NEWBURY BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
MARCH 10, 2008
Selectmen: Jim Powell, Richard Wright, Gary Budd
Town Personnel: Dennis Pavlicek, Town Administrator; Shelly Candidus; Cal Prussman, Highway Administrator
Public: none
The meeting convened at 6:30 p.m.
PUBLIC INPUT: There was no public input.
NON-PUBLIC SESSION:
The Board voted to go into non-public session per RSA 91-A:3, II, a-e at 6:35 p.m. with Cal Prussman to discuss concerns some residents had raised about the Highway Department's response to a recent late-night rain/sleet storm resulting in icy roads. The Board came out of non-public session at 7:00 p.m.
HIGHWAY BUSINESS:
Powell asked Prussman where the Highway Department stood in terms of budget allotments for overtime, salt and sand. Prussman replied that of the $15,764 budgeted for salt, $9,729 has been spent since the beginning of the year, leaving only $270. The supplier cannot provide any more salt at this time, but may be able to in a couple of weeks. Of the $20,000 budget for sand, $19,404 has been spent. $6,100 is left in the overtime budget to last the remainder of the year.
Pavlicek said that if it becomes necessary, funds can be moved from other sources to cover additional salt and sand purchases. Wright suggested storing salt for next year and asked if any was left at the old Highway Garage. Budd said there was almost nothing there. Wright said that if the old garage is sold, sand should be available to the public at some site – perhaps the Transfer Station. Powell said maybe the Hearse House could be used.
Prussman agreed that would be a good spot for public access.
Prussman asked if in the event of another freezing rain storm late at night, he should wait for the storm to subside before calling out the crew. The Board agreed that this would make the most sense, and said he should use his best judgment.
Regarding Town Meeting discussion of warrant article # 10, the purchase of a new one-ton truck with dump body, Prussman said he had received quotes ranging from $23,500 to $30,900, without a trade-in. Pavlicek recommended getting rid of the old truck at auction rather than trading it in. Powell asked Prussman if he had investigated other truck makes or models. Prussman said he had looked at alternatives, but they would not meet the department’s requirements as well as the one currently in use.
Regarding warrant article #18, to accept Summer Street and Greystone Lane as town roads, Prussman said he had written a letter to the Planning Board in November of 2003 expressing his concerns about the extreme grade variations found on these subdivision roads. Although he has searched, he has not found any waivers exempting the developer from meeting town road specifications. He will check again with Barbara Freeman, Planning Board chair, to see if any waivers were issued. He will also check with Lou Caron, engineer, to see what the exact existing grade is. Wright suggested he bring up his concerns at Town Meeting.
Prussman reported that during plowing on Province Road, a property owner’s sign located in the right-of-way was plowed over, having been hidden by snow. The owner has asked that the town be responsible for replacement. Powell said the town is not responsible, since the sign was in the right-of-way.
OLD BUSINESS:
The Board reviewed and approved the script for Town Meeting, including who would address each of the warrant articles.
The Board discussed proposals/presentations received for bridge engineering in town. After discussion, a motion was made to select DuBois and King and this was passed unanimously. Pavlicek will notify the company of their selection. Wright noted that he would like them to cover the existing distance by varying the position of the piers and making a two-span structure.
NEW BUSINESS:
The Board signed six proclamations to be presented at Town Meeting.
The Board decided that Wright will open and close the voting on March 11th.
The Board signed a Current Use application for Robert Rissolo covering 17 acres on Chalk Pond Road.
The Board approved a Land Use Change Tax on land in Current Use which includes a 520’ x 10’ driveway. Driveways are not permitted to be classified as Current Use land. The revision will be made by the Assessor with no penalty assigned.
The Board signed a Quit Claim deed presented by Sulloway and Hollis covering the
purchase of two lots of town land (Map/lot 031-764-094 and 020-055-210) by Bradley LaClair at town auction.
The Board reviewed a request from the Center Meeting House for permission to erect a temporary fundraising sign in front of the church. The sign exceeds zoning specifications, being 8’ x 8’. Wright noted that a couple of businesses in town already have signs exceeding permitted size, and this would add to the number of violations. Budd said it would be a temporary infraction and was for a good cause. Powell tended to agree with Wright, noting it could open the door for further infractions. Pavlicek remarked that this was a special situation and would help with CMH fundraising efforts. The Board concurred. Powell asked that the Code Enforcement Officer be notified and go to non-complying businesses and advise them of their sign violations.
The Board noted Bill Weiler’s resignation from the Conservation Commission and his recommendation that Deane Geddes move from an alternate to a full member.
Regarding the sidewalk/streetlight project, Wright said the planting plan to use red maples was ill advised. Pavlicek said the engineer will be at the next meeting to hear concerns.
Pavlicek reported that Sulloway and Hollis need a deed to the Stark property to settle the estate. The deed has not been found in a search of records. Pavlicek said he believes the deed was signed but apparently never recorded. He will check into and review the files.
Pavlicek reported that the town has received approval from the insurance company to cover an inspection of the old Highway garage to determine any damage to support beams.
REGULAR BUSINESS:
PAYROLL & ACCOUNTS PAYABALE: Week ending March 8, 2008 approved.
MINUTES: Minutes of February 25, 2008 approved to file.
MEETING ADJOURNED at 8:00 p.m.
NEXT REGULAR MEETING: Monday, March 24, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. at the Town Office.
_____________________ _______________________ ____________________
James M. Powell Richard Wright Gary Budd
3/10/08/sc NEWBURY BOARD OF SELECTMEN
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