BOARD OF SELECTMEN’S MEETING
JULY 9, 2013
Chairman Story called the meeting to order 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.
Planner Martha Taylor updated the Board on the B2B Trail Project. She advised that MA DOT comments have been completed and the public hearing on the 25% design plan was held on June 27th. MVPC has approved construction funding for the Georgetown to Byfield section which is estimated to be completed by 2016. The committee meets Thursday to sign the license agreements, approve alterations in language and the Scotland Road parking lot potential at the intersection of Rte. 95 and Scotland Road.
Regarding the Clipper City Rail Trail – Phase II parking on Parker Street, Geordie Vining has submitted for the Boards consideration an alternate design at the trail head on Parker to accommodate two cars. There are no wetland issues and no abutter problems. Taylor asked the Board to let her know if they had any comments or decisions after they had time to review the proposal. Mountain noted it seems to satisfy our concerns. Walker advised he would like to meet with Vining and do a site visit prior to approval.
Town Administrator Tracy Blais reported that the final warrant for FY13 was in process and there are no deficits anticipated at this time. She noted that a $10K grant was received from MIIA for an internal control evaluation of our cash receivables and debt service. An update on land sales shows $527K received to date with three parcels still open. A traffic advisory on the Rte. 95 Bridge construction shows there will be lane closures both day and night.
Larry Guay of the Finance Committee was in attendance to address questions from the Board. Bulgaris noted he had negative feedback from the Fire Companies regarding the handling of their finances and running of the department. He asked, if there was a problem, why didn’t the Finance Committee meet with the BOFE directly and discuss it. Guay contended that he had supported the Fire Companies for the six years he had been associated with the Finance Committee. He had insurance liability concerns on fire fighters over 65 and was concerned that the fire budgets had not been reinstated to their full requests. Since the fire companies are non-profit, we have no idea whether or not they are fiscally stable and viable at our funding level. He
commented that they did not want to interfere with the workings of the two fire companies and that was why Chief Pearson was asked to attend the Finance Committee meeting. We need communication from the departments. Bulgaris noted he did not want to butt heads over who will come to who’s meeting. Walker stated he thought both parties had spoken well to the problems at hand. If Frank Remley wants information on the private companies where does he go for answers – to Chief Pearson or to the BOFE? Chief Pearson advised he had met with Blais and was willing to meet with the Finance Committee if requested. Guay commented that he was not trying to interfere with the fire companies, but we (the Finance Committee) are responsible for contracts in the town and the financial impact of these two companies is imperative. As long as there is no fiscal liability to
the town, we have no problem with age 70. We just want clarification. Dialog moving forward is important to maintain the relationship between the Finance Committee and the Fire Departments. A discussion continued on retirement age for firefighters, budgets, financial info on the fire companies and the purchase of equipment. At the conclusion, it was moved by Selectman Bulgaris, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted unanimously to re-appoint Larry Guay to the Finance Committee.
A new Class II license was approved for Internet Cars Unlimited (principal officers Christopher and James Hobson) at 88 Newburyport Tpke. on a motion by Selectman Mountain seconded by Selectman Walker and voted unanimously. James Hobson was in attendance and advised he would be selling used cars on the internet through E-Bay and Auto Trader. Cars will be stored on the south side of the building behind the fence with hybrids and parking in the front. A Mass dealer’s plate will be in place and a mechanic has been contracted. All cars are safety checked. The Selectmen placed a limit of twenty-five cars on premise at any one time.
A P&S, deed and preservation restriction for the sale of the Yellow School in Byfield was reviewed, approved and signed on a motion by Selectman Mountain, seconded by Selectman Bear and voted unanimously. Martha Taylor advised that minor changes to the property would go to the Building Inspector for approval and major changes must go before the Historic Commission.
On the recommendation of Chief Reilly the following appointments were approved on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Bulgaris and voted unanimously:
Three year appointments – Michael Reilly, Chief of Police; John Lucey Jr., Deputy Chief; Jay Routhier and Patricia Fisher, Sergeants; Aaron Wojtkowski, Detective; Gregg Frappier, Stephen Jenkins, Mark Smigielski, Michael Croteau, Stephen Smith and John Lucey III as Patrolmen.
One year appointments – James Velonis, Michael Mailhot, John Regan, Andrew Bridges, Joseph Santiago and Daniel Jenkins as Reserve Patrolmen. Charles Colby and Tyler Simmons, Reserve Dispatchers; Robert Hagopian as Department Chaplain; Roger Merry and Christopher Walsh as Special Police; Carol Larocque and Reed Wilson, ACO and Asst. ACO; Michael Reilly, John Lucey, Jay Routhier, Timothy Leonard and Robert Bishop – Emergency Management.
A request from the Capital Planning Committee asking that their members be designated as “Special Municipal Employees” was sent to Counsel for an opinion and a decision was tabled for a future meeting.
A request from the Stormwater Management Committee to include an informational flyer with the October real estate bills was approved on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted unanimously.
The minutes of the June 25th meeting were approved as presented on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Bulgaris and voted unanimously.
Under “communication” a letter to the Daily News from R.J. Kelly regarding the proposed medical marijuana facility at his Kent Way property was read and filed. A notice of document availability of a Class A-2 response action outcome statement regarding 200 Scotland Road was read and filed. An Environmental Notification Form for the Byfield Water District’s Activation of PW5 is on file in the office for review.
Warrants were signed for TA Blais.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 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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