Chilmark voters on Monday easily approved every article during a special town meeting, including appropriations for projects around Menemsha Harbor.
In less than 20 minutes, the 67 voters approved a total of $36,000 for planning and repairs in the harbor, $10,000 for improvements around Tea Lane, and $20,000 to fund an increase in hours for the assistant shellfish constable, among other appropriations.
Before taking up the 10-article warrant, selectmen and members of the town planning board stood at the front of the Chilmark Community Center to recognize Daniel Greenbaum for his years of service to the town. Mr. Greenbaum stepped down from the planning board last month due to health problems.
“He brought humor and an open mind to discussions, and the public appreciated his keen attention to their concerns,” planning board member Janet Weidner said. “His approach invited contribution by others and therefore a better result in the end.”
Town moderator Everett Poole set a quick pace for the meeting, banging his gavel after each vote and declaring the article approved. None of the articles drew discussion from the floor, and all but one passed unanimously.
Only a few voters disagreed with a proposal to spend $6,000 on a new boat to help patrol the harbor, where selectmen anticipate an uptick in boat traffic as a result of the Army Corps of Engineers dredging project underway in Menemsha Channel. The town finance committee had not recommended the spending.
Voters approved a $10,000 needs assessment and design services to develop a 20-year plan for the Menemsha Comfort Station, which was last renovated in 1997, after voters rejected a $285,000 proposal for a new building. Since then, a new solar hot water heater has been installed, along with other improvements.
Another $10,000 study will focus on vehicle and pedestrian traffic around the harbor. The harbor area often fills up in the summer, especially around sunset. An evening shuttle between Tabor House Road and the harbor “helped remove between 20 and 75 cars each sunny evening” this summer, according to an explanation that accompanied the article.
Voters also approved $16,000 for to replace power pedestals and jump starters on the docks, and to pay for repairs to town-owned dock lighting.
Around Tea Lane, $5,000 will fund repairs where rain damage has overburdened the town’s regular maintenance capacity. Another $5,000 will pay to divert runoff from Tea Lane into the woods, so that it does not flow directly into the Tiasquam River.
Before the meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m., resident Peter McGhee added his voice to the others in praise of Mr. Greenbaum. “He’s been associated with Chilmark his whole life and he’s a grand fellow,” Mr. McGhee said. “He was one of those summer kids back when there were just a few.”
Mr. Poole recalled playing with Mr. Greenbaum when they both were kids. “He was smart then and he’s smart now,” Mr. Poole said. With a final gavel strike, he declared the meeting dissolved.
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