NEWBURY BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MINUTES OF JANUARY 6, 2003 MEETING
Selectmen: James Powell, David Kinsman, Richard Wright
Town Personnel: David Jescavage, Town Administrator; Shelly Candidus, Administrative Assistant
Interested Parties: Reid Hannula, Valerie Taloni, Alfred DeMauro, Scott Falvey, Tim Mulder, Mike Hurley (VISION), Alice Lee (Argus-Champion)
The meeting convened at 6:32 p.m.
PUBLIC INPUT:
Reid Hannula, co-builder of the re-designed Waterfront Restaurant, appeared to discuss the process for obtaining permits. The Board explained that while he will not need a building permit for interior alterations, he will need one for exterior modifications, particularly in view of his proximity to the fire pond water and wetlands. Wright added that before he submits a permit to the selectmen, he should make an appointment to go before the Planning Board. Hannula said he had spoken with the Planning Board chairman, who indicated he would not need to submit plans to that board. Wright disagreed, saying the Planning Board should review permits needed for expanded seating, fire regulations, interior compliance with current codes, etc. He will ask Ron Williams to contact Hannula. The Board
will hold the permit for exterior work pending input from the Planning Board.
Valerie Taloni appeared with Alfred DeMauro to request that the Board consider having the town take over the roads in the Blye Hill cluster development. Wright explained that this was a matter voted on at town meeting. He explained the process for submitting a petition warrant article. The petition must be submitted with twenty-five signatures of registered Newbury voters by February 14th. Acceptance of roads by the town is further subject to approval by the Board of selectmen and the Highway Administrator.
BUDGET REVIEWS:
Blodgett Sewer: Tim Mulder appeared to review the proposed budget for 2003. It was noted that 2002 expenditures exceeded budgeted amounts in several line items, most notable for repairs, supplies and labor. Mulder said part of this was due to the revitalizing of two beds during 2002. Powell asked which line items this effected. He asked Jescavage to determine where these costs appear and what is covered by dues and subscriptions. Powell also asked Jescavage to identify what line item PLIT refers to.
Mulder discussed additional expenditures needed in 2003. Among these were a nitrate/monitor probe ($1,600) and a variable speed pump and control panel ($3,200). In a further effort to control nitrate levels, he recommended modifying the Imhoff tank for an estimated cost of $10,000. Powell
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January 6, 2003 Page 2
said this expense would require a separate warrant article and asked Mulder to get more exact costs and
present them to the board the week of January 20th. Additional work on the beds will be postponed. The Board approved additional expenses of an electric hot water heater ($500), a set of chains for the tractor, and a new meter probe.
Capital Reserves: At the suggestion of Dan Wolf, the Board gave preliminary approval to the following proposed reserve amounts for 2003:
PD cruiser $15,000
Office Equipment: $ 7,500
Dock repairs $ 4,500
Recreational facility $ 500
Revaluation $30,000 (based on a 4-year revaluation cycle)
Milfoil $ 500
The Board noted that a public hearing on the proposed budget and warrant articles will be held on February 10, 2003 (to be posted on or before February 3, 2003).
Warrant Articles: The following were given preliminary approval by the Board:
1. Highway Garage land purchase to be determined
2. Landfill closure to be determined
3. Water cistern at Blodgett Landing $10,000 for engineering study
4. Revaluation to be determined
5. Fishersfield payment in full $66,016
6. Fire Department equipment $30,000
7. Police Department cruiser $15,000
8. Police Department radios $12,000
9. Highway Department equipment $60,000
10.Code Enforcement officer $25,000
NON-PUBLIC SESSION:
The Board voted to go into non-public session at 7:30 p.m. to discuss a personnel issue. Issues and questions were resolved. The Board came out of non-public session at 8 p.m.
VISION APPRAISAL REPORT:
Mike Hurley appeared to discuss the revaluation process. Powell remarked that some residents have reported difficulty scheduling appointments because they are away at work during the day. Hurley said the appraisers worked one Saturday. They usually spend 5-10 minutes going through a house and can schedule 4 appointments per hour. Powell asked how many houses were inaccessible. Hurley replied they had inspected about 70 percent of the interiors, which was the norm for other neighboring towns. If they cannot gain access, they estimate the interior condition. Powell asked how standards are set. Hurley replied that VISION uses a manual, which he will make available to the Board. Criteria contains a sales adjusted cost approach, as well as the age, condition and location of the house.
Commercial properties require completion of an income/expense form. Wright remarked that he was asked questions about his commercial income and what his rent costs, etc. were. He refused to answer those questions. Regarding VISION software, Hurley said the latest version (6) was on their website and was compatible with BMSI software. The town of Bow uses this software with BMSI, as do other
clients. Powell asked when Phase 1 would be complete, and Hurley said sales reviews will be done in April to set the initial property values.
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January 6, 2003 Page 3
REGULAR BUSINESS:
SEPTIC DESIGNS:
Welsh, Emily. Map/lot# 43-592-097. Approved.
Thomas, Randy & Terry. Map/lot# 35-372-254. Revision approved.
BUILDING PERMITS:
Strickland, Peter. Map/lot# 35-509-362. Permit for new house & garage approved.
Demers, Carey & Sheila. Map/lot# 20-328-428. Hold for copy of 1999 septic approval.
INTENT TO CUT IN BUFFER ZONE:
Azodi, Alex. Map/lot# 50-638-385. Request to cut 12 trees in buffer zone denied, 6.5.1; to ZBA.
PAYROLL & ACCOUNTS PAYABLE: Week ending January 4, 2003 approved.
MINUTES: Meeting minutes of December 23, 2002 approved to file.
OPENING BIDS FOR 1964 FIRE TRUCK:
Heather Weinstein $2,222.22
R.A. Hillsgrove $2,001.00
Steven Touchette $1,867.86
Tim Snide $1,600.00
Kevin E. Gay $ 888.88
John Davis $ 212.60
OLD BUSINESS:
Jescavage reported that the fuel pump at the Transfer Station is working better, since it was found that part of the pipe was jamming the fuel output. This has been corrected, but the pump still needs work.
Jescavage provided the Board with two quotes for a cassette tape deck and dubbing machine for the Zoning Board. The Board authorized purchase of the $99.99 model, and Jescavage will order the unit.
The Board asked Jescavage to contact a property owner at Blodgett Landing to get a firm work date or copy of her agreement with a contractor for remedying the hazardous condition of her building.
The Board asked Jescavage to follow up with Mr. Brown of Brown’s Oil regarding the non-compliant sign displayed at the Mt. Sunapee general store at the traffic circle.
The Board asked Jescavage to follow-up with property owners of a shed on Route 103 regarding the hazardous state of disrepair of the building.
NEW BUSINESS:
The Board signed a contract with New London dispatch for services in 2003.
The Board signed the equalization form for the state.
The Board received an updated building plan from Mark Kozokowski for a 2-bedroom house.
The Board asked Candidus to make a determination about dedication of the town report.
The Board advised Candidus to charge the public 50 cents for copies of tax cards, deeds, maps, etc.
The Board noted a letter from a property owner at Park 10 asking that the town clarify that paper roads on old plans of the layout of Park 10 are still legally valid for providing access to her property. Jescavage noted that this question came up recently and it was determined that since more than 20 years had elapsed with no use or development of the roads, they legally do not exist. Jescavage will follow up with the property owner.
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January 6, 2003 Page 4
MEETING ADJOURNED at 9:45 p.m.
NEXT REGULAR MEETING: Monday, January 20, 2003, 6:30 p.m. at the Town Office.
________________________ ______________________ ________________________
James M. Powell David Kinsman Richard Wright
sc/Jan6/03 NEWBURY BOARD OF SELECTMEN
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