Town of Stoddard, NH

Selectmen’s Meeting

March 8, 2010

Those in attendance: John Halter, Sandra Holland, Arnold Stymest, Harry Power, Brian Michaud, Herbert Healy, Sheila Healy, P.J. Lamothe, Joan Read, Patricia Putnam and Jim Coffey.

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairman Halter and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

APPOINTMENTS:

7:05 P.M.       Herbert & Sheila Healy, along with Compliance Officer Harry Power, met to finalize an agreement with the Town concerning the use of space within their garage, which had been discussed at a previous meeting.  After verifying the Healy’s book and page for the deed, and the change of the word ‘furnished’ to ‘finished’, the agreement was signed and will be registered at the Cheshire County Registry of Deeds.

7:16 P.M.       Mr. Brian Michaud met to file a complaint that a neighbor, Mr. Dennis Carlisle, has been feeding wild animals by putting out food scraps.  Mr. Michaud explained that the letter he received from the Selectmen about his dog, Murphy, going onto the Carlisle property was in part caused by the food being placed outside.  Mr. Michaud explained that he has a fence that will be repaired when the snow melts.  After a brief discussion which included the need for Mr. Michaud to control his dog, and the problems of attracting wild animals with food, especially bears and wolves, Selectman Holland suggested a letter be sent to Mr. Carlisle to restrict his feeding to birds and that Mr. Michaud will restrain Murphy.  Mr. Michaud also agreed to clean up anything left by Murphy should he get loose.  The Board agreed to have Jim Coffey send a letter  to Mr. Carlisle.

7:26 P.M.       Harry Power reviewed several items with the Board. 

a.                            Need to have National Flood Insurance which is tied to the presently proposed Flood Plain Ordinance.

b.                            The need to increase building permit applicant awareness about the need and requirements for fire warning and CO2 devices.  Mr. Power and Mr. Coffey will meet Wednesday to add it to the Building Permit application package.

c.                            Mr. Power stated that both Dick Briere and he are 100 percent in favor of the proposed fire station repairs, improved insulation and the addition of a standby generator.

d.                            Mr. Power stated that the proposed Brush Truck was an expensive purchase and suggested looking at a multi-year payment schedule.

e.                            Mr. Power stated that the School Board’s attorney stated that the Fire Chief had mandated a new roadway (second access to school).  The Fire Chief was present at this meeting and denied that she had given a mandate on the second roadway.  Mr. Power felt  the attorney’s statement raised some ethical issues and that he was considering filing a complaint.

7::45 P.M       Fire Chief Lamothe presented the Emergency Management proposed budget of $2,500, which is new this year.  Selectman Holland stated that she did not agree with asking for the same things every time but that the proposal for signs was good.  Chief Lamothe mentioned that the proposed mailings had never been done.  Chairman Halter pointed out that the mailing expenses in the past had come from the Selectmen’s budget and that there is a need for a separate budget.  During the discussion Chief Lamothe asked if $1,500 would work.  Selectman Holland gave a qualified yes.   The next subject was the use of pagers [for Emergency Management] and how they worked off of Crotched Mountain and Sunapee.  Selectman Stymest asked how often are the pagers used.?  Chief Lamothe answered, during each event.  Chairman Halter stated that we could go a couple of years without an event, or it could be a couple of times within a year.  Chief Lamothe stated that one pager would help.  The discussion concluded with the Board asking for a more detailed list of needs so that they can look at specific items.

Chief Lamothe then explainded the recent accident, on March 5, with the pumper, Engine 1. The pumper’s battery is always on a trickle charge but when they went to start the truck the battery failed.  A decision was made to use a ¾ ton pickup truck to pull it out and jump start it.  A chain was used which broke and flew into the front of the truck causing some damage.  The truck was started and went to the fire scene.  Jim Coffey will file a claim report with Local Government Center’s Property & Liability Trust. Also discussed was the pumper from Hancock getting stuck and breaking a winch cable.  The need for a more accessible dry hydrant was pointed out.

8:05    Town Clerk Joan Read informed the Board that the outside door to her office has holes in it from wear and wanted to install a new door, if the Town would help with the installation.  Selectman Holland said that the space is for Town use and that the Town should pay for the door and the installation.  Chairman Halter recommended a neighbor who was very good and reasonable.  At the conclusion of a brief discussion Selectman Stymest moved to approve the purchase and installation of a new door, the motion was seconded by Selectman Holland and approved 3-0. Mrs. Read then asked about the five possible building scenarios for Town Meeting. Selectman Holland stated that we [the Board] will be looking at the time and sequencing for the articles.  Joan then presented the Board with a list of the four [voting] meetings this year and how it affects the 2010/11 budget. The three openings on the Building Committee were also added to the list of positions to be voted on at the Annual Meeting.

A.   APPROVED/SIGNED:   

1.    Accounts Payable Manifest

2.    The Board approved a transfer by the Treasurer from the investment account to the checking account. Chairman Halter moved to transfer $75,000, seconded by Selectman Stymest, motion approved 3-0.

3.    The March 1 minutes were approved after corrections suggested by Selectman Stymest were made. They included changing Hidden to Highland in several places and a clarification of the type of engine for the proposed brush truck.

NEW BUSINESS:     

 Items in the agenda were reviewed.  The Board expressed appreciation for the donation of a framed picture of the Stone Arch Bridge donated by Michelle Isabelle.  Selectman Stymest moved to accept the picture [gift], seconded by Chairman Halter and was approved 3-0.  A thank you letter will be sent from the Board.

OLD BUSINESS:   

A letter from Paul and Pamela Dionne concerning a complaint on their property was received, and accepted.  The Board determined that the matter is closed and a letter will be sent Linda Nicol by Jim Coffey for the Board.

A disability exemption was approved and Jim Coffey will provide the Board with an abatement for 2009 for the applicant.

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