BOARD OF SELECTMEN’S MEETING
SEPTEMBER 7, 2010
Chairman Joseph Story called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. with the pledge of allegiance to our flag. In attendance were Selectmen Story, Bear, Bulgaris, Keller, Walker, and Town Administrator Chuck Kostro.
Christopher Farmer, the new Superintendent of Triton Regional School District was introduced to the Board. Mr. Farmer gave a brief accounting of his past educational service beginning as a high school teacher in England through his seven years as superintendent in Gloucester. He outlined his beginning hopes for Triton, noted he would work towards respect, integrity and excellence for all and looked forward to a candid relationship with all three towns. Mr. Farmer was welcomed to the community and thanked for meeting with the Board.
Kostro raised the possibility of relocating two offices. He suggested he move his office to a vacant office in the trailer in the rear of the building and give his large office to the Building Inspector and Conservation Commission who currently share a very small space. He asked the Board to give the suggestion some thought and perhaps make a decision for the next meeting. Kostro noted that the MVPC grant support letter in their packet was not needed at this time and was put on hold. The STM warrant for October 26th was reviewed and Kostro advised the Finance Committee would address the warrant at their September 21st meeting. The warrant includes cuts to the FY11 budget of $115K. Kostro noted that FY12
will likely start with a $400-$500K deficit and that does not include costs for schools, retirement and health insurance over which the town has little control. A deficit of this magnitude will mean layoffs and service cuts, he advised. Two zoning articles are to be added to this warrant when the public hearings are concluded, he noted. A FY12 budget calendar and goals and objectives for 2012 were submitted to the Board for their review and questions or comments if any should arise. Also submitted was a copy of a letter to Mr. Bandoian requesting permission to access his property to alleviate the flooding problem on Middle Road.
A one day liquor and entertainment license was approved on a motion by Selectman Bear seconded by Selectman Bulgaris and voted unanimously for the P.I. Foundation for a fundraiser to be held at the P.I. Grille on Tuesday, Sept. 21st from 6-11 p.m.
A one day liquor license was approved on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Keller and voted unanimously. for the Mercury Brewing Co. for their Annual Ipswich Ale Fall Fest at the Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm on Sept. 18th (rain date Sept. 19th) from 1-6 p.m.
A recommendation from Warren Manter, Chair of the Recreation Committee, to allow Chris Breen to place a portable hot dog/beverage cart at the Central Street Fields was approved on a motion by Selectman Keller, seconded by Selectman Bear and a discussion ensued. Chairman Story asked about the hours of operation. Breen stated he planned to be there 4:30 to dusk during the week and weekends during times of practices or games weather permitting. It was noted that a BOH inspection would be needed and a copy of his liability insurance and any other applicable documents should be filed with the Rec. Committee. The motion was voted unanimously and will be approved on a year to year basis until a permanent concession stand can be erected.
On the recommendation of the Town Clerk, a list of election workers as presented were appointed for FY11 on a motion by Selectman Bulgaris, seconded by Selectman Keller and voted unanimously.
Effective with the November State Election, the polling location for Precinct II (Byfield) will be relocated from the Byfield Town Hall to the Newbury Town Library on Lunt Street, approved on a motion by Selectman Keller, seconded by Selectman Walker, and voted unanimously. Safety concerns, easier access and availability were cited. Jen Brown, Director of the Library noted they would welcome this use and hoped it would increase awareness of their facility.
On the recommendation of the Town Clerk the following fees were increased on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Bulgaris and voted unanimously – Vitals raised from $5 to $10, marriage intention filing from $20 to $25, and business certificate from $20 to $25.
A request from 1st Parish Church to place signs on the Upper and Lower Greens advertising their Sunday School was approved for a thirty (30) day period on a motion by Selectmen Keller, seconded by Selectman Bear and voted unanimously. Sam Joslin will direct the placement of these signs.
Janet Fraser addressed the Board regarding the MBTA trains and their use of the lay over station as a docking station. Story noted that in the past the town has expressed their grievances to the MBTA and our Legislators to no avail. Fraser suggested the Town file a nuisance ordinance in Civil Court to address this ongoing problem. It was moved by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted unanimously to have Counsel Penski investigate this possibility.
A report and photos from Ghlee Woodworth on the righting of First Settlers Landing Rock were received with appreciation and thanks to all the volunteers who helped with this project.
The minutes of the August 10th meeting were accepted as presented on a motion by Selectman Bulgaris, seconded by Selectman Bear and voted unanimously.
Warrants were signed for Town Administrator Kostro.
At 8:40 p.m. it was moved by Selectman Bear to move to executive session for the purpose of discussing strategy with respect to the collective bargaining sessions with the Police Union, seconded by Selectman Bulgaris and voted unanimously by roll call (Story, yes; Bear, yes; Bulgaris, yes and Walker, yes). Chairman Story advised that the Board would not reconvene in open session.
At 9:00 p.m. the meeting was adjourned on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen Sirois
Administrative Assistant
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