NEWBURY BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MINUTES OF JUNE 12, 2006 MEETING
Selectmen: James Powell, Richard Wright, Gary Budd
Town Personnel: Dennis Pavlicek, Town Administrator; Shelly Candidus, Admin. Assistant; Henry Thomas, Fire Chief
Public:
The meeting convened at 6:30 p.m. There was no public input.
APPOINTMENT:
Fire Chief Henry Thomas came before the Board to provide an update on member reactions to the issuance of the MRI report on the department. Thomas said he had not gotten any specific feedback, but morale seems high and things are going smoothly. He reported that the annual dinner went very well and he was sorry that through a misunderstanding the selectmen had not received invitations. He said a new generator is being ordered and a department laptop is in use. The fireboat has been repaired and painted and will soon have new lettering. Wright remarked that he saw the boat banging against the dock yesterday (June 11th) and suggested it be tied to the downwind side of the dock. Meantime, Pavlicek will get bumpers installed.
Thomas reported that 22 portable radios have been obtained through a grant. Most of the work installing the blocks at the Transfer Station has been done with the exception of creating a step along the slope to make access easier. The Highway Department will move a dirt pile and the box should be installed and in use by mid--week.
Powell asked if paperwork had been filed to incorporate the department as a non-profit organization. Thomas said this was done years ago, and was recently updated by Robin Parkhurst.
Thomas said training was performed last week. Eight firemen were on a recovery mission last Sunday night on Mt. Sunapee, along with personnel from Fish & Game. Some firemen are doing additional training on-line. The annual Hazmat meeting will be held this summer and federal agencies are also providing training in handling these materials. Finally, Thomas said that weekly Bingo will start in July.
REGULAR BUSINESS:
PAYROLL & ACCOUNTS PAYABLE: Week ending June 10, 2006 approved.
MINUTES: Meeting minutes of May 30, 2006 approved to file.
INTENT TO CUT:
Hilton, Mark. Map/lot # 045-382-409. Approved
OLD BUSINESS:
Pavlicek reported that Rick Green has the fingers for the Town dock and will install them as soon as the water recedes three inches below dock level.
Pavlicek informed the Board that he has been in touch with a property owner who proposed deeding the town some small lots in Park 10. She has agreed with the conditions set forth by the town. Wright said we should accept these lots, and Powell and Budd agreed. Pavlicek will proceed to put the property transfer into effect.
After inspection, the Board determined that a timberpeg frame for a new Information Booth should be 12' x 16', to be installed on sona tubes. The electric box can be moved to accommodate the structure. Pavlicek asked if it should be insulated. The Board said yes, and Wright added that skylights should be installed. Pavlicek said a drawing should be in hand by the end of July and work could begin after Labor Day.
After inspection of the sinkhole reported at Blodgett Landing, the board voted two to one not to do repair work, saying the town should not perform work on private property. Budd disagreed .
NEW BUSINESS:
The Board noted repeated complaints about the overflow and scattering of trash and garbage from a dumpster behind a local restaurant. Powell asked if the town Health Officer was empowered to issue a citation and/or fine if this condition persists. Wright said this might open up the whole question of conformance with kitchen operation standards. Powell said his only concern is with the disposal of refuse. Pavlicek noted that the state RSAs dealing with nuisance and pollution say the town can investigate and take corrective action. The town has specific authority regarding restaurants, including closing them down. Powell said in this case, perhaps a letter could be sent stating our concerns and saying the state will be notified if the situation continues. Pavlicek said he will ask the state when and
how often they inspect Newbury restaurants and will ask for a copy of their latest reports. The Board approved three and denied three veterans’ tax exemptions.
The Board signed a Purchase Order in the amount of $6,700 for Keene Monument Co. for the cleaning and repair of monuments at South Newbury Cemetery.
The Board signed a Purchase Order in the amount of $5,196.25 for Power America for a pressure washer with culvert attachment.
The Board signed a statement for the DRA saying the town will not use the PA-28 Inventory of Taxable Property form in 2007.
The Board signed a letter to Col. Booth of the State Police asking for the presence of a state police helicopter at Old Home Day on July 8th.
The Board granted South Newbury Union Church permission for a raffle on August 12th, approved the Friends of the Library plans for a July 4th parade in South Newbury, and approved the use of the Safety Services building for the August 5th Snowmobile Club’s annual spaghetti dinner.
The Board deferred discussion of a letter from a Spring Street resident regarding erosion problems until the next meeting.
The Board noted that the Baker Hill Golf Club has adopted state highway along Route 103 from Frost Top to the Sunapee traffic circle. Powell proposed that the town adopt 2 miles of Route 103 running from Frost Top toward South Newbury. The Board agreed. Pavlicek will inform the state.
The Board reviewed a letter from a resident expressing dismay that the town recently purchased a Toyota vehicle. He suggested that the town “buy American.” The Board noted that the vehicle was made in a U.S. factory with many U.S. components using U.S. labor. Further, it met the criteria of having 4-wheel drive, efficient operation, proven reliability and minimum depreciation. Pavlicek will respond.
After a brief discussion, the Board agreed unanimously to sell the Old Highway garage. This proposal will appear on the 2007 warrant for Town Meeting. Powell asked if the town could use a realtor to sell this property. Pavlicek will investigate.
The Board asked when the town lines were next due for perambulation, and who would do this? Pavlicek said he will research the records and advise the Board..
The Board was asked for clarification on the disposal of radios in the electronics box at the Transfer Station. It was decided that any radio over a cubic foot would carry a charge of $5. Smaller radios would be disposed of at no charge.
The Board approved the concept of a “Green-up Day” for a general town spring clean-up. Powell suggested that the town provide trash bags and assign specific portions of roadways for removing trash. The date was tentatively set for the third Saturday in April.
The Board decided to hold the summer Town Informational Meeting on Saturday, July 29th at 8 a.m. Department heads will be notified and asked to attend.
Pavlicek reported that a path has been cleared running along the east side of the library to Bald Sunapee. He proposed installing a 3' x 6' or 4' x 8' footbridge over a low-lying wet area. Powell suggested asking a local contractor for an estimate to be kept in the range of $200. There is a small hilly section that needs to be leveled off but this must be done without disturbing the propane tank, whose exact location is unknown. Wright said perhaps it could be just smoothed off, or steps could be created.
MEETING ADJOURNED at 8:30 p.m.
NEXT REGULAR MEETING: Monday, June 26, 2006 at 6:30 p.m. at the Town Office.
________________________ ______________________ ________________________
James M. Powell Richard Wright Gary Budd
sc/June12/06 NEWBURY BOARD OF SELECTMEN
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