NEWTON BOARD OF SELECTMEN
DATE: TUESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2013
TIME: 5:30PM
LOCATION: NEWTON TOWN HALL, 2 TOWN HALL ROAD
PUBLIC MEETING
- Call to Order, Roll Call Vote
Chairman Thayer opened the meeting at 5:30pm. In attendance were Chairman Raymond D. Thayer, Selectman Charles R. Melvin, Sr., Selectman Robert S. Donovan, Jr., Town Administrator Nancy J. Wrigley and Office Manager Mary B. Winglass. Minutes were transcribed and typed by Office Manager Winglass.
Chairman Thayer motioned to go into Nonpublic Session under RSA 91-A:3 II (c) - Tax Deed & Lien; (a) - Performance Evaluation; (e) - Pending Claim. Second by Selectman Donovan. Motion passed with a unanimous roll call vote.
Chairman Thayer motioned to close the nonpublic session at 6:58pm. 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.
The Board resumed the public meeting at approximately 7:07pm
- Pledge of Allegiance
- Introduction of Guests
- Approval of Minutes (Review prior to meeting)
- Selectmen’s Public Meeting minutes dated June 6, 2013, July 2, 2013, July 16, 2013, July 30, 2013 and August 12, 2013
Chairman Thayer motioned to approve the Selectmen’s Public Meeting minutes dated June 6, 2013, July 2, 2013, July 16, 2013, July 30, 2013 and August 12, 2013 as written. Second by Selectman Melvin. Motion passed with a unanimous vote.
- Selectmen’s Nonpublic Meeting minutes dated July 2, 2013, July 16, 2013, July 30, 2013 and August 12, 2013
Chairman Thayer motioned to accept the Selectmen’s Nonpublic Meeting minutes dated July 2, 2013, July 16, 2013, July 30, 2013 and August 12, 2013 as written. Second by Selectman Melvin. Motion passed with a unanimous vote.
- Scheduled Business
- 7pm - Public Hearing to implement a 2013 update to the school impact fee schedule.
Chairman Thayer opened the Public Hearing at 7:10pm.
Chairman Thayer read the public hearing notice explaining that the 2013 update to the school impact fee schedule is a result of recommended adjustments to the methodology for the assessment of impact fees based upon the most recent data of the proportionate share of the public school capital facilities of the Sanborn Regional School District. On the basis of this methodology, new development in Newton shall be assessed a public school impact fee that represents its proportional share of demand on the capacity of the capital facilities of the District.
The Impact Fee Ordinance for Public School Facilities assesses an impact fee for any new building construction or the expansion of an existing structure that would result in a new increase in the number of dwelling units within the Town of Newton. The 2013 updated School Impact Fee Schedule would potentially affect anyone wishing to initiate residential construction with the Town of Newton.
Chairman Thayer opened up to the public any comments. No public in attendance.
Selectman Melvin discussed that at the last Planning Board meeting they unanimously approved the 2013 update to the Impact Fee Ordinance.
Selectman Melvin motioned to approve the School Impact Fee Update - 2013 with the maximum fee schedule. Second by Selectman Donovan. Motion passed with a unanimous vote.
Chairman Thayer closed the Public Hearing at 7:12pm.
- Letter of resignation from Treasurer Brenda Fiers
Selectman Melvin read a letter from Treasurer Brenda Fiers informing the Board of her resignation effective August 1, 2013. The Board thanked her for her service.
Selectman Melvin motioned to accept Brenda Fiers resignation as Town Treasurer as of August 1, 2013. Second by Chairman Thayer. Motion passed with a unanimous vote.
- Deputy Treasurer Diane Morin Re: Treasurer’s Office
Chairman Thayer read a letter from Deputy Treasurer Diane Morin who would like to accept the offer of interim position as the Town’s Treasurer. Morin recommended William Landry to the position of Deputy Town Treasurer.
Chairman Thayer motioned to appoint Diane Morin as the interim Town Treasurer to expire March 15, 2014. Second by Selectman Melvin. Motion passed with a unanimous vote.
Town Administrator Nancy Wrigley asked the Board to read her memo. Chairman Thayer responded that he chose not to read the memo for he feels the position of Deputy Treasurer should be advertised. Selectman Melvin and Donovan agreed.
Selectman Melvin motioned to advertise the position for Interim Deputy Treasurer. Second by Selectman Donovan. Motion passed with a unanimous vote.
A discussion ensued that both Treasurer and Deputy Treasurer are only temporary positions until March of next year. Town Administrator Wrigley added that part of her reasoning behind this is to get job descriptions done. The Treasurer works under the RSA’s and it was with hope with Diane and Bill together they would accomplish this task. The Board discussed the need to put on a warrant article to appoint a Town Treasurer.
TA, Wrigley added that finding out at the eleventh hour she was trying to save time and usually the Board hires based upon the recommendation of the Treasurer.
The Board discussed that any position that becomes available should be advertised. Selectman Donovan added that he has no problem with Bill Landry but he also has a concern with all that he has currently on his plate as a Cemetery Trustee, member of the Municipal Complex Committee and the Historical Society. He is doing a lot for the town and it is appreciated but when one person wears too many hats then you can lose as well for if anything happens to that person you have many positions to fill.
Diane Morin joined the meeting at this time and suggested to the Board to advertise for a Town Treasurer and Diane could stay on as the Deputy. Then if the warrant article passes at our next Town Meeting then you would be one step ahead. After a discussion it was decided to advertise for an interim Town Treasurer but to keep Diane in the position of interim Treasurer until the Selectman can find a replacement.
Selectman Melvin motioned to rescind his motion to advertise for the position of Interim Deputy Treasurer but to instead advertise for an interim Town Treasurer. Second by Selectman Donovan. Motion passed with a unanimous vote.
- Cont review of a Town Wide Radio/Repeater System
Road Agent Mike Pivero was present to review this item as this issue came to light due to the 2008 Ice Storm. Communications was the #1 issue lacking in town based upon the Hazard Mitigation Plan and with the help of Police Chief Streeter they have come up with a wish list on how to address this problem. Pivero stated that he is here tonight before he does the leg work on grant options to make sure we are all on board. Financially he asked the Board to commit $10,000 to $20,000 to cover the cost of a functional communications system within the town. Pivero will search for grants with the hope of finding a 50/50 matching grant but first wanted to poll the Board.
The Selectmen were all on board with this much needed upgrade that is not budgeted for, therefore an unanticipated expense.
- Cont review of Town Vehicle Policy
The Board reviewed a final recommended vehicle policy approved by the Fire Department and the Board of Selectmen.
Selectman Melvin motioned to accept the Town Vehicle Policy adopted today as amended on August 20, 2013. Second by Selectman Donovan. Motion passed with a unanimous vote.
- Recreation Commission: Cleanup of Town Trails
This item was tabled for the Conservation Commission invited the Recreation Commission to their September 5, 2013 meeting to discuss this matter.
- Open bids for Transfer Station Fence, Fire Hydrants and #2 Fuel Oil
Dry Hydrants
The Board opened two bids for the 2013 Dry Hydrant project from the following companies:
Jamco Excavators of South Hampton, NH. Total price for all three Dry Hydrants is $20,790.00
Eastern Seaboard Concrete Construction of Newton, NH. Total price for all three Dry Hydrants is $9,100.00
Selectman Melvin motioned to award the bid to Eastern Seaboard Concrete Construction not to exceed $9,100. Second by Chairman Thayer. Discussion on budgeting for this unanticipated expenditure: The Board agreed to come up with funding to be reviewed at their September 3rd meeting. Motion passed with a unanimous vote.
Transfer Station Fence
The Board opened six bids received for the Transfer Station Fence from the following companies:
- 125 Fence, Barrington NH - $54,000
- Brentwood Fence, Brentwood, NH - $58,500
- Fences Unlimited, Windham, NH with three options priced at - $40,878, $38,760 with an additional $6,940 for the privacy slats.
- Chris Prince Fencing, Reading, MA - $55,600
- Parker Fence, Groveland, MA - $60,900
- Premier Fence, Avon, MA - $68,712
The Board decided to hold a meeting with Chief Building Official Ron LeMere on Thursday, August 22, 2013 at 6pm to review the bids.
#2 Fuel Oil Bid
The Board opened the only bid received for the purchase of #2 Fuel Oil for Town Buildings from Palmer Gas/Ermer Oil.
Selectman Melvin motioned to award the bid to Palmer Gas/Ermer Oil at a fixed price of $3.469 for the upcoming heating season which runs from October 1, 2013 thru April 30, 2014. Second by Chairman Thayer. Motion passed with a unanimous vote.
- New members recommended by the Fire Department
The Board reviewed a memo from Fire Chief Bill Ingalls to hire two new recruits. The Board asked to review this item with the Fire Chief on September 3, 2013.
- Letter of resignation from Sheila Bergeron, Conservation Commission
Chairman Thayer read a letter of resignation from Sheila Bergeron of the Conservation Commission and asked to send a letter of appreciation.
Selectman Melvin motioned to accept the resignation from Sheila Bergeron of the Conservation Commission effective July 2, 2013. Second by Selectman Donovan. Motion passed with a unanimous vote.
- Per RSA 31:95-b to accept and expend unanticipated funds from the Newton Learning Center (Planet Aid) to the Newton Food Pantry in the amount of $29.00
Chairman Thayer motioned per RSA 31:95-b to accept and expend unanticipated funds from the Newton Learning Center (Planet Aid) to the Newton Food Pantry in the amount of $29.00. Second by Selectman Donovan. Motion passed with a unanimous vote.
- Household Hazardous Waste Day, Residents Only, Saturday, September 28, 2013 - 8AM to 4PM
The Board announced the notice for the one day, Household Hazardous Waste Day for Residents Only on Saturday, September 28, 2013 8am to 4pm. Anyone wanting a complete list for what will be accepted, please ask a Transfer Station Attendant, inquire at Town Hall or on the website for a printed list. Selectman Donovan will check with Tom to find out if he needs any additional help for this event.
- Other Business, Sign Manifests, Requisitions, Abatements, Tax Credits, Correspondence and Appointments
Town Administrator Wrigley asked Road Agent Mike Pivero about the probationary period for Mark Kearns since it had been extended three months. Pivero responded that Kearns was hired as a permanent part time employee and the way he understands it once the probationary period ends then it is over; his probationary period ended a few months ago. Wrigley responded that she is looking for something to say that all is good so Kearns can receive holiday and vacation pay.
Pivero responded that prorated holidays are effective as of the date of hire and the way he sees it Kearns is due retroactive pay for a few holidays. Vacation eligibility starts after six months per the date of hire but the clock starts as of the date of hire. Wrigley responded that she expected to get something in writing.
Selectman Donovan motioned for Mark Kearns to receive any retroactive vacation and holiday time that is due to him from the date of hire. Second by Chairman Thayer. Motion passed with a unanimous vote.
- The Board signed the Vendor Manifest Check $52,201.88 dated August 19, 2013.
- Chairman Thayer motioned to sign the Land Use Change Tax as listed in the interoffice memorandums from Andrea Lewy dated July 17, 2013 and August 7, 2013. The Land Use Change Tax Warrant is dated August 20, 2013. Second by Selectman Donovan. Motion passed with a unanimous vote.
- The Board signed an application for a 2014 Veterans Credit for Map 008-03-11-22
- The Board reviewed correspondence from Town Administrator looking for clarification on whether the Welfare Agent must fill out a biweekly payroll form. The Board responded that they are asking everyone to fill one out so we can see what everyone is doing. Town Administrator Wrigley added that she has been working with the Rick Milner, Payroll Administrator to amend the payroll biweekly timesheet.
- Selectman Melvin motioned to sign requisition #2424 for Town Day band for three hours for $200. Second by Selectman Donovan. Motion passed with a unanimous vote.
- The Board reviewed emails from the Municipal Complex Committee regarding current and possible future space requirements.
Chairman Thayer motioned to adjourn at 9:07pm. Second by Selectman Donovan. Motion passed with a unanimous vote.
Respectfully Submitted,
Mary B. Winglass, Office Manager
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