10/07/2019 BOARD OF SELECTMEN Minutes

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4 Board of Selectmen Minutes October 7, 20 t 9 APPOINTMENTS & HEARINGS Public Comment: (continued) Mr. McCahill indicated that comments made by the Mashpee Message, an active media outlet during the election by the Town Official were not removed on a timely basis. Further negative and derogatory comments remained about the Selectman candidate until the election. This had the potential to create damage to the candidate. The website rules focus on kindness and courtesy as well as respecting the privacy of others. A potential conflict of interest existed with a candidate being the site administrator. In closing Mr. McCahill recommended the Town Manager review the Town Official's actions and to determine if there have been violations of the Social Media and Ethics Policy. And further, it was recommended the Town review the Social Media Policy and make appropriate changes to avoid such actions and issues in the future. Candidates for any elected office should be provided a copy of this policy and acknowledge the understanding of the policy. (enclosure) Marcia McInnis of 20 Dixon Drive related concerns regarding the 341 Great Neck Road land acquisition deemed a large expenditure for Mashpee taxpayers. In her letter (enclosure) Ms. McInnis asked if Habitat for Humanity is making the best use of Town funds. In 2018 Habitat for Humanity of Cape Cod received $800,000 in government grant funds. Through the CPA, the Town of Mashpee granted Habitat for Humanity $167,000 in CPA funds for only 3 families. This is equal to more than half of the CPA funds, $320,000 to restore the Quashnet River system. Ms. McInnis indicated that Habitat for Humanity does not use their monies efficiently. In 2018, half of their total revenue supported administration expenses. In comparison the Housing Assistance Corporation earmarks 8% of their revenue for administration expenditures. Through the Local Initiative Program (LIP) units must be sold or rented on a fair and open basis yet Habitat acts as its own lottery agent, and does not supply much-needed rental units. If an organization receives public funds,they are subject to an audit. Ms. McInnis indicated the selection process performed by Habitat is not audited by a public official. Ms. McInnis in closing indicated that Habitat homes are undervalued to market. Owners are paying less than their fair share for Town services, and other young families, singles and the elderly subsidize the Habitat families.