It has been some time since my last entry and I thought I would take this opportunity to update the public on the different projects that we are working on. First an update on the most pressing issue facing the Town at this time and probably the most pressing issue on many people's minds at this time and that is the economy. Like most people we too are concerned about what the future may hold for the economy. Although Tisbury remains fiscally strong we must continue to remain vigilant in our pursuit of managing rising costs and delivering services to
constituents.
As the fiscal year 2010 budget process approaches, we will once again be looking at all areas of the town budget where we can cut costs without affecting services. Additionally, we will be looking to find innovative ways to solve both old and new problems within the budget. It is our hope that with a renewed focus we will be able to present a budget to Town that will be level funded from last year excluding contractual raises that the Town is legally obligated to recognize. I think everyone in town government realizes that this will not be easy and will require all areas to do some belt tightening. However, this is the reality of our time and this is the best approach to dealing with these issues.
On a lighter note there are a number of projects that continue to move forward with success. The first of those projects is the construction of a new Emergency Services Facility. On November 4th the Town voted to approve the funding of design services for this new facility. Design services include the contracting of a State mandated owner's project manager (OPM) who will serve as the Town's eye's and ears for this project. This will be the first step in the process and once this individual is chosen through a detailed procurement process we can then move on to the actual design of the building on the site of the current town hall annex. The Board of Selectmen has appointed a diverse group of town officials to serve on the town's building committee and will participate in most stages of design
and construction. The next stage following the hiring of the OPM will be the actual design work. We remain mindful of the fact that this project still requires another vote to approve the construction costs and will move forward accordingly. We remain hopeful that we can continue to work on the progress made thus far keeping in mind the need to contain costs without sacrificing the needs of various departments that we anticipate will be utilizing this facility. it is a delicate balance but one that we believe can be achieved with careful oversight and thoughtful decision making.
The next project that continues to make progress is the Tisbury Town Mural project that is being overseen by Ms. Deborah Medders. The winning design has been chosen and can be seen at Tisbury Town Hall. The winning design was proposed by a local artist and wonderfully captures the unique character of the island in a manner that is sure to be a welcome addition to the Vineyard Haven downtown. Now that the design has been selected, the next step is to develop an implementation plan for how to best design the mural. The design will be implemented by Martha's Vineyard regional high school art students under the supervision of instructors. It is the hope of those close to this project to have the mural in place by next summer.
As the winds begin to take the remaining leaves from their limbs you know that Thanksgiving and winter is near. On behalf of th Tisbury Board of Selectmen we hope you have a safe and happy holiday season.
Thanks You,
John Bugbee
Town Administrator
51 Spring St.
P.O. Box 1239
Vineyard Haven, MA 02568
Tel: 508.696.4203
Fax: 508.693.5876
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