With hurricane season under way and winter storm season on the way, West Tisbury selectmen heard from the town emergency manager this week about preparedness and ongoing efforts to operate an Islandwide emergency shelter during severe storms.

John Christensen told selectmen that with changing regulations, a certified manager is now required to operate a shelter. The Red Cross provides training and certification for shelter managers. It also provides most of the funding for shelters, but towns must pay for janitorial staff.

Mr. Christensen said emergency managers, who meet monthly, estimate the cost to the towns for running a shelter for three days is about $1,000. Island towns began using a regional emergency shelter last year. “If we agree, Islandwide, to open a shelter, then we agree, Islandwide, to support the shelter,” Mr. Christensen said. He emergency managers have agreed that the Oak Bluffs elementary school is the best location for a shelter. The school is equipped with showers he said, and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-approved restrooms.

The selectmen agreed to share in the cost of operating a regional shelter.

In other business, the future of the Welles property at 1034 State Road was a subject for public discussion. Some years ago, the town considered buying the property, situated across from Alley’s General Store, while the library was being redone, with an eye toward using it for parking and a public park. The deal never went through, but spokesmen for the town affordable housing trust said the town never formally rescinded its offer to the property owners. The trust is in discussion about some kind of new initiative involving of the property, but cannot move forward until the town rescinds it old offer.

Selectmen voted to take care of the matter.

The board set a date of Nov. 17 for a special town meeting.

Selectmen also agreed to invite John Hoy, the town herring warden, in for discussion about the James Pond herring run. In a Sept. 3 letter to the town, the acting director of the state Division of Marine Fisheries recommended that the town create a management plan for the 37-acre pond that lies off the north shore.

“James Pond remains fresh or brackish due to limited tidal flushing,” wrote David Pierce, who said the pond provides important habitat for alewives, American eel and white perch.“The management of James Pond outlet is essential to provide passage for diadromous or sea-run fish, to maintain other valuable fisheries and to maintain pond water quality,” he also wrote.

A clear management plan that includes regular opening of the cut with a small excavator is recommended. Mr. Pierce said the work will require notice to abutters and a Notice of Intent by the conservation commission.