BOARD OF SELECTMEN’S MEETING
JUNE 12, 2012
Chairman Story opened the meeting at 7:00 p.m. with the pledge of allegiance to our flag. In attendance were Selectmen Story, Bulgaris, Bear, Mountain, Walker and Town Administrator Tracy Blais.
Channing Howard, Chair of the Historical Commission, discussed plans for the Larkin Mill machinery. He noted that three items (a big wheel, one large gear and one urn with augers) have been marked for display. A historic sign with the artifacts on display is the first concept. The future of the property is in question and the Commission is looking for guidance. Selectman Bear advised that the Surplus Land Sale Committee is looking into possible uses for this land and will get back to the Historical Commission if it is deemed not saleable. Howard commented that if this site becomes available, we must also consider parking, walkways or paths to access the area and a survey of the boundaries. For now the questions are
where to store the artifacts, who has possession of the remaining steel and, if sold, can we use the monies from the sale for this project. TA Blais noted the Tim Leonard could provide an area for storage at the Highway Barn. Selectman Mountain suggested the need for a management plan for town properties and perhaps the Open Space Committee or Parker River Clean Water Assoc. might be interested in helping with this project. Canoeing is possible in this area, he advised. Howard also gave a brief update on the focus of the Commission. Footwork on a demolition bylaw has been forwarded to the Planning Board. The Commission has taken an active roll in the schoolhouse on the Lower Green and plan to maintain the building and have it open on weekends for tours. Files and photos have been archived at the Library and the Commission is searching for a
picture of the sign missing from the schoolhouse for historical data. Selectman Mountain noted that a good source of historic information is in the old Annual Reports at the Library. Mr. Howard was thanked for his time and input.
At 7:15 p.m. the legal notice was read by Chairman Story for a public hearing on National Grid’s plan #12672534 to construct underground facilities from Pole #5 on Old Elm Street to Governor’s Academy property line to provide electrical service to the Phillips Building. David Boucher of National Grid explained the project. Chairman Story asked who pays for this underground service and Boucher advised Governor’s Academy, as the customer, negotiates with National Grid for this service. Chairman Story asked if anyone wished to speak in favor or opposition of this plan and there was no one. It was moved by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Bulgaris and voted unanimously to grant this plan as presented.
The hearing was closed at 7: 20 p.m.
Martha Taylor spoke on the funding of the B2B Trail. She noted that funding is from the Federal gas tax of which a small percentage is allocated for pedestrian and rail trails. Selectman Mountain commented that TIP (Transportation Improvement Plan) has designated our project under the period 2021-2026. The license agreement with National Grid is still in the works. Christine Wilkinson is working on the sensitivity of this area. Taylor suggested inserting some language into the lease stating the Town has no obligation to restore or repair due to storm or flooding. National Grid has been receptive to suggestions but they are not moving forward on the lease and it will probably go to negotiation. Selectman Walker noted that Georgetown has CPA funding available for their section but Newbury has no money and we are the last piece so we don’t know if NG will be receptive to our suggestions. Taylor noted if the language is not accepted, they can cancel the
lease. It was moved by Selectman Walker, seconded by Selectman Bear and voted unanimously to send the suggested language to National Grid for their consideration.
TA Blais spoke on the new collective bargaining agreement between the Town and the Newbury Police Association. Chief Michael Reilly and Sergeant Jay Routhier (representing the Police Association) were present. Blais noted that the police union has been working without a contract since June 2009 and they have worked without a wage increase for four years. This new contract calls for a 1% increase in 2013 and 2% annual increases for the subsequent two years. It was moved by Selectman Bulgaris, seconded by Selectman Bear and voted unanimously to ratify the police contract as presented. The contract was signed by Chief Reilly, Sergeant Routhier and the Selectman. Blais also noted that the union agreed to plan
design changes for health insurance that will save the Town approximately $40K and she asked that this savings be transferred into the Police Department Salary and Wage account to restore a position slated to be cut in FY13. It was moved by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Bulgaris and voted unanimously to place the monies saved from the health insurance plan design change to the Police Salary and Wage account.
On the recommendation of TA Blais the following persons were appointed to a new PILOT Task Force: Robert Connors, Marshall Jespersen, Peter Quimby, Budd Kelley and David Mountain, on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Bulgaris and voted unanimously. Blais advised the purpose of this committee is to study all of our tax exempt properties to see if payments to the Town are warranted. The mission statement for the task force will be developed by the committee. A Public Safety Site Selection Committee was also established on a motion by Selectman Walker, seconded by Selectman Bear and voted unanimously. The persons appointed to work on this committee are Linda Allen, Tracy Blais, Michael Bulgaris, Robert Connors and Mike
Reilly.
TA Blais and the Board acknowledged with sincere appreciation a donation of $500 from the Harrold Family Foundation, 6 Courtney Drive, Byfield.
Chairman Story called for the reorganization of the Board. Selectman Bear nominated Joe Story to remain as Chair, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted unanimously. Walker noted that Chairman Story spends an inordinate amount of time on town projects and meetings. Selectman Walker nominated Chuck Bear as Clerk, seconded by Selectman Bulgaris and voted. Selectman Walker nominated Mike Bulgaris as Vice Chair, seconded by Selectman Bear and voted. This represents no change in the slate of officers.
A request for a special use permit from the Boat Camp Nature School, Inc. of Newburyport to use land in the vicinity of 82 Boston Road leased from J. Lagoulis to pilot three weeks of summer nature education programs in late July & August was discussed. The Boat Camp presented this request as an opportunity to teach kids about the natural history and environmental sciences applied directly in their neighborhood. It was moved by Selectman Mountain, seconded by Selectman Bear to approve this special permit. Parking for the camp was questioned and it was noted that the Conservation Commission has approved a parking plan submitted for an upland area of this property for the camp. John Hartnett has been retained to develop parking spaces for 10-12 cars
and a drop off and pick up area as shown on the approved plan. The motion was voted unanimously.
A one-day liquor license was approved for the Byfield Community Arts Center for a function on June 23, 2012 from 6-9 p.m. on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Bulgaris and voted unanimously.
Minutes of the Tri-Town BOS meetings were reviewed for acceptance at the next BOS meeting on the 26th.
The Fish Commissioner vacancy due to the passing of Everett Davis was discussed. It was moved by Selectman Bulgaris, seconded by Selectman Bear and voted unanimously to leave this position vacant until the next election in May 2013.
A letter of appreciation to Joan Weyburn for her professional handling of the Special and Annual Town Meetings was read and approved for mailing on a motion by Selectman Bulgaris, seconded by Selectman Bear and voted unanimously.
In answer to Selectmen Bear’s inquiry at the last meeting, a copy of Sam Joslin’s “NOTS Program” application was provided for the Board.
A request for use of the Upper Green as a 50 mile rest stop for the North Shore Cyclists Blazing Saddles Century Ride on Saturday, Aug. 18th was approved on a motion by Selectman Bulgaris, seconded by Selectman Bear and voted unanimously.
Changes to the intersections of Moody & Main and Church & Main were discussed. Martha Taylor noted that a 25% design plan and cost estimates were available from the Howard/Stein-Hudson project summary. TA Blais advised that the paving project for Moody, Church and Lunt was moving forward and these intersection changes would be part of the project. Byfield Water District will be asked for a letter of intent on possible repairs or replacement of the water main on Church Street prior to moving forward with the project. Chapter 90 funding will be used for the resurfacing and possibly there will be grants from Mass Works for some of the work. Blais noted changes prior to paving will be prioritized and the finalized plan will
be brought back to the BOS for approval.
Two one-day liquor licenses were approved for Protection Fire Co. #2 for functions on June 15th from 6-8 p.m. and July 13th from7-11 p.m. on a motion by Selectman Bulgaris, seconded by Selectman Bear and voted unanimously.
A request from the Beachcoma Restaurant for permission to have entertainment on Sundays from 4-8 p.m. throughout the summer was approved on a motion by Selectman Walker, seconded Selectman Mountain and voted unanimously. All entertainment will be indoors and will consist of one or two persons perhaps with acoustical guitars or the like.
The following Police appointments were approved for FY13 on a motion by Selectman Bulgaris, seconded by Selectmen Mountain and voted unanimously: Michael Reilly, Chief and Emergency Management Director; John Lucey, Lieutenant and Asst. Emergency Management Director; Jay Routhier, Sergeant; Patty Fisher, Sergeant; Aaron Wojtkowski, Detective; Gregg Frappier, Stephen Jenkins, Mark Smigielski and Michael Croteau, full-time Patrolmen; Michael Nary, Megan Muldowney, John Lucey III, James Volonis, Michael Mailhot, John Regan, Stephen Smith, and Andrew Bridges, part-time Reserve Officers; Sallie Zinck and Daniel Jenkins, part-time Reserve Dispatchers; Carol Larocque, ACO, Animal Inspector/Poundkeeper; Reed Wilson, Asst. ACO; Roger Merry, Spec. Police; Robert Hagopian, Chaplain, Christopher Walsh, Triton
Facilities. Stephen Smith was also appointed as a Reserve Office from 6/12-7/1/12 on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Bulgaris and voted unanimously.
A one-day liquor license for a function at SPLF by Mercury Brewing Co. on Saturday, June 23rd from 11-5 p.m. was approved on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Mountian and voted unanimously.
A voluntary toll at the intersection of Rolfe’s Land and High Road on June 16th (alternate date June 23rd) to benefit the American Hand Fire Engine Society was approved on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted unanimously.
The minutes of the May 24th meeting were accepted as presented on a motion by Selectman Bulgaris, seconded by Selectman Bear and voted unanimously.
A “parking lot” license for 2012 for blue, the Inn on the Beach was approved on a motion by Selectmen Bulgaris, seconded by Selectman Bear and voted unanimously.
A response from NRC regarding Newbury’s letter on Seabrook’s license renewal was acknowledged and filed.
A Chapter 91 license application for the Town Landing was acknowledged and filed.
An advisory memo from Senator Tarr’s office regarding the 2012 Mass Works Infrastructure Program application materials was acknowledged and filed.
The Board acknowledged receipt of Comcast’s PEG Access support payment in the amount of $25,091,.50.
An invitation from the Yankee Homecoming Committee to participate in honoring the
Senior King & Queen at the Coronation Ceremony on August 1st was acknowledged.
An announcement from the Newbury Library on the hiring of their new Director and Youth Services Librarian was acknowledged and filed.
Selectman Mountain advised that the Media Committee’s RFP for equipment was almost complete and will soon be advertised. The Committee anticipates evolving into a non-profit organization to keep separate the technical side from the political side. Future equipment to connect to the internet in order to broadcast town meetings from NES are anticipated and the committee is also looking at hiring a half time person to manage this project.
Warrants were signed for TA Blais.
Selectman Mountain noted he had attended the Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm ribbon cutting ceremony for the tenant farm house. Selectmen Story and Bulgaris attended Triton graduation and the School Committee meetings. The big issue at the School Committee meeting was nutritional regulations, they noted.
Bernie Field of Byfield questioned the lack of maintenance of Veteran’s Park in Byfield. TA Blais advised that the town had stopped maintaining this parcel a few years ago due to budget cutbacks and lack of personnel. Field suggested it was payback for the residents rejecting an override. Selectman Bulgaris took exception to this comment saying this is not an act of vengeance but one of economics. The Town is in dire straits right now, he noted. Chairman Story advised the Town would look for a solution for this matter.
Mike Doyle of Morgan Avenue addressed the Board regarding the poor condition of a building and the surrounding grounds at the Newbury Fire Department. He also complained about excess noise at the conclusion of a wrestling event at midnight that was held at the Memorial Hall. He noted there are several small children in the neighborhood and this behavior is unacceptable. The Selectmen will look into the complaints and will advise all one-day liquor license holders to watch the time, clean up and noise at the end of functions.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 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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