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May 7, 2013 Board of Selectmen Minutes
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, MAY 7, 2013
TIME: 6:00PM
LOCATION: NEWTON TOWN HALL, 2 TOWN HALL ROAD

PUBLIC MEETING

  • Call to Order, Roll Call Vote
Chairman Thayer opened the meeting at 6pm.  In attendance were Chairman Raymond D. Thayer, Selectman Charles R. Melvin, Sr., Robert Donovan, Jr., Town Administrator Nancy J. Wrigley and Office Manager Mary Winglass.  Meeting was videotaped; minutes were transcribed and typed by Office Manager Winglass.

Chairman Thayer motioned to go into nonpublic session under RSA 91-A:3 II (c) - Personnel Matters; (b) - Recreation Commission.  Second by Selectman Melvin.  Motion passed with a unanimous roll call vote.

Chairman Thayer closed the nonpublic session at 7pm.  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.

  • Pledge of Allegiance
  • Introduction of Guests
  • Approval of Minutes (Review prior to meeting)
  • Selectmen’s Public Meeting minutes dated March 26, 2013, April 2, 2013, April 6, 2013 and April 16, 2013
Selectman Donovan motioned to accept the Selectmen’s Public Meeting minutes dated March 26, 2013, April 2, 2013, April 6, 2013 and April 16, 2013 as written.  Second by Selectman Melvin.  Motion passed with a unanimous vote.

  • Selectmen’s Nonpublic Meeting minutes dated March 26, 2013, April 2, 2013 and April 16, 2013
Selectman Donovan motioned to accept the Selectmen’s Nonpublic Meeting minutes dated March 26, 2013, April 2, 2013 and April 16, 2013 as written.  Second by Selectman Melvin.  Motion passed with a unanimous vote.

  • Scheduled Business
  • Deputy Fire Chief Owens Re: Fire Hydrants
Deputy Fire Chief John Owens handed out documentation with locations of dry hydrant cisterns and fire wells in town.  Owens added that he is here under the direction of the Fire Chief to review deficiencies.  Many of the dry hydrants were installed over the years since the 1960’s and many are out of service due to their age; they are made out of metal and are rotting underground.  Two hydrants in particular need work; one on Smith Corner Road next to #53 needs some site work and one off Whittier Street across from Willow Grove Cemetery is out of service.  Owens added that these repairs were not budgeted for and asked how the Selectmen want to pursue this deficiency.    

The Board gave direction on obtaining prices for each repair or new installation recommended by the Fire Department.

The Board discussed the need to research each location for a deed or easement.  Owens discussed the need to clear brush and tree removal which some have already been done by the Fire Department on maintenance nights.  Help may be needed for tree removal and there are funds in the care of trees budget.  The Board suggested for Owens to tag the trees and then get a bid on all of the tree work.  Owens will get quotes for the work recommended by the Fire Department.

  • 2 Amesbury Road Re: Extension on closing date
The Board signed an agreement and deposit receipt extension from May 7, 2013 to May 31, 2013.

  • RMON Updates and Recommendation
Office Manager Winglass discussed the IT recommendations from RMON to include the setup of a domain and network server, install network firewalls at Town Hall, Central Fire Station and Transfer Station and remove Kaspersky antivirus and replace it with Trend Micro Managed antivirus.  Winglass informed the Board that we will discuss cost proposals at our next meeting on May 21, 2013.

  • Recreation Commission
  • Martial Arts Instructional Program
The Board read a memo from the Recreation Commission asking to hold an instructional martial arts program for residents one day a week for four weeks.  This program is for residents 3 ½ and older and will be an opportunity to raise funds for Recreation capital improvements.  The cost is $40 for the four week program.  Recreation would like to use the Town Hall for this program on Friday mornings from 10am to 11am starting July 19th through August 9, 2013.  The program would be supervised by a member of the Recreation Commission.

The Board asked that we check with the town’s insurance company to find out if they have any concerns with holding this program at Town Hall and to make sure Ocasio’s has a certificate of insurance.

  • Permit from DOT for Memorial Day Parade
The Board reviewed a parade permit from the Department of Transportation issued to the Town of Newton for the Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 27, 2013.

  • Memorial Day Grand Marshall
Selectman Melvin will check with Kenneth Weyler, a Kingston resident and past State Representative to find out if he would be the Grand Marshall in Newton this year.

The Board talked about making sure we thanking all those that participate in the Memorial Day parade year after year at no cost to the town to include Captain Morrill’s Group who shoots off the cannons at the cemetery each year.   

  • Letter from Melissa Conner, VP Memorial Elementary PTO
Melissa Conner, Vice President of the Memorial Elementary PTO read a letter to the Board of Selectmen and the Recreation Commission asking to combine the efforts of the PTO 5K Run/Walk and the Town Day on September 21, 2013.  A discussion took place as to what happened last year with the billing was a learning curve.  This year they are planning well in advance and will make sure the invoices are written per the requirements of the town.  The PTO has liability insurance as well as the Town of Newton.  The Selectmen and Recreation were in favor of working with the PTO on this event

Conner asked for the Selectmen’s help to get the town committees and departments involved with this event.

  • Per RSA 31:95-b to accept and expend unanticipated funds to the Newton Food Pantry from New England Clothes Recycling in the amount of $1,093.25; from Planet Aid, Inc. in the amount of $26.20; from the Sanborn Regional High School fundraiser in the amount of $25.00
Chairman Thayer motioned Per RSA 31:95-b to accept and expend unanticipated funds to the Newton Food Pantry from New England Clothes Recycling in the amount of $1,093.25; from Planet Aid, Inc. in the amount of $26.20; from the Sanborn Regional High School fundraiser in the amount of $25.00.  Second by Selectman Melvin.  Motion passed with a unanimous vote.

  • Per RSA 31:95-b to accept and expend unanticipated funds to the Town of Newton from FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) under Disaster FEMA-4095-DR-NH in the amount of $2,365.58 for debris removal due to Hurricane Sandy
Emergency Management Director Larry Foote was present and discussed that the unanticipated funds are to offset the cost of the debris removal due to Hurricane Sandy.  Road Agent Mike Pivero called in to inform the Selectmen that about four weeks ago he contacted ProBark to pick up the debris pile.  Foote added that it is important that we remove the debris pile as soon as possible.

Selectman Donovan motioned to accept and expend unanticipated funds to the Town of Newton from FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) under Disaster FEMA-4095-DR-NH in the amount of $2,365.58 for debris removal due to Hurricane Sandy.  The funds will be used to offset the cost of brush removal at the Transfer Station.  Second by Selectman Melvin.  Motion passed with a unanimous vote.

  • Regional Selectmen’s Meeting, Wednesday, June 5th at 7pm hosted by the Town of Brentwood
Chairman Thayer will check his availability.  Selectman Melvin and Selectman Donovan will attend the meeting.

  • Fire Department Command Vehicle
The Board discussed the detailing on the new command vehicle.  Selectman Melvin will talk to Kelley Graphics and will take charge of what the Selectmen would like to have on the vehicle and will get a price at the same time.

  • Bids for Transfer Station: Fence and Household Hazardous Waste Day
The Board reviewed and approved a proposed Invitation to Bid for a Household Hazardous Waste Day in September/October.  

Transfer Station Fence:  Office Manager Winglass asked the Board to set another date for a site walk at the Transfer Station.  In order to go out to bid for a security fence at this location, we need to specify the location and length of the fence and gates.  The Board decided to hold a site walk on Tuesday next week at 6pm.  Subsequently the Board changed the date to Friday, May 10th at 6pm.

  • Newton Learning Center RE: Town Sticker
The Board read an email from Katy Aveni of the Newton Learning Center asking for a temporary town sticker in order to use the town beach and to periodically use the Transfer Station.  Aveni added that she has a dumpster so it would only be occasionally that she would have to use the Transfer Station.  

The Board discussed that the Newton Learning Center over the years has received a temporary sticker to park at the Town Beach only.  This allows those that attend the center to take part in the swim program held each year.  There are other businesses in town over the years that have asked to use the Transfer Station and the Selectmen have denied this request.  The town’s policy does not allow for businesses to use the Transfer Station therefore the Board asked to send a response allowing the Newton Learning Center a temporary sticker to use the Town Beach only.


  • Announcements
  • Memorial Day Parade, Monday, May 27, 2013 at 10:30am
Line-up is at 10:30am, step off is at 11am starting at the Memorial School to Whittier Street and ends at the Willow Grove Cemetery.

  • Other Business, Sign Manifests, Requisitions, Abatements, Tax Credits, Correspondence and Appointments
The Board reviewed a recommendation from the Recreation Commission for three candidates to hire for the 2013 Swim Program at the Town Beach as follows;

  • Ethan Johnson as a Lifeguard at Grade V, step 3 pending successful completion and certification for waterfront lifeguard.
  • Elaina Desmarais as a Lifeguard at Grade V, step 2; she has all the necessary requirements for the position.
  • Lexy Clarkson as a Swim Aid at Grade IV, step 2; she has all the necessary requirements for the position.
Chairman Thayer motioned to hire Ethan Johnson, Elaine Desmaris and Lexy Clarkson with the Grade and Step as noted on the memo effective today.  Second by Selectman Melvin.  Motion passed with a unanimous vote.

  • The Board reviewed a memo from the Bookkeeper’s Office requesting the Selectmen to make effective dates of payroll adjustments, new hires, promotions etc be the first day of a payroll period.
  • The Board reviewed an email from the Town Clerk/Tax Collector passing along information regarding a Tax Deeding webinar held by NHMA.  May 15th is the date for tax deeding each year.
Appointments

Chairman Thayer motioned to sign the appointment for Patricia Wonson, as a member of the Conservation Commission with an expiration date of April 15, 2016.  Second by Selectman Melvin.  Motion passed with a unanimous vote.

Chairman Thayer motioned to appoint Trisha McCarthy as a member of the Conservation Commission with an expiration date of April 15, 2015.  Second by Selectman Donovan.  Motion passed with a unanimous vote.

  • The Board signed a letter to the Bookkeeper to prepare a check in the amount of $2,429.49 to the Newton Cable Committee to be deposited into their new revolving fund.  
  • The Board signed a letter of Appreciation to be given to a resident at a future meeting.
  • The Board signed Requisition #2394 from the Recreation Commission to purchase 6” American flags for the Memorial Day Parade for a total of $23.99.
  • The Board signed Requisition #2395 from the Recreation Commission to purchase (4) four Water Country Tickets as a donation to the After Prom Party Committee in the amount of $112.00.
  • The Board signed Requisition #2390 from the Fire Department to purchase a Flow Test 16 SCBA’s and a Holmatro Service (Rescue Tool) for a total of $1,730.90.
  • The Board reviewed a letter from the Sanborn Regional High School Principal Brian Stack stating this Thursday the PTO is sponsoring a Ford Drive for UR School fundraiser between the hours of 12pm and 7pm.  For every person who takes the wheel and test-drives a new Ford vehicle, Ford Motor Company will donate $20 to the school.  Funds raised will go toward the PTO and the Music Boosters.
  • The Board signed a Forest Fire Report/Bill in the amount of $1,399.93
  • The Board signed a Forest Fire Report/Bill in the amount of $121.86
  • The Board signed a Forest Fire Report/Bill in the amount of $140.79
  • The Board signed a Forest Fire Report/Bill in the amount of $249.87
  • The Board signed a Vendor Manifest in the amount of $15,845.18 dated May 6, 2013.
  • The Board signed a Vendor Manifest in the amount of $10,345.04 dated May 7, 2013
  • The Board signed a Payroll Manifest for the following pay dates; 4/6/13, 4/26/13, and 5/4/13
  • The Board discussed tomorrow’s work session to prepare a policy on vehicle usage.
  • The Board signed a Tax Abatement in the amount of $174.54 for Map 011-06-013.
  • Adjourn
Chairman Thayer adjourned the meeting at 9:07pm.

                                                Respectfully Submitted,


                                                Mary B. Winglass, Office Manager