BOARD OF SELECTMEN’S MEETING
JANUARY 12, 2010
Chairman Joseph Story called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. with the pledge of allegiance to our flag. Selectmen Story, Keller, Bulgaris, Walker and Town Administrator Chuck Kostro were present. Selectman Russo was absent.
A joint meeting with the Finance Committee was opened to review revenue estimates for FY11 and financial projections for FY10-FY15. Frank Remley, Chair of the Finance Committee presented an overview of his committee’s projections for the next five years which showed a gloomy outlook for the Town. A lengthy discussion on expenditures vs. revenues ensued including projections from the school. Service reductions, possible layoffs and possibly an override were all part of the discussion. It was the consensus of the two boards that they were comfortable with the numbers presented although these numbers are still a moving target and that the revenues are conservative and reasonable. Kostro provided to the Selectmen and the Finance
Committee a legal opinion from Tony Penski regarding potential uses of the betterment funds. The town’s auditor has projected the earnings from the betterments through the end of the debt service payments and it looks like there will be sufficient funds to meet all of the Town’s debt service obligations. There should also be sufficient funds to support erosion control efforts designed to protect the water and sewer system. Kostro cautioned that this is based on projections which will change over time and will need to be monitored annually. It was agreed the two boards would meet again the end of February when there is a better handle on the budget figures.
In accordance with MGL Chapter 143, §3 and 780 CMR R7, Doug Packer was appointed Local Inspector for a three year term on a motion by Selectman Bulgaris, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted unanimously.
Town Administrator Chuck Kostro advised that Riverfront Marine’s contested bill is still unpaid and has been referred to Counsel. A short term RAN note will need signatures prior to the next meeting. The Board of Health will address their contract with CDM for landfill monitoring with the Selectmen, as well as the possibility of regionalizing this service, as soon as all info is in place. Kostro asked that the Selectmen renegotiate his contract as it does not currently reflect reality due to salary cuts and lack of step increases.
On the recommendation of Chief Reilly, Doug Packer and Sam Joslin were appointed as Special Police Officers on a motion by Selectman Keller, seconded by Selectmen Walker and voted unanimously. On the recommendation of Chief Reilly, Andrew Bridges was appointed as a Reserve Dispatcher on a motion by Selectman Bulgaris, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted unanimously.
Lance Wisniewski of Raptor Media was present to answer any further questions the Selectmen had regarding cable access. A tri-town agreement is being drafted by Atty. Solomon and Lance agreed to provide a plan for facility needs, equipment, operation and funding/budgets for Newbury. This proposal will be available by the next meeting for review and approval. The Board was in agreement that the town needs to move forward with this proposal and toward the establishment of a 501 3C non profit corporation.
A one-day liquor license for Anna Jaques Hospital Aid Association for their Great Chef’s Night fundraiser to be held at Governor’s Academy gymnasium on Saturday, March 19th from 6-10 p.m. was approved on a motion by Selectman Keller, seconded by Selectman Bulgaris and voted unanimously.
A one-day liquor license for Protection Fire Co. #2 for a graduation party for the Mass. Fire Academy Class of 09 to be held on Saturday, February 20th from 6:30 to 10 p.m. was approved on a motion by Selectman Bulgaris, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted unanimously.
A one-day liquor license for Protection Fire Co. #2 for a function to be held Saturday, January 23rd from 6:30 to 10 p.m. was approved on a motion by Selectman Bulgaris, seconded by Selectman Keller and voted unanimously.
The minutes of the December 22nd meeting were approved as presented on a motion by Selectman Keller, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted unanimously.
License renewals were approved on a motion by Selectman Walker, seconded by Selectman Bulgaris and voted unanimously for the following: Byfield Trading Co., Fernald’s Marine, J. Gallant Pool & Spa Inc., Main St. Mini Mart/D&J Liquors, Newbury Family Chiropractic, Noyes Auto Repair, Pert Lowell Co. Inc., P.I. Enterprises/Williamson Parking Lot, P.I. Grille, Inc., Romp and Roll Inc., Newbury Auto Sales, Stor/U/Self Management Corp., Treasures, and Milestone 35.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m. on a motion by Selectman Keller, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen Sirois, Admin. Asst.
| 
