NEWBURY BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 29, 2004 MEETING
Selectmen: James Powell, Richard Wright, Gary Budd
Town Personnel: Dennis Pavlicek, Town Administrator; Shelly Candidus, Admin. Assistant; Chief Valiquet, Glen Drewniak
Budget Committee: Betsy Soper, Ivor Freeman, Tom Vannatta
Public: John & Patricia Arthur, Harry Seidel, James Lowe (Argus-Champion)
The meeting convened at 6:20 p.m.
PUBLIC INPUT:
John Arthur appeared before the Board to ask if they had any new information about his use of Old County Road South for access to his property on Chalk Pond Road. A portion of this road was upgraded from Class VI to Class V as part of the approved site plan for Baker Hill Golf Club. While Wright said officially adopting the road as Class V would have to be done at Town Meeting, Powell said the road was already laid out by the town in 1999 and is now technically listed as a Class V road for summer use only, not to be maintained by the town in the winter. Pavlicek suggested the matter could be raised at Town Meeting for approval of a full Class V road with only 300' to be town-maintained. Powell said that in order to address all concerns, the matter should be referred to the town attorney. Pavlicek will do this and the Board will report
back to Arthur as soon as possible regarding the status of the road and his driveway permit application.
BUDGET REVIEWS:
Police: Chief Valiquet reviewed the proposed 2005 budget with the Committee for each line item. The Board asked Pavlicek to create a separate line item of $1,000 for the County Attorney expense, removing this amount from the Miscellaneous line.
Police - $260,233 - Up - $6,067 - Increase reflects salary increases
Vannatta asked if the police participated in any DARE programs. The Chief said no, since there is no school in Newbury and they would have to decide which school to work with. He added that the police do participate in various youth programs and give presentations in Bradford, since Newbury children attend elementary school there. The Committee asked if the police did much investigative work. The Chief said they haven‘t had the time to do all he would like, but will do more in the future.
Welfare Administration $ 2,835 Unchanged
Welfare Direct Assistance $12,550 Unchanged
Code Enforcement $22,356 Down $2,884 Reflects reduced hours & mileage
Pavlicek has asked LaCasse to prepare revenue scales for permits to recoup 70% of expenses.
Emergency Management $100 Up $80 Reflects realistic figure
Street Lighting $13,225 Down $ 1,275 Soper asked about street lighting at Crofts Beach. Powell said the number of lights was reduced by the Board in 1992. If residents want a light added, they should petition the Board.
Health Agencies $25,962 Down $ 497 Reduced cost for NL Ambulance
Library $65,067 Up $ 5,090 Includes salary increases. Freeman said he would like to see a breakdown of 2004 expenses.
Freeman asked that the Planning Board budget review be moved up to December 13th. He also mentioned that he was concerned about the increased traffic on town roads due to new growth and subdivisions. He suggested looking at the maintenance line of the Highway budget again.
REGULAR BUSINESS:
PAYROLL & ACCOUNTS PAYABLE: Week ending November 27, 2004 approved.
MINUTES: Meeting minutes of November 15, 2004 regular and non-public sessions approved to file.
INTENT TO CUT:
Schroeder, William Jr. Map/lot# 43-273-521 & 43-486-142. Approved.
Schroeder, William Sr. Map/lot# 44-218-269. Approved.
SIGN PERMIT:
White Star Auction Hall. Map/lot# 43-797-526. Approval for temporary sign 12/1-12/5/04.
OLD BUSINESS:
Pavlicek reported that New London Copier will meet competitive pricing for leasing a color copier, and have reduced the price of color copies by 2 cents. The Board authorized Pavlicek to sign a lease agreement.
NEW BUSINESS:
Pavlicek reported that insurance rates for Workers’ Comp and Unemployement would be lower in 2005 from NHMA than from Primex. NHMA would lock in rates for 3 years. The town has a Joint Loss committee and Pavlicek said a town employee is taking classes to help meet all requirements. The Board agreed that Pavlicek is authorized to finalize the agreement with NHMA and the Board adopted the resolution as set forth.
The Board declined to sign a request from TDS Telecom to approve bundling bills for phone and cable for TDS customers, as this would deprive the customer of access to contact with the franchise authority in case of questions or complaints.
Harry Seidel appeared to report that the stumps are being removed on site at Fishersfield. Eckman Engineering will provide engineering services at cost for the layout of roads, fields, etc.
Pavlicek reported that he is negotiating with Irving Oil to bury the propane tanks at the renovated Town Office and new Highway Garage.
The Board signed two abatements for Veteran’s Exemptions; and one for 2003 property taxes.
The Board signed a Release of Lis Pendens on property at Map/lot# 20-095-188.
The Board noted that two properties in the Chalk Pond area have been tax-deeded to the town: Map/lot 29A-290-492 on Skytop Drive and 29A-196-451 on Hilltop Drive.
MEETING ADJOURNED at 9:10 p.m.
NEXT REGULAR MEETING: Monday, December 13, 2004 at 6:30 p.m. at the Town Office.
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