BOARD OF SELECTMEN’S MEETING
DECEMBER 23, 2008
Chairman Russo opened the meeting at 7:00 p.m. with the pledge of allegiance to our flag. Selectmen Joseph Story and Jennifer Wright were present.
The Board discussed the removal of trees on Hanover Street, Middle Road and Rolfe’s Lane with Tree Warden Peter Hollis. Mr. Hollis suggested the Town again request removal of the stumps as part of the program. Failing this a request will be made to have the trees taken down as close to ground level as possible. Selectman Story moved to grant permission to National Grid to remove or prune trees per the specific tree list submitted with the permit, seconded by Selectman Wright and voted unanimously. A letter will be sent along with the permit asking that National Grid reconsider removing the stumps as part of their program and failing that to take the trees down flush to the ground or as close as possible.
The Board acknowledged receipt of the check in the amount of $200 from Francis and Martha Webb of High Road to start a “tree planting fund” so that a replanting program can be instituted in Newbury.
On the recommendation of Chief Reilly, James Velonis and John Lucey III were appointed as civilian dispatchers as moved by Selectman Story, seconded by Selectman Wright and voted unanimously.
An economic stimulus update from Marlow & Company was briefly discussed. Marlowe urged that letters be sent to the President-elect and our Congressional Delegation listing the projects (dredging, 204 study, sand on the beach, repairs to the jetties) for which Newbury is seeking funding and asking for their help to promote these programs. It was the decision of the Board that Chairman Russo would draft a letter to President-elect Obama with copies to Kennedy, Kerry and Tierney for review of the Board at their next meeting on January 13th.
An amended and restated Preservation Restriction Agreement for the Seddon Tavern at the Newbury Lower Green held by Historic New England was reviewed and approved on a motion by Selectman Story, seconded by Selectman Wright and voted unanimously.
A certificate of recognition was signed for Robert Bishop for his assistance setting up the fire hall for the P.I. erosion meeting.
The following general business licenses were approved for 2009 on a motion by Selectman Story, seconded by Selectman Wright and voted unanimously: B.D. Automotive, Bill’s Auto Repair, Bob Lobster, Bridge Road Signs, Byfield General Store, High Tail Acres, Internal Combustion, Josette’s Adz & Loom, Milestone 35, Newbury Family Chiropractic, Newbury Town Library, Plum Island Enterprises, Romp & Roll Inc., Special Interest Autos of Newburyport, Wilco Marine Restorations, and Wheelhouse Parking.
Selectman Story advised that the House had voted in the affirmative yesterday on Newbury’s 5-man Board of Selectman and the bill would now go to the Senate and the Governor for final approval.
Brian Wiseman of Livingston Lane will be invited to the meeting of the 13th to review his letter of interest in Newbury’s Technology Committee.
Martha Taylor was welcomed as the new Town Planner.
The Selectmen’s meetings are scheduled through May on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month (January 13 & 27, February 10 & 24, March 10 & 24, April 14 & 28 and May 12 (annual election) & 26 (annual town meeting)).
The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m. on a motion by Selectman Story, seconded by Selectman Wright and voted unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen Sirois, Admin. Asst.
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