Selectmen’s Meeting
January 25, 2010
Those in attendance: John Halter, Sandra Holland, Arnold Stymest, Marcia Kayser, Harry Power, Mary Lou Stymest, Ken Hill and Jim Coffey.
The meeting was called to order at 7:01 p.m. by Chairman Halter and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPOINTMENTS:
Marcia Kayser, Davis Library Trustee:
Marcia Kayser presented the Library's budget request for fiscal year 2010/11. The budget request is for $21,718.25 which is an increase $1,513.25. The amount to be on the warrant to be raised by taxation will be $15,143.25 with the balance of $6,575.00 to come from the remaining balance turned over to the Trustees from the prior fiscal year. Most of the increase was for cataloging which is required for the library to be part of the inter-library loan, and for an additional telephone line to provide faxing service for the public. After a brief, discussion the Board accepted the budget request. The subject of technical support services for the Library's computers was also discussed. Chairman Halter asked about the gazebo or screen house and marcia Kayser stated that the parts are in and will be installed this Spring. Marcia Kayser then suggested to the Selectmen that they appoint Virgina Saleski to fill a vacancy on the Board of trustees until the next Town Meeting. At that time there will be two positions open, a two year term and the usual three year term. Selectman Holland, seconded by Selectman Stymest moved to appoint Virginia Saleski to the Board of Library Trustees. The motion passed 3-0.
Code Enforcement Office Harry Power:
Mr. Power met to discuss the language to be placed on the “Cross” building permit to show the new house as a one bedroom dwelling until such time as an existing two bedroom structure is permanently removed from the water and septic systems. The discussion then centered on property owned by Herbert & Sheila Healy. It had been previously decided to file an attachment to the deed at the Cheshire County Registry of Deeds that indicates that the existing septic system is for the house only, and not for the finished off area over the garage. Mr. Power then provided the language to be used, along with pictures of the finished off area over the garage. Jim Coffey will prepare a draft for Mr. Power to take to Mr. & Mrs. Healy for their review. A final copy for signatures will be prepared after agreement is obtained from the Healy's. The $12..44 recording fee will be the responsibility of the property owner. Mr. Power talked about the Fire Station wall movement issue and the possible need to repair some rot in sills. The discussion focus on the roll of the Building Committee in overseeing significant building maintenance. There was discussion during which Selectman Holland stated that the Fire Chief had told her that she was told to bring the building issue to the selectmen. Selectman Stymest referenced the work done by Macmillan and that the gauges show the wall is not moving.
MaryLou Stymest, Cemetery Trustee:
Trustee MaryLou Stymest brought the Board a past due invoice from Peterborough Marble and Granite in the amount of $6,800. This invoice was to have been paid by the Trustees of Trust Funds, but they presently have the Cemetery Funds tied up in a certificate of deposit that does not come due until March 23, according to Trustee Pat McMahon. Chairman Halter commented that the CD is due in the current fiscal year and made a motion for the Town (General Fund) to make the payment and then be reimbursed by the Trustees of Trust Funds.
7:40 P.M. Richard Brier, Building Committee:
Mr. Brier came in to discuss the hazardous materials assessment that is needed to be done before proceeding with renovations and repairs to the Gould House and Town Hall. This assessment will cost $2,500 and he explained that he had concern about how to charge this cost and another from Baybutt Construction for work done from articles 41 and 42. Mr. Brier then explained that he was present when Jim Coffey had a conversation with the DRA auditor about this type of charge. This conversation concluded that 41 and 42 were regular warrant articles (not “special” articles) and were really part of the operating budget. Chairman Halter asked how quick could this be done and Mr. Brier said it would be about six weeks. Selectman Holland commented that they could start with a one week notice. Selectman Holland moved that the $2,500 assessment be be performed and charged to Article 42. The motion was seconded by Selectman Stymest and passed 3-0. The discussion concluded at 7:49 P.M.
8:02 P.M. Fire Chief P. J. Lamothe:
Chief Lamothe, accompanied by Captain Brian Michaud, asked about who handles background check requests. The Board agreed that this was done by the Police Department. Selectman Holland stated that we will pay for it and Chief Lamothe said that is was no problem taking it out of her budget. Chief Lamothe also informed the Board of a snowmobile fatality this past weekend when the operator lost control of the snowmobile on a lake. Chief Lamothe then requested a non-public session under RSA 91A:3 II c.
8:07 P.M. Chairman Halter, seconded by Selectman Holland moved to ender non-public session under RSA 91A:3 II c. Role Call Vote, Halter-yes, Holland-yes, Stymest-yes. The motion was approved 3-0.
8:33 P.M. The Board returned to public session. A motion was made by Chairman Halter, seconded by Selectman Holland to seal the minutes indefinitely. The motion was approved 3-0.
8:35 P.M. The Board met with Police Chief David Vaillancourt. A motion to enter non-public session was made by Selectman Stymest, seconded by Selectman Holland. Role Call Vote, Halter-yes, Holland-yes, Stymest-yes. The motion was approved 3-0.
9:08 P.M. The Board returned to public session and voted 3-0 to seal the minutes
NEW BUSINESS:
The letter from the NH Highway Safety Committee for grants too promote traffic safety enforcement and other related items was briefly discussed. Jim Coffey will look into what we may be able to do with this.
OLD BUSINESS:
The Board approved a correction of the veteran's tax credits for totally disable veterans, which involved three veterans or their surviving spouse.
The agenda item for Harry Power and Herbert & Sheila Healy was handled during the appointment with Harry Power.
The Board discussed items relating to cracks in the Fire Station wall. Selectman Stymest asked Mr. Brier about the psychology of the hairline cracks in the wall. [referring to a persons perception.] A general discussion followed about where some people wanted a new fire station to be located, and that most of the people involved in the Fire Department lived near the present station. The discussion concluded that repairs on Town building should go to the Building Committee and then the Selectmen, excepting minor day to to day items.
At 9:10 P.M. Selectman Stymest moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Chairman Halter. Voted 3-0 to adjourn.
Respectfully submitted,
James Coffey, Interim Administrator
Approved
John D. Halter, Chairman
Sandra L. Holland
Arnold Stymest
Board of Selectmen