NEWBURY BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MINUTES OF JANUARY 12, 2004 MEETING
Selectmen: James Powell, Richard Wright, Gary Budd
Town Personnel: David Jescavage, Town Admin.; Shelly Candidus, Admin. Ass’t.; Cal Prussman, Highway Admin.; PD Chief Valiquet
Public: Barbara Freeman, Pat Sherman, Frank LeMay, Brock Rutter (Argus-Champion)
The meeting convened at 6:35 p.m. There was no public input.
APPOINTMENTS:
Pat Sherman introduced contractor Frank LeMay, with whom she has been consulting about the proposed Town Office renovations. Together with Building Inspector Paul LaCasse, they have thoroughly inspected the building. LeMay said that Sherman’s plan as previously submitted is a significant undertaking and her cost estimate is reasonable for what she wants to do. The question now is how much work the town is willing to support. He said the basement area is not usable as is; the clearance is too low. Sherman repeated that she does not think minor fixes would result in money well-spent. The work spaces required and need for public access call for a major solution. Work could be done in two phases by postponing adding a new meeting room.
Powell asked if digging out the basement would be a way to get the needed 7 foot clearance, up from existing 5-6 feet. LeMay said if digging is required below the footing level, major work is involved. Wright asked about jacking up the building. This would be a possible solution. Sherman said it would require creating a new lobby with a lift and handicap-accessible bathrooms, and a new staircase. Powell suggested making one large office and cubicles in the existing meeting room. All agreed this would be a comparatively easy and inexpensive step. Powell reiterated that more space for office staff is needed immediately and the Board wants the expenditure not to exceed $300,000. He added that the old Town Hall, when updated, had been suggested as a possible site for meetings.
Barbara Freeman suggested that alternative layouts with cost comparisons be designed, one plan addressing the use of basement space and the other a phase-in plan to re-do the offices and have a temporary meeting room off site. She suggested that if a temporary plan to alleviate crowding is adopted, the town could take the next couple of years to garner public support and fundraisisng for the project. Sherman said this was a good idea, since the project will supply public space for community use. LeMay concurred and added that temporary meeting space might be provided by Mt. Sunapee Resort, or by using a double-wide trailer on site. It was noted that the Fire Station could provide meeting apace any night except Tuesday. Sherman and LeMay will work on a revised plan.
WARRANT ARTICLES:
The following articles were proposed/discussed for inclusion in the 2004 warrant:
1. Fire Rescue Vehicle $125,000 Capital Improvement Fund
2. Police Cruiser $25,000 Capital Improvement Fund
3. Old Town Hall $5,000 General Fund (engineering study)
4. Cemetery Maintenance $1,000 Expendable Trust Fund
5. Highway Garage $800,000 ? (Verify)Bond
6. Town Office Renovations $ ???????(Verify)
7. Fishersfield $ ??????? (Verify with Seidel)
8. Updated Office Systems$ ???????New software (?), King Info Filing
Systems, updated phone system
Include with Article # 6?
9. Veterans’ Tax Exemption $ up to 500
10. Disabled Vet Tax Exemp. $ up to 2,000
It was noted that warrant articles must be finalized before the public hearing on the budget on Feb. 9th. Petition warrant articles are due by February 2nd.
NON-PUBLIC SESSION: The Board voted to go into non-public session with Chief Valiquet and Cal Prussman at 7:50 p.m. to discuss salary reviews and the evaluation process. Budd will spearhead a study to implement benchmarks for setting salary guidelines. The Board came out of non-public session at 9:23 p.m.
BUDGET REVIEWS:
Jescavage distributed a revised budget proposal for 2004. The Board asked him to verify the Tax Anticipation Note Interest line. They asked that $2,000 be added to the Landfill Closure line as contingency funding. Jescavage said the Gillingham Drive Grant funds of $30,450 will be balanced out when the grant funds are received. Powell asked Jescavage to make sure this appropriation is not duplicated on the Highway budget. They also asked Jescavage to adjust the salary line for the Blodgett Sewer operator to reflect a billing of 40 % of that amount to the Transfer Station for 5 months of work there.
REGULAR BUSINESS:
SEPTIC DESIGNS:
Gobes, Michael. Map/lot# 18-213-220. Approved.
BUILDING PERMITS:
Lesko, Timothy. Map/lot # 35-386-432. Permit for a barn approved.
PAYROLL & ACCOUNTS PAYABLE: Week ending January 10, 2004 approved.
MINUTES: Minutes of January 5, 2004 approved to file.
OLD BUSINESS:
Prussman asked the Board if the town ordinance regarding snow removal could be made more specific. The Board said Jescavage had taken a review of this ordinance under consideration at the request of Chief Valiquet on January 5th.
Jescavage said he had been in contact with King Information Systems regarding a cost estimate for000000000000000000000000. updating the town filing system. He will confirm a price for doing phase 1: updating property owner files and correspondence.
The Board signed a letter to users of the sewer system at Blodgett Landing explaining the history, current status, and state-required procedures to keep this system operational.
NEW BUSINESS:
Jescavage informed the Board that he had information from Munismart Systems, who provide software for running programs designed for municipalities. Representatives from the company will attend the next Board meeting to discuss and demonstrate their product.
In response to a request from a political candidate to post a sign, the Board reiterated that town policy prohibits the posting of any political signage on town property.
The Board reviewed a request from Concord Hospital to have the town sign a contract directing the local police to use the Concord Police to perform legal blood draws on Newbury residents. Upon the advice of Chief Valiquet, this document was not acted on.
The Board signed 8 refund requests and 3 abatement requests for adjustments on 2003 property taxes.
MEETING ADJOURNED at 10:00 p.m.
NEXT REGULAR MEETING: Monday, January 19, 2004 , 6:30 p.m. at the Town Office.
NEWBURY BOARD OF SELECTMEN sc/jan12/04
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