SELECTMEN’S PUBLIC MEETING
August 17, 2009
Chairman McCarthy called the meeting to order at 5:33pm. In attendance were Chairman Trisha J. McCarthy, Selectman Raymond D. Thayer, Selectman Robert S. Donovan, Jr., Town Administrator Nancy J. Wrigley and Office Manager Mary B. Winglass. Minutes were transcribed and typed by Office Manager Winglass.
Chairman McCarthy motioned at 5:33pm to go into nonpublic session under RSA 91-A:3 II (c) Fire Department; (a) & (b) Highway Department; (d) Personal property; (a) Transfer Station; (e) Pending litigation; (b) Police Department. Second by Selectman Donovan. Roll Call Vote: Chairman McCarthy – yes; Selectman Thayer – yes; Selectman Donovan – yes. Vote: Unanimous.
Chairman McCarthy motioned to close the nonpublic at 7:27pm. Second by Selectman Donovan. 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 following;
- The town will advertise for a part time Highway Laborer.
- The town will purchase a new generator from Scherborn Consolidated for $5,500 to replace the Police Department generator and to settle all outstanding fees.
Police Chief Lawrence Streeter Re: New hire of a part time Police Officer
Police Chief Lawrence Streeter introduced Michael Gagnon as his recommendation as a part time Patrolman for the Town of Newton.
Selectman Donovan motioned to hire Michael Gagnon as a Patrolman, Part Time, Uncertified, Probationary effective as of today’s date. Second by Chairman McCarthy. Vote: Unanimous.
James George, Site Acquisition Specialist from Tower Resource Management Re: Cell Tower
James George, Site Acquisition Specialist for Tower Resource Management gave a brief overview of the process for municipalities for entering into an agreement for a telecommunications tower on town owned land. A Town Meeting vote is required for the Board to enter into a lease agreement but prior to that we need to find a site that works and move toward the goal. The site must be optimal for any carriers to be interested and the rental fee is in the ballpark of $1,000 per month. Chairman McCarthy asked about the availability of having a place for the town repeaters; Mr. George responded that public safety is a major priority and would be allowed and is free of charge. Mr. George talked about possible sites in town that he has already looked into but after a discussion with the Board, Mr. George plans on taking a
second look at the back land that abuts the Transfer Station as a possible location.
- Letter from resident Marcia Walker Re: Gould’s Hill Road “Do Not Enter” signs
Police Chief Lawrence Streeter was present and presented the Selectmen with a traffic survey of Gould’s Hill Road taken on Saturday, August 15, 2009. The survey was conducted to monitor vehicle compliance with the “do not enter” signs at the base of Gould’s Hill Road and Route 108 and to measure the speed. A total of 99 vehicles were observed with the average speed of 26.71 miles per hour with the highest speed of 39 miles per hour. Only two (2) “do not enter” violations were observed during a total of 3.21 hours of monitoring traffic. Chief Streeter presented this information to the Board to help provide information in order to help them make a decision regarding any further changes to the intersection.
Chief Streeter prepared this survey due to receiving a letter dated August 4th from resident Marcia Walker of Gould’s Hill Road with her concerns with the continuation of those entering Gould’s Hill the incorrect way and speeding up the road. Road Agent Mike Pivero was present and discussed that with the present economic situation, there is not a lot more the town can do to the intersection without spending a considerable amount of money for the town does not own the island and a small portion of the road.
Selectman Thayer motioned to send Marcia Walker a letter and to include a copy of the traffic survey that shows that we have made some progress; the town does not have the funds to rework the intersection. Second by Selectman Donovan. Vote: Unanimous.
- Review bids received for “Pump House Addition” and “Generators”
The Board discussed that they are still waiting on a recommendation from Chief Building Official Ron LeMere for the pump house addition.
The Board reviewed a spreadsheet for the installation of a generator at the Town Hall and the Police Department. The Police Department will purchase a generator from Scherbon Consolidated in an effort to settle all outstanding fees.
Town Hall. The Board decided before moving forward with a purchase to first have an electrician take a look at the load rating at its maximum rate in order to determine the best possible purchase for this building. The Board asked to have this item on the next agenda.
- Continue review of Channel 20 Cable Channel
Resident Tom Gasse spoke to the Board and asked for the Board to give him a little more time to figure out the equipment in the cable office but to approve the block time maintenance in order to move forward with scheduling training, when ready. As far as the purchase of (1) DVD player, approved when prior cable operator Andrew Morse was still working for the town, he is not sure the purpose and/or the need for this purchase and asked to hold off until we fully understand the needs of this office.
Selectman Donovan motioned to accept the block time maintenance from Single Source Group for $900 with the option to purchase (1) DVD player and the cables to be paid out of the Expendable General Fund for Cable, which has a balance of $3,478.20 as of December 31, 2008. Second by Selectman Thayer. Discussion: Cheryl Gannon of Kingston introduced herself and asked if VHS would play on the equipment for she tapes the School Board meetings for Newton’s Cable Channel; she uses a VHS camera, on loan by Newton Cable to tape these meetings. Tom Gasse will work with Ms. Gannon to help determine the best way to move forward in order to continue taping the meetings. Vote: Unanimous.
Town Administrator Nancy Wrigley asked Tome Gasse if he would be willing to help inventory the equipment in the cable office; Mr. Gasse was given a copy of a requisition approved to purchase a significant amount of cable equipment last year. Mr. Gasse agreed to help with the inventory list. The Board asked that we write a letter to prior cable operator Andrew Morse to ask him if he is aware of any resident or nonresident using the town’s cable equipment, please notify us of any other equipment that is out there.
- Continue review of telephone communications contract
Office Manager Mary Winglass informed the Board that One Communications quoted a 12, 24 or 36 month renewal contract for the same rates that the town has been paying for the past six years. If the Board picks the 12 months they get 1 month free of service, 24 months gets you 2 months of free service and 36 months get you 3 months of free service.
Selectman Donovan motioned to accept One Communications for a 12 month service agreement with one month free. Second by Selectman Thayer. Vote: Unanimous.
- Planning Boards recommendation to appoint for TAC and RPC Commissioner
The Board reviewed a memo from the Planning Board recommending the following Planning Board members for the Rockingham Planning Advisory positions.
Frank Gibbs and Barbara White (Alternate) to the TAC-Technical Advisory Committee
Mary Allen as the RPC Commissioner.
Selectman Thayer motioned to go with the Planning Board’s recommendation to have Frank Gibbs as a member of the TAC – Technical Advisory Committee and Barbara White as the alternate. Second by Selectman Donovan. Discussion: Effective date of July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010. Vote: Unanimous.
Selectman Thayer motioned to appoint Mary Allen as the RPC Commissioner with the expiration date April 15, 2011. Second by Selectman Donovan. Vote: Unanimous.
Philip Way – Road Deed
The Board reviewed a memo from the Planning Board stating that when Philip Road was accepted as a town road, it was done before securing a road deed. Stephen Doherty, the developer of Philip Way has granted the Town permission to use the road bond to have a deed prepared. The Planning Board does not object to using the bond money but recommends that the Road Agent check the road first to ensure there are no repairs needed.
The Board was in agreement to use the bond money held for Philip Way to have the road deed prepared. Road Agent Mike Pivero was present and stated that he knows the road is not aware of any problems but would take a ride by to see if there are any visible problems.
- Repairs to town buildings
TA, Nancy Wrigley informed the Board that she called four roofing companies for a quote to the repairs to the Police Station. Only two contractors responded; Letoile Roofing quoted $2,485 to shingle over the back half of the building and MWG Construction Roofing Company quoted $2,000 to remove existing layers of roofing materials and install new with ice and water protection.
Selectman Donovan motioned to go with MWG Construction for 900 square foot for the price of $2,000. Letoile Roofing is a good contractor but their quote is higher and for a roof layover is never a good idea. Second by Selectman Thayer. Vote: Unanimous.
Town Administrator Nancy Wrigley stated that she asked Newton Glass & Garage Door to give the town a quote on replacement windows for the Police Station for she was told that one of the windows is leaking after the December Ice Storm. Chief Streeter responded that he thought the leak was coming from the roof.
Chief Streeter asked the Board their thoughts on using a construction trailer to help alleviate the space problem at the Police Station. The trailer could be used for his office and document storage for right now the trailer used for storage is infested with mice. The Board agreed to have the Chief price out a trailer that would fit his needs to be discussed at a future meeting.
1. Road Agent Mike Pivero Re: Road Improvement Plan
Road Agent Mike Pivero passed out a copy of a proposal that he received from KV Partners, LLC for professional engineering services for the evaluation of several roadways in Newton. This work will be developed to a level of detail adequate to plan a multi-year Capital Improvements Program for these roadways. The following roadways are include in this evaluation; Smith Corner Road, Crane Crossing Road, Maple Avenue, Gale Village Road, Heath Street, Pond Street, Quaker Street and Marcoux Road (drainage problem only).
The fee for this service is $3,100 and is to be paid out of the Highway Department budget. Chairman McCarthy stated that Conservation Commission would need to be a part of any work done on a scenic road. Chairman McCarthy signed the “Task Order for Roadway Condition Evaluation” prepared by KV Partners.
2. Transfer Station Manager Kevin Jolicouer Re: Multiple issues at the Transfer Station
Transfer Station Manager Kevin Jolicouer requested to meet with the Board regarding some repairs at the Transfer Station. The snow plows have damage part of the fence at the Transfer Station and Kevin called a few fencing companies to get a quote on the repairs. The Board responded that warrant article #30 voted at the 2009 Town Meeting for replacing the existing fence and adding new fencing at the Transfer Station was voted down. The Board stated that they will be down at the Transfer Station this weekend for Amnesty Weekend and will look at the damaged fence at that time.
Kevin then proposed to the Selectmen the purchase of a shed for the recycling area. Again, the Board responded that they will check it out this weekend while working at the Transfer Station. Kevin added that he would also like to have the garages permanently placed and move the kabota garage. The Board discussed that we need to look at the complete layout of the Transfer Station before moving forward with any changes. Chairman McCarthy suggested for Kevin to contact resident Dave Poulson for he has the expertise and has offered to help whenever needed. Kevin added that he needs a vent for the oil container in the oil shed. Selectman Donovan will check it out this weekend.
Lastly, Kevin asked for the Board to consider approving an amount for the Transfer Station employees boot reimbursement. The new safety policy states that the town will reimburse the employees for boots, the amount to be determined by the Selectmen.
Selectman Thayer motioned for up to $75 for steel toe boots for the employees at the Transfer Station and we do not reimburse employees until after their probationary period. Second by Selectman Donovan. Discussion: If the employees show up for work without their boots they are to be sent home and receive a verbal warning. Vote: Unanimous.
The Board discussed purchasing rain gear for the employees at the Transfer Station; Town Administrator Nancy Wrigley will work on procuring the cost for this purchase.
Kevin asked about purchasing a computer in order to keep track of the loads and in order to produce the necessary reports to the Selectmen. EMD Larry Foote was present and stated that he will look into a laptop for Kevin.
3. Indemnification and Hold Harmless Agreement between the NextEra Energy Seabrook, LLC and the Town of Newton for providing the Town with an electric generator
Selectman Donovan motioned for Chairman Trisha McCarthy to sign the indemnification and hold harmless agreement between the NextEra Energy Seabrook, LLC and the Town of Newton for an electric generator for the Central Fire Station. Second by Selectman Thayer. Vote: Unanimous.
EMD Larry Foote informed the Board that the Town has been awarded a total of $18,250.00 as part of a matching grant from the Department of Safety, Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management for the following; $750 for a projector for emergency management training, $10,000 for the purchase of a back-up generator, $7,500 to purchase two laptops and 2 desktop computers and software for use by the Emergency Management and the Fire Department.
Selectman Donovan motioned to accept the grant from the Department of Safety, Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management in the amount of $18,500.00. Second by Chairman McCarthy. Vote: Unanimous.
EMD Larry Foote asked the Board to consider paying Deputy Director of Emergency Management John Walsh for two (2) days, eight hours each day for him to attend essential training courses for Hazard Mitigation Grants hosted by FEMA and NHHSEM.
Chairman McCarthy motioned to approve Deputy Director of Emergency Management John Walsh for 2 days of training for Hazard Mitigation Grants and to include mileage reimbursement. Second by Selectman Donovan. Vote: Unanimous
EMD Larry Foote addressed with the Board other types of training available through NIMS and PIO; the Board concluded that John Walsh is welcome to attend but must go on his own time.
- Letter from Unitil Re: Request for electronic copy of the Town’s Tax Maps
The Board reviewed a letter from Unitil requesting permission to purchase an electronic copy of the town’s tax maps through Cartographics Associates. Cartographics Associates is the town’s current vendor for the town’s tax maps therefore the town must grant permission to any requesting organization.
Selectman Thayer motioned to grant permission for Unitil to purchase an electronic copy of the town’s tax maps from Cartographic Associates. Second by Selectman Donovan. Vote: Unanimous.
- Discussion on including the Conflict of Interest Ordinance on all town agenda’s
Chairman McCarthy asked for this item to be on the agenda in order to request that from this point forward, the Board of Selectmen agendas to include the conflict of interest ordinance for an easy reference. The ordinance is to be printed on the backside of the agenda and would like to further propose that all town committees and commissions add this to their agendas for there are times when members may need to reference this material for they may be unsure on how to proceed when faced with a conflict.
- Transfer Station Fee Free Weekend, August 22nd and 23rd
- Accept Minutes of Selectmen Meetings
- Selectmen’s Public Meeting minutes of July 20, 2009 and July 27, 2009
- Selectmen’s Nonpublic Meeting minutes of July 20, 2009 and July 27, 2009
No minutes were accepted at this meeting.
- Reports from Department Heads
- Planning Board Chairman Ann Miles Re: Plan NH
Planning Board Chairman Ann Miles was present and spoke about the upcoming Plan NH on September 25th and 26th and asked for the Selectmen’s support to inform residents of this event and to talk to as many people as necessary to get them to attend.
- Budget schedule and department head meeting
The Board decided to discuss their review of the departments proposed 2010 budget schedule on Tuesday, September 8th.
The Board decided to hold a Department Head Meeting on September 21st to include a discussion on the upcoming budget season.
Selectman Donovan motioned to adjourn at 10:46pm. Second by Selectman Thayer. Vote: Unanimous.
Respectfully Submitted,
Mary B. Winglass, Office Manager
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