West Tisbury selectmen addressed a short agenda before a sparse crowd Wednesday evening. Topping the agenda was approval of the building department’s operating budget for fiscal 2017, which begins on July 1, 2016, which will appear on the warrant at annual town meeting this spring.
Selectmen approved a $160,270 budget that includes a proposal for a $700 inspection fee for accessory apartments, as opposed to the standard $1,500 fee.
Building inspector Joseph Tierney was present to review the budget with selectmen. Included in the budget is a new, benefited assistant’s position at a salary of $29,315.
The 2017 budget is based on a revised fee schedule. Selectman Jeffrey “Skipper” Manter spoke against the fee increases. “If you happen to be using the services of the building department, you are already paying for those services through your taxes,” he said. “You shouldn’t have to pay a fee on top of the taxes.”
Mr. Tierney’s department has been busy. He issued 260 building permits in 2015, versus 170 building permits in 2012. Mr. Tierney said the average house constructed in West Tisbury in 2015 was 2,392 square feet. They ranged in size from 800 square feet to 8,678 square feet.
Two new large homes skewed the calculation; the abovementioned 8,678 square-foot-house and a 4,058-square-foot house. If those two homes are taken out of the calculation, the average new home size in 2015 is reduced to 1,895 square feet.
Selectmen also discussed a proposed utilities bylaw that would allow no one to dig along the side of the road or under the road without permission.
“I say we go with what we have until somebody says it doesn’t work,” selectman Richard Knabel said.
Town administrator Jennifer Rand asked selectmen for permission to call town counsel and ask if he thinks the town needs further protection. Selectmen agreed to her request.
In other business, selectmen reappointed Ernie Thomas to the Martha’s Vineyard Commission. Mr. Thomas provided an update of various projects around the Island, including the new Polly Hill Arboretum education center and the temporary structure for the Cape Cod 5 Bank. “It’s basically a double-wide trailer,” said Mr. Thomas, referring to the Cape Cod 5 structure.
“Where are they going to keep the money?” joked Mr. Manter.
Selectmen also addressed a request to plant a tree in the triangle by the West Tisbury cemetery. Following a brief discussion, Ms. Rand said she would ask the Garden Club about planting something at the location.
Selectmen also approved and accepted a gift of $1,725 from the library foundation to cover copier expenses for the color copier.