TOWN OF NEWBURY
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MINUTES
DATE: October 27, 2015
PRESENT: Chairman Geoffrey Walker, Selectmen Chuck Bear, Damon Jespersen and J.R. Colby, and Selectwoman Alicia Greco
Motion: At 7:01 p.m. a motion was made by Selectman Jespersen, seconded by Selectman Colby and voted unanimously to open the meeting. Chairman Walker called the meeting to order with
the salute to the flag.
Board and Committee Reports:
Selectwoman Greco reported that the Newbury Media Committee is seeking residents to fill openings for two seats on the committee. A notice was placed in the Newburyport Daily News and posted to the Town’s website. Letters of interest are required by November 15th and should be addressed to the attention of the Media Committee.
Selectwoman Greco informed the Board about a community program called “Giving Back to our Community” which was designed by Robin Davies, DMD of Parker River Dental as a gift for Newbury elder residents. The program offers a free dental exam, cleanings and x-rays . Dr. Davies has partnered with Martie Joe, Director of the Council on Aging to help provide senior residents with free dental care. Currently there are 41 elder residents in the program. A grant program offering expansion to other communities is being explored.
Town Administrator’s Report:
Town Administrator, Tracy Blais updated the Board about the Town Hall sewer connection project. The pipe has been laid, the contractor has finished the paving, the electrical work has been completed and connections have been made. The final connection and training will be held on Friday, November 13th.
Removal of the raised, grassy island in the parking lot abutting the new sewer line was investigated during the preliminary design. Project engineers reported that it would not be cost beneficial to remove the island at this time. Should a Town Hall/Police Station construction project move forward, that would be the time to remove the island.
Ms. Blais reported that at the close of Special Town Meeting held October 20th there remains $1.965
million in Free Cash, $199,000 in the Stabilization Account, $400,000 in the Land Sale Account and an excess levy capacity of $2,112.
The two trailers located in the Town Hall and Police Station parking lots must be removed in 8 months. There are concerns about the upcoming snow plowing season, leaking in the Board of Health trailer and inadequate heating systems. Ms. Blais is participating in discussions with Protection Fire Co. #2 to lease Firefighters Hall for office space.
New Business:
Request for Public Property Use as follows:
Julie Bokat, Fuel Training Studio, 75 Merrimac St. Newburyport, MA 01950 – 1/2 Marathon Road Race, Sunday, June 12th from 9:15 a.m. to 1:00 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 of Julie Bokat, Fuel Training Studio. 1/2 Marathon Road Race,
Sunday, June 12th from 9:15 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Newburyport Choral Society, 2015 Winter Concert – Banner on the Backstop at Upper Green, Friday, November 27th through Monday, December 14th, 2015
Motion: A motion was made by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Jespersen and voted unanimously to approve the request for Newburyport Choral Society, 2015 Winter Concert – Banner on the Backstop at Upper Green, Friday, November 27th through Monday, December 14th, 2015
Review, approve and sign – 2015 NEW Business Licenses as follows:
George W. Horn, Middlesex General Industries, Inc. 101 Newburyport Turnpike - Automated material handling & light assembly. Daniel Morin, President and POA for George W. Horn
Motion: A motion was made by Selectman Jespersen, seconded by Selectman Bear and voted unanimously to approve the business license of George W. Horn, Middlesex General Industries, Inc. 101 Newburyport Turnpike - Automated material handling & light assembly.
Board and Committee Reports:
Selectmen Jespersen informed the Board that at the November 10th Board of Selectmen meeting he would like the request of the Jespersen Family to demolish part of the barn located on their property at 1 Marsh Meadow Lane on the agenda. The barn is subject to a Building Restriction drafted as part of the approval for the Marsh Meadow Subdivision and held by the Selectmen. Modifications are needed due to the fact that the barn foundation is failing.
A Plum Island Committee existed in years past. Selectmen Jespersen suggested reviving the committee and asking the residents that are vocal and engaged to serve on the committee to address the ongoing issues of trash, parking, lighting and other concerns on Plum Island. (Further discussion under New Business)
Public Hearings:
At 7:15 p.m. the legal notice for the application of Plum Island Fine Wine & Spirits, LLC d/b/a The Cottage Wine & Spirits, 14 Plum Island Boulevard, Newbury, MA 01951 – Transfer of Liquor License #079400010 from Guilford’s Package Store, Inc., d/b/a Mr. Moe’s 14 Plum Island Blvd was read by Selectman Jespersen and the Public Hearing was opened.
John P. Connell, Attorney for applicant, Managing Members Vincent F. Godin and Jeffrey M. Christiansen outlined the purchase of Guilford’s Package Store, Inc. d/b/a Mr. Moe’s and the transfer of liquor license #079400010.
Motion: A motion was made by Selectman Jespersen, seconded by Selectman Bear and voted unanimously to approve the application of Plum Island Fine Wine & Spirits, LLC d/b/a The Cottage Wine & Spirits, 14 Plum Island Boulevard, Newbury, MA 01951 for the transfer of Liquor License #079400010 from Guilford’s Package Store, Inc., d/b/a Mr. Moe’s.
Vote to approve and sign ABCC Form 43, Transfer of License for Plum Island Fine Wine & Spirits, LLC d/b/a The Cottage Wine & Spirits
Motion: A motion was made by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Jespersen and voted unanimously to approve and sign ABCC Form 43, Transfer of License for Plum Island Fine Wine & Spirits, LLC d/b/a The Cottage Wine & Spirits.
Review, approve and sign – 2015 NEW Business Licenses as follows:
Jeffrey Christensen, Plum Island Fine Wine & Spirits d/b/a The Cottage Wine & Spirits - Retail Package Store
Motion: A motion was made by Selectman Jespersen, seconded by Selectman Bear and voted unanimously to approve the business license for Jeffrey Christensen, Plum Island Fine Wine & Spirits d/b/a The Cottage Wine & Spirits - Retail Package Store
Jeffrey Christensen, Plum Island Fine Wine & Spirits d/b/a The Cottage Wine & Spirits – Commercial Parking Lot
Motion: A motion was made by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Jespersen and voted unanimously to approve the business license for Jeffrey Christensen, Plum Island Fine Wine & Spirits d/b/a The Cottage Wine & Spirits - Commercial Parking Lot
Motion: At 7:25 p.m., a motion was made by Selectman Jespersen, seconded by Selectwoman Greco and voted unanimously to close the Public Hearing
New Business:
Liquor License #079400020 - Acceptance of Change of Officers and Directors Application for Ould Newbury Golf Club, Inc., (Change of Manager application & Form 43 approved by Board of Selectmen 7/14/2015)
Chairman Walker recused himself from the discussion and the vote.
Motion: A motion was made by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Jespersen and voted unanimously to approve the acceptance of Change of Officers and Directors Application for Ould Newbury Golf Club, Inc., Liquor License #079400020.
Vote to approve and sign REVISED ABCC Form 43 for Liquor License #079400020, Ould Newbury Golf Club, Inc.
Motion: A motion was made by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Colby and voted unanimously to approve and sign the revised ABCC Form 43 for Liquor License #079400020, Ould Newbury Golf Club, Inc.
Signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between The Triton Regional School Committee and the Towns of Newbury, Rowley & Salisbury, re: Approved Stadium Funding Agreement
Motion: A motion was made by Selectman Jespersen , seconded by Selectman Bear and voted unanimously to sign Memorandum of Understanding between the Triton Regional School Committee and the Towns of Newbury, Rowley & Salisbury, re: Approved Stadium Funding Agreement.
Given the concerns raised by some Plum Island citizens during the October 22nd Special Town Meeting about the way in which the Town has handled the issues of parking, trash removal, lighting and facilities for the public on the island, Selectman Jespersen stated that he felt that more community involvement and communication is essential to reach a solution to those issues. He suggested creating a committee of concerned citizens which would allow for better communication and a more comprehensive look at the issues facing the Island. The committee would review plans currently being discussed and created, in an effort to resolve those issues.
Following discussion in favor of forming a committee of concerned citizens to address the issues and needs of Plum Island, Selectman Walker recommended defining the mission of the committee.
The mission was outlined by Selectman Jespersen as follows:
The Board of Selectmen is seeking 5 residents to serve on a Committee to study ongoing issues at Plum Island Center and the surrounding area related to trash, facilities for the public, parking, street lights, and other concerns that have been raised by residents and visitors, to make recommendations for dealing with those issues, and to investigate potential revenue sources for reinstating certain services, such as lifeguards. The Committee’s charge will include seeking input from Plum Island residents and greater Newbury about their concerns and holding at least one public workshop prior to next April’s Annual Town Meeting. (4/26/16) Letters of interest should be submitted to the Office of the Board of Selectmen. Appointments will be made at the November 24th Board of
Selectmen meeting.
Motion: A motion was made by Selectman Jespersen, seconded by Selectman Colby and voted unanimously to form the committee as outlined.
Old Business:
Selectman Jespersen reminded all about the monthly Selectmen coffee hours to be held for residents from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. at Town Hall. The first coffee hour, hosted by Selectman Jespersen will be held Saturday, November 7th. Selectwoman Greco will host December 5th, Selectman Colby will host January 9th and Chairman Walker will host February 6th.
Correspondence: No correspondence
Review of Meeting Minutes: October 13, 2015
Motion: A motion was made by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Jespersen and voted unanimously to approve the October 13, 2015 minutes as read.
Warrants:
Motion: A motion was made by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Jespersen and voted unanimously to sign the warrants as presented
Meeting Updates:
Selectman Colby reported that he had attended a preliminary meeting held with the Division of Marine Fisheries regarding the Larkin Mill Dam removal. Past decisions, ideas for the future and possible sources for funding, such as a grant which would make it possible to remove the dam at little or no cost to the town were discussed. As there is more information to report he will keep the Board informed.
Executive Session: No executive session
Adjourn:
Motion: At 7:53 p.m. a motion was made by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Jespersen
And voted unanimously to adjourn.
Respectfully submitted,
Ellen Jameson
Executive Administrator
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