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NEWTON BOARD OF SELECTMEN
DATE: TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2013
TIME: 6PM
LOCATION: NEWTON TOWN HALL, 2 TOWN HALL ROAD
PUBLIC MEETING
- Call to Order, Roll Call Vote
Chairman Thayer called the meeting to order at 6pm. In attendance were Chairman Raymond D. Thayer, Selectman Charles R. Melvin, Sr., Selectman Robert S. Donovan, Jr. and Town Administrator Nancy J. Wrigley. The meeting was videotaped; minutes were transcribed and typed by Office Manager Winglass.
Chairman Thayer started the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.
- Introduction of Guests
- Approval of Minutes (Review prior to meeting)
- Selectmen’s Public Meeting minutes dated October 15, 2013, October 29, 2013, October 31, 2013 and November 5, 2013
- Selectmen’s Nonpublic Meeting minutes dated October 15, 2013, October 29, 2013, October 31, 2013 and November 5, 2013
The Board needed additional time to review the minutes.
- Scheduled Business
- Review proposed 2014 Budgets and Warrant Articles: Fire Department, Police Department, Planning Board and Transfer Station Warrant Article
Planning Board
Jim Doggett was present to discuss the 2014 Planning Board budget which is level funded and explained that last year the budget was reduced by 4.79% with a reallocation of funds.
Chairman Thayer motioned to approve the 2014 Planning Board budget in the amount of $47,925.00. Second by Melvin. Motion passed with a unanimous vote.
Fire Department
Fire Chief Bill Ingalls was present to discuss the 2014 Fire Department budget which has an increase of $5,610, a 2.87% increase over the 2013 budget.
Selectman Donovan motioned to accept the 2014 Fire Department budget in the amount of $200,735.00. Second by Melvin. Motion passed with a unanimous vote.
Fire Chief Ingalls discussed two proposed warrant articles. The first is to purchase a tank truck for the amount of $345,000 with $246,000 to come from the Fire Apparatus & Equipment Capital Reserve Fund and the balance of $99,000 to come from taxation.
The second article is to place $50,000 in the Fire Apparatus & Equipment Fund.
Police Department
Police Chief Lawrence Streeter talked about the 2014 Police Department proposed budget in the amount of $696,168.28. Chief Streeter agreed to include in his budget an additional $1,000 to include Police Details. Chief Streeter explained the need to increase the health insurance line item in order to replace Officer Thurlow and for some reason last year’s budget was only for five full time employees when we have six.
Selectman Melvin motioned to approve the 2014 Police Department budget in the amount of $697,168.00. Second by Donovan with a comment that the Board agrees with the health insurance as proposed. Motion passed with a unanimous vote.
- 2013 Holiday Schedule
- 2014 Selectmen’s Meeting Schedule
- 2014 Snowplower's Rates
- Communications Tower - Homeland Security Grant
Emergency Management Director Larry Foote was present and explained the grant is for $100,000 for a communications town fully funded from Homeland Security and the application town is Kensington which will service Kensington, East Kingston, South Hampton, Newton and Hampton Falls. This will help with communications in this area and we need to send a letter of support. The Board signed a letter of support for this grant.
- Announcements
- Other Business, Sign Manifests, Requisitions, Abatements, Tax Credits, Correspondence and Appointments
- The Board signed a requisition from the Police Department in the amount of $685.00 for the 2013 cruiser exterior graphics.
- The Board did not sign a requisition for the 2013 cruiser electrical and related safety equipment outfitting balance of $3,410.09.
- Fire Chief Ingalls explained requisition #2374 to install a remote battery charging system in A-1 in the amount of $1,479.79. The Board agreed to sign the requisition in the office for the paperwork was not available at the meeting.
- Anna Barbara Hantz, Esquire was present to discuss an extension on behalf of the owner of 19 South Main Street. The Board responded that they need to see the letter first and would set a meeting to review the request.
- The Board was given a proposed 2014 proposed town warrant.
- The Board signed a 2013 Forest Fire Report/Bill in the amount of $1,664.00; the State reimburses us for half.
- The Board signed the Payroll Manifest for the pay date of 12/6 for the pay period of 11/17 to 11/30.
- The Board signed the Vendor Manifest in the amount of $1,092,037.79.
- The Board signed a second Vendor Manifest in the amount of $50.00.
- Town Administrator Wrigley asked the Board to consider a cover and dedication for the 2013 Annual Town Report. Wrigley will give the Board a list of those dedicated over the years. Melvin talked about the Transfer Station showing the old and new fence.
- Selectman Donovan talked about an incident that happened in town tonight, a 5th grade boy was hit by a car on Maple Ave and was med flight to Boston. Keep this boy and his family in your prayers.
Chairman Thayer adjourned the meeting at 7:14pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Mary Winglass, Office Manager
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