Town of Newbury
Board of Selectmen
Minutes
Date: March 24, 2015
Present: Chairman, Geoffrey Walker, Selectmen, Chuck Bear, Damon Jespersen, and J.R. Colby
Motion: A motion was made by Chairman Walker, seconded by Selectman Bear and voted unanimously to call the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. with the salute to the flag.
Board and Committee Reports: No Board or Committee Reports
Citizen’s Concerns: No citizen’s concerns
Town Administrator’s Report:
Town Administrator, Tracy Blais, reported that the current snow and ice deficit has reached $143,283.00. An appropriation will have to be made at the Special Town Meeting in May to cover the deficit.
The FY16 Budget preparation continues. The budget recommendations binders will be completed by the end of the week allowing the Board to review prior to the March 31st presentation and joint meeting of the Board of Selectmen and Finance Committee.
A surplus declaration was requested by the Board of Selectmen pertaining to a retired, 2009, Crown Vic Police patrol vehicle with mileage of 107,737 and a retired 1999, Ford Expedition, Animal Control vehicle. The last known mileage was 109,198 miles. Upon receiving an affirmative vote from the Board of Selectmen to declare the vehicles surplus, bids can be received and the vehicles sold.
Motion: A motion was made by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Jespersen and voted unanimously to declare the Police and Animal Control vehicles as surplus.
New Business:
Town Administrator, Tracy Blais, request to appoint Fire Chief Nathan Walker to the Municipal Building Committee.
Chairman Walker recused himself from discussion and the vote.
Motion: A motion was made by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Jespersen and voted unanimously (with Chairman Walker recusing himself from the vote) to approve the appointment of Fire Chief Nathan Walker to the Municipal Building Committee.
John O’Connell, Chairman, Storm Water Management – Request permission to include storm water management flyers in the mailing of the 4th quarter, April 1, 2015 Real Estate Tax Bills.
Motion: A motion was made by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Jespersen and voted unanimously to allow the storm water management flyers to be included in the mailing of the 4th quarter, April 1, 2015 Real Estate Tax Bills.
One-day Liquor License – Byfield Community Arts Center – Cat in the Cradle Coffeehouse, Saturday April 4, 2015 from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.
Motion: A motion was made by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Jespersen and
voted unanimously to approve the One-day Liquor License for Byfield Community Arts Center – Cat in the Cradle Coffeehouse, Saturday April 4, 2015 from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.
One-day Liquor License – Byfield Community Arts Center – Cat in the Cradle Coffeehouse, Saturday April 18, 2015 from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.
Motion: A motion was made by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Jespersen and
voted unanimously to approve the One-day Liquor License for Byfield Community Arts Center – Cat in the Cradle Coffeehouse, Saturday April 18, 2015 from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.
One-day Liquor License – Byfield Community Arts Center – Local Lounge, Saturday April 25, 2015 from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.
Motion: A motion was made by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Jespersen and
voted unanimously to approve the One-day Liquor License for Byfield Community Arts Center –
Local Lounge, Saturday April 25, 2015 from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.
Review, approve and sign - 2015 Business License Renewals as follows:
Eileen Cashman dba Lalobarun Ranch, 83 Scotland Rd., General Business/Equine Breeding/Boarding/Sales
Motion: A motion was made by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Colby and
voted unanimously to approve the business license.
Lisa Porter, Seacoast Horse & Pet Sitting, 48 Old Rowley Rd., General Business/Equine Breeding/Boarding/Sales – Withdrew request and will first go before the Zoning Board of Appeals. A kennel in an agricultural zone requires a special permit.
Old Business:
The Letter from Sam Shepard, campaign organizer with Environment Massachusetts, regarding the coalition letter for the clean water campaign to close loopholes in the Clean Water Act was further discussed. Selectman Jespersen reported that the loopholes in the Clean Water Act were created by two decisions made by the Supreme Court which have left many water ways in the United States in limbo as to how they were treated under the Clean Water Act. Environment Massachusetts is requesting that local officials from across Massachusetts sign onto a coalition letter encouraging the Federal Congressional delegation to continue actively supporting the protection of a full restoration of the Clean Water Act, and lobby their colleagues in Congress to oppose any attempts to reinsert damaging loopholes. Selectmen Jespersen reported that from his
research he found that, whether it be fishing and hunting, recreational or environmental concerns, except for some large industrial companies, most are in favor of the full restoration of the Clean Water Act.
Motion: A motion was made by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Colby and
voted unanimously to write and sign the letter to Senator Warren.
Correspondence:
All correspondence was reviewed.
Minutes:
Motion: A motion was made by Selectman Jespersen, seconded by Selectman Bear and voted unanimously to approve the minutes of the March 10, 2015 meeting as presented.
Warrants:
Motion: A motion was made by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Jespersen and voted unanimously to approve the Warrants as presented. Warrants presented were signed by The Board of Selectmen.
Meeting Updates: No meeting updates
Public Hearings:
Prior to the opening of the Public Hearing, Selectman, J.R. Colby reported that in the past he has used the Yesair’s property for agricultural purposes. After consulting with the State of Massachusetts Ethics Commission, it was
determined that a conflict of interest existed and therefore he recused himself from the Public Hearing.
The Legal Notice for Borrego Solar Systems, Inc. – Public Hearing for a Special Permit for a proposed 2.795 mW (DC) Ground-Mounted Solar Photovoltaic Installation on property located at 136 Main Street, owners Ruth Yesair and
Kavy Yesair, was read by Selectman Jespersen.
Motion: A motion was made by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Jespersen and voted unanimously to open the Public Hearing.
Motion: A motion was made by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Jespersen and voted unanimously to continue the Public Hearing to May 26, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. because of an insufficient membership of the Board of Selectmen.
Selectman Bear stated that at the next Board of Selectmen’s meeting he wished to discuss whether the Special Permit Granting Authority (SPGA) for solar initiatives be the responsibility of the Board of Selectmen or the Planning Board.
At 7:50 p.m., Chairman Walker made a motion to enter into Executive Session to discuss strategy with respect to Collective Bargaining Agreements because an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of this body, seconded by Selectman Bear. A roll call vote was taken: Chairman Walker, yes; Selectman Bear, yes; Selectman Jespersen, yes; and Selectman Colby, yes. Selectman Walker announced that the meeting
would not reconvene at the conclusion of the Executive Session.
Respectfully submitted,
Ellen Jameson
Executive Administrator
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