BOARD OF SELECTMEN’S MEETING
JUNE 22, 2010
The meeting was opened with the pledge of allegiance to our flag on a motion by Selectman Walker, seconded by Selectman Bear. In attendance were Selectmen Story, Bear, Bulgaris, Walker and Town Administrator Chuck Kostro. Selectman Keller was absent.
Dan Streeter of the Open Space Committee reported on the updated 2009 Open Space and Recreation Plan and requested a letter of support from the Selectmen. Streeter noted the committee has received comments from other boards and recommended changes have been made. A letter of support from the Selectmen is needed to submit with the plan to get it approved. Streeter submitted a matrix with highlighted items showing the changes made to plan. Selectman Walker noted that the OSC had appeared before the Conservation Commission last week and the plan was approved conditionally based on financial implications. Walker suggested tabling the support letter until July 13th and asked if Streeter would request letters of comment
from Conservation and the Assessors giving the Selectmen time to finish reviewing the plan. Kostro recommended sending the plan along with the comments from CC and the Assessors to the Finance Committee to have them look at the Community Preservation Act provisions. Walker asked why this plan is important and Streeter stated it was an integral part of the town’s planning documents, provided the potential for transportation grants if the OSP is in place and is a blueprint for the Open Space Committee.
Martha Taylor spoke on the Border to Boston Trail and noted she would be attending a meeting with DOT tomorrow. She advised that Coastal Trails Coalition, Inc. has reaffirmed their grant of $1,250 for use in conjunction with the National Grid license negotiations and she presented the Board with a new grant agreement for their signatures. It was moved by Selectman Bulgaris, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted unanimously to approve the grant agreement and their signatures were affixed.
Town Administrator Chuck Kostro advised that the Friends of the Newbury Council on Aging have asked that a flyer be included with the next tax bill and counsel has approved the contents of the flyer. It was moved by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Bulgaris and voted unanimously to allow the inclusion of the flyer with the next tax bill mailing. Kostro presented a BAN in the amount of $429K which represents the balance of temporary borrowing for the water/sewer project. It was moved by Selectman Bulgaris, seconded by Selectman Bear to sign the BAN documents in the amount of $429K, voted unanimously. It was moved by Selectman Bulgaris, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted unanimously to approve the following line item transfers: 1) $332 from the
Plumbing Inspector Fees to Gas Inspector Fees; 2) $400 from Insurance expense to Tree Warden Expense; 3) $3,000 from Insurance Expense to Conservation Commission Wages; 4) $3400 from Accountant’s Salary to Finance Expense. Transfers to the Reserve Fund were tabled. As a result of the June 18th meeting with ACOE the town must provide an additional $88K for our share of the P.I. Beach Nourishment Project on or before July 2, 2010. Kostro noted that $8K is still available from the Land Sale Account voted at last fall’s special town meeting. The additional $80K he proposed taking from the balance of the Special Assessment Fund which only requires authorization from the Board of Selectmen. These are the only viable options to raise this amount by the July 2nd deadline, he advised. The Board of Selectmen authorized the expenditure of up to $80K from the
Special Assessment Fund for the purpose of paying the remaining balance of the Town’s share of the Plum Island Beach Nourishment Project on a motion by Selectman Walker, seconded by Selectman Bulgaris and voted unanimously. The ACOE has stated that the contract will be awarded as soon as funds are in hand.
A one-day liquor license was approved for blue, the Inn On The Beach for a wedding on Sunday, July 4th from 3-10 p.m. on a motion by Selectmen Bear, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted unanimously. Selectman Walker suggested a form be drafted with requirements for obtaining a one-day license including servers be TIPS certified and proof of insurance for serving alcohol.
A request from the 1st Parish Church for use of the Upper Green to serve a BBQ lunch after Sunday services on July 4th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and to allow a brass band (funding dependent) for entertainment was approved on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Bulgaris and voted unanimously.
A parking plan for Plum Crazy was tabled as the restaurant is not open and is for sale. The restaurant parking signs will be removed and a “no parking” sign will be installed in front of 130 Northern to prevent blockage of the gate to this property. The remainder of the area will revert to “parking by permit only”.
The building at the Central Street fields was tabled to the next meeting as the contract has not been completed and reviewed by Counsel. Kostro noted that a more substantial fence has been installed around the foundation for security.
It was moved by Selectman Walker, seconded by Selectman Bulgaris to approve the MVR Natural Hazards Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plan as presented. It was noted that several problem areas have already been identified and this may put the town in position for some grant monies for remediation. Both the Building Inspector and Conservation have had a chance to review the document, he advised.
It was moved by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted unanimously to allow an extension requested by the Assessors for release of excess overly funds until July 29, 2010.
The minutes of the June 8th meeting were approved as presented on a motion by Selectman Bulgaris, seconded by Selectman Bear and voted unanimously.
An invitation to an Eagle Scout Awards Ceremony on Sunday, June 27th for Jared White of Byfield was read by Chairman Story and congratulations were extended to Jared by the Board.
A communication from the town of Mt. Washington, MA regarding state legislation for onshore wind turbines was presented to the Board for their review.
Selectman Bulgaris updated the Board on his meeting with the Board of Fire Engineers. He noted the relationship between the two companies has greatly improved and he sees positive results from these meetings. Chairman Story spoke on the Friday meeting with ACOE. He advised that the ACOE hopes to award the contract for sand replenishment by July 20th to preclude the equipment needed for the project being sent to the Gulf.
Lisa Bobinski of Newburyport addressed the board regarding the possibility of holding an antique flea market at the P.I. Aerodrome. She stated she had negotiated with Steve Noyes for use of the old hangar area for vendors to set up and will pay the airport a fee for use of the space. She advised that while she is not non-profit this will be a fund raiser. She proposed holding two events in August and possibly two in September. Set up would begin around 6 a.m. with public entry at 7 a.m. and close at 2 p.m. There would be approximately 40-50 vendors. Entry and parking will be free to the public. Food vendors will be inspected and permitted by the Board of Health. She will arrange for port-a-potties and
insurance has been provided to meet the airport requirements. No liquor will be served and there will be no entertainment. Selectman Bear asked if the airport would be open during this event and she did not know. Selectman Walker noted that Fire and Police should be involved for traffic control. Chairman Story advised that parking and traffic control were his concerns and perhaps a traffic detail might be necessary for such an event. Lisa was directed to visit with Chief Reilly and provide the board with a written plan, a letter from the Airport approving the proposal and a letter of opinion from Chief Reilly. She noted that she is in a time crunch to get everything in place for an August 1st venue. Story advised the board would act expeditiously when all necessary documentation is in place.
The decision for 90 Hanover Street was read and approved on a motion by Selectman Walker, seconded by Selectman Bear and voted unanimously.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m. on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen Sirois, Admin. Asst.
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