Community Corner

Town Meeting Cheat Sheet

Four town meetings will take place tonight. Do you know what to expect when you show up to yours?

EDGARTOWN

Tuesday, April 12, 7 p.m. at the Old Whaling Church

Budget: $27.4 million

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Articles: 68

Major issues:

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  • Edgartown Library: Should the town vote to approve the design and construction of a new library, to be located in a newly constructed building on the site of the old Edgartown School? Approval is contigent upon the library receiving a $6.38 million grant from the Massachusetts board of Library Commissioners to defray the costs. Should the selectmen be authorized to accept state and federal money to reduce the costs of a new library, which is estimated at $10.7 million?
  • Road and sidewalk repair: Should the town be allowed to assess a total of  $195,000 in real estate and personal property taxes for the purpose of repairing roads and building and repairing sidewalks, bike paths and storm water drainage systems?

 

OAK BLUFFS

Tuesday, April 12, 7 p.m. at the Martha's Vineyard Regional High School Performing Arts Center

Budget: $24.7 million

Articles: 14

Major issues:

  • Lagoon Pond: Should the town transfer $150,000 from wastewater retained earnings to fund the engineering and preparation of a sewer project on Lagoon Pond? A recent study revealed that the pond has an overabundance of nitrogen, which is affecting marine life. The study suggested installing a new sewer system could reduce nitrogen levels.
  • Should the town change a parcel of land, 27 Winthrop Ave., which abuts Tony’s Market, from a residential to a business area? The article has proved controversial so far. It’s stated purpose is  to improve the safety of Dukes County Avenue by allowing trucks to deliver to Tony’s by accessing Winthrop Ave. Residents of Winthrop Avenue. say it will make Dukes County Avenue safer at their expense, and will drive down property values.

 

TISBURY

Tuesday, April 12, 7 p.m. in the Tisbury School gymnasium

Budget: $20.5 million

Articles: 37

Major issues:

  • Post-Employment Benefits: Should the town raise and appropriate $100,000 to fund a portion of the town’s post-employment benefits for FY12 if it passes on the town ballot on April 26?
  • Embarkation Funds: Should the town use $239,343 from ferry embarkation fees to fund various departmental budget projects, such as the payment of summer officers and the purchase of a new police car and dump truck?
  • Community Preservation Funds: Should the town use various Community Preservation Fund revenues to pay for certain projects, including the continued restoration of the Vineyard Playhouse and participation in the Dukes County rental assistance subsidy program?

 

WEST TISBURY

Tuesday, April 12, 7 p.m. in the West Tisbury School gymnasium

Budget: $13.8 million

Articles: 45

Major issues:

  • Beer and Wine: Should the town approve the potential sale of beer and wine in certain West Tisbury restaurants? If the article passes, the Board of Selectmen will petition the state legislature to issue licenses for beer and wine. The issue would then be raised again at a town election. Should the town further pass an amendment that would allow certain groups to hold ticketed events that serve alcohol?
  • Field Gallery: Should the Board of Selectmen be authorized to purchase a 1.4-acre parcel of land that contains the Field Gallery for $625,000? Under the terms of the agreement, the property would be purchased at no additional cost to taxpayers.
  • West Tisbury Library: Should voters approve the expansion of the West Tisbury Library if it receives a Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners grant and private funds that would cover 75 percent of the costs? Should the Board of Selectmen be authorized to apply for additional grants? The total cost of the expansion, which would nearly double the size of the library, is estimated at $5.1 to $5.3 million. Voters will be asked at the 2012 town meeting to ultimately approve the expansion.
  • UIRSD Budget: The West Tisbury finance committee and Board of Selectmen are expected to call for an amendment that would reduce the Up-Island Regional School District (UIRSD) for Fiscal Year 2012 by $233,250 across the three towns that comprise the district: West Tisbury, Chilmark and Aquinnah.


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