SELECTMEN’S PUBLIC MEETING
September 15, 2008
Call to Order
Chairman Donovan opened the meeting at 6:04pm. In attendance were Chairman Robert S. Donovan, Jr., Selectman Trisha J. McCarthy, Selectman Raymond D. Thayer, Town Administrator Nancy J. Wrigley and Office Manager Mary B. Winglass. The meeting was audio and video taped and the minutes were transcribed and typed by Office Manager Winglass.
Chairman Donovan motioned to go into nonpublic session under RSA 91-A:3 II (c) – Treasurer; (c) – Town Clerk/Tax Collector; (c) – Building Department; (c) Review of past nonpublic meeting minutes. Second by Selectman McCarthy. Roll Call Vote: Chairman Donovan – yes; Selectman McCarthy – yes; Selectman Thayer – yes. Vote: Unanimous.
Chairman Donovan motioned to close the nonpublic session at 7:30pm. 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 Code Enforcement is being handled by Selectman Raymond Thayer; Robert L. White Transfer Station Lead Attendant return to work 34 hours plus (2) two hours on Wednesday for a total of 36 hours each week and to allow him to keep his full time status; the two hours on Wednesday will allow him to clean up, weather permitting; motioned to release a portion of the July 28, 2008 nonpublic meeting minutes having to do with (a) & (b) - Building Department; Selectman Thayer will work on three new code enforcement cases and will contact Code Enforcement
Officer Bob Donovan, Sr. to help formally close the completed cases by working on the documentation for the files.
The following are the nonpublic meeting minutes (italicized) from July 28, 2008.
(a) - Code Enforcement
Chief Building Official Ron LeMere handed out copies of two reports listing the building department’s time related to code enforcement issues over the past few months, April 4th to June 25th, for Assistant Building Official Sam Zannini and Chief Building Official Ron LeMere. Chairman Donovan stated that we will need to review the material.
Ron asked if it is the intent of the Board to review and compensate for their time. Ron discussed the year to date expenditures for the Building Department and it shows a balance of $13,000; Ron added that the money is there to pay for Sam and Ron’s time for code enforcement and he is looking to be paid for that and have it taken care of and after that we can discuss how to move forward with code enforcement. Selectman Thayer questioned if we are to move forward with this tonight. Selectman McCarthy stated that this is the third time that this discussion has come in front of us and she thought we were going to make a decision tonight. Ron stated that his impression of tonight’s meeting was that the Selectmen were going to review and approve it and he was shocked to hear that the Board is planning on
moving it to another night.
Ron added that he came into the meeting with the information requested by the Board. Selectman McCarthy stated that it does not matter who did the job as long as they are qualified to do the job and the hours are legitimate hours and was done to help keep the department going while Code Enforcement Officer Bob Donovan, Sr. was dealing with a personal issue. Ron added that is what happened and he did not want to pressure Bob at all while dealing with his wife’s illness. Selectman Thayer questioned if he and Selectman McCarthy will be paid for their time they put in copying Code Enforcement files. Selectman McCarthy responded probably not. Ron added that he would have to fill out a time sheet. Ron stated that the building department had to do something as we went through the process of supporting
code enforcement under this department and he has worked to keep it functional and he is hoping we can discuss how to move forward with this in the future.
Selectman Thayer responded that he wanted this paperwork on file (detailed time sheet), that’s all. Sam Zannini stated that the hours are on the conservative side. Chairman Donovan questioned the entry dated June 12th “Meeting with Mazzaglia to review building permit as court ordered.” and he asked why this is code enforcement not building department. Ron responded that it is a prior code enforcement issue and the court order specifically stated that they must communicate with the State Fire Marshal’s Office, it has been a court issue for about five years now and it is a continued process. Ron stated that if the Selectmen feel that it is not Code Enforcement then remove it for he is not going to argue over the hours but the principle of the thing and asked to put
this behind us tonight. Selectman McCarthy stated that it does not matter who we are paying to do the job as long as it is getting done. Ron added that specifically to the Mazzaglia case, the court order has removed the power of the building department and the only way to enforce anything with them is through the legal process. Ron stated that the building department issues permits and conducts inspections; that’s the job of the building department. Ron stated that these types of issues must be addressed by code enforcement, not the building department.
Selectman Thayer calculated the funds to pay for the time submitted for Code Enforcement conducted by the Building Department. Town Administrator asked if Code Enforcement Office Bob Donovan Sr. has resigned. Selectman Thayer responded “no”. TA, Wrigley further questioned if Bob Sr. is not doing the job and it is being handled by the Building Department then we are still going to have to pay it for they have to do it as there is no one else to do it. Selectman McCarthy asked because we have a Code Enforcement Officer are we going to get ourselves in a legal muck, could someone down the road ask why we are sending out the Building Department not the Code Enforcement Officer. TA, Wrigley responded that the reason is that the Code Enforcement Officer was not showing up to do the job. Selectman
McCarty questioned the legality with the courts if a resident decided to file a lawsuit. Selectman Thayer added that they probably would come after the Selectmen. Sam Zannini stated that from now on if anything significant comes into the office then he will not deal with it and he will forward it to the department liaison. Chairman Donovan questioned why Sam would not forward the complaint to the Code Enforcement Officer. Sam responded that he has not seen the Code Enforcement Officer in two months, why would I call him. Some words went back and forth between Chairman Donovan and Assistant Building Inspector Sam Zannini as to the responsibility of the Code Enforcement Officer and that he works on an as needed basis. Ron stated that he does not feel tonight is the night to discuss the effectiveness or non-effectiveness of the Code Enforcement Officers position.
Ron stated that we need to find a solution, we need to find out if we have a Code Enforcement Officer or not. Ron stated that he has many notations and he listed off numerous dates when he spoke with Code Enforcement Officer Bob Donovan, Sr. and the last time he spoke with him he asked Bob for the paperwork and he did not want to antagonize him for he was very upset.
Selectman Thayer stated that he feels the solution is to take it out of the Building Department and put it back under the Board of Selectmen. Selectman McCarthy responded that the only Selectman qualified to deal with these building issues is Chairman Donovan. Selectman McCarthy talked about the many code enforcement issues that the Selectmen have dealt with in the past and the amount of time put into it researching the regulations. Selectman McCarthy added that she does not feel qualified to deal with these issues. Selectman Thayer responded that if there is no cooperation between Code Enforcement and the Building Department then maybe there will be cooperation between the Code Enforcement and the Board of Selectmen. Selectman McCarthy responded that maybe that would work but we have not heard from the Code
Enforcement Officer since…Selectman Thayer responded it was May 28th was the last time and Selectman McCarthy added that we need to have him in to hear his side. Selectman Thayer stated that the reason why he is discussing this route is based upon Sam Zannini’s comment that all code enforcement will be sent to the department liaison. Ron and Sam responded that the department has no other avenue to take then to turn it over to the liaison. Selectman Thayer responded that he would then turn it over to the Code Enforcement Officer. TA, Wrigley added that the reason why the Selectmen put the Code Enforcement under the Building Department is to take it out of the Selectmen’s role. Selectman McCarthy concurred that the reasoning for placing Code Enforcement under the Building Department for they have the knowledge for dealing with the majority of the issues brought before them.
Selectman Thayer asked Chairman Donovan if he has all the Code Enforcement Officer’s files. Chairman Donovan replied “yes”. Chairman Donovan stated that he feels that Selectman Thayer needs to get in touch with the Code Enforcement Officer to have him in at the August 11th meeting. Selectman Thayer stated that he would like to see what he has for code enforcement records and why we cannot just copy the records to give to the Building Department. Chairman Donovan replied that the records are at his house and Selectman Thayer can come by to pick them up. Ron added that he would be very willing to take the files and copy them to complete the files for if any of these code enforcement issues become legal then we need the paperwork to back it up. Selectman Thayer
added that the records held by Chairman Donovan from the Code Enforcement Officer are obviously records that can be copied, it is not just his date book. Selectman Thayer stated that the records should have been turned over to him as the liaison to the Building Department, not to Chairman Donovan. Selectman Thayer stated that he will get the records from Chairman Donovan and then he will make copies and we will go from there.
Chairman Donovan stated that we need to move forward with the meeting as we are running out of time and we will continue this to the August 11th work meeting. Ron asked if the Board is going to move to address the compensation tonight. Chairman Donovan responded “no”. Ron spoke again on this issue that has been going on for a while and this is the third time that he has met with the Board regarding this issue. Ron stated that he is very disappointed in the Board’s decision again this evening. Ron added that he does not understand the Board’s decision and he is very disappointed with this Board. This department put a lot of time into this community and feels that there is an underlining element and he is very curious as to why we cannot make a decision to
compensate for duties done by the department. Selectman McCarthy concurred for the work has been done and we should be paying them. Selectman Thayer added that he is worried about the labor laws. Chairman Donovan stated that we can wait one more week. Sam asked the Board to keep in mind that he has a wife and four children at home and he is not happy.
Selectman McCarthy motioned to pay Sam Zannini, Assistant Building Inspector for 13.5 hours and Ron LeMere, Chief Building Official for 44.5 hours out of the Code Enforcement line item. Second by Selectman Thayer. Discussion: Ron stated that this is a very important issue and involves code enforcement and is something the Board elected to add to the Building Department a year ago and it needs to continue. Ron added that he and Sam have helped to keep things rolling during the tough times and fair compensation is just and due and it is the legal thing to do. Ron stated that now he has a concern with for he feels that there may be a level of animosity by voting on this tonight and it is not something he wants to do for he does not want to place another wall in the way to resolving this issue.
Selectman Thayer asked if we can compromise and pay half. Ron responded as the head of the Building Department, no, for he has given the hours put in for code enforcement with the backup documentation as requested by the Board. Ron added that he is not going to compromise with his time. Chairman Donovan replied that earlier you were willing to cut the hours but now your not willing to compromise. Ron responded that Chairman Donovan has brought this to a different level by not trusting the data given and you continue to review when they have been asking for two months. Selectman McCarthy asked if we have a code enforcement issue and we did not have a Code Enforcement Officer and Ron went out to deal with the issue then one way or the other we would be paying either the employee or the town attorney or the town engineer. Ron added that you are paying for code enforcement at approximately $25 per hour versus paying the town attorney at $150
per hour and that is how much Bob Donovan, Sr. has saved the town working as the Code Enforcement Officer. Ron stated that he is insulted for they were trying to work with the town to help out and he could have turned everything over to the Selectmen to handle but they were trying to help during the difficult time when help was needed. Vote: Selectman McCarthy – yes; Chairman Donovan - opposed, Selectman Thayer – abstained. Motion failed.
(b) – Building Department
Chairman Donovan asked Chief Building Official Ron LeMere if he has come up with a solution to cover the building department’s daytime coverage for the office. LeMere responded that he has interviewed two for the electrical position and he would like to make a recommendation to hire one individual and asked to presents it to the Board tonight so he can move forward with the training. This hire would fill the Wednesday office hours from 9am to 12pm and the Monday office hours in the interim will be covered by Ron by using his vacation time which has been approved by his employer for about two months. This is only a temporary solution until he can solve it and is looking to move forward with a mechanical assistant. Chairman Donovan asked why we don’t use the current Assistant Inspector Chris Emerson.
Ron replied that the reason why we do not use Chris is the times we have asked during the day he has been very busy and he is unable to work in town during the day; Chris has only been available on the weekends and he needs someone during the weekday. Ron added that we need someone who can understand the functions of the office and still be able to maintain inspections in the field. Ron stated that it is important to do it that way in order to understand all the functions. Selectman McCarthy questioned when the inspections are conducted? Ron responded that field inspections are done Monday thru Friday and sometimes on the weekends.
Dan Riley is the candidate Ron recommended to the Selectmen for the electrical position and is able to hold the Wednesday office hours; the other candidate interviewed was not able to hold the Wednesday office hours which was part of the criteria for this position. Chairman Donovan asked for the name of Mr. Riley’s company. Ron responded that it is under his name Dan Riley. Ron added that he would like to move forward with the criminal record check and asked the Selectmen if there was any other information that they would like to know about Mr. Riley. Selectman McCarthy asked if he works for another company. Ron responded that Mr. Riley works for himself and has the knowledge to do the job and his mannerisms are good when working with people. Selectman McCarthy asked if we should have him in to
meet with the Board. Ron responded that due to the tight time frame and we need to get someone on board now, but we can certainly set up a meeting to meet the Board. Selectman McCarthy asked if Ron knows this individual personally. Ron responded that he does not, the word on the street is that we are looking for an inspector and he applied for the position. Ron stated that the Atkinson Building Department recommended another individual who was also unable to hold the Wednesday office hours.
Chairman Donovan discussed holding a nonpublic work meeting on August 11th. Assistant Building Inspector Sam Zannini asked about the possibility of moving this forward for he is looking to train Mr. Riley as soon as possible. Chairman Donovan responded that we can work on getting the information prior to the meeting then we will be ready to act upon it. Sam added that it can be overwhelming to Mr. Riley if he has not received the necessary training. Selectman McCarthy added that in the past we have hired pending the criminal record checks. Sam responded that criminal record checks are turned around fairly quickly. Ron added that he would contact Mr. Riley this evening to get him in here as soon as possible. Sam Zannini added that the department has been busy and he
knows of a couple projects getting ready to start such as Walnut Farms, additions, CBI and Puzzle Lane and foresees a busy fall and he does not want to throw someone in without sufficient training. Chairman Donovan talked about the reason why we are completing a criminal record check and he stated that he would be comfortable with a temporary hire with Mr. Riley only working in the office training until we receive a response from the State. Sam responded that is what they are looking for at this time.
Chairman Donovan questioned how Mr. Riley would be paid, by fees? Ron responded that Mr. Riley would be paid by fees based upon the permits and he showed the Selectmen Sam Zannini’s time sheet; Chairman Donovan stated that based upon the time sheet, Mr. Riley would be paid for his office hours as Sam Zannini is paid for his office hours. Ron responded “yes”.
Chairman Donovan motioned to appoint Daniel Riley of Hampstead, NH as a temporary Assistant Building Inspector until August 11, 2008 when we can appoint him to be permanent once the records checks come back clean and appropriate. Second by Selectman McCarthy. Discussion: Ron asked about the cost for the criminal background check and was told it is a $15 fee. Vote: Unanimous.
Office Manager Winglass asked if the Board would like to draw up an appointment for the Boards signature or is this more of an informal move at this point. The Board agreed that this is just an informal move to get him on board and paid for his time training in the office.
Ron gave the Board an update on Assistant Building Inspector Sam Zannini. Ron stated that Sam accepted employment from the State of New Hampshire as an investigator and that Sam will continue working for the department. Ron stated that Sam is an asset to the department and has done a lot of good to keep things moving in the field and he is local which is an additional asset. Sam added that he will be available any day of the week in the late afternoons.
Introduction of Guests
Old Business
· Outstanding Action Items
1. Continued discussion of #2 fuel bids
State Representative Mary Allen was present with information on fuel assistance for anyone who thinks they will need it this winter. Allen stated that it is important to apply now through the State Office of Energy and Fuel through Rockingham Community Assistance. They have offices in Portsmouth telephone number is 1-800-639-3896 and in Salem at 898-8435 or you can call the State office at 271-2155 whom also made official today their new website at www.staywarmnh.org. The website has a list of all the programs available and agencies that have funds to help with assistance for fuel
or assistance for help with energy efficiency. The State will be receiving from the Federal Government 27 million dollars for fuel assistance this year; last year the State received 25 million dollars. The State is looking at the budget for an additional 10 million to compliment the 27 million dollars from the Federal Government.
Representative Allen added that a important component is to ask residents in need of assistance, not to leave their current fuel provider. Basically if they run out of fuel in the middle of the night, their fuel provider is more apt to help then going to a new supplier. Private organizations, churches and residents are urged to either help those that they know to call for assistance now and to be aware that donations are accepted for fuel assistance through Rockingham Community Assistance.
Action Item: Update the website and make sure the phone numbers and website link are available.
Chairman Donovan discussed the bids for the #2 fuel oil and asked if we received any information from the towns that bid with Newton this year. Office Manager Winglass informed the Selectmen that the Town of Danville and the Town of Sandown are planning on discussing it tonight at their Selectmen’s Meeting. Winglass stated that the town received a new contract price from Irving Oil at $3.533 which was reduced from the original price of $3.795 due to the reduction in oil prices since the town went out to bid. Since we received a reduced price from Irving, Winglass contacted the other companies to see if they would like the option of revising their contract price. At this time, we have not heard from the other companies but when speaking with Palmer Gas/Ermer Oil, he reiterated that his bid included the
downside protection therefore the town will receive the price of the day minus .20 with a cap price of $4.149.
Chairman Donovan motioned to hold off on the oil prices until Wednesday, September 17th in order to know what the other towns are doing but either way we will make a decision that evening. Second by Selectman Thayer. Vote: Unanimous.
Action Item: Add to the Wednesday, September 17, 2008 Selectmen’s Meeting Agenda
2. 2008 Warrant Article #15 Site Improvement at the Transfer Station
Andrew Morse, Transfer Station Manager recommended to the Board to hold off with this item for he has a group from the NRRA coming to the Transfer Station on either September 22nd or September 23rd to give their recommendation for site improvement and redesign. The group will include five operators from around the State to give their recommendations. Morse added that he hopes to have a response from this group within a week or two for they are aware that we are pressed for time as the money is only available until the end of this year. Morse added that the State Department of Environmental Services was at the Transfer Station recently to visit the site to make sure we are in compliance with State regulations. DES was happy with the site, we did very well. Selectman McCarthy discussed how it
would be nice to have the front of the Transfer Station on the road area fenced better for appearance and to secure the facility. Morse will work on attaining pricing for fencing the front area. Representative Mary Allen asked if there is any money in the budget for a new fence. Morse responded that he does not have any money in his budget; TA Wrigley added that there is funding in the General Government Buildings budget. Selectman McCarthy asked if the fencing in place now could be turned into the metal pile which the town receives money for. Morse responded that it would be added to the metal pile when removed.
Morse recommends that we contact Road Agent Mike Pivero to find out how much it would cost to tar the entrance and exit way that was carved out last year. Chairman Donovan asked Morse to contact Pivero to discuss adding this on to his plan for paving this year in an effort to receive pricing for this site improvement.
Selectman McCarthy commended Morse on the look of the Transfer Station and with the sand/salt storage it would be great to better secure the area with a new fence.
3. 2008 Warrant Article #8 to establish the rate and amount of compensation to be paid to the Town Clerk/Tax Collector
Chairman Donovan stated that he would rather have the Town Clerk/Tax Collector with us for this discussion and asked to add this item onto the work meeting agenda for September 29, 2008 and see if she is available to meet that evening in order to sit down and talk about establishing a rate and amount of compensation.
Chairman Donovan motioned to postpone action item number 3 to the September 29, 2008 work meeting with the Town Clerk/Tax Collector. Second by Selectman Thayer. Vote: Unanimous.
Action Item: Contact the Town Clerk/Tax Collector to see if she is available.
New Business
A. Letter from Sargent Woods RE: Requesting a rebate on property taxes
Mr. Ned Nichols owner of Sargent Woods asked the Board to consider his request for an abatement and asked the Board to consider the funding he put in place for the Smith Corner/Peaslee Crossing intersection improvements.
Selectman Thayer stated that at this point the MS-1 has been filed with the State Department of Revenue Administration so no changes can be made to the assessment and the procedure would be to file an abatement form after the second tax bill has been issued. Selectman Thayer stated that Mr. Nichols request to waive the 2008 taxes due to extenuating circumstances is unfortunate for we have similar circumstances in town with other developers and the Board is not comfortable in doing that for if we do we are setting a precedence.
Chairman Donovan stated that he would like to talk with Assessor Andrea Lewy on Wednesday in order to receive some guidance and the Board will let Mr. Nichols know when a decision is made.
Action Item: Add Assessor Andrea Lewy to the work meeting scheduled for Wednesday, September 17th to make sure we have all the information before the Board makes a final decision.
B. Area Selectmen’s Meeting in Atkinson on Thursday, September 25, 2008 at 7pm
Chairman Donovan stated that he is not sure of his schedule and will contact the office tomorrow with his availability; Selectman McCarthy stated that she has a prior commitment for that evening. Selectman Thayer stated that he is available to attend the meeting.
C. FairPoint Community Event
Town Administrator Nancy Wrigley discussed that she received a surprise visit from Brenda Goodell of FairPoint Communications today and she explained the proposed town events for next week by placing tags on doors letting residents know that they have fiber right outside their doorway for there are many that are unaware. FairPoint is asking to bring an ice cream truck with a table in order for residents to be informed as to whether they have the option of switching to fiber as part of a community outreach program.
FairPoint is proposing a five day event in town starting Wednesday, September 24th. FairPoint met with the Police Chief and he felt that this is a good idea and TA, Wrigley had Brenda Goodell of FairPoint Communications complete a “Permit to Peddle/Solicit Goods, Ware, Merchandise application for the Boards review.
TA, Wrigley added that FairPoint is very excited about attending the Newton Fall Fair on Saturday 27, 2008. Also, there will be a van going around town placing door hangers on those that have fiber and with that a community outreach group that will stop and help anyone who they meet that might need help such as carrying in groceries or raking leaves, etc.
TA, Wrigley stated that FairPoint has asked to set up their van on Sunday, September 28, 2008 at the Transfer Station to hand out information to the public. Wrigley added that there is an area at the Transfer Station used for politicians to greet the public and hand out information and asked if the Board would allow FairPoint access to this area. Chairman Donovan stated that he has no problem with them handing out information but not an ice cream truck at the Transfer Station for that could present a safety issue with kids running around with ice cream. Wrigley added that FairPoint has offered a donation to the Recreation Commission. TA, Wrigley added that FairPoint will provide a certificate of insurance and a list of those that will be in town as part of the community outreach.
Office Manger Winglass brought up the fact that recently the Board decided to not let the Football Boosters sell tickets at the Transfer Station. The Board concluded that this is different for they are allowing FairPoint to hand out information, not to sell anything.
A resident asked that FairPoint have a logo on their van letting the residents know who they are when canvassing the town. TA, Wrigley responded that the vans will have their logo on it and the community outreach group will be in uniform and will have badges on them.
Office Manger Winglass asked for the Board to sign the application, if they approve of this program. Chairman Donovan stated that his only stipulation is that the ice cream truck is not at the Transfer Station due to safety concerns. The Board discussed other options such as having the ice cream truck at the Police Station, Town Hall or the Fire Station. The Board signed the application for permit.
D. Acknowledgement of contribution from Merrimac Savings Bank
TA, Wrigley stated that she prepared two letters to Mr. John Meserve, President of Merrimac Savings Bank thanking him for the donation consisting of the ropes and stands for election purposes; the second letter thanked Mr. Meserve for his thoughtfulness and dedication in maintaining the Veteran’s Memorial located next to the bank. The Board signed the letters and publicly thanked Mr. Meserve for all he is doing for the town and the townspeople.
E. Letter from William Landry, President Newton Historical Society Re: Hayford Carriage
Chairman Donovan explained that the town has an antique carriage stored at the Marshall House and the Historical Society would like the Town of Newton to transfer ownership to the Newton Historical Society for $1. This would put the responsibility of the carriage’s preservation with the proper group and would greatly facilitate the maintenance of the carriage.
Chairman Donovan questioned if we know what department owns the carriage. TA, Wrigley and Selectmen McCarthy responded no, we are not sure. Chairman Donovan asked if we can sell the carriage to the Historical Society when we are not sure who owns it?
TA, Wrigley stated that she thought the Historical Society raised funding to purchase this carriage in the first place but there are no records. Chairman Donovan read a portion of a letter from Mr. William Landry, President of the Newton Historical Society stating that the problem is that they cannot find no definitive, written proof whether the Town Conservation Commission or the Newton Historical Society conducted the fund drive.
Selectman McCarthy offered a solution by writing a letter from the Board of Selectmen and the Conservation Commission to hereby sell the carriage to the Historical Society for $1. TA, Wrigley stated for the record, the town’s insurance company has it listed under “other property” and asked if we sell the carriage to the Historical Society would the town’s insurance company still cover the carriage as it is stored in a town owned building, the Marshall House Museum. The insurance company will insure all items stored in the building.
The Board agreed that they have no problem selling the carriage to the Newton Historical Society as long as it is done as a combined effort with the Conservation Commission.
Chairman Donovan motioned to sell the Hayford Democrat horse carriage to the Newton Historical Society for $1 and would like a letter from the Conservation Commission stating the same. Second by Selectman McCarthy. Vote: Unanimous.
Action Item: Contact the Conservation Commission about the Board’s decision to sell the carriage.
F. Review of YTD Budget Expenditures
The Board reviewed the budget year to date expenditures through August 31, 2008. The Board discussed that so far everything looks good except Emergency Management. TA, Wrigley responded that there were a few issues regarding the Emergency Management budget this year and she will work with the new Director Larry Foote to prepare a 2009 budget.
The Board concluded that the town departments should be commended for staying within their budgets as nobody is in danger of overspending.
G. Review of the September 4th site walk at Peaslee Crossing/Smith Corner Road
Selectman McCarthy read the minutes from the Thursday, September 4th site walk held at Peaslee Crossing/Smith Corner Road intersection with Road Agent Mike Pivero. Pivero laid out cones in the road showing the layout of the plans as written and his concerns with the way the plans are written as there appears to be some safety issues. Different scenarios were discussed and in the end it was decided to go for another public meeting to take place this coming Thursday at 5pm and ask the new Town Engineer and the Town Attorney so the Road Agent can explain the situation and to determine what makes the most sense for safety and within the budget.
Office Manager Winglass asked for the Board to consider how we are going to pay the Town Attorney and the Town Engineers time while at this site walk. The Board decided to pay for it out of the Legal line item.
Announcements
Chairman Donovan stated again since we are into mosquito season in full force, prevention is the best protection. Chairman Donovan discussed the need to have the mosquito repellent wipes available at the Town Hall for anyone that needs them and to have them available at the Newton Fall Fair. The wipes were donated by the Kelly Labelle EEE fund and the town appreciates all they have done to help keep the townspeople safe. Thank you to the Labell family.
TA, Wrigley announced that the credit card for the Recreation Commission has been approved and should have it by the end of this week.
VI. Accept Minutes of Selectmen Meetings
· Selectmen’s Public Meeting minutes of June 16, 2008, June 23, 2008, July 28, 2008
Chairman Donovan motioned to accept the Selectmen’s Public Meeting minutes of June 16, 2008 as written. Second by Selectman Thayer. Vote: Unanimous.
Chairman Donovan motioned to accept the Selectmen’s Public Meeting minutes of June 23, 2008 as written. Second by Selectman McCarthy. Vote: Unanimous
Chairman Donovan motioned to accept the Selectmen’s Public Meeting minutes of July 28, 2008 as written. Second by Selectman Thayer. Vote: Unanimous.
· Selectmen’s Nonpublic Meeting minutes of June 16, 2008, July 9, 2008
Chairman Donovan motioned to accept the Selectmen’s Nonpublic Meeting minutes of June 16, 2008 as written. Second by Selectman McCarthy. Vote: Unanimous.
Chairman Donovan motioned to accept the Selectmen’s Nonpublic Meeting minutes of July 9, 2008 as written. Second by Selectman Thayer. Vote: Chairman Donovan and Selectman Thayer – yes; Selectman McCarthy abstained. Motion passed.
· Selectmen’s Public Hearing minutes of July 21, 2008
Chairman Donovan motioned to accept the Selectmen’s Public Hearing minutes of July 21, 2008 as written. Second by Selectman McCarthy. Vote: Unanimous.
VII. Reports from Department Heads
VIII. Review of Action Items
IX. Adjourn
Representative Mary Allen asked to speak as an Alternate to the Planning Board and asked that someone from the Board of Selectmen attend the Planning Board meetings.
Selectman Trisha McCarthy announced that it was discussed that the Technical Review Committee meeting today that the Planning Board applied for a grant which has been approved, a matching grant.
Selectman McCarthy stated that Conservation Commission is also working on a grant.
Chairman Donovan motioned to adjourn at 8:37pm. Second by Selectman McCarthy. Vote: Unanimous.
Respectfully Submitted,
Mary B. Winglass, Office Manager
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