SELECTMEN’S PUBLIC MEETING
October 1, 2007
Call to Order
Chairman Ulcickas opened the public meeting at 6:08pm. In attendance were Chairman John P. Ulcickas, Selectman Robert S. Donovan, Jr., Selectman Trisha J. McCarthy, Town Administrator Nancy J. Wrigley and Office Manager Mary B. Winglass. Minutes were transcribed and typed by Office Manager Mary Winglass.
Chairman Ulcickas motioned to go into non-public session under RSA 91-A:3 II (c) – Town Clerk/Tax Collector & Request for Refund. Second by Selectman Donovan. Roll Call Vote: Chairman Ulcickas – yes, Selectman Donovan – yes, Selectman McCarthy – yes. Vote: Unanimous.
Chairman Ulcickas motioned to close the non-public session at 7:10pm. Second by Selectman McCarthy. 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 that a letter is to be sent to residents Stephen and Laura Rossi denying their request for a registration refund.
Introduction of Guests
Old Business
A. Continued discussion of Computer, Electronic Mail and Internet Access Policy
The Board discussed the Computer, Electronic Mail and Internet Access Policy that was adopted in 2006 and it recently was amended by Town Administrator Nancy Wrigley to include policy on computer backups as well as downloading.
Chairman Ulcickas motioned to adopt the amended Computer, Electronic Mail and Internet Access Policy as written. Second by Selectman McCarthy. Vote: Unanimous.
B. Letter from Planet Aid Re: Collection bins
Chairman Ulcickas discussed that Planet Aid asked the Board this past year to allow their collection bins to be placed exclusively in Town. The Board denied their request for the Town already has someone in place with collection bins and Transfer Station Mgr. Andrew Morse added that we still have a good working relationship with them. The Board requested that we send Planet Aid a letter thanking them for the opportunity to review their services but we are not interested in changing vendors at this time.
New Business
A. Resident Deborah Holden Re: Request for appointment to the Recreation Commission
The Board reviewed a request from resident Deborah Holden to be appointed as a Recreation Commission alternate member.
Chairman Ulcickas motioned to appoint Deborah Holden as an alternate member of the Recreation Commission with a term to expire April 15, 2008. Second by Selectman Donovan. Vote: Unanimous.
B. Resident Andrew Deardorff Re: Request for appointment to the Armed Forces Emergency Services Committee
The Board reviewed a request from resident Andrew Deardorff to serve on the Merrimack Valley Red Cross Armed Forces Emergency Services Committee. Mr. Deardorff is very familiar with the military as he has served in the US Army and then in the NH National Guard and in the past volunteered with the Sanborn Youth Soccer Association. Office Manager Winglass added that when she spoke with Mr. Deardorff he was very interested in volunteering on this committee and promised to keep the Board informed with the activities of the committee. The committee is made up of volunteers to help family members and loved ones of our Armed Forces personnel.
Chairman Ulcickas motioned to appoint Andrew Deardorff to the Armed Forces Emergency Services Committee with the expiration date to be determined once we receive word from the Committee. Second by Selectman Donovan. Vote: Unanimous.
C. Letter from Comcast Re: Payment drop box
The Board read a letter from Bryan Christiansen, Sr. Manager of Government and Community Relations for Comcast regarding the “payment drop box” located at the Town Hall. Effective October 1, 2007 Comcast will no longer support the operation of the box. Comcast requested that either the Town take down the box or to inform Comcast that they can remove the box. TA, Wrigley added that her recommendation is to have Comcast remove the box for there may be payments inside. The Board agreed with TA, Wrigley’s recommendation and asked her to contact Comcast informing them to remove the drop box.
D. 2007 Town Paving Program
The Board tabled this item until the next meeting.
E. 2007-2008 Snowplowing Rates
The Board reviewed the 2006-2007 Plowing Season Policy specifically the rates and the fuel inflation Surcharge. Road Agent Frank Gibbs recommended a .20 cent increase to the fuel inflation per gallon price from $2.819 to $3.019. Frank added that he is also in favor of a similar increase to the hourly wages. A discussion was had regarding comparing the rates to the surrounding towns. The Board decided to discuss this item next Tuesday at the Selectmen’s work meeting.
F. Review proposed 2008 budgets
Chairman Ulcickas announced that the Board will start reviewing the 2008 proposed department budgets at the next work meeting on Tuesday, October 9, 2007.
Announcements
· Trick or Treat is scheduled for Wednesday, October 31, 2007 from 5pm to 8pm.
· Chairman Ulcickas announced that residents must have a Green resident sticker in order to gain access to the Transfer Station. Residents must show proof of residency with a Drivers License and Vehicle registration.
· Chairman Ulcickas announced that the Town Hall will be closed on Monday, October 8, 2007 in observance of Columbus Day.
Accept Minutes of Selectmen Meetings
· Selectmen’s Public Meeting minutes of August 20, 2007, August 21, 2007, August 27, 2007, September 10, 2007 and September 17, 2007
Chairman Ulcickas motioned to accept the Selectmen’s Public Meeting minutes of August 20, 2007, August 21, 2007, August 27, 2007, September 10, 2007 and September 17, 2007 as written. Second by Selectman Donovan. Vote: Unanimous.
· Selectmen’s Non-Public Meeting minutes of August 13, 2007, August 20, 2007, August 21, 2007, August 27, 2007, September 10, 2007 and September 17, 2007
Chairman Ulcickas motioned except the Selectmen’s Non-Public Meeting minutes of August 20, 2007, August 21, 2007, August 27, 2007, September 10, 2007 and September 17, 2007 as written. Second by Selectman McCarthy. Vote: Unanimous.
Chairman Ulcickas motioned to accept the Selectmen’s Non-Public Meeting minutes of August 13, 2007 as written. Second by Selectman Donovan. Vote: Chairman Ulcickas – yes, Selectman Donovan – yes, Selectman McCarthy abstained. Motion passed.
Reports from Department Heads
Grebenstein Drive
Town Administrator Wrigley discussed that the road work has been completed on Grebenstein Drive and Road Agent Frank Gibbs inspected and approved the work. The Planning Board was contacted to make sure there were no outstanding issues and they responded with no issues.
Chairman Ulcickas motioned to authorize the payment of $15,500 to Bell & Flynn for the completion of the work on Grebenstein Drive to be paid from the Grebenstein Drive Road Bond. Second by Selectman McCarthy. Vote: Unanimous.
The Board reviewed a bill from the Eagle Tribune for the legal advertisement to publish the Invitation to Bid for Grebenstein Drive. The legal ad was published in the Carriage Towne News on June 26, 2007 at a cost of $84.78.
Chairman Ulcickas motioned to reimburse the Town of Newton $84.78 for the legal advertising to post the bid to complete the work on Grebenstein Drive. Second by Selectman Donovan. Vote: Unanimous.
The Board asked TA, Wrigley to check with the Treasurer to get the balance of the account once all payments have been made and to contact legal counsel to find out the best way to release the balance to the contractor per the court order.
Road Agent Frank Gibbs
Road Agent Frank Gibbs discussed that he plans on grinding Dugway Road within the next two weeks; Webster Grove Road will be done when the water level of the pond goes down due to the drawdown.
Frank then discuss a new regulation requiring drivers handling vehicles over 12,000 pounds are required to get a “medical card”. Frank added that this new regulation went into affect today. The Board asked for more information on this new regulation for the town received no notification of this regulation from the State.
Review of Action Items
Adjourn
Chairman Ulcickas motioned to adjourn at 7:45pm. Second by Selectman Donovan. Vote: Unanimous.
Respectfully Submitted,
Mary B. Winglass
Office Manager
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