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The Daily News of Newburyport, Mass., Seabrook Town Notebook column [The Daily News of Newburyport, Mass.](Daily News of Newburyport (MA) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Oct. 24--The town's audit firm had good news for selectmen and residents recently. Sheryl Pratt and Mike Campo, of Plodzik and Sanders accounting, told selectmen that not only are the town's books in good shape, but new policies implemented over the past year contributed to the town running a surplus in its 2013 budget. Pratt and Campo praised Treasurer Oliver Carter, Jr., Finance Director Carrie Fowler, the entire finance department and all department heads with not only performing their functions effectively and efficiently, but also cooperating fully during the recent audit. "We're very happy with your staff," Pratt said. "They work very hard." Pratt praised the new purchasing and credit card policies implemented within recent months, as well the new electronic purchase order system. nnn The Federal Emergency Management Agency's new flood plain maps have been released for the seacoast of New Hampshire and may have an impact on home owners and businesses at the beach. FEMA updated its coastal maps for the state, filing the preliminary maps in April for review. Changes in velocity zone indications, as well as flood plain delineations can impact bank mortgage requirements concerning flood insurance requirements. The appeal period for those who want to challenge the new maps extends until December 17, according to the state's Flood Plain Management Coordinator Jennifer Gilbert. But the process is not easy, she said, and requires the challenge to be made on scientific grounds, which usually requires hiring an engineer to do the study. Those concerned with the new flood maps or considering filing an appeal, may call Gilbert at 603-271-1762. nnn Another Massachusetts company has chosen to make Seabrook it's home. According to "The New Hampshire Business Review, precision tool company SMC Aerospace has moved to town from its former location in Ipswich, Mass. The company has located in a nearly 43,000 square foot building on Chase Park Road, which it purchases and renovated, according to NHBR. Jon Lynch, production manager and CFO, coordinated the financing for the move. "I was impressed with the state of New Hampshire's team approach," SMC Chief Finanical Officer Jon Lynch told NHBR. "Michael Bergeron from the New Hampshire Department of Resources and Economic Development provided the right contacts we needed for our financing. We invested $700,000 in this project, with the help of Jack Donavan from the New Hampshire Business Finance Authority and Dan Gray from Coastal Economic Development Corp." Bergeron was also involved with the recently approved move of national food distribution giant U.S. Foods to Seabrook. Bergeron, in his role with NH DRED, attending Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeal meeting during U.S. Food's approval process. The 50-year-old company is managed by second- and third-generation family members. It's well known for CNC machining, tube bending, welding, brazing and reverse engineering. Its tube division is located in Laconia. In business for 50 years, SMC will relocated 35 employees to Seabrook with plans to hire four new machinists, according to NHBR. nnn Alert all the little ghosts and goblins that "Trick or Treat" in Seabrook is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 30, between 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. nnn Parents with concerns about their children's development in the areas of speech and language, motor coordination, social/emotional growth, vision and hearing, or learning abilities are urged to call Angie Ducharme at 603-474-8017 to schedule an appointment for screening. The Seabrook School District is responsible for identifying children from 2 1/2 to 6 years of age who may require special education services. A Child Find Screening will be held on Wednesday, November 19, 2014. nnn Angeljean Chiaramida covers Seabrook for the Daily News. She can be reached at [email protected] or at 978-961-3147. ___ (c)2014 The Daily News of Newburyport (Newburyport, Mass.) Visit The Daily News of Newburyport (Newburyport, Mass.) at www.newburyportnews.com Distributed by MCT Information Services |