MMVA Minutes ~ November 1, 2005

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" height=45 BGCOLOR="#0099FF" TEXT="#F7F7FF"> <div> <I>MMVA Minutes ~ November 1, 2005</I></div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" height=415 BGCOLOR="#0099FF" TEXT="#F7F7FF"> <div> <I>Minutes Of The Monthly Meeting Of The</I></div> <div> <I>Marstons Mills Village Association</I></div> <div>      ____________________________________________________________</div> <div> Secretary: Ann Trout</div> <bR> <div> <B>Board Of Directors</B></div> <div> <B>Present:</B> <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >Directors: Al Baker, David Curtis, Linda Edson, Craig Larson, Debbie Lavoie,  Peter Lavigne, Donna Lawson, Brian Lobdell, and Ann Trout, Robert Trout.</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c811111100.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Absent</B>: Bill McIntyre.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Guests</B></div> <div> Megan Amsler, Emory and Geri Anderson, Leah Curtis, Bill Eddy, Mario and Teresa Forcione, Kevin Galvin, Marie Greer, Margaret Haggerty, John Hansen, Jim Hines, John Lombardo, Sally Mendes, Joyce Reeves, Bill Thurwell, Jesse Walsh, Diane and Frank Wellman, Tom Wineman.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Call To Order And Welcoming Remarks</B></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c811111100.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">The President called the meeting to order at 7:07 PM. </div> <bR> <div> <B>Minutes Of Last Meeting</B></div> <div> Were accepted.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Treasurer's Report</B></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a7300a800c800000000.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Was accepted<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Arial" >.</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Correspondence</B></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a7300a800c800000000.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">See Old Business.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Public Comment</B></div> <div> None.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Town Council Report</B></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a7300a800c811111100.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Leah Curtis reminds people to vote next week.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a7300a800c811111100.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">The Town has received a $500,000 grant for the purchase of the Archibald property.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a7300a800c811111100.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Gary Brown is in the hospital after a car accident and asks us to keep him in our thoughts.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Old Business And Announcements</B></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a7300a800c800000000.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">A total of eleven more letters were received in opposition to the proposed zoning change for Charlie Roger’s land.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Invited Speaker/Public Forum</B></div> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a7300a800c811111100.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Self-Reliance and Clean Power Now: </B>Megan Amsler and Bill Eddy discussed options of clean and renewable power on Cape Cod.  Ms Amsler is the executive director of Cape and Islands Self-Reliance, an organization devoted to promoting environmentally sound technologies and sustainable practices. They work as a co-op for purchasing power, and presently have the lowest heating oil price on Cape.  Membership forms were available at the meeting. The organization also has considerable expertise with solar power and welcomes queries on renewable sources of power.  She also discussed the Cape Light Compact, a way to sign up for “green” power on the Cape through NSTAR.  If 3% of electricity subscribers sign up, Cape Light will give the local schools a solar power array. Bill Eddy then spoke in support of the Nantucket Sound wind power project. He supplied some details on the scope and appearance of the project.  He notes that biodiesel is available on Cape.<B> </B></div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a7300a800c811111100.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">A discussion of the proposal of a split rate tax in Barnstable: </B>Domenic Gautrau and Al DeFlorio (FAIR) spoke in support of the split rate and Jim Cook and John Kenney (Chamber of Commerce) spoke in opposition to it.  </div> <bR> <div> Dom stated that the proportion of funds contributed to local taxes by business and residential properties has become increasingly skewed towards the residential properties.  The residential taxes are calculated on “fair market value” and this has increased dramatically over the last decades.  By contrast commercial properties are assessed at a percentage of their net worth, and this has stayed flat or decreased.  Hence, now only 9% of local taxes are paid by business and the actual amount of monies paid by business has stayed flat for over a decade. </div> <bR> <div> The state allows a split tax rate, and both Dom and Al support increasing the percentage tax rates for business to increase the fraction to the local tax bill paid by business. </div> <bR> <div> It was asked why the proposition is nonbinding.  The answer is that it is state law that ballot propositions cannot make binding changes to the tax code. Dom notes that a previous ballot initiative was defeated because of what he feels was business interest lobbying, and he hopes that the passage of this initiative will put pressure on the Town Council to adopt the split rate. </div> <bR> <div> Jim Cook (General Manager of the Four Points) and John then spoke in opposition to the proposal.  Jim noted that the commercial businesses on the Cape are not much different from those a decade ago.  Commercial properties have not increased in value commensurate with residential properties.  He feels that, as the business community makes up only 10% of the population of the Cape, they should not be forced by a split rate to pay what he feels is a disproportionate share of the taxes. The increase of $1900 in taxes for a business making $400,000 annually, would only translate to a $46 tax break for a resident with a $300,000 home. </div> <bR> <div> John (President of the Chamber of Commerce) noted the absolute amount of taxes paid by business is going down as firms on the Cape leave, go out of business, or their profits decrease. He notes that the rapid rise in the value of residential properties – which has caused the increase in home taxes – is fueled by attempts to limit residential growth on the Cape even as the area remains a seller’s market for homes.  Conversely, business property values are more fixed, as they are limited by the income the property can generate, and hobbled by building limits and changes mandated by the Cape Cod Commission. This situation encourages firms to locate off Cape rather than growing the commercial/industrial base in the community. He argues that a split tax rate will exacerbate this problem rather than improve it. </div> <bR> <div> He also notes that some of the largest institutions on the Cape (e.g. Cape Cod Hospital) are not for profit, and so do not pay taxes.</div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a7300a800c811111100.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Kevin Galvin spoke for the Board of Trustees of the Marstons Mills Library: </B>They are looking for options for expanding and improving the Library.  There is not sufficient funding to move the library to the Burgess Park area as has been proposed in the past (no matching grants available) and he is looking for partners in advocating for the Library.  Craig Larson agreed to form a subcommittee to work with them and noted that the COMM funds may available through the Prudential Committee of the Town Council (via a proposition to transfer funds put to the voters).  Kevin suggested the Library would be interested in a spot in the Marstons Mills Elementary building if it is decommissioned. Al Baker also noted that the present location of the library could also be improved. </div> <bR> <div> <B>Subcommittee Reports</B></div> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a7300a800c811111100.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Burgess House:</B> The barn has had the roof framing shored up to make it stable for the winter.  Craig thanks Mr. McShane’s company for contributing this.</div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a7300a800c811111100.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">River Day:</B> Upcoming 10th anniversary Looking to put up signs for the river in the Village.  Would like to have the DPW make the signs – we will need to get posts – and $200 from the sign budget was approved<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >.</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a7300a800c811111100.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Village Day:</B> Debbie was happy with the success of the Day.  She feels that the Road Race is more complicated than she would like.  She would like us to consider making it more into a “fun run” for kids.</div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a7300a800c811111100.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Membership:</B> Kevin Galvin needs a copy of the current list<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >.</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a7300a800c811111100.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Newsletter:</B> Working on getting one out for the winter Holidays. Library is interested in doing a co-mailing with us<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >.</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a7300a800c811111100.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Scholarship:</B> No news<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >.</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a7300a800c811111100.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Local Comprehensive Plan:</B> Jackie Etsen is to get back to us for a community review once we see the draft she is preparing. Seth Dugay is particularly interested in being involved in this<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >.</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a7300a800c811111100.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Herring Run:</B> No news.</div> <bR> <div> <B>New Business</B></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a7300a800c800000000.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">A new sign is planned for near the Cash Market.  They would like us to donate for a planter base for the sign.  $100 appropriated.  </div> <bR> <div> <B>Adjournment</B></div> <div> The meeting adjourned at 9:10 and the next meeting will be on December 6, 2005.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Have Any Agenda Items For Discussion?</B></div> <div> Please contact <A HREF="mailto:trout.r@comcast.net" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:trout.r@comcast.net"><U>Ann Trout</U></A> at 508-420-5740, or any Board member, with new agenda items for discussion.</div> <bR> <div> <B>The MMVA Board Of Directors </B><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >[term ends]</FONT></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a7300a800c811111100.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Craig Larson [2005], President ~ 508-428-9198</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a7300a800c811111100.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Al Baker [2007], Vice President ~ 508-428-2433</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a7300a800c811111100.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Ann Trout [2006], Secretary ~ 508-420-5740</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a7300a800c811111100.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Robert Trout [2005], Treasurer ~ 508-420-5740</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a7300a800c811111100.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Dave Curtis [2006] ~ 508-<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >420-9868</FONT></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a7300a800c800000000.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Linda Edson [<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Arial" >20</FONT>05] ~ 508-428-4141</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a7300a800c800000000.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Peter Lavigne [<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Arial" >20</FONT>07] 508-428-0167</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a7300a800c811111100.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Deb Lavoie [2005] ~ 508-428-4515</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a7300a800c811111100.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Donna Lawson [2007] ~ 508-420-9480</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a7300a800c811111100.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Brian Lobdell [2006] ~ 508-428-3682</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a7300a800c811111100.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Bill McIntyre [2007] ~ 508-428-1855</div> <bR> <div> Terms end on the date of the next Annual General Meeting.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Next MMVA Meeting - Tuesday December 6, 2005 at 7:00 pm</B></div> <div> At the Burgess House, Route 149</div> <div> PLEASE PARK IN THE BURGESS HOUSE PARKING LOT NEXT DOOR !</div> <div> <I><B>NOT ON THE STREET !</B></I></div> <bR> <bR> <div>  <script src="http://www.google-analytics.com/urchin.js" type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript"> _uacct = "UA-379555-1"; urchinTracker(); </script>  </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" height=20 BGCOLOR="#CCCCCC" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >Links:</FONT> <A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Welcome to Marstons Mills"><U>Home</U></A> | <A HREF="map.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="MarstonsMills.org Site Map"><U>SiteMap</U></A> | <A HREF="id747_m.htm" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="MMVA Minutes November 1, 2005"><U>Top</U></A> | <A HREF="mmva_home.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Marstons Mills Village Association"><U>MMVA</U></A> | <A HREF="olderminutes.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Marstons Mills Village Association Olde"><U>Older Minutes</U></A> | <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >Page new: November 28, 2005</FONT></div> </td> </tr></table></body>