NEWBURY BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MINUTES OF MARCH 20, 2006 MEETING
Selectmen: James Powell, Richard Wright, Gary Budd
Town Personnel: Dennis Pavlicek, Town Administrator; Shelly Candidus, Admin. Assistant; Cal Prussman, Highway Admin.
Public: Wayne Whitford, Josh Perkins
The meeting convened at 6:30 p.m. Pavlicek opened the meeting and called for nominations for chairman of the Board of Selectmen. Budd nominated Powell, and Wright seconded the motion. Powell was elected Chairman.
PUBLIC INPUT:
Cal Prussman came before the Board to discuss several road-related issues. He first presented two purchase orders for signature: 1) A 6-wheel Mack truck chassis for $83,326 from Manchester Mack Sales; 2) Sweeping of town roads by Mike Rabbitt up to $4,500.
Prussman then presented a schedule and calendar of highway projects to be completed in 2006. Discussion followed, noting that sweeping will be accomplished before Memorial Day and the roads in Ramblewood will be prepared for paving the first two weeks in June. Prussman will notify property owners whose culverts will need to be replaced.
The Board and Prussman reviewed an article from UNH “Road Business” on how to build a successful road. The Board asked that a copy be given to the Planning Board for comparison with the town requirements for roads in new subdivisions.
Prussman reported that he has discussed the problem of water run-off and drainage at the Highway Garage with engineer Charlie Hirshberg. Hirshberg recommends that the water be controlled by use of a permanent drain and catch basin with outlet pipes directing the flow into the woods between Graf’s property and South Road, where it would go into an existing brook. Wright noted that Graf will have to move rock and grade the area for this to be accomplished. The Board agreed that this was a good plan.
Prussman then presented research he has done on sources for winter sand and gravel. He investigated the use of stone dust, as Wright suggested, and found that it is considerably more expensive than winter sand and has a tendency to melt into the road surface and thus reduce traction. He has discussed its use with the road agent in Sutton, which is the only town in the area using stone dust. Wright said he would like to investigate ways to reduce the use of salt, and this was one way. He asked why the Sutton agent decided to use stone dust. Prussman said he must have reasons, but didn’t say why. Prussman added that the concentration of salt used in Newbury is 10 to 1, much less than that used by the state, and there have been only four accidents on town roads versus 13 on state roads
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this winter. The Board agreed to continue to use winter sand, versus stone dust.
Prussman provided the Board with UNH recommendations on the use and composition of gravel for town roads. He had samples from three local sources tested by an independent engineering company and found that our present supplier was the only one whose sample was in full compliance with UNH recommendations. The Board agreed to continue to use the present supplier.
Prussman reported that there was a tree on Old Post Road in the right-of-way and very close to the edge of the road. The property owner will not give permission to let the Highway crew remove it. Powell asked if it is a public safety issue, or an inconvenience. Prussman said, “both.” Wright said the property owner should be informed that he is liable for damage or injury if someone hits the tree. Powell asked Pavlicek to call the property owner and discuss the situation.
Wayne Whitford, newly-appointed Newbury Health Officer, came before the Board to discuss avain flu. He has been to an informative session on this topic at Dartmouth Hitchcock Hospital and feels the town should take steps to prepare for a possible emergency if the flu should become pandemic. He believes planners should include Paul Groulx, Emergency Management Director, and other town department heads, and that neighboring towns should work together. Points to consider are preventive measures, quarantines, shelters/facilities, funding, and projecting a positive image. Powell asked if the state had a plan in place. Whitford said they are working on it and securing federal funding. Powell asked what happened to the smallpox study done four years ago. Whitford said Health & Human Services is using
that as a basis for their long-term plan. Wright asked if the town should be doing something now, and Whitford replied it was just important to be aware of the situation.
Josh Perkins appeared to return a proclamation he had accepted at Town Meeting on behalf of the Ayer family. He asked if the town had determined a use for the old Highway Garage. Powell said not yet. He added that a committee is studying possible uses for all the unused town buildings and will make recommendations in the near future.
Perkins remarked that more support was needed from taxpayers at Town Meeting to address issues such as the increased tax rate, budget increases, spending, the CIP recommendations, etc. The Board noted his comments.
NON-PUBLIC SESSION:
The Board voted to go into non-public session under RSA 91-A:3, II, a-e at 8:15 p.m. to discuss several personnel matters. Prussman asked about the status of the Foreman job posting for the Highway Department. Wright asked him to review the job description. The Board decided to discuss this issue at their next meeting. Prussman will attend. After Prussman’s departure, the session continued with a discussion of MRI’s report on the Fire Department study. Having just received the report, the Board decided additional time was needed to fully review it. It will be discussed at the next meeting. After being formally accepted by the town, the report will be given to the Fire Chief for review and further discussion. Finally, Pavlicek presented a 3.7 percent COLA increase for employees he
prepared in accordance with budget approval at Town Meeting, to become effective on employee anniversary dates. The Board agreed. They came out of non-public session at 8:50 p.m.
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REGULAR BUSINESS:
PAYROLL & ACCOUNTS PAYABLE: Week ending March 18, 2006 approved.
MINUTES: Meeting minutes of March 6, 2006 approved to file.
OLD BUSINESS:
The Board accepted a letter of resignation from Scott Nelson, former Health Officer.
Pavlicek reported that he is putting together a schedule for work to be done at Blodgett Sewer.
Emily Walsh and Scott Falvey from Fairly Stable are having a survey done prior to having a deed drawn up to enact the land swap with the town as approved at Town Meeting.
NEW BUSINESS:
The Board signed a Purchase order in the amount of $28,884 for a 2006 Toyota Four-runner 4WD vehicle for the Police Department.
The Board signed a letter of thanks to the Muellers for providing the town space in Spruce Lodge at Mt. Sunapee Resort to hold Town Meeting 2006.
The Board signed the completed MS-2 Report of Appropriations voted at Town Meeting.
The Board reviewed an appeal for an adjustment of property taxes retroactive to 2003 for a property owner. Based on their review and the recommendation of the assessor, they approved a reduced assessment.
The Board signed three Veteran’s Exemption from Property Taxes forms.
The Board signed several Appointment letters: William Weiler to the Conservation Commission; and Cathy Raymond, Gail Bostic, Bob Morris, Mark Cashin, Peter Newbern, Jay Tucker, Holly von Svodboda, John & Monica Valovic to the newly-formed Recreation Committee. Pavlicek will set up an initial meeting of the Recreation Committee and Wright said he would attend.
The Board signed a purchase order for mowing and lawn care with FVB for $18,564.
The Board signed a purchase order for fence work with FVB not to exceed $3,000.
The Board discussed the Old Home Day scheduled for July 8th. Pavlicek will contact the Newbury Beautification Committee and arrange to attend a meeting in the near future to discuss this event. A fireworks company representative will attend the next meeting and discuss possible sites for displaying fireworks. Wright suggested that some of the activities take place on the Bald Sunapee property – perhaps children’s games.
Pavlicek informed the Board that Jay Tucker from Old Hampshire Designs has offered to provide a Timberpeg framework for a new Information Booth free of charge. The town would have to add siding. Pavlicek said we might be able to get local contractors to volunteer labor and materials. The Board reacted favorably to this idea.
Pavlicek updated the Board on the status of the truck to be acquired for use at the Transfer Station. He has been in contact with several local dealers and will continue to look for the best price. The Board advised him to price the vehicle with automatic transmission and a Fisher plow.
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The Board denied a request for a renewal of a Temporary Use permit.
At the request of the Code Enforcement Officer, the Board reviewed a septic plan for a new house on High Meadow. The plans site the house on the ridge line. The Board advised that LaCasse should discuss the ridge line ordinance with the septic designer so the property owner will be aware that the house may have to be re-sited.
The Board noted a presentation package from the company that repaired and replaced the Gillingham gravestone. The presentation contained a history of the project, pictures, and notations.
Pavlicek reported that expanded recycling efforts at the Transfer Station will include processing tin cans and plastic as well as electronics, scheduled to start in the spring.
MEETING ADJOURNED at 9:50 p.m.
NEXT REGULAR MEETING: Monday, April 3, 2005 at 6:30 p.m. at the Town Office.
________________________ ______________________ ________________________
James M. Powell Richard Wright Gary Budd
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