Office of the Board of Selectmen
2 Town Hall Road, Newton, NH 03858
Tel: 382-4405 ext. 10 * Fax 382-9140
NEWTON BOARD OF SELECTMEN
DATE: TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 2011
TIME: 5PM
LOCATION: NEWTON TOWN HALL, 2 TOWN HALL ROAD
PUBLIC MEETING
- Call to Order, Roll Call Vote
Selectman Thayer called the meeting to order at 5:08pm. In attendance were Selectman Raymond D. Thayer, Selectman Lawrence D. Foote, Town Administrator Nancy J. Wrigley and Office Manager Mary B. Winglass. The meeting was videotaped; minutes were transcribed and typed by Office Manager Winglass.
Chairman McCarthy joined the public meeting at approximately 5:35pm.
- Pledge of Allegiance
- Introduction of Guests
- Approval of Minutes (Review prior to meeting)
Selectmen’s Public and Nonpublic Meeting dated March 15, 2011
The minutes were not reviewed.
- Review proposed agreement from Recycling Associates, Inc.
Present were Transfer Station Manager Kevin Jolicoeur and Michael Vellucci of Recycling Associates.
Transfer Station Manager Jolicoeur proposed a paper recycling program and a plan that should increase the revenue stream and to allow for an expansion for the future. Recycling Associates prepared a three year Product Supply and Purchase Agreement between the Town of Newton and Recycling Associates for paper recycling to include equipment installed by Recycling Associates to allow for a more cost efficient method. The equipment includes one 2 yard to a 4 yard compactor machine (most likely get a 3 yard machine) , a concrete pad and electrical wiring of compactor and electrical disconnect. This equipment will allow for a more efficient and cost effective way to increase the capacity per load. The contract includes the installation of equipment at the Transfer Station at no cost.
Transfer Station Manager Jolicoeur added that our current paper recycling program runs in the negative for we pay out for the hauling. The agreement with Recycling Associates includes no rental feel for the containers or the machine and they will buy the paper at 60.00 per ton for a period of one month only (the first month). After the initial period, Recycling Associates may modify the purchase price as derived by the commodity market.
Chairman McCarthy discussed the business references and if the town would be losing any services linked with our current vendor. Jolicoeur responded that both references spoke highly of the service provided by Recycling Associates and there are no other town services that would be affected by this change. Jolicoeur added that Unitil is looking at trading out the transformer for it is currently running over the current capacity load.
Selectman Foote motioned to table this discussion until after the department head meeting. Second by Selectman Thayer. Vote: Unanimous.
After the department head meeting the Board resumed this discussion and addressed the situation with Unitil. Jolicoeur responded that Recycling Associates is not responsible for the electrical power to the site and when dealing with this upgrade with Unitil it was determined that the transformer in place is not adequate for the current load.
The Board reviewed the start date of the agreement would begin once the equipment is installed in order for the first month price of $60 per ton to be in effect.
Chairman McCarthy motioned to approve the contract once the concrete pad is poured, the electrical has been installed and the compactor is in place and approved for use by the Building Department. Second by Selectman Thayer. Vote: Unanimous.
Chairman McCarthy welcomed all the department heads that were in attendance. McCarthy gave an overview of the Code of Ethics and Conflict of Interest Policy and recommended that each department, committee or commission have the policy at each of their meetings as a reference when questioning any relevant situation.
Aflac
Jonny Burgess, District Sales Coordinator from Aflac explained three policies presented to the employees, elected officials, volunteers and contract labor of the Town of Newton. Personal Accident Indemnity Plan, Cancer Indemnity Insurance and Specified Health Event Protection Insurance were reviewed as an option for all to participate. The Town of Newton does not contribute any funding for any of the plans offered but will work with the town’s employees to process their payments as a pre-tax option. Town Elected Officials, Volunteers and Contract labor pay for the plans directly to Aflac each month unless they are paid on a bi-weekly basis through the town’s payroll.
Aflac will set up a scheduled visit to the Town Hall to meet with anyone interested in the next couple of weeks. Anyone interested should contact Town Administrator Nancy Wrigley.
Other Department Heads spoke about current events happening in their departments. Below is a brief synopsis of some of the issues discussed in a round table discussion:
Recreation Commission Chairman Pauline Dupuis discussed the ongoing efforts of the all new members on the Commission. Upcoming events are being worked on for the summer as well as a swim program. Other issues addressed by Dupuis was a recommendation for a protocol handbook to help guide the members as they move forward, a phone for the back room at the Town Hall and computer related issues.
Police Chief discussed his continued efforts to work on a solution to his building issues to include a recent inspection conducted by the Local Government Center that showed many health and safety related issues. He continues to work on a long term lease option.
Road Agent Mike Pivero discussed the paving schedule for this year as outlined in the 2009 Road Condition Evaluation Plan; the plan can be viewed at www.newton-nh.gov.
Chief Building Official Ron LeMere discussed with the passing of the 2011 Budget allows the Town to hire a Permit Clerk to work office hours and update the CAMA software (CivicWare).
Transfer Station Manager Kevin Jolicoeur talked about the running of the Transfer Station and the need to all lead by example by following the town’s policies and procedures.
Gale Library Director Theresa Caswell discussed recent events at the library with National Library Week coming up on the week of April 10th to the 16th.
Supervisor of the Checklist Lisa talked about the “great purge” that will take effect this year in Newton. Residents that have not voted in the past couple of years will receive a letter informing them of the purge to the checklist. Once the purge is complete, it will show a more “true” account of the voter checklist.
Bookkeeper/Payroll Administrator Kim Hughes addressed the vendor and payroll schedule and the updated matrix schedule that will need to be referenced by date when the Board approves a merit increase.
Town Clerk/Tax Collector Mary Jo McCullough requested for each department committee and commission to send to her a list of all their members and their position (Chair, Vice Chair, and Alternate) with expiration dates. She will be discontinuing the online option of registering vehicles using Compass; residents are still able to register online using EREG. McCullough informed the Board that notices will be mailed tomorrow of impending tax deeding with a deed date of May 3, 2011.
Town Administrator Nancy Wrigley discussed the upcoming right to know training opportunity presented to all employees and volunteers of the town on April 21st at the Town Hall from 7pm to 9pm.
Selectmen’s Office Manager Mary Winglass addressed expired appointments that need to be updated; the upcoming Cable Franchise Renewal with Comcast for Cable Service only and the Town’s Website. Winglass thanked all the departments for helping keep the site updated and asked for all to take a look at their page for any changes.
Town Assessor Andrea Lewy stated that she is working on data verification on 400 properties this year.
Other issues addressed by the Board of Selectmen include encouragement to all to continue to “go green” by sending emails versus using paper copies. The Board is working on a Social Media policy; ID badges must be worn by all employees and a review on the role of department liaisons to be used as a way to communicate with the Board. Chairman McCarthy reminded all departments that anything concerning employees should go to the Town Administrator as she is in charge of Human Resources. Chief Streeter responded that based upon the town’s policies states that the Board of Selectmen is the departments contact therefore a look at the policies may be prudent. The town’s Personnel Policies and Procedures are being worked on to put out on the town’s website as a reference for all
and will help with updating the employees of changes as they happen.
Important upcoming dates such as Earth Day on April 22, 2011, National Walk to School in May, National Night Out on August 2, 2011, Manure workshop on May 21, 2011, right to know workshop on April 21, 2011; a date has not yet been scheduled for the Household Hazardous Waste Day.
Memorial Day Parade – Chairman McCarthy added that work has begun and we are now working on coordinating a schedule with the Kingston Veterans.
The Board reviewed a memo from Emergency Management Director and Selectman Larry Foote regarding the 2011 pay scale for Seabrook has been increased as follows;
Planning and Administration - $40.00 an hour
Training and Exercises - $35.00 an hour
Foote added that the pay increases have been approved by the State and when reviewing surrounding town’s it came to his attention that Newton has not seen a pay increase within the past ten years. This new pay scale will now match the average pay for the ten surrounding towns.
Chairman McCarthy motioned to accept the Seabrook rates as recommended by Emergency Management Director Larry Foote for Seabrook related work. Second by Selectman Thayer. Discussion: Effective April 1, 2011. Vote: Chairman McCarthy and Selectman Thayer – aye; Selectman Foote abstained. Motion passed.
The Board reviewed a list of six residents who contacted Office Manager Winglass who are interested in the “not sea worthy” 1986 Hovercraft. This piece of equipment was donated to the Fire Department and has not been registered since 1994. Notice went out to the town residents asking anyone interested to contact the Selectmen’s Office by March 28, 2011 The Board decided to invite the residents interested to come to the next selectmen’s meeting and they will pull a name from a basket to sell it “as is” for a price of $1.00.
- Review revised Selectmen’s Meeting Schedule
The Board approved the revised meeting schedule to include Selectman Foote’s availability due to his work schedule. Some meetings will take place in the afternoon while the majority will start around 4:30pm with nonpublic session held at the end of the meeting.
- Review cost for online video services
The Board reviewed the cost of having an online video service and online forms using the town’s website.
The Board asked Office Manager Winglass to send them a link so they can view other websites that use this service.
- Right To Know Training at the Newton Town Hall on April 21st
- Other Business, Sign Manifests, Requisitions, Abatements, Tax Credits, Correspondence and Appointments
The Board signed a Welfare Manifest in the amount of $925.00
The Board approved a Veteran’s Credit for Map 007-06-009 for year 2012.
The Board approved a Veteran’s Tax Credit for Map 016-05-024.
The Board approved and signed a Payroll Manifest dated 3/28/11 for the period of 3/13 to 3/26.
Chairman McCarthy motioned to go into Nonpublic Session under RSA 91-A:3 II (a) – Transfer Station at approximately 8:50pm. Second by Selectman Thayer. Roll Call Vote: Chairman McCarthy – aye, Selectman Thayer –aye, Selectman Foote – aye. Vote: Unanimous.
Chairman McCarthy motioned to close the nonpublic session at 9:20pm. Second by Selectman Foote. Per unanimous roll call vote, the minutes of the meeting will be kept confidential until in the opinion of the majority of the members the circumstances no longer apply.
Chairman McCarthy motioned to close the public meeting at 9:20pm. Second by Selectman Thayer. Vote: Unanimous.
Respectfully Submitted,
Mary B. Winglass, Office Manager
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