SELECTMEN’S MEETING
October 3, 2005
Call to Order
Chairman Harding called the meeting to order at 7:10pm. 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.
Introduction of Guests
Old Business
Continued discussion of repairs/upgrades to the Gale Library, Town Hall & Central Fire Station
Continued discussion of the Central Fire Station and Town Hall upgrade and repair to the Alarm Warning System
The Board questioned at the last Selectmen’s meeting whether the proposal for the fire alarm they received from JM Protective Services would be providing the same protection that is already in place to the Central Fire Station and the Town Hall. TA, Nancy Wrigley inquired and found that they will provide the same protection that is already in place, with no additional coverage as no new devices will be installed at the Fire Station but there will be additional equipment at the Town Hall.
The Board then questioned the pricing of $480 for an annual service charge plus a maintenance service plan for an additional$150 per annum for each location. Selectman Ulcickas pointed out that the first year includes a year warranty for the service contract for the installed system components parts and labor.
TA, Nancy Wrigley suggested that the Selectmen wait until the end of the year to see if there is any money to cover the cost of this upgrade/repair to the fire alarm. The Board decided to wait until late November or early December in order to get a better idea as to whether we can afford to complete this work this year or do we need to put it in the budget for next year.
The Board then discussed why we only received one bid for this work. The Board requested that we contact other town’s to find out who they are using and to find out if we can get another bid.
Continued discussion of the Gale Library repairs
At the last Selectmen’s meeting, the Board questioned the pricing on a proposal received to repair the pillar, optional point up of the brick foundation and the sealer to the Gale Library. TA, Nancy Wrigley stated that Library Director Theresa Caswell found out that the total price for all the work is $1,075 and that Terry has been waiting for another estimate for this job. The Board then discussed whether the contractor could schedule this job before it gets too cold or would it have to wait until the spring.
The Board decided to discuss this proposal at the next Selectmen’s meeting in order to find out if this job could be completed this year or would we have to wait until next year and to wait and see if the other estimate comes in the meantime.
Fire Sprinkler System Project Proposal from Life Safety Fire Protection, Inc.
The Board reviewed a proposal from Life Safety Fire Protection for the installation of a 10,000 gallon fiberglass water storage tank and a 15 hp single phase fire pump for a total of $84,641.00. The quote does not include the wiring of the fire pumps, panels, devices and alarms, excavation, setting and backfill of the 10,000 gallon water storage tank, supply and installation of underground pipe and fittings from tank to building, auto fill water line from building to tank, boxing in or painting of pipe and seismic bracing. TA, Nancy Wrigley added that this proposal could be completed in two phases to help spread out the cost. The Board discussed that the town will need to build a 10x10 structure to be used as a pump house.
It was decided to get more information on whether there is enough available electrical power to handle this system and some prices on the wiring, excavation and the building costs.
Transfer Station Manager, Roger Clark RE: Bulk Item Program with East Kingston, Kingston & South Hampton
Transfer Station Manager Roger Clark was present to discuss with the Selectmen the bulk item program with East Kingston, Kingston and South Hampton. Roger stated that the recycling escrow account now has approximately $75,000 plus interest and his budget expenditures are currently running 5% below budget. This program does not generate any additional work for the employees as it is on a first come first serve basis. The Board stated that they have not received any complaints from residents and then discussed with Roger the option of installing a new fence or if it was possible to repair the old fence to help improve the appearance and to make it less visible. Roger looked into the options with three different fence companies. The options are to repair the existing chain link fence and to include pull through slats to
help improve the appearance but this will not help with the line of site and/or move the fence back 15 feet and either install a new chain link fence or a new wooden fence. The Board discussed the option of installing a chain link fence around the Transfer Station except for the side with the fire pond.
Roger informed the Selectmen that he has put in place the change to start using closed containers through Mello Disposal for the recycling programs as requested by the Selectmen for mosquito control. This change comes with an additional charge of $100 per month as NRRA did not charge the town a monthly fee for the open containers. The Board questioned if we could use the open containers during the non-mosquito months. Roger responded no, the new containers will require a different setup with ramps for access. A discussion ensued regarding the fire pond at the back of the Transfer Station and the need to have it tested by Dragon Mosquito.
The Board then questioned whether to continue with this program. Roger discussed the profit of keeping this program in place. The warrant article in place allows for this fund to grow so that the funds may be used to help offset the cost of solid waste disposal and/or the possible closure of the Transfer Station in the future.
The Board then discussed the open container used by the Boy Scouts for deposit-only can recycling. Selectman Nelson stated that he feels that Roger should have the authority as the Transfer Station Manager to require the Boy Scouts to change to a covered container or we should shut down the program. Roger added that another problem is that the containers need to be emptied once per week due to the bee population thriving in this environment. The Board agreed to send the Boy Scouts leader a letter informing them that the container needs to be emptied once per week, the container needs to be covered and giving Roger the authority to manage this area. The reason for this request is due to the serious issue of West Nile Virus and Triple E.
Selectman Nelson motioned to review this program every six months and to review it again in the spring so that we can scale back if necessary and to review any problems covering the containers and whether or not there is a need to spray the area for mosquitoes on a regular basis. Selectman Nelson rescinded the motion, for these items are already in place.
Roger Clark requested the Board to consider hiring another younger person on a part time basis as in the past couple of months two employees have scaled back on their hours. This person would need to be licensed through the state and must be able to handle lifting heavy objects as well as shoveling snow during the winter months. The Board decided to take this request under advisement when reviewing the 2006 budget.
Treasurer Elizabeth Standing – July and August Month-end reconciliation
The Board reviewed the July month end reconciliation statement from Treasurer, Elizabeth Standing. Chairman Harding stated that it looked better as it was in a printed format. Treasurer Standing stated that she has not quite finished the August reconciliation. The Board then questioned why the Banknorth accounts have not been closed and Treasurer Standing responded that she has been waiting until the due date of the next school payment in order to close the account, for once the payment has been made, the account will fall below the required balance for insurance purposes. Since the next school payment is due shortly, she plans on closing the accounts soon. The road bond accounts will stay with Banknorth if there is a penalty assessed with closing them early. The only other accounts are the Fire Department
accounts and TA, Nancy Wrigley stated that Dale Putnam, Captain of the Fire Department is working with John Meserve, President of the Merrimac Savings Bank to set up a non-profit status account and the Devito forfeiture account, which is under the control of the Police Department.
The Board then discussed the Citizens Bank account and questioned when she plans on closing the account. Treasurer, Elizabeth Standing responded that she plans on closing it by the end of the year. The last checks written from the account were in July and the checks are only good for six months.
The Board asked Treasurer, Elizabeth Standing about a memo they received from the Planning Board Administrative Assistant regarding a delayed manifest payment from the NPREA (Newton Professional Review Engineering Account). Treasurer, Elizabeth Standing responded that she did not have copies of the invoices attached to the manifest and since some of them were old, she contacted the company to verify that the invoices were outstanding. The Board requested that the Treasurer keep the lines of communication open, especially when she questions a manifest approved for payment. The Treasurer is to contact the department to inform them of any delays in payment.
The Board then reviewed a memo from Town Administrator, Nancy Wrigley stating that she met with the President of Merrimac Savings Bank John Meserve regarding Newton’s Impact Fees and CD accounts. Mr. Meserve informed Nancy that he would give the town a “municipal” rate for the impact fees and the CD accounts at .50 points off the going rate. The Board agreed that it would be a lot easier to keep track of the town accounts if they were all in one bank, plus the travel time becomes a non-issue.
New Business
Letter to Sanborn Regional School District RE: Impact Fees
Chairman Harding read a letter from the Board of Selectmen to the Sanborn Regional School District dated September 22, 2005 with the total impact fees of $161,456.83 collected plus interest to be used toward Newton’s apportioned costs related to growth, therefore it is the Boards intent to apply the fees toward the 2004 New High School bond payment.
Letter from Town of East Kingston RE: Perambulation
The Board read a letter from the Town of East Kingston requesting to schedule a date to perform a perambulation of Newton’s boundary lines between the Town of East Kingston and South Hampton as it has not been performed since 1998. Pursuant to RSA 51:2 & 4, each town is required to perambulate the town bounds once every seven years.
Chairman Harding will contact the Town of East Kingston Administrative Assistant, Deborah Gallant to schedule a date and time to hold the perambulation sometime mid to late November.
Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline proposing to expand the natural gas pipeline
Chairman Harding read a letter from Duke Energy Gas Transmission stating that the Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline (Maritimes) is proposing to expand its natural gas pipeline system to transport additional volumes of natural gas to markets in Atlantic Canada and the Northeastern United States. This expansion is referred to as Phase IV and will bring new supplies of natural gas to the region, providing greater energy security and reliability for natural gas consumers. This expansion will mean no change in Newton, this is for informational purposes only.
2005 Town Paving program
Road Agent, Frank Gibbs is still waiting on proposals in order to discuss the paving program. The plan is to discuss it at the next Selectmen’s meeting scheduled for October 17, 2005.
Announcements
Letter from the American Red Cross of Merrimack Valley is looking for volunteers to help fulfill their mission of helping people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies and disasters through those that donate money, time, blood and resources. If you would like to help, please call 978-372-6871 or visit their website at www.arcmv.org.
TA, Nancy Wrigley announced that the office received a letter from Unitil Customer Service stating that in order to complete required modifications and improvements to their electrical facilities, they have scheduled a service interruption on Thursday, October 6, 2005 at 8:30 am and will be restored by approximately 9:30 am to the areas of North Main Street, Hayman Circle and Heath Street.
TA, Nancy Wrigley announced that the Veterans War Memorial located to the side of the Merrimac Savings Bank is now being cared for by John Meserve, President of the Merrimac Savings Bank. The Memorial is part of the Newton Learning Center and since ownership changed hands this past year, it has not been maintained properly. John Meserve contacted the owner of the Newton Learning Center and he was given permission for the upkeep and has hired a gardener to care for the area. The Board decided to send a thank you note to John Meserve for taking the initiative and caring for the Veteran’s Memorial.
Accept Minutes of Selectmen Meetings
Selectmen’s Public Meeting minutes of September 6, 2005, September 12, 2005 and September 19, 2005
Selectman Nelson motioned to accept the Selectmen’s Public meeting minutes of September 6, 2005, September 12, 2005 and September 19, 2005 as written. Second by Selectman Ulcickas. Vote: Unanimous.
Selectmen’s Public Hearing Meeting minutes of September 6, 2005
Selectman Nelson motioned to accept the Selectmen’s Public Hearing minutes of September 6, 2005. Second by Selectman Ulcickas. Vote: Unanimous.
Selectmen’s Non-Public Meeting minutes of September 6, 2005 and September 19, 2005
Selectman Nelson motioned to accept the Selectmen’s Non-Public meeting minutes of September 6, 2005 and September 19, 2005. Second by Selectman Ulcickas. Vote: Unanimous.
Reports from Department Heads
Review of Action Items
Adjourn
Chairman Harding motioned to adjourn at 9:51pm. Second by Selectman Ulcickas. Vote: Unanimous.
Respectfully Submitted,
Mary B. Winglass
Office Manager
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