Aquinnah shellfish dispute moved to next meeting

Police look to hire new officer.

0

Aquinnah selectmen met with shellfish committee chairman Buddy Vanderhoop last week to discuss a formal complaint filed by Vanderhoop against the selectmen.

Vanderhoop shared his side of the dispute, saying the selectmen violated open meeting laws by not notifying the committee during the issuance of a shellfish permit: “The selectmen granted a permit to an individual that [the shellfish committee] didn’t think should have had it. We weren’t allowed to be here to protest or give our two cents’ worth on what was going on in the permitting process.”

On the recommendation of town administrator Jeff Madison, selectmen voted to take Vanderhoop’s comments under advisement with their attorneys and discuss the situation at their next meeting.

Chief of Police Randhi Belain met with selectmen to discuss the potential hiring of an additional police officer. After extensive research, Chief Belain and selectman Jim Newman thought it would save the town money by lowering overtime pay if there was another officer to cover shifts.

The selectmen voted to send their recommendation to the finance committee for review.

In other business, shellfishermen can rejoice in Aquinnah, as selectmen extended the 2017–18 bay scallop season until April 30. There is a limit of two level bushels per permit. Commercial permits are available from the shellfish warden.

Selectmen ran through the list of 33 articles that will appear on the Aquinnah town warrant for the May 8 special and annual town meeting.

Selectmen decided to advertise the position of town representative for the Regional High School Building Committee. The position was recommended by the superintendent’s office. The committee will consider a necessary addition to the high school. Madison offered to take on the position if no one volunteers.

Selectmen approved the sale of a former Aquinnah police cruiser through a private auction company. The bidder offered $3,200 for the vehicle, which is being sold because the town did not want to pay for the maintenance it needed.

Selectmen voted to join Chilmark and several other towns in the commonwealth in an opioid litigation against companies that knowingly distribute a harmful product.