NEWBURY BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MINUTES OF APRIL 12, 2004 MEETING
Selectmen: James Powell, Richard Wright, Gary Budd
Town Personnel: David Jescavage, Town Admin; Shelly Candidus, Admin. Assistant, Cal Prussman
Public: Brad Sherman, Betsy Soper, Diana Morris, Bonnie Guterl, Dave Kinsman, Bill Weiler, Charlie Hirshberg, John Bruss, Theodore Kupper, Scott Nelson, Heather Durfey (Argus-Champion)
The meeting convened at 6:33 p.m.
PUBLIC INPUT:
Brad Sherman appeared to inquire about his application for a vendor’s permit. The Board approved his bid of $360 contingent on receipt of his check and proof of state permit and insurance.
The Newbury Beautification Committee (Betsy Soper; Diana Morris & Bonnie Guterl) appeared to update the Board on their activities. Morris reported their membership is now at 25 people, and they have raised more than $1,000 from local businesses and interested residents. They have identified eight areas for planting, and have checked with state and local organizations to obtain permission to plant. The eight areas are: intersection of Sutton and Village Roads, Chicken Farmer Rock, Town Office flag pole, Vet’s Hall, Firehouse, Welcome to Newbury signs on Rt. 103 at Sunapee Circle and on l03A, Center Meeting House, Outspokin triangle at intersection of Rts.103 & 103A. Plantings will be inground or in boxes or barrels, depending on location. They are also working with Bev Wolf to coordinate plantings at the Library and Town
Office. Wright suggested an additional location of the Welcome to Newbury sign in South Newbury. The Board thanked them for their work and wished them well. Prussman said he could offer some room for storage of their equipment at the Hirsch House and the Board agreed to this.
HIGHWAY GARAGE CONSTRUCTION PROJECT:
Proposals from three engineering and three construction firms were reviewed by the Board.
Engineering:
Steve Jesseman presented the proposal from Jesseman Associates which included a cost of $19,950 plus optional add-ons.
Theodore Kupper presented a proposal from Provan & Lorber with a cost of $9,058.
Charlie Hirshberg presented a proposal from CLD with a cost of $22,400 which included many options such as moving and modifying the fuel tank.
Construction:
Bruss Construction: J. Bruss presented a proposal with a cost of $160,510. They anticipate a
6-month construction period.
North Branch: A proposal delivered by the company contained a cost of $160,000. Trumbull
Nelson: Scott Nelson presented a proposal with a cost of $165,000.
Copies will be made of all these proposals to be sent to the Highway Advisory Committee with a notice to meet on April 22, 2004 to discuss them. The Board will then make decisions at their meeting on April 26, 2004.
Bill Weiler appeared to discuss the engineering study approved for the old Town Hall. He asked what his role should be. The Board responded they would like him to be involved, using his expertise as Conservation Commission and Historical Society chairs. The three adjacent buildings should be considered as an entity for consideration of septic system and water supply. Weiler agreed but said he is focused on restoring the structure and interior of the Town Hall, including a heating system, restrooms, windows, etc. Wright mentioned that roof repair is in the budget. Weiler said a small site survey might be needed to see how far the property extends out back. Powell said the deed should determine that. Powell recommended using the engineering services of Paul Mirski, who has already inspected the building and submitted a report. This will
be a small job and will not require RFPs.
The Board asked Weiler about the status of restoration work on a headstone from Gillingham cemetery. Weiler said the consultant from Connecticut will charge $4,000 which includes travel expenses. He has located another expert in Lexington, MA who looks promising. Weiler will speak to him this week to set up an appointment to discuss the project. Powell said the Board is anxious to bring this matter to closure. Wright asked Weiler to give the Board a further update at their 4/26/04 meeting.
David Kinsman appeared to discuss his stump dump operation in light of new zoning regulations. He has been advised to grade off the present location, close it down, and move the stump dump area closer to his property line where the elevation is higher. Powell asked if this would impact wetlands or an aquifer. A look at the top map indicates that might be the case. Powell suggested he contact the Planning Board chair to discuss his plans.
BIDS FOR ROAD WORK:
Bids for road work for the remainder of 2004 were reviewed and the following were awarded:
Paving Old Post Rd: FWW (Whitcomb), $43,845.00
Grinding South Rd: Pike, 18,500.00
Shimming Sutton Rd: FWW (Whitcomb), 39,846.00
Reclaiming Sutton Rd: FWW (Whitcomb), 27,266.00
Dust Control: All States Asphalt, up to 8,500.00
Winter Sand: Willow Pond, up to 12,000.00
Crushed gravel: Willow Pond, 29,000.00
Culvert pipe: Red Head Supply, up to 5,000.00
Crack sealing: H. D. Dow, 8,100.00
REGULAR BUSINESS
SEPTIC DESIGNS:
Joyce, Michael. Map/lot# 28-238-040. Approved.
BUILDING PERMITS:
Geddes, Dean. Map/lot# 20-376-496. Permit to add/rebuild decks approved.
Millstone Brook Developers. Map/lot# 50-646-251. Permit for new house approved.
Noyer, Stephen & Michele. Map/lot# 20-107-334. Permit for garage approved.
Hogan, Bud & Sue. Map/lot# 32-665-545. Permit for garage approved.
INTENT TO EXCAVATE:
Graf, Walter. (Willow Pond). Map/lot# 44-316-433. Approved.
Whitman, Michael. Map/lot# 44-213-430. Approved.
PAYROLL & ACCOUNTS PAYABLE: Week ending April 10, 2004 approved.
MINUTES: Meeting minutes of March 29, 2004 approved to file.
OLD BUSINESS:
The Board reminded those present that town staff job descriptions are due for the Board’s review on April 23, 2004.
The Board agreed to purchase a truck from Churchill Heselton for $1,500 for use at the Transfer Station.
NEW BUSINESS:
Powell asked Prussman for an update on replacing street signs in town. Prussman is working with Hank Thomas on a long-term plan to replace all signs with the new size/design required by the state. The Ramblewood and Birchfield areas may require some street name changes to facilitate 911 responses, since specific street locations are difficult to determine. If street name changes are necessary, public hearings will be scheduled.
Powell asked Prussman to schedule a public hearing for road work on Cheney Road for a regular Board of Selectman meeting night. Prussman will determine date.
Powell asked Wright to review and submit comments on the site plans for the Deer Run subdivision.
The Board approved an inspection review form and a Certificate of Occupancy as submitted by the Code Enforcement Officer. They noted that these procedures will add to his time and workload. He
should therefore propose a new fee schedule for building permits.
The Board signed an agreement with the Sunapee Lake Grange outlining the terms of transfer of that property to the town.
The Board noted that Dan Wolf has requested town sewer budgets and expenditures for the years 2001 through 2003. Deb Prussman will provide these.
The Board signed a letter appointing Peter Fichter as alternate Ex-Officio member of the Planning Board.
The Board signed a Timber Tax levy in the amount of $6,548.06.
The Board signed rebates of $3,727 for overpayment of 2003 property taxes and $481 for a tax billing adjustment.
The Board signed Current Use applications for Pirozzoli & Phelan and Alison Heath Revocable Trust.
The Board denied three requests for abatement of property taxes.
MEETING ADJOURNED at 9:35 p.m.
NEXT REGULAR MEETING: Monday, April 26, 2004 at 6:30 p.m. at the Town Office.
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