BOARD OF SELECTMEN’S MEETING
FEBRUARY 28, 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.
Ta Blais presented a preliminary draft budget for FY13 to the Selectmen for their review and input. She spoke of reactivating the Capital Planning Program and implementing a funding schedule, as well as establishing a five year plan for DPW for Road Improvements. A 50/50 revenue split between municipal services and education was offered for consideration as a fair distribution of funds. Blais touched briefly on the revenue and expenditure budgets, department appropriations and debt service. Anticipated revenue is dependent on the passage of a $440K override. A brief discussion ensued and Blais was thanked for her professional presentation of this preliminary budget.
A one-day liquor license was approved for Protection Fire Co. #2 for a function on March 25th from 12 noon to 5 p.m. on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Bulgaris and voted unanimously.
Two one-day liquor licenses were approved the Governor’s Academy for functions June 8th from 4 p.m. to 12 midnight and June 9th from 12 noon to 12 midnight on a motion by Selectman Bulgaris, seconded by Selectman Bear and voted unanimously.
The minutes of the January 24th and February 14th meetings were approved as presented on a motion by Selectman Bulgaris, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted by Bulgaris, Walker and Story. Selectman Bear abstained as he was not present at the February 14th meeting.
Chairman Story gave a brief update on the 3-town Selectmen’s meeting held in Rowley on the 22nd. Rowley’s message was they could not afford a six percent increase this year. A discussion on splitting revenues in each town 50/50 between the school and the municipal services was looked on favorably. It was suggested each town draft a letter to the school committee asking for level funding and consideration of a 50/50 revenue split. It was also suggested by the Selectmen that the Triton Agreement be revisited necessitated by changes over the years. The decision on school funding is of course up to the individual towns, noted TA Blais.
A request from the American Diabetes Association was addressed for use of the Upper Green as a rest stop for their ‘Tour de Cure” on May 20th from approximately 9 a.m. to 12 noon in lieu of the Lower Green which was already approved. A slight change in the route necessitates this request. It was moved by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Bulgaris and voted unanimously to grant this request. The organization will be asked to police the area and remove any trash at the close of the event.
A notice from MEPA regarding a site visit and public consultation for the Town Landing on the Parker River on Friday, March 2nd at 10 a.m. was read and filed.
A notice from the Library advising the Selectmen of their appointment of an Interim Director was read and filed.
An audit engagement letter from auditors Giusti & Hingston was read and filed. TA Blais noted this is a standard notice.
Warrants were signed for TA Blais.
Planner Martha Taylor gave a brief update on the FEMA maps and bylaw changes in the works for the fall town meeting. The maps must be accepted by July 3rd in order for Newbury to maintain their flood insurance program. Some language in our bylaws will need to be amended to meet the FEMA regulations and Sam and Doug are looking at the impact, if any, on our residents.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 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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