BOARD OF SELECTMEN’S MEEETING
MARCH 13, 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 updated the Board on the COA van. Rowley has declared this 2003 Eldorado Aerotech van as surplus property and has offered it to Newbury for $6K. Newbury COA has secured a grant from the Newburyport 5¢ Savings Bank and the remainder of the funds needed from the Friends of COA to purchase this van from Rowley. It was moved by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted unanimously to allow the purchase of the van and the IMA was signed by the Board.
In accordance with Chapter 30B, section 156 of the MGL, it was moved by Selectman Bulgaris, seconded by Selectman Bear and voted unanimously to declare the DPW’s 2000 Ford F250 pick-up truck as surplus property. Blais advised this vehicle will be donated to Protection Fire Co. #2.
TA Blais spoke on the proposed override for FY13. She noted that it had been reviewed by the Finance Committee and they recommended moving forward with it. The proposed override ballot question was read by Blais and a brief discussion ensued. It was noted that the override amount of $440K being requested will add approximately $145 a year to the average tax bill. A vote on the override was tabled until Thursday evening’s BOS meeting at 7 p.m. in case an adjustment is needed after the school committee budget meeting Wednesday evening.
On a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted unanimously, the documents relative to the acceptance of Colby Lane as a public way were accepted and referred to the Planning Board for their recommendation. Planner Martha Taylor noted that letters of approval have been submitted by Chief Reilly and DPW Director Tim Leonard. She is still awaiting Chief Pearson’s statement.
The Board acknowledged receipt of the fourth quarter PEG Access Support payment from Comcast in the amount of $25,050.79.
A request for a one-day liquor license for Protection Fire Co. #2 for a function on March 31st from 4-10 p.m. was approved on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted unanimously.
At the request of ACO Carol Larocque, Reed Wilson was appointed as Assistant ACO on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Bulgaris and voted unanimously.
The Board approved a request from the Historical Society of Old Newbury to place signs around town advertising their 33rd Annual Garden Tour June 9 & 10 on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Bulgaris and voted unanimously. The signs will be put in place May 29th and removed June 11th.
The minutes of the February 28th meeting were accepted as presented on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Bulgaris and voted by Bear, Bulgaris, Story and Walker. Selectman Mountain abstained as he was absent from this meeting.
The resignation of Steve St. Arnault from the Border to Boston Trail Committee was accepted with regret on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted unanimously. The Committee will submit recommendations for a replacement.
A request form the Beachcoma for a one-day entertainment license for Saturday, March 17th from 7:30 – 10:30 p.m. was approved on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Bulgaris and voted unanimously. The music must be contained within the building and must end by 10:30 p.m.
A letter from TA Blais to the Newbury Police Association regarding the “collective bargaining agreement” between the Town and the Police Association was read by Chairman Story and filed.
Blais noted that the agreement was cancelled so that negotiations can move forward.
A letter from the Board of Library Commissioners granting a waiver of the FY12 MAR (Municipal Appropriation Requirement) was read by Chairman Story and filed.
Warrants were signed for the Town Administrator.
Selectman Mountain spoke briefly on a meeting he attended as part of the Seabrook outreach for public officials. He advised he had put together a list of talking points that might be incorporated into the proposed letter from the Town to the NRC regarding Seabrook’s re-licensing application. These talking points will be sent to the board members for review and a decision on the contents of the letter will be voted Thursday evening, March 15th.
Selectmen Bear and Story acknowledged their attendance at the Eagle Scout ceremony held in Byfield Sunday afternoon for Sean and Brendan Wallace. Chairman Story noted that these scouts had built structures for access to the P.I. beach including permitting the project through Conservation.
Chairman Story advised that the ACOE is close to finalizing bid specs for repairs to the South Jetty and work may start in September. The project must work around the plover season.
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.
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