Selectmen’s Meeting
February 16, 2009 6:30 p.m.
Present: T Brooks, F Ruch, L Ladd. Others: C Sheltry (Chronicle), V DeLalla, W Hurley, C Goulet
Brooks/Ladd motion (all voted yes): motion to go into nonpublic meeting under RSA 91-A:3 IIC re reputation re Goulet at 6:31. Discussed employee representation on safety committee. Brooks/Ladd motion (all voted yes): return to public at 6:38.
Paperwork to be resubmitted re Brauer case so it will be held in local jurisdiction.
Signed letter to Attorney Turner re Lambert as lien holder on town property taken from Connary and resold to Vaughan.
Brooks/Ladd motion (motion passed 3/0): accept budget hearing minutes for February 9.
Brooks/Ladd motion (motion passed 3/0): accept minutes for February 9.
Reviewed Corridor 2 information and maps.
DES notice re stimulus money re emissions.
Received $5,000 grant to write Hazard Mitigation grant: could be Hubbard or NCC.
Stratford received $393.000 for railway installation.
Reviewed sample town reports provided by Lyndonville.
Received DES notice of notification required re public notice of deficiency.
Received notice that S Allen will resign as EMD on March 10.
Received lease agreement from town counsel re parking (re warrant article).
Lynch plows the upper part of Christie Rd. privately beyond where town road ends.
Recycle working on storm water permit.
Signed manifest.
Signed list of approved forest wardens.
Appointed Summers EMD as of March 10; appointed Ruch Assistant as of March 10.
Signed appointment of LaFrance as PB member.
Received recycle log.
Goulet purchased scales to weigh bales at recycle.
Hurley asked why rescue vehicle was parked at Zanes.
Brooks/Ladd motion (motion passed 3/0): adjourn at 6:59.
Recorded by PSummers
Selectmen’s Meeting
February 9, 2009 6:40 p.m., Town Hall
Present: T Brooks, F Ruch, L Ladd. Others: T. Blodgett, W. Hurley, S. Allen, V. DeLalla, J Martin (News & Sentinel), W. McMann, W. Zanes, C. Martineau, C. Sheltry (Chronicle), C. Goulet, S Walling, M. Brauer
Ruch attended NCC meeting re economic stimulus. Pre-arranged projects are pretty much required and would get funding. Stratford has no shovel ready projects lined up. DeLalla said this was a reason for CIP; town is not prepared for something like this. Surrounding towns had plans.
Brooks/Ruch motion (vote passed 3/0): approve minutes for Feb 2.
Brooks/Ladd motion (*vote passed 3/0): approve minutes for Feb 5.
Received three school petitions to validate that signers were registered voters—SAU budget on warrant, 15,000 for basketball court, send grades 9-12 to Groveton.
Discussed TRM letter re cell town; Brooks will call tomorrow on it.
Received info on storm water permit application from Goulet.
Received call from WMUR re Windjammer situation; report planned by station.
Reviewed EMD meeting minutes. Allen said a letter should go to residents re likelihood of flooding this year. Also send letter to FEMA and politicians. Board to prepare letter.
Brauer asked what debris—trees, roots, sand. Allen discussed dredging costs 100,00 for 3 days for an amphibious excavator; town doesn’t have this kind of money. Brauer said the cost is higher after a storm than before. Hazard Mitigation rant to be developed—50% matching to rewrite the book. We will get quotes on Bog Brook and Connecticut R. Allen will not be EMD after March.
McMann said high water is because the gates at the dam at Pittsburg cause problems Can we figure out when the ice will get here. Allen said the flow is down between Burns and the sand hill area behind the mill.
Signed reservation or hall for Baptist sale.
Received recycling report.
Goulet went to NCC solid waste recycling meeting. Discussed glass. Got updated on recycle products. It is 20/ton to crush. Need 500 tons.
Received Connecticut River Management plan.
Stinson wants info from PRIMEX on worker comp covering firefighters.
Blodgett asked why Christie Road is plowed. Brooks said selectmen were asked by Lynch to look at closing roads. Selectmen looking at costs and the potential to discontinue 8-10 roads subject to gates and bars.
Allen said there were issues with the town taking out some of the roads; some are ATV trails.
Discussed closing roads.
Brooks/Ladd motion (vote passed 3/0): adjourn at 7:05/
Recorded by PSummers
Budget Hearing Meeting
February 9, 2009 6:00 p.m.
Present: T Brooks, F Ruch, L Ladd. Others: T. Blodgett, W. Hurley, S. Allen, V. DeLalla, J Martin (News & Sentinel), W. McMann, W. Zanes, C. Martineau, C. Sheltry (Chronicle), C. Goulet, S Walling, M. Brauer
Opened meeting at 6 p.m.
Read data in MS-6 budget form: Executive, 86,765; Elections, 3,000; Financial Administration, 54,140; Legal, 4,500; Personnel Administration, 17,300; Planning & Zoning, $2,645; Buildings, 51,100; Cemeteries, 11,365; Insurance, 23,000; Advertising, 801; Police, 36,345; Fire, 34,750; Emergency Management, 2,400; Other (ATV grant) 3,060; Highways, 112,000; Street Lighting, 7,500; Solid Waste, 52,770; Landfill Clean-up, 7,958; Sewer, 65,700; Water, 30050; Health, 912; Welfare, 4,000; Parks, 7,200; Library 12,400; Patriotic, 1,000; Other Culture, 350; Conservation, 1,200, Principal on Bond/Notes, 11,532; Inter4est on Bond/Notes, 15,256; Tax Anticipation, 1,000. Brooks explain much of the increase related to digitized maps contract approved last year, SHFD sewer work, and perambulation of town lines with Columbia. Total of 661,999. No comments from the public.
Read warrant articles in order.
To the inhabitants of the Town of Stratford in the County of Coos qualified to vote in Town affairs: You are hereby notified to meet at Fuller Town Hall on Tuesday, March 10, 2009, at 10:00 a.m. to act on Articles 1 through 24. The polls open at 10:00 a.m. and close at 7:00 p.m.
Article 1. To choose by non-partisan ballot the following Town Officers: 1 Selectman, 3 Years; 1 Town Clerk, 3 Years; 1 Library Trustee, 3 Years; 1 Cemetery Trustee, 3 Years; 1 Trustee of Trust Funds, 3 Years; 1 Treasurer, 3 Years
Article 2. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate $661,999 for the operating budget and, if not, to see what sum the Town will raise and appropriate to defray Town expenses for the ensuing year. This article does not include the cost of the following warrant articles.
Article 3. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the following sums as good will donations for health and/or community organizations: 3,500 Upper Connecticut Valley Home Health; 1,000 Northern Human Services; 1,000 Upper Connecticut Valley Hospital to help defray costs of providing emergency hospital services; 721 Weeks Medical Center Home Health, 1,625 Tri County Community Action Program; 2,900 Tri-County North Country Senior Meals; 3,500 Tri-County North Country Transit; 500 CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocates) for Children; Total 9,746.
Article 4. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the following sums as good will donations for town community efforts. 900 Donation of up to $150 per organization non school-sponsored; 450 Stratford Old Home Day. Total 1,350.
Article 5. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate $2,400 (payable monthly at $200 per month) for a lease agreement with John R. Nugent, Sr., for non-exclusive parking privileges at U01-75 next to Fuller Town Hall. The town is not responsible for graveling or other repairs to the lot. This article does not include the cost of plowing or sanding the lot.
Article 6. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate $2,000 for the Building, Repair & Maintenance Fund for Kimball Hall. (By Petition)
Article 7. To see if the Town will vote to close the Laura Johnson Library. (By Petition)
Article 8. I hereby petition to place an article on the North Stratford’s town warrant for the 2009 Town Meeting requesting acceptance of the roads within the Wood’s Development after bringing such roads to a condition that meets both NHDOT and town standards. (By Petition)
Article 9. To see if the Town will vote to rescind authorization granted to the Planning Board at last year’s town meeting in which it authorized the Planning Board to prepare and amend a recommended program of municipal capital improvement projects under the provisions of RSA 674:5, projected over a period of at least six years, with the sole purpose and effect of the capital improvement program to be an aid to the Board of Selectmen in their consideration of the annual budget. (By Petition)
Article 10. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate $7,180 for the purchase of a glass crusher for recycling, with $3,590 coming from the Recycling Revolving Fund and $3,590 coming from a matching New Hampshire the Beautiful Grant.
Article 11. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to dispose of the Town’s ambulance as it sees fit.
Article 12. To see if the Town will vote to clarify the purpose of the previously established Police Detail Revolving Fund to allow these funds to be spent for the purpose of either purchasing or upgrading needed ATV equipment and/or paying down the ATV budget. (2/3 vote required)
Brooks said Articles 13, 14, and 15 are related. One changes the capital reserve fund purpose; Zanes asked if it were all day voting—no. The next would be voted if the previous passed; the next would be voted if 13 fails. DeLalla asked if both are needed. Brooks said if 13 and 14 pass, 15 would be passed over; if 13 and 14 fail, we would raise the ambulance contract money from taxation.
Article 13. To see if the Town will vote to change the purpose (RSA 35:16) of the existing Ambulance Capital Reserve Fund from purchasing equipment to using funds accumulated in it to pay for the annual ambulance service contract. (2/3 vote required)
Article 14. To see if the Town will vote to raise and authorize the Board of Selectmen to expend $10,718 from the Ambulance Capital Reserve Fund for the Town of Northumberland ambulance service and authorize the Selectmen to sign and agree to the terms and conditions of the associated contract.
Article 15. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate $10,718 for the Town of Northumberland ambulance service and authorize the Selectmen to sign and agree to the terms and conditions of the associated contract.
Article 16. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $28,235 for the purchase of a new police cruiser, with $14,856 to come from the previously established Police Cruiser Capital Reserve Fund and the remaining $13,379 to come from taxation.
Article 17. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to use $2,380 from the previously established Digitized Maps Capital Reserve Fund to put toward this year’s mapping contract. Brauer asked about recommendations; done after hearing, not at the time. He asked which ones are selected to recommend—those related to raising money for CR funds.
Brooks said if Article 16 passes, article 18 will be passed over.
Article 18. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate $3,000 to be added to the previously established Police Cruiser Capital Reserve Fund.
Article 19. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate $25,000 to be added to the previously established Highway and Bridges Capital Reserve Fund.
Article 20. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate $10,000 to be added to the previously established Fire Department Capital Reserve Fund.
Article 21. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate $69 to be added to the previously established Fire Department Expendable Trust Fund, with the full amount to come from the undesignated fund balance.
Article 22. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate $3,000 to be added to the previously established Lawn Tractor Capital Reserve Fund.
Brooks explained that the town had been approached by a cell tower service. Brauer asked if they expressed interest—yes. They are looking at a town property. Brauer said it was a good thing to provide more ability to communicate. Brooks said broadband towers will not carry cell service.
Article 23. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to explore the possibility and potentially enter into a lease agreement with Tower Resource Management for a cell tower on town property to provide cell service and generate revenue for the town.
Article 24. To transact any other business that may legally come before said meeting and to hear reports from any agents or committees heretofore chosen.
Brooks read the total cost of the special and individual warrant articles. Brooks then read through the estimated revenue sources.
McMann asked about payment in lieu of taxes for Nash Stream—estimated at 15,000. McMann asked where money from hollow library would go—trustees would handle it.
Ruch asked about amount to UCVH Health. Brooks said believes these sums are good faith donations. Some accounts are funding through Medicate, etc. We could offer a letter of support>.Government should put more money into them. Brooks spoke to UCVHH; they are paid through private insurance, private pay, and Medicare. Money is used for information classes or clinics. We compared ourselves to surrounding towns, Should have a representative at the meeting to explain/defend what they are asked for. Martineau asked the percentage handled by Weeks vs. UCVHH. Amount lowered to 1,000.
Brauer asked why North Country Transit was not there. Brooks said he believes they canceled because of an emergency. Ruch asked about Tri-Transit drivers. Brooks said he believes they are volunteers. The volunteers are outside of regularly covered area. Many go the other way to Lancaster, which is not covered. Our area is north to Pittsburg. Amount lowered to 1,000.
Donation articles reduced by a total of 5,000.
Allen asked about undesignated fund balance; we are at the middle to lower range.
There being no further discussion, the budget hearing ended at 6:40.
Recorded by PSummers
Selectmen’s Meeting
February 5, 2009 3:30 p.m.
Present: T Brooks, F Ruch, L Ladd. Others: A Bartlett
Discussed and reviewed pictures Brooks has taken. Stratford is the hub. Discussed need for lengthy listings of other business. Focus on five health care centers in the vicinity. Board agreed we are looking for a basic website and we have gone too far. Provided info from Coos County Neighborhoods, which has a write-up on Stratford as an example of info that would be good for the history. Discussed unique marketing of the town—things like a town meeting, for example, where people can participate in a democratic process. Asked for alphabetical order.
Next meeting with A Bartlett will have the site ready by February 19 for access by Board; she will also be available for an hour before the meeting on February 23 at 5:30, if needed.
Bartlett found meeting very successful and exactly what she needed.
Discussed revised warrant articles.
Discussed publishing list of unpaid taxes.
Signed letter expressing appreciation to D Frost for her work on web site.
Brooks/Ladd motion (vote passed 3/0): adjourn at 5:58.
Recorded by PSummers
Selectmen’s Meeting
February 2, 2009 6:30 p.m.
Present: T Brooks, F Ruch, L Ladd. Others: V DeLalla, P Stinson, W Hurley, C Goulet
Stinson discussed R Marquis intent to cut; he paid a partial amount on taxes, but still owes $700+; he will be in tomorrow with the check. Intent to be signed tonight but held for the check before it is processed.
Signed intent for R Marquis (see above).
Will work on employee evaluations in nonpublic at end of meeting.
Court on Wednesday re Brauer.
G Placy still getting back re snowmachine trail.
J Nugent asked about parking lease and if selectmen needed to see him.
Brooks/Ladd motion (vote passed 3/0): accept minutes for Jan 26.
Brooks reviewed lease from TRM re tower; discussing with School Board.
Received police officer application; referred to Chief Walling
Received payroll audit materials from Primex.
Discussed web page e-mails; comments written on documents. Town boat access still missing; again provided list of ski areas; removed Trailstop Café and Emerson Outfitters. Ruch said this was to showcase Stratford; why are we showcasing everyone; why are we advertising for so many places. Discussed medical centers in range vs. two hospitals in area. Ruch suggested calling A Bartlett in for 3:30 on Feb 5.
Signed Primex agreement.
EMD meeting Thursday at 6:30
Received road agent log.
Solid waste meeting in Bethlehem on Feb 3.
Brooks/Ladd motion (all voted yes): go into nonpublic at 6:45 under RA 91-A:3,II(a) to discuss employee evaluations. Brooks/Ladd motion (all voted yes): return to public session at 7:30.
Discussed warrant articles.
Signed letter to S Mason re use of Diamond Road for plowing (across his land).
Brooks/Ladd motion (vote passed 3/0): adjourn at 8:10. Recorded by PSummers
Selectmen’s
Meeting
Present: T
Brooks, F Ruch, L Ladd. Others: V DeLalla, S Allen,
Brooks/Ladd
motion (3 voted yes) to go into nonpublic re RSA-91-A:3,II(i) re emergency
management issue at
Brooks/Ladd motion (3 voted yes): seal minutes for nonpublic session.
Wood developed plan to have townspeople vote to accept road at Woods subdivision. Would not change location on ground (lots on both sides with ROWs in place. Would cut down grade where it comes to Route 3. Overall grade would be cut down. It would tie in at Route 3 and at current grade at top (where underground gas line goes through). Some of road would be above 8%; rest of road would be at state specs. LaFrance suggested board put road on warrant; ask Lynch to ride around with LaFrance and Wood to see if he had other concerns with road.
Ruch said we should sign Primex document. Brooks/Ruch motion (vote passed 3/0): sign worker comp documents re Ruch recommendation.
K Gaudette wants an extension until Thursday.
S Dowse awaiting meeting tomorrow re loan toward repurchase of her property.
Budget meeting rescheduled to
Ladd/Ruch motion (vote passed 2/1 abstain): approve minutes for Jan 2.
Brooks/Ladd motion (vote passed 3/0): approve minutes for Dec 30.
Brooks and Stinson to attend Brauer hearing on February 4.
Norm Broome hired to be maintenance person for town heating systems.
Received information from
Reviewed P &L; received tax collector report.
Signed grant authorization re state reimbursement for state grant.
Signed intents to cut for Bunting Family, C Mello, R Egan, Nash Stream; signed town hall reservation for DeLalla.
Received recycle report.
R Burton here on January 12 from 3-4.
Brooks expressed appreciation to Goulet, Ruch, Zanes, Stinson III, Summers, Smart, and Harris for work related to furnace..
B Holcombe will rope off for snow machines to stay in trail.
Brooks to meet with Placy re Nugent and snow machine trail.
K Gaudette to
have money by
LaFrance
discussed environmental review of town land at
Brooks expressed appreciation on behalf of town for work he has done for town at no expense.
Brooks/Ladd motion (vote passed 3/0): adjourn at
Recorded by PSummers
Selectmen’s
Meeting
Present: F Ruch, L Ladd. Others: C Smart, C Stinson (via speakerphone), C Goulet, Norm Broome (via speakerphone)
The meeting was called following nearly a week and a half of problems with the furnace. Rymes has been working with us on it. We have had cold water alarms several nights and a number of employees/selectmen have been up on numerous nights to try to get the furnace running (or to monitor the propane heater loaned the town by C Goulet).
Offices and fire station ere about 45 degrees this morning, although set at 70. Furnace is still running rough. The propane torpedo heater has been used twice to day to heat the town office area to try to bring building heat up; temporary fix only. Stinson said the propane use was not a safety hazard the way it was being used but to keep an eye on the carbon monoxide detectors.
Office contacted Elmer Lang of Rymes this morning; he is still truing to get hold of a head serviceman to look at the furnace. He is awaiting a callback.
Smart suggested the board look at a company for dealing with the furnace and a separate company for fuel oil, rather than combining the job. We need to rely on a technician, not an oilman.
There are two circulators; Goulet agreed the systems may be air bound and may need to be bled.
The pumps are working Goulet said they need to move water. We need the head of a company, not an untrained worker.
The selectmen
went through a list of potential plumbers—Calvin Crawford, Norm Broome,
Office called
Norm Broome’s business on speaker phone and described the problem; wife called
back to say he could be here at
Ladd/Ruch motion (vote passed 2/0): hire Norm Broome to look at/fix the furnace problem. Called back to Broome’s office to confirm we wanted to hire him.
Board agreed they were looking for a regular maintenance provider for it, not the oil provider.
Goulet asked to donate some time to the furnace and signed a volunteer agreement. Goulet and Smart to be paged when Broome arrives.
Board took a tour of the furnace room, fire station heating (fans, propane tank, electric heater, etc.), and office heating (baseboard, floor movement, wall cracks, etc.).
Broome did an initial review of the furnace, discussed the problem with Smart, Goulet, the office, and the selectmen. He then explained what he thought the problems were and how he would address them. He will take the old horn home and adjust it; in the meantime, he will adjust the new horn so it works better. The new horn is not set up for pressurized burning; the old horn is what needs to be on there.
Office to meet with Broome by
Ladd/Ruch motion (vote passed 2/0): adjourn at
Recorded by PSummers
Selectmen’s
Meeting
Present: T Brooks, F Ruch, L Ladd. Others: S Dowse, C Stinson, C Whiting
Dowse has paperwork in; closed at end of week; expects to hear next week. Board continues to wait.
Ladd reported meeting
with P Gavin; if
Ruch reported increase in welfare cases, particularly housing and heating.
Brauer case rescheduled to Feb 4.
Signed lien agreement with H Saunders.
Ruch/Ladd motion (vote passed 3/0): accept minutes for December 15 and 18.
Brooks/Ladd motion (vote passed 3/0): accept Nordberg contract and encumber balance of cemetery budget.
Brooks/Ladd motion (vote passed 3/0): authorize drawndown from Highway CRF, if needed.
Employee evaluations held over.
Discussed furnace problem; discussed liner for chimney.
Okay for snow machine club to use sidewalk by store; will try unless there is a complaint.
Brooks said he was not under impression it was bartering to plow Nugent lot by garage if town got permission for snow machine trail over to it. Brooks to follow up with Placy, but it is not a quid pro quo. Ruch said there was a problem re insurance and re quid pro quo. Brooks to follow up with G Placy. Nugent has told town it cannot plow by old garage area.
Received Groveton Ambulance contract. Haven not heard from 45th Parallel group.
Primex contract to be reviewed.
CU rates changes;
contact R Burton re impact on town. Contact reps from
Purchased plate for rescue vehicle.
Discussed sealed
bid—residents only—re selling 5-6 cords of wood cut from trees falling at
Discussed water system deficiency.
Discussed roof over meter; Smart to handle it.
Received quote from Smith printers.
Received postings from school re candidate filings and budget hearings. Town to reschedule 2nd budget hearing so as not to conflict.
Reviewed DES test requirements.
Received Normandeau proof of insurance.
New contact at DRA.
Received notice of Time-Warner Cable franchise fee—continues to fall.
Received No. Human Services request for town warrant - $1,000.
Town to renew NRRA membership.
Thank you from
Received notice of DES state aid reduction.
Received volunteer agreement forms from Primex.
Inauguration Day is not a holiday at the town.
Signed septage hauler application for Joel White and for Bolens.
Board discussed torpedo heater purchase—170,000 btu is $259; Stinson recommended buying two small ones—75,000-100,000 btu for $165 each; also need propane tanks. Also need regulators; add freight.
EMD discussed problem—spike in gauge from 8 to 12 feet with little rain. Brooks suggested calling River control people or wetlands or DES to discuss status. Stinson to follow up.
Put money in budget for perambulation.
Signed letter to M Lynch requesting road log.
Signed 1st Colebrook Bank tax anticipation loan document. Treasurer also needs to sign form.
Signed letter to Moody’s Investors re request to review audits.
Received a variety of newsletters.
Stinson asked about size of LGC bond and insurance for town officials; follow up with LGC.
Discussed expanding book shelf area into the front room, while including the business aspects/welcoming center previously envisioned. Will discuss with Library Trustees re further use of space by library.
Ruch/Ladd motion (vote passed 3/0): adjourn at
Recorded by PSummers
Selectmen’s
Meeting
Present: T Brooks, F Ruch, L Ladd. Others: M Lynch, D Frost, C Smart, C Goulet, C Martineau, C Harris, J Avery (by telephone), W Zanes
Lynch presented
and discussed highway budget proposal. Anticipate using money out of capital
reserve for next year for
Smart presented and discussed sewer budget proposal. Backup pump is coming out of the sewer reserve. He wants to rebuild the sewer truck. Needs to buy a dosing pump (about 10 years old). The rash pump may be shared in cost with water. RPZ is reduced pressure zone—put it on the fire hydrant to get water into the tanks to break up solids (no backflow)—has two check valves. Brooks approved of Smart/Harris buying/sharing purchases with other departments as needed. Formerly a fire truck has been used to hose down, so last time it was done via the hydrant. Smart explained lagoon field process.
Goulet presented
and discussed recycle budget. He asked about raises for recycle—incentive for
the department. He has added electronics, fluorescent light bulbs, snow removal
and cleanup after Lynch, putting tires inside, baling, etc. There is more work
on the employees. Holding recyclables until price is better. He will replace
the 100-amp panel. He will replace the fluorescent lighting and mercury
lighting fixtures. He will get rid of T-12s and save on energy. Goulet asked if
recycling would continue; Brooks said it was voted by town meeting. He can go
all winter holding recyclables until the market comes back. He needs to do more
work on the new building and on the office building. Doesn’t know what the
costs will be for selling materials. Increased cost for diesel fuel. Brooks
asked about request to buy glass crusher. He will try for a grant to pay for
part of it. This will make more work for employees. He will crush it into
hoppers and use it for road drainage. He is stockpiling it and covering it with
dirt, which is not good. For a thousand tons, someone will come and crush it
for pay. He hasn’t talked to Lynch about using it yet; the state has not yet
been using it. Brooks said the cost for a community system was $6,000; he was
concerned about whether a smaller one would work. Ruch asked about putting it
on the CIP or setting up a capital reserve. He needs to do a storm water drain.
In front of the compactor, he needs more drainage. Also repairing drainage near
where tires used to be stored. Drainage off
Goulet presented and discussed planning board budget. Brooks said he needed to put the phone back in rather than use the senior’s phone. Discussed having building and occupancy permits; discussed whether this needed to go before the town meeting for a vote.
Martineau presented and discussed library budget. There are extra costs for business phone and dedicated computer phone. People asking for extra hours—four hours in the morning each week—lots of new people coming in. She is also asking for a new computer. They have given out 370 cards. There are no appointments being made at Laura Johnson.
Harris presented
and discussed water budget. He needs to put in new valve on
Harris presented and discussed health department budget. Nothing changed.
Zanes presented
and discussed cemetery budget. Have put in for a grant for stone work but
haven’t heard about it yet. He wants to do some line bushing. The contract for
mowing may be much higher next year; the current person did it for a quarter of
the price but has indicated he may not do it next year. Need to stain the
Summers started to present and discuss town buildings proposal. Brooks suggested looking at selling some of the town lands. Discussion was carried over to next meeting.
Ruch/Ladd motion (vote passed 2/0; Brooks abstained):
adjourn at
Recorded by PSummers
Selectmen’s
Meeting
Present: T
Brooks, F Ruch, L Ladd. Others: A
Stinson said
association was acquiring a rescue truck from
Zanes asked about Christmas tree. Bottom boughs were trimmed off. Lights are on inside instead of outside of tree. LED lights are not as bright. Goulet said tree needed to be pruned next year. Stinson said a bucket is needed to strip down tree and shape it; get estimate for pruning and estimate for bucket truck. Brooks will follow up.
Dowse reported she was working with credit company re repurchasing her property. She needs a little extra time because of the holiday period.
Ruch asked about
actual date for CIP meeting.—tomorrow in
Ladd met with P Gavin re brown fields; reviewed the town property at Bog/Bordeau. There is money for assessment, but not cleanup. If contamination found, we are required to clean it up. Cleanup will cost $5,000-50,000. She does not want to do the study unless she knows the town will vote to clean it up. Can apply in subsequent years because funds will remain available for studies.
Brooks checked storm drain on
Brooks asked about plastic shields for entrance way.
Eaves drip on railroad station deck; bench moved for a better walkway to building. Get price for concave mirror.
Ladd/Ruch motion (vote passed 2/0): approve minutes for Dec 8.
Ladd/ Brooks motion (vote passed 3/0): approve minutes for Dec 11.
Follow up on Moody request re information on town bonds.
To receive final payment on train station.
NRRA membership form received.
Renewed line of credit at bank.
Brooks/Ruch motion (vote passed 3/0): draw down balance of highway expenditures from Highways Capital Reserve.
Letter re spike costs in requirement; received definition of what a permanent employee is per retirement department.
Received two thank yous re
receiving funds and one complaint re criteria re
Received public health questionnaire.
Signed manifest.
Signed intent to cut for E Marceau.
Signed letter to department heads re updating their inventories of department properties.
Signed letter of appreciate to S. Allen as planning board alternate.
Signed town hall reservation for PB for downstairs.
Goulet said chairs were removed from his PB room; he wants to replace them with new ones—new cost approximately $300 each.
Received various newsletters.
Coos Symposium on January 8 at Cabot; Brooks would like to attend.
Goulet said he heard rumors town’s counsel didn’t know what he was talking about re planning board.
Discussed fire department budget. Discussed FEMA grant; matching share for warrant article. Lifespan on bunker and other gear.
Brooks/Ladd motion (vote passed 3/0): adjourn at
Recorded by PSummers
Selectmen’s
Meeting
Present: T Brooks, F Ruch, L Ladd. Others (brief appearances): C Smart, M Bilodeau
Board reviewed and discussed budget proposals from departments; discussed essential needs of town and current financial situation. Board reviewed pay rates.
Board agreed to write letter requesting departments provide inventories as part of year end and part of audit GASB requirements.
Brooks/Ladd motion (vote passed 3/0): adjourn at
Recorded by PSummers
Selectmen’s
Meeting
Present: F Ruch, L Ladd. Others: D Frost, V DeLalla, C Goulet, C Smart, S Dowse, C Whiting
Frost presented proposed layout for website.
Smart asked to use reserve to buy pump--$4,200. It would be used as spare for use during flood. Ladd/Ruch motion (vote passed 2/0): approve expenditure of $4,200 for pump.
Dowse asked about getting her tax deeded property back; she is working on loan to pay back whole amount. She should know next Monday what situation is and will return to meeting.
Selectman Stohl of Columbia called re quote for perambulation; they will look for a forester and get a quote; they have received ours from Ainsworth (which appears high).
Have not received Gaudette payment; repeatedly promised but not paid.
Ladd/Ruch motion (vote passed 2/0): accept minutes for December 1.
Received wreath from Fortin Property Management.
Received DES notice on sampling at landfill.
Received signed copy of Rymes contract.
Received Fairpoint request for property cards.
Received DES notice of water violation re bacteria; referred to Harris.
Received request from Goulet to be reimbursed for plywood. Ladd/Ruch motion (vote passed 2/0): reimburse Goulet for use of his plywood.
Notice of PSNH rate increase of 10.5%.
Weeks requested warrant article for $721 for home health.
Received Time-Warner on negotiations re channels they carry.
Signed manifest.
Signed abatement for F Cavanaugh to correct error.
Received recycle report.
Received recycle report from Goulet.
Signed
Signed town hall reservation for December 21 for dinner for seniors.
Signed town hall reservation for M Bilodeau on December 13.
Brand presentation meeting on December 15 at 4 in Colebrook.
Snow guards to be done December 17.
Discussed impact of economic situation on town finances.
Ladd/Ruch motion (vote passed 2/0): adjourn at
Recorded by PSummers
Selectmen’s
Meeting
Present: T Brooks, F Ruch, L Ladd. Others: V DeLalla, C Harris
Brooks said he needs to have drive work done under the Tillotson fund. He also wants to ask Northern Insulation re quote re insulating the ceiling at town station.
Will need to draw down money above budget from Highways CRF before end of the year.
Ladd/Ruch motion (vote passed 2/0): approve minutes for November 24.
Received
Ainsworth quote for Stratford/Columbia perambulation of town lines for $8,300;
forwarded to
Received letter from North Country Elderly Program—no use of telephone at town hall expect for the seniors for emergency purposes.
Received highway block grant amounts for next year from state.
DRA received notice of tax billing from tax collector.
Storm drain by tennis court is paved and as it has been per M Lynch; not a problem as far as he can see. Board to look at the area.
Signed letter to Unified Towns & Gores of Ferdinand and Lewis we do not have facilities to handle coverage of their towns next year.
Resigned snow guard quote.
Signed supplemental tax warrant.
Signed letter to D Smith re changing recycling hours on cable channel.
Signed intent to cut re J Brown.
NC Council corridor 3 meeting Dec 16 at 7 in town hall.
Received recycling report.
Received LGC court update booklet.
Brooks/Ladd
motion (all voted yes) to go into nonpublic under RSA 91-A:3,II(c) at
Harris said it would cost $8,600 to replace meter and software. Received second positive bacteria notice (total coliform)—notice will need to be posted to town. He will need to do five more samples. Not currently disinfecting; may need chloride if it does not clear up.
Brooks/Ladd
motion (all voted yes) to return to the recessed nonpublic session at
Signed letter to L Renaud re
Can buy mirror for library if needed.
Brooks/Ruch motion (vote passed 3/0): adjourn at
Recorded by PSummers
Selectmen’s
Meeting
Present: F Ruch, L Ladd. Others: V DeLalla, C Goulet, W Hurley, C Stinson
Received notice re Brauer eviction.
Board attended CIP meeting.
Have not gotten quotes for Primex and LGC
Awaiting Gaudette payment re tax deeded property.
No change on sustainability conference
Ladd/Ruch motion (vote passed 2/0) approve minutes for November 17.
Ladd/Ruch motion (vote passed 2/0): accept resignation of S Allen as Planning Board alternate.
Ladd/Ruch motion (vote passed 2/0): accept Toys for Tots request for reimbursement for $150.
County hearing December 8 at 9 at Stewartstown – 2009 up by $3,159,078.
Refer emergency management package to S Allen.
Received letter from attorney re Rymes contract.
Received recycle
report. Goulet does not want to do digging this year. He will contract gravel this
year. He will move trailer this Friday. He will hold onto bales through winter.
Has a flat tire on skid steer; taken to Northern Tire
for repair. Wood being cleaned up by
Goulet received 2 quotes on snow guards—Worth Snow Guard and JDAB. Worth needs half up front before ordering material; board needs to agree to contract. Board agreed to quote from Worth Snow Guard.
Goulet said swap shop is 8 x 12; it will be built by Gaudette and hauled there.
Received DES letter re bacteria samples—Harris is taking samples.
Received Army Corp report on river—cut trees and brush on river bank.
Signed manifest.
Signed letter to J Nugent re plowing.
Signed intent to cut re
Signed yield warrant for $1,016.30.
Signed transmittal letter to Rymes re fuel contract.
Signed letter re LeRoy property taken by tax deed.
Signed letter re Dowse property taken by tax deed.
Ladd/Ruch motion
to go into nonpublic session at
Ladd/Ruch motion (vote passed 2/0): to see nonpublic minutes
at
Ladd/Ruch motion
(vote passed 2/0): town will not offer service agreement to
Stinson purchased mandated safety vests re federal requirements.
Reviewed profit and loss statement.
Ladd/Ruch motion (vote passed 2/0): adjourn at
Recorded by PSummers
Planning Board Minutes
November 18,
Planning Board members present: Frances Ruch, Gary Paquette, Charles Goulet, Steve Allen (Alternate), Jim Brown (until CIP portion), Tom Allin.
Planning Board members absent: Steve LaFrance, Roger Stinson, and Scott Mason (Alternate)
Others present: Richard Feltham, William Zanes, Sonya Zanes, Vicki DeLallla, and Charles Stinson III
Paquette/ Ruch motion (vote passed 5/0): accept minutes for October 21.
Goulet provided handouts re CIP and PB procedures. He asked members to read and review the material.
Goulet stated he and Ruch meet with town counsel on Monday per the request of the PB to discuss the proposed Feltham subdivision. Goulet said the Guinard lot is one parcel because of Route 3. The Ratcliff parcel is a separate lot from it. The PB will use a lot line adjustment for the Tindle property. A lot line or boundary adjustment is considered the same thing as a small subdivision. When the Tindle lot is done, the rest of the property is one lot that cannot be subdivided because there is not enough frontage. The boundary adjust can be made but there can be no further subdivision. Feltham objected, saying rules could change in the future and there might be a time when a subdivision of that lot could be considered. There will be no ROW to the Tindle lot as shown on the old map provided by Feltham. Goulet said the PB will consider a minor subdivision to change the boundary of the Tindle/Winnipesauke lot. Feltham was instructed to bring a new Mylar and plans at the next meeting. He will provide an application at that meeting as well. The abutters are to be notified. Feltham said the Ratcliffs are gone; they have canceled out. There is a chance the other owner will cancel out as well. It will take two meetings to complete the adjustment—acceptance of the application/Mylar and then notice to abutters and final hearing.
Goulet said Tara Bamford of North Country Council was coming to explain the process for the CIP. He handed out Chapter VI of the OEP, which deals with CIPs, and asked the PB to review it while they waited for Bamford’s presentation.
Bamford said a CIP is a list of unusual, big-ticket items
on a budget, not the routine items; it is a kind of shopping list. It covers
such things as equipment replacement, building additions, and major building
repairs. The law requires the CIP to be a six-year plan. It is redone annually.
The selectmen would take No. 1 on the prioritized list and make it part of the
budget for that year. They would then review the rest of the list. Town meeting
provided the authorization. In meeting, the PB needs
to follow public meeting laws. The end result will be a list of projects
prioritized for six years. The PB will get input from
the departments. It will confer with the selectmen. It also needs to confer
with the school board. The OEP guidance shows some
lengthy analytical plans, but the PB doesn’t
necessarily have to do that. Bamford provided a
sample from
Bamford said the reason to have a CIP is to avoid the costs of deferred maintenance by replacing and rehabilitating now rather than in an emergency. It also increases communication and cooperation between departments. There may be a while pile of needs in front of the PB. The idea is to spread large costs out over different years to keep the tax rate level. It gets people together to talk, to think about grants, and to think through savings in CRF. It is a way to get public support for the budget. The budget needs to be transparent at the town meeting.
The first step is to define what is called a capital improvement project—how will the PB define such a project—will be be $75,000, or, more commonly, $5,000. Look at what the cheapest piece of equipment is that is replaced regularly. Define what a capital improvement project is by price and by lifespan. Don’t include operating and maintenance expenses. You could include design, engineering, revaluation, and property acquisition projects.
Another step is to look at the history of capital spending. For example, what has been bought in the past five or six years, what are the costs of these purchases, were bonds used, was money put into capital reserve funds, were there emergency purchases, what is the average annual spending on capital improvements.
Another step is tax rate, revenues, expenses, school costs, and the trends in each area. Look at the tax rate—how do different levels of spending for capital improvement projects affect the tax rate. The spreadsheets in the OEP are downloadable so the PB doesn’t have to reinvent the wheel. The school is a different piece of the tax rate. The CIP would identify trends in operating expenses of the town. It would look at revenue trends and identify them—property tax revenues vs. non-property tax revenues. It would then forecast based on the trends the potential expenses and revenues. Then look at the Master Plan.
Then get input from the departments. There is a sample letter/form in the OEP to request information needed, to ask departments about their priorities. This letter/form needs to be personalized for the town—the items on it need to reflect the needs and reality of the town.
The PB needs to decide how to prioritize things; guidelines need to be in place, preferably before the requests for items come in from the departments so there is no prejudice in selection or prioritization procedures. Health and safety are usually a first priority. You need to come up with an objective, not a subjective, tool for deciding priority.
Then put together a list for the six years. Include cost of equipment and cost to operate. Have a public hearing and adopt the list. The PB CIP is a recommendation to the Selectmen. It is not a requirement for a town to have a CIP.
To sum up, set an amount for a cutoff, get an estimate of costs, usually start the process in the spring (this will be for 2010, not 2009), look at what is requested this year and six years after that. The purpose is so the selectmen will know what is coming up for the town down the road. It is a budgeting tool to help the selectmen.
NCC can help the town up to 100 hours of free assistance. They could come to a monthly meeting and could start the committee. They would do the same thing as was done for the Master Plan, giving out homework for people to do.
Once a plan is in place, they might be able to apply for grants to help the town get economic development money grants to help with projects the town can’t afford. The plan should include, the town, the school, water, and sewer. Having a plan might help in getting a grant.
Goulet said he thought the CIP was mandatory. Bamford said it is not mandatory for a town to have a CIP.
The PB agreed to continue with the CIP and have NCC do it for them. For the next meeting, the PB needs to look at the cutoff price for capital improvement projects, talk about the letter and revise it for the town, and determine how a capital improvement is defined (price). After that, it will ask the departments for priority lists.
Bamford said not to think in terms of this year’s town meeting. Get suggestions. Get a form for people to fill out that gives the priority and why it is a priority, and the estimated cost. Use the sample form in OEP Chapter ,6, pages 29-31, but set it up to work for the town. Define the cutoff. Fit the form to the town. Define costs and useful lifespan of equipment.
The next meeting with Bamford will be in January at the regular PB meeting. Revise the form for the December meeting and send it out. NCC will help with financial analyses of the town budget. The plan is advisory to the selectmen. The employees are required to participate; thus, they should be paid for working. The salary would come from their department budgets.
Bamford said if needs are identified and the town can’t afford them< the next step is to see if grant funding can be found. Allen said the town would have a problem if it had to provide a matching share because the town is hurting as far as finances go.
Goulet said we
need to be planning ahead. Bamford said each
department could be invited to one meeting after their priority list form ahs
been received by the PB. The next PB
meeting is December 16; the CIP portion is at
Discussion
followed that their might be a conflict with the Route 3 corridor study, which
is scheduled for the same day—this is a kickoff meeting in each community. Confirmed that CIP for December is on the 16th at
Paquette/Allin motion (vote passed 4/0): adjourn at 8:45.
Recorded by PSummers
Selectmen’s
Meeting
Present: T Brooks, F Ruch, L Ladd. Others: C Stinson, W Hurley, C Sheltry, C Goulet, V DeLalla, M Lynch, J Nugent
Brooks to supply business names and some photos for website.
Signed Brauer eviction papers re attorney Riff request.
CIP meeting tomorrow at
Office hasn’t called for Primex and LGC liability insurance, worker comp insurance, and health insurance quotes for comparison yet.
Stinson working on Lambert letter re attorney.
Ladd/Ruch motion (vote passed 3.0): approve minutes for November 10.
Recycle received trailer for storage of bales from school in exchange for lumber for shed; will cost to transport.
Rymes contract not fulfilled without signed contract from Rymes. Board decided it was null and void, but Rymes says it is a binding contract. Need to write a letter stating conditions of contract have not been met. Await letter from John Rymes; then respond.
Board agreed to support children’s holiday party, minus 4% cut to all departments.
Lagoon permit accepted for 10 years.
Goulet to
construct building at recycle; material is from trees cut on site. He will
contract with Dwayne Donovan from
Received Cartographic base map as part of digitized maps being purchased.
Ruch asked about holding recycling since prices are low; Goulet plans to stockpile what we have.
Discussed Nugent parking lot area, liability, plowing. No quid pro quo for an abatement for him using area. As far as trails, it is up to clubs and the state—the town has no authority. We have not looked into liability situation. Brooks suggested lease agreement for parking as warrant article at town meeting—this would be in place until Nugent sells property or business uses it. Lynch suggested talking with town attorney. Board to query LGC.
Brooks to follow up on runner for library to prevent slipping.
Signed manifest.
Signed abatement for sewer for R Hapgood for $234.65.
Received letter from Library Trustees approving Dr. Spina as volunteer.
Signed equalization ratio report.
Signed timber contract with G Ainsworth.
Awaiting data from
Signed Scared Heart raffle permit.
Signed reservation for Nulhegan Ladies for children’s holiday part on December 20.
Signed audit contracts with Masson & Rich; GASB portion to be spread over two years
Signed fire warden bill for $177.
Received recycle report.
Received NH DES environmental news bulletin.
Reviewed budget work session timelines; change times to
W. Hurley asked about a garage for school busses. Brooks spoke to company—some interest in a parking, bus cleaning area, potential shed, etc. Looking at old log yard (owned by Castmins).
Lynch said citizens need to understand it is not town responsibility to maintain driveways. If they put a culvert in that is too small, it is not town’s responsibility. Need to send notice out. Provide RSA or other handout for people. If he is doing ditch work, he tries to do what he can, but we cannot take over doing driveways at town cost. Discussed having driveway permits. If driveway causes damage to town road, town should not have to pay for it.
On old
Lynch provided letter re rates for equipment vs. 10% discount on work outside contract, rather than separate rates. Board agreed.
J. Nugent discussed letter received in August/September from assessor/selectmen re abatement. Brooks said when town was assessed 10 years ago, board agreed to back assessor; procedure is to file abatement if taxpayer believes there is an error; if selectmen turn it down, taxpayer can go to BTLA. Nugent said water and sewer never hooked up. He asked about reducing assessment because of no water or sewer line going in.
Nugent asked about a trail to his station; there is trail down to N. Stratford Market. Brooks said it was up to club to get permission from state to cross over to Nugent’s; town does not have jurisdiction. Nugent said there was greater safety issue crossing two active rail lines than there was on Route 3 in his area. Brooks said to contact state and if there is crossing state approves, town would permit crossing of town property. Nugent said he permits senior citizens to use his parking area and he doesn’t plan to stop that use. He suggested town contact snow machine and ATV clubs re providing equal access to all town businesses. He doesn’t want to close off parking, but he thinks businesses should be treated fairly. Brooks will look into issue.
Brooks asked about liability if someone falls on parking lot. Nugent said he expected he would be sued because he is landowner. Town might also be sued.
Brooks/Ladd motion (vote passed 3/0): adjourn at
Recorded by PSummers
Selectmen’s
Meeting
Present: T Brooks, F Ruch, L Ladd. Others: M Lynch. S Walling, C Goulet, V DeLalla, Miriam Sweatt, Frederick Sweatt, P Stinson, C Harris
Walling asked to encumber balance of ATV funds. He asked to increase rate of payment to $20 from $18 an hour. Board agreed.
Sweatt asked about problems caused at her house by NHCR next door causing problems. Brooks requested that she provide documentation for a hearing—documentation was previously requested but she did not provide it; E Jeffery did provide data at that time. She said his place is open late at night. Brooks said the land use ordinance is subjective. He recommended she call the town or state police to report if there is a problem at night. Jeffrey leaves the engine running for long periods. Brooks told her to get a free sample kit for the state—she has done it twice. She stated he was polluting river and killing trees. Brooks said DES has inspected. He paints and sandblasts in inappropriate areas. A forklift is run repeatedly and her building vibrates. He uses something that causes stoves and furnaces to rust. Brooks suggested she call Ray Burton or other representatives. She can’t get insurance because of situation.
Goulet asked about drainage at transfer station; he has talked to Lynch who has right of first refusal; if Lynch can\t get to it in a timely manner, someone else can be hired. Goulet said Lynch said the culverts and drainage work at recycle is his. Discussion followed between Lynch and Goulet. He also wants to do work at the town shed. This will be 3-5 days—not a big deal if the work is started and it can’t be finished. Lynch has work lined up for the next couple weeks.
Lynch said his contract covered plowing, grading, gravel, etc at recycle are his to do out of his budget.
Lynch asked to
put bridge off until June. He can store bridge there. He has culvert and work
on
Brooks said town
did not want to buy Nugent’s garage; he asked about plowing that area. If we
plow and maintain it, we take on liability. Discussion followed re plowing at
the end of
Board agreed to put off Old Mill bridge until summer, after school is out.
Gaudette paid on repurchase of her property.
Ladd/Brooks motion (vote passed 3/0): approve minutes for November 3.
Library Trustees asked about work at train station; pay Smart out of grant.
DES provided lead/copper violation notice; referred to Harris. Harris reported samples have been received; violation relates to timing. He will post the notice around town and send notice with water bills.
Harris reported the water meter failed; the original cost $6,000; he is looking at repairs first, and replacement if necessary
Board reviewed budget.
Manifest signed.
Signed deed waiver refusing to take L Tyler property (no benefit to town).
Signed final closeout re train station.
Signed notice accepting FEMA grant money.
Signed poles & wires form re PSNH re poles on
Received recycling report.
Received notice of tax collector mailing of taxes.
Reviewed data on CERT volunteer benefits re LGC notice.
Goulet to bill town for circuit breakers and cables for music.
Brooks/Ladd
motion (all voted yes): go into nonpublic at
Brooks will not be here on November 24.
Brooks/Ruch motion (vote passed 3/0): adjourn at
Recorded by PSummers
Selectmen’s
Meeting
Present: T Brooks, F Ruch, L Ladd. Others: V DeLalla, S Mason, M Lynch
Brooks/Ruch motion (vote passed 3/0) to recess to November 4
at
M Lynch meeting
regarding
Brooks/Ladd motion (vote passed 3/0): accept minutes for October 27 (with auditor).
H. Connary
recommended selectmen contact Barry Transportation,
Time Warner taken over by Windjammer.
Received letter from attorney re Lambert mortgage re property notification; referred to Stinson for follow-up.
Received recycle report. Fees for recycle now extremely low.
Baby wipes, etc. cannot go into septic systems; notification will go to users.
Request by librarian for volunteer; signed letter asking for recommendation of Library Trustees.
Tax warrant signed for $809,994.35.
Signed oath of office for inspectors of election.
Signed volunteer forms for student counters from honor society: K Gilcris, C McLain, M Hakey, and A Scott; observer is A Theberge; this is for community service.
Lynch talked to bridge company; footings finished. Cure time would be following week—into December for finish time. Per LaFrance, cold will not affect this. Early snows when Lynch is not available would be a problem. Start to finish is four weeks. Will start bridge in about three weeks. Send notice to SAU re closing bridge for four-five weeks during installation of bridge.
Board to look at
Recessed per motion above.
Recorded by PSummers
Selectmen’s
Meeting
Present: T Brooks, F Ruch, L Ladd. Others: V DeLalla, P. Stinson
Met with auditor at 3 to discuss contracts.
Receive quote for snow dogs re recycle (their budget).
Reviewed applications for firemen from C Stinson. Brooks/Ladd motion (vote passed 3/0): hire pending criminal back ground check and physical.
Tax rate is $21.74 (last year was $19.98.
Reviewed budget.
Ladd/Ruch motion (vote passed 3/0): approve minutes for
October 27 (meeting with auditor at
Signed manifest.
Signed Nighthawks snow machine club application for trail on town lands.
Signed DES request for reimbursement of state aid grant.
Signed letter to Rymes re nullifying contract (over 30 days without receiving back signed contract).
Stinson has three volunteers from school agreeing to be counters—it meets their honor society requirements for service. She does not need to hire someone.
Brooks/Ruch motion (vote passed 3/0): adjourn at
Recorded by PSummers
Selectmen’s
Meeting
Present: T Brooks, F Ruch, L Ladd. Others: D Frost, John Lyford (Mason & Rich)
Meeting called to meet with Lyford, auditor, to discuss contracts for following year.
Lyford talked to Walling about ATV funds; it is a contract. Suggests Walling check with Fish & Game re starting CRF to replace ATV with funds not used for patrolling; ask if money or vehicle have to be returned if state no longer provides funds. Right now money goes into undesignated fund balance. Consider warrant article re CRF; consider moving balance from 2008 for now.
Discussed GASB-34 requirements (governmental accounting standards board); it requires capital assets be listed. To get full audit, this is needed. Grants over half a million require it. Cost could be spread over several years. Office to find original deeds and costs for land, buildings, vehicles and equipment ($5,000+). He will draw up agreement for review.
Discussed selected audits. Full audit—expensive: $14-18,000—mandated if new tax collector elected (to date of last audit). If new person needs audit because of discomfort with records of predecessor in other department, audit should be done. Full audits not required; does not recommend it; recommends rotating, selected audits. Discussed rotation/random audits—do trustee, but hold off others. Stagger town clerk, tax collector, treasurer and library. New audit should be done in year we have new software.
Check with bank re requiring audits for receiving line of credit—based on new financial problems.
Brooks/Ladd motion (vote passed 3/0): adjourn
Recorded by PSummers
Selectmen’s
Meeting
Present: T
Brooks, F Ruch (arrived
Brooks approached by a photographer to photo Train Station; Ladd said okay.
C. Smart needs chart recorder (flow meter) so he can have one for each line; cost about $1,700. Board approved purchase.
Brooks asked Smart to pick up hoses at train station.
J. Brown upset with timber tax and felt it would be nice for forester to introduce himself to owner and that projects should be finished within 3 months. Forester did not tell him that he was going over limit; Brown’s logger told forester to speak to Brown. Brown read letter and gave copy to Board.
On Sustainability Conference, Brooks and Ladd agreed not to jump through more hoops.
Frost awaiting conference with
JLM in Errol selling fuel for $3.20, but price will drop; Errol doesn’t\t prepay, so may be in best interest to buy from JLM for $3.20 or from Lewis (Whiting said cost was $3.12), Brooks suggested buying at lower cost until Rymes contract cost is met. Send Rymes letter requesting new contract price.
Brooks will contact SHFD re sewer problems there.
Received recycling reports from Goulet; he will met with Worth Rain gutters re seamless gutters.
M Lynch asked for advance of $6,000; board agreed.
Received letter from Northumberland re supporting Sustainability effort.
Office to follow up on assessing quotes.
Received DES notice re St. Lawrence RR and Sampling Water Program
Met with DRA re tax rate; should receive approved rate by end of week.
Office responded to Weeks request for info re their audit.
Received notice re Water Survey and Landfill information (ECS) compliance; provided to Harris.
Reviewed budget review.
Signed manifest
Signed Sewer Rent Levy for $33,085.65
Signed Yield Tax $3,457.68; no doomage charged.
Signed letter pending sales on former Gaudette property
Signed ball field reservation for school.
Signed North Country Humane Society contract.
Ruch reported on
Branding meeting and brand for
Goulet asked to get more recycling from school; Brooks asked him to speak to teachers about recycling paper. Goulet said warming hut has been insulated and asked about painting it; color up to him.
Individual asked to do about 20 hours of volunteer work on regular basis to retain access to CAP. Ruch asked if town had anything; Brooks said individual needs to work under supervisor and suggested Historical Society, 4-H, churches and schools. Town doesn’t have resources; he will contact her and provide list of civic organizations to contact. Board agreed.
Brooks/Ladd motion (vote passed 3/0): accept October 20 minutes.
Brooks/Ladd motion (vote passed 3/0): adjourn at
Recorded by DFrost