NEWBURY BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MINUTES OF February 9, 2015 MEETING
Selectmen: Richard Wright, Gary Budd
Town Personnel: Dennis Pavlicek, Town Administrator; Pam Bryk, Administrative Assistant; Fire Chief Henry Thomas; Police Chief Robert Lee; Wayne Whitford, Emergency Management Director; Pat Sherman, Library Trustee; Travis Dezotell, Recreation Director.
Public: Jim Powell, Linda Powell, Ed Wollensack, Clay Rucker, Russell Smith, Pat Tighe, Ted and Dianne Jones, Denny Hisler, Helen Wright, Paul Hague, Dan Lacombe, Desmond Oakes, Steve Snyder, Vicki Hayward, Mark Wichterman.
The meeting convened at 5:59 p.m.
APPOINTMENT: Linda Powell wanted to talk about communication and rumors that she claimed were ruining the reputation of Chief Lee. She then proceeded to talk about an underage party in the fall of 2013 that involved a selectman and a police officer and how no mutual aid was called. Chief Thomas spoke up and contested this statement. Wright stated that Powell was talking about rumors and gossip and have only part of the story. Wright indicated that board was not involved in the police aspect of that situation. Wright continued to say that our involvement dealt with personnel and private records of town employees. Wright stated that the selectmen are not able to tell our side of the story when they relate to personnel files and nonpublic record. Powell continued to say the board released personal
information regarding Chief Lee. There was information on facebook. Wright said, the Board did not release any information, they didn’t even know the person she was talking about. Wright said the board would never release any information like that. Powell stated Chief Lee had a lawsuit filed against the town. Wright said it was for discipline for bad behavior. Budd read a statement regarding the matter. He stated Chief Lee initiated a lawsuit against the Town of Newbury regarding the discipline procedures implored for the Chief. Budd stated this is not a public matter. Powell then moved onto the resignation of Jim Powell on April 29, 2014 because he didn’t want to be involved in these matters. Budd stated that Jim Powell had told the selectmen he resigned because of family issues. Linda Powell said it doesn’t matter, the board called an emergency special meeting on May 1, 2014 and requested Chief Lee to come but he couldn’t be there. On May
5, 2014 at Wright’s request there was department procedural change stating all town vehicles be marked including police vehicles. Wright said he pushed on marking the vehicles because there was an officer from the community who drove around in his own vehicle pulling people over on his own time. Then Powell continued on the memo of leaving town to get gas, how it changed to 3 miles. That this was directed at Chief Lee. Wright said they are town vehicles and should only be used for town use. Wright stated that it doesn’t make sense to drive out of town to save a few dollars when it is costing you money to drive there. Powell said she would handle this in other means. Wright reiterated that we cannot comment on town employees, it violates individual rights. Budd reiterated that no information is coming out by us. Wright said if individuals are spreading gossip in town it is not initiated by the Board of Selectmen. Rucker questioned if the underage event
happened. Budd replied that it did happen. Rucker questioned the lawsuit. Wright said the selectmen cannot tell our side of the story or the town can potentially be sued for releasing nonpublic personnel information. Rucker asked if it cost the town any money. Wright answered no money came from the town, there was an insurance settlement that was paid by insurance. Wright said in spite of the stories you hear we do what is in the best interest for the Town. Powell questioned why when Dr. Kenney and Bruce Barton came in asking about the lawsuit, they did not answer him and said they didn’t know. Budd replied that he had no idea what Kenney was referencing to on the website.
NEW BUSINESS: The Newbury Historical Society would like approval to affix a sign to Sherman Hall stating that it is the Historical Society building. The board all agreed yes.
Pavlicek read a letter from the planning board on January 20th that a site plan is not required for Bob’s Beacon Marina.
BUDGET HEARING: Pavlicek stated that if everything passes on the budget there will be a decrease of one cent on the town tax. Copies of the warrant articles and budget were distributed. Pavlicek reviewed and explained the warrant articles to be proposed at town meeting. Warrant article 7 had questions regarding $60,000 to do a geotechnical and concept study for the new Safety Services Building. Wright explained what the study would cover and how it would help us know exactly what we will need. A new Safety Service Building is in the master plan and we have to make accommodations for it in the future. Pavlicek reviewed the budget, most questions on department budgets had to do with increase in salaries. Increases were due to COLA, a new full time librarian for the library and more calls for the fire
department. Budd made a motion to approve the budget as written to town meeting, Wright seconded the motion. All in favor. The board of selectmen signed the warrant articles and DRA budget form.
INTENT TO CUT: None
TIMBER CUT REPORT: None.
ABATEMENTS/CREDITS/EXEMPTIONS
WARRANTS: Land use change tax warrant was approved and signed for Kenneth Brown, Gillingham Drive, 049-061-117.
MINUTES: Minutes of January 26, 2015 were approved to file.
PAYROLL & ACCOUNTS PAYABLE: Week ending February 7, 2015 were approved and signed.
PURCHASE AUTHORIZATION: None
NON-PUBLIC SESSION: None
MEETING ADJOURNED at 7:23 p.m.
NEXT REGULAR MEETING: Monday, February 23, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. at the Town Office.
Newbury Board of Selectmen
_______________________ _____________________ ______________________
Richard Wright Gary Budd Edward Thorson
Chair
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