MINUTES
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
DECEMBER 21, 2009
Meeting called to order at 6:20 P.M. at Town Hall.
Present Elizabeth A. Gorski, Donald N. Greaney, and Chairman William H. Darke.
Also present at the meeting were Christine Geiger and her son Geoff. Geoff is
a boy scout and was attending the meeting to earn credit for a badge.
Approval of Minutes
Moved Gorski, seconded Greaney, and it was unanimously
VOTED: To approve the Minutes of the meeting of December 7, 2009,
as presented.
Approval of Warrants
Moved Greaney, seconded Darke, and it was
VOTED: To approve Payroll Warrant #10-24.
GREANEY, DARKE – “AYE”; GORSKI – “ABSTAIN”
Moved Gorski, seconded Darke, and it was
VOTED: To approve weekly Warrants #BW10-25 and #DW10-23A.
Letter from West Newbury Board of Selectmen-Regional Dispatching
The Board reviewed a letter received from West Newbury Chairman of the Board of Selectmen requesting a meeting in Groveland to discuss the possibility of regionalizing Dispatch services for the towns of Groveland, Merrimac and West Newbury out of West Newbury’s Public Safety Complex. Chairman Darke asked the Board’s Assistant to contact West Newbury to arrange to meet.
Regional Agreement Task Force Meetings
Chairman Darke informed his fellow board members that the Pentucket Regional Agreement Task Force met on December 9th and will meet on Wednesdays for an hour and a half before West Newbury Board of Selectmen meetings. The Selectmen approved having the Finance Director represent the town as the citizen at large. Darke told the Board that they Task Force is currently working with a copy of the Agreement the three town Finance Directors had marked up, together with information received from a group from Merrimac that did some work.
Pentucket Teachers’ Contract Negotiations
The next meeting of the Pentucket Teachers’ Contract Negotiations committee is scheduled for Thursday, January 14th, 2010 at 5:00 p.m. with teachers at 5:30 p.m.
Community Preservation Committee Update
Selectman Greaney informed his fellow board members that the CPA met earlier this month and discussed the Webster property.
Discussion re Pentucket Football Field Press Box
The Selectmen invited Pentucket representatives to meet with them and the town’s ADA representative James Kelly to discuss how they might be able to rebuild the press box without having to install an elevator. The press box was torn down and a group of volunteers were willing to rebuild it at no cost to the district but the West Newbury Building Inspector had informed them that they needed to meet ADA requirements.
Pentucket Facilities Manager Bob Danforth told the Board that he and others had met with representatives of the Department of Public Safety Access Board who explained the ADA requirements and exemptions; that there are a lot of restrictions to the site with set back lines to property lines, etc. Ramps and elevator were looked at and would be very costly.
Jim Kelly told the Pentucket representatives that a variance could possibly be approved for the rebuilding of the press box if they Access Board is told it would not be financially feasible at this time. Kelly suggested the facilities manager obtain estimates from a couple of companies then he will help them file for a Variance. Jim told the group that if they are approved for the Variance they will have to be fully compliant at the time they re-do the fields and/or bleachers. He suggested that three bids be obtained for installing the elevator and ramp. Jim told Danforth he will gladly help with the language needed for the variance filing, and that he would also get assistance from another party. Danforth will work directly with Jim Kelly.
The Selectmen thanked everyone for attending and thanked Jim for his input and willingness to help Pentucket officials.
Snowplowing
Michael Callan, 799 Salem Street, was present and complained about the speed of snow plowers suggesting they are traveling 35-40 m.p.h. He presented pictures of mailboxes all over town that have been destroyed by plows; that he has replaced his three times in three years. Callan also stated that the trucks blow through the four way stop and Washington/Salem Streets and that the new town truck is the worst. Callan stated he has many more pictures at home. Chairman Darke asked the Board’s Assistant to arrange to have the Road Commissioner meet with the Board regarding this issue and to notify Mr. Callan of the date and time. Callan stated he would attend another meeting.
Selectmen wished the residents of Groveland safe and happy holidays!
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Board, moved Gorski, seconded Greaney, and it was
VOTED: To adjourn.
Adjourned at 7:15 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Lewandowski
Administrative Assistant
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