BOARD OF SELECTMEN’S MEETING
JUNE 23, 2009
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Joseph Story at 7:00 p.m. with the pledge of allegiance to our flag. Selectmen Vincent Russo, Audrey Keller, Michael Bulgaris, Geoffrey Walker and Town Administrator Chuck Kostro were in attendance.
Mark Wamser of Gomez and Sullivan Engineers gave a slide presentation as a “kick off” of the feasibility study on the Larkin Road Dam on the Parker River. Alternatives will be evaluated and impacts on cultural and environmental resources, water quality, infrastructure and sediment transport will all be taken into consideration as part of this study. On site field work has begun. Comments, questions and concerns were taken from the audience. Eric Hutchins and Matt Collins of NOAA and Tim Purinton of Mass Riverways were also in attendance to answer questions and support the project. Marlene Schroeder, President of the Parker River Clean Water Association spoke as an advocate of this project, citing the decline in the numbers of fish
and threats to the ecological function of the Parker River and waters beyond. This study is expected to run through to spring of 2010 and will culminate in the submittal of preliminary designs and public hearings in winter 09/10 and spring 2010. Mark, Eric, Matt and Tim were all thanked for their time and input.
At 7:40 p.m. the legal notice for a public hearing was read for the transfer of a liquor license from Salvatore Votano to Paradigm Beverages, Inc. at 4 Hanover Street (Corner Cupboard).
Attorney William O’Flaherty representing Gerry Vu of Paradigm advised that a P & S and financing are in place with an anticipated closing date of August 1st. Mr. Vu is the current owner of Port Beer and Wine in Newburyport. The hours of operation at the Corner Cupboard will remain the same and Mr. Vu will be the full time manager at this location. Selectman Russo asked if Mr. Vu had any deficiencies/violations at Port Beer and Wine and Mr. Vu stated he has had none in the five years he has owned Port Beer and Wine. Selectman Walker moved to grant the transfer of the Corner Cupboard All Alcohol Package Store License to Paradigm Beverages, Inc., seconded by Selectman Bulgaris and voted unanimously. This
application will be forwarded to ABCC for final approval.
Town Administrator Chuck Kostro asked for a vote of the BOS to approve Gomez & Sullivan as the engineers to do the Larkin Mill Dam feasibility study. He advised that Doug Packer was named as procurement authority for this project. Selectman Russo moved that pursuant to section 18-3 of the bylaws, the Board of Selectmen hereby authorize the award of an agreement with Gomez and Sullivan Engineers, P.C. for a feasibility study of the Larkin Road Dam in an amount not to exceed $72,000, seconded by Selectman Keller and voted unanimously. Selectman Russo moved that the Board of Selectmen approve the transfer of $16,056.77 among various line-items in the FY09 budget as proposed by the Town Administrator, seconded by Selectman Keller and voted unanimously. Kostro spoke briefly on recent meetings with ERRB regarding their fund performance and poor decision making. He noted that Newbury could do nothing, request our monies be moved to PRIT or send a letter of concern and allow
the team of Town Managers working on collecting data time to assemble more information from ERRB and assess any ramifications of a move. The Board agreed to have Kostro draft a letter of concerns to the ERRB. A Bond Anticipation Note (BAN) in the amount of $540K was reviewed and signed by the Board. In accordance with MGL Chapter 59, section 25 the Board of Assessors have been asked to certify the balance in the Overlay Reserve Account. This could possibly help the town add to their free cash, Kostro noted. He reported on the storm activity over the weekend and the impact on Plum Island. Some sand cover and grass was lost and will need to be replaced. Vine Engineering will do an assessment of needs and funding availability. A Woodbridge School clean up day has been scheduled for Wednesday to organize the records by department.
Selectman Bulgaris reported on a traffic study on Byfield Village in collaboration with Police, Fire, DPW and the Town Planner. The following recommendations will be implemented on a trial basis and hopefully will improve traffic flow and safety – Church Street will be one way westerly from Central to Lunt Street. The intersection of Lunt, Church and Downfall will be a four-way stop. Lunt Street will be one-way from Central to Main Street and the egress onto Main Street will be reconfigured so it is not quite as sharp an angle. The intersection of Main and Central will be lined to mark the lanes. If successful, the committee will recommend the installation of a concrete traffic island similar to the one at High and Parker
Streets for this intersection. This type island divides the road but can be driven over. These changes will be implemented as soon as the necessary signage is completed and will be observed through September. It was moved by Selectman Walker to accept the recommendations of this committee, seconded by Selectman Russo and voted unanimously. Communications regarding this project should be directed through Martha Taylor, Town Planner. Chairman Story thanked Mike and his team for moving so quickly on this project.
A one-day liquor license for Spencer-Peirce Little Farm for a wedding on Saturday, September 12th from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. was approved on a motion by Selectman Russo, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted unanimously.
On the recommendation of the 375th Anniversary Committee, the following persons were re-appointed for a two year term on a motion by Selectman Keller, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted unanimously: Robert Brown, Tracy Cassidy, Richard Cunningham, James Cunningham, Christopher Drelich, Channing Howard, Marcia Peirce, Barbara Rogers, Ward Westhafer, Bert Noyes, Daniel Noyes, Lauren Noyes and Peg Plummer.
On the recommendation of the Town Government Study Committee, Frank Budd Kelley III was appointed to that committee on a motion by Selectman Russo, seconded by Selectman Bulgaris and voted unanimously.
A request from Governor’s Academy for use of the Lower Green for their Annual Unity Days events on Saturday, September 12th from 3-6:30 p.m. was approved on a motion by Selectman Bulgaris, seconded by Selectman Russo and voted unanimously.
The Board acknowledged letters of appreciation from Newbury Elementary to the Police Department and Newbury Fire Protection #2 for their involvement and support of the School and the Newbury Elementary Safety Committee.
A discussion on designated parking for Plum Crazy ensued. Chairman Story noted this venture is an asset to the Island, has created nineteen jobs and should have our continued support. However, due to complaints received from a few neighbors, the farthest (northern most) sign has been removed and a space or two eliminated. The Board felt comfortable with this decision and will continue to monitor the situation.
A late application for a commercial clamming permit was approved for Kelen Corkum of Scotland Road on a motion by Selectman Keller, seconded by Selectman Russo and voted unanimously.
It was moved by Selectman Keller, seconded by Selectman Bulgaris and voted unanimously to allow a response to a request from Rosemary Loveday (35th Street) to Attorney Penski asking for a legal opinion.
The minutes of the June 9th meeting were accepted as presented on a motion by Selectman Bulgaris, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted unanimously.
Selectman Russo advised that the Town Government Study Committee has been researching the Triton Regional agreement and questions the election of representatives from other towns. Dina Sullivan will research and report back to the Selectmen. Chairman Story noted according to the Department of Education newer regional systems are set up differently. We have an old agreement and perhaps it is time to look at it again. Selectman Russo will write to Salisbury and Rowley to see if they are interested in forming a steering committee for this purpose.
The meeting was adjourned at 9 p.m. on a motion by Selectman Walker, seconded by Selectman Keller and voted unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen Sirois
Administrative Assistant
| 
