BOARD OF SELECTMEN’S MEETING
NOVEMBER 24, 2009
The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. by Chairman Joseph Story with the pledge of allegiance to our flag. Present were Selectmen Story, Keller, Bulgaris, Walker and Town Administrator Chuck Kostro. Selectman Russo was absent.
Kostro updated the Board regarding his recent meeting with the Finance Committee. The role of the FinCom was discussed and will focus on policy development and working closer with the Selectmen and Town Administrator on budgets and warrant articles in a more timely manner.
Deb Rogers, BOH Agent addressed the H1N1 clinics scheduled for December 2nd at Governor’s Academy. A press release has been issued and the clinic will be available only to targeted groups of Newbury residents by appointment only. Reservations and screenings are necessary. She noted that location of our established emergency dispensing site may have to be revisited due to a break down in communication with Triton. Frank Chiaravalloti, School Committee member, will work with the Superintendent to facilitate an answer on future clinics and approved contacts at Triton.
At 7:25 p.m. the continuation of the public hearing on the determination of the percentage of tax levy to be borne by each class of real property for fiscal year 2010 was opened. Assessor Budd Kelley addressed the Board noting certification had been received from DOR and the Assessors could now move forward with the classification hearing. He noted the Assessors recommended a single tier tax rate (residential factor). There is no open space so no vote is required on this item. They also did not recommend the residential exemption or the small business exemption.
Selectman Walker moved to accept the Assessor’s recommendations as presented, seconded by Selectman Bulgaris and voted unanimously. The Selectmen also authorized Town Administrator Chuck Kostro to sign electronically for them any necessary forms for DOR, moved by Selectman Bulgaris, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted unanimously.
The Newbury Official Town Sponsor Program application and handbook was re-addressed. After review by the Board it was moved by Selectman Walker, seconded by Selectman Bulgaris and voted unanimously to accept the program as presented. Kostro noted he will advertise for a volunteer coordinator to work with the Building Inspector on this program.
Kostro developed a liaison roster by board and committees and also by department according to budget line items. Chairman Story suggested the Board take the list home to review and it will be discussed again at the December 22nd meeting. Winter emergency closing procedures are being developed along with a phone tree and the possible use of police dispatch. As a rule of thumb, Kostro noted, we will follow the school closings He advised the position of Town Accountant had been advertised and thirteen resumes had been received with three candidates interviewed. Angel Wills (current interim accountant) was recommended as the choice for the position of Town Accountant. It was moved by Selectman Walker, seconded by Selectman
Bulgaris and voted unanimously to accept the recommendation and appoint Angel Wills as Town Accountant. Kostro noted he had added books for the library to the MTC grant application to expend the monies awarded to the town. He commended Martha Taylor on a excellent job in facilitating these grants. He noted that gas, plumbing and wiring permits will be assigned to the Building Inspector effective 12/1 for continuity in the permitting process. A request from Triton High School for a waiver of the building permit fee for the greenhouse being erected on school grounds was briefly discussed. It was moved by Selectman Bulgaris, seconded by Selectman Keller and voted unanimously to waive the fee and refund the permit cost of $125 to Triton High.
Under new business a joint meeting with Planning, Finance and Selectmen was proposed to discuss new growth and ideas for encouraging business in town. January 12th was suggested and Dave Mountain will check with his committee as to availability.
Liquor license renewals for 2010 were reviewed and approved on a motion by Selectman Keller, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted unanimously.
Two one-day liquor licenses were approved for Protection Fire Co. #2 for a December 5th function from 6:30 to 10 p.m. and a family Christmas party on December 13th from 6:30 to 10 p.m. both at the Firefighters Memorial Hall on a motion by Selectman Bulgaris, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted unanimously.
On the recommendation of the Harbormaster’s Task Force, Fred Thurlow was appointed as a member on a motion by Selectman Walker, seconded by Selectman Keller and voted unanimously.
The minutes of the November 10th meeting were accepted as presented on a motion by Selectman Keller, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted unanimously.
The warrant for the State Primary Election to be held on December 8th was signed as moved by Selectman Bulgaris, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted unanimously.
Approval of use of the Upper Green for our Christmas on the Green celebration December 6th at 3:30 p.m. was granted on a motion by Selectman Walker, seconded by Selectman Bulgaris and voted unanimously.
Brief updates were given by the Selectmen on the Montgomery Park hearing, Scotland Road development, cable facilities, and the bike trail. Chairman Story noted we are coming into budget time and capital planning must be part of these sessions with more involvement from the Capital Planning Committee. It is also important that the public be made aware of the problems the town is facing. The Board was asked to set a list of capital priorities for the next meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:25 p.m. on a motion by Selectman Walker, seconded by Selectman Bulgaris and voted unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen Sirois, Admin. Asst.
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