possible budget cuts for next year that could affect local spending.
Mr. Whritenour conducted a Department Head meeting on Wednesday, November 5th, to focus on some of the financial issues confronting the Town in the preparation of the fiscal year 2010 annual budget. Given the tight economic times, he felt it was very important to engage all Department Heads from the very start of the process to enhance communications and build the best team effort possible to put together our budget for the coming year. He passed out an outline for the areas in the Strategic Plan which the Department Heads can work on. Mr. Whritenour is impressed with the way that Department Heads have responded with strong ideas and leadership to help both implement the Selectmen’s Strategic Plan and to put the Town in the best position for forward progress given the tight financial times. He will continue to keep the Board apprised of the progress on these issues.
Selectmen’s Informational Update
Mary Pat Flynn attended the press conference this morning in Woods Hole with Governor Patrick and Senator Murray regarding the 15 million dollar grant to the Marine Biological Laboratory from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. The money will be used for improvements to the Loeb building to help further research in the Life Sciences. It is a huge economic development because it creates many jobs in Town. She told Senator Murray that notification of such events would be appreciated in the future.
Brent Putnam announced a CPC meeting this Thursday. It’s important as they are getting ready for Spring Town Meeting. There is also a Beach Committee meeting being held at the Harbor Master’s office.
Adjournment
Carey Murphy moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:21 p.m. Brent Putnam seconded. 4-Yes, 0-No
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah Aguiar
Recording Secretary
Falmouth Selectmen’s Meeting 11/17/08