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Written by webmaster
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Monday, 01 March 2004 |
Board of Selectmen
Minutes
February 17, 2004
Official as of March 2, 2004
Chairman Bryer called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Members Present: Chairman Bryer, Selectman Edwards, Selectman Hadley,
Town Administrator Stephen Fournier, and Secretary Lisa Fellows-Weaver.
Minutes:
***MOTION*** by Selectman Hadley to accept the minutes of December 30,
2003, as written. Seconded by Selectman Edwards. Chairman Bryer made
the motion unanimous. Motion passed, 3/0.
***MOTION*** by Selectman Hadley to accept the minutes of January 6,
2004, as amended. Seconded by Selectman Edwards. Chairman Bryer made
the motion unanimous. Motion passed, 3/0.
***MOTION*** by Selectman Hadley to accept the minutes of January 20,
2004, as amended. Seconded by Selectman Edwards. Chairman Bryer made
the motion unanimous. Motion passed, 3/0.
The minutes of February 3, 2004 were tabled until later in the meeting.
Citizen's Forum:
Chairman Bryer opened the citizen's forum. With no comments, the citizen's forum was closed.
Finance Report:
Weekly Payroll:
Town Administrator Fournier stated that there was an error with the deductions.
Reports and Communications from Town Officials:
Town Administrator Report:
Warrant Articles:
Town Administrator Fournier presented the board with the final warrants
for their signatures. A discussion was held regarding the article for
the shared planner and if it should be moved after the budget. After
discussion, the article was not moved. Additional discussion was held
with the fact that the planning board may propose an additional
$10,000. be added to their budget due to the fact that they would like
to rejoin Strafford Regional Planning Commission (SRPC). The annual
dues would be $3500. and the additional $6500. would be a rider for
updating the master plan and such. Mr. Fournier stated that the
planning board never withdrew from SRPC, they just did not pay the dues.
Mr. Fournier stated that the title changed for the Gulf Road petition
warrant article. He added that the warrant has been approved by DRA.
The warrant was signed by the selectmen.
Radio Inoperability Grant:
Mr. Fournier explained the radio inoperability grant. He stated that
the fire department currently does not operate with digital radios like
the police department and therefore cannot communicate back and
forth. The Department of Safety and the Department of Homeland
Security will be purchasing radios to solve the problem. He added that
there will be 15 mobiles and 9 radios for vehicles purchased for the
Town of Northwood. The estimated price is $40,000. There would be no
cost to the town. ***MOTION*** by Selectman Hadley for the chair sign
the grant stating that the state will purchase these digital radios for
the town. Seconded by Selectmen Edwards. Selectman Bryer made the
motion unanimous. Motion passed; 3/0.
Satellite Training Homeland Security:
Mr. Fournier explained that this service, Homeland One First Responder
Network, is being administered by the NH Department of Justice for the
fire department. This is used for training and information statistics.
A discussion was held regarding the fees for this service. Mr. Fournier
stated that the service is free for one year and then after there is a
charge, which has not been specified at this time. Chairman Bryer
stated that the amount needs to be specified if the service were kept
and this must be determined prior to signing the installation and
service agreement. Mr. Fournier added that there is a $300 charge for
installation if the service is not kept after the trial basis has
expired.
Bid Process for Old Fire Truck:
Mr. Fournier presented the board with bids for the fire truck. He
stated that there has been interest expressed regarding donating used
equipment to the northern counties that have older equipment. A list of
items was reviewed. The board agreed to have the equipment transferred
and the town interested must contact town hall regarding the process of
the transfer of the equipment.
Cable Coordinator:
The town administrator presented the board with a job description of
this position from other towns as well as emails from other towns with
job descriptions for the cable coordinator. A discussion was held
regarding this position and if it could be contracted. This issue will
be further reviewed and addressed at another meeting.
Building on a Private Road:
An application for building on a private road was submitted to the
board for Frank and Sandra Bean, Bean Road, off of First NH Turnpike.
He stated that Building Inspector Dave Hickey has reviewed this and
requested that board to sign. ***MOTION*** by Selectman Hadley to
approve the agreement and release and sign the request for building on
a private road for Frank and Sandra Bean, Bean Road. Seconded by
Selectman Edwards. Chairman Bryer made the motion unanimous. Motion
passed, 3/0.
Personnel Policy:
A work session was scheduled for the March 30th meeting to address the
personnel policy. A discussion was held regarding benefits for part
time employees. Mr. Fournier stated that he has reviewed the NHMA
survey book and most part time employees do not receive any type of
benefits. He has not spoken to anyone in the NHMA office regarding the
issue.
Current Use Penalties - 2/9/04 Warrant:
Town Administrator Fournier presented the board with the following current use penalty list for the 2/9/04 warrant:
Bill To: Cynthia Ann Jeffrey
Map: 217; Lot 52; Sublot: 3
Location: Jeffrey Drive
Amount Billed: $6,000
Bill To: Paul & Jennifer Ho-Sue
Map: 218; Lot 53
Location: Bow Lake Road
Total Billed: $5,600
Bill To: Paul & Jennifer Ho-Sue
Map: 218; Lot: 54
Location: Bow Lake Road
Total Billed: $2,000
Bill To: Richard & Sally Larsen
Map: 223; Lot 1: Sublot: 1
Location: Harmony Road
Total Billed: $7,000
Bill To: Richard P. Kramer Jr.
Map: 223: Lot 1: Sublot: 3
Location: Harmony Road
Total Billed: $7,000
Bill To: Davlynn Development, LLC
Map: 234; Lot: 41: Sublot: 2
Location: Route 4, Davlynn Estates
Total Billed: $6,000
Bill To: Davlynn Development, LLC
Map: 234; Lot: 41: Sublot: 4
Location: Route 4, Davlynn Estates
Total Billed: $6,000
Bill To: Mr. & Mrs. Timothy Rich
Map: 234; Lot: 41; Sublot: 5
Location: Route 4, Davlynn Estates
Total Billed: $6,000
Bill To: Davlynn Development, LLC
Map: 234; Lot: 41; Sublot: 6
Location: Route 4, Davlynn Estates
Total Billed: $ 6,000
Bill To: Davlynn Development, LLC
Map: 234; Lot: 41; Sublot: 7
Location: Route 4, Davlynn Estates
Total Billed: $6,000
Bill To: Davlynn Development, LLC
Map: 234; Lot: 41; Sublot: 8
Location: Route 4, Davlynn Estates
Total Billed: $6,000
Bill To: Davlynn Development, LLC
Map: 234; Lot: 41; Sublot: 9
Location: Route 4, Davlynn Estates
Total Billed: $6,000
Bill To: Davlynn Development, LLC
Map: 234; Lot: 41; Sublot: 10
Location: Route 4, Davlynn Estates
Total Billed: $6,000
Bill To: Troy & Cindy Planche
Map: 235; Lot: 22
Location: Mountain Road
Total Billed: $5,000
TOTAL: $80,600.
***MOTION*** by Selectman Hadley to approve the current use penalties
for the February 9, 2004 warrant for $80,600., as presented. Seconded
by Selectman Edwards. Chairman Bryer made the motion unanimous. Motion
passed, 3/0.
Abatements:
Town Administrator Fournier presented the board with the following abatements:
Map 108-3 Lake View Antique $1,472.00
Map 108-76 Lashon, Louis & Katherine $366.00
Map 109-38 Elliott, David Denied
Map 210-7-3 Nealson, Richard $1,971.00
Map 210-7-4 Foley, Steven & Laura $12.82 (Interest)
Map 210-42 La Rocca Family Trust $387.51
Map 210-45 La Rocca Family Trust $397.49
Map 212-9 Willett, Charles & Melva $392.00
Map 224-10-11 Babcock, Douglas & Jane $806.00
Map 239-9 Bemis, Peter& Karen Need to view property
Map 244-26 Devonshire Estate Inc. $22.00
***MOTION*** by Selectman Hadley to approve the abatements, as
presented. Seconded by Selectman Edwards. Chairman Bryer made the
motion unanimous. Motion passed, 3/0.
7:00 Public Hearing - $500,000. Bond for Roads (petitioned warrant article):
Chairman Bryer opened the public portion. Pat Bell asked if there were
specific roads in mind. Selectman Hadley explained the July 2001 roads
report created by UNH of what needed to be done. He added that they
would be discussing with the highway advisory committee for which roads
need to be addressed. He stated that a bid for $742. was received for
updating the report. Mr. Hadley stated that it is his plan for this to
be paid for by the state highway block grant.
Chairman Bryer closed the public portion of the public hearing.
Selectman Hadley stated that every year this is always put off and it
cannot wait any longer. The people need relief. He added that the
selectmen need to take the recommendations from the highway advisory
committee. Chairman Bryer closed the public hearing.
Meeting with Planning Board Members:
Present was Chairman Pat Bell, Vice-chairman Eric Reitter, and Board
Administrator Linda Smith. Chairman Bryer explained the process of how
the selectmen arrived with the shared planner idea. He stated that the
board met with the Town of Deerfield Board of Selectmen regarding the
following issues: Gulf Rd., a shared planner, and the Pleasant Lake
Watershed Association. He added that the Deerfield selectmen felt that
their town had reached a level that would justify a shared planner and
thus present a warrant article for a shared planner. Chairman Bryer
stated that at that meeting the board thought it was a good idea and
felt that it would be appropriate as a warrant article so that the
people could decide. He added that if he had to do it over again, he
would speak to the planning board. There is a possibility that
Deerfield may contact the Town of Candia as well.
Mr. Bell stated that the planning board could save the town money. He
stated that the planning board would like to utilize SRPC and add
$10,000. to the budget for the purpose of dues. Ms. Smith stated that
there is a contract that would need to be reviewed. She added that the
services from SRPC would be over and above the job description for the
town planner. She further explained that using SRPC is actually buying
only what you need; more per hour than what a planner would be but it
would be less money in the long run. She further explained that she and
Selectman Edwards did meet with staff at SRPC and the operation of SRPC
has been upgraded. They have had staff problem issues in the past but
are working to over come those problems. She stated that by using SRPC
for a year, would allow the town to further view other options. Ms.
Smith stated that $3500. would be for dues and $6500. would be for
other services such as update the master plan, provide a build out
scenario. Ms. Smith stated that the planning board would still
continue with escrow accounts. Selectman Bryer added that perhaps the
board might have rushed into this idea. However, he is concerned with
these issues. Further discussion continued. Ms. Smith added that the
planning board, even as a member of SRPC, did contract out to
independent planners. She added that she feels very confidant with
joining SRPC at this time. Mr. Reitter added that the selectmen should
consider soliciting for general engineering services and looking into
firms. Chairman Bryer asked if it the planning boards recommendation to
use the services for SRPC on a short-term basis. Mr. Bell replied yes.
Chairman Bryer requested Mr. Fournier to contact the Town of Deerfield,
after discussion with the planning board, and budget committee, the
Town of Northwood is changing their position on the planner, as it does
not appear to be receptive at this time.
7:30 Public Hearing - Adoption of Restricting Funds (petitioned warrant article).
Robert Bailey, Joe Holmes, Paul Belliveau were present. Chairman Bryer
opened the public portion. He stated that money would still be under
town control and would be restricted to highway projects such as
construction projects, and maintenance of roads. Selectman Hadley added
that it could not be used for buying down the tax rate. It is
specifically for highway funding. Chairman Bryer stated that currently
there is a budget set up for highway and roads. Revenue comes in and
goes into the general fund. This has always been used to offset the
taxes and has been used this for many years. Further discussion was
held regarding how much money is used for the highway department and
for major reconstructions. This would fund the payments for the bond as
a highway bond grant. Chairman Bryer added that there would still need
to be a maintenance budget for the highway department for sand and
gravel and would still need to be raised through taxation. Mr. Holmes
asked if the intention is to raise $100,000. per year. Selectman Hadley
stated that the state highway block grant would pay for the principle
and interest over a 6 year period; 100%. Mr. Holmes stated he would go
along with this it if it were over and above the highway budget.
Selectman Hadley added this is strictly a capital budget. Chairman
Bryer added that he feels that this would pay for a large portion of
the bond, yet by the third year, the town would need to raise
additional money to cover the bond costs. Mr. Holmes added that it is
cheaper to raise it yearly. Selectman Edwards asked if this analysis
was based on not just receiving money from the block grant. She added
that the current finances of the state should be considered. Selectman
Hadley replied that the state is using the 10 year state highway plan.
He stated it is based on historical data. Chairman Bryer asked if
assumptions have been made that could not happen. Selectman Hadley
replied that three years ago the voters voted to have a 3 year CIP
plan. Chairman Bryer closed the public portion of the hearing.
Selectman Hadley stated that whenever there was a bill to be paid it
always seemed to have the tax payer pay for it. It was his goal as a
selectman to get others to pay for things beside the tax payers. He
added that if the town can use the state grant as an option to improve
the roads. Chairman Bryer closed the public hearing.
Meeting with the Highway Advisory Committee:
Robert Bailey, Joe Holmes, Paul Belliveau were present. Chairman Bryer
Stated that he would like to have one selectman attend the meetings of
the highway advisory committee and have a more active committee. He
added that Marion Knox expressed interest to be a member of the
committee. Paul Belliveau stated that he could attend a meeting once a
month. Joe Holmes agreed along with Bob Bailey, to hold a meeting once
a month. Additional discussion was held regarding terms. Paul Belliveau
stated he would join again. ***MOTION*** by Chairman Bryer to nominate
Marion Knox as a member to the highway advisory committee. Seconded by
Selectman Edwards. Selectman Hadley made the motion unanimous. Motion
passed, 3/0. Chairman Bryer stated that the road agent must be involved
with this committee.
A discussion was held regarding Gulf Road and the selectmen creating a
betterment assessment district. Mr. Belliveau stated that ? of the road
would not be a huge problem as there is ledge. Mr. Bailey described
Winding Hill Road and the possibility of a connection area. Further
discussion was held regarding the Boy Scout camp land and the plan
created by Holden Engineering. Mr. Bailey stated he does have a copy of
the 1986 plan. A letter was reviewed from Ms. Knox. ***MOTION*** by
Selectman Hadley to contact Holden Engineering and to get pricing for
the plan, as the town may be considering to continue with the original
phasing. Seconded by Selectman Edwards. Chairman Bryer made the motion
unanimous. Motion passed, 3/0.
Further discussion was held regarding the Boy Scout lands and trading a
10 acre piece and the open space restriction on the property. Chairman
Bryer stated that the board would wait until after town meeting to
address the issue with the Boy Scout camp.
Further discussion was held regarding studies on Gulf Rd. and the
construction involved. Options discussed were a 50 ft right of way,
abutters easement, and further improvements would be needed to be done
to Winding Hill Rd. Mr. Bailey stated that Ms. Knox may be considering
reducing $50,000. Additional discussion was held regarding the safety
issues of Gulf Rd. The board agreed they need to look into other towns
for policies and for creating a betterment assessment district. Mr.
Holmes stated that some money would be needed. Mr. Bailey stated that
test borings would also need to be done and wetlands permits, etc. He
added that he has spoken to Don Rhoades of Norway Plains &
Associates.
The highway advisory committee scheduled a meeting for March 24, 2004, at 7:00 p.m.
Selectmen's Comments:
Lucy Edwards: Selectman Edwards expressed concern regarding employees
being inappropriately approached to sign petitions during regular work
hours. She suggested that the board create a policy to prevent this
from occurring again that signatures for warrant articles must not be
done while on the clock.
Jim Hadley: Selectman Hadley stated that a sheriffs sale has been
scheduled for March 23, 2004, at USA Springs site in Nottingham. He
added that there was a good turn out at the NHDES public hearing on
February 5, 2004, in Nottingham for USA Springs' new application.
Senator Green was present and was upset that the application was
accepted, as the previous issues have not been resolved.
He presented a copy of the Town of Belmont's policies for laying out
private roads. He added that the Town of Barrington is also developing
these types of policies.
Scott Bryer: Chairman Bryer stated that he would join the highway
advisory committee. He added that the board needs to discuss a list of
goals; personnel policy, getting the highway advisory committee
started; creating a 5 year road plan, and have the road agent get the
bids of the proposed projects for the roads.
Non-Public Session:
***MOTION*** by Selectman Edwards to enter into non-public session
under RSA 91-A:3 II (a, c, & e) at 8:45 p.m. Seconded by Selectman
Hadley. Chairman Bryer made the motion unanimous. Motion passed,
3/0.
***MOTION*** by Selectman Edwards to come out of non-public session at
9:00 p.m. Seconded by Selectmen Hadley. Selectman Bryer made the motion
unanimous. Motion passed; 3/0.
***MOTION*** by Selectman Edwards to seal the minutes of the non-public
session. Seconded by Selectmen Hadley. Selectman Bryer made the motion
unanimous. Motion passed; 3/0.
***MOTION*** by Selectman Edwards to adjourn at 9:15 p.m. Seconded by
Selectmen Hadley. Selectman Bryer made the motion unanimous. Motion
passed; 3/0.
Respectfully submitted,
Lisa Fellows-Weaver
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