Selectmen’s Meeting
February 15, 2010
Those in attendance: John Halter, Sandra Holland, Arnold Stymest, Harry Power, Richard Betz, Ruth Ward, Richard Briere, 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:
At 7:02 P.M., a motion was made by Selectman Holland, seconded by Selectman Stymest to enter non-public session under RSA 91A:3 II (a). Voted Stymest-yes, Holland-yes and Halter-yes.
7:35 P.M. The Board returned to public session and voted 3-0 to permanently seal the minutes.
7:36 P.M. Marcia Kayser, Library Trustee, met to discuss a new employee, Mary Ann Damato, and to arrange for the establishing her as an employee. It was determined that two proof of legal residency, or a passport would be required. Selectman Holland suggested that a background check should be done. It was agreed to do this and Jim Coffey will obtain permission from the new employee and contact Chief Vaillancourt.
A proposed change in the 2010/11 library budget was presented. Trustee Kayser asked about having the budget included in the Town's operating budget, and also asked about having an article in the 2010 warrant that would allow the library to retain funds collected during the year. Chairman Halter asked if this would add to the fund that has the fines. Marcia Kayser stated that it would. Chairman Halter also stated during the discussion about the proposed article that all of our articles are reviewed by Town Counsel and the Department of Revenue Administration.
8:10 P.M. Mr. Dennis Carlisle requested help from the Board with an animal control problem with a neighbor's dog. Mr. Carlisle stated that the dog is owned by Brian Michaud, and has threatened his wife and frequently leaves dropping on his lawn. After a lengthy discussion it was determined to have Jim Coffey send a letter to Mr. Michaud, certified return receipt and a copy to Chief Vaillancourt.
NEW BUSINESS:
The Board approved the use of Town Hall by the Stoddard Democratic organization for a caucus on March 21. There will be a presentation on the death penalty by Rick Van Wickler. The event is from three to six P.M., and the general public is invited.
The Board received audit proposals from Vachon Clukay and Melanson Heath & Company of under $9,000 and $12,000 respectively. The Board selected Vachon Clukay subject to funding at the 2010 Town Meeting. Jim Coffey will contact Robert Vachon. [Vachon Clukay presently prepares the annual financial report, DRA form MS-35, which is included in both prices quoted.]
Jim Coffey requested permission to obtain tax collection software that will interface with the existing assessing software. The proposed software cost is $1,500 with database setup support. He stated that this software will allow us to continue to use the present software, Proval. Other solutions were as high as $18,000 because they would require new assessing software and the conversion of data tables. The Board approved the request.
OLD BUSINESS:
Dick Brier asked about setting the P.A. System up for the Building Committee presentation scheduled for February 26 and 27. David Young will be contacted to set it up.
At 8:30 P.M. Selectman Holland moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Selectman Stymest. Voted 3-0 to adjourn.
The Board briefly discussed the use of the Shopper Weekly for publishing public notices for hearings with Jim Coffey.
At 9:08 P.M. Selectman Holland, seconded by Selectman Stymest moved to adjourn. Voted 3-0 to adjourn.
Respectfully submitted,
____________________________
James Coffey, Interim Administrator