Westport News

Members Present:       Veronica F. Beaulieu, Chairman
                                 J. Duncan Albert, Vice Chairman
                                 Steven J. Ouellette
                                 Robert P. Rebello
                                 Gary E. Mauk, Clerk

Also Present:            Michael Coughlin, Town Administrator
                                
Ms. Beaulieu called the Board of Selectmen meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. in the Westport
Town Hall, 816 Main Road, Westport, MA with the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance by all present.

Moment of Silence
Ms. Beaulieu asked for a Moment of Silence for Ms. Joan Fuller.  Ms. Fuller was a former Poll Worker and School Department employee.

Michael Perry d/b/a Westport Tire Center, Inc. and RJM Motors RE: Public Hearing on the application of a transfer request for a Class II License and Repair License located at 718 State Road
The public hearing was opened at 6:01 p.m.  Mr. Michael Perry was present.  Ms. Beaulieu read the public hearing notice and abutters list aloud.  Mr. Ouellette noted that this was a family transfer with no changes being done to the businesses.
Motion made by Mr. Ouellette to approve the transfer requests for a Class II License to Michael Perry d/b/a RJM Motors and a Repair License to Michael Perry d/b/a Westport Tire Center, Inc. at 718 State Road.  Second by Mr. Mauk.  The Board voted unanimously in favor.  The hearing was closed at 6:03 p.m.

Albert W. Cahill d/b/a Mike’s Auto, LLC RE: Public Hearing on the application of a transfer request for a Class II License located at 983 State Road
The public hearing was opened at 6:10 p.m.  Mr. Albert W. Cahill was present.  Ms. Beaulieu read the public hearing notice and abutters list aloud.  Also present was Mike Brilhante, prior owner of Mike’s Auto.  Mr. Cahill noted that there would be no repairs on site and no changes to the business.  Mr. Ouellette asked if there was a prior parking plan on file.  Mr. Brilhante, the prior owner stated that he was in business for over 20 years and there never was a parking plan on file.  Mr. Ouellette also asked if there was any correspondence from the Conservation Commission.  Mr. Ouellette noted his concern over vehicles in the back of the property near the wetlands.  Mr. Cahill stated that all the vehicles in the back of the property have or are in the process of being removed.
Motion made by Mr. Rebello to approve the transfer request for a Class II License to Albert W. Cahill d/b/a Mike’s Auto, 983 State Road.  Second by Mr. Mauk.  The Board voted 4 in favor, 1-opposed (Ouellette).  The hearing was closed at 6:15 p.m.

Fire Chief Brian Legendre RE: Announcement
Fire Chief Legendre was present to announce that he received a phone call from Senator Kennedy regarding a press release announcing that the Town has received a $93,000.00 grant from the Department of Homeland Security for the purchase of personal protection equipment.  Chief Legendre noted that Deputy Chief Sam Manley is the grant writer at the Fire Department has been doing a great job at securing grants.

Ronald DiPippo – Town of Dartmouth  RE: Wind Turbines
At the beginning of the meeting with Mr. DiPippo, Ms. Beaulieu announced that the room was at capacity and unless some people would leave the room and listen from the hallway, the meeting would have to be moved to another facility.  Ms. Beaulieu preferred to remain in the Selectmen’s Office in order for the meeting to be taped and aired live for residents at home to be able to view this meeting.  Ms. Beaulieu stated that after reading an article in the newspaper, she wanted to assure Mr. DiPippo that this would not be a tense debate; the Board of Selectmen invited Mr. DiPippo to tonights meeting seeking his expertise on this matter.  This is an opportunity for Mr. DiPippo to give his opinion.  Ms. Beaulieu stated that there have been numerous presentations on this matter.
Mr. David Dionne, Chairman of the Alternative Energy Committee asked Ms. Beaulieu on behalf of the people assembled for this meeting and the member of the Alternative Energy Committee, to be able to speak briefly after Mr. DiPippo’s discussion.  Mr. Dionne also asked that the Board of Selectmen make their decision based on the vote of Town Meeting.
Mr. DiPippo stated that he was here tonight as a private citizen and a resident of Dartmouth.  Mr. DiPippo stated that he was the Chairman of the Dartmouth Alternative Energy Committee for the past four years.  Mr. DiPippo stated that he was a supporter of wind power.  Mr. DiPippo said that the Town of Dartmouth has been measuring wind in Dartmouth off of Chase Road for the past two years using an anemometer at 165 ft., which proved a disappointment.  According to true/wind maps, Dartmouth is practically on the same lateral as Westport.  Mr. DiPippo noted that the velocity of the wind will be affected by trees, buildings, etc.  Mr. DiPippo stated that when Mr. Dionne reported getting 10.7 miles at a height of 125 ft and that is what Dartmouth was getting for readings at a height of 165 ft. he was quite surprised.  Mr. DiPippo said that electricity will only be produced when the winds are at 8 mph. Unfortunately, Mr. DiPippo said that wind turbines will be sitting still half the time with these winds.  Mr. DiPippo stated that the Town of Westport would be paying back $18,400.00 after the grant, but at the rate of electric to be produced, the payback period is about 50 years.
For a wind turbine to succeed, it has to go up high; the higher you go the stronger the wind.  Mr. DiPippo stated that the Town wanted to spend public money in a sensible way.
Mr. Dionne stated to Ms. Beaulieu that Mr. Coughlin assured him that the Alternative Energy Committee would have a chance to speak on this matter also.
Mr. Coughlin noted that he told Mr. Dionne, that as a member of the general public, he has a right to address this issue.
Mr. Keefe stated to the Board, that Mr. Tom Michelman of Boreal Renewable Energy Development was here tonight to give more information.  As Mr. Keefe noted, Mr. Michelman was responsible for the MET Tower, which was gathering information for Mr. Lees at Lees Market.
Mr. Michelman then gave a presentation of the work being conducted for Lees Market using a meteorologist tower.  Readings were being recorded at 20, 30 and 39 meters on a tower that was a little higher than 129 ft. The average annual wind speed is 11 mph at 128 ft.  Mr. Michelman stated that for the last five months, data was measured, correlated and predictions were made.  The data period was from March through September.  The best estimate using Bergey power is 8,774 kw per year.
Mr. Albert stated that on CNN today, wind turbines were listed as eco-bling; a sort of feel good thing.
Mr. Mauk noted that the site for the wind turbine behind the Town Hall has trees about 80 ft. in height, in addition to the height of the Town Hall itself.  The test site across the street, about 1,000 ft. away has it’s nearest tree about 400 ft. away, there is a housing complex to the north of it and the site itself is about 40 ft. higher than the Town Hall site. The readings for Lees could be accurate but look at our site.
Mr. DiPippo stated that five months was not enough time to gather data.  It should be at least one year because of seasonal changes; seasonal directions in wind are essential.
Mr. Michelman stated that he has found there is not much difference between three months and 12 months.
Mr. Keefe stated that the contractor would guarantee payback of $18,400.00 in 13 years.
Mr. Coughlin stated that figures would have to be put on paper guaranteeing the payback.  If there is a shortfall, the cost index would kick-in.  If the numbers were on, there would be no penalty.  Mr. Coughlin stated that he Town Attorney has put it per month, but we could put it per year.  The contractor is willing to take this a step further for payback.
Mr. Mauk stated that he was trying to protect the Town and the taxpayer’s money. Mr. Mauk stated that he has no intention of voting for this.
Mr. Coughlin stated that the contractor is willing to guarantee payback in 13 years and cover payback for shortfalls; any legal issues can be worked out to protect the Town.
Mr. Richard Botelho read a statement and concluded by saying he was in favor of the wind turbine.
Mr. Rebello stated that from the beginning, no one has been against alternative energy. Mr. Rebello said that he is against spending money without any performance.  Mr. Rebello asked why a more suitable site was not being sought.
Ms. Beaulieu stated that Town Meeting vote was to install a wind turbine at the Town Hall with no alternate site.
Mr. Dionne stated that he found this program through Ms. Barbara Hanley, who was helping the farmers with this.  The Alternative Energy Committee has done it’s best to respond to all your questions. This is a modest proposal, it is a way to begin.
Mr. Keefe added that the contractor was willing to construct and guarantee the performance of the wind turbine.
Mr. DiPippo stated that he has come to the conclusion that there is not enough wind capacity to generate the power needed.
Mr. Ouellette stated that he did not understand what the problem was because the Board had it in writing that the Town would get its money back.
At this time, Mr. DiPippo left the meeting.
Ms. Beaulieu asked that Mr. Coughlin work on inserting into the contract the appropriate figures regarding the monthly figures on an annual basis, payback in 13 years and all warrantees being inserted.
Motion made by Mr. Ouellette to move the wind turbine project forward and to sign the contract with payback being in 13 years, and for information to be computed monthly with an annual guaranteed amount and inserted into the contract. The contract is to include all guarantees. Mr. Coughlin is to bring the contract back to the Board at the next meeting.  Second by Mr. Albert.  The Board voted 3 in favor, 2-opposed (Mauk, Rebello).

Motion made by Mr. Mauk that a letter be drafted to Mr. DiPippo thanking him for coming and apologizing for the behavior of certain individuals.  Second by Mr. Rebello.  The Board voted 4 in favor, 1-opposed (Ouellette).

*Recess is called from 7:50 p.m. to 7:55 p.m.

Kenneth Straham – Municipal Benchmark  RE: Presentation of Benchmark
Mr. Kenneth Straham from Municipal Benchmarking, LLC gave a presentation of his company and how they act as a third party, an honest broker” for the Town.  Mr. Straham stated that his company provides a tool for long range planning and budget allocation based on a peer group of comparative towns by means of attributes.  The attributes are based on socio-economic factors, demographics and geographics.  The data provided will cover benchmarking, expenditure overview, staffing and education. Mr. Straham stated that his company offers a valuable tool to look in depth at the Town.  The full report that will be provided to the Board’s specifications would cost $7,500.00. Mr. Mauk stated that he was in favor of doing this and it should be a joint effort with the Board of Selectmen and the Finance Committee.
Mr. Albert stated that he would like to see the criteria for picking the peer group and possibly make some changes.
Mr. Mauk suggested that the Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen of the Board of Selectmen and the Finance Committee work with the Town Administrator on this.
Ms. Loos, Finance Committee stated that the School Department showed interest in the benchmarking.
Mr. Mauk suggested that the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the School Committee be contacted to see if they wanted to participate.
Motion made by Mr. Mauk to allow the Town Administrator to be the point person to work with the Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen of the Board of Selectmen, Finance Committee and School Committee in order to set up a meeting and set the parameters for the benchmarking.  Second by Mr. Rebello.  The Board voted unanimously in favor.

Question & Answer Period
All three questions were withdrawn following the discussion with Mr. DiPippo.

Correspondence Requiring Action and/or Reading
1. Motion made by Mr. Mauk to approve the “Watershed Ride” sponsored by the Coalition for Buzzards Bay from Westport to Woods Hole on October 14, 2007.  Second by Mr. Rebello.         The Board voted unanimously in favor.
2. Motion made by Mr. Mauk to hold on a Planning Board memo regarding a line of sight easement on Cornell Road until an opinion is received from Town Council.  Second by Mr. Albert.  The Board voted unanimously in favor.
3. No action taken.
4. Motion made by Mr. Ouellette to appoint David Emilita as the Planning Board Representative to the Stormwater Committee.  Second by Mr. Mauk.  The Board voted unanimously in favor.
5. Motion made by Mr. Albert to request Paul Cardoso, Tech Auto World, LLC to attend the next Board of Selectmen meeting to address his request for a change of business name.  Second by Mr. Mauk.  The Board voted unanimously in favor.
6. Motion made by Mr. Ouellette to approve the Scallop Season opening date of October 15, 2007.  Second by Mr. Rebello. The Board voted unanimously in favor.

Town Administrator’s Report
Meetings:
The meetings for the upcoming weeks were reviewed.
Issues/Projects:
1. The Special Town Meeting date was set for Tuesday, December 4, 2007 at 7:00 P.M.
2. Elaine Ostroff gave an update on the Central Village Benchmark Project.  Ms. Ostroff stated that the Central Village Benchmark Committee would like to add junipers at the far end of the benches that are located at Town Hall and a tree to the south of the bench located at the Town Hall Annex.  Ms. Ostroff also reminded everyone that there would be a “Thank You” ceremony on Wednesday, November 7, 2007 at 4:00 p.m. in the Lees Community Room.
Motion made by Mr. Mauk to approve both requested projects.  Second by Mr. Rebello.  The Board voted unanimously in favor.
3. Motion made by Mr. Mauk to approve the Stanley Security Solutions contract to install the handicap operator door at the Town  Hall in the amount of $2,553.00 and to allow the Board of Selectmen Chairman to sign the contract.  Second by Mr. Rebello.  The Board voted unanimously in favor.
4. The Beach Committee, Police Department, Fire Department and Volunteer Parking Officers will be contacted by the Town Administrator to work on the delineation for the establishment of beach parking area zones.

Other Issues
1. Mr. Wayne Sunderland asked if the parking issue at East Beach for day parking of motor homes and campers for residents could be reconsidered.
2. Mr. Ouellette stated that he was made aware that the Council on Aging fees were being raised.  Mr. Ouellette said that a joint meeting may be needed to discuss this.  Mr. Mauk stated that the Town Administrator should be allowed to handle this matter with the COA Director.
3. Mr. Rebello reminded everyone that this Sunday will be the Eagle Scout Award ceremony for Andrew Weaver.

Consider / Reconsider
1. Motion made by Mr. Rebello to approve with amendments the Regular Meeting minutes of September 24, 2007.  Second by Mr. Albert.  The Board voted unanimously in favor.
Amendments:  Page 5 – under “Other Issues” #4 change Mr. Ouellette to Mr. Mauk and verify the vote of #3 as to how Mr. Ouellette voted.

Motion made by Mr. Ouellette to adjourn the Board of Selectmen meeting at 9:15 p.m.  Second by Mr. Rebello.  The Board voted unanimously in favor.

Adjournment.

Respectfully submitted,
Diane Pelland, Confidential Clerk

APPROVED:     Gary E. Mauk, Clerk