A Dukes County superior court judge last week ruled that Oak Bluffs fire chief Peter Forend had no legal or justifiable reason for dismissing fire investigator Peter Martell two years ago, soon after he took the position, and ordered that Mr. Martell be reinstated while awarding him damages, attorney’s fees and back wages.
Mr. Martell said yesterday he felt vindicated.
In what would be a first for Massachusetts, the town of West Tisbury is considering a way for homeowners to bequeath property to the affordable housing pool in exchange for a tax abatement based on its reduced value while they live.
At a joint meeting of the selectmen and affordable housing committee Tuesday, the two boards agreed to send the concept to town counsel for a legal review.
Revisions to the Massachusetts Open Meeting Law will provide the public with easier access to a wider range of documents and meeting information, but the changes are creating logistical problems for Island officials as they try to be ready before the new law goes into effect on July 1.
Among other things, under the changed law, towns will be required to post notices for all meetings in a public place that is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Currently public meeting notices are posted on a bulletin board in most town halls.
West Tisbury selectmen on Wednesday voted to nominate several ancient ways as additions to a special ways district of critical planning concern, heard a presentation about the new Islandwide reverse 911 system, and approved the process for hiring a new administrative assistant position at town hall.
The meeting began with a joint session of selectmen and the roads and byways committee, which was called to discuss the nomination of Pine Hill Road, Shubael Weeks Path and Red Coat Hill Road/Motts Hill Road, as the latest addition to the special ways DCPC.
Edgartown police are investigating a string of home break-ins in the downtown area over the past week.
Det. Craig Edwards said there were four break-ins on School street and South Summer street, two at the same house. The first was on June 12, when a piece of jewelry and several bottles of prescription medication had been stolen from a home on School street. The homeowners were out and the door was unlocked, police said.
The Martha’s Vineyard Commission on Thursday heard emotional testimony both for and against a proposal by the World Revival Church in Oak Bluffs to build a large tent with amplified music at the corner of Ryan’s Way and Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road for outdoor religious services, prayer groups and choir practice.