SELECTMEN’S PUBLIC MEETING
November 20, 2006
Call to Order
Chairman Nelson called the meeting to order at 6pm. In attendance were Chairman Gary F. Nelson, Selectman John P. Ulcickas, Selectman Robert S. Donovan, Jr., Town Administrator Nancy J. Wrigley and Office Manager Mary B. Winglass. Minutes were transcribed and typed by Office Manager Mary Winglass.
Chairman Nelson motioned to go into non-public session under RSA 91-A:3 II (e) – Pending Litigation; (b) – Conservation Commission; (c) – Resident complaint. Second by Selectman Donovan. Roll Call Vote: Chairman Nelson – yes, Selectman Ulcickas – yes, Selectman Donovan – yes. Vote: Unanimous.
Chairman Nelson motioned to close the non-public session at 7:25pm. Per unanimous roll call vote, the minutes of the meeting will remain confidential until in the opinion of the majority of the members the circumstances no longer apply except to announce the change to the salary classification plan to include Conservation Commission part time Secretary to Grade VI.
Introduction of Guests
Old Business
A. Discussion of the Bulk Item program
Chairman Nelson motioned to table this discussion tonight but to discuss the program with Transfer Station Manager Andrew Morse at the next work session. Second by Selectman Ulcickas. Vote: Unanimous.
B. Set date for a budget work meeting
The Board discussed the need to hold work sessions to work on the 2007 budget. After some discussion, the Board decided to hold budget work sessions every Thursday evening, starting November 30th at 5pm thru the month of December. Town Administrator Nancy Wrigley asked the Board if they would like a booklet prepared of each proposed budget for their review during the budget season; the Board responded yes.
C. Review of the Media Center bids
The Board reviewed the proposed bids for the Media Center and asked if the office was able to obtain a certificate of insurance and references from each company. Office Manager Mary Winglass responded that M. Cote Home Improvements submitted a certificate of insurance and stated that he would send references via email, but the town’s email has been down all afternoon so we were unable to attain a copy. D.C.S. Construction Company submitted references only.
Chairman Nelson motioned to accept the bid from M. Cote Home Improvements who supplied a certificate of insurance and has done work for the town, pending review from the town’s Chief Building Official Mike DiBartolomeo, with payment to be made from the Expendable General Trust Fund for Cable. Second by Selectman Ulcickas. Discussion: The Board discussed that M. Cote Home Improvements will need to submit the plans to the Building Inspectors Office. Vote: Unanimous.
The Board discussed that the town has contracted with M. Cote Home Improvements in the past and we have had a good experience working with him. Chief Building Official Mike DiBartolomeo joined the discussion and agreed with the Board the hiring of M. Cote Home Improvements. He added that the bid includes the installation of a smoke detector and since the town hall detectors are connected to the fire alarm system the Board should look to receive a credit for the smoke detector and then hire the alarm installer to install the detector. Mike DiBartolomeo added that permits will need to be pulled and the fees will be waived for this project for the project will require minimal amount of time to inspect and he will be able to check on the progress of the construction as it will be taking place upstairs from his office.
Chairman Nelson motioned to request a rebate from the bid from M. Cote Home Improvements for the smoke detector per Mike DiBartolomeo’s review of the bid and to move forward with the work. Second by Selectman Ulcickas. Vote: Unanimous.
Discussion of Winter Operations for Snow Removal and Ice Control Policy
Office Manager Mary Winglass requested that the Board to consider adopting the policy tonight; the Local Government Center (LGC) Risk Management Division and Legal Services has given their approval on the wording.
Chairman Nelson motioned to accept the Winter Operations for Snow Removal and Ice Control Policy as written as of November 20, 2006. Second by Selectman Ulcickas. Vote: Unanimous.
New Business
A. Transfer Station Mgr Andrew Morse RE: NH Used Oil Collection Grant Assistance Program
Transfer Station Manager Andrew Morse discussed with the Board an opportunity for the town to receive grant money from the State through the NH Used Oil Collection Grant Assistance Program. The Town of Newton is eligible to receive up to $2,500 per year to assist with the continued improvements and/or operation of their used oil collection program and is also eligible to receive an additional $2,500 in grant funds as the town allows multiple towns to participate in the program.
Mr. Morse added that the program is simple and he proposes to purchase (1) single drum container, (1) mobile container kit, 5 bags of universal loose absorbents and 2 rolls of white perfed oil-only mat rolls for a total of approximately $823.16.
The Board discussed the need to look at purchasing a new drum as well as a containment well for next year.
Chairman Nelson motioned to submit the application for the NH DES Used Oil Grant in the amount of $1,000 as suggested by Transfer Station Manager Andrew Morse. Second for discussion by Selectman Donovan. Mr. Morse is to look into pricing for a new drum and a containment well for next year. Vote: Unanimous.
B. Fire Alarm System at the Gale Library
The Board reviewed a Phase I proposal for the repair, upgrade and replacement to the existing fire warning system at the Gale Library from JM Protective Services, LLC for a total of $1,895.00 and a Phase II to complete the upgrade at $1,772.00 plus $480 annual monitoring fee and a $150 maintenance fee. Town Administrator Nancy Wrigley discussed that currently the fire warning system is not working and the Library Director contacted the vendor who installed the original system and their proposal to repair the system is approximately $2,550 or $5,900 to upgrade. Chief Building Official Mike DiBartolomeo added that when consulted by the Town Administrator he recommended using the same vendor that we use for the Town Hall. JM Protective Services does a lot of installations in the area, is reputable and is respected in the
community.
The Board decided to take this information into consideration and to discuss it further at the budget meeting scheduled for Thursday, November 30th.
C. Discussion of Building Inspectors Office
Chief Building Official Mike DiBartolomeo discussed with the Board the option of moving the Building Inspectors Office to the Planning Board Office. The reasons to consider this move include eliminating a weak link between Planning, Zoning and Building Departments as well as creating a good working environment for a Community Development area within the town. As things stand now, the Planning Department is isolated from the other departments and with this change, they would share the office with the Administrative Assistant to the Planning Board and have similar hours to help procure a good working environment.
Chairman Nelson agreed that it would be a good move; with the building of the media center it will open up a second office but the area needs some renovations. Town Administrator Nancy Wrigley added that the town appropriated $25,000 at the 2006 Town Meeting to start a Capital Reserve Fund for the purpose of maintenance, repairs and construction of the Town Buildings.
The Board decided to look into putting aside money now for the repairs. Mr. DiBartolomeo invited the Selectmen to tour some other town facilities to show them how they operate and how they are physically set up.
The Board thanked Mike for attending the meeting and for his valuable input on the repairs/upgrades to the town buildings.
Announcements
The Board announced that the Transfer Station will be closed on Thursday, November 23rd, Thanksgiving Day.
Accept Minutes of Selectmen Meetings
Reports from Department Heads
· Safety Complex Building Committee - Selectman Donovan announced that the Safety Complex Building Committee meeting was cancelled last week and they have rescheduled for Thursday, November 30th. The meeting will be held at the Town Hall.
· Transfer Station Andrew Morse informed the Board that one of the packers broke on Saturday. G. Mello Disposal is scheduled to repair it and it will be running by tomorrow.
Review of Action Items
Adjourn
Chairman Nelson motioned to adjourn at 8:28pm. Second by Selectman Donovan. Vote: Unanimous.
Respectfully Submitted,
Mary B. Winglass
Office Manager
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