News Briefs
Aquinnah hearing on performing arts venue at cliffs
Following approval of the effort at a special town meeting in March, Aquinnah selectmen issued a request for proposals (RFP) seeking a tenant for a portion of the Aquinnah Circle.
To no one's surprise, selectmen received just one proposal by the April 17 deadline, from Ted Cammann and James Glavin of Aquinnah. The two men brought the idea for an outdoor performing arts center adjacent to the Gay Head cliffs to the Aquinnah town meeting.
Mr. Cammann is a producer of live musical events, and Mr. Glavin is the owner of Deca Construction.
They propose to lease the circle area, beginning June 1, 2009 for 10 years with an option to renew. Events would be held between June 1 and Sept. 30, and be limited to 2,500 tickets for each event. The town would receive $1 per ticket for for-profit events.
Selectmen will hold a public hearing on the proposal described in a five-page letter and brochure at 7 pm, Thursday, April 30, in town hall.
In a letter to the selectmen dated April 17, Mr. Cammann and Mr. Glavin propose to negotiate a ground lease, operating agreement, and enabling document establishing a citizen advisory board, all of which could be presented to voters at a May 19 special town meeting.
They propose to use the land's natural topography to provide a natural amphitheater. The stage would be placed in the lower section so that the audience would be looking out in the direction of Nomans Land.
Mr. Glavin described the project and answered questions from voters at the Aquinnah special town meeting on March 3.
Mr. Glavin told voters that the only way the men could make the plan work financially and attract needed support was if they had a guaranteed lease term within which to work and recoup their investments. At the town meeting, Mr. Glavin said the town would share in the profits, if there were any, and the town and Island organizations would gain a professional performance venue.
By a vote of 40-15 voters approved an article that authorized the selectmen to solicit requests for proposals to construct a performing arts center stage.
The proposal has faced some opposition from Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) officials, most notably from Bettina Washington, the tribe's historic preservation officer.
Initially, moderator Walter Delaney said the circle lease proposal would be presented on a special town meeting warrant to be convened prior to the annual town meeting on May 12. Instead, anticipating extensive discussion, selectmen decided to move the special town meeting to May 19.
Edgartown signals displeasure with Martha's Vineyard Commission
A total of 449 Edgartown voters, or 15 percent of the town's 3,094 registered voters, went to the polls Thursday.
There was one contest. In a two-way race for a three-year seat on the water commission, incumbent William Erickson defeated Peter McGuire by a vote of 269 to 98. Write-in votes decided several contests.
Thomas Durawa (359 votes) and Morton Fearey (296 votes) and Barb Shriber (82 write-in votes) were elected to the financial advisory committee (FinCom).
With no names on the ballot, Bob Sparks (139 write-in votes) defeated Roger Becker (14 write-in votes) for a five-year seat on the planning board.
Voters also decided seven ballot questions, worth $829,470 in Proposition 2.5 override requests.
Question one, a request that taxpayers pay an additional $236,000 to maintain the town dredge program, passed 306-128.
Question two, a request that taxpayers pay an additional $108,901 to cap an old landfill site, succeeded, 314-122.
Question three, a request that taxpayers pay an additional $130,000 to resurface and rebuild roads, received 318 yes votes and 121 no votes.
Question four, a request that taxpayers pay an additional $50,000 for sidewalks, bike paths, and drainage systems, received 327 yes votes and 110 no votes.
Question five, a request that taxpayers pay an additional $11,198 for the county's pest control department, received 309 yes votes and 126 no votes.
Question six, a request that taxpayers pay an additional $19,168 to pay a share of the costs for the Duke's County Health Care Access Program, received 345 yes votes and 91 no votes.
Voters said no to question seven, a request for $274,203 to pay the town's Martha's Vineyard Commission (MVC) assessment, 213 yes, 222 no.
Although the voters said no, the gesture was symbolic, since the town is legally obligated to pay the Martha's Vineyard Commission's assessment.
"We are seeking the public's opinion," the FinCom wrote in its report to the town meeting. "As we have fulfilled our commitment in regard to the Island Plan, we anticipated a reduction in the budget and accordingly, our assessment, for this fiscal year. This was not the case. We also asked the commission to take a look at the raises they were giving their staff this year, an average of four percent, yet we saw no compromise in this area."
In uncontested races, voters elected Laurence Mercier, board of assessors (338 votes); Kevin Searle, board of health (366 votes); Arthur Smadbeck, selectman (356 votes); David Blackburn (345 votes) and Herbert Foster (330 votes), library trustees; Glen Searle, park commission (387 votes); Leslie Baynes, school committee (347 votes); Wanda Williams, town clerk (404 votes); Melissa Kuehne, town collector (387 votes); and Timothy Connelly, wastewater treatment commission (328 votes).
West Tisbury elects Tara Whiting town clerk
A total of 570 West Tisbury voters, or 26 percent of the town's 2,224 registered voters, went to the polls Thursday. In a two-way race for town clerk, voters picked Tara J. Whiting over Jemima James.
Ms. Whiting received 359 votes to 181 votes cast for Ms. James.
The only ballot question asked whether the town should continue to elect or appoint the town clerk. On town meeting floor Tuesday voters agreed to continue to elect the clerk. In the comfort of the ballot box, voters agreed. There were 326 no votes and 165 yes votes.
Incumbent Michael Colaneri, chairman of the board of assessors, turned back a challenge from Jonathan Revere for a three-year term as assessor by a vote of 305 to 241.
In a four-way race for two seats on the library board of trustees, Melissa M. Hackney (315 votes) and Harvey W. Garneau Jr. (225 votes) bested Sarah L. Carr (159 votes) and Isaac D. Russell (169 votes).
There were no other races on the ballot. The following candidates were elected unopposed: Patrick Gregory, moderator (488 votes); Jeffrey "Skipper" Manter, selectman (419 votes); Timothy Barnett, board of health (440); Virginia Jones, planning board five years (430); James Powell, planning board three years (394); Nicole Cabot, parks and recreation, (442); Katherine Logue, treasurer (466); Brent Taylor, tax collector (438); Jeremiah Brown, tree warden (444); Timothy Barnett, constable (430); and Gregory Orcutt, finance committee (410).
Tisbury selectmen sign ESF design contract
At a meeting Tuesday night, the Tisbury selectmen signed a contract for $352,500 with HKT Architects of Somerville, for design services for a new emergency services facility (ESF) on the site of the town hall annex, across from Tisbury School.
ESF committee chairman Joe Tierney announced plans to hold the first public meeting with the architects on May 12, at 6 pm, at the Katharine Cornell Theatre, to get preliminary ideas and comment for the building's design from town officials and the community.
Voters previously approved $640,000 toward the ESF design services, at a special town meeting in September 2008. Mr. Tierney said the ESF committee selected architect David Lager of Nettco as project manager in January, and the design costs will be about half what was earlier anticipated.
The ESF committee's goal is to develop an accurate project cost to present to voters at a special town meeting next fall.
In other business, town administrator John Bugbee announced that Campbell Construction in Peabody made the lowest bid for replacing the front steps and painting the tower and ceiling envelope on the town hall. He also noted that the Vineyard Transit Authority has offered to donate $6,000 toward two new bus shelters for the Water Street circle near the Steamship Authority wharf and at the Park and Ride parking lot.
At Mr. Bugbee's recommendation, the selectmen approved creation of a year-round town beautification committee and advertising for potential members.
Since selectman chairman Denys Wortman is not seeking reelection, Tuesday's was his last meeting with his board colleagues. Selectmen Tristan Israel and Jeff Kristal thanked Mr. Wortman and surprised him with a chocolate cake.
Andrew McHugh takes Madden's place for a day
Andrew McHugh, grade 12, recently represented Martha's Vineyard Regional High School (MVRHS) as a delegate to the 62nd Annual Student Government Day at the State House in Boston.
Nearly 400 students from 180 public and private high schools statewide participated in the event, serving as elected officials and taking part in a simulated legislative committee hearing in Gardner Auditorium. State Rep. Tim Madden, whose district includes Martha's Vineyard, met with Andrew in the House chamber before relinquishing his seat to the student.
Photo Courtesy of Rep. Timothy Madden's office
Andrew said he enjoyed watching a group of students debate two bills from the 2007-08 legislative session, including one on raising the compulsory school attendance age and one on regulating cell phone use by teen drivers.
Afterwards students assembled in the House chamber for a joint convention, where, Andrew reports, Gov. Deval Patrick gave a good speech on civil service and public involvement.
"The most valuable thing I think that I got out of the day would probably be learning how the process works, especially in the committee hearings," Andrew said. "I knew you could go up and speak in favor of or against a bill, but I wasn't really sure how to do that. Now, I know exactly what goes on, and if I was ever to do that in real life, I'd be much more prepared."
Andrew is the son of Connie and Leo McHugh of Edgartown. His sister Sheila is an eighth-grader at the Martha's Vineyard Public Charter School and his older brother Tim attends Merrimack College.
Island Councils on Aging makes name change
The Island Councils on Aging has changed its name to the Martha's Vineyard Center for Living. The new name is meant to reflect an important change in focus from "aging" to "living," according to a press release.
"It also notes our internal revitalization so that we can better meet the needs of mature Islanders 55 plus and the people that serve them," said director Leslie Clapp in prepared remarks. "Our name change is first in a series of activities designed to expand awareness of who we are, what we offer and to whom. Our goal is to engage all mature Islanders, the very active as well as the less active but young-at-heart."
The Martha's Vineyard Center for Living office is located at The Anchors Senior Center in Edgartown. For more information, call 508-939-9440.
Martha's Vineyard Commission plans final Island Plan forum
More than three years ago the Martha's Vineyard Commission (MVC) launched the Island Plan, a $120,000 multi-year planning effort designed to chart the Vineyard's future course
Next Thursday the Martha's Vineyard Commission is scheduled to hold the last in a series of forums. The specific topic is Martha's Vineyard's social environment.
The forum, according to a Martha's Vineyard Commission press release, will look at aspects of the Martha's Vineyard community "including health and human services, education, arts and culture, and some more general issues faced by the people of Martha's Vineyard. The aim is to focus on how each field relates to the others and to the rest of the Island Plan, rather than the specific efforts within each field."
The panel members are Laurie Halt of Vineyard Haven, Martha's Vineyard Public Schools assistant superintendent, Francine Kelly of Oak Bluffs, Featherstone Center for the Arts executive director, Sarah Kuh of Chilmark, Vineyard Health Care Access program director, and Linda Sibley of West Tisbury, Martha's Vineyard Commission commissioner and Island Plan steering committee member.
The forum begins at 7 pm in the Tisbury Senior Center on Pine Tree Road in Vineyard Haven.
For more information, visit islandplan.org or call the Martha's Vineyard Commission at 508-693-3453.
BFI settles on back and overtime pay
BFI Transfer systems, the company that operated the Oak Bluffs/Tisbury transfer station until December 2007, has agreed to pay $404,500 in back wages and overtime pay to 14 employees. The company must also pay a $50,000 penalty to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. According to state attorney general's office, which negotiated the settlement, BFI has already payed $198,000 of the back pay it owes.
The attorney general's office said it received complaints from employees in August of 2007, and investigators discovered that from October 2005 through December 2007, the company failed to pay prevailing wages.
Under the state's prevailing wage laws, contractors and subcontractors must follow a standardized wage scale set by the state for public works construction and services.
The transfer station is currently operated by Bruno's Inc. According to Greg Carroll, owner of the waste disposal company, the Attorney General's office interviewed some of his employees last year, and was satisfied that Bruno's is complying fully with the prevailing wage law.
Vineyard Resource Fair showing Island services
A free Vineyard resource fair will showcase services and assistance available on Martha's Vineyard this Sunday, April 26, from 1-4 pm at the Martha's Vineyard Hebrew Center at the corner of Look and Centre streets in Vineyard Haven.
"Since so many have been affected by the economy's downturn and people don't know what services are available for them, we're putting them under one roof," said Jerri Dantzig, chairman of the event sponsored by the Hebrew Center's social action committee. The resource fair will offer something for everybody, she added, with tips for survival in any economy.
Participating organizations include Martha's Vineyard Community Services, Vineyard Nursing Association, Women Empowered, Veterans Services, Vineyard Health Access, SCORE, Vineyard Villages, Surplus Food, Island Food Pantry, Family Planning, Village List, Our Island Club, library services, churches, and more.
"We want people in the community to know that we're thinking of them and want to help," Ms. Dantzig said.
A drawing will be held for a door prize donated by Our Island Club.
Martha's Vineyard Savings Bank awards eight grants
The Martha's Vineyard Savings Bank Charitable Fund and the Martha's Vineyard Savings Bank awarded $13,000 in grants to eight local nonprofit organizations and community groups. The grants will help fund art, education, health care, veteran's affairs and youth programs, according to a press release.
"This year, the Martha's Vineyard Savings Bank and its Charitable Fund have joined forces to ensure that Island organizations continue to receive support for worthwhile initiatives that serve the needs of the Vineyard community," said bank president, Chris Wells. "We recognize that there are many in our community working to help others and at the Martha's Vineyard Savings Bank we are committed to continuing to do our part."
Spring grant recipients included Hospice of Martha's Vineyard, Martha's Vineyard American Legion Post 186, the Martha's Vineyard Cancer Support Group, the Martha's Vineyard Cerebral Palsy Camp, Polly Hill Arboretum, Sail Martha's Vineyard, the Vineyard Playhouse and the Yard.
Since 2006, the Martha's Vineyard Savings Bank Charitable Fund has been a part of the Permanent Endowment Fund, Martha's Vineyard's community foundation. The merger of the Dukes County Savings Bank and the Martha's Vineyard Cooperative Bank in 2007 formed the Martha's Vineyard Savings Bank. The bank funds the Charitable Fund to help meet the financial needs of nonprofit and community service organizations throughout the community. Grant requests are reviewed quarterly. More information about the community grant program is available online at mvbank.com.
Root for the home team
On Friday, April 17, the day before school vacation, the Martha's Vineyard Regional High School held its annual Freshman Cup. In a battle between homerooms, classes played a variety of games: ping pong, a dizzy bat race, musical chairs, pie-eating, tug of war, and a three-legged race. This year's winning team was McCarthy's Monsters.
Principal Stephen Nixon judges a game of musical chairs during the Freshman Cup on Friday, April 17, at the Martha's Vineyard Regional High School. Facing forward are, from left, students Chris Morris, Nelson Dickson, Philip Jordan, and Marianne Quintao.
Cat Todd (left) and Sarah Williston lead their homeroom class to the championship in tug of war.
Michael Montanile and Hayley Pierce during a dizzy bat race.
Corrections
A photo caption published in the April 16 issue of The Martha's Vineyard Times, in "Going round again," incorrectly identified Aita Romain as the mother of Kyle and Beth Jennings. Ms. Romain is their foster mother.
A story about Doug and Leslie Hewsons' new restaurant location ("Mediterranean restaurant moves, expands") in the April 16 issue of The Martha's Vineyard Times incorrectly reported that the restaurant is open for lunch. The Hewsons said they hope to open for lunch in the future.
