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BOARD OF SELECTMEN’S MEETING
JUNE 28, 2011
Chairman Story called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. with the pledge of allegiance to our flag. In attendance were Selectmen Bear, Bulgaris, Mountain, Story, Walker and Town Administrator, Tracy Blais.
Planner Martha Taylor gave a brief update on the construction time frame for the Border to Boston Trail and spoke briefly on MVPC’s 2011 RTP (Regional Transportation Plan). Taylor advised that the B2B Committee had raised approximately $800 at their yard sale Saturday, June 25th.
A NOTS application was presented for approval by Sam Joslin. He noted that the Plum Island Foundation was willing to sponsor trash removal on the P.I. beach. Hooks Johnston, foundation member, advised they plan to place two 2 cu/yd receptacles, one at Jeannie’s Restaurant and one below blue, The Inn on the Beach. These bins will be emptied weekly by Northside Carting. The foundation is also hiring a person to spend 10-15 hours a week monitoring the island beach and picking up stray trash. Joslin and Selectman Bear warned Johnston that this is a very large commitment, and while greatly appreciated, they hoped it wouldn’t be abused. Johnston stated that the foundation is committed to clean up the area and would
revisit the issue in September. If the service is abused, we simply will not provide it anymore. Johnston noted that donations to support this effort can be made to the Plum Island Foundation, P.O. Box 226, Newburyport. It was moved by Selectman Mountain, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted unanimously to approve this NOTS application with thanks to the P. I. Foundation.
At 7:15 p.m. Chairman Story announced that the public hearing scheduled for this time would be continued to Tuesday, July 12th at 7:15 p.m. on the request of the applicant’s attorney.
Town Administrator, Tracy Blais, noted she had worked with First Southwest on private placement of the town’s general obligation bonds which could be a savings of approximately 6.6% for the town. It was voted unanimously on a motion by Selectman Mountain, seconded by Selectman Bulgaris to authorize the issuance of Refunding Bonds. Voted: In order to save interest costs, the Treasurer is authorized to provide for the sale and issuance of bonds under G.L. c.44, Section 21A, to refund all or any portion of the remaining principal of and redemption premium and interest on the Town’s General Obligation Bonds dated August 1, 2001; and that for this purpose the Treasurer is authorized to provide for the preparation and distribution of a Preliminary Official
Statement; provided, however, that no bonds shall be issued under this vote unless and until the final interest rates and other terms of the refunding bonds are approved by the Board.
Blais updated the Board on property tax collections. The Tax Collector has reached out to residents with old delinquencies to either clear up the debt or identify the circumstances of that debt. The establishment of a Capital Planning Committee was discussed at the last Finance Committee meeting, she noted. While the bylaw calls for five members, the FinCom would like to overstate this number. They will discuss the legalities of this with Counsel before making recommendations to the Selectmen. Blais submitted for the Selectmen’s review a memorandum from Framingham’s Town Manager requesting their Federal and State Representatives and Senators file legislation that will eliminate all unfunded State and Federal mandates. This action was voted at Framingham’s Special Town Meeting in May 2011.
A one-day liquor license was approved for ErinA. Davis/PITA Hall for a function on July 23, 2011 from 3-10 p.m. on a motion by Selectman Bulgaris, seconded by Selectman Bear and voted unanimously.
Selectman Mountain advised he was still working with Liz Armstrong and Patsy Brown on appointments for the Historical Commission and recommendations will be forthcoming next month.
Selectman Bulgaris updated the Board on his meeting with Blais, Reilly and Stokes regarding Harbormaster Assistant appointments and their qualifications, training and duties. Bulgaris noted that a memorandum of understanding is being prepared to identify the department’s responsibilities. I feel better after this meeting that most of these guys are qualified and it was decided that they would not carry firearms. Bulgaris suggested that Harbormaster’s department join with Police and Fire to conduct training drills for emergencies. Bulgaris moved to appoint Gregory Downs, Daniel Lee, Joe Rolfe and Jim Velonis as Assistant Harbormasters for a term of three years, seconded by Selectman Bear and open to discussion. Selectman Mountain noted that
Terence O’Malley had been omitted and he moved to amend the motion adding O’Malley to the appointments, seconded by Selectman Walker. There were only two votes for the amendment so it failed and O’Malley was omitted. The original motion for appointment of Downs, Lee, Rolfe and Velonis was voted by Selectmen Bulgaris, Bear and Story. Selectmen Mountain and Walker abstained from this vote. Resident Deb Protopapas of Cottage Road questioned the decision, citing how helpful and friendly O’Malley is on the dock. She asked if the appointments are based on credentials why would he not be re-appointed. Rich Marks of Longbrook Road agreed with Protopapas. Chairman Story advised the Board would take their comments under advisement and report back on the issue at the next meeting.
At 7:30 p.m. the legal notice for a public hearing on the disposition of property at 6 Blue Hill Avenue (Map U05, Lot 16) and 119 Old Point Road (Map U05, Lot 20) was read. Planner Martha Taylor reviewed both properties with the Board. It was moved by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Bulgaris and voted unanimously to declare both properties as surplus.
On the recommendation of Chief Reilly the following personnel were re-appointed on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Mountain and voted unanimously: Full-time/three year appointments: Michael Reilly, Chief of Police and Emergency Management Director; John Lucey, Police Lieutenant and 1st Asst. Emergency Management Director; Jay Routhier, Police Sergeant; Patricia Fisher, Police Sergeant; Aaron Wojtkowski, Police Detective; Gregg Frappier, Patrolman; Steven Jenkins, Patrolman; Steven May, Patrolman; Mark Smigielski, Patrolman; Michael Croteau, Patrolman; Steven Smith, Patrolman and Jeanne McClung, Dispatcher. Reserve/one year appointments: Michael Nary, Reserve Patrolman; Megan Muldowney, Reserve Patrolman; John Lucey
III, Reserve Patrolman; James Velonis, Reserve Patrolman; Christopher MacDonald, Reserve Patrolman; Michael Mailhot, Reserve Patrolman; John Regan, Reserve Patrolman; Robert Hagopian, Police Chaplain; Salie Zinck, Reserve Dispatcher; Andrew Bridges, Reserve Dispatcher. Special Police/oneyear: Carol Larocque, ACO, Animal Inspector; Charles Colby, Shellfish Constable; Roger Merry, Special Police; Andrew Avelis, Special Police and Timothy Leonard, 2nd Asst. Emergency Management Director. All police appointments include the authority to enforce laws on all waterways and inlets within the Town of Newbury.
The minutes of the June 14th meeting were accepted as presented on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Mountain and voted unanimously.
Selectman Mountain spoke briefly on the roles of the Cable TV Advisory Committee. He noted that we must move forward and volunteers are needed to serve on the committee. He suggested renaming the committee the “Communications Committee” and including the web with cable as an integrated package. Chairman Story suggested putting a notice on the web site that we are looking for volunteers. Blais noted that some preliminary wiring has already been done in this building and to the hub on Low Street and agreed that the Town needs to move forward on this issue.
On the recommendation of the Planning Board, John Weis was appointed to fill Mountains seat on the Board until the May 2012 election, on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Mountain and voted unanimously. On the recommendation of the Planning Board, Arthur Costonis was appointed as Associate Planning Board member for a one year term on a motion by Selectman Walker, seconded by Selectman Bear and voted unanimously.
The re-appointment of David Powell as MVPC Commissioner for Newbury (one year term) and Martha Taylor as Alternate MVPC Commissioner (one year term) was moved by Selectman Walker and seconded by Selectman Mountain and a discussion ensued. Chairman Story noted he was disappointed with what MVPC does for us as a Town and Powell doesn’t seem to follow through on our requests. Kathleen Pearson, PB Chair advised that Powell was a good fit for this position and Selectman Mountain agreed and noted we get tremendous technical support from MVPC but until we have water and sewer Newbury cannot be competitive in attracting business. Chairman Story asked to table Powell’s appointment for two weeks to allow him time to speak with Powell. Taylor’s appointment was
approved and voted unanimously. Powell’s appointment was tabled to the meeting of July 12th.
A letter from Dick Passeri resigning as Finance Committee member effective immediately was accepted with deep regret and thanks to Dick for his hours of service on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Bulgaris and voted unanimously.
A new business license for Kevin Robbins d/b/a Wee Fix It at 5 Central Street was approved on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Bulgaris and voted unanimously. A new business license for Kyla and Lara Goss d/b/a Diamonds from the Ruff at 4 Riverview Drive was approved on a motion by Selectman Walker, seconded by Selectman Bear and voted unanimously. A new business license for Carol Larocque d/b/a Rock’nt at 247 High Road was approved on a motion by Selectman Walker, seconded by Selectman Bear and voted unanimously.
A news release from Triton Regional regarding their teacher’s 3-year contract was accepted and filed.
Warrants were signed for the Town Administrator.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 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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