2003 Programs

February 27, 2003

Program Topic: Regional Solid Waste Disposal, Recycling and Composting Facility

This program was presented by representatives of the "Citizens for the Preservation of Wellfleet" (CPW), an organization whose members have been concerned about the possibility of a regional composting facility being located in the Town. Regional waste disposal was the topic suggested by the greatest number of Wellfleet Community Forum members who responded to a survey requesting information for future programs. The survey was conducted during the summer of 2002.

Forum President, Paul Conor, moderated the program which was attended by about forty people. A panel consisting of Ira Wood, Drew Brown, and Ashley Fawkes-Sylver discussed the technical and financial information relative to composting municipal waste on a regional basis that led them, and CPW, to oppose the concept and proposal. They also presented alternatives to composting and reported briefly on the recently released draft report of a feasibility study on this subject. The program lasted about one hour including the question and answer period.

January 16, 2003

Program Topic: TRIAD: Programs Focusing On Seniors That Benefit The Entire Community

This Forum program provided an opportunity for people to learn about "Triad," a community partnership between seniors, senior service agencies, law enforcement and public safety providers. It was held at four o’clock in the afternoon at the Senior Center. Those who attended learned that the primary goal of Triad is to reduce the criminal victimization of older citizens and to enhance the delivery of law enforcement services to this population.

Guest speaker was David Vieira, Triad Director and Deputy Sheriff, who has been responsible for developing and supporting programs in Wellfleet and each of the other towns in Barnstable County. Mr. Vieira pointed out that the Triad concept is implemented in each town through a S.A.L.T. (Seniors And Law enforcement Together) Council. In Wellfleet, S.A.L.T. members include Police Chief Richard Rosenthal, Fire Chief Alan Hight, Council on Aging members and Director Jacqui Wildes as well as a number of other people from the community. This council has been meeting and carrying out programs and projects since March, 2001.

2002 Programs

January 31, 2002

Program Topic: Emergency Preparedness in Wellfleet - Richard Rosenthal, Chief of Police and Emergency Preparedness Manager

This program was arranged in response to concern about how the community might deal effectively with natural or manmade disasters that could occur in the future. It was presented by Richard Rosenthal, Chief of Police and Emergency Preparedness Manager. He focused on preparing for natural disasters which he indicated are the most likely type of emergency that might be experienced in Wellfleet. All who attended this program had the opportunity to ask Chief Rosenthal questions and to receive answers.

February 28, 2002

Program Topic: The Mission of Lower Cape Cod Community Development Corporation, including Small Business Development and Housing

This Forum program was not held due to poor attendance. Its purpose was to provide information on the services available to Lower Cape residents by Lower Cape Cod Community Development Corporation (CDC). Gwen Pelletier, CDC Executive Director, John Burns, Director of Economic Development Programs, and Cheryl Gayle, Director of Housing Programs were the scheduled speakers. This program may be scheduled at a later, non-winter, date.

March 21, 2002

Program Topic: What’s up in Wellfleet?

This program featured the following people: Council on Aging Director, Jacqui Wildes, who discussed the new Senior Center; Building Use Committee Chair, Helen Purcell, who discussed planning for the use of the former Catholic Church property on Main Street; Selectman, Dale Donovan, who presented information on the public water system; and Assistant Town Administrator, Rex Peterson, who reported on Wellfleet’s progress in making use of technology to better serve the public.

April 18, 2002

Program Topic: A Discussion of Special Town Meeting Warrant Articles

This Forum program provided citizens with an opportunity to learn more about, and to discuss, any of the three dozen articles that were being considered at the April 22nd Town Meeting. In order to maximize use of the available time, attention focused on the articles which most interested those attending. A number of Town officials and board and committee members were invited to attend and to participate in the discussions. They were able to provide pertinent information and to answer audience questions.

May 23, 2002

Program Topic: Route 6 Motor Vehicle Crashes - Why They Occurred and How You Can Avoid Them

This program provided those attending with an opportunity to learn more about the situations and conditions that cause motor vehicle crashes on Route 6 in Wellfleet and other towns on the Lower Cape. Chief Richard Rosenthal introduced the program and provide historical data as well as current information about the traffic on all roads in the Town.

Sergeant Robert Hussey discussed breath testing, radar operation and accident reconstruction. He showed the audience several pieces of equipment used by the department. The number and variety of audience questions, and the tales that people told about their personal experiences while driving on Route 6, confirmed that there was high interest in this topic.

June 27, 2002

Program Topic: Questions about the Harbor: Come and Meet the Shellfish Constable Bill Walton

This Forum program provided citizens with an opportunity to meet Shellfish Constable Bill Walton. Mr. Walton described how Wellfleet Harbor is a unique natural resource that is used recreationally for swimming, sailing, boating, shell fishing and fin fishing as well as for a very successful aquaculture industry that produces some of the world’s most delicious oysters and clams.

Unfortunately, turnout was not as high as it might have been if the program had not been held at low tide when a number of people involved in aquaculture were working their grants.

July 25, 2002

Program Topic: Wellfleet Finances, Wellfleet History and Other Subjects of Interest to Taxpayers

This program focused on how the Town of Wellfleet raises and spends money. Selectman Dale Donovan introduced the topic and set the stage for the presentations that followed. He referred to historical documents that revealed low numbers that struck a familiar note with anyone over the age of thirty.

Town Administrator Tim Smith presented a breakdown of the portions of revenue that are received from various sources. He then described the process he and his staff use in developing the operating and capital budgets and indicated the portions of the current budget that are allocated to such functions as administration, elementary and secondary education, public safety, public works, human services, the library, and cultural and recreational activities. He also presented information on the Town’s debt, and discussed the Marina Enterprise Fund.

Timothy Woodman, who is a member of the Finance Committee discussed the role of the committee and described how it functions in overseeing the financial interests of the people of Wellfleet. Those who attended this program left with a much more complete understanding of the Town’s finances and current budget process..

August 29, 2002

Program Topic: Potluck Supper and Annual Meeting

This evening’s program was attended by members and guests who enjoyed a delicious potluck supper. This was followed by the Annual Meeting, and an auction. The latter was included to give those who attended an opportunity to bid on a small B&W television set and duffel bag that were acquired in connection with the purchase of office supplies used to produce the newsletters, postcards and posters. Denny O’Connell was the high bidder on the TV, while Ilse Johnson’s bid of five dollars made it possible for her to acquire the duffel bag.

The following members were elected to serve as officers for the 2002-03 year: President - Paul Conor, Vice President - Nancy Deppen, Treasurer - Peter Hall, and Membership Chair - Shirl Weber. As there were no nominations for secretary, it was agreed that someone would be appointed at the next board meeting.

Sept. 26, 2002

Program Topic: The Future of the Outer Cape, Will It Happen Here?

This month’s program focused on the Cape Cod Commission’s Regional Policy Plan which serves as the standard by which developments are reviewed and regulated. It was introduced by Alan Platt and presented by John Lipman, members of the Cape Cod Commission. Those who attended also learned about the planning and regulatory functions of the Commission.

A number of proposals for significant developments on the Lower Cape were under consideration at the time. The audience was updated on each project. These included communications towers, a proposed Stop & Shop in Truro, a new W.H.A.T. Theater adjacent to the Wellfleet Post Office, a bioconversion waste facility somewhere on the Lower Cape, and a Toyota dealership in Orleans.

October 24, 2002

Program Topic: What’s Happening in Wellfleet?

This program focused on the Main Street Community Center/Apartment Complex, water for the Central District Town Buildings and the new Senior Center. Rex Peterson, Assistant Town Administrator discussed the status of each project and described the progress that could be expected during the next few months.

COA Director, Jacqui Wildes, gave an update on the new Senior Center. She also told those attending about preliminary discussions with Outer Cape Health Services regarding their possible interest in locating a new facility adjacent to the Senior Center on Old County Road. .

November and December, 2002. Programs were not held.

2001 Programs

January 25, 2001

Program Topic: An Open Discussion of Concerns and Suggestions Regarding the Town and the Forum in 2001

An open discussion format was selected for this meeting in order to provide increased opportunities for community input and to aid in identifying potential program topics and Forum projects for the coming year. The open discussion is the first of three quite different formats that were recently adopted by the Board of Directors. The second format was to be used to present controversial topics in adversarial format with presentation time limits for each side, while the third would highlight one or more speakers who would discuss informational topics.

The Wellfleet Community Forum Board of Directors felt that by using these formats they could give those who attend the monthly meetings a greater opportunity to get their thoughts and concerns before the public, while also providing them with increased information and feedback.

February 22, 2001

Program Topic: Wellfleet’s Water Study - A Question and Answer Workshop With Consultants From Woodard and Curran

This Wellfleet Community Forum program provided residents with an opportunity to learn more about the community’s water situation. Consultants, Woodard and Curran, brought people up-to-date on the information that they had gathered. They reviewed what this information means to the community and pointed out the need to consider the practicality and cost of the possible solutions.

Those who attended were informed that with the Town’s water study is in its final stages, and with the Annual Town Meeting about ten weeks away, that they will quite likely be asked to consider one or more decisions relative to water in the Central District.

March 29, 2001

Program Topic: Local and Regional Programs that Can Increase Recycling in Wellfleet and on the Outer Cape

Selectman Roger Putnam, who is also a member of the Barnstable County Assembly of Delegates, reported on some of the more important environmental, legal and financial issues related to the Town’s recycling and disposal programs. He also discussed the final cleanup and capping of the landfill.

Selectman Putnam pointed out the potential advantages to Wellfleet of a regional approach in recycling various categories of municipal waste. As part of this presentation, he described the bioconversion facility that is operating on Nantucket. This system, which he had visited, utilizes organic household waste and septic sludge to produce compost.

People who attended this program had the opportunity to ask questions, to express their opinions, and to discuss various aspects of recycling and solid waste disposal.

April 19, 2001

Program Topic: Pre-Town Meeting - Discussion of Warrant Articles

This Forum program, like those held in the past prior to Town Meeting, gave people the opportunity to learn more about the articles, on which, they would be voting. Council on Aging/Senior Center Director, Jacqui Wildes, and Architects Eric Ammondson and Rob Meyer described the preliminary plans for the Senior Center. There was an opportunity to view the initial drawings and a model of the building. This was the only time this presentation was scheduled prior to Annual Meeting.

There was a brief update on the Articles to authorize the transfer of Town land to the Housing Authority for affordable housing and ample time to discuss other Articles to be considered at Town Meeting.

May 31, 2001

Program Topic: The Changing Character of Wellfleet Town Center; Past, Present and Future

This presentation was held in response to concerns that Forum members had expressed about changes that were occurring in what could be considered one of the Cape’s last town centers. It was presented by longtime Wellfleet resident and Forum Board member Brewster Fox. Mr. Fox used a number of "then" and "now" slides to illustrate his presentation. The audience found this presentation to be very informative. It was enjoyed by all who attended.

June 20, 2001

Program Topic: An Opportunity to Discuss Special Town Meeting Articles

Wellfleet residents had the opportunity to learn about and to discuss the six articles that were to be considered at the Monday, June 25th Special Town Meeting. The Forum invited representatives of the Town and others who explained the purpose of each article. There was an opportunity for audience questions, and people were encouraged to express their opinions about each of these warrant articles.

June 28, 2001

Program Topic: The Seashore: Great Island/Duck Harbor Plans and Ideas

This program was presented by Cape Cod National Seashore staff and representatives of the Town of Wellfleet. People from these agencies had met during the past few months to discuss the situation and to develop a plan that would protect the unique qualities of Great Island and Duck Harbor. They wanted input and were anxious to hear from Forum members as well as others in the community.

Seashore Superintendent, Maria Burks and staff members Nancy Finley, Harrison Gruman and Lauren McKean made the formal presentation. At the conclusion of the program, it was suggested that another Wellfleet Community Forum program be devoted to this topic when additional information in available and plans begin to gel.

July 26, 2001

Program Topic: The Interests and Concerns of Wellfleet’s Resident and Nonresident Taxpayers

Forum member, May Ruth Seidel, who was involved in forming the Wellfleet Nonresident Taxpayers Association and is serving as its president, reported on the group’s purposes and progress. Those who attended heard a report on a survey conducted by the organization to determine its members’ interests and concerns. The audience also had opportunity to receive information, and to ask questions, about Wellfleet’s Town Charter and the Local Comprehensive Plan. This presentation was made by former Wellfleet Community Forum President, and current selectman, Dale Donovan.

August 30, 2001

Program Topic: Potluck Supper, Annual Meeting and Open Discussion: What’s On Your Mind?

The nearly fifty people who attended this Wellfleet Community Form program enjoyed a delicious potluck supper and lots of good conversation. Following the meal, a short Annual Meeting was held. Then, a general discussion provided an opportunity for those who wished to present their concerns and to determine the reaction of others. In some cases, they were able to obtain additional information or to begin to develop plans to address specific problems that they brought to the group.

A number of ideas that were presented during the general discussion were recorded so that they could be considered by the Board of Directors in selecting and arranging future programs.

September 15, 2001

Program Topic: COASTSWEEP 2001 Beach Cleanup

Wellfleet Community Forum hosted COASTSWEEP 2001 which is part of the annual International effort to clean up beaches throughout the world. The Office of Coastal Zone Management coordinated this effort in Massachusetts. Forum members, Betty Kimball and Dale Donovan conducted the local effort. Volunteers reported to the Wellfleet Senior Center between eight and nine on Saturday morning. They enjoyed coffee, juice and donuts; were instructed about their task; received the necessary supplies, and selected their beaches before heading out for the shoreline.

These volunteers returned to the Senior Center after cleaning 16 miles of beaches and removing 505 pounds of debris. Cape Cod National Seashore staff and Town of Wellfleet Public Works Department members aided the effort by picking up the bags of debris and taking them to the Wellfleet transfer station.

September 27, 2001

Program Topic: Planning for the Future: A Presentation by Rex Peterson, Wellfleet’s Assistant Town Administrator

As the residents of Wellfleet had expressed an increased desire to avoid many of the problems that had occurred in other rapidly growing coastal communities and thus retain the unique character and environment of their community, this Forum program focused on town planning.

Assistant Town Administrator, Rex Peterson, provided an overview of community planning and discussed some of the methods and resources available to Outer Cape planners. He also described how his position, which includes an emphasis on planning, can advance these efforts in Wellfleet.

October 18, 2001

Program Topic: An Opportunity to Discuss Special Town Meeting Articles

The people of Wellfleet had the opportunity to learn about and to discuss the seventeen articles that were being considered at the October 22nd Special Town Meeting. Tim Smith, Town Administrator moderated the program and discussed each article. Several other knowledgeable people discussed the articles, four of which are related to moving ahead on the process of developing water, wastewater, or both water and wastewater systems for the Central District of Wellfleet. As usual, there was an opportunity for those who attended to ask questions, and to express their opinions.

November 29, 2001

Program Topic: An Evening With Alan Coriaty, Principal, Wellfleet Elementary School

This program was presented by Alan Coriaty who discussed the unique nature of Wellfleet Elementary School and its students. He reported on the recently released Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) test results.

Mr. Coriaty also discussed a number of other topics including; special education, student behavior, school security, the budget, student/teacher ratios and regionalization.

December, 2001 No program was held.