SELECTMEN’S PUBLIC MEETING
July 19, 2010
Selectman Donovan opened the public meeting at 6pm. In attendance were Selectman Raymond D. Thayer, Selectman Robert S. Donovan, Jr., Town Administrator Nancy J. Wrigley and Office Manager Mary B. Winglass. The meeting was audio and video taped, minutes were transcribed and typed by Office Manager Winglass.
Chairman Trisha J. McCarthy was not present.
Selectman Donovan motioned to go into Nonpublic Session under RSA 91-A:3 II (b) – Code Enforcement Office; (c) – Alleged Code Violations and (e) – Pending Claim. Second by Selectman Thayer. Roll Call Vote: Selectman Thayer – aye, Selectman Donovan – aye. Motion passed.
Selectman Donovan motioned to close the nonpublic meeting at 7:15pm. Second by Selectman Thayer. 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 the Board will be sending out letters regarding alleged code violations.
Selectman Donovan called the public meeting back to order at 7:20pm.
- Introduction of Guests
- Old Business
1. Glacial Energy Commercial Electricity Agreement
The Board tabled the review of this agreement for we are still waiting for references and Bookkeeper/Payroll Administrator Kim Hughes is still reviewing payment options which are part of the agreement.
2. Municipal Resources Professional Services Agreement
Selectman Donovan stated that the Board agreed in a previous meeting to hire Municipal Resources, a private company, to work on junkyard compliance in town.
Selectman Donovan and Selectman Thayer signed the agreement for Municipal Resources to provide the services of Kenneth Knowlton to perform the following tasks pertaining to junkyard compliance:
- Perform a compliance check (inspection) of all properties requested by the Town;
- Send out necessary violation letters regarding inspections performed and request the property owner schedule an appointment with Mr. Knowlton for a follow-up inspection and establishment of a clean-up timeline.
- Recommend suggested courses of action to the Board of Selectmen, including , but not limited to, potential legal actions.
- Bring potential violations to the attention of the Town and
- Perform other work as requested by the Board of Selectmen
3. Revised Memorandum of Agreement for Reprogramming Radios
The Board signed the revised memorandum of agreement from the Department of Safety, Department of Safety Grants Management Unit for the reprogramming of all P-25 compliant radios statewide. Selectman Donovan signed the agreement on behalf of the Board of Selectmen.
4. Review new Transfer Station Policy
The Board reviewed a revised Transfer Station/Recycling Policy prepared by Town Administrator Nancy Wrigley and Transfer Station Manager Kevin Jolicouer. The changes in “blue” denote the additions with the “red” showing the deletions. Transfer Station Manager Jolicouer talked about the minor changes to the policy as written by Police Chief Streeter.
Town Administrator Nancy Wrigley talked about the changes as “adding to what Chief Streeter put together”. As the policy references, attached are letters that will be used by the town for notices of violation, notice of Selectmen’s Hearing and a “No Trespass Order” which may be imposed by a majority vote of the Board of Selectmen based upon information provided by the Manager of the Transfer Station. Copies of the new policy are available at the Selectmen’s Office.
Selectman Donovan motioned to accept the revised Transfer Station/Recycling Policy as written. Second by Selectman Thayer. Vote: Unanimous.
5. Review proposed addition to the Personnel Policy Re: Background Checks
The Board reviewed a proposed addition to the Personnel Policy, an employee background check requirement for all candidates for employment. TA, Wrigley researched back when the Board officially talked about adding it to the Personnel Policy; in 2007 is when the Board discussed it but never made a motion to make it part of the policy.
Selectman Thayer motioned to amend the town’s Personnel Policy to include the following under RSA 41:9-b Employee Candidate Background Checks as written. Second by Selectman Donovan. Selectman Donovan explained that exempt from this policy is elected officials. Vote: Unanimous.
6. Review proposed change to the Purchase Policy Re: Bid Requirements
The Board reviewed a proposed amendment to the Purchase Policy from Town Administrator Nancy Wrigley to include the following;
If the Department Head is satisfied with the service that is being provided and the bid price has not increased more than 2% from the previous year, the Department Head is not required to go out to advertised, sealed bid for any service over the $3,500 requirement for a total of (2) two years. After the (2) two years, the Department Head is required to re-advertise any service over the advertised, sealed bid price of $3,500.
Selectman Donovan motioned to accept the amendment to the town’s Purchase Policy as written. Second by Selectman Thayer. Vote: Unanimous.
IV. New Business
A. Road Agent Mike Pivero Re: Public Works Mutual Aid
Road Agent Mike Pivero explained an option to the town for a nominal amount of $25 paid annually to be part of the New Hampshire Public Works Mutual Aid Program. Communities that are part of the mutual aid program recognize the importance of the concept of coordination between the State and local governments for reciprocal emergency aid and assistance. Pivero added that the program would require the receiving town to pay the bill. Pivero suggested that the town join this program and to only list the two town employees (Road Crew) for the town does not own any equipment. Pivero stated that basically this is a cheap insurance program for assistance when needed; a lot of towns have benefited from this annual investment for mutual aid.
Selectman Donovan recommended that since this is not an emergency to hold off until the full board is together; Selectman Thayer concurred.
B. Suggestion/Complaint Re: Resident Sticker
The Board reviewed two suggestions/complaint forms; one from Linda Fuccillo and the other from Stephen Bien both from 7 Merrimac Road. Both complaints state that the Transfer Station Sticker (Resident Sticker) is an eyesore and ugly and asked for a letter from the town to show to gain access to the Transfer Station instead of the sticker. Ms. Fuccillo added that the sticker makes her new car look like she is transporting hazardous material. The Board discussed that the complaint is not a legitimate reason not to put the sticker on their windshield.
Selectman Donovan motioned to deny their request. Second by Selectman Thayer. Vote: Unanimous.
B. Release DC Development Road Bond for Philip Way
The Board reviewed a memo from the Planning Board recommending that the Board of Selectmen release the maintenance bond for Philip Way as soon as the outstanding NPREA balance of $10,605.53 is paid. Payment has been received and the check has cleared therefore we are ready to release the bond.
Selectman Donovan motioned to release the remainder of the bond for Philip Way of $23,071.22 plus accrued interest. Second by Selectman Thayer. Vote: Unanimous.
C. Telephone Service Quotes
Office Manager Winglass informed the Board that the town’s one year contract with One Communication expires next month. Winglass spoke with the town’s current vendor to prepare a quote which they came back with two options for consideration. The first option shows a side by side proposal showing the reduced pricing option for a new three year contract to include a $900 savings. The second option kept the pricing the same with a loyalty bonus as follows; one year would give one month free totaling a $228 credit. A two year contract gives two free months totaling a $456 credit and a three year contract gives three free months totaling a $684 credit. Winglass added that she contacted BayRing Communications who could not match the “aggressive pricing” offered by One Communications. The
service has been very good with One Communications over the past six years and Winglass recommended to the Board to move forward with the three year reduced pricing option for a total savings of $900.00.
Selectman Thayer motioned that based upon Winglass’s recommendation to contract with One Communication for the three year reduced fixed rate option. Second by Selectman Donovan. Vote: Unanimous.
D. Letter from resident Ann Miles requesting input from the town
The Board reviewed a letter from Ann Miles requesting a letter stating that Butler Bank has not been responsible for paying property taxes and referencing the numerous Fire Department visits due to a malfunction fire detection system at one of the units on Jacob’s Way. The Board felt that the property tax information is all public record that Miles could obtain and by involving the town could set precedence for future requests.
Selectman Thayer motioned to deny Ann Miles request to send a letter to the Federal Bankruptcy Court in Manchester for the review of the plan put forth by Peoples United Bank (formerly Butler Bank). Second by Selectman Donovan. Vote: Unanimous.
E. Appointments for the Solid Waste 149-M Committee
Selectman Donovan motioned to appoint Mary P. Marshall, Kimberly K. Hughes, Kevin Jolicoeur, Jack M. Kozec, Nancy J. Wrigley, Robert L. Bartlett and Charles A. Whitman as members of the Solid Waste 149-M Committee effective date today with an expiration date of April 15, 2011. Second by Selectman Thayer. Vote: Unanimous.
Selectman Donovan asked if the committee is looking for any new members. Wrigley responded that new members are welcome to sit in on a meeting or to become a member; the purpose of the committee is to prepare an ordinance for the 2011 town meeting warrant. The committee is meeting again on Wednesday, July 28, 2010 at 7pm.
F. Letter of resignation from Michael Giordano, Deputy EMD
The Board reviewed a letter of resignation from Michael Giordano as Deputy Emergency Management Director due to not having the time required to do the quality job that the town and residents deserve. Giordano stated that he would like to continue to be used in a support role.
Selectman Donovan motioned to accept the resignation from Michael Giordano, Deputy Emergency Management Director effective today. Second by Selectman Thayer. Vote: Unanimous.
G. Email from resident Charlie Smith Re: Donated town funds
The Board reviewed an email from resident Charlie Smith stating that he would like to see any donations of funds received from recycling at the Transfer Station placed in the town’s general fund to be spent on regular town expenditures. Recently at a meeting the Board of Selectmen approved donated funds from a clothing bin company to be given to the Food Pantry. Mr. Smith added that although the Food Pantry is a deserving charity, other charities should be afforded the opportunity of these funds but moreover the funds could be used to reduce taxes by being allocated to regular town operating expenses. The Board agreed to consider his request if/when we receive another donation.
H. Letter from Swamp Inc. Re: Community based mosquito and tick control program
The Board reviewed a letter from Swamp, Inc. introducing their services to provide community-based mosquito and tick control programs since 1985. The Board decided to look at this again during budgeting season.
I. Letter from Historical Society Re: Replacement of sign at the Marshall House Museum
President of the Newton Historical Society Bill Landry was present to discuss his letter to the Board regarding the renovations taken place at the Primary Schoolhouse at 22 South Main Street. The Society plans on opening this new museum to the public on specific occasions as well as the Marshall House Museum. The current sign at the Marshall House is in disrepair and needs to be replaced before opening the museum to the public. The Society obtained a quote for the replacement sign to be made of PVC, vinyl lettering on both sides, vinyl post sleeves, caps and hardware for a maximum price of $400.00. All labor for removing the old and installing the new sign will be donated by members of the society. This sign will be maintenance free and will last for years to come. The Society asked for the Board to
authorize this expenditure for the purchase of this sign from Sign Designs of Plaistow, NH who also made all the signs for the Newton cemeteries.
Selectman Thayer motioned to authorize the expenditure of up to $400 for the purchase of a sign from Sign Designs as requested by the Newton Historical Society for the Marshall House Museum to be paid from the General Government Buildings. Second by Selectman Donovan. Vote: Unanimous.
J. Letter from Amy MacDougall Re: Adopt a traffic island
The Board reviewed a letter from Amy MacDougall, a Memorial School teacher for 12 years who would like to adopt the traffic island at the cross roads of Peaslee Crossing, Thornell Road and West Main Street. Her goal is to clear out the weeds, turn the soil, plant colorful native perennial flowers and add brown hemlock bark mulch. Amy noticed the beautiful gardens at Town Hall and wanted to help the town with this volunteer project. Amy asked to place a 12” x 18” weather resistant lawn stake sign close to the ground “Cared for by Sanborn Teachers and Staff”. Amy plans on completing this project before the 2010 school year starts. The Board approved of this request and only asked for the sign not to exceed the proposed 12”x18” size..
Selectman Thayer motioned to approve the request of Amy MacDougall to adopt the traffic island at the cross roads of Peaslee Crossing, Thornell Road and West Main Street. Second by Selectman Thayer. Vote: Unanimous.
K. Letter from Rockingham VNA & Hospice Re: Town Funding for budget year 2011
Selectman Donovan read a letter from the Rockingham VNA & Hospice thanking the town for their support over the past several years. The funding has allowed them to offer community clinics and those in need of charitable care with their Home Care and Hospice programs. During the past year Rockingham VNA & Hospice has been successful in maximizing operations efficiencies to maintain financial stability. Given the current economic environment and the budgetary constraints on town they are not requesting town funding for budget year 2011.
V. Announcements
VI. Accept Minutes of Selectmen Meetings
- Selectmen’s Public Meeting minutes of May 3, 2010, May 10, 2010, May 18, 2010, May 24, 2010 and June 1, 2010
- Selectmen’s Nonpublic Meeting minutes of May 3, 2010, May 18, 2010, May 24, 2010 and June 1, 2010
The Board tabled accepting the meeting minutes.
VII. Reports from Department Heads
Police Chief Streeter stated that he is disappointed but is here to formally inform the Board that last Thursday he received the decision from Superior Court denying his request for a special election. Part of the reasoning is since 1996 it has not been an emergency and felt that it is still not. Chief Streeter spoke of the recent building survey done by the Local Government Center that showed air quality issues not to mention the outside storage area and a whole number of issues surrounding this building. Streeter added that this is a town issue not just a Police Department issue and he has some options and suggestions that he would like to discuss with the Board. Chief Streeter stated that things happen for a reason and he hopes to turn this into a positive and asked to set a meeting with the
Board, a couple of employees and officers. The Board asked Winglass to work with the Chief to set a date for the meeting in the coming month.
Chief Streeter added that the case from last year involving the spray painting issue has been resolved for they received a confession; the neighbors are happy with the outcome.
VIII. Other Business
- Sign Manifests, Requisitions, Abatements, Tax Credits, Correspondence and Appointments
The Board approved a request for time off for Office Manager Winglass.
Planning Board
The Board reviewed a memo from the Planning Board with an attached grant application requiring the signature of the Chairman. The grant is in conjunction with the Village District project. Since Chairman McCarthy was not at the meeting this item was tabled.
The Board reviewed a request from the Planning Board asking the Selectmen to look into the size of a political sign located on the north-bound side of South Main Street in conjunction with code enforcement. The Board asked to check with the Town Clerk Mary Jo McCullough to find out if there are any regulations for political signs.
Recreation Commission requested the following expenditures and appointment;
Selectman Donovan motioned to reimburse the sum of $90 for a CPR class for a swim aid employed by the Town of Newton. Second by Selectman Thayer. Vote: Unanimous.
Selectman Donovan motioned to accept the recommendation of the Recreation Commission to purchase three metal picnic tables for the town beach to be paid out of the Recreation Checking account. Second by Selectman Thayer. Vote: Unanimous.
Selectman Donovan motioned to appoint Pauline Dupuis to the Recreation Commission as of today’s date with the expiration of April 15, 2011 pending a background check. Second by Selectman Thayer. Vote: Unanimous.
Fire Department
The Board reviewed a requisition from the Fire Department for the purchase of a pump from O’Keefe Equipment for the price of $3,695. TA, Wrigley explained that this purchase if for the replacement of the pump that fell off the back of the truck and insurance funds have been approved for this purchase. Selectman Donovan responded that there is more than one place to purchase a pump and would like to see a couple bids per the purchase policy; Selectman Thayer concurred.
Payroll Manifest
Selectman Donovan motioned to sign the Payroll Manifest dated from July 4, 2010 to July 17, 2010. Second by Selectman Thayer. Vote: Unanimous.
Vendor Manifest
Selectman Donovan motioned to accept the Vendor Manifest in the amount of $70,135.37. Second by Selectman Thayer. Vote: Unanimous.
The Board signed abatement approvals and denials based upon the recommendation of Town Assessor Andrea Lewy for the following properties;
- 27 George’s Way approved 2009 abatement for a total of $47.08
- 7 Grebenstein Drive approved 2009 abatement for a total of $561.81
- 5 Tanglewood Drive approved 2009 abatement for a total of $343.29
- 63 Whittier Street approved 2009 abatement for a total of $277.99
- 4 Crossman Circle approved 2009 abatement for a total of $379.43
- 9 Patriot Drive approved 2009 abatement for a total of $123.51
- 103 Pond Street approved 2009 abatement for a total of $650.50
- 23 Amesbury Road approved 2009 abatement for a total of $277.99
- 20 Overlook Road approved 2009 abatement for a total of $217.03
- 2 George’s Way denied 2009 abatement
- 9 Crane Crossing Road denied 2009 abatement
- 9 Nordic Wood Lane denied 2009 abatement
- 12 Gould’s Hill Road denied 2009 abatement
- 22 Whittier Street denied 2009 abatement
IX. Adjourn
Selectman Donovan motioned to adjourn at 8:54pm. Second by Selectman Thayer. Vote: Unanimous.
Respectfully Submitted,
Mary B. Winglass, Office Manager
| 
