BOARD OF SELECTMEN’S MEETING
NOVEMBER 12, 2013
Chairman Story opened the meeting at 7:00 p.m. with the pledge of allegiance to our flag led by Tyler Wendt of Boy Scout Troop 44. The Board welcomed Troop 44 to the meeting. In attendance were Selectmen Story, Bear, Mountain, Walker and Town Administrator Tracy Blais.
TA Blais presented a release deed for 22 Independence Way (voted at the STM on October 22nd-Article #10) to be executed by the Selectmen. The deed was signed and notarized. Blais noted that the Senior Support Staff job description for the Fire Department for members from 65-70 years of age had been reviewed by Counsel. The Board of Fire Engineers had proposed changes but these were not approved by Counsel. Blais asked to postpone the matter to a future meeting. The Board agreed that they would like Selectman Bulgaris to be present for any decisions. Blais announced that our ACO Carol Larocque had recently been awarded by Opportunity Works as “Buddy-Up Partners of the Year” for a new training program.
“Opportunity Walks” which instructs and facilitates participants in the field of dog walking is a fairly new, profitable, and expanding business in the field of pet care. Blais announced that Newbury has been accepted as a member of the Eastern Essex Veterans District effective December 1st. Terrance (Terry) Hart will be our new Veterans Agent. She advised that it is the Chair of the Board of Selectmen who sits on the district board which typically meets once a year. Blais noted that the Accountant had prepared a betterment analysis as of June 30, 2013 which shows approximately $2.7 million in the fund.
On the recommendation of Chief Reilly, James Bedard was appointed as a Reserve Police Officer on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Walker and there being no discussion or comments voted unanimously.
On the recommendation of Chief Reilly, Katerina Papoulias was appointed as a Reserve Dispatcher on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Walker and there being no discussion or comments voted unanimously.
At the request of the Conservation Commission, Susan Noyes was appointed as an alternate to the Commission for a three year term, pending approval from Counsel, on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Walker and there being no further discussion voted unanimously.
On a motion by Selectman Walker, seconded by Selectman Bear and voted unanimously, Nancy Jones was appointed to the Board of Registrars for a three year term to replace Francis Webb (deceased).
On the recommendation of TA Blais the following persons were re-appointed to the IAC (Insurance Advisory Committee) for the remainder of FY14 on a motion by Selectman Walker, seconded by Selectman Bear and voted unanimously – Angel Wills, Diane Doyle, Kathleen Sirois, Patty Fisher, Ginny Kremer, Alix McArdle and Tracy Blais.
The special permit decision for Playmakers Inc. at 67/69 Newburyport Turnpike was accepted as written and signed.
A request from the ZBA to increase hearing fees from $75 to $125 was approved on a motion by Selectman Mountain, seconded by Selectman Walker and there being no discussion or comments voted unanimously.
A request from the Beachcoma to have music/entertainment on Wednesday, November 27th from 6-10 p.m. was approved on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted unanimously. Gregg Pugh, owner, was introduced to the Troop 44 and commended for his commitment to help with P.I. problems when they arise.
A request to hang a banner on the back stop of the Upper Green from Ralph and Joanne Johnson for the Newburyport Choral Society to advertise their concert on December 15th was approved on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Mountain and voted unanimously. Martha Taylor represented the Johnsons and advised the banner would be put up Thanksgiving weekend and removed December 16th.
The minutes of the October 8th meeting were accepted as presented on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted unanimously.
John O’Connell spoke briefly regarding MVPC’s grant opportunities and Newbury’s potential participation for our needs in meeting the requirements of the forthcoming new NPDES General Permit as part of our MS4 stormwater program. A letter was drafted for the signature of TA Blais outlining our interests. After a brief discussion it was moved by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted unanimously to have Blais send the letter as presented to MVPC.
Selectmen Story and Bear updated the Board on a meeting they attended with Martha Taylor regarding information on the laws governing solar funding and energy credits. Selectman Walker noted that it would be nice if in the future we could bring meetings of public interest to our residents through our cable station. Selectman Mountain advised this was still a work in progress but in the future we will be able to televise some of these things on a regular basis. The Scouts commented that there were students at the High School interested in working with the media and cable TV.
Questions were fielded about our form of government and the workings of the Selectmen, Town Meeting and our Town Administrator. Troop 44 currently has 33 members, is chartered by the Elks and meets regularly at the Byfield Community Arts Center. Selectman Walker thanked the scouts for attending the meeting and taking an interest in their town.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:50 p.m. on a motion by Selectman Walker, seconded by Selectman Bear and voted unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen Sirois, Admin. Asst.
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