News

Government at a glance


Published: August 4, 2008

West Newbury Board of Selectmen

July 31, 2008

APPROVED

r Having Nick Cracknell attend the next selectmen's meeting to review a draft of a scope of work for the Sullivan property land use assessment (2-0).

r Awarding a bid for bituminous concrete to the lowest bidder, Brox Industries. Cost for the oil-based product used to maintain roads rose from $52.94 per ton applied in 2007 to $64.48 this year.

r Several dates throughout the upcoming year for use of the Annex by the Garden Club (2-0).

r Reassigning department head evaluations and positions on boards and committees previously held by former Selectman John McGrath, who resigned two weeks ago (2-0).

APPOINTED

Albert Knowles Jr. to the Historical Commission (2-0).

Evan Cushing as the special needs officer to the Emergency Management Agency (1-0-1). Selectman Dick Cushing abstained because he is related to the candidate.

DISCUSSED

r Strong concerns over a report alleging that a dog under a restraining order at 21 Montclair Road was seen off its leash.

r A suggestion by Selectman Dick Cushing to ask Finance Director Tracy Blais to focus in the upcoming year on developing opportunities for regional procurement of goods and services, a policy for the selling of town-owned land, the purchase of oil in conjunction with the Pentucket Regional School District and grant possibilities to analyze a Group Insurance commission. Selectmen will continue to seek monthly economic updates from the finance director.

r An amendment to an existing technical assistance program contract for the Mullen property by the Horsley Witten Group.

r Actions taken by police Chief Lisa Holmes in response to an alleged rapist at large in the Greater Newburyport area. The suspect was eventually apprehended in Lowell.

r Updates to a proposed trench bylaw.

r A question raised by the press that some residents are upset over a proposal by the Community Housing Committee to permit the Mullen Property as a 40B project rather than a 40R Smart Growth development as a way to side-step local septic regulations in order to create a housing development with an affordable component. The neighbors are complaining that their concerns are being dismissed and they seek a larger voice in the planning process. Chairman Glenn Kemper stressed that his board has been proactive in reviewing all options for the property, noting that planning was even halted to allow the Water Department to research possible water wellfield development on the property. "Nothing has been pushed through at all," he said. Kemper encouraged the residents to designate a point person to gather and present concerns. He could not say when an open forum to discuss the CHC proposal would be held, but added, "We'll make sure it happens." The Board of Health has yet to discuss the 40B proposal, said member Bob Janes. Its next meeting is Aug. 12.

r Contacting members of the Laurel Grange about the possible formation of a town Agricultural Committee to develop a Right to Farm bylaw for consideration at the fall Town Meeting.

r Working with MassHighway and state legislators to garner funds for sidewalks.

r Possible attendance at a Merrimack Valley Planning Association discussion on local bridges, including the Rock's Village Bridge.

r Some concerns the Building and Grounds superintendent has over a proposal to construct a display case for Boy Scout memorabilia on the second floor of the 1910 Building.

r The Energy Committee's plan to seek out fuel-efficient vehicles and take other environmentally sound measures.

r The need for an update from the Board of Fire Engineers on the process underway to obtain a new aerial ladder truck. Selectmen would like to know who will be participating on trips to review the truck's status; to obtain an appraisal of the old ladder truck; and to know when the temporary aerial truck will be put in to service.

RECOGNIZED

r Selectmen's Assistant Kris Pyle for her work on the annual town report.

r Fire Chief Raymond "Rock" Dower for being elected to a ninth consecutive term on the Essex County Fire Chief's Association Board of Directors. There are 35 fire chiefs in Essex County.

POSTPONED

r A discussion on a draft of the schedule for the fall Town Meeting until the board's next session on Aug. 13.