NEWBURY BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 23, 2004 MEETING
Selectmen: James Powell, Richard Wright, Gary Budd
Town Personnel: David Jescavage, Town Admin.; Shelly Candidus, Admin. Ass’t.
Public: Peter Fichter, Ron Williams
The meeting convened at 6:30 p.m. There was no public input.
APPOINTMENTS:
Gary Budd introduced Peter Fichter, a long-time Newbury summer resident who is in the process of becoming a year-round resident. He is interested in taking an active part in town affairs by serving on a Board. In particular, he asked about the tenure, responsibilities, and composition of the Planning Board. Powell explained the composition of the Board, and noted that there is also an “ex-officio” position which is not a Planning Board member, but is a voting participant, and who reports back to the Board of Selectmen. Budd added that the Planning Board meets every third Tuesday of the month and deals with issues of developments and subdivisions within the town, as well as long-term planning, updating the Master Plan, and working on the Capital Improvement Program (CIP). Powell noted that Fichter would have to be a
year-round resident to serve, and asked Budd to introduce him to Planning Board Chair Barbara Freeman for more information.
Ron Williams noted that the RSAs give the town the right to impose load limits on town roads. He asked if this could be done on South Road once it has been resurfaced. Wright said the paving company can provide a surface, on proper foundation, that will withstand heavy traffic. Williams also remarked that Newbury has lost representation in the state due to redistricting. Powell said there was proposed legislation which will correct this by splitting the area into smaller districts. The new law has passed the House and now goes to the Senate. Powell believes it has a good chance of passing.
REGULAR BUSINESS:
PAYROLL & ACCOUNTS PAYABLE: Week ending February 21, 2004 approved.
MINUTES: Minutes of February 17, 2004 approved to file.
NEW BUSINESS:
The Board signed 1 refund in the amount of $7.80 and one abatement for $4,012 for adjustments on 2003 property taxes.
The Board signed an application to cut in the buffer zone for Map/Lot # 07-100-449 (one tree).
The Board responded to a request from a property owner in Newbury Heights to purchase a town-owned lot there by stating that if and when the lot were to be sold, it would be by sealed bid or at public auction.
The Board determined that a complaint about a property owner building too close to the road at Chalk Pond was not a town matter, since the property is not on a town road.
New stickers for admittance to the Transfer Station are now being issued by the Town Clerk when cars are registered.
The Board received a letter from the Newbury Beautification Committee outlining where they would like to plant flowers, shrubs, and install window boxes. The Board approved this effort, and asked Jescavage to be liaison with Helga Thomas and to determine which areas are public and which might require state permission.
The Board agreed on a response to the Zoning Board Chair regarding the stone barn property.
Budd asked about the status of the MV/Mt. Sunapee dinner boat, noting that the owners are negotiating with the town of Sunapee to keep it in Sunapee Harbor. Powell said the Sunapee Board of Selectmen and Planning Board are considering this request. It might be kept there during 2004 until their review is complete. Williams asked if the owners applied to Newbury for a docking site, who would bear the cost. Wright said in such a case, it might be best for the town to build a dock and lease it to the dinner boat on a long-term lease.
Wright reported that Prussman would like to send residents a newsletter explaining the need for a new Highway Garage. Wright suggested that information on the proposed Town Office renovation be included. The Board agreed that this was a good idea. Jescavage will check with Accumail to determine the most economical way to mail – probably to “Postal Patron.” Candidus will have the Newsletter ready for the Highway Advisory Committee meeting on February 26th. It will be mailed the week of March 1st. It will also contain information on an Open House at the Highway Garage on March 9th.
The Board noted that the meeting on March 1st will be kept to a minimum so the Board can attend the informational meeting with Sen. Below to discuss his proposal for boat access to Lake Sunapee at the State Beach and Wild Goose sites.
The Board asked Jescavage to have the meeting room set up for the March 2nd special election on the morning of March 2nd., and to leave the booths in place for town elections on March 9th.
The Board agreed to return to every-other Monday meetings starting March 15th
MEETING ADJOURNED at 8:10 p.m.
NEXT REGULAR MEETING: Monday, March 1, 2004, 6:30 p.m. at the Town Office.
NEWBURY BOARD OF SELECTMEN sc/feb23/04
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