TOWN OF NEWBURY
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MINUTES
DATE: August 11, 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 Jespersen and voted unanimously to call the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. with the salute to the flag.
Board and Committee Reports:
Town Planner, Martha Taylor explained that during the 7/29/2015 Board of Selectmen meeting, the request of John Rausch that Livingston Lane be accepted by the Town as a Town road was referred by the Board of Selectmen to the Planning Board which then has 45 days within which to make a recommendation back to the Board of Selectmen. The Planning Board will take action at their meeting of 8/19/2015. A public hearing must be scheduled by the Board of Selectmen. Martha suggested the dated of 09/22/2015 which would allow sufficient time for the request, if required, to be placed on the warrant for Special Town Meeting of October 20th.
Motion: A motion was made by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Jespersen and voted unanimously to hold the public hearing for the Livingston Lane road acceptance at the Board of Selectmen meeting of September 22, 2015 at 7:30 p.m.
Citizen’s Concerns – No citizen’s concerns
Public Hearings – No public hearings
New Business:
Police Department & EMA Appointments:
Joseph Gamache, Reserve Police Officer
John Baker, Reserve Dispatcher
Fire Chief Nathan Walker, 2nd Deputy EMD
Keith Grant, 2nd Deputy EMD
Chairman Walker recused himself from discussion and the vote.
Motion: A motion was made by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Jespersen and voted unanimously to approve all Police Department and EMA appointments as presented.
Following the appointments, Chief Michael Reilly reported to the Board that Newbury Police Officer, Andrew Bridges was a recent graduate of the full-time (26 week) Reading Police Academy. Congratulations were extended by the Selectmen and the audience to Officer Bridges.
Harbormaster Commendation:
Police Chief Michael Reilly presented Letters of Commendation to Harbormaster James Velonis and Assistant Harbormaster Dan Brown. On Sunday, August 2nd, a 15 year old West Newbury boy had capsized in a kayak and was clinging to the pilings of the Wilkinson Bridge which runs over the Plum Island River, separating Plum Island from the mainland. The boy’s life was saved by the timely response and quick thinking, decisive actions of the two Harbormasters.
Town Administrators Report:
Town Administrator, Tracy Blais reported that the Town Hall Sewer Project bid opening had occurred. Joseph P. Cardillo & Son, Inc. of Wakefield had the lowest bid of $345,312.38. Approximately $500,000.00 was appropriated at Town meeting. Anything unexpended will close out to free cash at the end of the fiscal year.
The cost estimate received for the Manter Field Septic System was $60,000.00. The lowest bid received on August 3rd was that of John D. Hartnett & Son of Newburyport for $106,466.00. A notice to proceed has not been issued as there are not enough funds to complete the project. Ms. Blais will work with the Recreation Committee to modify the project or go back to Town Meeting to seek additional funding.
The Chapter 90 apportionment for Fiscal Year 2016 is $272,575.00.
Ms. Blais reported that Town Clerk Leslie Haley had recently received a Certified Massachusetts Municipal Clerk designation. Congratulations were extended to Ms. Haley.
DPW Employee, Bob Bishop, submitted his letter of resignation to the Town. The advertisement for his position will be advertised in the Daily News and on the Town’s website.
The Town of Newbury Police and Fire Departments Public Safety Day will be held Saturday, 9/12/2015 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The rain date is Sunday, 9/13/2015 from 10:00 to 3:00 p.m.
The Special Election will be held September 15th. Voter registration ends August 26th at 8:00 p.m. Absentee Ballots must be requested by 12:00 p.m. Sept. 14th.
Ms. Blais reported that it has been discovered that many of the Town records, previously stored at the Woodbridge School and transferred to the trailers at the Transfer Station have become damaged with mold, especially those in cardboard boxes. Four years ago, all Department Managers went through the files at the Woodbridge School, inventoried the files and identified what could then be destroyed. Permission was received from the State of Massachusetts to destroy the identified files. Some of the records can now be destroyed as they are more than 7 years old, but many damaged records are permanent Town records.
Chairman Walker inquired whether there could be small air conditioners installed in the trailers to help reduce the moisture in the air. Ms. Blais didn’t think so but explained air conditioned trailers could be rented.
Selectman Bear asked about digitizing the records. Ms. Blais stated that current Town records are being digitized. Selectwoman Greco suggested hiring a part time community college student to begin scanning and uploading the records with the possibility of seeking funding at Town Meeting.
The Town Administrator requested that the Board of Selectmen declare a 1999 John Deere Gator as surplus. The gator was previously used by the DPW and now sitting idle at the Transfer Station.
Motion: A motion was made by Selectman Colby, seconded by Selectman Jespersen and voted unanimously to declare the 1999 John Deere Gator as Surplus.
New Business:
Review, approve and sign – 2015 NEW Business Licenses as follows:
Richard C. & Jennifer R. Owens, Autowerkes Repair, 88 Newburyport Turnpike, Newbury, MA 01950
Motion: A motion was made by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Jespersen and voted unanimously to approve the new Business License of Richard C. & Jennifer R. Owens, Autowerkes Repair, 88 Newburyport Turnpike, Newbury, MA 01950.
One-day Liquor License – Ben Legare & Erin Grundy – Legare/Grundy Wedding, Saturday, August 22, 2015 from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Spencer Pierce Little Farm, 2 Little’s Lane, Newbury
Motion: A motion was made by Selectman Jespersen, seconded by Selectman Bear and voted unanimously to approve the One-day Liquor License – Ben Legare & Erin Grundy – Legare/Grundy Wedding, Saturday, August 22, 2015 from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Spencer Pierce Little Farm, 2 Little’s Lane, Newbury.
Request for Public Property use - Cathy Coffin Lanois, Essex County Greenbelt Association, 82 Eastern Ave, Essex, MA - Sept 13, 2015 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. - Tour de Greenbelt bike event with water stop at Newbury Lower Green
Motion: A motion was made by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Jespersen and voted unanimously to approve the Request for Public Property use - Cathy Coffin Lanois, Essex County Greenbelt Association, 82 Eastern Ave, Essex, MA - Sept 13, 2015 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. - Tour de Greenbelt bike event with water stop at Newbury Lower Green.
Request for Public Property Use – Rolfe’s Lane resident, Scott Signore - request to use small area of outfield on Newbury Upper Green for East Coast Soccer, Girls under 8 soccer practice, Tuesdays from 5:15 to 6:30 p.m., from September 1st through November 17th, 2015
Motion: A motion was made by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Jespersen and voted unanimously to approve the Request for Public Property Use – Rolfe’s Lane resident, Scott Signore - request to use small area of outfield on Newbury Upper Green for East Coast Soccer, Girls Under 8 soccer practice, Tuesdays from 5:15 to 6:30 p.m., from September 1st through November 17th, 2015
Request for Public Property Use – Deputy Chief John Lucey and Fire Chief Nathan Walker, Town of Newbury Police and Fire Departments, request to use Newbury Upper Green for a Public Safety Day on Saturday, September 12, 2015 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Rain date: Sunday, September 13, 2015 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Motion: A motion was made by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Jespersen and voted unanimously to approve the Request for Public Property Use – Deputy Chief John Lucey and Fire Chief Nathan Walker, Town of
Newbury Police and Fire Departments, request to use Newbury Upper Green for a Public Safety Day on Saturday, September 12, 2015 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Rain date: Sunday, September 13, 2015 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Human Resources Board Appointments:
Mark Gleckman, 28 Riverview Drive, 7/1/2015 – 6/30/2018
John Lucey, Employee Representative #1, 7/1/2015 – 6/30/2018
Motion: A motion was made by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Jespersen and voted unanimously to approve the Human Resources Board Appointments as presented.
Vote to sign the Warrant for the Town of Newbury Special Election, September 15, 2015
Motion: A motion was made by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Jespersen and voted unanimously to sign the Warrant for the Town of Newbury Special Election, September 15, 2015
Approval of Contract with Community Opportunities Group, Inc., for Master Plan Update
The Master Plan Committee evaluation team has reviewed a proposal from Boston based Community Opportunities Group, Inc. and have been working to finalize a contract with them in the amount of $50,000.00. $60,000.00 was appropriated for the Master Plan project, some of which is hoped will go towards an open space plan. Town Counsel has drafted the contract and us finalizing various details. The Master Plan Committee requests that the Board of Selectmen authorize Town Administrator, Tracy Blais to sign the contract when it is completed.
Motion: A motion was made by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Jespersen and voted unanimously to authorize Town Administrator, Tracy Blais to sign the contract.
Septic Loan Release:
66A & B Green Street septic loan has been paid in full by the owner.
Motion: A motion was made by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Jespersen and voted unanimously to sign the release of the lien.
Old Business:
Selectman Damon Jespersen read the invitation and reviewed the program for the upcoming dedication
Of the David Mountain Memorial Bench to be held on Saturday, September 26, 2015 from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. on the bank of the Parker River at the Central Street dam in Byfield.
The memo from Eric Svahn, Municipal Building Committee, Chairman re: Project Cost Saving in Combining Departments was reviewed. The Public Safety Complex, public informational meeting, scheduled for the September 8th Board of Selectmen Meeting was discussed.
Motion: A motion was made by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Jespersen and voted unanimously to approve the September 8th Board of Selectmen meeting as a public informational meeting for the Public Safety Complex.
Vote to approve and sign REVISED ABCC Form 43, Transfer of License and Alteration of Licensed
Premises for Pizza Factory, Inc. d/b/a Plum Island Provisions 29 Plum Island Blvd. Note: ABCC did not approve “Complete Description of Licensed Premises” as originally submitted by Attorney/Owner of premises.
Motion: A motion was made by Selectman Jespersen, seconded by Selectman Bear and voted unanimously to approve and sign the REVISED ABCC Form 43, Transfer of License and Alteration of Licensed Premises for Pizza Factory, Inc. d/b/a Plum Island Provisions 29 Plum Island Blvd.
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 July 14, 2015 Board of Selectmen meeting.
Warrants:
Motion: A motion was made by Selectman Jespersen, seconded by Selectman Bear and voted unanimously to approve the warrants as presented. Warrants and the appropriation transfer as presented were signed by the Board of Selectmen.
Adjournment:
Motion: At 8:12 p.m. a motion to adjourn was made by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Jespersen and voted unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Ellen Jameson
Executive Administrator
| 
