BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING
MARCH 8, 2011
Chairman Story opened the meeting at 7:00 p.m. with the pledge of allegiance to our flag. In attendance were Selectmen Story, Bulgaris, Keller, Walker and Acting Town Administrator Anthony Penski. Selectman Bear was absent.
The first order of business was an override recommendation from the Strategic Financial Planning Task Force dated 3/3/11 which was read by Chairman Story. A discussion on the proposed override amount ensued. Story noted that the Finance Committee would like two more weeks to work on the final figure as the school budget and insurance increases are still pending. The Selectmen all agreed to honor the Finance Committee’s request as it was vital that the amount is enough to spread out over 3-5 years but is not more than is needed. The Task Force felt their job was done with their recommendation of $950K but they also wanted the number to be right. Comments and questions from the audience were answered. Dale Williams
commented that we should not short ourselves on this. The Town needs to get back to fiscal sanity and there shouldn’t be a hassle about $200K. David Powell suggested that a commitment was needed from the Selectmen with or without a number so that the wheels can be set in motion. Selectman Keller moved to place an override question on the election ballot for May 7th, amount to be determined, seconded by Selectman Bulgaris and voted unanimously. Robin Williams noted we all have to be in this together. It cannot be the town against the schools fighting for every last scrap of money. Timing is a challenge. Selectman Walker agreed that we will need everyone’s help for this override to pass. We may have a figure by our next meeting on the 22nd, he noted. If not, the drop dead date is March
31st.
Selectman Keller read the legal notice for a public hearing on the proposed disposition of parcels U05-0-1/2/5 (71, 73 and 81 Old Point Road respectively). Planner Martha Taylor noted these lots are just south of the Newburyport line. All lots are vacant, #73 has no frontage, and all are subject to the Wetlands Bylaw. A letter of concern from Pat Crowley of 77 Old Point Road was read and filed. Taylor advised that these lots will be sold with no guarantees and may only be of benefit to the abutters. It was moved by Selectman Keller to declare 71,73 and 81 Old Point Road as surplus property, seconded by Selectman Bulgaris and voted unanimously. Kathleen Pearson asked about abandoning un-constructed ways at the
ATM. Story advised that a public hearing would be needed before being voted at town meeting. Martha Taylor advised doing this only on a case by case basis. Pearson noted that the next property on the list is the Yellow School building and this will need to be voted on at the ATM. She also noted that the first hearing on the property on Middle Road was not advertised in a timely manner and would need to be done again.
The legal notice for a pole hearing for National Grid/Verizon plan #9704874 dated 1/7/11 to erect a new pole at 54 Green Street was read by Selectman Keller. After a brief discussion with the homeowner, it was moved by Selectman Keller, seconded by Selectman Bulgaris and voted unanimously to approve the plan for a new pole as presented.
Acting Town Administrator Anthony Penski reminded the Board they must refer the preliminary budget to the Finance Committee for their review. It was moved by Selectman Walker, seconded by Selectman Keller and voted unanimously to refer the budget to the FC for review.
Four one-day liquor licenses were approved on a motion by Selectman Bulgaris, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted unanimously for the Byfield Community Arts Center for March 5th, March 19th, April 15th and May 15th all from 7:30 to 11 p.m.
The following persons were appointed to the Insurance Advisory Committee on a motion by Selectman Walker, seconded by Selectman Keller and voted unanimously: John Wilkinson and Diane Doyle of the Personnel Board, Kathleen Sirois, ATA Anthony Penski and Jeanne McClung representing the Police Association.
The minutes of the February 22nd meeting were accepted as presented on a motion by Selectman Keller, seconded by Selectman Bulgaris and voted unanimously.
A request for use of the Upper Green Ball Field on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, 5 p.m. to dusk, from July 1st through Labor Day by the Neptune Softball League was approved on a motion by Selectman Bulgaris, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted unanimously.
A request from the Historical Society of Old Newbury to place small signs around town advertising their 32nd Annual Garden Tour was approved on a motion by Selectman Bulgaris, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted unanimously. They will be asked to coordinate with Sam Joslin on placement and removal.
A request from the Plum Island Grille on P.I. for an entertainment permit for March 17th (St. Patrick’s Day) from 6:45-9:45 p.m. was approved on a motion by Selectman Walker, seconded by Selectman Keller and voted unanimously.
A Class II license was renewed for Circle Auto Sales on a motion by Selectman Walker, seconded by Selectman Keller and voted unanimously.
John Wilkinson, Chair of the Search Committee for Town Administrator, recommended three candidates to the Selectmen for their consideration. Wilkinson advised that 43 applications had been received. These were narrowed down to 14 and 9 interviews were held. The quality and diversity of the candidates was amazing, he noted. The three candidates selected are Tracie Blaise, Pamela Nolan and Robert Halpin. Selectman Walker thanked the search committee for their work and moved to accept the three recommendations and schedule open meeting interviews with the board, seconded by Selectman Keller and voted unanimously. The open meeting interviews will be held on Tuesday, March 16th at the Newbury
Town Library and scheduled at 4,6 and 8 p.m. It was moved by Selectman Walker, seconded by Selectman Bulgaris and voted unanimously to request Chief Reilly to do background checks on the candidates.
Warrants were signed for Acting TA Anthony Penski.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m. on a motion by Selectman Keller, seconded by Selectman Bulgaris and voted unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen Sirois, Admin. Asst.
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