Override ballot set for May 28 in Oak Bluffs
By Steve Myrick
Published: May 1, 2008
Oak Bluffs selectmen kicked off their first meeting since last month's elections by appointing Ron DiOrio as chairman of the board. Mr. DiOrio was re-elected in the April 10 election.
Outgoing chairman Kerry Scott asked Mr. DiOrio if he would accept the nomination.
"I am willing, ready, and able," said Mr. DiOrio with a broad smile.
Selectmen Greg Coogan was elected vice-chairman.
The board took action on a number of issues.
Selectmen have scheduled a special election on Wednesday, May 28, for override questions and debt exclusions passed at town meetings. The polls will be open from noon until 7 pm at the Oak Bluffs library meeting room.
Voters will be asked whether they want to override the Proposition 2.5 tax limiting law to increase the tax levy increases in school funding for the Oak Bluffs School ($236,119), the town's share of educating students at the Martha's Vineyard Regional High School ($157,294), and funding to maintain lifeguard service on town beaches ($57,300).
Voters will also decide whether to exclude from Proposition 2.5 limitations the money owed on bonds to pay for school buses ($99,991), harbor bulkhead improvements ($77,450), and purchase of the Leonardo property for future expansion of the wastewater plant ($136,500).
"If the debt exclusions do not pass, we'll be back at reworking the budget," said town administrator Michael Dutton.
In other action at the Tuesday meeting, selectmen granted an entertainment license to Sharky's Cantina on Circuit Avenue. The owners had asked to present local musicians, predominantly during the off-season.
Donald Muckerheide presented selectmen with plans and an elaborate model for an eight- or nine-unit condominium project on his Dukes County Avenue property. Mr. Muckerheide will present his plans to the Martha's Vineyard Commission on May 5.
The board also agreed to hold their meetings for June, July, and August at the Sailing Camp off Barnes Road, to help publicize recent renovations at the town-owned facility.
