BOARD OF SELECTMEN’S MEETING
SEPTEMBER 22, 2009
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairman Joseph Story with the pledge of allegiance to our flag. Selectmen Audrey Keller, Michael Bulgaris, Geoffrey Walker and Town Administrator Chuck Kostro were present. Selectman Vincent Russo was absent.
Bob Connors presented a petition signed by over ten residents to place a petition article on the Special Town Meeting Warrant. Bob advised this was a circuit breaker item concerning the beach nourishment project and could be amended from the floor of town meeting or withdrawn if need be. It was moved by Selectman Walker, seconded by Selectman Bulgaris and voted unanimously to accept the article as presented for the warrant.
John VanSchalkwyk, one of Newbury’s reps for the Borders to Boston Trail Project, advised that Newbury has an opportunity to join with Georgetown, Boxford and Topsfield to negotiate a license with National Grid B2B use of their property known as the Western Division. Coastal Trails Coalition has offered to donate the $5K attorney fee needed for this negotiation. A letter from the Selectmen is needed to submit an official request to the Coastal Trails Coalition for a $1,250 grant which would be Newbury’s share of this fee. National Grid would draw up a license agreement which would allow use of this property for passive recreation even if not used as part of the trail with the caveat that they maintain the right to break the license at any time if they need the
property for their own use. Selectman Bulgaris moved to approve sending a request to CTC for monies to fund attorney fees to negotiate a license agreement with National Grid and to allow Chairman Story to sign this letter on behalf of the Board, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted unanimously. Martha Taylor will draft the letter for Story’s review and signature. VanSchalkwyk advised that CTC may also be willing to fund Town Counsel’s review of this license when it is prepared.
Town Administrator, Chuck Kostro, addressed the Board regarding DOR’s information guideline for FY10 waivers and minimum required local contributions. According to this guideline, Newbury is eligible (category A5) for a waiver for a one time adjustment to the minimum local contribution to Triton for our community (Informational Guideline Release No. 09-302 and Chapter 27, §114 of the Acts of 2009). This waiver will not result in any change the FY10 Triton budget or assessments to the member communities. A letter was drafted for the Selectmen’s review and approval. It was moved by Selectman Keller that the letter to the DOR be approved, provided, however, that if at any time prior to October 1, 2009, information should become available which
indicates that the attached request may result in a change to the FY10 school budget or to the previously approved assessments to the member communities, the Town Administrator shall be authorized to withdraw the attached request, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted unanimously. In association with this letter a TRSD FY10 budget resolution drafted by the Salisbury Town Manager and approved by the towns of Salisbury and Rowley was discussed. Kostro advised that Counsel Penski had reviewed this resolution and approved the content. It was moved by Selectman Walker, seconded by Selectman Bulgaris and voted to accept and sign the resolution as presented. This resolution will be filed for future reference. Kostro asked Planner Martha Taylor to explain the contract for services with MVPC to assist in the production of GIS based maps and associated databases and to provide planning assistance and related technical support
services. Martha noted that this contract would be in two phases. The first to update GIS info and create Assessors maps at a cost of approx. $9,200 and the second phase to establish an internet portal for Planning, Zoning, CC, and Police to integrate info and help process applications and permits (annual membership fee of $1500). $15,000 has been budgeted for this project. It was moved by Selectman Walker, seconded by Selectman Keller and voted unanimously to approve this contract agreement with MVPC. Kostro asked the Selectmen to review a letter he had drafted to the Postmaster to investigate the feasibility of repositioning the bank of mail boxes near Plum Crazy. This could be the first step in organizing a better parking plan for this area to meet the needs of the residents as well as the restaurant. It was moved by Selectman Walker, seconded
by Selectman Bulgaris and voted unanimously to allow Kostro to send the letter to the Postmaster.
A request for use of the Upper Green by the American Hand Fire Engine Society on Saturday, July 31, 2010 for an old fashioned Firemen’s Muster as part of our 375th anniversary celebration
was approved on a motion by Selectman Bulgaris, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted unanimously.
A request for use of the Upper Green by the 1st Parish Church on May 29,30,31, 2010 for a time line encampment of the wars from Civil to Iraq as part of their 375th anniversary celebration was approved on a motion by Selectman Keller, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted unanimously. This approval is given contingent on the following: Chief Pearson has no problem with a small campfire as long as they have a water supply (pressurized water can, etc.) and tools to extinguish the fire and Chief Reilly asks that they check with the neighbors regarding a “musket firing”, there be no alcohol on the Green and the area be noise free after 10 p.m. each evening.
The minutes of the September 8th meeting were accepted as presented on a motion by Selectman Keller, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted unanimously.
A proclamation for the United Nations Association’s 64th anniversary on October 24, 2009 was signed on a motion by Selectman Bulgaris, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted unanimously.
Applications submitted for the Harbormaster’s Advisory Task Force were given to the Board for their review and appointments will be made at the next meeting. Selectmen can call for interviews at anytime during the next two weeks.
Selectman Keller addressed the Board about parking problems present and future in the Byfield Village Center and for Pearson Field. Use of the Kent Way property to alleviate these problems was suggested and the Planning Board was asked to look at this proposal. Chairman Story advised that the Recreation Committee was looking to develop a soccer field on Kent Way. He also spoke about the possibility of erecting a basketball court in the Yellow School parking lot.
A meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, October 6th at the Newbury Town Library at 7 p.m. to meet with the neighbors and finalize the traffic changes in Byfield Center.
Selectman Walker noted he was concerned with the Town’s economic development and the need to expand our tax base. Zoning changes and the availability of water were two immediate deterrents that need to be investigated. He also reported on a “scenic byways” meeting he had attended. Rte. 1A is currently designated as a scenic byway by the State. It is hoped Rte. 1A and Rte. 133 could become National (federal) Scenic Byways. This could be helpful with funding and aid in special preservation projects like the Great Marsh. Walker noted that as a property rights guy he planned to attend the next few meetings. Input is needed as to the community’s needs and if we choose to participate we
will have some control over the outcome of the corridor management plan.
Selectman Keller advised she had met with a gentleman from Community Corrections regarding work on our cemeteries and they are willing to provide whatever is needed. Permission will be needed from the families of Newbury Neck Cemetery to work on the clean up and the replacement of the fencing. Keller will pursue this with the families.
Selectman Bulgaris commended Protection Fire Co. #2 on the way they handled the fire on Pine Island Road. He also noted that the companies are drilling together, equipment is being maintained and there is a good working relationship between companies which is attracting new people.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m. on a motion by Selectman Walker, seconded by Selectman Bulgaris and voted unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen Sirois
Administrative Assistant
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