NEWBURY BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 29, 2008 MEETING
Selectmen: James Powell, Richard Wright and Gary Budd
Town Personnel: Dennis Pavlicek, Town Administrator; Deborah Bacon, Part-time assistant; Henry Thomas, Fire Chief; and Wayne Whitford, Emergency Management Director.
Public: None
The meeting convened at 6:35 p.m.
PUBLIC INPUT: None
APPOINTMENTS:
Wayne Whitford brought before the Board, federal concerns and new guidelines for municipalities since the 9/11 attacks. NIMS is the new state resolution set forth to deal with national emergencies. This must be made part of the town government in order to be official. Federal grants will now depend upon municipalities adopting and being in compliance with the new guidelines. Some of these guidelines include designated contacts, specific training and inventory of all necessary equipment. Whitford stated that our fire department is already 80% in compliance, which Henry Thomas elaborated on, our police department is almost 100% in compliance, and the highway department is in the process of changing over to be in compliance. Wright
stated that he was definitely opposed and that this was a blatant use of control by the federal government. Powell recommended that we schedule a public hearing, on a Monday night during a Selectmen’s Meeting, to present this to the town. Thomas added that this information be made available immediately for the public’s review.
NEW BUSINESS:
Pavlicek read comments from a retired resident regarding high costs of sewer bills.
Pavlicek read a letter from Normandeau Associates informing that a new date of October 6, 2008 has been set to conduct two subsurface geotechnical borings in Lake Sunapee for investigation purposes on land owned by NH Fish and Game Department.
Pavlicek stated that the final payment of $25,414.20 had been received for the Fishersfield Park Project. He presented a letter from the State DRED showing the payment and their support of this project.
A Deputy Health Officer Appointment Nomination Form was presented and signed nominating Dennis Pavlicek as a Deputy Health Officer for the town.
Pavlicek read a letter from John Piepowski stating that he has no objections to Maureen Clement building a driveway to her property as long as she stays within the Chapman Ave. right-of-way boundaries. He expressed his concern to her of any liabilities he could incur by her use of a right-of-way, but since it does not cross his property, he has no objections.
Pavlicek submitted an estimate from Watermark Marine Construction concerning the Newbury Public Docks project. The estimated cost is $82,000. The project is on hold until further notice.
Three bids were received for the replacement of the Newbury Town Office sign, and it was determined to go ahead with the second bid, as this is a company the Town has used previously, and is aware of the quality of work. There was a brief discussion on the materials to be used, and Wright expressed concern that the contractor use Marine Plywood and what is the width of the overhang. Pavlicek stated that he will follow-up on these concerns. The Library will contribute $200.00 toward the new sign.
In presenting a Purchase Authorization for he Sidewalk Project construction, Pavlicek stated that the only dispute was concerning the credit amount for benches and barrels. Wright asked for more specifics on the type of barrels, what material they are made of and if they will be left out during the winter. Pavlicek responded. James Powell stated concerns that the overall cost amount does not increase. Pavlicek replied that he believed all aspects had been covered, and an increase would only occur if any detail had been overlooked. The Project will begin this year for as long as the weather permits, and will be completed next year. A Purchase Authorization was signed to go ahead with the project.
Pavlicek announced that the Newbury Cane Presentation to Bill Schroeder will take place on Saturday, October 4, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at the Newbury Town Office.
A public hearing notice for unlined municipal landfill and incinerator closure grant programs was brought to the Board’s attention. The hearing will be held on October 22, 2008.
Pavlicek summarized a letter from the Department of Safety proposing authorization of access to all criminal history and background checks of individuals. Municipalities would have this information available to them regarding all new employees. The Board discussed at length the justification for this proposal, and determined that they should each individually review the proposal before determining to go ahead with it.
A purchase authorization was signed for Alexander Concrete for work to be done. Wright mentioned that the vendor be made aware of additional work that will be needed in the future.
An invoice from Gobin Disposal Systems was reviewed relating to work done on the Bald Sunapee Project. Pavlicek stated that approximately $16,000 has been spent so far with a balance of $49,000. All agreed that the job has been done well and the Board is pleased with the progress.
James Powell noted that the dumpster had been removed from the Bald Sunapee area but he felt that more clean-up was needed in the area. Pavlicek stated that the clean-up was already in motion and should be completed within the next few days. Wright inquired if the granite on the property is being stockpiled. He recommended that one of the large pieces of granite be used as a step for the porch at Fishersfield. It was discussed to keep all granite stockpiled until it is ready to be placed into position so that unnecessary work is not done by moving it from place to place.
Thomas brought the Board up to date on the status of the new tanker truck. Work is in progress on the body getting it ready to paint. It is recommended that the Board take the time to stop by the see the progress as he believes it is going very well.
Pavlicek asked if a date had been set for the next wood stove safety class, and Whitford stated that it had not been set up yet. Thomas expressed the benefit of these classes to public safety and how they cut down on related emergencies.
Wright recommended that the fire boat be stored in the highway garage for the winter to avoid damage. The Board agreed and Prussman should be notified to get his input as well.
Powell asked if Whitford and Thomas would be interested in a meeting to get the public more involved in volunteering Thomas stated that he knows of many people who would like to volunteer, but do not want to be on a regular committee, and that this would be a good way to help citizens get involved.
Whitford brought up the subject of the town’s emergency departments working with Mount Sunapee, and stated that a plan of agreement had been reached to work together. The concerns of Chief Lee have been resolved and Thomas confirmed this.
Pavlicek stated that he is waiting for a final invoice from Weed to present for signing.
Budd said that it had been brought to his attention by the Velie Group that the grounds of the playground area needed attention to address issues. It was recommended that the mulch be checked and leveled weekly where mulch is not level.
OLD BUSINESS:
Pavlicek outlined the Exclusive Listing Agreement with Elliott Hansen Associates concerning property map #043-348-244, and the Board approved the agreement.
REGULAR BUSINESS:
PAYROLL & ACCOUNTS PAYABLE: Week ending September 27, 2008 were approved and signed.
MINUTES: Minutes of September 15, 2008 were approved to file.
BUFFER ZONE TREE CUTTING: Arnie Wood’s application requests to take down and
remove on large dying pine. The Conservation Commission ‘s comment stated that the
application is incomplete due to the lack of a sketch designating location. The Board approved
the application on condition that the land owner submit a photo of the tree to be removed. Joyce
Barron’s application requests to remove one diseased tree on the land near the corner of the
boat house. The Conservation Commission requested that the owner present a photo, and
consider having a forester or arborist check the condition of the tree. The Board noted that the
land owner is within the town’s guidelines for removal and it is therefore not necessary to have
the tree’s condition assessed. The application was approved. Kenneth Kohnle’s application
request to cut one dead tree. Conservation Commission’s comment “If you take a tree, plant a
tree. Also inquiries as to what the buffer area looks like. The Board approved the application,
stating the request is within the guidelines. Laurel Matthew’s application requests that two trees
be trimmed/overgrowth cut, both trees having a 6” wide trunk. Conservation Commission
comment: If you take a tree, plant a tree. Also inquires as to what the buffer area looks like.
The Board approved the application, stating the request is within the guidelines.
ABATEMENTS/REFUNDS/EXEMPTIONS: None
MEETING ADJOURNED at 7:55 p.m.
NEXT REGULAR MEETING: Tuesday, October 14, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. at the Town Office.
_______________________ _____________________ _______________________
James M. Powell Richard Wright Gary Budd
NEWBURY BOARD OF SELECTMEN
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