Selectmen’s Meeting
March 1, 2010
Those in attendance: John Halter, Sandra Holland, Arnold Stymest, Harry Power, Joe Van Schaick, Dick Briere, P.J. Lamothe, 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. Chief Lamothe presented the Fire Department budgets for the coming fiscal year. The operating budget increased from $42,000 to $43,000. During the discussion Chief Lamothe complimented Wally and Randy for the savings in maintenance costs. It was pointed out that they do not charge for labor, only parts. Selectman Symest asked about the new equipmnet line ($5,000). It was explained that this line was often for the purchase of new items such as hoses, nozzles, filters and like items.
The three Fire Department warrant articles were then discussed. They are $36,516.47 for the 5th payment on the 4-wheel drive pumper rescue vehicle, five thousand dollars for paramedic intercept with the City of Keene and twenty thousand dollars for repairs to the fire station and the installation of a backup generator.
Chairman Halter asked about the Antrim Ambulance. Chief Lamothe stated that the Selectmen normally handle that budget. A copy of a grant for reprogramming emergency radios, received at the Town Office, was given to Chief Lamothe. This was followed by a discussion about installing a dry hydrant at Island Pond. Selectman Holland did not see any downside to doing this. Chairman Halter stated that as we get closer to the budget hearing the costs might become doable. Chief Lamothe commented that the beach area at Island Pond had not been plowed.
7:30 P.M. The 2010/11 Lake Host budgets were presented by Angel Nicoletti, Granite Lake, and Joseph Van Schaick for Highland Lake. It was decided to check on Island Pond’s needs when Joe mentioned that Bob O’Brien had been in the hospital. There was discussion on various items including the portable toilets that are in the budgets, relationship with Nelson for Granite Lake and several other items. The Granite Lake budget requires Stoddard to contribute $1,533 and Highland Lake $6,000 for 2010/11. Joe Van Schaick also presented the Board with the Highland Lake Unified Association’s report for the Town’s Annual Report.
7:45 P.M. Joe Scarcione met to discuss a building permit for his client and to present the Forest Fire Warden’s budget. The Building permit was for a garage that required ZBA and DES Shoreland Protection approval. Mr. Power confirmed that the approval needed had been obtained for a 24’ x 24” garage, cold storage only. The Board signed the permit.
Joe presented the Board with two forestry articles. The operating budget article proposed is for $3,100. Another article for the replacement of the present Forestry truck was presented. The proposed vehicle cost is $76,500. Joe pointed out that the present vehicle is twenty-five years old and has wiring and numerous other issues. It was also pointed out that the present vehicle was a used cab and chassis with body constructed by the fire department. There was discussion during which Selectmen Stymest asked if it was gas or diesel. Joe replied that it was a diesel engine.
8:20 P.M. Patricia Putnam presented the ZBA and Planning Board budgets. The ZBA budget request is the same as the previous year, $2,000. The Planning Board budget request is for $12,890, which includes $4,000 for a consultant for “Deliberative Democracy/Community Ascertainment and $500 for a quarterly newsletter.
8:25 P.M. The Board discussed with Dick Briere the recent building presentation. Selectman Holland commented that the presentation is on the web site and was a good presentation. Selectman Stymest asked that if the the fire department is proposing building items, should the Building Committee be involved? Dick Briere commented that several committee members went to the Fire Station and they agree that the exterior needs work. The Library’s needs were briefly discussed with the comment that they do not want to move.
8:45 P.M. Patricia Putnam returned with the Treasurer’s budget request for $6,878.
A. APPROVED/SIGNED:
1. Notice of Intent to Cut Wood or Timber-Supplemental-Andorra Forest LP (417-003)
2. Notice of Intent to Cut Wood or Timber- Laura Fletcher (417-010)
3. Manifest
NEW BUSINESS: After a brief discussion the Board agreed to look into getting some sanitary containers for the restrooms.
Selectman Stymenst informed the Board that he had a request from Arlene DiCorcia for the Board of Selectmen to write a letter to Governor Lynch about the school. After a brief discussion, Selectman Holland suggested that it should be a petitioned warrant article and that she [Arlene DiCorcia] should write it.
OLD BUSINESS: The need to follow up with the letter to Brian Michaud concerning a dog complaint and for a letter to Attorney Jeremy Hockensmith concerning the PJD tank issue were discussed. Jim Coffey will get them out this week.
At 9:10 P.M. Selectman Stymest moved to adjourn, seconded by Chairman Halter, and the motion was approved 3-0.
Respectfully submitted,
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James Coffey, Interim Administrator
Approved
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John D. Halter, Chairman Sandra L. Holland Arnold Stymest
Board of Selectmen