NEWBURY BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MINUTES OF MARCH 31, 2003 MEETING
Selectmen: Gary Budd, Richard Wright
Town Personnel: David Jescavage, Town Administrator; Shelly Candidus, Administrative Assistant; Tim Mulder, Blodgett Sewer
Public: Keith Froleiks & Sam Phillips (Adelphia), Michael Prozzo
The meeting convened at 6:30 p.m. There was no public input.
APPOINTMENTS:
Keith Froleiks and Sam Phillips, representatives from Adelphia, came to discuss the possibility of providing cable service to portions of Newbury as requested by some residents. Froleiks said that the company is currently in Chapter 11, but they continue to offer traditional cable service as well as multi-channel and high speed cable modem upgrades, or “broad band” service.
Wright explained that the current provider, MCT/TDS, provides service to much of the town but not to some areas, including Mountain and Brown Roads and Grace Hill. MCT has told the town they will not expand their service and may eventually divest this portion of the business. Froleiks said it would be impractical for Adelphia to overbuild existing service areas. Service with MCT would have to be terminated and their wires removed before Adelphia would come in and install their service. This would result in a transition period of no cable service for the town. Wright asked if Adelphia could simply provide service to those areas not served now. Froleiks replied in the affirmative and said he would need a map of those areas to prepare a proposal and estimate costs.
Budd asked about the pricing structure. Froleiks said he would provide that and it’s about $41.00 per month for “basic cable” – 860 megahertz system. High speed cable service with internet hookup is about $45.95 per month. Jescavage asked the requirement for the minimum number of customers per area. Froleiks said criteria would be based on the areas involved. They would have to look at an overall picture of the whole town, what the current level of service is, and how to accommodate special requests. For these special cases, Adelphia can provide a limited service agreement with rates list and channel line-up. Jescavage asked them to respond to two specific requests from Newbury property owners.
Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes
March 31, 2003 Page 2
Tim Mulder met with the Board to discuss conditions at Blodgett Sewer. DES has notified the town that the Groundwater Discharge Permit cannot be renewed until additional information is provided, including specific plans for controlling nitrate levels in groundwater samples.. DES submitted a list of specific items to be addressed to complete the permit application. Tom White from the DES is working with Mulder on the requirements, with the exception of a hydrogeologic study which White says is not necessary. Mulder will make sure the requested information is sent to the DES by April 15th .
Mulder reported that he can do well testing both at the sewer and the Transfer Station, thus saving the previous costs of an engineering company. Tom White from the DES will help him set up test procedures. The Board asked Jescavage to notify Jacques Whitford that the town contract for sampling will not be renewed.
Mulder said the Highway Department has agreed to help with work on the beds before Memorial Day. Work on the manholes will proceed and should help reduce severe infiltration due to run off from the thaw. Mulder starts work full-time on April 1st and plans to work from 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Wright suggested that he plan to put in some weekend time.
REGULAR BUSINESS:
SEPTIC DESIGNS:
Hanson, Elliot. Map/lot# 16A-170-482. Approved.
BUILDING PERMITS:
Prozzo, Michael Jr. Map/lot# 29A-089-388. Mr. Prozzo appeared to explain that he planned to enclose and enlarge a deck to add kitchen space and put a foundation under the area. The Board denied the application under Article 14.1, alteration of a non-conforming building, and referred Prozzo to the ZBA for a Special Exception.
Perrotta, Frank. Map/lot# 27-149-327. Permit for garage approved.
Nemcovich, Kenneth. Map/lot# 22-056-245. Permit for a pole barn approved.
Whitford, Wayne. Map/lot# 32-317-318. Permit to add roof over doorway approved.
Wilson, Jim. Map/lot# 07-182-106. Permit to rebuild guest house approved.
Murphy, Garry. Map/lot# 51-195-467. Permit to add a basement level denied under 14.1, alteration of non-conforming building, and referred to ZBA.
INTENT TO EXCAVATE:
Willow Pond, Inc.. Map/lot# 44-316-433. Approved.
PAYROLL & ACCOUNTS PAYABLE: Week ending March 29, 2003 approved. MINUTES: Minutes of March 17, 2003 meeting approved to file.
Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes
March 31, 2003 Page 3
NEW BUSINESS:
The Board signed a warrant to collect timber taxes in the amount of $346.29.
The Board signed a warrant to collect Excavation Taxes in the amount of $489.66.
The Board signed an application for Current Use for Rheta Heller, land on Route 103A.
The Board authorized Jescavage to sign a maintenance agreement for service on the voting machine in the amount of $275.
The Board noted that an agreement with the Town of Lebanon for waste disposal continues unless prior notice of cancellation is given. The Board agreed to continue the contract.
Jescavage reported that the old pick-up truck used at the Transfer Station is now in such bad condition it will not pass inspection. Action on this issue will be discussed when all three selectmen are present.
MEETING ADJOURNED at 9:15 p.m.
NEXT REGULAR MEETING: Monday, April 14, 2003, 6:30 p.m. at the Town Office.
________________________ ______________________ ________________________
James M. Powell Gary Budd Richard Wright
NEWBURY BOARD OF SELECTMEN
sc/Mar31/03
| 
