BOARD OF SELECTMEN’S MEETING
SEPTEMBER 8, 2009
The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. by Chairman Joseph Story with the pledge of allegiance to our flag. Selectmen Audrey Keller, Vincent Russo, Geoffrey Walker and Town Administrator Chuck Kostro were present. Selectman Michael Bulgaris was absent.
A request from Tim Wareham, Deputy Chief of Protection Fire Company #2 to hold a “boot drive” to benefit Muscular Dystrophy on Saturday, September 12th (rain date Sunday, September 13th) at the intersection of Hanover, High and Rolfe’s Lane was approved on a motion by Selectman Russo, seconded by Selectman Keller and voted unanimously.
It was moved by Selectman Walker, seconded by Selectman Russo and voted unanimously to instruct Martha Taylor to explore the possibilities of using grant monies in our Clean Energy Fund for application fees and/or other designated items with Jonathan Markey of Meridian Associates and the Alternative Energy Committee.
Frank Chiaravalloti, Newbury School Committee Representative, advised that interviews of search firms were being conducted at Triton. The firm chosen will work with the School Committee to explore applicants for the Superintendent’s position. Chuck Kostro invited the School Committee to attend the October 13th Selectmen’s meeting along with the Finance Committee to begin the budget process for FY11.
Chuck Kostro updated the board on the Elm Street paving project. He advised that Saturday paving will start this Saturday to accelerate the project. A notice will be placed on the web site to keep residents informed. It was moved by Selectman Walker, seconded by Selectman Keller and voted unanimously to establish a Cable Television Advisory Committee, comprised of five citizens, appointed by the Board of Selectmen for staggered three-year terms and that the mission of the CTAC shall be to provide advice and assistance to the BOS in monitoring compliance with the Cable Television License Agreement and other aspects of cable television service in the Town of Newbury. It was moved by Selectman Walker, seconded by Selectman Russo and voted unanimously that a
Harbormaster Advisory Task Force be established to recommend to the BOS policies, procedures and guidelines for the management and operation of the Harbormaster’s Department and this Task Force report back to the BOS on or before February 1, 2010. This Task Force shall be comprised of five citizens, appointed by the BOS and shall cease to exist upon the presentation of its recommendations. Kostro advised that the Harbormaster’s budget information requested by Riverfront Marine has been submitted to them. Selectman Russo asked about a capital improvement plan for the Harbormaster and it was noted that there is a 3-5 year plan in place.
On the advice of Counsel a release of claims against Stephen Hale, Library Project Architect was reviewed and signed by the Selectmen on a motion by Selectman Russo, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted unanimously.
A request from the Friends of the Newbury Town Library to hold a tag sale, folk concert and other activities on Saturday, October 3rd at the Library was approved on a motion by Selectman Russo, seconded by Selectman Keller and voted unanimously.
A new business license was granted on a motion by Selectman Walker, seconded by Selectman Keller and voted unanimously to Cheryl Sorino d/b/a Bri’s Uniques and Antiques Homegoods & Gift Shop to be located in Pearson Plaza, Byfield. A 911 address discrepancy will be addressed with Ms. Sorino when the license is picked up.
On a motion by Selectman Russo, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted unanimously a new business license was granted to Brad Pritchard d/b/a Universal Visions LLC at 72 Newburyport Turnpike.
On the recommendation of the Recreation Committee, Richard (Rick) Alberigi was appointed as a member of the Rec. Comm. as moved by Selectman Russo, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted unanimously.
It was moved by Selectman Russo, seconded by Selectman Keller and voted unanimously to open the STM warrant on Thursday, September 10th. The warrant will be closed to petition articles on Thursday, September 24th and will be signed and posted on October 13, 2009.
A request for use of the Lower Green by the American Diabetes Association as a rest stop for their North Shore Tour de Cure on Saturday, May 22, 2010 was approved on a motion by Selectman Walker, seconded by Selectman Russo and voted unanimously. Notice of approval will include instructions on trash clean-up and installation of portable toilets.
Four one-day liquor licenses were approved for the Byfield Community Arts Center on a motion by Selectman Russo, seconded by Selectman Keller and voted unanimously for the following dates: Friday, 9/18 for the Cat in the Cradle Coffeehouse from 8-11 p.m.; Saturday, 10/24 for an auction/fundraiser from 8-11 p.m.; Friday, 11/20 for the Cat in the Cradle Coffeehouse from 8-11 p.m. and Sunday, 12/13 for a jazz brunch from 9 a.m. to 12 noon.
On a motion by Selectman Keller, seconded by Selectman Walker, and voted unanimously pursuant to Section 18-3 of the bylaws, the BOS authorizes the award of an agreement with Unified Contracting for the Newman Road Culvert Project in the amount of $421,110. Project oversight will be handled by an Engineering Firm (to be determined) under the supervision of Doug Packer.
After a brief discussion, it was moved by Selectman Walker, seconded by Selectman Keller and voted unanimously to instruct the ERRB (Essex Regional Retirement Board) to transfer Newbury’s investment assets to the PRIT Fund and to retain ERRB in their administrative capacity.
The minutes of the August 25th meeting were accepted as presented on a motion by Selectman Keller, seconded by Selectman Russo and voted unanimously.
Victor Tine was congratulated on his award and thanked for his concise coverage of the issues on Plum Island.
Selectman Russo briefly updated the board on the most recent Merrimack Valley Beach Alliance meeting regarding dredging and sand placement on Plum Island. The October time line has been cancelled and the dredging is now scheduled for January 1st with an end date of March 13th. Russo acknowledged that March is a good time for planting beach grass so this schedule could work out well. The next meeting of the MVBA will be Friday, September 11th at PITA Hall. Selectman Walker updated the Board on the Borders to Boston Trail. Two sites in Newbury are still under consideration, Scotland Road and Martin Burns Wildlife. Byfield Center and the connection at the T-Parking Lot still needs to be
looked at he noted. A presentation is to be scheduled in Byfield as some properties may be affected. Selectman Keller advised that she had toured the cemeteries with Dick Cunningham. The Newbury Neck Cemetery needs brush clearing at the entrance and a fence on all four sides. The family co-op needs to be involved in the fencing with possible solicitation for funding as this is a private cemetery but the DPW can clear the brush when scheduling allows. The so-called Newbury Cemetery Assoc. side of 1st Parish Cemetery cannot be addressed by the Town. 1st Settlers cemetery is in lovely condition. Mr. Cunningham offered tours to the board at their convenience.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:25 p.m. on a motion by Selectman Walker, seconded by Selectman Keller and voted unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen Sirois, Admin. Asst.
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