This is an unofficial version of Falmouth's Spring 2001
General and Special Town Meeting Warrants, converted to HTML from an unofficial
town version by the FCTV webmaster.
The General Town Meeting Warrant is first, followed by the Special Town
Meeting Warrant.
The 36 articles of the General Town Meeting are listed below, followed by the 28 articles of the Special Town Meeting. Note that Article numbers start at 1 in each case.
The General Town Meeting starts on Monday, April 2. The Special Town Meeting starts on Tuesday. If the General Town Meeting is not finished by Monday evening, it will resume on Wednesday, after the Special Town Meeting.
To choose all other necessary Town Officers for the year in accordance with nominations to be offered at Town Meeting.
RECOMMENDATION: That the Town vote Article 1 as printed.
To hear reports of Committees and Town Officers and act thereon.
RECOMMENDATION: That the Town vote Article 2 as printed.
To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Selectmen to settle claims and suits, which are pending or may arise against the Town. Or do or take any other action in the matter. On request of the Board of Selectmen.
RECOMMENDATION: That the Town vote Article 3 as printed.
EXPLANATION: This routine article appears in each Spring Annual Town Meeting to authorize the Board of Selectmen to settle suits brought against the Town.
To see if the Town will authorize the Board of Selectmen to apply for and accept state or federal grants they deem beneficial to the Town, provided that the Board of Selectmen shall hold a public hearing prior to the Boards acceptance of any such grant, if said grant requires the Town to meet future conditions or requirements. And further that the Board of Selectmen will not accept grants that were applied for without its knowledge. Or do or take any other action in the matter. On request of the Board of Selectmen.
RECOMMENDATION (Finance Committee): That the Town vote Article 4 as printed.
EXPLANATION: The Board of Selectmen must approve all grants for which application is being made. If the grants include future conditions or requirements, a public hearing should be held to advise the taxpayer of the application.
To see if the Town will vote to assume the liability in the manner provided by Section 29 of Chapter 91 of the General Laws, as most recently amended by Chapter 5, Acts of 1955 for all damages that may be incurred by work to be performed by the Department of Public Works of Massachusetts for the improvement, development, maintenance and protection of tidal and non-tidal rivers and streams, harbor, tidewaters, foreshores and shores along a public beach, including Merrimack and Connecticut Rivers, in accordance with Section 11 of Chapter 91 of the General Laws and authorize the Board of Selectmen to execute and deliver a bond of indemnity therefor to the Commonwealth. Or do or take any other action in this matter. On request of the Board of Selectmen.
RECOMMENDATION (Finance Committee): That the Town vote Article 5 as printed.
EXPLANATION: The Commonwealth requires a yearly vote of Town Meeting in order to perform its work on or along our shores.
To see if the Town will vote to fix the salaries of the Elected Officials as follows:
Moderator………………………. $1,500
Town Clerk………………….… $50,000
Selectmen (4)…………………. $3,000
Chairman of Selectmen…… .$3,500
Or do or take any other action in the matter. On request of the Board of Selectmen.
RECOMMENDATION (Finance Committee): That the Town vote Article 6 as printed.
EXPLANATION: The Finance Committee reviewed the salaries of Elected Officials as required by the Charter. As is noted in Article 10, the Town Clerk will now be a separate position and department from the Town Treasurer. The $50,000 recommended for the Town Clerks salary was considered adequate pending the salary and compensation study requested in Article 8 of the Special Town Meeting.
To see if the Town will vote to authorize continued use of the revolving fund for the expenditures of updating the Code of Falmouth under General Laws Chapter 44, Section 53E1/2 as established by Article 3 of the April 1998 Annual Town Meeting and raise and appropriate the sum of Seven Thousand Dollars ($7,000) for the purpose of the article. Or do or take any other action in this matter. On request of the Town Clerk.
RECOMMENDATION (Finance Committee): That the Town vote Article 7 as printed.
EXPLANATION: Expenses involved in printing and updating the Code of Falmouth are returned to the Town through the sale of the books. Town Meeting approval is required each year to continue the use of the fund.
To see if the Town will vote to authorize continued use of the revolving fund known as the "Falmouth Recreation Department Revolving Account" under General Laws Chapter 44, Section 53E1/2 as established by Article 4 of the April 1998 Annual Town Meeting. Or do or take any other action in this matter. On request of the Recreation Committee.
RECOMMENDATION (Finance Committee): That the Town vote Article 8 as printed.
EXPLANATION: This account was established to enable the Recreation Department to purchase supplies for programs with fees that are collected for those activities. Town Meeting approval is required each year to continue the use of the fund.
To see if the Town will vote that any funds received by the Town of Falmouth as part of the Medicaid Medical Services Program (defined in M.G.L. c.44,S72) are allotted to the School Committee for use under its jurisdiction for the benefit of educational programs, or do or take any other action related to this matter. On request of the Falmouth School Committee.
RECOMMENDATION (Finance Committee): That the Town vote Article 9 as printed.
EXPLANATION: This article was originally approved at the April 1999 Annual Town Meeting and provides for reimbursement to the schools for special education and health related expenses. The School Department is responsible for compiling all of the necessary information and obtaining parental signatures in order to be eligible for reimbursement. The School Department projects revenue of $304,000 during Fiscal Year 2002.
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate such sums of money as may be deemed necessary to defray the Towns expenses for the ensuing year, to determine how the same shall be raised and by whom expended. Or do or take any other action in this matter. On request of the Board of Selectmen.
The Fiscal Year 2002 Operating Budget appears in the middle of the Warrant Booklet.
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate the sum of Fifteen Thousand Dollars ($15,000) for the purpose of funding hospital, medical and related expenses incurred by employees of the Fire and Police Departments in the performance of their duties. Or do or take any other action in the matter. On request of the Board of Selectmen.
RECOMMENDATION (Finance Committee): That the Town vote to raise and appropriate $15,000 to be expended under the jurisdiction of the Board of Selectmen for the purposes of Article 11.
EXPLANATION: This is a routine article that funds any line of duty injury expenses that are not covered by insurance.
To see if the Town will vote to amend Article III Definitions of the Zoning Bylaw by inserting the following:
Accessory Apartment: A dwelling unit added to or created within a single family dwelling with provision for independent cooking, living, sanitation and sleeping occupying no more than 30% of the gross floor area of the principal structure.
and amend Article V Single Residence and Article VIII Agricultural Districts - by deleting Sections 240-23(I) and 240-38(I) in its entirety and inserting the following:
§240-23(I) and § 240-38(I) One accessory apartment per lot added to or created within a single family dwelling, under the following standards and requirements:
(1) The principal or accessory unit must be owner occupied for a period not less than seven months in every calendar year. The accessory unit must comply with § 240-161, Accessory use limitation.
(2) The accessory unit must occupy no more than 30% of the floor area of the principle structure, and shall have no more than two bedrooms, and shall have a minimum floor area of 450 square feet and a maximum floor area of 750 square feet.
(3) The minimum lot size for an accessory apartment shall be 15,000 square feet. The total number of bedrooms on the lot in the principal and accessory unit shall not exceed four bedrooms for lots 15,000 to 39,999 square feet in area; five bedrooms for lots 40,000 to 50,000 square feet; and six bedrooms for lots greater than 50,000 square feet of lot area.
(4) If the subject lot is within a Water Resource Protection District (Article XV) or Coastal Pond Overlay District (Article XXI), the total number of bedrooms shall not exceed one per 13,500 square feet of lot area unless both the principal unit and accessory apartment are served by either the municipal sewer system or a septic system that has certification from Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (Mass. DEP) for general use for nitrogen reduction and is listed in the most current Mass. DEP list of innovative and alternative subsurface sewage disposal technologies approved for use in Massachusetts, but in no case will a technology providing total nitrogen reduction of less than fifty percent (50%) as determined by Mass. DEP be eligible
(5) Parking and additional entrances must be screened or placed appropriately to ensure compatibility with the surrounding neighborhood and to reduce visual impact.
(6) No special permit granted under this section may be used for commercial accommodations or summer rentals.
(7) As a condition of the special permit, a deed restriction, covenant or other suitable instrument, acceptable to and enforceable by the town shall be recorded with the land records that restricts the leasing of the accessory apartment to households with an income eighty (80) percent or less of the Barnstable County median income as determined by the most recent Federal census or other method acceptable to the Board of Appeals and further at a gross annual rent not to exceed thirty (30) percent of the median income herein described. The property owner shall provide to the Board of Appeals documentation that certifies the income level and rent paid by the tenant on a yearly basis. However, said covenant or other restriction may also indicate the accessory apartment may be utilized by a family member of the property owner related by marriage, blood or adoption without the income and rent restrictions herein.
(8) The accessory apartment shall be constructed so that to the degree reasonably feasible, the appearance of the building remains that of the single-family residence.
Or do or take any other action on this matter. On request of the Planning Board
RECOMMENDATION (Planning Board): That the Town vote to amend Article III – Definitions – of the Zoning Bylaw by inserting the following:
Accessory Apartment: A dwelling unit added to or created within a single family dwelling with provision for independent cooking, living, bathroom facilities and sleeping occupying no more than 30% of the gross floor area of the principal structure.
and amend Article V – Single Residence and Article VIII – Agricultural Districts - by deleting Sections 240-23(I) and 240-38(I) in its entirety and inserting the following:
§240-23(I) and § 240-38(I) One accessory apartment per lot added to or created within a single family dwelling, under the following standards and requirements:
(1) The principal or accessory unit must be owner occupied for a period not less than seven months in every calendar year. The accessory unit must comply with § 240-161, Accessory use limitation.
(2) The accessory unit must occupy no more than 30% of the floor area of the principle structure, and shall have no more than two bedrooms, and shall have a minimum floor area of 450 square feet and a maximum floor area of 750 square feet.
(3) The minimum lot size for an accessory apartment shall be 15,000 square feet. The total number of bedrooms on the lot in the principal and accessory unit shall not exceed four bedrooms for lots 15,000 to 39,999 square feet in area; five bedrooms for lots 40,000 to 50,000 square feet; and six bedrooms for lots greater than 50,000 square feet of lot area.
(4) If the subject lot is within a Water Resource Protection District (Article XV) or Coastal Pond Overlay District (Article XXI), the total number of bedrooms shall not exceed one per 13,500 square feet of lot area unless both the principal unit and accessory apartment are served by either the municipal sewer system or a septic system that has certification from Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (Mass. DEP) for general use for nitrogen reduction and is listed in the most current Mass. DEP list of innovative and alternative subsurface sewage disposal technologies approved for use in Massachusetts, but in no case will a technology providing total nitrogen reduction of less than fifty percent (50%) as determined by Mass. DEP be eligible
(5) Parking and additional entrances must be screened or placed appropriately to ensure compatibility with the surrounding neighborhood and to reduce visual impact.
(6) No special permit granted under this section may be used for commercial accommodations or summer rentals.
(7) As a condition of the special permit, a deed restriction, covenant or other suitable instrument, acceptable to and enforceable by the town shall be recorded with the land records that restricts the leasing of the accessory apartment or principal structure to households with an income eighty (80) percent or less of the Barnstable County median income as determined by the most recent Federal census or other method acceptable to the Board of Appeals and further at a gross annual rent not to exceed thirty (30) percent of the median income herein described,. The property owner shall provide to the Board of Appeals documentation that certifies the income level and rent paid by the tenant on a yearly basis. However, such requirements of this paragraph (7) shall not apply if:
a) the lease is to or through a non-profit organization or government authority and the occupant(s) receive rental assistance due to income or asset qualification or on account of a disability or;
b) if both the principal unit and accessory apartment are occupied by the property owner or by persons related to the property owner by marriage, blood or adoption or by a domestic partner of the property owner, including minor children in the care of any of them.
(8) The accessory apartment shall be constructed so that to the degree reasonably feasible, the appearance of the building remains that of the single-family residence.
EXPLANATION: This article would allow every homeowner of a single family dwelling, on a lot of 15,000 square feet or more, throughout the town to build or add on an accessory apartment. Prior to this proposed change, only homes built prior to 1987 that are not located within Water Resource Protection Districts were eligible. This bylaw also clarifies that the principal structure or the accessory apartment may be rented. In return for expanding the number of eligible homes, the Planning Board has included language that would require either the accessory apartment or principal structure to be leased as an affordable housing unit. The affordable restriction would not apply if the principal structure and accessory apartment are rented to family members or if leased through a government program that subsidizes rents.
To see if the town will vote to change the Zoning Bylaw and amend the Zoning Map by changing the provision in Section 240-109(H)(4) Curb Cuts by inserting the word "restaurant" before the word "drive-thru" so that the first sentence reads as follows:
"All curb cuts serving a restaurant drive-thru establishment shall have a minimum centerline offset distance of 300 feet from any other curb cut serving a restaurant drive-thru establishment."
Or do or take any other action on this matter. On request of Michael B. McGrath and others.
RECOMMENDATION (Planning Board): That the town vote to amend Section 240-109(h)(4) of the Zoning Bylaw by adding the following sentence one:
"The Planning Board may by special permit allow a centerline offset of less than 300 feet between curb cuts serving drive-thru establishments if the applicant demonstrates that, as the result of the centerline offset reduction, there will not be any adverse impact on traffic flow or safety and further the Board must find the special permit requirements of Article XXXXII are satisfied"
so as to read:
240-109 (h)(4) Curb Cuts. All curb cuts serving a drive-thru establishment shall have a minimum centerline offset distance of 300 feet from any other curb cut serving a drive-thru establishment. The Planning Board may by special permit allow a centerline offset of less than 300 feet between curb cuts serving drive-thru establishments if the applicant demonstrates that, as the result of the centerline offset reduction, there will not be any adverse impact on traffic flow or safety and further the Board must find the special permit requirements of Article XXXXII are satisfied. All curb cuts must conform to Massachusetts Highway Department regulations, the latest edition, concerning geometry and traffic circulation."
Explanation: This amendment will allow the Planning Board to issue a special permit to relax the 300-foot offset standard for drive-thru uses if the applicant can demonstrate that traffic safety is not compromised.
To see if the town will vote to change the Zoning Bylaw and amend the Zoning Map by eliminating the Beebe Woods Well Site Water Resource Protection District from the maps referenced in Section 240-72.1 of the Zoning Bylaw. Or do or take any other action on this matter. On request of Michael B. McGrath and others.
RECOMMENDATION (Planning Board): That the Town vote Article 14 as printed in the warrant
Explanation: Previous studies identified this area as a potential well site. However, today this site, due to the low yield and the possibility of salt-water intrusion, would be too expensive to develop as a public water supply.
To see if the town will vote to amend the Official Zoning Map of the Town of Falmouth to rezone from Single Residence RC to General Residence the land shown on Falmouth Assessors Map 34, Section 04, Parcel 032, Lot 002, located at 540 - 544 Teaticket Highway, Teaticket consisting of a total of 1+ acres, and the land shown on Falmouth Assessors Map 34, Section 04, Parcel 033, Lot 001, located at 570 Teaticket Highway, Teaticket consisting of a total of 1+ acres. Or do or take any other action on this matter. On request of A. John Alves and others.
RECOMMENDATION (Planning Board): That the Town vote to rezone to General Residence the land depicted as Lots 1, 2 and 3 currently zoned Single Residence C as shown on a plan entitled: "Zoning Districts RC & AGB - Plan of Land located in Falmouth – Mass prepared for A. John Alves", drawn by Ferreira Associates, dated January 10, 2001, scale 1" = 50’ said plan recorded at the Barnstable County Registry of deeds at plan Book 563, Page 30
Explanation: This change is appropriate for this area as it represents an extension of an existing General Residence zone. The property owner has indicated a desire to create two-family homes and General Residence zoning will allow this.
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money for the design and upgrade of the Wastewater Treatment Plant, including costs incidental and related thereto, and to determine whether to raise this appropriation by borrowing or otherwise; provided that no sums shall be borrowed unless the Town shall have voted at a town election to exempt the amounts required to pay for the bonds or notes issued for the project from the provisions of Proposition 2 ½, so called. Or do or take any other action in this matter. On request of the Board of Selectmen.
RECOMMENDATION (Finance Committee): That the Town vote to appropriate $14,070,000 for the design and upgrade of the Wastewater Treatment Plant, including the payment of all costs incidental and related thereto, and that to meet this appropriation, the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Board of Selectmen, is hereby authorized to borrow said sum under and pursuant to Chapter 44, Sections 18 (16) and 7 (1) of the Massachusetts General Laws, or any other enabling authority and to issue bonds or notes of the Town therefor, provided however, that no sums appropriated hereunder shall be borrowed or expended for this purpose unless and until the Town shall have voted at the 2001 Annual Town Election to exempt any amounts authorized to be borrowed hereunder from the limitations of Proposition 2 ½, so called.
EXPLANATION: The Falmouth Wastewater Treatment Plant, constructed in 1986, was not designed to provide advanced nitrogen removal, now required for all current plants that have groundwater discharge permits. The plant will have to be upgraded to new standards with a 5 ppm limit and 3 ppm on average for nitrogen discharge. The design will be for 1.2 million gallons per day with expansion capability to at least 1.4 mgd. The process for this upgrade started in 1998 with an appropriation for a Facilities Plan. At the Spring 2000 Annual Town Meeting, design and engineering monies were approved with a subsequent successful ballot vote in May 2000. Article 16, now before you, provides $14,070,000 for the construction and associated borrowing costs. While specific issues regarding the actual discharge permit are still being resolved, the Board of Selectmen has unanimously voted its support for this article.
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money for the design, construction, furnishing and equipping an addition to the Gus Canty Recreation Building, including costs incidental and related thereto, and to determine whether to raise this appropriation by borrowing or otherwise; provided however that no sums shall be borrowed unless the Town shall have voted at a town election to exempt the amounts required to pay for the bonds or notes issued for the project from the provisions of Proposition 2 ½, so called. Or do or take any other action in this matter. On request of the Board of Selectmen.
RECOMMENDATION (Finance Committee): That the Town vote to appropriate $1,510,000 for the design, construction, furnishing and equipping an addition to the Gus Canty Recreation Building, including all costs incidental and related thereto, and that to meet this appropriation, the Town Treasurer with the approval of the Board of Selectmen is hereby authorized to borrow said amount under and pursuant to Chapter 44, Section 7 (3A) of the Massachusetts General Laws, or any other enabling authority, and to issue bonds or notes of the Town therefor, provided however, that so sums appropriated hereunder shall be borrowed or expended for this purpose unless and until the Town shall have voted to exempt any amounts authorized to be borrowed hereunder from the limitations of Proposition 2 ½, so called.
EXPLANATION: The November 1999 Annual Town Meeting approved funding for the design of an addition to the Gus Canty Recreation Building. This article will provide the necessary appropriation to build the addition which will consist of a teen center, storage space and a fieldhouse.
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money for the purpose of design services and other costs related thereto for the Falmouth High School construction project to provide needed improvements/upgrades to the Falmouth High School facility, to determine whether to raise this appropriation by borrowing or otherwise; to be expended under the jurisdiction of the Falmouth High School Building Committee; provided that no sums shall be borrowed unless the Town shall have voted at a town election to exempt the amounts required to pay for the bonds and notes issued for the project from the provisions of Proposition 2 ½, so called. Or do or take any other action in this matter. On request of the School Building Needs Committee.
RECOMMENDATION: That the Town vote to appropriate $4,020,000 for the design services and other costs related thereto for the Falmouth High School construction project including all costs incidental and related thereto and that to meet this appropriation, the Treasurer, with the approval of the Board of Selectmen, is hereby authorized to borrow said sum under and pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 44, Sections 7 (21) and 7 (22) of the General Laws, or any other enabling authority, and to issue bonds or notes of the Town therefor, provided however, that no sums shall be borrowed or expended hereunder unless the Town shall have voted at the 2001 Annual Town Election to exempt the amount required to pay for the bonds or notes issued for the project from the provisions of Proposition 2 /12, so called.
EXPLANATION: The Finance Committee voted unanimously in favor of this article. The high school renovations are necessary and are the better alternative to building a new school because the town will ultimately receive more reimbursement money from the state for renovating than for building a new structure. It is currently estimated that the town's share of the costs will be $9,000,000 to $11,000,000 less for renovations than for a new school. In addition, the
current plan provides for construction to begin in January 2006, just eighteen months before it is estimated that state reimbursement funds will begin to be received by the town. These two factors combine to minimize the cost of the project for taxpayers while providing learning space for the high school students which meets current ADA, Mass. State Building Code, and air quality requirements.
To see if the Town will vote to establish a Falmouth High School Building Committee of seven members to be appointed by the Moderator to oversee the design and construction of the Falmouth High School Building Project. Or do or take any other action in this matter. On request of the School Building Needs Committee.
RECOMMENDATION (Finance Committee): That the Town vote Article 19 as printed.
EXPLANATION: A committee should be appointed to begin this project.
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money for the purpose of designing football facilities to be constructed at the Falmouth High School to be included in the Falmouth High School renovation project in Article 18 of this Town Meeting; to determine whether to raise this appropriation by borrowing or otherwise and by whom expended; provided, however, that no sums shall be borrowed unless the Town shall have voted at a town election to exempt the amounts required to pay for the bonds and notes issued for the project from the provisions of Proposition 2 ½, so called. Or do or take any other action in this matter. On request of the Recreation Committee.
RECOMMENDATION (Finance Committee): That the Town vote to appropriate $100,000 for the purpose of the design and other related costs for football facilities to be constructed at the Falmouth High School and to be included in the Falmouth High School renovation project in Article 18 of this Town Meeting and that to meet this appropriation, the Treasurer, with the approval of the Board of Selectmen, is hereby authorized to borrow said sum under and pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 44, Sections 7 (3A) and 7 (22) of the General Laws, or any other enabling authority, and to issue bonds or notes of the Town therefor, provided however, that no sums shall be borrowed or expended hereunder unless the Town shall have voted at the 2001 Annual Town Election to exempt the amount required to pay for the bonds or notes issued for the project from the provisions of Proposition 2 1/2, so called.
EXPLANATION: This article will allow the voters to make the decision in the May Annual Town Election as to where the football facilities should be located.
To see if the Town will vote to amend the General By-law to authorize the Moderator to determine the intent of the voice vote where a two-thirds affirmative majority vote is required for passage of an Article on the Warrant of a Town Meeting. Provided, however, that any Member may question the Moderator’s determination by standing and asking for a counted vote, whereupon a standing vote will commence and be counted. Or do or take any other action in this matter. On request of the Town Clerk.
RECOMMENDATION (Board of Selectmen): That the Town vote Article 21 as printed.
EXPLANATION: At the last three Town Meetings a vote has been taken to allow the Moderator to determine the intent of the voice vote where a two-thirds affirmative majority is required. This results in much paper work for the Town Clerk as this vote must be certified in several places. If Town Meeting intends to continue this practice, the By-law should be changed.
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money, to be appropriately distributed by the Town Accountant, to the accounts affected for the purpose of funding a raise for the contract period commencing July 1, 2001, as agreed to by the Town of Falmouth and the Falmouth Police Federation, and to determine how the same shall be raised and by whom expended. Or do or take any other action in the matter. On request of the Town Administrator.
RECOMMENDATION (Finance Committee): Indefinite Postponement.
EXPLANATION: No agreement has been reached.
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money, to be appropriately distributed by the Town Accountant, to the accounts affected for the purpose of funding a raise for the contract period commencing July 1, 2001, as agreed to by the Town of Falmouth and the Falmouth Police Superior Officers and to determine how the same shall be raised and by whom expended. Or do or take any other action in the matter. On request of the Town Administrator.
RECOMMENDATION (Finance Committee): Indefinite Postponement.
EXPLANATION: No agreement has been reached.
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money, to be appropriately distributed by the Town Accountant, to the accounts affected for the purpose of funding a raise for the contract period commencing July 1, 2001, as agreed to by the Town of Falmouth and the International Association of Firefighters, Local 1397, and to determine how the same shall be raised and by whom expended. Or do or take any other action in the matter. On request of the Town Administrator.
RECOMMENDATION (Finance Committee): Indefinite Postponement.
EXPLANATION: No agreement has been reached.
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money, to be appropriately distributed by the Town Accountant, to the accounts affected for the purpose of funding a raise for the contract period commencing July 1, 2001, as agreed to by the Town of Falmouth and American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, Local 1636, and to determine how the same shall be raised and by whom expended. Or do or take any other action in the matter. On request of the Town Administrator.
RECOMMENDATION (Finance Committee): Indefinite Postponement.
EXPLANATION: No agreement has been reached.
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money, to be appropriately distributed by the Town Accountant, to the accounts affected for the purpose of funding a raise for the contract period commencing July 1, 2001, as agreed to by the Town of Falmouth and the Laborer’s International Union of North America, AFL-CIO, Local 1249, and to determine how the same shall be raised and by whom expended. Or do or take any other action in the matter. On request of the Town Administrator.
RECOMMENDATION (Finance Committee): Indefinite Postponement.
EXPLANATION: No agreement has been reached.
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money, to be appropriately distributed by the Town Accountant, to the accounts affected for the purpose of funding a raise for the contract period commencing July 1, 2001, as agreed to by the Town of Falmouth and the Falmouth Public Library Association, Massachusetts Laborers’ District Council and to determine how the same shall be raised and by whom expended. Or do or take any other action in the matter. On request of the Town Administrator.
RECOMMENDATION (Finance Committee): Indefinite Postponement.
EXPLANATION: No agreement has been reached.
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money, to be appropriately distributed by the Town Accountant, to the accounts affected for the purpose of funding a raise for all Non-Aligned permanent employees covered by the Classification Plan commencing July 1, 2001, to determine how the same shall be raised and by whom expended. Or do or take any other action in the matter. On request of the Town Administrator.
RECOMMENDATION (Finance Committee): Indefinite Postponement.
EXPLANATION: No agreement has been reached.
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate the sum of Seventy Six Thousand Five Hundred Four Dollars ($76,504) for the purpose of implementing the following change in the Town’s Position Classification Plan:
DELETE: (50) Patrol Officers
ADD: (52) Patrol Officers
To determine how the same shall be raised and by whom expended, or do or take any other action in the matter. On request of the Chief of Police.
RECOMMENDATION (Finance Committee): That the Town vote to raise and appropriate $76,504 to be expended under the jurisdiction of the Chief of Police for the purposes of Article 29.
EXPLANATION: The addition of these positions was recommended by the May 1998 Management Study of the Police Department and will address the identified need for more patrol officers. These positions are included in the Town’s Five Year Personnel Plan.
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money for the purpose of implementing the following changes to the Town’s Position Classification Plan to be effective July 1, 2001:
|
DELETE: |
(1) Assistant Town Collector |
GRADE 09 |
DELETE: |
(1) Chief Harbormaster |
GRADE 13 |
|
|
ADD: |
(1) Assistant Town Collector |
GRADE 10 |
ADD: |
(1) Chief Harbormaster |
GRADE 14 |
|
|
DELETE: |
(1) Parking Control Officer |
GRADE 03 |
DELETE: |
(1) Civil Engineering Technician |
GRADE 08 |
|
|
ADD: |
(1) Parking Control Officer |
GRADE 04 |
ADD: |
(1) Construction Inspector |
GRADE 09 |
|
|
DELETE: |
(1) Ambulance Secretary |
GRADE 06 |
DELETE: |
(1) Health Agent |
GRADE 13 |
|
|
ADD: |
(1) Sr. Office Assistant (Fire) |
GRADE 07 |
ADD: |
(1) Health Agent |
GRADE 14 |
|
|
DELETE: |
(1) Office Assistant (Building) |
GRADE 05 |
DELETE: |
(1) Zoning Administrator |
GRADE 10 |
|
|
ADD: |
(1) Sr. Office Assistant (Building) |
GRADE 06 |
ADD: |
(1) Zoning Administrator |
GRADE 11 |
|
|
DELETE: |
(2) Natural Resource Officer |
GRADE 07 |
||||
|
ADD: |
(2) Natural Resource Officer |
GRADE 08 |
||||
Or do or take any other action in this matter. On request of the Board of Selectmen.
RECOMMENDATION (Finance Committee): That the Town vote to raise and appropriate $11,379 to be appropriately distributed by the Town Accountant to the accounts affected for the purposes of Article 30 with the following correction:
|
DELETE: |
(1) Ambulance Secretary |
GRADE 05 |
|
ADD: |
(1) Sr. Office Assistant (Fire) |
GRADE 06 |
EXPLANATION: Positions in the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, Local 1636, are reviewed every five years. These positions were deemed to be eligible for upgrades during this study.
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate Twenty-four Thousand Nine Hundred Eighty-four Dollars ($24,984) for the purposes of funding the Town’s contribution to the Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands, Inc. for the Meals on Wheels Program for Falmouth residents and to determine how the same shall be raised and by whom expended. Or do or take any other action in this matter. On request of the Council on Aging.
RECOMMENDATION (Finance Committee): That the Town vote to raise and appropriate $24,984 for the purposes of Article 31 to be expended under the jurisdiction of the Council on Aging.
EXPLANATION: The Meals on Wheels Program delivers meals to every homebound senior in Falmouth in need of this service. There were 25,236 meals delivered in Falmouth during FY ’00. This enables many seniors to remain in their own homes. Shorter hospital stays have caused an increased need during the last several years. Rising costs and uncertain federal and state funding have make it necessary for the Elder Services of Cape Cod to request assistance from local communities. This expenditure will contribute $0.99 for each meal served.
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate the sum of Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000) to be used by the Falmouth Chamber of Commerce to continue the efforts of further enhancing the positive impact of the Economic Improvement Program, which began in 1993. The purpose is to further strengthen the town’s economy on a more year round basis and expand the employment base and to continue to support the efforts of other entities, i.e. the arts, the Historical Society, Whoosh trolley, etc. The continuation of this program’s momentum is vital, as is the funding for the necessary marketing tools and materials to continue our competitive edge and success in promoting Falmouth as a culturally vibrant year round destination. Or do or take any other action in this matter. On request of the Board of Selectmen.
RECOMMENDATION (Finance Committee): That the Town vote to raise and appropriate $10,000 for the purposes of Article 32 to be expended under the jurisdiction of the Board of Selectmen.
EXPLANATION: The Finance Committee believes that the taxpayer in Falmouth already makes a significant contribution to support tourism each year if we consider the ten million dollar infrastructure which includes the Fire Department, Police Department, Beach Department and the Department of Public Works, that are supported by taxpayer dollars. While it is impossible to break out solid numbers, it is clear that this infrastructure support provides an environment of beauty and safety that enables tourist related businesses to thrive.
To see if the Town will vote to accept the doings of the Board of Selectmen in the laying out of the following listed roads according to a plan on file with the Town Clerk for taking as a public way:
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Amphibian Road |
Harvard Drive East |
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Avalon Drive |
Harvard Drive West |
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Bauer Lane |
Horseshoe Lane |
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Bayside Drive West |
Knollwood Drive |
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Casey’s Way |
Marlin Drive |
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Cottontail Circle |
Old Forge Road |
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Crooked Meadow |
Quail Hollow Road |
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Falmouth Landing Road |
Sand Pointe Shores Drive |
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Fawn Circle |
Seaview Drive |
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Gray Rocks West Road |
Shagbark Lane |
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Happy Hollow Road |
Stub Toe Lane |
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Harborview Drive |
Wing Road |
Under the provisions of Chapter 80 of the Massachusetts General Laws, the cost will be recovered by 100% betterment assessments to the land that receives the benefit. Or do or take any other action in this matter. On request of the Board of Selectmen.
RECOMMENDATION (Board of Selectmen): That the Town vote to accept the following roads under the Betterment Act:
|
STREET |
LENGTH |
STREET |
LENGTH |
|
Amphibian Road |
745' |
Harvard Drive East |
470' |
|
Avalon Drive |
820' |
Harvard Drive West |
410' |
|
Bauer Lane |
380' |
Horseshoe Lane |
1580' |
|
Bayside Drive West |
730' |
Knollwood Drive |
735' |
|
Casey’s Way |
467' |
Marlin Drive |
740' |
|
Cottontail Circle |
400’ |
Old Forge Road |
1630' |
|
Crooked Meadow |
1020’ |
Quail Hollow Road |
800' |
|
Falmouth Landing Road |
2750' |
Sand Pointe Shores Drive |
2280' |
|
Fawn Circle |
350' |
Seaview Drive |
800’ |
|
Gray Rocks West Road |
750' |
Shagbark Lane |
530’ |
|
Happy Hollow Road |
2000' |
Stub Toe Lane |
580' |
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Harborview Drive |
700' |
Wing Road |
111' |
EXPLANATION: These are private ways ready to be accepted as public roads under the 100% Betterment Program. The funding for the acceptance was approved in Article 22 of the November 2000 Town Meeting and costs to the Town will be repaid by the property owners.
To see if the Town will vote to accept Chapter 352 of the Acts of 2000 which establishes the Upper Cape Regional Water Supply Cooperative. Or do or take any other action in this matter. On request of the Board of Selectmen.
RECOMMENDATION (Board of Selectmen): That the Town vote Article 34 as printed.
EXPLANATION: The Board of Selectmen approves of the Town joining the Upper Cape Regional Water Supply Cooperative. This will appear as a ballot question in the May 2001 Annual Town Election for final approval. However, the Board of Selectmen believes that a discussion at Town Meeting will help the voters understand the issues in this matter. Additional water supply for future town needs is critical, and this supply is available to the town without any capital costs.
To see if the Town will authorize the Selectmen to enter into an agreement with the owner to alter the drainage easements at Lot 67 Langdon G. Burwell and Bernard E. St. Jean Drive. The modifications shall preserve the capacity of the drainage easement for the storage and disposal of road runoff. Or do or take any other action in this matter. On request of Michael McGrath and others.
RECOMMENDATION (Board of Selectmen): The Board of Selectmen recommends that the town approve this article as printed.
EXPLANATION: The owner wishes to develop this property. It is necessary for the Board of Selectmen to enter into an agreement to allow for the modification and to ensure that proper drainage will continue.
To see if the Town will provide funding for any or all of the purposes voted for in the foregoing articles by taxation, by transfer from available funds, by borrowing or by any combination of the foregoing. Or do or take any other action in this matter. On request of the Finance Committee and the Board of Selectmen.
RECOMMENDATION: The Finance Committee will make its recommendation on Town Meeting floor.
The Warrant for the Special Town Meeting starts with Article 1, and contains twenty-eight articles. The General Town Meeting warrant (above) is entirely separate.
To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to PURCHASE OR TAKE BY EMINENT DOMAIN land in Falmouth, Barnstable County, Massachusetts, for the purpose of OPEN SPACE, WATER RESOURCE PROTECTION and/or PUBLIC RECREATION, as provided in either Chapter 40, Section 8C of the General Laws or any other appropriate authority, said land to be under the jurisdiction and control of either the Conservation Commission or the Board of Selectmen as specified and being described as follows:
PARCEL 1: Land now or formerly of CLSV Limited Partnership, containing 123.36 acres, more or less, and being shown on Falmouth Assessors Map 16, Section 2, Parcel 007, Lot 000 and described in a deed recorded in the Barnstable County Registry of Deeds in Book 8944, Page 170; and
PARCEL 2: Land now or formerly of Fairway Pointe Associates Limited Partnership I, containing 21.50 acres, more or less, and being shown on Falmouth Assessors Map 15, Section 3, Parcel 15, Lot 000 and described in a deed recorded in the Barnstable County Registry of Deeds in Book 10602, Page 167.
And, further, to appropriate a sum of money for the acquisition of the foregoing land, including costs incidental and related thereto, and further to authorize the Board of Selectmen or its designee to accept any further gifts of property, real, personal or otherwise, in relation to the foregoing acquisition and to enter into any agreements and to execute all documents it deems advantageous on behalf of the town, for partial or full reimbursements of the cost of acquisition, and to determine how the same shall be raised, including appropriation from the Land Bank Fund or by borrowing said sum or any part thereof pursuant to Chapter 44, Section 7(3) of the Massachusetts General Laws, or any other enabling authority and to issue bonds or notes of the Town therefore, and by whom expended. Or do or take any other action this matter. On request of the Board of Selectmen.
RECOMMENDATION (Finance Committee): The Finance Committee will make its recommendation on Town Meeting floor.
EXPLANATION: No agreement had been reached.
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate Twenty-two Thousand Three Hundred Fifty ($22,350) for the purpose of paying interest on Short Term Unexcluded Debt, Land Bank, and to determine how the same shall be raised and by whom expended. Or do or take any other action in this matter. On request of the Town Treasurer.
RECOMMENDATION (Finance Committee): That the Town vote to transfer $22,350 from the Land Bank Fund to be expended under the jurisdiction of the Town Treasurer for the purposes of Article 2.
EXPLANATION: The Treasurer needs funding to make interest payments on land purchased under the Land Bank Act.
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate Fifteen Thousand Dollars ($15,000) to be placed in a Land Bank Management Fund for the purposes of maintaining the Towns Open Spaces; to determine how the same shall be raised and by whom expended. And, further that Town Meeting rescind its approval of Article 50 of the November 2000 Annual Town Meeting. Or do or take any other action in this matter. On request of the Board of Selectmen.
RECOMMENDATION (Finance Committee): That the Town vote to transfer $15,000 from Certified Free Cash to be expended under the jurisdiction of the Board of Selectmen for the purposes of Article 3.
EXPLANATION: The Town continues to purchase Open Space and this funding will allow us to begin to explore how best to take care of this land. The transfer approved at the November 2000 Town Meeting was found to be not an appropriate use.
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000) from Land Bank receipts for the purpose of paying administrative fees for costs related to Land Bank purchases and to determine how the same shall be raised and by whom expended. Or do or take any other action in this matter. On request of the Board of Selectmen.
RECOMMENDATION (Finance Committee): That the Town vote Article 4 as printed to be expended under the jurisdiction of the Board of Selectmen.
EXPLANATION: The Town is reimbursed for appraisals of Land Bank parcels.
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000) to be deposited in Budget Line 01193-57740 Overall Town Insurance and to determine how the same shall be raised and by whom expended. Or do or take any other action in this matter. On request of the Board of Selectmen
RECOMMENDATION (Finance Committee): That the Town vote to transfer $50,000 from Certified Free Cash for the purposes of Article 5 to be expended under the jurisdiction of the Board of Selectmen.
EXPLANATION: Further funding is needed to complete the fiscal year.
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate Eighty-four Thousand Dollars ($84,000) to be deposited in the Workers Compensation Fund for lump sum payments for several employees and to determine how the same shall be raised and by whom expended. Or do or take any other action in this matter. On request of the Board of Selectmen.
RECOMMENDATION (Finance Committee): That the Town vote to transfer $84,000 from Certified Free Cash for the purposes of Article 6 to be expended under the jurisdiction of the Board of Selectmen.
EXPLANATION: Several years ago the Town decided to self-insure by creating a Workers Compensation Fund. Several judgements in Workers Compensation cases have been settled and it is necessary to transfer these funds.
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate Forty Thousand Dollars ($40,000) to Budget Lines 01919-51180 Long Term Disability Insurance Town and 01919-51181 Long Term Disability Insurance School and to determine how the same shall be raised and by whom expended. Or do or take any other action in this matter. On request of the Board of Selectmen.
RECOMMENDATION (Finance Committee): That the Town vote to transfer $40,000 from Certified Free Cash for the purposes of Article 7 to be expended under the jurisdiction of the Board of Selectmen.
EXPLANATION: Additional funding is needed in this account to complete the current fiscal year.
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate Fifteen Thousand Dollars ($15,000) for the purpose of funding a salary and compensation study of the Towns non-aligned technical, administrative and management positions, to determine how the same shall be raised and by whom expended. Or do or take any other action in this matter. On request of the Town Administrator.
RECOMMENDATION (Finance Committee): That the Town vote to transfer $15,000 from Certified Free Cash for the purposes of Article 8 to be expended under the jurisdiction of the Town Administrator.
EXPLANATION: The job descriptions of non-aligned department heads, technical and administrative employees have not been reviewed since 1987. The purpose of this study is to determine whether changes to the job descriptions, the salary structure and/or benefits are needed in order to retain and recruit the best possible management and technical team for the Town.
To see if the Town will vote to transfer a sum of money from grant receipts from the Massachusetts Technological Collaborative for the purpose of paying Falmouths share of capital costs at SEMASS for plant modifications incurred as a result of change in the law. Or do or take any other action in this matter. On request of the Board of Selectmen.
RECOMMENDATION (Finance Committee): The Finance Committee will make its recommendation on Town Meeting floor.
EXPLANATION: The funding needed for this article was not available when the Finance Committee concluded its deliberations.
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate One Hundred Seventeen Thousand ($117,000) to Budget 01433-52393 Solid Waste Collection SEMASS Contract and to determine how the same shall be raised and by whom expended. Or do or take any other action in this matter. On request of the Board of Selectmen.
RECOMMENDATION (Finance Committee): That the Town vote to transfer $117,000 from Certified Free Cash for the purposes of Article 10 to be expended under the jurisdiction of the Board of Selectmen.
EXPLANATION: Additional funding is needed to complete this contract during the current fiscal year.
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($150,000) for an analysis of monitoring wells in the Long Pond Zone of Contribution with a full engineering study of future water supply conditions and to determine how the same shall be raised and by whom expended. Or do or take any other action in this matter. On request of the Utilities Manager.
RECOMMENDATION (Finance Committee): That the Town vote to transfer $150,000 from Certified Free Cash for the purposes of Article 11 to be expended under the jurisdiction of the Utilities Manager.
EXPLANATION: The study will include a comprehensive brown water model analysis for the Long Pond Watershed. Potential contamination sites will be identified and the effects of the Wastewater Treatment Plant and Landfill plumes will be assessed.
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate Thirty Thousand Dollars ($30,000) for the purpose of performing a water system Corrosion Control Study under the Lead and Copper Rule and to determine how the same shall be raised and by whom expended. Or do or take any other action in this matter. On request of the Utilities Manager.
RECOMMENDATION (Finance Committee): That the Town vote to transfer $30,000 from Certified Free Cash for the purposes of Article 12 to be expended under the jurisdiction of the Utilities Manager.
EXPLANATION: The study will evaluate the effectiveness of existing water treatment processes used for reducing lead/copper levels in the drinking water and provide recommendations for improvement in order to achieve water quality standards required under the Lead & Copper Rule of 1991. The present system of raising the pH has not been able to meet the minimum standards.
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate Four Thousand Dollars ($4,000) for the purpose of purchasing a Plan File Holder for the Engineering Department, to determine how the same shall be raised and by whom expended. Or do or take any other action in this matter. On request of the Board of Selectmen.
RECOMMENDATION (Finance Committee): That the Town vote to transfer $4,000 from Certified Free Cash for the purposes of Article 13 to be expended under the jurisdiction of the Department of Public Works.
EXPLANATION: An additional plan file holder is needed for the large maps used in the Engineering Department.
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate Thirty Thousand Dollars ($30,000) for the purchase of furnishings for the Information Technology and Planning Departments and to determine how the same shall be raised and by whom expended. Or do or take any other action in this matter. On request of the Board of Selectmen.
RECOMMENDATION (Finance Committee): That the Town vote to transfer $30,000 from Certified Free Cash for the purposes of Article 14 to be expended under the jurisdiction of the Information Technology and Planning Departments.
EXPLANATION: There are eleven people in the Information Technology and Planning Departments. With the Town Hall addition nearing completion this is the logical time to upgrade furnishings where needed and to provide partitioning and/or cubicles for a more quiet workspace.
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money for the purpose of repairing headstones at the Old Town Cemetery and to determine how the same shall be raised and by whom expended. Or do or take any other action in this matter. On request of the Board of Selectmen.
RECOMMENDATION (Finance Committee): That the Town vote to transfer $20,000 from Certified Free Cash for the purposes of Article 15 to be expended under the jurisdiction of the Department of Public Works.
EXPLANATION: The headstones at the historic Old Town Cemetery have been in need of repair for several years.
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate Forty Thousand Dollars ($40,000) for the purpose of funding the design of traffic control signals at the Main Street Fire Headquarters and to determine how the same shall be raised and by whom expended. Or do or take any other action in this matter. On request of the Board of Selectmen.
RECOMMENDATION (Finance Committee): That the Town vote to transfer $40,000 from Certified Free Cash for the purposes of Article 16 to be expended under the jurisdiction of the Board of Selectmen.
EXPLANATION: When the Fire/Rescue Headquarters renovations are completed, it will be necessary for the department to be able to stop traffic in several different locations in order for the vehicles to gain access to Main Street. This will fund the design of traffic control signals in those areas.
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate Fourteen Thousand Eight Hundred Sixty ($14,860) to Budget 01171-51110 Conservation Department Salaries and Wages and to determine how the same shall be raised and by whom expended. Or do or take any other action in this matter. On request of the Board of Selectmen.
RECOMMENDATION (Finance Committee): That the Town vote to transfer $14,860 from the Wetlands Protection Fund for the purposes of Article 17 to be expended under the jurisdiction of the Conservation Commission.
EXPLANATION: Additional funding is needed in this account to complete the current fiscal year.
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000) for the purposes of the excavation and renovation of the Upper Coonamessett River and to determine how the same shall be raised and by whom expended. Or do or take any other action in this matter. On request of the Shellfish Constable.
RECOMMENDATION (Finance Committee): That the Town vote to transfer $10,000 from Line 01171-58002 (Article 52 Annual Town Meeting November 1999) for the purposes of Article 18 to be expended under the jurisdiction of the Shellfish Constable.
EXPLANATION: This will provide for engineering permits, construction of a new water control structure and the excavation of Dutchmans Ditch from the water control structure to the culvert that crosses under the dirt road. This project is significant to the maintenance of a Commonwealth and Town herring run.
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate Six Thousand Dollars ($6,000) for the purpose of building maintenance and electrical repairs to the Peterson Farm building and to determine how the same shall be raised and by whom expended. Or do or take any other action in this matter. On request of the Board of Selectmen.
RECOMMENDATION (Finance Committee): That the Town vote to transfer $6,000 from Certified Free Cash for the purposes of Article 19 to be expended under the jurisdiction of the Board of Selectmen.
EXPLANATION: The electrical service will be replaced with an underground service and the sliding door in the basement will be replaced with a garage door. The Finance Committee has requested the building be inspected and a report prepared on its present condition and necessary future improvements.
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money for the purpose of building maintenance to the Chamber of Commerce building and to determine how the same shall be raised and by whom expended. Or do or take any other action in this matter. On request of the Board of Selectmen.
RECOMMENDATION (Finance Committee): That the Town vote to transfer $70,000 from Certified Free Cash for the purposes of Article 20 to be expended under the jurisdiction of the Board of Selectmen.
EXPLANATION: This building has been maintained well by the Town and Chamber. The heating system, which has been repaired several times during the last three years, must now be replaced. The building is also in need of exterior paint and this will be a costly project as lead removal must be done.
To see if the Town will vote to transfer Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000) from Line Item 01295-58008 (Article 23 04/00 Great Harbor dock) for the purpose of replacing the marina water line at the Main Marina and Davis Bulkhead, or do or take any action in this matter. On request of the Waterways Committee.
RECOMMENDATION (Finance Committee): That the Town vote Article 21 as printed to be expended under the jurisdiction of the Waterways Committee.
EXPLANATION: Replacement of the water lines has been needed for some time and had been scheduled to be included in the next capital budget request. By using the excess funds in Article 23 work can be done immediately and the item can be removed from the Fiscal Year 2001 Capital Plan. Some money would remain in Article 23 to cover any minor work to be done.
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($150,000) for the purpose of funding the survey preparation, detail survey and design costs for completing the 25% design of the Shining Sea Bikeway Phase III and to determine how the same shall be raised and by whom expended. Or do or take any other action in this matter. On request of the Board of Selectmen.
RECOMMENDATION (Finance Committee): That the Town vote to transfer $150,000 from Certified Free Cash for the purposes of Article 22 to be expended under the jurisdiction of the Board of Selectmen.
EXPLANATION: The Massachusetts Highway Department Enhancement program is used exclusively by the Commonwealth to build pedestrian facilities. Currently under the MHD Enhancement Program, survey, permitting and design are no longer included in eligibility costs. This article will provide the funds for the completion of the Towns (25%) share of design including presentation to the Conservation Commission and the holding of a 25% design public hearing. The additional funds for the design completion will be requested from the Mass. Highway Department. The plan consensus is to run a 10 foot bikeway parallel to the existing railroad tracks from County Road (+ or -18,500 feet) to Chapoquoit Road providing access to Chapoquoit Beach and from Palmer Ave South (+ or- 4000 feet) to Skating Lane. Design from Palmer Ave. to Chapoquoit Road will be referred to the State under the 'Share the Road' concept. Further design comments will be accepted.
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate Thirty Thousand Dollars ($30,000) for the purpose of funding a housing/community development consultant, to determine how the same shall be raised and by whom expended. Or do or take any other action on this matter. On request of the Board of Selectmen.
RECOMMENDATION (Finance Committee): Indefinite Postponement.
EXPLANATION: The sum of $30,000 was requested at the November 2000 Town Meeting for this same project. The Board of Selectmen recently allotted $20,000 for the project. Perhaps additional funding could be appropriated further along in the study.
To see if the Town will authorize the Board of Selectmen to allocate $5,500 to Oversoul Theater Collective, Inc. in support of the organizations "Arts for All!" The "Arts for All" program enables the organization to present high quality presentations of theater, music, dance and spoken word, at little or no cost for the community, particularly the elderly, low-income people, people of color, at-risk youth and other under-served people living in the town of Falmouth. This program also enables the organization to provide professional training and experiences in the arts, which are otherwise not available, due to social and/or economic reasons. OTCs program serves approximately 957 Falmouth residents. Or do or take any other action in this matter. On request of Margaret A. Hall and others.
RECOMMENDATION (Finance Committee): Indefinite Postponement.
EXPLANATION: The Finance Committee recommends that this program become more involved in the Town of Falmouth and its residents and agencies before requesting funding.
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money for the replacement of the water main in Maravista Avenue and to determine how the same shall be raised and by whom expended. Or do or take any other action in this matter. On request of the Board of Selectmen.
RECOMMENDATION (Finance Committee): The Finance Committee will make its recommendation on Town Meeting floor.
EXPLANATION: The cost of completing this water main project was not known when the Finance Committee reviewed the article.
To see if the Town will vote to amend Chapter 123 of The Code of Falmouth, Fire Prevention by deleting section 123-3 and substituting the following:
Section 123-3. Oil Piping
Oil piping shall be buried underground or in a concrete floor, or placed in a metal-covered pipe trench. If overhead lines must be used, they will be installed in a manner approved by the Falmouth Fire Rescue Department.
Or do or take any other action in this matter. On request of the Chief of the Falmouth Fire Rescue Department.
RECOMMENDATION (Board of Selectmen): The Board of Selectmen recommends this article as printed.
EXPLANATION: The Fire Chief has requested this change that allows for new approved installation techniques for oil burners. This law complies with the State Fire Marshall Code, will be more economical to the homeowner and is considered to be safer than the current requirements.
To see if the Town will vote to take action on the report of the Town Meeting Rules and Procedures Committee. Or do or take any other action in this matter. On request of the Town Meeting Rules and Procedures Committee.
RECOMMENDATION (Board of Selectmen): The Board of Selectmen recommends that Town Meeting hear the report of the Town Meeting Rules and Procedures Committee.
EXPLANATION: The Town Meeting Rules and Procedures Committee wishes to present a report to Town Meeting will several actions for adoption.
To see if the Town will provide funding for any or all of the purposes voted for in the preceding articles, by transfer from available funds, by borrowing or by any combination of the foregoing. Or do or take any other action in this matter. On request of the Finance Committee and the Board of Selectmen.
RECOMMENDATION: The Finance Committee will make its recommendation on Town Meeting floor.