Generators and kilowatts dominated discussion at Monday’s board of selectmen meeting in Edgartown. Selectmen heard requests for backup power at the Edgartown School and the new library.
Anne Fligor, Edgartown School assistant principal, sent a letter to the board asking how to proceed in upgrading the school’s current generator.
At last year’s town meeting, voters approved $100,000 to fund a new generator for the school, which serves as a community shelter in the event of an emergency. One proposal would have the school share a more high-powered generator with the new Edgartown library. Discussion centered on whether one generator was needed, or if each building should have its own. Town procurement officer Juliet Mulinare said she was exploring the possibility of grant funds to help offset generator costs for at least one of the buildings.
“Meanwhile, you have a brand-new building with no generator, that’s the problem,” town administrator Pam Dolby said. Funds for an emergency generator for the newly constructed Edgartown library were cut during the building process to keep costs down, selectman Michael Donaroma said. Ms. Dolby said the library risks going through the hurricane season without a generator, leaving the building vulnerable to flooding and sewage concerns should pumps lose power.
Selectman Margaret Serpa said the discussion needs to continue, and the immediate need for the library should be considered. Fire Chief Peter Shemeth noted that a ladder truck would be able to provide power in case of emergency, but that would tie up an emergency vehicle when it might be needed. The selectmen determined that the library and the school should list exactly what is required, and then come back for more discussion.
In other business Monday, selectmen awarded MV Taco Shack at 32 Winter Street a seasonal all-alcohol liquor license, with provisions put in place by the zoning board requiring that all patrons leave the premises by 12 am, and that the liquor be served with food. The restaurant will be run by brother-sister team Zared Shai and Megan Shai Brown, and will offer both indoor and outdoor seating. Ms. Brown owns a dress shop near the new restaurant.
Mr. Shai, who resides in Los Angeles and works in the film industry, said by phone that MV Taco Shack will serve chicken, steak, and fish tacos as well as some vegan and vegetarian options. “We’ll definitely serve lunch and dinner, and potentially some breakfast options. Living in L.A., I find myself stopping into taco places all the time. It’s just convenient, and they can be somewhat healthy.”
Mr. Shai is also proprietor of Smooth Moves, which serves healthy smoothie and juice alternatives. That restaurant opened for business last summer. Mr. Shai said he’s been coming to the Vineyard since he was a little boy, and most of his family lives on the Island. Ms. Brown said at the selectmen’s meeting that MV Taco Shack will be open 10 am to midnight.
In a public shade tree hearing concerning a black willow tree that stands 24 feet high at 95 Pease’s Point Way South, the selectmen OK’d taking down the tree. Tree warden Stuart Fuller said a replacement tree should be in place by June 30.