BOARD OF SELECTMEN’S MEETING
SEPTEMBER 9, 2014
At 7:00 p.m. due to the lack of a quorum, the meeting was delayed to await the arrival of Selectman Jespersen. At 7:20 p.m., a quorum being obtained, the meeting was opened with the pledge of allegiance to our flag. In attendance were Selectmen Walker, Bear, Jespersen and Town Administrator Tracy Blais.
The Borrego Solar Systems hearing for a special permit for 8 Middle Road was continued to September 23rd at 7:30 p.m. on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Jespersen and voted. The Borrego Solar Systems hearing for a special permit for 136 Main Street was continued to October 28th at 7:30 p.m. on a motion by Selectman Jespersen, seconded by Selectman Bear and voted.
Town Administrator Tracy Blais noted that the deadline for warrant articles for the Special Town Meeting scheduled for October 21st would be September 22nd. The warrant will be approved on September 23rd. This was approved on a motion by Selectman Jespersen, seconded by Selectman Bear and voted. Blais advised that the Town had received a grant from the EOEE in the amount of $145K. This is to fund a project led by UNH entitled “CZM Green Infrastructure for Coastal Resilience, Newbury, MA”, which includes dune restoration and dune vulnerability and sustainability assessments on P.I. from Center Island to the Newburyport line. Doug Packer of Conservation will be the point
person for the project and students from UNH will also be involved. The pumper purchase is progressing and Counsel has approved the contract. Hazardous Waste Day is scheduled for November 15th at NES from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Doug Packer is working with DEP to implement MVPC’s recommendations for their P.I. traffic and parking study. Interviews are being held for the position of Assistant Treasurer Collector and it is hoped a person will be in place by October 1st. Human Resources is advertising for the new position of full time Shellfish Constable. A new “lock box” has been installed at the base of the stairs to Town Hall for the collection of payments after hours. The Town of Ipswich is currently interviewing for a veterans service agent for the Eastern Essex District Department of
Veterans Services.
John Harwood (162 High Road), local liaison for storm preparedness under a local grass roots organization known as “Storm Surge” introduced himself and gave a brief description of the activities of this organization which will work with Doug Packer, Conservation and other town officials.
Anne Gagnon of the Northeast Division of Fisheries and Wildlife addressed the Board with a proposal to resolve a land dispute for the Boudreau family on Moody Street. The proposal involves the “bargain sale” purchase of a portion of town owned land at the back of the Central St. fields in exchange for the gifting of a portion of land surrounding the Boudreau’s home. Ms. Gagnon obtained permission to submit an article for the Special Town Meeting warrant scheduled for October 21st on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Jespersen and voted.
Chairman Walker asked for a moment of silence to acknowledge the loss of Peter Murphy, Assessor and long time resident of Newbury.
Julie Bokat of “Fuel Training” received permission to hold a ½ marathon which will be run partially thru Newbury on May 31st from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Jespersen and voted. A letter of approval from Deputy Chief Lucey was included with the request.
A request from the P.I. Beachcoma for amped music on October 4th from 6-10 p.m. for a reunion of Newburyport’s Class of “84” was approved, contingent on letters of approval from Fire and Police and other safeguards, on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Jespersen and voted. A lengthy discussion ensued regarding entertainment at the Beachcoma. A previous ruling by the Board to allow music at the Beachcoma on Sunday afternoons was withdrawn due to some “tongue in cheek” signage at the restaurant. Sam Joslin, Building Inspector, advised a food and alcohol establishment with entertainment changes their classification under the state building code. This new classification requires an automatic
sprinkler system for occupancies over 50 people. Joslin recommended in lieu of a sprinkler system, Pugh file an appeal with the Board of Building Regulations and standards and offered to accompany Greg before the Board. If a sprinkler system is installed it would remove the building code issues and the only concern would be noise levels. Sam advised that a new application form for issuing one-day entertainment licenses was being developed. The Selectmen agreed they wanted to support the Beachcoma and hoped Gregg would take his appeal to the BBRS.
A one-day liquor license for S.Watson/Mercury Brewing for a function at SPLF October 11, 2014 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. was approved contingent on written approval from Police, Fire and Building Inspector on a motion by Selectman Jespersen, seconded by Selectman Bear and voted.
A one-day liquor license for Ipswich Ale Brewery for a function at SPLF September 20, 2014 from 12-6 p.m. was approved contingent on written approval from Police Fire and Building Inspector on a motion by Selectman Jespersen, seconded by Selectman Bear and voted.
A one-day liquor license for Colby Farm/Tigerlilys Events for a tasting at Colby Farm September 18 & 19 from 7-9 p.m. was approved contingent on written approval from Police, Fire, and Building Inspector on a motion by Selectman Jespersen, seconded by Selectman Bear and voted.
Five one-day liquor licenses were approved for BCAC for their “Cat in the Cradle Coffeehouses” on Sept. 27th, Oct. 4th and 18th, Nov. 15th and Dec. 13th from 7:30 – 10:30 p.m. contingent on written approval from Police, Fire and Building Inspector on a motion by Selectman Jespersen, seconded by Selectman Bear and voted.
Dina Sullivan Triton School Board member gave an overview of their efforts to replace the Triton stadium. She invited Selectmen and Finance Committee to a meeting at Triton Sept. 17th to discuss the issues and hear the scope of the proposed project including financing of the $3 million estimated cost. Triton is considering coming before Town Meeting voters to ask for help. If approved, each town will be asked to contribute approx. $60K. Sullivan urged the Selectmen to attend the meeting between school and town officials on Wednesday, Sept. 17th at the school library. Superintendent Farmer, Asst. Superintendent Forget and School Committee member Robin Williams were also present.
Ellen Daly gave a brief update on the trash problem at Plum Island Center and thanked everyone for their quick response.
The Board approved an ABCC pledge of license for the Plum Island Grille on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Jespersen and voted.
The minutes of the August 26th meeting were approved as presented on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Jespersen and voted.
Warrants were signed for TA Blais.
On the recommendation of Blais, Michael Doyle was appointed to the Municipal Building Committee on a motion by Selectman Jespersen, seconded by Selectman Bear and voted. On the recommendation of Blais, Evangeline Sutter was appointed to the Personnel Board (term 7/1/14 to 6/30/16) on a motion by Selectman Jespersen, seconded by Selectman Bear and voted.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m. on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Jespersen and voted.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen Sirois, Admin. Asst.
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