BOARD OF SELECTMEN
NOVEMBER 27, 2012
Vice Chair Michael Bulgaris opened the meeting at 7:00 p.m. with the pledge of allegiance to our flag. In attendance were Selectmen Bulgaris, Bear, Mountain, Walker and Town Administrator Tracy Blais. Chairman Story was delayed and arrived at 7:30 p.m.
Under “citizens concerns”, Kathryn O’Brien requested her appearance be continued to the 12/11 meeting.
The tax classification hearing continued from the 11/13 meeting was reopened. Assessor Budd Kelley addressed the Board. He advised that the Board of Assessors were recommending again this year a single tier tax rate, no small commercial exemption, no open space exemption and no residential exemption. Selectman Bear moved to accept the recommendations of the Assessors, as presented, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted by Bear, Walker, Bulgaris and Mountain. At the request of the Assessors, Selectman Bear moved to authorize Town Administrator Tracy Blais to sign the LA5, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted by Bear, Walker, Bulgaris and Mountain.
TA Blais introduced Vanessa Johnson, Project Manager for Essex County Greenbelt. Ms. Johnson explained the Pearson Conservation Restriction on approximately four acres of land off Main Street (owned by the Cogans) which limits development and allows agricultural uses only. She noted that these conservation restrictions go through a rigorous review process with Conservation, Greenbelt and the State. Newbury Conservation has approved a municipal certificate and it has gone thru scrutiny by the State. A brief discussion ensued and Selectman Mouantain moved to approve and sign the conservation restriction, seconded by Selectman Bear and voted by Mountain, Bear, Bulgaris, and Walker.
TA Blais advised that she had one successful bid on the surplus Police Department’s 2007 Crown Victoria in the amount of $775. Bids on the two yellow schools are due tomorrow, November 28th.
Upon review of Deputy Chief Lucey’s letter regarding Fuel’s Half Marthon scheduled for Sunday, May 19, 2013 it was moved by Selectman Walker, seconded by Selectman Bear and voted unanimously to allow the event under the supervision of the Newbury and Newburyport Police Departments.
The letter to TRSD Superintendent Farmer, continued from the 11/13 meeting, which includes recommendations from the Finance Committee to be discussed by the committee working on TRA revisions was signed on a motion by Selectman Walker, seconded by Selectman Bear and voted unanimously.
The P.I. Grille request for a special permit for entertainment, continued from the 11/13 meeting, was discussed. Mark Friery from the Grille noted that the entertainment would generally be one or two musicians, acoustical without amplification. His permit request is for twelve Thursday evenings 6-9 p.m. and Sunday afternoons from 1-3 p.m. It was moved by Selectman Walker, seconded by Selectman Bear and voted unanimously to approve this special entertainment permit for the times requested.
The minutes of the September 11th meeting were accepted as presented on a motion by Selectman Walker, seconded by Selectman Bear and voted by Walker, Bear and Mountain. The minutes of the November 13th meeting were accepted as presented on a motion by Selectman Walker, seconded by Selectman Mountain and voted by Walker, Mountain and Bulgaris. Selectman Bear abstained from this vote.
A request from the Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society to hold their 18th annual fundraiser and family day “Strut for Strays” on the Upper Green on Sunday, May 19th, 2013 from 9-4 p.m. was tabled to the 12/11 meeting to allow MRFRS to get approval from the Police Department and a letter from Deputy Chief Lucey.
Local artist Carol Baum’s proposed trash awareness project was tabled to the 12/11 meeting at her request.
Gregg Pugh of the P.I. Beachcoma requested a special permit for entertainment for the Holiday season on the following evenings Dec. 7, 9, 23 ( two or three piece bands) from 7-10 p.m. and Dec. 21 and 31 (DJ) from 7-10 p.m. Pugh noted he would have a door attendant at all events checking id’s. The special entertainment permit was granted on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Mountain and voted unanimously for the hours of 7-10 p.m.
Liquor license renewals for 2013 were reviewed, approved and signed by the Board on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Mountain and voted unanimously.
The minutes of the September 25th meeting were accepted as presented on a motion by Selectman Story, seconded by Selectman Bulgaris and voted by Story, Bulgaris and Mountain. The minutes of the October 28th meeting were accepted as presented on a motion by Selectman Story, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted by Story, Walker and Bulgaris.
A release from the Police Department regarding the Holiday Toy Drive on Sunday, December 2nd was read and filed. A letter from MVPC regarding changes to their TIP (Transportation Improvement Program) for 2013-2016 was read and filed. The Board acknowledged the receipt of the 3rd quarter Comcast PEG Access Support check in the amount of $26,518.93.
Warrants were signed for TA Blais.
There were no meeting updates. Chairman Story noted that he had a call from Patty Ross regarding the possible donation of a large tree for the Upper Green. Selectman Walker will ask Mike Hatheway to take a look and see if moving this tree is feasible.
At 7:55 p.m. Chairman Story moved to enter into executive session to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of this body. A roll call vote was taken: Story, yes; Mountain, yes; Walker, yes; Bulgaris, yes; and Bear, yes. It was announced that this open meeting would not reconvene at the close of the executive session.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:25 p.m. at the close of the executive session on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Mountain and voted unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen Sirois, Admin. Asst.
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