NEWBURY BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 18, 2006 MEETING
Selectmen: Jim Powell, Richard Wright, Gary Budd
Town Personnel: Dennis Pavlicek, Town Administrator; Shelly Candidus, Admin. Assistant
Public:
The meeting convened at 6:30 p.m. There was no public input.
OLD BUSINESS:
Powell reported that he has discussed the Memorandum of Understanding between the town and the NH Department of Health & Human Services & Emergency Management with a representative from the state. He said most neighboring towns are in agreement with the MOU and he sees no problem that the locus of the regional plan will be in Sullivan County. He reiterated that Newbury has a response plan with guidelines for responding to a pandemic. The Board agreed to sign the MOU.
Pavlicek asked the Board if they had considered a proposal from Provan & Lorber to do a complete study of the bridge at Andrew Brook on Sutton Road. In response to Wright’s request for a timeline, Pavlicek said the study would be in hand by December 15, 2006. The price is $11,500. The Board agreed to have this study done.
Pavlicek reported that the state has the necessary information for approval of the box culvert on Cheney Road. He hopes to have state approval by the end of the week.
REGULAR BUSINESS:
PAYROLL & ACCOUNTS PAYABLE: Week ending September 16, 2006 approved.
MINUTES: Meeting minutes of September 5, 2006 approved to file.
INTENT TO CUT:
Smith, Luke. Map/lot #s 032-784-108 & 021-116-331. Approved with advisement from the Conservation Commission to observe Steep Slope regulations.
INTENT TO EXCAVATE:
Hilton, Mark. Map/lot# 044-666-156. Held pending check with Planning Board.
NEW BUSINESS:
Pavlicek advised the Board that the Library Trustees have submitted a quote for repairs to the library front walk in the amount of $800. The Board asked that they obtain at least one more quote.
The Board agreed in favor of a playground proposed by the Velie Memorial Fund (VMF) to be located in the proximity of the Library. Powell will attend the October Library Trustees’ meeting to discuss this plan.
The Board discussed a proposal from a resident that the Fireworks Ordinance be extended to prohibit fireworks without a permit on a town-wide basis. He has been disturbed by a neighbor’s frequent late-night fireworks. Wright said such a proposal would need input from the Fire and Police Chiefs. Pavlicek said a revised ordinance would require a public hearing. Powell said perhaps this individual problem could be solved by having Chief Lee discuss it with the party in question.
Pavlicek reported that all applicants for a building permit who are denied will be so advised by certified mail, with the reason for denial. To cover the cost of these mailings, the applicants will be charged an administrative fee on their application to the Zoning Board of Adjustment. The Board agreed to this procedure.
Powell noted that the fees charged to developers coming to the Planning Board include multiple sets of plans for all parties on the approval list. Depending on the project, this can be very expensive. Wright said that requirement might be reduced to three or four copies: one shared by the Board and Highway Department, one shared by the Fire and Police Departments, one for the Planning Board, and one for back-up/file.
Pavlicek said that engineers working on town projects charge extremely high fees – often up to $150/hour. He suggested negotiating a set rate or having three companies bid against one another. Wright suggested that we ask for discounted rates in exchange for exclusive services on projects.
The Board noted a memo from the Supervisors of the Checklist appointing Sue Russell as a supervisor pro tem until the elections at March 2007 Town Meeting.
The Board signed a refund in the amount of $77.00 for an overcharge on a motor vehicle registration.
The Board approved a request from an employee to purchase used office computers. They agreed to the sale after a 2-week wait for additional bids.
The Board reviewed a request from Emergency Management Director Paul Groulx for two
Interim deputy directors: Lenny Bloksberg and Ken Schuster. They will take NIMS courses. The Board agreed to these appointments. Appointment letters will be prepared.
Pavlicek presented the Board with a revised Emergency Town of Newbury Operations Plan from the state. This extensive document will be held in the town office for Board review.
Paul Groulx advised the Board by memo of a Citizen’s Emergency Response Team, funded by the state. This plan gives local citizens a chance to act as an auxiliary group when responding to emergencies including storms and fire. The Board agreed to town participation.
Pavlicek distributed copies of the proposed schedule of budget reviews and a time line for the business portion of Town Meeting, 2007.
The Board noted a citizen complaint of a driveway and parking on unidentified property. The Code Enforcement Officer determined that the property belonged to the person parking there.
Wright distributed copies of a scientific paper on “Permaculture” to Powell and Budd and asked them to read it. He feels strongly that the Board should promote methods for self-sufficiency in Newbury when considering new buildings, encouraging farmers’ markets, etc. He said it is mandatory to conserve our natural renewable resources.
Wright mentioned that the newly-cleared area behind the Town Office would be a good site for a skating pond. Pavlicek added that a fountain would keep the water moving in summer months. It was agreed that this was a smaller, easier and safer location for a skating pond than the Fire Pond.
The Board noted that Fall Clean-Up will be held on Saturday, September 23rd, at 8 a.m. and the Fall Festival will be held on September 30th at Bald Sunapee from 9 a.m.-- 2 p.m.
MEETING ADJOURNED at 7:30 p.m.
NEXT REGULAR MEETING: Monday, October 2, 2006 at 6:30 p.m. at the Town Office.
________________________ ______________________ ________________________
James M. Powell Richard Wright Gary Budd
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