TOWN OF NEWBURY
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MINUTES
Date: June 9, 2015
Present: Chairman Geoffrey Walker, Selectmen Chuck Bear, Damon Jespersen, J. R. Colby and Selectwoman, Alicia Greco
Motion: A motion was made by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Colby and voted unanimously to call the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. with the salute to the flag.
Board and Committee Reports:
John O’Connell SNN (Salisbury-Newbury-Newburyport) Municipal Task Force of the Coastal Resiliency Planning Project – Discussion of Proposal to Coastal Zone Management’s (CZM) Coastal Community Resilience Grant Program and request to sign letter of support.
John O’Connel explained the potential grant which relates to sea level rise and the letter of support addressed to the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management.
Motion: A motion was made by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Colby and voted unanimously to sign the letter of support.
Town Administrators Report:
Town Administrator, Tracy Blais reported that the Town Hall sewer connection project had gone out to bid and a pre-bid conference was scheduled for June 17, 2015. Sealed bids are due by July 1, 2015 and will be opened on that date.
The Town Administrator has received questions about the current placement of the replacement trailers. The lower/employee parking area will be disrupted during construction of the sewer connection thus the trailers could not be placed in that lot.
A group has been formed of the Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School communities as a sub-committee. The group requests that a member of the Newbury Board of Selectmen join the sub-committee to discuss a possible revised admission policy, school choice and transportation, among other things.
Newbury’s Triton Regional School Committee member Robin Williams explained that local school superintendents are questioning the Whittier admissions policy. There is a frustration within member communities that the local students are not being admitted.
Following discussion, Selectwoman Greco suggested contacting Johanna True, the Whittier High School Representative for the Town of Newbury and inviting her to the next Board of Selectmen meeting to review and discuss the situation with her.
Motion: A motion was made by Selectwoman Greco, seconded by Selectman Colby and voted unanimously to invite the Johanna True, the Newbury Whittier High School representative
to attend the July 14th Board of Selectmen Meeting.
Ms. Blais reported that she had had a meeting with Governor’s Academy Headmaster, Peter Quimby and Chief Financial Officer, Christopher Wejchert who notified her of their willingness to make a donation to the Town of Newbury in the amount of $20,000.00. During their conversation they had discussions about possibly utilizing the funds for dispatch equipment which will be needed by the Fire Department and Police Department to join their radios now that the Police Department will be dispatching for the two departments. The Town is very grateful that Governor’s Academy considered the donation in lieu of a PILOT payment.
The replacement trailers have been delivered and are being set up with the hope that they will be operational within the next 2 – 3 weeks.
Harvard Way on Plum Island has a right of way inaccessibility issue due to erosion in that area. Under the direction Conservation Agent, Doug Packer, sand was delivered this week by the Newbury DPW to address the problem. Plum Island resident and PITA President, Ron Barrett was very instrumental in securing the replacement sand. In addition, the signage at the right-of-ways on Plum Island is currently being installed. Plum Island Tax Payers Association donated the right-of-way signs for the Plum Island Community. The help of Ron Barrett and the PITA donation of signs are greatly appreciated by the Board of Selectmen and the Town Administrator.
Ms. Blais reported that the repaving roadwork of Hay and Green Streets and Boston Road was nearing completion. The DPW has reported to her that the driveways are currently being tied in.
An update of the ambulance service agreement was given by Ms. Blais. Fire Chief Walker and Deputy Fire Chief Janvrin are working with the State of Massachusetts Office of Emergency Medical Services to have the licenses of Fire Protection 1 & 2 transferred to the Town. A meeting occurred with Comstar Ambulance Billing Service. A contract agreement will be executed for Comstar to handle the billing for the ambulance services on behalf of the Town.
Public Hearing:
At 7:15 p.m. the Public Hearing was opened by Chariman Walker. Selectman Jespersen read the legal notice for a public hearing - Petition of National Grid and Verizon New England, Inc., Plan #184031411 – requests permission to locate poles, wires, and fixtures, including the necessary sustaining and protecting fixtures, along and across the public way - 16th T St. – National Grid to install pole 8-1, 28 feet from pole 8. Also for permission to lay and maintain underground laterals, cables, and wires in the above or intersecting public ways for the purpose of making connections with such poles and buildings as each of said petitioners may desire for distributing purposes.
Motion: A motion was made by Selectman Jespersen, seconded by Selectman Bear and voted unanimously to approve the Petition of National Grid and Verizon New England, Inc., Plan #184031411
Town Administrators Report continued:
Town Administrator, Tracy Blais reported that a meeting was held with the attorney representing Protection Fire Co. 1 and Protection Fire Co. 2. An agreement was reached in regard to the terms of the lease agreement and expects to have the lease agreements executed by the end of June.
The Town has a newly appointed Assistant Treasurer Collector. Kaitlin McCarthy, currently working at the Beverly Police Department will begin her position with the Town at the end of the month.
Ms. Blais expressed her appreciation to Heidi Fram who has generously filled in at the Office of the Treasurer/Collector for the last several months. Heidi has been invaluable during the transition.
Implementation of a deadline of Thursday at noon for the Board of Selectmen agenda was requested by Ms. Blais. The Board agreed to her request.
New Business:
Discussion and appointment of open School Committee seat:
Resident, Maureen Heffernan, addressed the Board of Selectmen and Triton Regional School Committee members Dina Sullivan and Robin Williams, who were in attendance at the Board of Selectmen meeting, about why she wished to fill the open seat and serve on the School Committee. The Board and the School Committee members reviewed the letter of interest and resume received 6/9/15 from Byfield resident, Mark Sandt. Following discussion:
Motion: A motion was made by Selectwoman Greco, seconded by Selectman Jespersen and voted unanimously to appoint Maureen Heffernan to fill the open seat on the School Committee.
Discussion with IT Administrator, Susan Noyes regarding strategy and policy for use of the Board of Selectmen iPads:
Susan Noyes, IT Administrator gave an overview of the I-pad technology implemented for the Board of Selectmen during the prior year. Following her overview, she requested feedback from the Board and suggested each Selectman and Selectwoman meet with her individually for uniform set-up and training. She will contact each member individually.
Susan discussed the Town’s website and reported the technology for the website was from 2006. She is currently evaluating new vendors as it relates to technology for Town Hall and asks for patience. She expects to have new website technology implemented in the fall.
Request of Cathy Pugh, Plum Island Beachcoma for permission to serve brunch and sell alcoholic beverages on Sundays, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Note: Article 30 (MGL chapter 138, section 38B) which gives local licensing authorities the ability to authorize licensees to sell alcoholic beverages between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon on Sundays passed at the Annual Town Meeting of 5/19/15.
Motion: A motion was made by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Jespersen and voted unanimously to approve the request of Cathy Pugh, Plum Island Beachcoma for permission to serve brunch and sell alcoholic beverages on Sundays, beginning at 10:00 a.m.
One-day Liquor License – Newburyport Brewing Co., Saturday, June 27, 2015 from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. – Byfield Music & Arts Festival, Manter Field, 81 Central St., Byfield
Motion: A motion was made by Selectman Jespersen, seconded by Selectman Bear and voted unanimously to approve the One-day Liquor License – Newburyport Brewing Co., Saturday, June 27, 2015 from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. – Byfield Music & Arts Festival, Manter Field, 81 Central St., Byfield
One-day Liquor License – Parker River Winery, Inc., Saturday, June 27, 2015 from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Byfield Music & Arts Festival, Manter Field, 81 Central St., Byfield
Motion: A motion was made by Selectman Jespersen, seconded by Selectman Bear and voted unanimously to approve the One-day Liquor License – Parker River Winery, Inc., Saturday, June 27, 2015 from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Byfield Music & Arts Festival, Manter Field, 81 Central St., Byfield
One-day Liquor License – Chive Events, wedding at Spencer Pierce Little farm, Saturday, June 13, 2015, 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Motion: A motion was made by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Jespersen and voted unanimously to approve the One-day Liquor License – Chive Events, wedding at Spencer Pierce Little Farm, Saturday, June 13, 2015, 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
One-day Liquor License – Ginevra Morse, wedding of Ginevra Morse and Brian McCarthy, Saturday, August 7, 2015, 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Motion: A motion was made by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Jespersen and voted unanimously to approve the One-day Liquor License – Ginevra Morse, wedding of Ginevra Morse and Brian McCarthy, Saturday, August 7, 2015, 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
One-day Liquor License – Byfield Community Arts Center, Cat in the Cradle Coffeehouse, Saturday, June 13, 2015, 7:300 p.m. – 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 – Byfield Community Arts Center, Cat in the Cradle Coffeehouse, Saturday, June 13, 2015, 7:300 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
One-day Liquor License – Byfield Community Arts Center, Antique Auction, Wednesday, June 17, 2015, 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Motion: A motion was made by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Jespersen and voted unanimously to approve the One-day Liquor License – Byfield Community Arts Center, Antique Auction, Wednesday, June 17, 2015, 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Request of Valerie Claing of Canada, Zone 3 – A Media Inc. to Deputy Chief John Lucey for Public Property Use, Filming on High Rd, Newman Rd & Cottage Rd. near river, Sunday June 21, 2015 from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. Filming a genealogy documentary in conjunction with Roy Pike, President of the Pike Family Association. ( The Family of John Pike of Newbury Massachusetts 1635)
Motion: A motion was made by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Jespersen and voted unanimously to approve the Request of Valerie Claing of Canada, Zone 3 – A Media Inc. for Public Property Use, Filming on High Rd, Newman Rd & Cottage Rd. near river, Sunday June 21, 2015 from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Filming a genealogy documentary in conjunction with Roy Pike, President of the Pike Family Association. (The Family of John Pike of Newbury Massachusetts 1635)
Vote for beginning use of the new ImageCast Precinct Optical Scan Tabulators (the purchase of which was approved at the 5/19/15 Annual Town Meeting) and to discontinue using the current Accuvote machines.
Motion: A motion was made by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Jespersen and voted unanimously to approve the use of the new ImageCast Precinct Optical Scan Tabulators (the purchase of which was approved at the 5/19/15 Annual Town Meeting) and to discontinue using the current Accuvote machines.
FY16 Board and Committee Appointments
Motion: A motion was made by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectwoman Greco and voted unanimously to approve the FY16 Board and Committee Appointments as presented.
Board of Registrars:
Douglas Khulmann
Election Worker:
Heidi Fram
Susan Nagle
Agricultural Commission:
William Colby
Eva Jackman
Matthew Kozazcki
Borders to Boston Trail Committee:
Steve Fram
Tim Kuist
Martha Taylor
John Van Schalkwyk
Christine Wilkinson
Capital Planning Committee:
Frank Visconti
Conservation Commission:
Ed Deardon
Dan Streeter
Planning board member to the Conservation Commission:
John O’Connell
Council on Aging:
Geri Dorr
Alba Gouldthorpe
Joyce Machiros
Evelyn Noyes
Charles Rudich
Cultural Council:
Joanne Johnson
Amy Swiniarski
Finance Committee:
Linda Allen
Eugene Case
Erica Jacobsen
Frank Remley
Graves Registration Officer:
Donald Jarvis
Historical Commission:
Lon Hachmeister
Eva Jackman
Nancy Thurlow
Media Committee:
Mario Carnovale
Paul Daubitz
Richard Hendrickson
Alicia Greco – Board of Selectmen member to the Media Committee
Municipal Building Committee:
Tracy Blais
Michael Doyle
Steve Fram
Sam Joslin
John Lucey
Richard Ronder
Martha Taylor
Eric Svahn
Newbury Commissioner to the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission:
John Weis
Alternate: Martha Taylor
Open Space Committee:
Michael Carbone
Dan Streeter
Martha Taylor
Recreation Committee:
Richard Capolupo
John Marcolini
Diane Manter
Warren Manter
Joseph Story
Rebecca Takesian
David Taylor
William Wendt
Zoning Board of Appeals:
Howard Traister
Alternate: Elaine Baker
Police Department:
James Bedard, Reserve Police Officer
Robert Bishop, Emergency Management Responder
Charles Colby, Jr., Reserve Police Officer
Jason DeCunha, Reserve Police Officer
Reverand Robert Hagopian, Police Department Chaplain
Daniel Jenkins, Reserve Police Officer
William LeBlond, Reserve Police Officer
John Lucey, III, Reserve Police Patrolman
Michael Mailhot, Reserve Police Patrolman
Christina Puopolo, Reserve Disptatcher
Selectman Bear – Discussion of possible municipal parking on Green Street near Parker St.
With the addition of two new trailers in the Town Hall parking lots, Selectman Bear presented an idea to the Board about creating a parking area for employees across the street on Green Street. Town Administrator, Tracy Blais reported that Protection Fire Co. #2 have offered to allow the employees to park in their lot when the sewer connection construction begins. Following discussion it was decided to think about the parking problem further and discuss it again at future meetings.
Old Business:
Acceptance of Borrego Solar Systems, Inc. letter of May 22, 2015 addressed to the Board of Selectmen requesting that the Special Permit Application for a proposed 2.795 mW (DC) Ground-Mounted Solar Photovoltaic Installation on property located at 136 Main Street, be withdrawn without prejudice.
Prior to any action, Selectman Colby and Selectwoman Greco recused themselves from discussion and action.
Following discussion:
Motion: A motion was made by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Jespersen and voted unanimously to accept Borrego Solar Systems, Inc. letter of May 22, 2015 addressed to the Board of Selectmen requesting that the Special Permit Application for a proposed 2.795 mW (DC) Ground-Mounted Solar Photovoltaic Installation on property located at 136 Main
Street, be withdrawn without prejudice.
Discussion and vote for reorganization of the Board of Selectmen
Motion: A motion was made by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Jespersen and voted unanimously to keep the organization of the Board of Selectmen as it is. Chairman – Selectman Geoffrey Walker, Vice Chairman – Selectman Bear and Clerk – Selectman Jespersen.
Discussion and vote for setting the date of the Special Ballot Election – September 15, 2015
Motion: A motion was made by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Jespersen and voted unanimously to set the date of the Special Ballot Election for September 15, 2015.
Execution of the revised release deeds pertaining to the conveyance of land from B&M to the Town of Newbury and the City of Newburyport jointly, which land will be managed by the City of Newburyport for the Clipper City Rail Trail, as voted at the Newbury Town Meeting (article 20) May of 2006
Town Planner, Martha Taylor explained that the revised lease deeds pertain to phase 2 of the Clipper City Rail Trail. Phase 1 begins at the Train Station to the waterfront. Phase 2 will loop around the waterfront, proceed up through March’s Hill and end at Parker Street. At some point there will be a phase 3 from Parker Street back to the train station to complete the loop. The land deed, executed in 2006, conveyed land from Boston and Main Corporation just to the Town of Newbury in error. The conveyance should have been to the Town of Newbury and the City of Newburyport. The revised release deed is to correct the error in the 2006 deed.
Motion: A motion was made by Selectman Jespersen, seconded by Selectman Bear and voted unanimously to execute the revised deed releasing half of the Town of Newbury’s interest in the property for the B&M Clipper City Rail Trail.
Execution of the release deeds releasing the easements taken over 58 Northern Blvd and over 60 Northern Blvd/ the Novak properties. (Approved at 5/19/2015 Town Meeting)
Motion: A motion was made by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Jespersen and voted unanimously to execute the release deeds releasing the easements taken over 58 Northern Blvd and over 60 Northern Blvd/ the Novak properties
Correspondence:
All correspondence was reviewed.
Minutes:
Minutes of April 28, 2015:
Selectwoman Greco abstained from the vote as she was not in attendance at the April 28th
Board of Selectmen meeting.
Motion: A motion was made by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Colby and
voted unanimously to approve the minutes of the April 28, 2015 Board of Selectmen meeting.
Minutes of May 26, 2015:
Selectman Bear abstained from the vote as he was not in attendance at the May 26th Board of
Selectmen meeting.
Motion: A motion was made by Selectman Jespersen, seconded by Selectman Colby and
voted unanimously to approve the minutes of the May 26, 2015 Board of Selectmen Meeting.
Warrants:
Motion: A motion was made by Selectman Jespersen, seconded by Selectman Colby and
voted unanimously to approve the warrants as presented. Warrants and year end transfers as presented were signed by the Board of Selectmen.
Meeting Updates:
Selectman Jespersen reported that last week he, Selectman Bear, Tracy Blais, Richard Moss and Martha Taylor met with Power Management, a solar management company. The company performs 2 types of management. Management of municipality’s power usage, fuel usage, etc. and to guide solar projects. They may possibly be a company that puts together RFP’s (request for proposal) for projects such as placing solar panels on the Town landfill or other acceptable, viable locations in the Town, allowing revenue to be generated for the Town. Selectmen Jespersen wished to know if the Board would like to authorize Town Administrator, Tracy Blais to select a company to execute an RFP allowing the Town to move forward from discussing the possibility of generating revenue and getting to the place where a decision could be made on how to do
that.
Motion: A motion was made by Selectman Jespersen, seconded by Selectman Bear and voted unanimously to authorize Town Administrator, Tracy Blais to begin negotiations withPower Management to execute an RFP for the Town of Newbury.
Selectman Bear reported that the Eastern Essex Dept. of Veteran’s Services had over a dozen applications for the position of Veteran’s Agent. Four candidates have been chosen and re-interviewed. A finalist for the position will be chosen on June 16th.
Executive Session: No Executive session
Adjournment:
Motion: At 9:04 p.m. a motion to adjourn was made by Selectman Jespersen, seconded by Selectwoman Greco and voted unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Ellen Jameson
Executive Administrator
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