BOARD OF SELECTMEN’S MEETING
AUGUST 28, 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, Bulgaris, Mountain, Walker and Town Administrator Tracy Blais.
TA Blais advised that FY12 books are closed and the audit is underway. The GASB 45 Actuarial Valuation as of July 1, 2011 has been completed by Primoris Benefit Advisors, Inc. and is submitted to the Board for their review. The Town’s unfunded liability for post-employment benefits is $4,473,482. The “code red” reverse network is up and running and the first notification went out last week with a Triple E advisory from the Board of Health. Selectman Story noted that Pop Warner has also been on top of this situation with advisories to parents and cutting practices early.
A one day liquor license for Protection Fire Co. #2 for a function on Sept. 16th from 1-5 p.m. was approved on a motion by Selectman Bulgaris, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted unanimously.
Two one-day liquor licenses were approved for Governors Academy for functions on September 28th from 6p.m. to midnight and September 29th from 6p.m. to midnight on a motion by Selectman Walker, seconded by Selectman Bulgaris and voted unanimously.
The appointment of Alix McArdle to the IAC to fill the retiree position vacated by Anne Hatheway was approved on a motion by Selectman Bulgaris, seconded by Selectman Bear and voted unanimously.
The Deputy Chief’s contract reviewed at the last meeting was approved and signed on a motion by Selectman Bulgaris, seconded by Selectman Mountain and voted unanimously.
The minutes of the August 14th meeting were accepted as presented on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted. Selectman Mountain abstained as he was not present at that meeting.
A letter to Governor Patrick regarding the state of emergency on P.I. was reviewed and approved on a motion by Selectman Bulgaris, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted unanimously.
Communications were accepted and filed. Warrants were signed for the Town Administrator.
Under meeting updates, Selectman Bear advised that the AMR problems seem to have been resolved according the Chief Pearson. Selectman Bulgaris noted that there has been some interest in the associate position on the Planning Board. Interviews will be held at the next PB meeting and recommendations will be made. The Selectmen were invited to attend the interviews. Selectman Bear reported that Mr. Doyle of Morgan Avenue is still upset by late night meetings and noise at the Fire Station. Selectman Story noted that he and John O’Connell had attended a Newburyport Water meeting to support a proposal by Pine Island Road residents to hook into the Newburyport Water system. The mains are
insufficient at this time but Newburyport Water was very receptive of this proposal and will look at it when funding is available. Selectman Mountain advised the next step of the Media Committee will be the staffing issue. A half-time person is probably needed and a job description will be drawn up. The system may be up and running in October if all goes well.
Selectman Walker raised the “parking on the lower green” situation with Blais. She noted Nancy Thurlow was in to report that eighteen cars and trailers were parked on the lower green Sunday. Walker advised that after speaking with a certified arborist, he was advised the sugar maples on the Lower Green are showing signs of stress. The arborist will confer with the Tree Warden Peter Hollis and write up some recommendations and parking suggestions for the Green for review of the Board. It was also noted that the Norway Maple at the ramp is an invasive species and could be removed to make room for three or four additional parking spaces. After a brief discussion it was decided to
wait for these recommendations before taking any action.
Chairman Story advised he and Selectman Walker had spoken to Mark Friery of Newburyport Clean Tech regarding their progress on solar panels. The two main areas being investigated are the Central Street Field property and the old landfill. Zoning changes would be needed as well as use changes of a recreational/park land area to move forward. Planner Martha Taylor has met with officials in Amesbury to learn about how they created a solar bylaw and overlay district there.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 p.m. on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Bulgaris and voted unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen Sirois, Admin. Asst.
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
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