NEWBURY BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES AND PUBLIC HEARING
OF OCTOBER 30, 2006
Selectmen: James Powell, Richard Wright, Gary Budd
Town Personnel: Dennis Pavlicek, Town Administrator; Shelly Candidus, Admin. Assistant
Public: David Thayer, Sylvia Johnson, Bill Weiler
Budget Committee: Joy Nowell, Alex Azodi
The meeting convened at 6:30 p.m.
PUBLIC INPUT: There was no public input.
REGULAR BUSINESS:
PAYROLL & ACCOUNTS PAYABLE: Week ending October 28, 2006 approved.
MINUTES: Minutes of October 16, 2006 approved to file.
OLD BUSINESS:
Pavlicek reported that Stantec Engineering has received proposals for distribution system work to upgrade Blodgett Wastewater Treatment Plant. Five proposals are in hand; one more is expected.
The Board asked that the cones at Fishersfield be removed and noted that lots of fill was needed. This should be done without delay. Wright will ask around for sources for fill. Prussman has already put a large amount on the site.
NEW BUSINESS:
The Board signed a warrant to collect taxes in the amount of $4,660,642.82. Pavlicek reported that the new tax rate is $12.07 and the Lake Todd Village District rate is $12.62.
The Board signed a contract with GES Engineers for the 2006 town utility property valuations owned by PSNH and carrying a value of $8,000,000.
The Board discussed a request from a property owner for an abatement of his Blodgett sewer tax, based on his summer-only use of the property. The Board denied the request on the basis of the town’s inability to efficiently monitor sewer use by individual users.
The Board received a letter from a non-resident property owner thanking town personnel for their courtesy and cooperation in addressing her property valuation concerns.
The Board noted a letter of thanks to the Police Department for their assistance in the recovery of a family member’s body from Mount Sunapee.
The Board received a letter of thanks from the Rosens for the use of the town meeting room for a six-week Adventures In Learning course.
The Board accepted with regret a letter of resignation from Lacy Cluff from the Planning Board
and from her duties as Zoning Board secretary. Pavlicek reported that Linda Plunkett has agreed to act as secretary to both boards.
The Board noted that the state Marine Patrol has sent letters to area boat owners urging them to register directly with the state. Renewal stickers were not issued to towns, and taking this registration away from the towns deprives towns of their share of the revenue. The Board agreed to send a letter of protest to the Marine Patrol.
Pavlicek reported that he is working with Charlie Hirshberg of CLD to seek a grant to fund work needed at Sunapee Hills for erosion control.
The Board received copies of recent ZBA Notices of Decision: Variance granted to D. Benjamin, Special Exception granted to Roger Hardy, and approval of a lot line adjustment for Donaghey.
The Board noted that Ellie Plunkett would like to be involved in the Andrew Brook project at Sutton Road, since she is the direct abutter. Pavlicek will inform the engineers of her interest.
The Board asked Pavlicek to reserve Mt Sunapee for Town Meeting 2007. Nowell asked about a potluck dinner before the meeting. The Board favored the idea and asked her to spearhead this effort.
PUBLIC HEARING:
At 7 p.m., Powell opened a public hearing to discuss the town’s acceptance of LSPA funds in the amount of $9,000 to be applied to the cost of upgrading the Blodgett Wastewater Treatment Plant. There was no discussion. The Board voted to accept the funds. The public hearing closed at 7:05 p.m.
APPOINTMENT:
Bill Weiler came before the Board to ask for their signature on a Memorandum of Understanding covering the Historical Society’s use of Sherman Hall to archive their records. The town will continue to maintain the building. The MOU has legal approval and was signed by the Board. Joy Nowell asked about installing a bathroom in the building. Weiler said he had asked an architect about this but never received a reply. He has discussed this and other improvements with the architect for the Center Meeting House. A bathroom might cost $4,500. Weiler is looking into grant money for this and other improvements for the building. Powell noted that a septic plan is done and could go in on the abutting lot. He asked Weiler to get documentation form the architect for work to include
electric, a furnace, floor and overall painting.
2007 PROPOSED BUDGET REVIEWS:
Pavlicek explained how the review process works for the benefit of new Budget Committee members. Powell asked for their input and questions. Azodi asked if the Budget Committee met separately. Pavlicek said no, they meet as an advisory committee with the Board of Selectmen at regular board meeting in November and December. Warrant articles are reviewed in January.
Employee Benefits $ 2,000 down $296,137
Benefits for 2007 to be charged to departments. Preliminary approval
Legal $ 28,000 down $5,000 Preliminary approval
Information Booth $ 6,310 up $ 680 Preliminary approval
Other Gen. Gov’t. $13,900 up $10,600
Increase provides for new category: Selectmen’s Project - $10,000 for town enhancement project. If unused, goes back to General Fund. Preliminary approval
Debt Service :Tax Ant.
Note Interest $ 100 unchanged Preliminary approval
Principal $ 200,000 unchanged
Reflects bonds for library, town office & highway garage. Preliminary approval
Interest $ 68,600 down $8,225 Preliminary approval
Emergency Mgmt. $ 4,805 up $4,405
Increase reflects stipend for many hours expended
by Emerg. Mgr. & Health Officer. Preliminary approval
Historical Society $ 250 unchanged Preliminary approval
Conservation Commission $ 600 unchanged Preliminary approval
Elections $4,341 down $1,859
Only one election in 2007. Preliminary approval
MEETING ADJOURNED at 8:30 p.m.
NEXT REGULAR MEETING: Monday, November 13, 6 at 6:30 p.m. at the Town Office.
________________________ ______________________ ________________________
James M. Powell Richard Wright Gary Budd
sc/Oct30/06 NEWBURY BOARD OF SELECTMEN
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