NEWBURY BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MINUTES OF MARCH 23, 2009 MEETING
Selectmen: James Powell, Richard Wright and Gary Budd.
Town Personnel: Dennis Pavlicek, Town Administrator; Donna Long, Administrative Assistant; Henry Thomas, Fire Chief; Cal Prussman, Highway Administrator
Public: Eleanor Punkett, Linda Plunkett, Bob Durfee , Ryan Barnes, Bill Annable, John McGee, Dick Surrette, Linda Powell, Bill and Joan Schroeder, Ted and Diane Jones, Walter Goddard, and Brian Bostic
The meeting convened at 6:30 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARING:
Powell opened up the public hearing on discussion of the studies of the reconstructed bridges on Village and Sutton roads at 7:00 p.m.
Bob Durfee and Ryan Barnes of Dubois & King gave an update on the completed study phase in accordance with the Department of Transportation. After hearing the concerns at the public hearing, they will report their findings with the state in the morning. Powell said that they would like to have an aggressive design schedule for Village Road to receive the recovery funds. Durfee said they would like to begin work in October. It was mentioned that before reconstruction can occur, photos and research on the historical details of the bridges must take place.
Discussion on Village Road Bridge: It was stated that the vertical and horizontal alignments meet the state requirements. The 42’ span width for two lanes wide is too short by DOT requirements. The recommendation for this project is to detour traffic rather than to build a temporary bridge. Powell asked the length of time the bridge would be closed. Durfee said that it would be closed approximately 6 months starting in October.
Discussion on Sutton Road Bridge: The recommendation is to raise the road 1.4 feet which would be better than the current bridge. It was determined that a temporary bridge would be needed during construction. Powell then opened the floor to the public. Dick Surette asked what the weight limit on the temporary bridge would be. Durfee answered that it would be the same weight limit as the regular bridge. Bill Schroeder asked if the slopes of the road have been addressed in regard to how it would affect his meadow. Durfee stated that this was just a preliminary study. Ellie Plunkett said she is opposed to raising the road. She said that she did not want to see any trees taken down and she would like the bridge to shift more in the other direction. Wright said
that he thought the proposed plan was the best for all involved parties. Plunkett said that the river had been filled in in a section of the river bed several years ago, and
Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes March 23, 2009 Page 2
that she would like to change the flow of the river. Durfee said that this would not change the design and location of the bridge and that the current flow is the best. Powell ended the public hearing at 8:30 p.m.
APPOINTMENTS:
Cal Prussman discussed the heaves on Baker Hill. It was decided to fill the heaves, compact it and go from there. There was discussion on the paving of Fishersfield Road. There was also a discussion concerning the sweeping to be done this spring. Wright said that he think the highway department does not need to do a lot of sweeping this year. It was decided that the only roads that will be swept are Blodgett’s and South Newbury Village.
NEW BUSINESS:
The Board of Selectmen voted unanimously to keep James Powell as the chairperson. It was also decided that the paper of record would continue to be The Intertown Record.
The Board signed appointment letters for the newly formed Pay as You Throw Committee as well as the changes to the Conservation Commission.
Pavlicek read a letter from Jim Lord requesting the closing of a portion of Village Road for a 25 hour period for the preparation and celebration of his daughter’s wedding. The only resident that lives past this closing will be attending the wedding. Lord has notified the police and fire departments of this closure. The Board approved this request.
A letter was read by Pavlicek from resident Julie Morancy asking if a recycling week could take place at the transfer station to educate residents where everything must be put. The Board would like Morancy to be referred to the Pay as You Throw Committee.
A letter from Dennis Mires was read discussing the amount of paving for the parking lot and the access road attached to it.
The Board decided to have Dubois & King continue with the design phase for the Village Road Bridge with an accelerated schedule and a regular paced schedule for the Sutton Road Bridge.
The Board of Selectmen met with the members of the Pay as You Throw Committee and discussed the charge for the committee.
Pavlicek reported that he has gotten a couple of quotes for pig roasts for the Old Home Day dinner.
The next clean up day will be April 18th at 8:00 a.m.
NON-PUBLIC SESSION:
The Board voted to go into non-public session under RSA 91-A:3, II, a-e at 9:20 p.m. to discuss a personnel issue. Agreement was reached. The Board came out of non-public session at 9:35 a.m.
REGULAR BUSINESS:
PAYROLL & ACCOUNTS PAYABLE: Week ending March 21, 2009 were approved and signed.
MINUTES: Minutes of March 9, 2009 were approved to file.
ABATEMENTS/REFUNDS/EXEMPTIONS: An abatement request for Robert and
Jennifer Smith Map/Lot #16A-173-435 in the amount of $31.12 for penalty taxes due to a
was approved by the Board.
Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes March 23, 2009 Page 3
GRAVEL TAX LEVY: A gravel tax levy was signed for David Kinsman
INTENT TO EXCAVATE: An intent to excavate for David Kinsman was signed.
MS-2: The MS-2 was signed by the Board of Selectmen.
MEETING ADJOURNED at 9:40 p.m.
NEXT REGULAR MEETING: Monday, April 6, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. at the Town Office.
_______________________ _____________________ _______________________
James M. Powell Richard Wright Gary Budd
NEWBURY BOARD OF SELECTMEN
DL/March23/09
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