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 26 2013
TIME: 5PM
LOCATION: NEWTON TOWN HALL, 2 TOWN HALL ROAD
PUBLIC MEETING
- Call to Order, Roll Call Vote
Selectman Melvin opened the meeting at 5pm. In attendance were Selectman Charles R. Melvin, Sr., Selectman Robert S. Donovan, Jr., Town Administrator Nancy J. Wrigley and Office Manager Mary B. Winglass. The meeting was audio taped; minutes were transcribed and typed by Office Manager Winglass.
Selectman Thayer was not present.
Selectman Melvin motioned to go into Nonpublic Session under RSA 91-A:3 II (b) - Fire Department; (a) - Transfer Station; (b) - Police Department; (c) - Complaint; (c) - Tax Lien Property at 5:02pm. Second by Selectman Donovan. Motion passed with a unanimous roll call vote.
Selectman Melvin motioned to close the nonpublic meeting at 6:06pm. Second by Selectman Donovan. Per a 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 motioned to hire Jeffrey MacDonald as a Firefighters/Paramedic at Grade X, step 2, effective March 26, 2013 with a three month probationary period pending a background check.
- The Board unanimously motioned to hire Bruce Gusler, Sr. as a Firefighter I Certified with a six month probationary period starting March 26, 2013 at Grade X, step 2, pending a background check.
- The Board unanimously motioned to appoint to full time status Leanne Wancheck at Grade XX, step 4 effective March 26, 2013
- The Board unanimously motioned to hire Diane Morin as a Cable Operator at Grade IX, step 3 effective March 20, 2013.
Selectman Melvin re-opened the public meeting at 6:08pm
- Pledge of Allegiance
- Introduction of Guests
- Approval of Minutes (Review prior to meeting)
Scheduled Business
- Selectmen’s Reorganization
Selectman Melvin motioned to make Raymond Thayer, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen. Second by Selectman Donovan. Motion passed with a unanimous vote.
Selectman Donovan motioned to make Charles R. Melvin, Sr. Vice Chairman. Second by Selectman Melvin. Motion passed with a unanimous vote.
The Board decided to wait to make any further decisions regarding committee/commission liaisons until Selectman Thayer returns.
- Voluntary Lot Merger for Lots; Map 10 Block 10, Lots 40 & 40-2
Selectman Melvin read the documentation to merge 28 & 30 Maple Avenue, both lots are owned by Donald and Janet Gavin. This is a voluntary lot merger represented by Todd Fitzgerald, Father & Son Construction on behalf of Gavin and is for taxation purposes and needs to be signed and recorded before April 1, 2013.
Selectman Melvin motioned to approve the lot merger of 28 and 30 Maple Avenue. Second by Selectman Donovan. The new lot will be Map 10-10-40, 30 Maple Avenue. Motion passed with a unanimous vote.
Todd Fitzgerald then took the original signed lot merger to the Planning Board meeting starting at 7pm in order to obtain their signature.
- Police Department Re: Employee Merit Increases
The Board reviewed a memo from Police Chief Streeter requesting the Board, as sanctioned by town meeting vote, to institute the department’s merit increases effective for payroll pay period beginning April 7, 2013.
Selectman Melvin motioned to approve the 2013 merit increases submitted by the Chief of Police as written. Second by Selectman Donovan. Motion passed with a unanimous roll call vote.
- Town Administrator Re: Voluntary Lot Merger Form
Town Administrator Nancy Wrigley informed the Board that the Voluntary Lot Merger Form needs to be updated per RSA 674:39-a which spells out the process.
Selectman Melvin motioned to approve the new form for the Voluntary Lot Merger effective April 7, 2013. Second by Selectman Donovan. Motion passed with a unanimous vote.
- Gale Library Re: Release Funds for Operating Expenses
The Board reviewed a request from the Gale Library Trustee Treasurer Kathy Meserve requesting to release the funds for operating expenses per the newly voted budget.
Town Administrator Nancy Wrigley informed the Board that we received a letter from the Gale Library requesting to release their 2013 budget funds for operating expenses. This is a customary procedure each year and is usually not an agenda item but this year Bookkeeper Rick Milner asked to have this in the minutes of the meeting. Only the operating funds are released for payroll is paid by the Town. No motion is necessary, just wanted to make the Board aware and the check will be on next week’s manifest. Payroll comes to $87,698; Operating Budget to be released is $27,330.
- Request from Gale Library Re: Use of Town Hall for “Dig Into Dinosaurs”
Selectman Melvin read an email from Sue Mears, Children’s Librarian stating that the Gale Library received a scholarship from the Museum of Science for a summer traveling program called “Dig into Dinosaurs” on Wednesday, July 10th from 1:30 to 3pm. Mears is requesting to use the Town Hall as the indoor space for the library space is too small. The Board agreed to the use of the Town Hall for this purpose.
- Construction Contract for renovations to the Gale Library Fire Escape
The Board approved the renovations for the Gale Library Fire Escape at their last meeting. Office Manager Winglass has been in touch with the company and asked for the Board to sign a construction contract tonight which specifies a deposit equaling 1/3 of the contract upon execution of the contract.
Selectman Melvin asked to make sure the area is encapsulated due to possible lead paint and to check with Chief Building Official Ron LeMere to make sure we are following the building code and lead safe protocol.
- Review quote from Security Team, LLC
Selectman Melvin explained to Selectman Donovan the previous Board’s interest to install a new video surveillance system at the Transfer Station. The end result will allow us to monitor the activity from the Town Hall and the Police Station. There is an additional charges for networking. Selectman Melvin responded that he is in favor especially with the installation of a new fence. Cameras will record activity at both the exit and entrance and it was agreed that there is funding in the Transfer Station budget for this purchase.
It was recommended by a couple of residents to find out if the town would receive a reduction in their insurance with the installation of this security system.
Selectman Melvin motioned that we approve the purchase of the Video Surveillance System for the Transfer Station from Security Team, LLC from Byfield, MA; the first amount is for four cameras, hard drive and monitor in the amount of $4,685.00 which does not include the additional cost (at $125 per hour) for the networking; the second amount is for a camera for a separate area at a cost of $1,935.00. Second by Selectman Donovan. Additional networking will cost the town $125 per hour. Monitor at the Town Hall, one location the installation is free ant to be installed at the Transfer Station and the last location is the Police Station. Security system now at the Transfer Station can be used at the Town Hall or at Greenie Park. Motion passed with a unanimous vote.
- Review payment request for cell phone reimbursement
Selectman Melvin put this payment on hold last week for he wanted to find out why we are paying for cell phone reimbursement when the Manager is out on Administrative Leave.
Selectman Melvin motioned to pay half the request for payment to Kevin Jolicoeur for a total of $63.19 for cell phone reimbursement. We will not pay for any cell phone usage while an employee is on Administrative Leave. Second by Selectman Donovan. Motion passed with a unanimous vote.
- Review 2013 proposed Voucher System
The Board reviewed a proposed list of residents to receive a voucher this year. The Board discussed that they felt that renters should have use of the voucher system and we could have them come in and show their lease in order to participate in the program. Town Administrator Wrigley suggested that she take the list and go through it and we can discuss this again at the next meeting.
- Transfer Station Re: Operations on March 31st (Easter Sunday)
Selectman Melvin talked about closing the Transfer Station on Easter Sunday as was done last year and to pay the employees assigned to work. The Board discussed getting the word out to the employees by using the sign out front of Town Hall, website, cable and to use the Emergency Alert System. Emergency Management Larry Foote was present and expressed his concern with the use of this system when it is not an emergency. Trisha McCarthy concurred with Foote for there has been a lot of talk on the use of the system used by the school for non-emergency messages. We do not want residents to get complacent when they receive a message from this system; that is not the intended use for this system.
Selectman Donovan agreed and clarified that we are paying only the employees scheduled to work on Easter Sunday. It was discussed that we need to post a notice on the Newton Friends and Community Facebook page and we need to look at the Holiday schedule for next year.
Selectman Melvin motioned that we give the employees that are scheduled to work on Easter Sunday, the day off with pay. Second by Selectman Donovan. Motion passed with a unanimous vote. Selectman Melvin will contact interim Transfer Station Manager Tom Difalco tomorrow.
- Request from Recreation Commission Re: Grand Marshall
The Board discussed options for a Grand Marshall for the Memorial Day Parade; Selectman Donovan will take the lead on this item.
- Review bids for Computer Support and Managed Information Technology Services
Office Manager Mary Winglass explained to the Selectmen a bid comparison for the Computer Support and Managed Information Technology Services. Winglass discussed that she met with resident Diane Morin who reviewed the comparison report and both agreed to start the interview process with RMON Networks from Kingston, NH. The Board decided to invite RMON Networks to attend their next meeting on April 2, 2013.
Selectman Melvin announced that the town owned property at 2 Amesbury Road sold at auction for the minimum bid of $70,000. Selectman Melvin and Selectman Donovan were both at the auction and were very disappointed with only one bidder for the property. The buyer is from Manchester, NH and gave no indication what he is going to do with the property.
- Announcements
- Other Business, Sign Manifests, Requisitions, Abatements, Tax Credits, Correspondence and Appointments
General Government Buildings
The Board reviewed a requisition by Office Manager Winglass requesting the installation of a fan, vent and thermostat for the cable room. The quote she received is from Pat McCusker which includes parts and labor for the electrical hookup for a total of $400.00. Facility Maintenance/Custodian Leonard Beaurais will install the fan and grill under the direction of Chief Building Official Ron LeMere.
Selectman Melvin motioned to approve Requisition #2404 in the amount of $400.00. Second by Selectman Donovan. Motion passed with a unanimous vote.
Recreation Commission
The Board reviewed a requisition from Recreation Commission for 90 minutes of private ice time for 75 skaters on vacation week. The date of the event is Thursday, April 25, 2013.
Selectman Melvin motioned to approve Requisition #2399 in the amount of $375.00 paid to The Rinks @ Exeter for 90 minutes of private ice time for 75 skaters. Second by Selectman Donovan. Motion passed with a unanimous vote.
Emergency Management
The Board reviewed Requisition #2402 from Emergency Management Director Larry Foote for the purchase of a Dell Latitude Laptop with fire house tracking software for a total of $2,299.00. Department of Safety approved this purchase with 100% reimbursement to come out of the management cost for DR 4095.
Selectman Melvin motioned to approve Requisition #2402 from Emergency Management. Second by Selectman Donovan. Motion passed with a unanimous vote.
Appointment - Emergency Management Deputy
Emergency Management Director Larry Foote was present to answer any questions the Board may have regarding this appointment. Trisha added that as the Deputy she will work as the keeper of the paperwork to include FEMA disasters and will fill in when Foote is out of town. This appointment is paid at a Grade XIII, step 6, $16.09 per hour.
Selectman Melvin motioned to appoint Trisha McCarthy as the Emergency Management Deputy effective March 26, 2013 and expires on April 15, 2014. Second by Selectman Donovan. Motion passed with a unanimous vote.
McCarthy added that she has been working on an addendum to Hurricane Sandy for Category A for the debris cleanup.
Appointments - Gale Library Trustee Alternate
Selectman Melvin motioned to appoint Lynne Camp and a Gale Library Trustee Alternate effective March 26, 2013 with an expiration date of April 15, 2014. Second by Selectman Donovan. Motion passed with a unanimous vote.
Selectman Melvin motioned to appoint Sally Woodman as a Gale Library Trustee Alternate effective March 26, 2013 with an expiration date of April 15, 2014. Second by Selectman Donovan. Motion passed with a unanimous vote.
Selectman Melvin motioned to appoint Anne Banks as a Gale Library Trustee Alternate effective March 26, 2013 with an expiration date of April 15, 2014. Second by Selectman Donovan. Motion passed with a unanimous vote.
Appointments - Zoning Board of Appeals
Selectman Melvin motioned to appoint to the Zoning Board of Appeals Alternate, Kenneth Pelletier which expires on March 31, 2016. Second by Selectman Donovan. Motion passed with a unanimous roll call vote.
Selectman Melvin motioned to appoint to the Zoning Board of Appeals, Bradley Cordoso a regular member which expires on March 31, 2016. Second by Selectman Donovan. Motion passed with a unanimous vote.
Selectman Melvin motioned to appoint to the Zoning Board of Adjustments Jack Kozec, a regular member which expires on March 31, 2016. Second by Selectman Donovan. Motion passed with a unanimous vote.
The Board signed an abatement to Maplevale Builders 36 Peaslee Crossing Road in the amount of $787.00. The abatement is due to the Trolley Railway deed to the Town of Newton was not recorded until 3/1/2013 and dates back to 2010.
The Board signed the Ground Water Permit prepared by R.W. Gillespie for town property located on Dugway Road.
The Board decided to hold a site walk at the Transfer Station on Saturday, March 30, 2013 at 9am to prepare specifications for a fence proposal.
Trisha McCarthy talked about how the Conservation Commission is planning for a work group on the weekend before Earth Day, April 22nd. They are asking groups and residents in town to help with roadside clean up on the weekend of April 20th and 21st. Residents can help by simply cleaning the side of the road in front of their property.
Trisha McCarthy added that the Conservation Commission has addressed calls received regarding the tree cutting on Gould’s Hill Road. It is a scenic road but we cannot prevent a landowner cutting on their property.
Bill Landry talked about updating the emergency contact protocol chart.
Selectman Donovan adjourned the meeting at 8:40pm. Motion passed with a unanimous vote.
Respectfully Submitted,
Mary B. Winglass, Office Manager
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