BOARD OF SELECTMEN’S MEETING
JUNE 14, 2011
Chairman Joseph 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, Walker and Town Administrator Tracy Blais. The first order of business was to reorganize the Board. Selectman Bear nominated Story to continue as Chair, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted. Selectman Bear nominated Bulgaris to continue as Vice Chair, seconded by Walker and voted. Selectman Bulgaris nominated Bear as Clerk, seconded by Walker and voted.
A letter from Town Clerk, Anne Hatheway, announcing her retirement effective August 1, 2011 was accepted with deep regret.
A request from the B2B Committee for use of the Upper Green on Saturday, June 25th from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for a yard sale fund raiser was approved on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Mountain and voted unanimously. Christine Wilkinson of the B2B Committee advised that should they be rained out again, they have permission from Protection Fire Company #2 to use the Firemen’s Hall for the sale.
Town Administrator Tracy Blais noted, as a follow up to town meeting, that the stabilization fund is left with approximately $87K. Letters were sent to Senator Tarr and Representative Stanley to petition the General Court for the establishment of a fire department in accordance with Article #10 voted at town meeting. Blais advised she would be working with the auditors to see how best to cover deficit accounts for FY11. She also noted that it seems FY12 budgets will also present shortfalls. She will be investigating solutions and will keep the Selectmen in the loop. Copies of “financial management policies and objectives” were submitted to the Selectmen for their review and comments prior to adoption. An audit engagement letter was signed for Giusti, Hingston & Company by Chairman Story. Blais noted that the web page has been updated and voice mailboxes provided for the Selectmen. She advised that Assistant Harbormaster appointments have expired and Brendan
Stokes has recommended for consideration the re-appointment of his team in a letter dated 6/9/11 which was provided to the Selectmen. Three quotes have been requested for tax collection software, Blais noted. Two have been received to date. Also, bids on insurance are in the works and Blais will keep the Board advised of the successful bidder. It was moved by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Bulgaris and voted unanimously to allow Blais to move forward with DCS Energy to see if the Town has any buildings or sites that qualify for their solar program. A letter from Jennifer Brown, Director of the Library, regarding repairs to the playground at the Martha C. Pearson Field, was read. It was moved by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Bulgaris and voted unanimously to have Blais send letters of thanks to those who participated in the repair efforts. Blais advised that
collective bargaining was ongoing for the Police Association contract and the next meeting was scheduled for June 22nd. The Finance Committee has been asked for recommendations for appointments to the Capital Planning Committee. Blais noted that Kathleen Pearson has expressed an interest in serving on this committee.
Selectman Bulgaris moved to consider the harbormaster assistants appointments recommended by Stokes, seconded by Selectman Walker and opened to discussion. Bulgaris noted he had several concerns that needed answers before making any appointments. Some of these concerns were regarding the duties of a harbormaster assistant, police powers and firearms, training, guidance on break downs in our waters, search & rescue work with the Coast Guard, difference between a Dock Master and a Harbormaster, job descriptions, and 1st responder training. Harbormaster Stokes addressed several of these concerns. Selectman Bulgaris noted that the Board should take advantage of this time to do things correctly and insure that training is in place. Selectman
Walker moved to have Stokes, Blais and Chief Reilly look at job descriptions, training, and firm up qualifications, seconded by Selectman Bear and voted unanimously. The appointments were tabled to the next meeting so this information can be assimilated. The motion on the table to consider the appointments was withdrawn on a motion by Selectman Bulgaris, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted unanimously.
A request for approval of a late application for a commercial clamming license from Peder Franson of Central Street was considered. Selectman Bear asked if the Fish Commissioners had made a determination on this case. Mrs. Franson advised he had spoken with Commissioner Thistlewood. The matter was tabled to the end of the meeting to allow Selectman Bear time to contact Thistlewood regarding this application.
A request from Mike Houlihan of Maple Terrace for permission to conduct yoga classes on the southern most part of Newbury’s beach on seven low tide Sunday mornings was addressed. The Board agreed that while official permission is not required for this activity, they had no problem with approving the request per the terms of Mr. Houlihan’s letter.
A one-day liquor license was approved on a motion by Selectman Bulgaris, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted unanimously for the NHS Class of ’66 Reunion Committee for an event at PITA Hall on Saturday, July 30th from 6-11 p.m.
The Board accepted, as presented by the Town Clerk, the 2011 Re-Precincting Plan for the Town of Newbury on a motion by Selectman Bulgaris, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted unanimously.
On a motion by Selectman Walker, seconded by Selectman Bulgaris and voted unanimously, a list of election workers recommended for appointment for FY12 by the Town Clerk was
approved as presented and Francis Webb was reappointed as Registrar of Voters for a three year term.
A schedule of Inspectional Services fees for FY12 presented by Building Inspector Sam Joslin was approved as recommended on a motion by Selectman Mountain, seconded by Selectman Bulgaris and voted unanimously.
The Board acknowledged receipt of a PEG Access Support check from Comcast in the amount of $23,621.00. Blais advised that in accordance with our contract, a portion of these monies may be used to upgrade technology. To that end, she recommended the Selectmen allow the use of up to $60K for software for the Treasurer/Collectors office. This recommendation to allow use of these funds was moved by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Bulgaris and voted unanimously.
The following appointments were approved on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted unanimously: Tony Penski, Town Counsel (3 yrs.); Kathleen Sirois, Admin. Asst. (3yrs.); Rick Salmonson, Zoning Board of Appeals (3 yrs.); Larry Guay and Robert Connors, Finance Committee (3 yrs.); Gerry Downs, Plumbing/Gas Inspector (3 yrs.); Charles Laudani, Asst. Plumbing/Gas Inspector (3 yrs.); William Robitaille, Wiring Inspector (3 yrs.); James Soffron, Asst. Wiring Inspector (3 yrs.) John Hartnett and James Cunningham, Conservation Commission (3 yrs.); and John O’Connell, PB Rep. to the Conservation Commission.
Historical Commission appointments were revisited and tabled to allow Selectman Mountain time to work with Patsy Brown on recommendations for appointments, up to seven in total. He noted that an active commission is needed and can be an asset to many aspects, especially those of the Planning Board.
On the recommendation of the Newbury Board of Library Trustees, Margaret Grimes was appointed to replace Amy Swiniarski until the May 2012 election, on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Bulgaris and voted unanimously.
On a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted unanimously letters of appreciation will be sent to Whittier Vocational for their work on the electrical system at the DPW facility and to Richey Woodworking and Keiver-Willard Lumber for the meeting room table.
Minutes of the April 26th, May 5th, 11th and 12th meetings were accepted as presented on a motion by Selectman Bulgaris, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted by Bulgaris, Walker and Story. Selectmen Bear and Mountain abstained from the vote as they were not present at all meetings.
A business license for Gregg Pugh d/b/a Plum Island Beachcoma, Inc. was approved on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Bulgaris and voted unanimously.
The late commercial clamming license application was again addressed. Selectman Bear advised he was able to contact Commissioner Thistlewood and on Thistlewood’s recommendation Selectman Bear moved to grant the license, seconded by Selectman Bulgaris and voted unanimously.
Two communications were acknowledged. The first being a “citizens activity record” from John Weiss of Black Duck Circle which is being addressed by the Planning Board and the second a letter of thanks to the Selectmen from the Council on Aging.
Warrants were signed for the Town Administrator.
Selectman Bulgaris noted that Byfield Days will be celebrated this coming weekend with lots of activities planned including the dedication of the Marion Bryant memorial at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 18th. He advised that donations left over from the memorial will be split between the Newbury Library and NES Library for the purchase of books in memory of Ms. Bryant.
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
Administrative Assistant
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