SELECTMEN’S MEETING
August 1, 2005
Call to Order
Chairman Harding called the meeting to order at 6:35pm. In attendance were Selectman John P. Ulcickas, Selectman Gary F. Nelson, Chairman Norman P. Harding and Town Administrator Nancy J. Wrigley. Minutes were transcribed and typed by Office Manager Mary B. Winglass.
Chairman Harding motioned to go into non-public session under RSA 91-A:3 II (b) – hiring for the Police Department and (e) – pending litigation. Second by Selectman Nelson. Roll Call Vote: Selectman Nelson – yes; Selectman Ulcickas – yes, Chairman Harding – yes. Vote: Unanimous.
Chairman Harding called the public meeting back to order at 7:25pm. Per unanimous roll call vote, the minutes of the meeting will remain confidential until, in the opinion of a majority of the members, the circumstances no longer apply except to announce that the Board hired two part time police officers effective July 31, 2005; Robert Donovan, Sr. at Grade X, step 10, $14.26 per hour and Nathan Lyons at Grade X, step 2, $11.70 per hour and the Board hired Lisa Babcock as the Recreation Commission Secretary at Grade II, step 4, $8.32 per hour effective July 24, 2005
Introduction of Guests
Old Business
Citizen Corp Council Grant Money
Chairman Harding stated that about a year ago, a group of residents and some town officials came together to look at starting a Citizen Corp Council. After many meetings, the council agreed upon purchasing certain items to start the council, grant money was approved and the council received $9,600. Since the town received the grant money, the council has not been active and there has been no activity to continue the work started or to authorize the expenditure of the funds. Selectman Nelson stated that he received an e-mail from Michael Pacheco, State Coordinator for Citizen Corps stating that the state council is concerned about the progress of Newton’s council and they are curious as to what we are going to do with the money. Selectman Nelson added that the town received $9,600 grant money last summer and
since then the membership has dropped off and we need to come up with an active council or we will need to return the money. The Board decided to put the word out to the residents by posting this information on the cable channel as well as at the Town Hall that anyone interested in volunteering to work on this council is to contact the Selectmen’s Office.
Treasurer Elizabeth Standing Re: June Month-end reconciliation
The Selectmen reviewed a June 2005 month-end statement from Treasurer, Elizabeth Standing. The statement was hand written and the Selectmen agreed that the format was hard to understand and needs to be computerized or at least typed. A discussion ensued with Treasurer, Elizabeth Standing that to put this document on an excel spreadsheet would be much better for then it can be updated each month. TA, Nancy Wrigley added that to use the year-end statement format that is shown in the Annual Town Report would give the Selectmen a much better understanding of the town accounts. Nancy will see if she can access a copy of the year-end statement and put it on a floppy disk for the Treasurer’s use. Treasurer, Elizabeth Standing stated that she will see if she can use the computer at the library for this purpose. TA, Nancy Wrigley stated that Betty has access to the Building Inspector’s computer and printer.
Document review for the NPREA audit
Treasurer Elizabeth Standing gave the Selectmen all the paperwork that she has on the NPREA starting from January 2002 to current for the audit. Chairman Harding stated that he will talk with the Planning Board Administrative Assistant Sally Cockerline for the Planning Board’s documentation.
New Business
Review a draft Driveway Permit with Road Agent Frank Gibbs
The Board reviewed a draft driveway permit with Road Agent Frank Gibbs. Frank discussed with the Board that he has taken this format from another town as the current driveway permit does not give the Road Agent a place to sign off on the completion of the work and it does not outline the specific measurements and requirements for the installation. Frank stated that he would like to make a few changes to the permit; the permit fee and if more than one inspection is necessary then all additional inspections will be a $30 fee. TA, Nancy Wrigley added that this permit was discussed a few years back and at the time Selectman Stephen Cushing had a problem with the permit for it outlined the state regulations on a town permit, including the state RSA. The Board reviewed the wording and discussed the reference with Frank and
it was decided that using the state regulations on the town permit gives the homeowner a guideline as the town follows the state regulations. Frank added that he recommends a $60 permit fee and all additional inspections are $30.
Chairman Harding motioned to approve the application for a driveway permit for the Town of Newton. Second by Selectman Nelson. Vote: Unanimous.
Request from the Recreation Commission to hire someone for trash pickup at Greenie Park
Rick Bailey, Chairman of the Recreation Commission spoke about the need for trash pickup down at Greenie Park. Currently two members of the commission have been trying to make a regular trip to the park to keep the place clean but as volunteers they do not always have the time. Rick stated that the commission is looking for somebody to empty the barrels into the dumpster on site once a week. It was determined that Monday would be the best day to empty the barrels. Rick informed the Selectmen that there are a total of five barrels on site that need to be emptied. The Selectmen discussed with Road Agent Frank Gibbs if the road crew could take on this responsibility once a week. Frank responded that he does not see it as a problem and he will incorporate this responsibility into their weekly duties. A
discussion ensued as to whether there are any recycling barrels at the park and if not then we need to look into getting some barrels. Rick stated that there are no recycling barrels at the park. The Selectmen agreed that we need to contact Transfer Station Manager Roger Clark to see if he could look into getting some recycling barrels for the park. TA, Nancy Wrigley added that we need a recycling barrel at the Town Hall.
Rick Bailey thanked the Selectmen and added that the Recreation Commission is in need of new members, currently they have two open positions. The Recreation Commission is made up of a group of volunteers and it is a great opportunity for anyone who would like to get involved with the town. Cable Committee Chairman stated that he would add this announcement to the cable channel and Office Manager Mary Winglass stated that she will add this announcement to the town’s website.
Letter from Verizon Telecommunications Re: Network Upgrades
Chairman Harding read a letter from Verizon regarding its new telecommunications network. The network upgrades represents transformation from a traditional telephone service provider to a company that delivers a full range of advanced broadband data services.
Office Manager Mary Winglass informed the Selectmen that she spoke with a representative from Verizon today and they stated that they will be starting the fiber optic installation very soon and they hope to complete it by December of this year. They also stated that they would be willing to come to a Selectmen’s meeting to discuss it with the Selectmen. Chairman Harding stated that they will need a contract with the town in order to provide cable services in town. In addition, the Selectmen reviewed a letter from Attorney Robert Ciandella offering their services in cable franchise negotiations with Verizon.
The Selectmen then discussed the status of the contract transfer from Adelphia to Comcast. Chairman Harding stated that the Cable Committee has reviewed the contract transfer Form 394 application and their recommendation to the Board is to sign the Comcast agreement as written. Cable Committee Chairman Andrew Morse discussed that the town has a great contract with Adelphia and the Comcast agreement is a complete transfer of all services that the town currently has with Adelphia.
The Selectmen decided to schedule an informal meeting with Verizon and the Cable Committee for either Monday August 15th or the 22nd.
Boston Post Cane
Town Administrator Nancy Wrigley requested to speak with the Selectmen about the town’s Boston Post Cane. The Boston Post Cane was given to the town in the early 1900’s and has been in the possession of the oldest resident in town. TA, Wrigley stated that the town has been in possession of the cane for a couple of years as the holder of the cane, Bertha Cheney was placed in a nursing home and her Grandson brought it to the town for safekeeping. Recently Bertha Cheney passed away at 110 years old and Nancy suggested that the Board consider placing the cane in a glass case to be displayed at Town Hall and to give the oldest resident a certificate and have their name added to a plaque listing them as a holder of the cane, and to include past holder of the cane. The only problem with the plaque idea is that we
have no knowledge of who has been the holder in the past and we have no way of knowing who currently the oldest resident in town is.
The Selectmen agreed with TA, Wrigley that it would be a good idea to put the cane in a glass case for safekeeping as it has historical significance and then they discussed how we could find out who has been the holder of the cane in the past and who is the oldest resident in town today. After much discussion, the Board decided to post a notice on the cable channel as well as around town looking for the eldest resident in town and to ask for help from the residents on past holders of the cane.
Chairman Harding motioned that the town retain the Boston Post Cane at the Town Hall and for the recipient to be awarded a Boston Post Cane certificate. Second by Selectman Ulcickas. Discussion: The Selectman announced the need from the residents to help try to determine the past holders of the cane and to determine who the oldest person in Newton so they could receive the certificate. Vote: Unanimous.
Six-month budget review
The Board reviewed the six month budget expenditures for each department prepared by Bookkeeper Kim Hughes. Town Administrator Nancy Wrigley informed the Selectmen that we just received revised legal bills from Donahue, Tucker and Ciandella, Attorney at Law for April, May and June 2005 and the Planning Board’s total due will leave them with a very small balance in their legal line item. The Board discussed that this will be a problem for the Planning Board has multiple legal issues ongoing and we still have six months to go.
Since the Road Agent was present they discussed his winter highway budget, which is over expended due to a very active winter weather wise. Road Agent, Frank Gibbs stated that he plans on using funds from his summer highway budget, if needed, to cover the cost of any snow storms in November or December. The Board then discussed the summer paving program and Frank responded that he is waiting of proposals and once received he will bring them in front of the Board for their approval.
Chairman Harding then questioned Frank if he has checked out Crossman Circle for any damage due to snowplowing this past winter. Frank responded that he checked it out and saw no damage. The Board requested that a letter to be sent to the owner with this information and if they have any further issues to please contact the Selectmen’s Office.
Chairman Harding then questioned Frank on the Beaver situation in town as they caused some flooding problems this past spring and the Board gave the responsibility of hiring a trapper when needed to Frank. Frank responded that the Beavers have not been a problem.
Announcements
The Newton Fire Department has been awarded a computer and printer from the Trauma and Emergency Medical Services Information System (TEMSIS) Computer Grant funded by the NH Highway Safety Agency (NHHSA)
Town of Newton has been awarded $8,303.96 as part of the Federal share of the total approved eligible cost as part of the FEMA Disaster Snow Event in January 2005
TA, Nancy Wrigley announced that Newton’s Silver Tops has disbanded and under the disposition of the corporate assets in the event of dissolution any money left in the treasury shall be given to the Newton Kitchen Pantry to be used for the town poor. The Silver Tops gave the town a check for $3,150.79 for the Food Pantry checking account. The town will hold a Public Hearing to accept and expend these funds at a later date.
Accept Minutes of Selectmen Meetings
· Selectmen’s Public and Non-Public meeting minutes of July 5, 2005
Selectman Nelson motioned to accept the July 5, 2005 public and non-public meeting minutes as written. Second by Chairman Harding. Vote: Unanimous.
Selectmen’s Site Walk meeting minutes of July 9, 2005
Selectman Nelson motioned to accept the July 9, 2005 site walk meeting minutes as written. Second by Chairman Harding. Vote: Unanimous.
Reports from Department Heads
Office Manager Mary Winglass Re: Update on the status of the official town website
Mary updated the Selectmen on the status of the official town web site. The scheduled date to launch the web site is Labor Day. Some of the departments, committees and commissions have not given much information for their “page”, but we hope to have at least the basic information on-line and then we can move forward, therefore it will continue to be a work in progress for some time.
Invitation to bid Heating Fuel Agreement
Chairman Harding announced that the town went out to bid for a heating fuel agreement for its town’s buildings to include a supply of #2 heating fuel to the town buildings with an approximate yearly purchase of 8,500 gallons and whether the company includes burner cleanings and maintenance services. Sealed bids were due today at 4pm. Chairman Harding stated that town only received one sealed bid today from Palmer Gas/Ermer Oil Company and one faxed price protection plan contract from Victory Fuel, Inc.
Chairman Harding read the bids;
Palmer Gas/Ermer Oil quote includes a fixed price of $1.889 not on #2 fuel for the upcoming season which runs from October 1, 2005 thru April 30, 2006. Any deliveries made prior to October 1, 2005 or after April 30, 2006 will be charged at their current market price per gallon. Service for each building on maintenance will be $109.95 each and they have a 24-hour, 7 day a week emergency services.
Victory Fuel offered a price protection plan contract at a price of $1.929 per gallon with no mention of maintenance services.
Chairman Harding motioned to accept Palmer Gas/Ermer Oil Company quote of $1.889 per gallon for #2 heating oil for the town’s buildings for the 2005/2006 heating season. Second by Selectman Ulcickas. Vote: Unanimous.
· Pending lawsuit discussion with Town Administrator, Nancy Wrigley
TA, Wrigley requested that the Selectmen discuss a new pending lawsuit that we were made aware of by Attorney Sharon Somers. This new lawsuit has to do with a Planning Board decision and relates to another lawsuit filed by the same developer. Attorney Sharon Somers has requested that the Selectmen allow her the “Acceptance of Services” for this lawsuit which will enable her to be served the papers on behalf of the town. The Selectmen agreed to allow Attorney Somers to accept the papers on this lawsuit on behalf of the town.
Review of Action Items
Adjourn
Selectman Nelson motioned to adjourn at 9:37pm. Second by Selectman Ulcickas. Vote: Unanimous.
Respectfully Submitted,
Mary B. Winglass
Office Manager
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