BOARD OF SELECTMEN’S MEETING
AUGUST 14. 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, Walker and Town Administrator Tracy Blais. Selectman Mountain was absent.
Blais advised that 250 sterling silver coins from the 375th celebration had been found in the vault by the Town Clerk. The market value of these coins is about $18 each. Permission to sell these coins was requested with the proceeds going to the miscellaneous revenue fund. There are also 950 bronze coins with no market value on hand. These items have been declared surplus for disposal, she noted. Selectman Bulgaris will check with Channing Howard (Historic Commission Chair) to insure their committee has no interest, prior to approving the sale. An executed contract for Angel Wills, Town Accountant was provided for the files. A contract for Deputy Chief John
Lucey was presented to the Board for their review. Questions or changes should be sent to Counsel for final approval prior to the Board executing the contract at the next meeting. Blais reported that Nancy Thurlow of the Historic Commission had complained about parking on the Lower Green within the drip line of the trees. There is no signage and therefore no enforcement at this time, Blais noted. A discussion ensued regarding the town ramp area and overflow parking. There was no action taken at this time. Blais announced the receipt of a grant from MIIA for $1800 for Motorcycle Safety Programming which will allow training for our Police Department. Blais spoke on the reorganization of the Assessors Office. Her vision is to have a Chief Assessor and a clerical person in the office. The Board of Assessors has
agreed to study this suggestion over the next few months.
A discussion on the repaving of Church Street was reopened with Doug Janvrin Sr. and Paul Colby from the Byfield Water District. Janvrin stated they stood by their letter of June 18th. The development of a new well on Larkin Road, the possible need of a filtration plant and the replacement of all old meters with radio-read equipment have taken precedence. He noted the pipes in question are adequate and all about the same age. Should a break occur, we will handle it and repave the road as required, he stated. Colby advised that most mains are in the shoulder or on the edge of the roads in the Church, Lunt, Central and Main Street areas. Janvrin and Colby were thanked for attending the meeting.
As moved by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Bulgaris, the warrant for the September 6th primary election was signed and will be posted by a Constable.
The minutes of the July 24th meeting were accepted as presented on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted unanimously.
A request from the Newbury Democratic Town Committee for use of the Upper Green for a yard sale on Saturday, October 6th from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a rain date of October 8th was approved on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Bulgaris and voted unanimously.
At the request of the Town Clerk, Donna Callahan was appointed as an Election Worker on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted unanimously.
The appointment of George Morse as associate member of the Planning Board was moved by Selectman Walker, seconded by Selectman Bear and a discussion ensued. Selectman Bulgaris expressed his concern that there was only one applicant for this position. He advised he was not happy with past candidates as they appear to be one-sided and are not friendly towards small business and agriculture. Selectmen Story and Walker were supportive of Morse’s appointment. It was agreed the appointment would be tabled for thirty days and re-advertised to see if there is interest in this position. In the meantime, Selectman Bulgaris was asked to meet with Morse to better understand his views.
A letter from Mass DOT was read advising the Governor had signed bill H4235 setting the terms for funding the FY13 Chapter 90 apportionment which enables all towns to proceed with Chapter 90 projects dependent on these funds.
A MRTA notice of a meeting on August 23rd was read and filed.
Receipt of Comcast’s PEG Access Support quarterly payment in the amount of $26,310.74 was acknowledged.
Warrants were signed for the Town Administrator.
Chairman Story noted that P.I. meetings are ongoing. Selectmen Bulgaris commented that there are three regulatory agencies involved (DEP, ACOE and CZM) and they seem to blame each other for no action. He suggested sending a letter to the Governor asking that he deploy National Guard troops to the Island to insure the safety of the houses in jeopardy until these agencies agree on a solution and take action. Selectman Walker noted that our home owners are willing to use their own money to save their houses and I don’t understand what the problem is. We have declared a state of emergency and now need permits. Walker thanked Senator Tarr for his tenacity working to protect the Island.
It was agreed that a letter to the Governor would be drafted for review and approval at the next meeting.
Selectman Bear advised the Capital Planning Committee was still meeting to address the issues with the Bandoian property. He also introduced Lenny Mirra who is a candidate for Harriett Stanley’s seat in the House. Mirra noted he was visiting local towns to learn about their needs. Increased local aid to help funding our schools was listed as one priority in Newbury. He thanked the Board for the opportunity to meet with them.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m. on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen Sirois, Admin. Asst.
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
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