Government at a glance

West Newbury

Board of Selectmen

May 12, 2008

APPROVED

— Going into executive session at the start of the meeting to discuss the public safety dispatcher's contract. (2-0) Selectman John McGrath was not present

— Electing Selectman Dick Cushing as clerk of the board for the year. (1-0-1)

— A request by Kelli Webster to use the Old Town Hall for a Learning Tree Pre-School graduation ceremony on June 12 and 13. (2-0)

— A request by a Merrimac Boy Scout troop to use Mill Pond Recreation Building on May 24 and 25. (2-0)

APPOINTED

— Jen Tassinari as assistant animal control officer. (2-0)

DISCUSSED

— A new proposal offered by dog owner Luisa Pereira to have her American bulldog, Striker, placed out of town until her appeal of the board's order regarding the dog is reviewed. If agreed to, selectmen said they would inform the town the dog is being moved and that the animal is under restraint for aggressive behavior in West Newbury.

— Mill Pond Committee's discussions on making the recreation building compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

— Issues regarding bathroom access in the Old Town Hall for children of the Learning Pre-School.

— A proposal by the town's insurance company regarding dependent coverage under the 2006 Health Care Reform legislation.

— A site walk of the Mullen property conducted by the Water Department and Conservation Commission on May 7. A public hearing has been posted for May 19 at 7:45 p.m. in the Conservation Commission office.

It is likely permission to proceed with test drilling will be granted at that time, a memo to selectmen from the Water Board stated. Boart Longyear has been awarded the bid for test drilling. A partial report on results, excluding water quality tests, should be available by the June 2 selectmen's meeting.

— Notice from the Water Department that testing of backflow devices for 2008 are scheduled for May 16, 8 a.m. to noon. Charge to the owner is $50 per test site. Call the Water Department with any questions, 978 363-1100, ext. 127.

— A proposal by Joe Uniejewski, 5 Kimball Road, to purchase town-owned land for development of a private, 30-by-40-foot stall for an equestrian riding facility. Selectmen agreed to consider what parcels might be available and Chairman Glenn Kemper said he will ask the town counsel for information on the bidding process for town-owned land.

Finance Director Tracy Blais noted that the plan would provide the town with proceeds from the sale of the land as well as future tax revenue.

POSTPONED

— Approval of a street opening permit to relocate the entrance to a garage at 446/448 Main St. from Main Street to Bridge Street because the plan involves traversing a septic system. The request must be reviewed by the Board of Health.

— A draft of the board's summer schedule until Selectman McGrath is present.

REJECTED

— A request for a hearing for a dog named Sadie, owned by Helen Walsh, of 23 Montclair Road, made by Luisa Pereira, of 21 Montclair Road. After consulting the animal control officer, selectmen decided there wasn't enough evidence to support holding a hearing. (2-0)