BOARD OF SELECTMEN’S MEETING
OCTOBER 25, 2011
Chairman Story opened the meeting at 7:00 p.m. with the pledge of allegiance to our flag. In attendance were Selectmen Story, Bear, Bulgaris, Mountain and Walker.
Town Clerk Leslie Haley gave a brief outline of HB1972 and stated the Clerk’s Association was in support of its passage. It was moved by Selectman Walker, seconded by Selectman Bear and voted unanimously to issue letters of support to our legislators and urge their passage of HB 1972.
A one-day liquor license was approved for Protection Fire Co. #2 for a function on Saturday, November 19th from 7-11 p.m. on a motion by Selectman Bulgaris, seconded by Selectman Bear and voted unanimously.
A request for permission to hold a ceremonial bon fire at the Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm on Saturday, January 14, 2012 (rain date January 21, 2012) at approximately 5:30 p.m. was granted on a motion by Selectman Bulgaris, seconded by Selectman Bear and voted unanimously.
A one-day liquor license was approved for Mercury Brewing Co/Historic New England for the festivities at the Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm (bon fire) on January 14, 2012 from 4-10 p.m. on a motion by Selectman Walker, seconded by Selectman Mountain and voted unanimously.
The minutes of the October 11th meeting were accepted as presented on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Bulgaris and voted unanimously.
An invitation from Scout Troop 15 to attend an Eagle Scout Court of Honor for Robert Gillespie and Scott Loring on November 5th at 2 p.m. at the First Congregational Church in Rowley was acknowledged with thanks. Selectmen Story and Bear will try to attend.
A letter of recommendation from the Recreation Committee to name the Central Street Fields for Warren Manter was read for the second time. Selectman Bulgaris moved to proceed with the naming, seconded by Selectman Walker and open to discussion. Questions were asked about the process of naming rights and concern expressed that the recommendation came from the committee Manter chairs. Dave Taylor, Rec. Committee member, advised that the letter of recommendation was done in the absence of Manter and he know nothing about it until it appeared in the News. Selectman Bear noted he would be suspect if the recommendation came from anywhere else. Discussion ensued around standards for naming rights and the process. TA Blais
advised she had checked with Counsel and he advised that the Selectmen were proceeding correctly. If the process going forward needs change we can look into it for the future. Committee members all had high praise for Manter’s passion for the fields and the children and they cited the countless hours, equipment and personnel donated by him for the care of the fields. Linda Allen commented that when the property was an airfield it was known as Manter Field, even by the FAA. Selectman Mountain noted that just because this has been the process in the past we should think about moving forward and perhaps bring it to town meeting. Selectman Walker stated that because this process exists and due to the high name recognition, he had no problem with moving ahead with the naming. A vote was taken. Voting in favor of naming the Central Street Fields for
Warren Manter were Selectmen Bear, Bulgaris and Walker. Selectman Mountain voted opposed. Chairman Story voted present, as his vote as a tie breaker was not needed for approval. But, he advised that he was in favor of the naming and would have voted in the affirmative if needed.
A request from the Newbury Girl Scouts, Cub Scout Pack 44, Boy Scout Troop 44 and Venture Crew 29 to host a Veterans Day Ceremony on the Upper Green on Friday, November 11th from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon was approved on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted unanimously.
A survey from the Mass Office of Travel and Tourism was tabled until the next meeting to allow time for Police, Fire and DPW to have input.
The resignation of Steve St. Arnault from the Agricultural Commission was accepted with regret and thanks for his service, on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted unanimously.
A copy of the COA FY11 Annual Report was accepted and filed with thanks to Director Martie Joe for the council’s service to the town and our elders.
A letter of denial from Mass DOT for our petition for a crosswalk in the vicinity of 96 High Road was accepted and filed.
Under meeting updates Selectman Mountain announced that the Communications Committee had changed their title to Media Committee and their first meeting would be November 9th. The new Historic Commission also meets that same night. Chairman Story noted that the Community Development Block Grant was moving forward through the efforts of an ad hoc group on Plum Island led by Tom Nee and Mark Friery. Selectman Mountain advised he had spoken with TA Blair regarding the possibility of monthly reports from department heads who have been hardest hit by the budget cuts. This would be beneficial information for the Board and the general public. November BOS meetings will be on the 8th and 29th.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:55 p.m. on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Bulgaris and voted unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen Sirois, Admin. Asst.
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