Meeting called to order at 6:00 P.M. at Town Hall.
Present Elizabeth A. Gorski and William H. Darke, Chairman
Road Commissioner
The Board met with Road Commissioner Arakelian and asked him to look into the cost and what the town would need to do to put a four way stop at Washington and Salem Streets (Arakelian stated he would want to see lights). Chairman Darke also asked about the four way stop at Seven Star/Center Street and Arakelian responded that he was hoping to do that in the Spring. Darke asked what could be done to slow traffic coming down Rt. 97 from Georgetown into Elm Park, and Arakelian told him he would order a “strictly enforced” speed sign for installation at the hill heading down into Elm Park. Adding an additional coat from Holly Lane to the four corners was also briefly discussed. Arakelian explained that Chapter 90 funds have not been increasing since he was elected 12 years ago and that he
is trying to save as many roads as possible; that Yale, Harvard and Murray still need to be reconstructed.
Request to use Pines fields
Resident Joseph D’Amore met with the Board to request use of the Pines Fields; that he has met with Pentucket Administrators and discussed starting up Freshman Girls/Boys Soccer Teams; that his group has met with West Newbury officials and they will allow Pipestave fields to be used for a fee; that the fee will be determined by whether the fields are used just for games or games and practices. Erik and Beth Eames, of West Newbury arrived and shared a copy of their printed proposal. A copy of the proposal is attached hereto and made a part of these Minutes. The parties discussed the benefits of children having a sport to play as they enter High School. Finance Director Labrecque mentioned how the fields at the Pines are not durable due to being sand based; that players with cleats may
cause a lot of damage. Chairman Darke agreed to view the Pines with D’Amore to determine where the players might practice. The Selectmen signed D’Amore’s request for Use of the Fields. Eames stated they will need to practice four days a week beginning late August (tryouts) and for ten weeks from the start of the school year.
Conservation Commission
ConComm Chairman Dempsey met with the Board to request assistance from Town Counsel for an issue concerning Wood Street/Town Forest Crossing. Board approved the request and the attached letter of explanation will be faxed to Attorney William Hewig.
Dempsey and Management Committee member Claire Walsh also told the Board that they had met with the Capital Improvement Committee regarding Chairman Darke’s earlier suggestion that capital expenditure repairs at Veasey should be paid for by the town and be a part of the Capital Improvement Plan. Walsh told the Board that the CIC members sent them back to the Selectmen to obtain a letter in writing stating that the Board is in favor of town funds paying for capital items needed at Veasey. Darke again stated that in ten years things; that the property now gets a lot of use and has the potential for more use and that it’s time the town helps pay for the cost of large needs. Selectman Gorski stated she would like to see a Plan of the needs and what it will take to make it a viable building.
Walsh stated she would like to see a new roof on the main building first, then electric replacement, etc. The Board asked their Assistant to send a letter to Capital Improvement stated that the Board would like to see Veasey Park capital needs considered along with all other town projects. Finance Director Labrecque stated that if taxpayers dollars are put into the buildings the buildings will need to be made available to town groups for meetings, etc. Dempsey stated that is already happening. Dempsey and Walsh stated that the general upkeep and repairs are paid from fees collected when the building is rented for functions, etc.
Darke asked Labrecque to check with the State to see if the town can buy back the conservation restrictions on the property.
Request for support for CPA funds
Claire Walsh asked the Board to write a letter of support for her application seeking CPA funds for remodeling the Legion (Washington Hall) Building into a museum. Chairman Darke asked the Board’s Assistant to send a letter stating the Board’s approval.
Recreation Committee Appointments
At the request of Recreation Chairman Pam Blacquiere and upon motion duly made by Gorski, seconded by Darke, it was
VOTED: To appoint Mark Warner, Phil Ouellette and William
Dunn as members on the Recreation Committee, said
appointments effective immediately through June 30, 2007.
Approval of Minutes
Moved Gorski, seconded Darke, and it was
VOTED: To approve the Minutes of the Open & Executive
Session meeting of December 4, 2006, as presented.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Board, moved Gorski, seconded Darke and it was
VOTED: To adjourn.
Adjourned at 8:00 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
______________________________________
Nancy Lewandowski
Administrative Assistant
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