NEWTON BOARD OF SELECTMEN
DATE: THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2011
TIME: 6PM
LOCATION: NEWTON TOWN HALL, 2 TOWN HALL ROAD
PUBLIC MEETING
- Call to Order, Roll Call Vote
Chairman Thayer opened the meeting at 6:05pm. In attendance were Chairman Raymond D. Thayer, Selectman Trisha J. McCarthy, Town Administrator Nancy J. Wrigley and Office Manager Mary B. Winglass. Selectman Lawrence B. Foote not in attendance due to a work commitment.
- Nonpublic Session under RSA 91-A:3 II (a) – Employee Evaluations; (c) – Contractual Obligation
Chairman Thayer motioned to go into Nonpublic Session under RSA 91-A:3 II (a) – Employee Evaluations; (c) – Contractual Obligation. Second by Selectman McCarthy. Roll Call Vote: Chairman Thayer – aye, Selectman McCarthy – aye. Vote: Unanimous.
Chairman Thayer motioned to adjourn at 7:24pm. 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 the following;
The Board reviewed Code Enforcement Officer Laurence Middlemiss yearly performance evaluation prepared by Chief Building Official Ron LeMere and per his recommendation approved a merit increase from Grade XXIII, step 1 to Grade XXIII, step 3 effective September 7, 2011.
- Pledge of Allegiance
- Introduction of Guests
- Approval of Minutes (Review prior to meeting)
- Scheduled Business:
- Newton Baseball & Softball Assoc Re: Access to Concession Stand at Greenie Park
Selectman McCarthy explained the concerns of the Board surrounding the potential risks and liability at Greenie Park. The concern is that we are exposing the town to a risk due to a number of factors. The town is unaware of who has access to one of our town buildings, the concession stand at Greenie Park. Baseball has numerous items stored in the building and if stolen then the town is responsible. Earlier this year the town found electrical issues that needed to be addressed immediately as well as the need for a septic system. Currently the town has three volunteers working on a septic design at no cost to the town. Food is being served without a food service license and based upon all these issues it was recommended by the town’s Health Officer and Building Dept to shut down the building for
now until we can iron out the issues. The water was recently tested and found to be within acceptable parameters according to the State of New Hampshire.
NBSA Members present were Brian O’Rourke, VP, Matt Muskrat, Paul Paquin, Bob Mortin and Pat Dolan, President.
Members of the NBSA explained that during the winter months they hold free clinics therefore they need access to the building in order to obtain their equipment; also they need to complete the year end closing on all the baseball equipment. The Board talked about issuing one key to Brian O’Rourke for he is an employee of the town as well as a member of NBSA.
NBSA explained that both the freezer and refrigerator are empty. NBSA has insurance that covers liability issues for its volunteers as well as the equipment stored at the concession stand. It was discussed that the town has a copy of the insurance certificate but that does not outline the specifics of the policy. NBSA responded that they would send over the insurance binder to help explain the coverage.
NBSA talked about how in 17 years there has been no damage to the building and on clean-up day it is pretty much all baseball on hand cleaning the park and they dedicate many hours cleaning the park during the season. They have put in many hours and funding for projects at the park over the years.
The Board responded that with one key issued to Brian O’Rourke will help with access to the building and in the meantime we can take a look at the NBSA insurance binder to better understand the insurance coverage. Other items discussed were the possibility of a separate building for storage only. Town Administrator Wrigley added that any changes to this location require town approval first.
Chairman McCarthy informed NBSA that there is an issue with parking on opening day for cars and trucks were parked on both sides of the road which would not have allowed a Fire Truck to pass. NBSA will look into parking options with the Police Department before next year’s opening day.
The Board mentioned that we should not call this building the concession stand but instead the storage building.
Selectman McCarthy motioned to allow Brian O’Rourke to have a key to the storage building at Greenie Park to allow the Baseball league to store their equipment and button up for the winter and we will continue on our discussion for future use. Second by Chairman Thayer. Vote: Unanimous.
- Cont review of 2012 proposed budgets
The Board decided to table this item.
- 2011-2012 Plowing Season Policy
Office Manager Winglass informed the Board that Road Agent Mike Pivero updated the rates with a $2.00 per hour increase which is still below the going rate in surrounding towns. The workers’ compensation rates were updated to reflect the increase to the 2012 rates.
Selectman McCarthy motioned that after reviewing the 2011-2012 Plowing Season Policy per the recommendation of the Road Agent to approve it as written with an effective date of November 3, 2011. Second by Chairman Thayer. Vote: Unanimous.
- Review timeline for 2012 Annual Town Meeting
Town Administrator Nancy Wrigley did not have any updated information from Moderator Bob Dezmelyk. The Board decided to wait until we have an update from Dezmelyk and to put this item on the November 17th meeting agenda.
- Planning Board Re: Video Archiving/Streaming
This item was tabled for Office Manager Winglass had no updated information for the Board to review.
- Transfer Station Re: Facility Permit, 2012 Voucher System, Type V Modification-Off-Site Document Storage
Facility Permit – Town Administrator Wrigley stated that the town is waiting for input from Gillespie & Associates before filing any permit with the State.
2012 Voucher System – The Board approved the final voucher coupon with one minor revision. Jolicoeur received quotes on the printing and mailing of the coupons with the lowest cost from King Graphics.
Type V Modification–Off-Site Document Storage – Jolicoeur informed the Board that he has been working with Civil Construction Dennis Quintal on updating the Transfer Station site plan for there has been some alterations to the premises. The site plan will include some items Jolicoeur would like to do such as a proposed fence.
- Letter of resignation from Recreation Commission Pauline Dupuis
The Board read a letter from Recreation Commission Pauline Dupuis resigning as of October 12, 2011.
Selectman McCarthy motioned regretfully to accept the resignation of Pauline Dupuis from the Recreation Commission effective October 12, 2011. Second by Chairman Thayer. Vote: Unanimous.
- Per RSA 31:95-b to accept and expend unanticipated funds in the amount of $15.97 donated to the Food Pantry from Lisa Gibbs and Curtis Richardson
Chairman Thayer motioned per RSA 31:95-b to accept and expend unanticipated funds in the amount of $15.97 donated to the Food Pantry from Lisa Gibbs and Curtis Richardson. Second by Selectman McCarthy. Vote: Unanimous.
- Grant Award of $4,985 to the Safe Routes to School Program
Town Administrator Wrigley stated that grant funding will be awarded to the school; many town officials are on the Safe Routes Committee and helped to secure funding for this program.
- Request for resident sticker for multi vehicles
Office Manager Winglass explained that resident Samuel Bamford requires a special exception to the town’s Transfer Station Policy for he is allowed to use a company vehicle for personal use but he takes home a different vehicle every night. In the past the Selectmen have given a special exception to the policy by issuing the permit in the residents name versus the license plate.
Selectman McCarthy motioned to approve resident Samuel Bamford to be issued a Transfer Station sticker tied to his name versus his vehicle. Second by Chairman Thayer. Vote: Unanimous.
- Proposed Investment Policy and Tree Removal Policy
Town Administrator Wrigley informed the Board that the proposed Investment Policy is due to a requirement by the auditors and was reviewed by the Bookkeeper and Treasurer.
Selectman McCarthy motioned to accept the proposed Investment Policy as written which can be amended from time to time. Second by Chairman Thayer. Vote: Unanimous.
The proposed Tree Removal Policy was reviewed and the Board decided to have the Road Agent review the policy before moving forward with accepting it. Wrigley will give Road Agent Mike Pivero a copy of the proposed policy.
- Well at the Central Fire Station
Town Administrator Nancy Wrigley informed the Board that Jeff Gersbach came into the Town Hall today to get information on the property owner across the street from the Central Fire Station. Gersbach is moving ahead by contacting the property owner and is working with two well companies.
- Announcements
- Help Wanted: Library Assistant (Temporary to Permanent) and Transfer Station Part time Floating Attendant
- Other Business, Sign Manifests, Requisitions, Abatements, Tax Credits, Correspondence and Appointments
- The Board signed a Welfare Voucher in the amount of $193.90 to Victory Fuel
- The Board signed a letter to Mr. Keith Hart regarding an ongoing code enforcement case.
Chairman Thayer motioned to adjourn at 9:20pm. Second by Selectman McCarthy. Vote: Unanimous.
Respectfully Submitted,
Mary B. Winglass, Office Manager
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