BOARD OF SELECTMEN’S MEETING
JUNE 8, 2010
Chairman Story opened the meeting at 7:05 p.m. with the pledge of allegiance to our flag. Selectmen Story, Keller, Bulgaris, Bear, Walker and Town Administrator Chuck Kostro were present.
Town Administrator Chuck Kostro asked for guidance from the Selectmen as to the scheduling of painting the interior walls of town hall. Sam Joslin has a crew lined up for the third week in July but logistically, he noted, we are not ready. After a brief discussion, on a motion by Selectman Walker, seconded by Selectman Bulgaris and voted it was decided to put off the painting until later in the year. Joslin will notify the Sheriff’s department to release the crew for another project. On a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Bulgaris and voted unanimously, the Selectmen authorized the award of a contract to CSS Architects of Wakefield, MA for a feasibility study and design services for the Town Highway Barn. A
re-negotiated three-year contract for Town Administrator, Chuck Kostro was approved and signed on a motion by Selectman Walker, seconded by Selectman Bulgaris and voted unanimously. A septic loan discharge of mortgage, after review by Counsel, was signed off on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted unanimously. Under Chapter 59, section 25 of the MGL, a letter to the Assessors requesting the certification of the balance in the Overly Reserve Account and transfer of any balance to the Overlay Surplus account within ten days was reviewed and signed on a motion by Selectman Walker, seconded by Selectman Bulgaris and voted unanimously. On a motion by Selectman Walker, seconded by Selectman Bear and voted unanimously, the Selectmen authorized and directed the Town Administrator to sign the “Telling Agreement” (the first step in permitting the town docks) as provided by the Army
Corps of Engineers. On a motion by Selectman Bulgaris, seconded by Selectman Bear and voted unanimously the Selectmen approved a one-year pilot program for a School Resource Officer as described in a letter dated June 2, 2010 from the Chief of Police.
A new business license for Leslie Matthews/Dragonfly Hill d/b/a LDM Collectibles @ 111 Main Street for monthly three-day antique and craft shows was discussed and it was moved by Selectman Bulgaris, seconded by Selectman Bear and voted unanimously to not approve at this time until more information is received or a ZBA hearing is held on the validity of this enterprise in the A/R Zone.
A letter of resignation from the Zoning Board of Appeals from Evelyn Noyes was read and accepted reluctantly and with deep regret on a motion by Selectman Walker, seconded by Selectman Bulgaris and voted unanimously.
On the recommendation of Chief Reilly, James Velonis was appointed as a reserve patrolman for the period 6/8-6/30/10 on a motion by Selectman Bulgaris, seconded by Selectman Bear and voted unanimously. The yearly appointment of police personnel was approved as submitted on a motion by Selectman Bulgaris, seconded by Selectman Bear and voted unanimously and is on file at the Selectmen’s office. Anthony Penski was appointed as Town Counsel for a three year ongoing term on a motion by Selectman Walker, seconded by Selectman Bear and voted unanimously. Kathleen Sirois was appointed Administrative Assistant to the Selectmen for a three year ongoing term on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Bulgaris and voted unanimously. Peg Fredrickson, Steve Salvo and John
Wilkinson were re-appointed to the Personnel Board for three year terms on a motion by Selectman Walker, seconded by Selectman Keller and voted unanimously.
Sam Joslin spoke on Adelynrood’s request for an off-premise directional sign at the intersection of Elm and School Streets. This request had been tabled at the 4/27 meeting. He noted that section 97-8.C.3 of Newbury’s zoning bylaws allows such signage and he recommended Adelynrood be allowed to erect a legal sign at this intersection. He advised that Selectman Keller has been working with Whittier and they will construct a sign board for the Town to our specifications. It was suggested that Rick Salmonson be contacted for design ideas. It was moved by Selectman Keller, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted unanimously to allow Adelynrood to install a directional sign at this location and when the sign board is ready, all directional signs will be placed on
it and removed from the telephone pole.
A letter from Steve Bandoian regarding flooding and repair of a culvert at 84 Newburyport Turnpike was read and discussed. Bill Decie of Kairos Environmental Inc. represented Mr. Bandoian. Mr. Decie estimated that the cost of permitting this project would be $1000 to $1500. He suggested that perhaps John O’Connell might be willing to do a simple design (cost estimate approximately $500 to $1000). Construction costs will depend on the design. It was moved by Selectman Walker and seconded by Selectman Bear to take the necessary steps to correct the problem at 84 Newburyport Turnpike and further discussion ensued. Kostro acknowledged that everyone wants this problem fixed, the question being what is the right fix and at what cost.
Selectman Walker commented this may be our chance to study the hydrology and look at the broader spectrum of the area. He noted Doug had suggested that there be an agreement with Bandoian that he (Bandoian) be responsible for a management plan to keep the new culvert clear. Chairman Story advised that Middle Road has been identified as a problem area in the Merrimack Valley Region hazard mitigation plan and there may be a potential for grant funds for mitigation. Kostro stated that at the Board’s direction he felt the Town could have a design engineer on board and a preliminary plan in place by September 1st. Selectman Walker amended his motion to read to move forward on this project and on or before September 1st have a written recommendation for a preliminary solution to the flooding problem at 84 Newburyport Turnpike including estimated costs, seconded by
Selectman Bear and voted unanimously. Chairman Story noted that the sense of the Board was to find a working solution for this flooding problem for Mr. Bandoian and the Town.
A proposal from Ghlee Woodworth for a plan to restore 1st Settlers Landing Rock to its upright position was approved on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted unanimously with thanks to the many volunteers who will give their time and expertise to this project.
A request from Sam Joslin to allow him to be second alternate building inspector for the Town of West Newbury was approved on a motion by Selectman Walker, seconded by Selectman Bear and voted unanimously. Permission was also given for Sam to solicit a second alternate for coverage for Newbury on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Bulgaris and voted unanimously.
A request for use of the Upper Green ball field for Anna Jaques Softball League on Tuesday evenings from 4 p.m. to dusk starting July 1st through the end of August was approved on a motion by Selectman Bulgaris, seconded by Selectman Bear and voted unanimously.
Chairman Story advised that the Merrimack Valley Region’s Natural Hazards Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plan is on file with Kathy for the Selectmen’s review. Approval of this plan will be voted at the June 22nd meeting.
The “state of emergency” declared on February 26th was officially ended on a motion by Selectman Bulgaris, seconded by Selectman Bear and voted unanimously.
The minutes of the April 27, April 30, May 10, May 13 and May 25th meetings were accepted as presented on a motion by Selectman Bulgaris, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted. Selectman Bear abstained from the vote as he was not present at several of these meetings.
Chairman Story advised he was working with Counsel to address the problem of erecting a building on the Central Street fields and the Board will address this issue at the next meeting.
A letter of congratulations from the Mayor of Newbury England on our 375th Anniversary was read and accepted for the files with thanks.
Martha Taylor gave a brief update on the recent B2B Trails public meeting in Byfield. Access concerns and parking issues were raised and will be investigated, she noted.
Chuck Kostro updated the Board on the Plum Crazy parking issue. He noted that temporary parking permits may possibly be the answer for the restaurant as is done with renters on Plum Island. Town Counsel is investigating and will advise how this will work. In the meantime the one hour parking sign near 130 Northern Blvd. need to be delineated so there is no confusion as to where it starts and stops. Chairman Story noted they were also looking at developing additional parking on Olga Way for residents. Recommendations will be addressed at the June 22nd meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m. on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen Sirois
Administrative Assistant
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