SELECTMEN’S PUBLIC MEETING
October 25, 2010
Chairman McCarthy called the meeting to order at 6:08pm. In attendance were Chairman Trisha J. McCarthy, Selectman Raymond D. Thayer, Selectman Robert S. Donovan, Jr., and Office Manager Mary B. Winglass. The meeting was videotaped; minutes were transcribed and typed by Office Manager Winglass.
Chairman McCarthy motioned to go into Nonpublic session under RSA 91-A:3 II (c) – Code Enforcement. Second by Selectman Thayer. Vote: The Chairman polled the members which resulted in a unanimous roll call vote.
Chairman McCarthy motioned to close the nonpublic meeting at 6:30pm. 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.
- Introduction of Guests
- Old Business
A. Resident David Poulson Re: Country Pond Culverts
Resident David Poulson was present and spoke about organizing an association for Newton and Kingston to improve the water quality on Country Pond. He is here tonight to speak about the culvert system between Wilders Grove Road and Concannon Road. Poulson’s concern is that we have lost the integrity of the culvert which is creating a flooding issue as well as creating additional wetlands in the area. The culvert is filled with silt and has been neglected for years and he spoke with a representative from the Department of Environmental Services (DES) who discussed with him options for this culvert. The first choice is to pull a dredge and fill permit with DES and repair what we can; the second options is to change the whole system. When discussing changing the whole system, DES recommends a bridge or box
culvert system which would require funding which will be our biggest hurdle. Poulson added that DES Wetlands Mitigation Coordinator Lori Sommer has agreed to come down to speak with Newton and Kingston to discuss possible funding for this project. Poulson discussed that the roadway itself is lower than it should be and floods when we have a rain event therefore we have two issues, the road itself and the culvert.
Poulson added that he is here tonight to ask the Board if they are willing to put together a meeting with the Newton and Kingston Selectmen and Road Agents to brainstorm options and to listen to DES explain possible funding options.
Road Agent Mike Pivero informed the Board that he viewed the area with Dave Poulson and he summed it up that we need to set a meeting with the two towns and that funding will be the issue. Pivero added that he would not put off setting a meeting with DES if this person is willing to come to explain funding. The road is depressed too low; the State had some involvement with it way back when and flooding remains an issue with every rain event. Pivero added that he would rather see a box culvert versus a bridge.
The Board decided to prepare a letter to Kingston asking to hold a meeting with all parties to review our options and to find out what funding is available.
B. Fire Department hours and permits
Present was Fire Chief Bill Ingalls
Chief Ingalls talked about the option of the Fire Department to handle all their own permits in an effort to alleviate the Selectmen’s Office. Ingalls discuss posting his hours for permits Monday through Thursday from 9am to 12pm; inspections from 12:30pm to 3pm and asked to post it checks only starting December 1st. This schedule is well and good as long as he is not called away for an emergency.
The Board agreed with the schedule but felt that cash should be accepted if they have the exact change and if not he can send them next door to the bank. The Selectmen’s Office will no longer be processing Building Department permits as of December 1st. A notice will be mailed to contractors with a notice to be placed on the website.
The Board talked about the importance of having someone who can fill in to handle permits when Chief Ingalls is away or sick; this could be an inspector from the surrounding towns. Chief Ingalls responded that he would do his best to get someone in to fill this position when he is not available.
C. Gates for the Transfer Station
Present was Transfer Station Manager Kevin Jolicoeur who informed the Board that he looked for the gates for sale online and only found 18’ gates. He searched throughout the website and could not find any 24’ gates. Selectman Donovan responded that he will go home to see if he can find the sale flyer.
Jolicoeur added that Road Agent Mike Pivero withdrew from the process until we determine how we are going to move forward. Pivero is willing to revisit this issue for the install of the gates.
Jolicoeur added that this problem needs to be fixed right away; Selectman Donovan responded that he will be in contact with Jolicoeur.
IV. New Business
The Board announced that they have some budgets but others have not been received for they are still working on fine tuning them.
- Resignation from Deborah Holden, Recreation Commission
Selectman Thayer read the letter of resignation from Deborah Holden, Chairman of the Recreation Commission.
Selectman Thayer motioned to accept the resignation from Deborah Holden. Second by Chairman McCarthy. Vote: Unanimous.
- Memo from Planning Board Re: Patriot Drive Road Bond Release
The Board reviewed a memo from the Planning Board recommending to release the remaining balance of the Patriot Drive Road Bond to Joseph Ferrandi.
Chairman McCarthy motioned to release the total amount of the Patriot Drive Road Bond and to release the funds to Mr. Ferrandi based upon the amount determined by the Treasurer. Second by Selectman Donovan. Vote: Unanimous.
- Resident Charlie Melvin Re: Comments made by Selectman Ray Thayer
Resident Charlie Melvin asked Selectman Thayer about comments that he made to Police Chief Streeter regarding the platform that Melvin is running on. Melvin stated that he heard that Thayer is telling people that his platform is to change the Police Chief and Town Administrator to part time employees. Melvin added that this is not true and questioned why Thayer would make this comment.
Selectman Thayer responded that when he made the comment it was not done in a meeting and was in no way part of town business. He was given this information from a reliable source and Thayer has given that name to the Police Chief. Thayer added that this was a private discussion.
Melvin questioned Thayer on repeating information based upon hearsay and questioned if it was a private conversation for someone called him. Melvin added that it is his intent to “nip things in the bud” for he does not want anyone saying things about him that is not true. Chairman McCarthy thanked Melvin for coming in to clear the air and bringing this to the Boards attention.
- Memo from Police Chief Re: Plaistow District Court-Sharing of Operational Costs
Present was Police Chief Lawrence Streeter who spoke on the request from the Town of Plaistow Police Department to share the operational costs by the five (5) communities for which the District Court services.
Newton’s proposed shared cost for the District Court is based upon the same formula used for the Regional Prosecutors Program. Streeter added that the town has the option to go to Exeter District Court but it would divorce our working relationship with our surrounding towns and may in fact translate into other areas. The Board discussed that this is yet again another cost being passed off to the towns. After discussing the options, Chairman McCarthy will contact Plaistow to verify if a contract can be written for this use.
- Per RSA 31:95-b to accept and expend unanticipated funds in the amount of $500 from Richard and Lisa Fortin and a $5 anonymous donation to the Newton Food Pantry
Selectman Thayer motioned to accept and expend unanticipated funds in the amount of $500 from Richard and Lisa Fortin and a $5 anonymous donation to the Newton Food Pantry per RSA 31:95-b. Second by Selectman Donovan. Vote: Unanimous.
- Calculation of the 2010 Allowable Number of Elderly Units
Chairman McCarthy motioned to accept the calculation of the 2010 Allowable Number of Elderly Units remaining as of March 31, 2010 as 4 units. Second by Selectman Donovan. Vote: Unanimous.
- 2010/2011 Plowing Season Policy
Selectman Donovan motioned to accept the 2010/2011 Plowing Season Policy as written. Second by Selectman Thayer. Vote: Unanimous.
V. Announcements
November 2, 2010 Election will be held at the Town Hall from 8am to 8pm
- Please vote responsibility and do not vote for Mickey Mouse for that extends the hours of those counting the ballots and makes for a very long evening. The Town Hall is Handicap accessible, feel free to ask for help.
- Trick or Treat is Saturday, October 30th from 5pm to 8pm
VI. Accept Minutes of Selectmen Meetings
- Selectmen’s Public Meeting Minutes dated August 2, 2010, August 16, 2010, August 30, 2010, September 7, 2010, September 13, 2010 and September 20, 2010
- Selectmen’s Nonpublic Meeting Minutes dated August 2, 2010, August 16, 2010, September 7, 2010, September 13, 2010 and September 20, 2010
The Board will review accepting minutes on November 1st.
VII. Reports from Department Heads
VIII. Other Business
- Sign Manifests, Requisitions, Abatements, Tax Credits, Correspondence and Appointments
The Board approved the Payroll Manifest dated October 10, 2010 to October 23, 2010
IX. Adjourn
Chairman McCarthy motioned to adjourn at 7:45pm. Second by Selectman Donovan. Vote: Unanimous.
Respectfully Submitted,
Mary B. Winglass, Office Manager
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