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Written by webmaster
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Wednesday, 26 May 2004 |
Board of Selectmen
Minutes
April 13, 2004
Official as of April 27, 2004
Chairman Bryer called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Members Present: Chairman Scott Bryer, Selectman Lucy Edwards, and Selectman Janet DiPaolo
Staff Present: Interim Administrative Assistant Marion Knox, Finance
Administrator Tammie Beaulieu, and Selectmen's Secretary Lisa
Fellows-Weaver.
Minutes:
***MOTION*** by Selectman Edwards to approve the minutes of March 30,
2004, as written. Seconded by Selectman DiPaolo. Chairman Bryer made
the motion unanimous. Motion passed; 3/0.
***MOTION*** by Selectman Edwards to approve the non-public minutes of
March 30, 2004, as written. Seconded by Selectman DiPaolo. Chairman
Bryer made the motion unanimous. Motion passed; 3/0.
Public Input:
Dave Hickey, Building Inspector, met with the board regarding the use
of private vehicles for inspections and other necessary work. He stated
that he has obtained information that should an accident occur with his
vehicle while on the job, the most reimbursement from insurance through
the town is $500. He stated that he is still opposed to the amount of
reimbursement of 0.37 per mile for using your own vehicle. He added
that this does not cover the cost of gas. He stated that if an
agreement on a fee were not reached, he would not continue to drive his
own vehicle on these back roads throughout town for work. He did state
that for workshops, or highway driving, he would continue to use his
own vehicle. Chairman Bryer stated that the board would take this under
advisement.
Mr. Hickey asked if another computer could be purchased for the
building department. He stated that there are two people sharing one
computer. He suggested that if this were to be replaced, he would keep
the old one for the department and possibly having it connected to the
network. Chairman Bryer stated that board would review the budgets.
Mr. Hickey requested an additional telephone for the department. He
explained that there is only one phone to service the three people
within the department and the volume of the telephone calls is extreme.
Selectman DiPaolo replied that she has met with the vendor and there
are procedures talking place to adjust the number of telephone lines.
***MOTION*** by Selectman Edwards to allow the building department to
utilize the truck from the transfer station for back road work. Mr.
Hickey and the road agent will work out a schedule and logging system.
Seconded by Selectman DiPaolo. Chairman Bryer made the motion
unanimous. Motion passed; 3/0.
Mr. Hickey stated that the municipal receptionist used to come in at
8:00 a.m. on Mondays and she now comes in at 9:00. He asked if she
could come in again at 8. He is open at 8 a.m. and is spending a lot of
time on counter issues when he is in the office to catch up on phone
calls and paper work. Ms. Knox will ask Ms. Severance if she would
consider coming in at 8:00 a.m. on Mondays. Mr. Hickey added that he
could change his Monday hours from 8:00 to 9:00 if necessary.
Mr. Hickey stated that Interim Assistant Building Inspector, Donald
Gardiner's time is coming to an end. He asked the board to consider
keeping Mr. Gardiner on a max two day per week on an as needed basis.
He explained that he is working up to 35 hours per week and would like
to cut that back, if possible. He added that this would help him out,
be a good arrangement and would help reduce the department's budget.
Mr. Hickey addressed the Coe Woods Road development. He added that it
is his opinion that the road is not getting done. Chairman Bryer stated
that some funds were released for the road. Ms. Knox stated that she is
currently working with SEA and has requested a total breakdown of all
the roads and what has been completed. Mr. Hickey stated that there
needs to be some communications for the project. The board agreed to
have Mr. Hickey proceed with any necessary communications related to
this project. Mr. Hickey added that the base course on the road now
does not meet the compaction requirements. Additional discussion was
held regarding the estimates provided by SEA. Chairman Bryer expressed
concern that the town is not charging enough for the bonds. Ms. Knox
added that she has written to SEA and no response has been received to
date.
Mr. Hickey addressed the issuance of the building permits on private
roads. He stated that the attorney has stated that even sheds cannot be
issued on these roads. Guidelines from the Town of New Durham have been
provided by the attorney and were previously reviewed by the board. A
discussion was held regarding any buildings on the private roads.
***MOTION*** by Selectman Edwards to approve the issuing of building
permits for sheds only on private roads and class VI roads; no houses,
barns, no garages. Seconded by Selectman DiPaolo. Chairman Bryer made
the motion unanimous. Motion passed; 3/0.
Joann Bailey met with the board, as she was concerned with the area of
Johnson's farm and the greenhouse, which has fallen apart. She
expressed concern with the fact that this is a safety issue. She added
that there are many areas throughout town that need some attention. Ms.
Knox suggested that the police take notice of areas while on their
patrols as well as the building inspector and provide the board with
those properties. Further discussion was held regarding what
constitutes a junkyard. Ms. Knox and Ms. Weaver will review the town's
ordinances regarding this issue.
Reports and Communications from Town Officials:
Finance Report:
Finance Administrator Tammie Beaulieu met with the board regarding the following:
Budget:
M. Beaulieu stated that the amount expended due to the loss of Steve
Fournier, Charles Hillner, and David Crockett is $20,103. Mr. Spike
Bryant was present and added that there is no one to fill the sergeants
position. Chairman Bryer stated that an analysis should be completed of
these salaried positions. Chairman Bryer also asked him to hold off on
filling the position until the analysis is completed and added that
there could be some salary funding issues as this all occurred after
town meeting. Ms. Beaulieu added that the trial balance audit
adjustment left the town with $5,588.99 and there is nothing shown
under vacation. Ms. Beaulieu stated that she will further review and
contact the auditors and will request a motion for moving money from
the trust fund. She stated that in response to the board's request, she
has determined that there is $25,673.41 remaining in the town
administrator's salary line. She noted that there were many bills that
were left over from 2003 that were paid out of the 2004 budget.
Ms. Beaulieu stated that with the help of Ms. Weaver, she is now caught
up with filing and work and will now only need assistance for vendor
runs, which will be 4 hours every other Thursday. She thanked the board
for allowing the additional help.
Meeting:
7:00 p.m. Public Hearing: A public hearing was scheduled to accept
monies from the police insurance claim. Chairman Bryer read the public
notice and opened the public portion. With no comments, the public
portion was closed. Chief D'Alessandro was present and explained that
this money is reimbursement from an accident involving a cruiser, in
which the laptop and radar unit in the cruiser was destroyed beyond
use. Ms. Knox explained that with un-anticipated funds, the board must
hold a public hearing to accept the funds. She added that the
department may then expend the funds with the selectmen's authority.
***MOTION*** by Selectman Edwards to accept the insurance funds of
$5,892.72 and to allow the police department to spend these funds to
replace the laptop computer and radar unit. Seconded by Selectman
DiPaolo. Chairman Bryer made the motion unanimous. Motion passed; 3/0.
Chairman Bryer closed the public hearing.
7:15 p.m. Meeting with Rod Wood: Mr. Wood, the town's assessor,
provided a status report of the town's assessing department. He stated
that all fieldwork for new construction except for 60 parcels has been
completed. The data entry has been started. All boundary line
adjustments and voluntary mergers received from the planning board have
been completed. Mr. Wood stated that he does not anticipate any
problems with meeting the deadline for the first tax bills being sent
out. He anticipates that everything should be completed by May 13 under
normal working conditions. He added that the remainder of the work
should be able to be accomplished within a normal workweek. A request
has been received from Assessing Technician Sue Serino and is deemed a
personnel issue, yet Mr. Wood commented that he feels the work can be
accomplished within a normal workweek.
A discussion was held regarding developing an assessing guideline. Mr.
Wood stated that this is completed and he will provide copies to the
selectmen. He added that with the revaluation completed, new guidelines
would be completed too.
Selectman DiPaolo stated she would like to ride along with the assessor next week regarding the job.
Chairman Bryer asked for an explanation of the building quality codes.
Mr. Wood explained that code A-1 is all basic elements throughout the
store that were bought at a regular store; stock trim; nothing extra
within the house. Style is not a factor in assessing codes. He
explained that different standards might have been applied with Avitar.
Ms. Serino will have completed all of the houses so generally; the
properties will be all assessed equally and will be consistent.
A discussion was held regarding logging times and areas completed by
using the tax map and lot numbers and noting them on the time sheets.
The board discussed the contract and the addendum with Nyberg and
Pervis that was added by the town and the company to make it specific
to each. Ms. Beaulieu will send a letter to Nyberg and Pervis noting
the addendum and the 10% balance that the town should retain until all
abatements are completed.
A discussion was held regarding setting the 2005 tax rate. Mr. Wood
stated that the tax rate when set would include new valuations. He
added that the properties with waterfront would increase approximately
75%. Mr. Wood stated that he would be available more than one day per
week when the tax bills are sent out referencing the increase so to be
available for the public to address their questions.
A discussion was held regarding setting a monthly meeting with the
assessing department and the planning department to go over information
of plans, hand in any completed plans, and answer any questions. This
will allow for better communication and completion of the information
to be delivered to the assessing department for tax purposes. The
meeting was scheduled for the second Thursday of every month for 1-2
hours.
Chairman Bryer called for a recess at 7:30. Session resumed at 7:35.
Administrative Assistants Report:
Consent Calendar (Attached):
***MOTION*** by Selectman Edwards to approve the consent calendar, as
submitted. Seconded by Selectman DiPaolo. Chairman Bryer made the
motion unanimous. Motion passed; 3/0.
Appointments:
***MOTION*** by Selectman Edwards to accept the following appointments.
Seconded by Selectman DiPaolo. Chairman Bryer made the motion
unanimous. Motion passed; 3/0.
Forest Fire Wardens:
1.George Ashford - Warden
2.Vincent Bane
3.Stephen Bailey
4.Fred Bassett
5.Joel French
6.Kevin D. Madison
7.Greg Leblanc
8.David Wakeman
Highway Advisory Committee:
1.A. John Lane - yes
Resignation:
***MOTION*** by Selectman DiPaolo to accept the resignation of
Mary-Elizabeth Nielson, Deputy Town Clerk/Tax Collector, with regret.
Seconded by Selectman Edwards. Chairman Bryer made the motion
unanimous. Motion passed; 3/0.
Meeting with Highway Safety Committee:
***MOTION*** by Selectman Edwards to schedule a meeting with the
Highway Safety Committee, Tuesday, April 20th at 7:00 p.m. with a work
session to follow. Seconded by Selectman DiPaolo. Chairman Bryer made
the motion unanimous. Motion passed; 3/0.
Avitar-Assessing Data on Web Site:
Avitar is doing research on providing assessing data on a web site.
They are attempting to make the cost of a town very low, charging
commercial usage the bulk of the cost. Ms. Knox recommended that the
town not enter into this venture until the revaluation is completed so
information is not provided. The board tabled this issue, but asked
that a letter be sent to Avitar expressing their reason for tabling.
Report on Minolta Copier:
Currently we have been in contact with a representative from Minolta
who is collecting data ion our service agreement and service calls.
This issue to be continued.
Sale of 1989 Truck and Old Cruiser:
A discussion was held regarding the sale of the 1989 International. The
board agreed to go out for sealed bids for the sale of this truck along
with the 1996 Cruiser. Both to be in the same ad. The board requested
minimum bid figures from the road agent. ***MOTION*** by Selectman
Edwards to go out for sealed bids for the sale of the old cruiser and
the 1989 International truck. Seconded by Selectman DiPaolo. Chairman
Bryer made the motion unanimous. Motion passed; 3/0.
Purchase Order for 1993 Truck:
***MOTION*** by Selectman Edwards to approve the PO for the purchase of
a new truck for the road agent at a cost of $7300. Seconded by
Selectman DiPaolo. Chairman Bryer made the motion unanimous. Motion
passed; 3/0.
Complaint on Gulf Road Traffic:
Ms. Knox stated that a complaint has been received regarding the
traffic on Gulf Road. The letter stated that subdivision and building
permits in that area should not be allowed until the access problems
are addressed. A letter will be written to the NH Fish & Game
Department with copies to the state representatives and senators,
expressing concern with the parking area and the area around the dam as
this is a safety issue for the residents in that area. The board
agreed. Ms. Knox suggested a yield sign be placed to warn coming
traffic. The board agreed.
Request to use Northwood Lake for Boat Demonstration:
A request from Eastern Mountain Sports to use Northwood Lake for a
boating demonstration was received and tabled to next Tuesday's
meeting.
Request to use Northwood Lake for Swim Lessons:
The Town of Epsom has requested permission to have the swim lessons at
Northwood Lake beach again from 7/19 - 7/26. Sonya Noyes, director, has
requested that the rafts be in the water and the water tests be
completed prior to these weeks, if possible. The board agreed that the
weeks are okay and would review the fees later in the meeting.
Transfer Station Hours:
Three complaints have been received regarding the Transfer Station
hours on Wednesdays, as there is an increase in traffic at that time
and the angle of the sun is a factor. Chairman Bryer stated that
these hours have been in place for several years and these are the
first complaints. Selectman DiPaolo expressed concern with safety
issues traffic and sunlight. The board discussed changing the hours.
***MOTION*** by Selectman Edwards to keep the hours on Wednesdays, 4-8,
at the transfer station the same. Seconded by Chairman Bryer. Motion
passed; 2/1. Selectman DiPaolo opposed.
Request from Epping for Town Forms:
***MOTION*** by Selectman DiPaolo to deny the request for the release
of town forms. Seconded by Selectman Edwards. Chairman Bryer made
the motion unanimous. Motion passed; 3/0.
RSA 674:41 - Forms and Guidelines:
This issue to be tabled to next Tuesday's work session.
Applications to Build Under RSA 674:41:
The board reviewed the following applications to build:
1. Todd Graham - Lynn Lane
2. HSK - Shore Drive
3. Steven & Tracy Martin - Rita Circle
4. Anne & Scott Davis - Overlook Road
5. Christine Legault - Long Pond Road
6. Scott Behner & Kathryn Wiley - Long Pond Road
7. Thomas & Lorraine Horne - Long Pond Road
***MOTION*** by Selectman Edwards to approve the applications to build
for 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 as stated above. Seconded by Selectman
DiPaolo. Chairman Bryer made the motion unanimous. Motion passed;
3/0.
Graham, #1, was continued to be further reviewed.
Charles Moreno:
Charles Moreno, town forester, inquired about a contract for a proposal
of the timber cuts. The board requested that the conservation
commission review the document.
Purchase Orders for Homeland Security:
Purchase orders from the fire department were reviewed. A discussion
was held regarding whether the grants were matches or 100%.
Barn Preservation Easement:
Barn preservation letters have been sent out and information has been
received from applicants including pictures of the barns. Ms. Knox
explained the assessing department will determine the values of the
barns and the selectmen establish a percentage that they will allow for
the easement. Attorney input was requested for the easement wording. A
public hearing is scheduled for May 25th.
Review of Proposed Fees:
The board reviewed the proposed fees. Ambulance and Medicare fees were
addressed. The fire department mentioned that they would consider
changing the fees next year. The selectmen will finalize these at the
next meeting, 4/20.
Agreement for Controlled Drugs:
An agreement was received from Concord Hospital for possession for
controlled drugs for EMS. ***MOTION*** by Selectman DiPaolo to
allow the chairman to sign the agreement from Concord Hospital for
controlled drugs. Seconded by Selectman Edwards. Chairman Bryer
made the motion unanimous. Motion passed; 3/0.
Transfer Station Fees:
The board requested fees for disposal of electronics, microwaves, and computer monitors, from the Transfer Station.
Selectmen's Comments:
Lucy Edwards stated that Pete Jones met with her and Lisa
Fellows-Weaver regarding updating the web site. She stated that it has
been updated and changed. She suggested that the town switch to a
different host and a different form of software that is based on the
web. The cost now is $29.95 per month and the change could be to $8.00.
She added that the Northwood Community website is now using the
software. She proposed that the board consider this change and further
discuss it at the April 27 meeting.
Janet DiPaolo stated concern regarding excessive load trucks on roads
and the procedures in place are not covering the problem. She suggested
that a follow up be completed on the procedure for bonds being posted
to protect the roads and postings being lifted by a verbal agreement,
as safety is an issue. She added that the phone system is being
reviewed and is being changed to a more efficient system and would be
less expensive to the town. She will provide further updates, as they
are available. She stated that her class in Sugar Hill, presented by
NHMA, was very informative. She added that she registered for the
advanced class for 5/10. She suggested that the board secretary
also attend this meeting on 5/10, in Concord. She added that she is
planning to attend the Selectmen's Institute. The board agreed that the
board secretary should attend on May 10.
Scott Bryer: The personnel policy information was provided to Chairman
Bryer who stated that he would review and revise it. He asked if there
was any information regarding the selectmen's term on the Lamprey
Regional. Ms. Knox replied no. He asked if there was an update on the
jurisdictions on junkyards. Ms. Knox replied that she is still waiting
for a response from NHMA.
Non-Public Session:
***MOTION*** by Selectman DiPaolo to enter into non-public session
under RSA 91-A:3 II(a,c,e) at 8:35 p.m. Seconded by Selectman Edwards.
Chairman Bryer made the motion unanimous. Motion passed, 3/0.
***MOTION*** by Selectman Edwards to come out of non-public session at
10:30 p.m. Seconded by Selectman DiPaolo. Chairman 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 DiPaolo. Chairman Bryer made the motion
unanimous. Motion passed; 3/0.
***MOTION*** by Selectman Edwards to appoint Theodore Thomas to the
Police Commission. Seconded by Selectmen DiPaolo. Chairman Bryer made
the motion unanimous. Motion passed; 3/0.
***MOTION*** by Selectman Edwards to instruct the town attorney to
accept the proposed Giles supplement. Seconded by Selectmen DiPaolo.
Chairman Bryer made the motion unanimous. Motion passed; 3/0.
***MOTION*** by Selectman Edwards to appoint Bill Bushnell to the
Cemetery Trustees with a term to end 3/18/05. Seconded by Selectmen
DiPaolo. Chairman Bryer made the motion unanimous. Motion passed; 3/0.
***MOTION*** by Selectman Edwards to appoint Cynthia Jones Bryer to the
Cemetery Trustees with a term to end at the next elections. Seconded by
Selectmen DiPaolo. Chairman Bryer abstained. Motion passed; 2/1.
***MOTION*** by Selectman Edwards to appoint Bill Upton as a volunteer
to the Cemetery Trustee. Seconded by Selectmen DiPaolo. Chairman Bryer
made the motion unanimous. Motion passed; 3/0.
***MOTION*** by Selectman DiPaolo to advertise the position of
Executive Secretary to the Board of Selectmen, in house. Seconded by
Selectmen DiPaolo. Chairman Bryer made the motion unanimous. Motion
passed; 3/0.
Adjournment:
***MOTION*** by Selectman Edwards to adjourn at 10:35 p.m. Seconded by
Selectmen DiPaolo. Chairman Bryer made the motion unanimous. Motion
passed; 3/0.
Respectfully submitted,
Lisa Fellows-Weaver
Board Secretary |
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