BOARD OF SELECTMEN’S MEETING
SEPTEMBER 11, 2012
Chairman Story opened the meeting at 7:00 p.m. with the pledge of allegiance to our flag. In attendance were Selectmen Story, Bear, Mountain, Walker and Town Administrator Tracy Blais. Selectman Bulgaris was absent.
Martie Smith-Joe, Director of the Council on Aging summarized the 2012 Annual Report to the Executive Office of Elder Affairs for the Board. She noted that with the help of volunteers (3046 volunteer hours) and donations, the Council was able to service 486 elders. While the Senior Center provides space, at virtually no cost to the Town, for activities, the Council’s main purpose is to provide service to elders in need and this work requires confidentiality, behind the scenes work and a quiet voice. Some of these programs include confidential outreach/advocacy, professional services such as legal assistance, housing and fuel assistance, support services which include shopping, home visits, telephone reassurance (RUOK), transportation for medical
appointments (NEET program), newsletters, meals on wheels and wellness including health screenings and services, fitness programs, congregate meals, RN home visits and other recreation/socialization events. Even with budget cuts with the aid of our volunteers and donations from private citizens and businesses the Council continues to provide the best services possible to the elders in the community. As the fall/winter season approaches, it is important to keep an eye and ear out for your neighbor. If you notice something out of the ordinary call the Council office and we will make every effort to make contact and assist them. Martie advised that judgments about others mental and physical health should be left to the professionals and everyone deserves respect, privacy and confidentiality about their personal lives. This is no place for gossip. Changes that you notice
may just be part of the aging process. She encouraged anyone with a little spare time to consider volunteering with the Council as there are many opportunities available. The Board thanked Martie for her time and report.
At the request of Planner, Martha Taylor, the Selectmen voted unanimously on a motion by Selectman Mountain, seconded by Selectman Bear to authorize submission of a MassWorks Infrastructure Program application and acceptance of state funding for the Plum Island Gateway Project (grant application MWIP-2012-Newbury-00033). The Selectmen also voted unanimously on a motion by Selectman Mountain, seconded by Selectman Bear to authorize the acceptance of state funding through the MassWorks Infrastructure Program for the Byfield Village Improvement Program (grant application MWIP-2012-Newbury-00032). Taylor advised that these grants are very competitive but both of our projects fall within the criteria. Awards will be
made the end of October.
Town Administrator Tracy Blais updated the Board on the transfer station new hires and noted the new programs are moving forward. She asked for a vote to set the Fall Special Town Meeting date for October 23, 2012. It was moved by Selectman Walker, seconded by Selectman Bear to hold the Fall STM on Tuesday, October 23rd at the Newbury Elementary School. An October 2nd meeting was also scheduled for review and approval of the warrant for the STM.
Warrants were signed for the Town Administrator.
Kathleen Pearson, Chair of the Planning Board advised that they had interviewed four candidates for the position of Associate Member and recommendations for this position will be made at their next meeting. She also noted that the “changes of use table” will be on the ATM warrant and prior to any recommendations she planned a joint meeting with the Selectman.
A one-day liquor license for Mercury Brewing/Spencer-Peirce-Little-Farm for a function on Saturday, September 15, 2012 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. was approved on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted unanimously.
Four one-day liquor licenses for the Byfield Community Arts Center’s Cat in the Cradle Coffeehouses were approved for September 15th, October 27th, November 17, and December 8th, all from 7:30 to 11 p.m. on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted unanimously.
A request from the Trustees of Colby Village Condo Trust to place an article on the fall town meeting warrant for acceptance of Colby Lane as a public way was approved subject to language being accepted by Counsel. It was moved by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted unanimously to put a warrant article, in a form approved by Town Counsel or Assistant Town Counsel, on the warrant for the October 23, 2012 Special Town Meeting asking for the Town Meeting members to determine by vote if they, acting on behalf of the town, approved the acceptance of Colby Lane as a public way.
The minutes of the August 28th meeting were accepted as presented on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted.
A new business license for Stephanie Migliozzi d/b/a Food for Thought at 134 Northern Blvd. was approved on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Mountain and voted unanimously. Mr. Migliozzi advised she planned to have a “whole foods market” with prepared meals and pizza. She will also offer pizza delivery.
The appointment of Frank Wetenkamp as Finance Committee Representative to the Capital Planning Committee was approved on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Mountain and voted unanimously.
On the recommendation of Chief Reilly, Joseph Santiago was appointed as a Reserve Police Officer on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted unanimously.
Selectman Walker advised he would be attending a regional ACEC meeting tomorrow and would bring back a report for the next meeting.
Chairman Story advocated for the commitment of one of the board members to attend the monthly School Committee meetings as the schools are a large percent of our budget and we need to have a voice at the meetings. Selectman Walker noted that if they knew ahead of time when subjects affecting the town would be on the agenda, we could insure attendance. Blais agreed to provide agendas for the School Committee meetings in a timely manner so the decision of attendance could be made.
It was moved by Selectman Bear and seconded by Selectman Mountain to adjourn at 7:35 p.m. Before adjourning, Chairman Story introduced Barry Fogel of West Newbury who is a candidate for the State Representative’s seat to be vacated by Harriett Stanley. Fogel gave a brief overview of his campaign and the issues he saw as important to the town.
At 7:45 p.m. the motion to adjourn having been made and seconded, it was voted unanimously and the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen Sirois, Admin. Asst.
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