BOARD OF SELECTMEN’S MEETING
APRIL 12, 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, Keller, Walker and Acting Town Administrator Anthony Penski.
Selectman Walker read the legal notice for the public hearing on the proposed disposition of real property located at 21 Hutchins Road (U03-21), Hutchins Road (U03-23) and 15 Hutchins Terrace (U03-25). Kathleen Pearson advised that the Surplus Property Committee had deemed all three properties of no benefit to the Town. Lot U03-23 contains 4900 s/f, has no frontage on a “street” and is classified as unbuildable as it is under 5000 s/f. Lot U03-25 contains 9800 s/f and has 70’ frontage on Hutchins Terrace. Lot U03-21 contains 5950 s/f with little if any frontage and is mainly marshland. Pearson fielded questions from the Board and the audience. Dan Streeter asked if there were any other
adjacent town properties in the vicinity and Pearson answered, no but there are some houses interspersed. Pearson noted that the properties are being proposed for sale even though unbuildable because these lots may be of interest to abutters to add to their property or to keep as open space. These proposed sales are meant to put the properties back on taxable status. Selectman Bear moved to declare these three lots as surplus, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted unanimously. Pearson was thanked for the many hours she has expended on this project. The public hearing was closed at 7:15 p.m.
Under “Citizens Concerns”, Dale Williams made note of a recent article in the Daily News that reported while the Merrimac BOS put an over ride article on the ballot, they voted not to support that over ride. Williams requested the Selectmen vote their support of the over ride. Story stated, we have worked since October with the Task Force, voted twice to put the over ride on the ballot and have all promoted it as private citizens. We don’t understand why you would think we don’t support this. Williams noted it was because of the News article and possible perception by the residents. Selectman Walker moved to reaffirm the Board’s support of the over ride, seconded by Selectman Keller and voted
unanimously.
Acting Town Administrator Penski updated the Board on the “snow & ice” budget. He advised that $286,777.77 has been spent to date with a deficit of $191,557.77. He also noted that he and Accountant Angel Wills have been trying to identify funding sources for the town barn repairs. $154,158.60 has been recovered and an article will be place on the ATM warrant to allow use of these monies for repairs to the town barn. These monies can only be used for capital expenditures, he noted. Selectman Keller asked about the Temple Boulevard property that was offered for sale. She asked if an outside firm like Southeby’s could be hired to auction off the property. Kathleen Pearson
suggested contacting some of our local realtors to see what they would advise. Is the anticipated price too high or do we need to permit it before sale? Penski advised that hiring an outside firm for the sale was not compatible with state law and would need a special act of the legislature. The Board agreed to table this matter until the next meeting. Selectman Keller will look into options for this property. Pearson asked about the status of surplus properties with no deeds. Penski noted that deeds for Elm Street and Middle Road have not yet been located and we are waiting for proof of ownership on the Hay Street property. On the subject of the town barn, Chairman Story advised that Whittier Vocational may be able to do most of the electrical work. Also, Senator Tarr and Representative Stanley are working on funding sources for our town.
A request for use of the Lower Green on May 22nd from 8-11 a.m. as a rest stop for the American Diabetes Associations Tour de Cure 2011 was approved on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Bulgaris and voted unanimously.
On the recommendation of Fire Chief William Pearson, the following persons were appointed to the Board of Fire Engineers on a motion by Selectman Bulgaris, seconded by Selectman Bear and voted by Bear, Bulgaris, Keller and Story. – William Pearson, Douglas Janvrin Sr., Robert Dash, Tim Wareham, Tim Leonard, Wallace Ziehler, Douglas Janvrin Jr. and Nate Walker. Selectman Walker abstained from the vote. On a motion by Selectman Bulgaris, seconded by Selectman Bear and voted by Bear, Bulgaris, Keller and Story the following persons were appointed as Forest Warden and Deputy Wardens – William Pearson/Warden, Douglas Janvrin Jr./Deputy Warden, Robert Dash/Deputy Warden, Tim Wareham/Deputy Warden, Tim Leonard/Deputy Warden, Wallace Ziehler/Deputy Warden, Douglas Janvrin Jr./Deputy
Warden and Nate Walker/Deputy Warden. Selectman Walker abstained from the vote.
A letter from Accountant Angel Wills was read by Chairman Story regarding disposition of the 375th Anniversary Committee funds per Chapter 44 section 53 & 531 of the MGL. As the committee has not been officially disbanded and these funds are available until the end of 2011, the matter was tabled to allow all the committee time to plan appropriate uses of these monies within the state statutes.
The minutes of the March 15th meeting were accepted as presented on a motion by Selectman Bulgaris, seconded by Selectman Bear and voted unanimously. The minutes of the March 22nd meeting were accepted with an amendment to the end of the 17th paragraph on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Bulgaris and voted unanimously. The minutes of the March 31st meeting were accepted as presented on a motion by Selectman Bulgaris, seconded by Selectman Bear and voted unanimously.
A letter from MASSPIRG requesting support of an updated bottle bill was read by Chairman Story. After a brief discussion the Board decided unanimously to take no action.
A request for use of the Upper Green on Saturday, June 11th by the B2B Committee for a yard sale to benefit funding of Newbury’s B2B Trail design was approved on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Bulgaris and voted unanimously.
A NTS (Newbury Town Sponsor) application from R.D. Connors Corp. to sponsor 2600’ of beach, south of groin #1, by providing equipment and manpower to install and maintain snow fencing, dune grass planting, preparation and top dressing and removal of large beach debris during the 2011 calendar year at no cost to the town was approved on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Keller and voted unanimously.
A request for use of the Upper Green ball field for five Tuesdays (May 17-June 14) from Scott Signore of 4 Rolfe’s Lane for soft ball games was approved on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Bulgaris and voted unanimously.
A request for use of the Upper Green from the Bayberry Girl Scouts to hold a plant sale to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Girl Scouts in the USA on May 22nd from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. was approved on a motion by Selectman Walker, seconded by Selectman Bear and voted unanimously.
The Board confirmed the polling hours for the Town Election on May 10th to be 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the two polling locations: Newbury Town Hall for Precinct 1 voters and the Newbury Town Library for Precinct 2 voters.
A Class II license was renewed for Seacoast Cycle, 4/6 Newburyport Tpke. on a motion by Selectman Walker, seconded by Selectman Bear and voted unanimously.
Newbury Community Day at the Town Library on Sunday, April 17th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. was announced by Chairman Story. Festivities will include refreshments, music, reading and book signing by Andre Dubus III from his acclaimed memoir, Townie, cake and a raffle to benefit the Library playground.
Warrants were signed for Acting Town Administrator, Anthony Penski.
Under meeting updates, Selectman Keller noted that the Choices 2011 web site was up and running and the committees were working on signage and house parties to get the word out. Chairman Story advised that at a meeting at Whittier, they advised that their roof project came in under budget. The first public hearing on the Byfield Village Traffic Study was held and local businesses will be approached to get further input.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m. on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Bulgaris and voted unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen Sirois, Admin. Asst.
| 
