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July 17, 2012 Board of Selectmen Minutes
NEWTON BOARD OF SELECTMEN
DATE: TUESDAY, JULY 17, 2012
TIME: 5:30PM
LOCATION: NEWTON TOWN HALL, 2 TOWN HALL ROAD

PUBLIC MEETING

  • Call to Order, Roll Call Vote
Chairman McCarthy opened the meeting at 5:49pm.  In attendance were Chairman Trisha J. McCarthy, Selectman Raymond D. Thayer, Selectman Charles R. Melvin, Sr., Town Administrator Nancy J. Wrigley and Office Manager Mary B. Winglass.  The meeting was audio and videotaped; minutes were transcribed and typed by Office Manager Winglass.

Chairman McCarthy motioned to go into nonpublic session under RSA 91-A:3 II (a) - Performance Evaluations and Transfer Station (b) - Bookkeeper (c) - Pending Matter.  Second by Selectman Thayer.  Motion passed with a unanimous roll call vote.

Chairman McCarthy motioned to adjourn at 7:23pm.  Second by Selectman Melvin.  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 unanimously approved to create a job titled Cable Station Manager in Grade X of the Salary Classification Plan and to approve the job description as recommended by the Cable Committee.  
  • The Board unanimously approved to take the recommendation of the Cable Committee and based upon the new job description to move Donna Judge as Cable Station Manager at Grade X, step 3 effective July 15, 2012 based upon the Wage Schedule dated 4/1/2007.  
  • The Board unanimously approved to create a new title of Graphic Designer and to approve the new job description to be added to the Salary Classification Plan under Grade IX as recommended by the Cable Committee.  
  • The Board unanimously approved to change Scott DePanfilis to Graphic Designer from Grade IX, step 1 to Grade IX, step 3 effective date of July 15, 2012 based upon the Wage Schedule dated 4/1/2007.  
  • The Board unanimously approved to move Emergency Management Secretary to Grade IX on the Salary Classification Plan.
  • The Board unanimously approved to give Melissa Adams, Emergency Management Secretary an increase from Grade VI, step 10 to a Grade IX, step 5 effective June 21, 2012 based upon the wage schedule dated 4/1/2007.  
 
  • The Board unanimously accepted Tom Drawdy’s resignation effective 7/15/2012 and we thank him for his service.  
  • Pledge of Allegiance
  • Introduction of Guests
  • Approval of Minutes (Review prior to meeting)
  • Selectmen’s Public Meeting minutes dated May 1, 2012, May 4, 2012, May 15, 2012, May 21, 2012, May 22, 2012, May 29, 2012, June 12, 2012, June 19, 2012 and June 25, 2012
Selectman Melvin motioned to approve the  Selectmen’s Public Meeting minutes dated May 1, 2012, May 4, 2012, May 15, 2012, May 21, 2012, May 22, 2012, May 29, 2012, June 12, 2012, June 19, 2012 and June 25, 2012.  Second by Selectman Thayer.  Motion passed with a unanimous vote.

  • Selectmen’s Nonpublic Meeting minutes dated May 1, 2012, May 15, 2012, May 29, 2012 and June 29, 2012
Selectman Thayer motioned to accept the Selectmen’s Nonpublic Meeting minutes dated May 1, 2012, May 15, 2012, May 29, 2012 and June 29, 2012.  Second by Chairman McCarthy.  Motion passed with a unanimous vote.

  • Scheduled Business
  • Procedures and Operations for Highway Department
Present were Road Agent Mike Pivero

Pivero asked to be on this agenda to discuss issues regarding the Highway Department.  Pivero added that he has heard outstanding, closed door rumors going around second hand and he would like the opportunity to set the record straight.  

The first issue is the storage of Eastern Seaboard equipment at the Sand/Salt Shed.  Pivero asked does the Board of Selectmen have an issue with equipment being stored at the salt shed.  Chairman McCarthy and Selectman Thayer responded no, there is no issue.  Selectman Melvin stated yes that he has an issue with it.  Melvin stated that he has an issue due to it being on town owned property, there is a vehicle that has its hood off with engine problems, he is worried about oil leaking into the ground and it is free, which is a big issue.  Pivero responded that the way to rectify this problem is to remove the equipment owned by Eastern Seaboard but the Highway Department will not have the equipment available when needed.  The Town of Newton owns no highway equipment and having the equipment at the sand/salt storage area allows the Road Crew to do their job efficiently.  Pivero reiterated that the equipment stored there is not for his convenience but for the convenience of the town.  Moving the equipment will affect the town’s operation for he will not use his property as a storage yard for the Town of Newton.  There is no rental fee for any of the equipment while stored only when in use.  Melvin stated that prior Road Agent’s stored the equipment at their property; Pivero responded that yes they did but they also charged the town rent.  Both Melvin and Pivero expressed their desire for the town to have its’ own equipment down the road.  

Emergency Management Director Lawrence Foote asked how long it will take to get his equipment on hand in an emergency.   Pivero responded that if it is not stored in town at the sand/salt shed he cannot give a time.  Melvin added that it should be no more than an hour.  Pivero responded that when it snows in town it takes an hour to get the truck fired up loaded with the spreader and on the road.  Melvin added that most other road agents hired out other trucks for snow removal so they are there in a short period of time.  The town has been plowed using pickup trucks for years, you do not need trucks with wings.  Pivero asked Melvin to do a comparison analysis on using a plow that weights 21 hundred tons with a wing on it versus a pickup.  Pivero talked about how the state highways are plowed not by pickup trucks.  Melvin responded that they are highways; Pivero responded what about Smith Corner Road, Peaslee Crossing Road and Thornell Road.  Pivero asked Melvin to ask him when he has any questions about the Highway Department

Pivero asked the Board how they would like to proceed before he starts moving his equipment.  McCarthy responded that it is not in the best interest of the town; she has worked closely in emergency situations and time is of the essence.   Not only that but it would be a nightmare if we need to pay someone to go get the equipment which will be an added cost.  Melvin added that the Road Agent is supposed to be prepared and he is prepared by using town property.  McCarthy responded that his equipment is available to us for the town employees to get what they need to get to get the job done.  Melvin disagreed; Pivero responded that it is okay to disagree; what we need to do is work in the best interest of the town.  

Melvin questioned what happens if someone goes down and vandalized any of the vehicles and gas flows into the ground.  All agreed that this would not be good.

Pivero asked the Board for a vote on what to do with the equipment that he leaves, at no expense at the sand/salt shed for the Highway Department.  Is it staying or is he pulling the equipment out.  Thayer responded “stay”.

Selectman Thayer motioned to keep the equipment at the Transfer Station.  McCarthy seconded the motion for it is in the best interest of the town.  Selectman Melvin - no, Chairman McCarthy - yes, Selectman Thayer - yes.  Motion passed.

Rental rates on equipment

Pivero asked to discuss the rental rates on the equipment for he has heard there are some issues on the charges for some of his equipment.  

Chainsaw Rentals

Chainsaw rental per day is $30 and he has heard that some think that is too high of a rate.  Pivero explained that it includes the chainsaw, sharpening of the blades, bar oil, safety equipment that goes with it and Pivero explained that he keeps in town five (5) chainsaws.  The town only pays the rental fee on what is used; in the past four years we have had all five (5) chainsaws out working after a storm.  Melvin asked who ran the chainsaws; Pivero responded three of Eastern Seaboard employees and two highway guys.  Melvin feels that the town should own their own chainsaws.  Pivero replied that we need to methodically think it through for you need someone to maintain the equipment.  When the highway crew uses any equipment Pivero’s mechanic checks the equipment just like any rental company so that it is ready to go when they need it next time.  Pivero explained that the town spent on chainsaw rental last year a total of $900.00

Weed-wacker (Grass Trimmers) Rentals

Weed-wacker rental per day is $10.  Pivero informed the Board that the town spent $520 last year on weed-wacker rental fees.  

Chairman McCarthy added that she would like to see some equipment owned by the town but it is not just buying one, you need to maintain it, repair it, purchase gas and oil.  Right now the equipment is ready, on the shelf for whatever happens.  McCarthy added that if we decide to purchase town equipment we will need to configure a whole new budget to account for the repairs, supplies and maintenance items.

A discussion took place on the town having its own DPW.  Conceptually support and logistics comes into play; in Plaistow they have a DPW and their budget is three times that of Newton’s budget.  Kingston’s budget is twice that of Newton’s.  Melvin responded that they are twice the size of us.  Pivero responded no they are much the same; Kingston has approximately 12 more miles of road and Plaistow has almost the exact number of roads.  The State takes care of most of Plaistow.  

Highway Truck Rental

Pivero stated that he would like to discuss purchasing a truck for the highway department.  The cost of the truck is just one factor in the yearly cost to run the vehicle.  Pivero asked the Board what they thought the cost of fuel for a 1 ton truck for one year; it is approximately 7 to 8 thousand dollars per year which does not include plowing.  The same service truck in mileage for one year is 14 to 15 thousand miles at 8 miles per gallons is approximately 2,000 gallons per year.  Add in insurance, oil change (3 per year) and tires, etc.  Melvin responded that it is still cheaper for the town to buy a truck; Pivero agreed but the difference is not as wide as some think once you factor in all the costs.  Pivero added that he supplies hand tools in the truck, rakes, shovels and brooms etc.    

Pivero addressed the grant vehicles that the Police Chief and Road Agent have been able to acquire over the past couple of years.  There are strict stipulations on these vehicles; different criteria for different vehicles.  There is one that requires we wait a period before it can be used by other departments.  The truck needs some work but it is in good shape and cost the town zero money.  If this truck becomes a highway department truck then the highway budget will need to be reworked to include line items for this vehicle, i.e. maintenance.  Pivero informed the Board that it is a four wheel drive diesel, Chevy pickup truck.  It has a mechanics body on it with a generator and a compressor.

A discussion took place on other grant vehicles obtained over the past couple of years.  Pivero discussed how these vehicles will be invaluable in an emergency.  Pivero explained that he used a dozer obtained through the grant program on the brush pile and was able to save the town $1,500.  

Gate open at the Transfer Station

Melvin stated that Transfer Station Manager Kevin Jolicoeur has stated that the town can be fined $30,000 for leaving the gate open and Jolicoeur told Melvin that it is the road crew.  Jolicoeur responded that he told Melvin that a prior Board of Selectmen discussed the gate and that the fine of up to $30,000 could be charged to the town for illegal dumping.  Melvin responded that Jolicoeur blamed the road crew.  Jolicoeur disagreed.

Pivero explained that the road crew goes in the out gate and there is a gate keeping out vehicles.  A discussion took place on those riding a bike or walking by; Pivero added that no gate will keep out those that want to enter.  Pivero asked the Board if they want the highway crew to close and open the gate each time they come and go.  Selectman Melvin responded yes.  Pivero explained that during a snowstorm they are in and out during the snow removal operation and could be as much as every five minutes.  Chairman McCarthy added that she agrees that it is not efficient to open and close the gate each time they enter or exit the property but it would be nice to secure the area with an electronic gate.  Selectman Thayer asked how many times has someone gained access due to having the gate open.  Jolicoeur responded approximately 5 or 6 times over the past 5 years.  Thayer added that he would certainly want it shut.

Pivero gave a quick summary with approximate figures.  The average taxpayers pays $180 a year to pay for the highway department.  Pivero added that we are stepping over dollars to pick up dimes; if the goal here is to save money then stop picking on the highway department for we can do away with it for $180 per property each year.  Pivero urged the Selectmen to work with the departments, stop having vindictive attitudes and personal agendas and work together, for the best interest of the town.  Melvin responded that if you don’t ask the tough questions you don’t move forward.  Pivero responded, just don’t knock the ones that you do have.  Melvin responded that we need to bring it into the 21st Century.

  • Re-appointment of Heath Officer
The Board signed a letter to the State of NH recommending the reappointment of Robert Leverone as the Health Office for a three year term.

Selectman Thayer motioned on the recommendation of the Newton Board of Selectmen to appoint Robert Leverone as Health Officer for the Town of Newton for a three year term, appointed by the State.  Second by Chairman McCarthy.  Motion passed with unanimous vote.  

  • Cont review of dry hydrant at 159 South Main Street
The Board reviewed a letter mailed to the owners of 159 South Main Street inviting them to tonight’s meeting.  One of the owners left a message that he would be unable to attend, he was not happy with the Fire Department and did not want anyone on his property.    The Board decided to leave the hydrant on the property for it is becoming a hassle and not worth the legal fees.  

  • Tree work to be completed at Town Hall
The Board reviewed an invoice for tree work to be completed at the Town Hall per the request of the Tree Warden John Owens.  

  • Police Department Rule and Regulation Change
Present were Police Chief Streeter

The Board reviewed a memo from Streeter with a housekeeping policy change trying to keep up with technology changes; the policy addresses notification requirements for means of contacting officers.

Selectman Melvin motioned to approve Police Chief Streeter’s department rule and regulation change Rule:3.10.2.  Second by McCarthy.  Motion passed with a unanimous vote.

Police Chief Streeter requested to set a meeting to discuss the military surplus equipment program to make sure the Selectmen are on board and up to speed on the acquisition process.  At this point Streeter and Pivero have acquired almost 1 million dollars in equipment which falls under the Police Department.  

  • Brenner Dr/George’s Way speed limit
Chief Streeter explained the speeding issues on Brenner Dr/George’s Way.  In accordance with RSA 265:63-I-(d) and 47:17 VII the Board of Selectmen can hold a public hearing to discuss a possible change to the speed limit to 25 mph.  The other option is to post it at 30mph which does not require a public hearing.

Selectman Melvin felt we should post it at 30mph.  Resident Dale Putnam talked about if you post it at 30mph then they travel at 40mph.  He recommends holding a public hearing to post it at 25 mph and maybe they will go 30 mph.

McCarthy stated that she feels that it is important to get input from the residents and to hold a public hearing.  The Board decided to hold the public hearing on August 7, 2012.

  • Cont review of 2 Amesbury Road
The Board reviewed information on the history of the damage to the electrical wires at 2 Amesbury Road.  The Board decided to move forward with sending the company the bill to fix the electrical wires.

  • Greenie Park Trash
Transfer Station Manager Jolicoeur explained that due to being understaffed at the Transfer Station they are unable to help with the trash pickup at Greenie Park anymore.  Chairman McCarthy asked Town Administrator Wrigley if there is any way we can hire out of General Government Buildings to take care of Greenie Park.  Selectman Thayer responded if the public wants to step forward.  Wrigley added money is hard to come by and we have tried to get people to help and they should not think it is okay to throw trash on the ground and think it is okay.  McCarthy questioned whether we should go to a carry in/carry out policy.  Jolicoeur added that he is not always picking up regular trash for they are finding electronics, TV’s etc.  Melvin recommended hiring someone to clean up.  McCarthy concurred with hiring a service provider to take care of Greenie Park.  Jolicoeur recommended in order to keep it clean and functional to have someone clean three times per week; Monday, Wednesday and Fridays for two hours each visit.

  • Transfer Station Permit for Modification Type 1B
Jolicoeur informed the Board that there was a change in the State Inspector for Transfer Stations.  The new inspector found that we were accepting items never approved by the State.  The State suggested that the town complete a permit for modification Type 1B which Jolicoeur has done and it is ready to be sent off to the State.

Selectman Melvin motioned to sign the Transfer Station Permit for Modification Type 1B.  Second by Selectman Thayer.  Motion passed with a unanimous vote.

  • Review contract history for #2 fuel oil
The Board reviewed a history of the bidding process for the purchase of #2 fuel oil.  The town has not gone out to bid every year and Office Manager Winglass asked the Board how they would like to proceed this year.  Since 2006 the Town of Newton has contracted with Palmer Gas/Ermer Oil whether we bid or not for this service.  

Selectman Thayer and Chairman McCarthy do not want to go out to bid due to the cost and the fact that we continue to use the same vendor, Palmer Gas year after year for they have provided the lowest rate and excellent service.  Selectman Melvin wanted to go out to bid for this service.  Selectman Thayer stated that it is throwing money out the window.  Office Manager Winglass will contact Palmer Gas/Ermer Oil for a contract price for the 2012-2013 heating season.

  • Marshall House basement windows
Office Manager Winglass discussed the recommendation from Chief Building Official Ron LeMere to replace two basement windows at the Marshall House.  Per the town’s purchase policy, Winglass will contact local companies to get quotes on this job.  Selectman Melvin had some questions and will meet with LeMere to discuss the specifics of this repair.

  • Open bids for “Oil Tank Removal” at 2 Amesbury Road
The Board opened four bids received for the oil tank removal at 2 Amesbury Road.  

The four bids received were from the following companies;

C.A.B. Services, Dover, NH
ETNA Construction, Brentwood, NH
Fisette Excavation, Pelham, NH
M.B. Maintenance, Inc., New Boston, NH

The Board asked to have Fire Chief William Ingalls review the bids and give his recommendation.

  • Announcements
  • Other Business, Sign Manifests, Requisitions, Abatements, Tax Credits, Correspondence and Appointments
  • Nancy Stiles, State Senator introduced herself and was present to learn more about Newton.   Due to the redistricting, Newton is now one of her town’s that she represents and plans on visiting often.    
  • The Board signed an Intent to Cut for Map 008-03-011
  • The Board signed a Timber Tax Levy for a total of $150.97 for two properties; Map 007-03-22-1 and Map 007-03-22-5.
  • The Board signed a request for vacation time for Welfare Agent Tina O’Rourke
  • The Board signed a welfare manifest in the amount of $136.00
  • The Board signed an abatement for Map 006-09-023 for a total of $2,015.89.
  • The Board signed a Veteran’s Credit denial for Map 002-04-34 due to the fact that his address in Newton is not his primary residence.  
  • The Board reviewed a quote from T&M Maintenance who has a contract with the town for landscaping at Greenie Park.  There is another broken control valve at Greenie Park and to fix it including labor the cost is $125; plus there are three other broken irrigation heads for a cost of $150. There continues to be dog and horse feces found in the playing field when it is clearly marked.  Melvin recommended that we shut down the park at sunset.  Chairman McCarthy recommended that we send the quote to the Recreation Commission.
  • The Board signed a Vendor Manifest dated July 16, 2012 for a total of $54,390.79.
  • Adjourn
Selectman Thayer motioned to adjourn at 9:36pm.  Second by Selectman Melvin.  Motion passed with a unanimous vote.

                                                        Respectfully Submitted,



                                                        Mary B. Winglass, Office Manager