BOARD OF SELECTMEN’S MEETING
JANUARY 25, 2011
Chairman Story called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. with the pledge of allegiance to our flag. In attendance were Selectmen Story, Bear, Bulgaris, Keller, Walker and Town Administrator Chuck Kostro.
Frank Remley advised that the Strategic Financial Planning Task Force had nearly completed their work sessions and were ready for public informational meetings. To date, three meetings have been scheduled – Feb. 1st @NES, Feb. 10th @ the Newbury Library and Feb. 16th @ PITA. All meetings are scheduled for 7 p.m.
Selectman Bear announced the schedule for public hearings on Newbury’s Town Owned Surplus Properties. The property at 87 Middle Road (Parcel R36-9) is scheduled for Tuesday, February 8th, 34-14th Street (Parcel U03-37) is scheduled for Tuesday, February 22nd, 71,73 and 81 Old Point Road (Parcels U05-1,2,5) are scheduled jointly for Tuesday, March 8th, 139 Hay Street (Parcel R25-12A) is scheduled for Tuesday, March 22nd and 11 Lunt Street (Parcel U11-66) is scheduled for Tuesday, April 5th. All hearings are at 7 p.m. at the start of the Selectmen’s meetings. Selectman Bear moved to accept the schedule as presented, seconded by Selectman Bulgaris and voted
unanimously.
Town Administrator, Chuck Kostro, requested the Selectmen schedule an executive session for their next meeting on 2/8 to discuss strategy with respect to the collective bargaining agreement with the Police Association. It was agreed that the Selectmen’s meeting on the 8th would be scheduled for 6 p.m. and the executive session would be first item on the agenda. The regular business session would begin at the close of the executive session. John Lucey was assigned as Emergency Management Director Alternate to aid Mike Reilly and Tim Leonard, by mutual agreement of the parties and the Board. Kostro presented his final 2012 budget to the Board
for review. The Selectmen have fifteen days to review, comment and send this budget to the Finance Committee for acceptance. He summarized his revenue estimates and presented the Board with department head (unedited) narratives on the cuts to each department. He proposed covering the free cash (FY11) deficit and snow and ice deficit with what is left in the stabilization fund and moving monies from the betterment fund to the land sale fund to use for capital items such as sand bags and design of the DPW barn. He noted that the library, police, DPW and COA have serious issues with the cuts being made. Story noted that the narratives presented would be home work for the Board as tough decisions must be made.
Jeff Wade of Borders to Boston spoke on the proposed MOU which the Selectmen had rejected at their December 28th meeting. Selectman Walker asked Mr. Wade to explain how signing this MOU does not expose the town to costs we are unable to pay. Wade advised that there are no ancillary costs over the $12,659 agreed upon. That amount was committed by the committee so there would be no actual cost to the town. The town will back up this amount with Chapter 90 funds until the committee can raise the total. It was noted that $6K has been raised to date. Wade noted that they were trying to bring the scope of work to a point where it will cover everyone with no additional costs. If a change order is submitted
the BOS can refuse it. There is no lighting presently contracted – the trail would be for daytime use only. Parking is at the discretion of the Town. This agreement is for design only and terminates when 100% of the design of the project is completed. Martha Taylor advised the Counsel had reviewed the MOU and concurred that the MOU ends with the end of design. Wade commented that the design portion of this project could take up to two years and the towns can then go the MVPC for inclusion on TIP for funding of construction. Walker noted that his three concerns had been addressed – MOU ends with design, $12,659 is all we are on the hook for and we don’t have to build if the agreement with National Grid does not come through. Selectman Bear moved to accept the MOU and to authorize Chairman Story to sign the document on their behalf, seconded by Selectman
Bulgaris and voted unanimously.
A request from the Plum Island Grille on P.I. to have entertainment on the premises Thursday, January 27th from 6-9 p.m. was granted on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Keller and voted unanimously.
A request from the residents of Colby Village to have their road (Colby Lane) accepted as a town road at the annual town meeting was read. Selectman Bulgaris suggested no approvals be given until the finished road is okayed by Planning, Fire, DPW and Conservation. Martha Taylor noted Planning is still working with the contractor and it is critical that sign-offs be obtained from DPW and Fire. It was moved by Selectman Walker, seconded by Selectman Bulgaris to advise the Colby Village Association that sign-offs would need to be in place from Planning, DPW, Fire and Conservation prior to the BOS placing this request on the warrant, voted unanimously.
A one-day liquor license for NES PTA for a function at Governor’s Academy on March 12th from 6 p.m. to midnight was approved on a motion by Selectman Keller, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted unanimously.
The minutes of the January 11th meeting were accepted as presented on a motion by Selectman Bulgaris, seconded by Selectman Bear and voted unanimously.
A letter of commendation for Jeanne McClung and Carol Larocque from the Siy’s of Middle Road was read and accepted for the file.
A letter of resignation from Town Administrator Chuck Kostro was read and accepted with regret but appreciation for his time, hard work and expertise from all the Board on a motion By Selectman Bulgaris, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted unanimously. Advertisements for the position will appear in the Beacon and are on the MMA web site and the town web site. A screening committee will select three or four applicants for final review. Kostro noted that the job description is laid out in the Acts of the Town Administrator and Finance Director.
Chairman Story noted he has been agonizing over the situation with our DPW. A provision in the State Building Code allows the establishment of a “survey board” who can determine after inspection and review of reports if it is possible to allow the DPW back into the building while the town tries to correct the deficiencies. It was moved by Selectman Bulgaris, seconded by Selectman Keller to pursue forming this board and a discussion ensured. The survey committee would consist of a surveyor, head of the fire department and a disinterested party chosen by the Building Inspector. They will inspect the building, review all reports and make a recommendation to the BOS. The motion was voted by Selectmen
Bulgaris, Keller, Story and Walker. Selectman Bear abstained from the vote. Selectman Keller moved to appoint Bill Pearson (Fire Chief), Ed M. Stearns (Surveyor) and a third party designated by Sam Joslin as the Survey Board to inspect the facility, study reports and make a recommendation to the BOS, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted by Bulgaris, Keller, Story and Walker. Selectman Bear abstained from the vote.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:25 p.m. on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Keller and voted unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen Sirois, Secretary
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