BOARD OF SELECTMEN’S MEETING
MARCH 27, 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.
TA Blais proposed an amendment to the override ballot language changing “General Government, Selectmen’s Salary and Wages” to “General Government, Town Hall Administration Salary and Wages”. It was moved by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted unanimously to accept the new language for the override ballot. Blais presented her recent budget updates, noting adjustments to a few departments such as the Finance Department (addition of the new admin person), Town Clerk (included General Code updates) and school assessments (Triton and Whittier). An invitation from the Rowley Board of Selectmen to attend a second Tri-Town meeting on Wednesday, April 4th at 7 p.m. was discussed. Selectmen Story and Walker
will attend and the meeting will be posted. Blais will advise Rowley TA Deb Eagan of this decision. Martha Taylor spoke briefly on the Hazard Mitigation Committees work with MVPC on Newbury’s Hazard Mitigation Plan for 2013-2018 which is required for eligibility for MEMA grants. She noted we currently have a good plan in place so extension of this plan through 2018 should not be a problem. Selectman Walker asked about the flood maps and Martha advised that those are different and will be on the ATM warrant for acceptance by the Town along with our floodplain management plan. These must be adopted in order for our residents to be eligible for flood insurance. She urged residents to review the new flood maps to make sure they have proper insurance before July 3rd. Acting now will grandfather in their properties and help preserve their market values. Blais spoke about possible health plan design changes and asked the Board to allow the activation of the Insurance
Advisory Committee. It was moved by Selectman Walker, seconded by Selectman Bear and voted unanimously to allow Blais to re-activate the IAC. At the request of Blais, Matthew Lipinski was appointed as assistant ACO on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted unanimously. Blais advised she had received an invitation from the NES PTA to attend a community forum on how the budget process works which will be held April 12th @ 7 p.m. at NES and all are invited.
At 7:15 p.m. the public hearing was opened for National Grid’s plan #12173842 dated 2/22/12 for underground service from Pole #15 on Rolfe’s Lane to Wilshire Road. Dave Agua of National Grid advised they would not close the road for this work but would do one side at a time to allow for regular traffic and especially for emergency vehicles to pass. It was moved by Selectman Walker, seconded by Selectman Bear to grant the petition as presented and discussion ensued. It was suggested that National Grid contact the Newburyport Water Department and try to coordinate this trench and road opening work with them if possible. Chairman Story asked if there were any public comments and there were none. The motion was
voted unanimously. The hearing was closed at 7:25 p.m.
Chairman Story read a letter of recommendation from the Planning Board for the acceptance of Colby Lane as a public way. Selectman Walker moved to schedule a public hearing on the “lay out” of Colby Lane for acceptance as a public way on April 10th @ 7:15 p.m., seconded by Selectman Mountain and opened for discussion. Selectman Bear commented that a letter of recommendation from Chief Pearson had not yet been submitted. Tracy Blais will follow up with a second request for this document. The motion was voted unanimously.
A letter of support for “Tax Reform for Education” was read by Selectman Walker. It was moved by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted unanimously to approve and send the letter as presented.
The proposed NRC letter and Selectman Mountain’s bullet points were briefly discussed. Selectman Bear stated he felt that point #1 was a bit harsh. Mountain made note of a scheduled meeting in Washington with NRC specific to the ASR situation which will be held on April 23rd. David Barr a representative of Seabrook Station advised that a thorough review is in place and there will be no re-licensing until the problems are solved. Selectman Walker moved to table the letter until the next meeting to allow Selectman Bulgaris to take part, seconded by Selectman Bear and voted unanimously. Selectman Mountain noted that there were two communications in their packets, one a letter from Bruce Skud to the
BOS and the second a letter sent from Senator Kerry to NRC regarding the safety issues at Seabrook. Both letters were read by Selectman Mountain for the record. Bruce Skud urged the Board to review the IAEA’s evaluation conducted at Seabrook in June 2011 especially page 8.
Carol Larocque was nominated as Inspector of Animals for the year ending April 30, 2013 in accordance with section 15 of Chapter 129 of the MGL, on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Mountain and voted unanimously.
A request from the Beachcoma Restaurant for permission to have live entertainment on Earthday, April 20th to raise funds for the P.I. Beautification Fund was approved on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted unanimously. The time set was 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. and the music must be contained inside the building.
Bob Connors, Chair of the Capital Planning Committee, presented the Board with copies of the CPC report with recommendations for FY13. He noted that the CPC’s criteria is to get back to preventive maintenance. The report contains a list of recommendations of Capital Improvement Projects. Connors fielded some questions from the Board regarding the DPW paving program, asset replacements, Larkin Mill demolition and the schools. Chairman Story noted that this is a great document making us proactive rather than reactive. Connors expressed his thanks to all department heads for their responses and cooperation. This document will be posted to the web site for residents to review. Chairman Story advised he will put this report on the April 10th agenda for further discussion and final adoption by the Board.
The minutes of the March 13th and March 15th meetings were accepted as presented on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Mountain and voted unanimously.
A general business license was renewed for Karen’s Dog Grooming of P.I., 49 Northern Blvd. on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted unanimously.
On the recommendation of the Recreation Committee, William (Bill) Wendt was appointed as a member on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted unanimously.
A new general business/automotive license was approved for Mark Spencer d/b/a Unrestricted Motorsports and Tuning, 61 Main Street, Byfield on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted unanimously.
Warrants were signed for TA Blais.
Chairman Story read a letter from FEMA commending the Town on its action regarding the new FEMA flood maps. Bob Connors reiterated the importance of property owners in the flood plain to secure a policy prior to the July 3rd deadline. Once you have flood insurance in place it is grandfathered and goes with the property, he noted. Martha Taylor encouraged residents to come in and look at the new maps. She commented that the quality of resolution of the maps is much better and locating properties is easier.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:25 p.m. on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen Sirois, Admin. Asst.
| 
