BOARD OF SELECTMEN
July 24, 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.
Selectman Mountain announced the Media Committee had selected a vendor and was in the process of negotiations with the hopes the channel will be up and running in October. A few logistical problems need to be worked out, he noted, such as location of cables for mikes and how to mount them. Mountain also advised the committee was negotiating the possibility of cost sharing with Rowley for the school channel.
Martha Taylor reviewed the Byfield Village District preliminary design plans to improve the roadways with the Board. She noted the plan calls for the squaring off the intersections of Central, Church, Lunt and Main, a rumble strip in the center of Central at Main, adding sidewalks and reconfiguring the crosswalks at Lunt & Central. She advised that the final survey is in hand for Main Street but not for Central Street. Water main repairs and replacements were briefly discussed and the BWD Commissioners will be invited to attend the next meeting.
TA Blais advised we have the opportunity to place an override on the November ballot. Our financial situation has not changed and public safety impacts are alarming. She recommended using the same figure as was requested in the spring. It was moved by Selectman Bulgaris, seconded by Selectman Bear and voted unanimously to place the override question on the November 6th ballot. The Board also agreed that they would need to reach out to the community to make them better informed about our department budget shortfalls.
TA Blais noted that Vine had completed the culvert survey plan to address safety issues on Middle Road and estimates the cost at $38K. After a brief discussion the Board determined the plan should move forward to the Capital Planning Committee for their recommendation and consideration at the Fall Town Meeting.
In response to complaints regarding parking on Sunset Drive (Plum Island) a three-hour parking zone on the marsh side of Sunset from Independence to the Turnpike was enacted on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Mountain and voted unanimously. New signs will be put in place.
On a motion by Selectman Bulgaris, seconded by Selectman Walker, Lt. John Lucey was appointed Deputy Chief subject to Personnel Board approval. This will be a budget neutral restructuring of the Police Department that will allow Lucey to receive a contract. The motion was voted 4-0-1 with Selectman Bear abstaining.
Three one-day liquor licenses were approved for Protection Fire Co. #2 for functions on September 8th from 7-10 p.m., September 15th from 4-8 p.m. and September 29th from 6-10 p.m. on a motion by Selectman Bulgaris, seconded by Selectman Bear and voted unanimously.
The minutes of the July 10th Selectmen’s meeting and joint workshop with the Planning Board were accepted as presented on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Bulgaris and voted unanimously.
On the recommendation of the B2B Trail Committee, Tim Kuist of River Street was appointed to the committee to fill the seat vacated by Steve St. Arnault, who resigned in March 2012, on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Mountain and voted unanimously.
On the recommendation of the Planning Board, Linda McCamic was appointed as Planning Board liaison to the ZBA on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Mountain and voted unanimously.
On a motion by Selectman Mountain, seconded by Selectman Bear and voted unanimously, recommendations for zoning bylaw amendments pertaining to the Light Industrial Byfield District and Industrial Uses sections were referred back to the Planning Board for public hearings. Selectmen Story and Bulgaris voiced their concerns about the number of special permits in the zoning bylaws.
A request to place a sign on the Green for Ironmoon Farm during the harvest season was approved contingent on siting by Building Inspector Sam Joslin and removal by November 1st, on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Bulgaris and voted unanimously.
An audit report from the MVTA was accepted and filed.
Warrants were signed for TA Blais.
Selectman Bear noted he had met with the Perraults of Church Street and they are amenable to the easement needed by the Town. TA Blais and Attorney Kremer will put together the documents needed for the Perraults to sign.
Chairman Story briefly discussed a meeting in Boston regarding beach scraping on Plum Island. Story noted there were representatives from many levels of government present and they appear committed to finding a solution to the dune erosion problems threatening several homes in the Annapolis Way section of Plum Island.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m. on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Mountain and voted unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen Sirois, Admin. Asst.
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