TOWN
OF STODDARD, NH
APRIL
14, 2008
7:00
PM @ TOWN HALL
BUDGET
PUBLIC HEARING
The Public
Hearing was called to order by Moderator Dan Eaton at 7:10 pm introducing the
Board of Selectmen to the attending public. The draft warrant was read as
follows:
TOWN
MEETING
MAY
20,2008
To the
inhabitants of the Town of Stoddard in the County of Cheshire in the State of
New Hampshire, qualified to vote in Town affairs: You are hereby notified to
meet at the Town Hall in said Stoddard on Tuesday, the thirteenth (13th) day of
May 2008, next at eleven of the clock in the forenoon (11:00AM) to act upon the
following articles:
The Polls will
be open from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
ART.
1: To choose by ballot all necessary Town
Officers for the ensuing year.
FURTHER,
you are hereby notified to meet at the James Faulkner Elementary School Lucy B.
Hill Community Room in said Stoddard on Tuesday, the twentieth (20th) day of
May 2008, next at seven of the clock in the evening (7:00 PM) to act upon the
articles 2 through 37
ART.
2: To see if the Town voters will adopt the
provisions of the Municipal Budget Act, RSA 32:14 through 32:23 to appoint a
Budget Committee for the Town of Stoddard. The Budget Committee is proposed to
have a minimum of five and a maximum of seven members to be appointed by the
Town Moderator. All members of the Budget Committee must be Stoddard residents
and taxpayers. The appointment will be for a one-year term. (By Petition) The
Selectmen do not recommend this article.
Ballot
Vote Required
Discussion:
Capital Improvements Plan is to be used as a guideline for future capital
expenditures. Selectmen explain that this article was sent out to the Dept. of
Revenue Administration (DRA) and Town Counsel and received advisement that the
article technically needs to be addressed in two steps. First, a ballot vote on
whether or not to adopt the Budget Committee. The polls on that vote are to be
open for at least one hour. Second, assuming the ballot vote is affirmative, a
voice vote is to be held on whether the membership of the Budget Committee is
to be elected or appointed by the Moderator. Membership must be in three year
staggered terms, and must include one member of the School Board.
ART.
3: To see if the Town will vote to raise and
appropriate the sum of $220,271.00 to defray Town charges for the ensuing year.
The Selectmen
recommend this appropriation.
Discussion:
Mike Oldershaw asked for a breakdown on the town buildings part of this
article, wanting to see a line item breakdown. Alan Champney said he wants to
see a breakdown on the utilities. Oldershaw asked if we anticipate spending all
of the Financial Administration line before the end of the fiscal year. Amy
Rokoszak asks for Financial Administration line items. Selectman Halter says
that information will be made available. Oldershaw asks how much is slush fund
for the proposed Financial Administration part of the budget.
ART.
4: To see if the Town will vote to raise and
appropriate the sum of $7,500.00 as the operating budget for the Stoddard
Planning Board for the ensuing year. The
Planning Board and Selectmen recommend this appropriation.
No discussion.
ART.
5: To see if the Town will vote to raise and
appropriate the sum of $1,101.00 for membership with the Southwest Region
Planning Commission for the ensuing year. The
Planning Board and Selectmen recommend this appropriation.
No
Discussion.
ART.
6: To see if the Town will vote to raise and
appropriate the sum of $2,000.00 as the operating budget of the Stoddard Zoning
Board of Adjustment for the ensuing year. The
Zoning Board of Adjustment and Selectmen recommend this appropriation.
Discussion:
Why has only $612 been spent to date? Answer: because the Secretary only draws
her salary once a year.
ART.
7: To see if the Town will vote to raise and
appropriate the sum of $1,000.00 to maintain E-911 records. The Selectmen recommend this
appropriation.
No
discussion.
ART.
8: To see if the Town will vote to raise and
appropriate the sum of $38,200.00 for the operating budget of the Stoddard
Police Department. The
Police Department and Selectmen recommend this appropriation.
Discussion:
Alan Champney speaks about non-budget related matters. Someone else asks why
only $11,510 has been spent to date. Chief Vaillancourt responds that for
thirteen months of the year the department was without officers, and he is
looking to add personnel in the coming year.
ART.
9: To see if the Town will vote to raise and
appropriate the sum of $7,000.00 for Antrim ambulance service for the ensuing
year. The Fire and
Rescue Department and Selectmen recommend this appropriation.
Discussion:
Somebody asks if Keene Ambulance can be specifically requested. P.J. Lamothe
answers "No", that Diluzio will rend paramedics, but cannot
transport. Antrim is the transporting ambulance service.
ART.
10: To see if the Town will vote to raise and
appropriate the sum of $5,000.00 for paramedic intercept services from Diluzio
Ambulance Service, LLC, City of Keene, Fire Department or any other agency the
Stoddard Fire & Rescue Department utilizes. The Fire and Rescue Department and Selectmen
recommend this appropriation.
Discussion:
P.J. Lamothe explains that if the paramedics ride with you in the ambulance
they charge for that service.
ART.
11: To see if the Town will vote to raise and
appropriate the sum of $42,000.00 for the operating budget of the Stoddard Fire
& Rescue Department for the ensuing year. The Fire and Rescue Department and Selectmen
recommend this appropriation.
Discussion:
Penny Betz asks about the number of calls for EMS, fire, accident, etc. Dick
Betz asks for a handout sheet for Town Meeting breaking it out.
ART.
12: To see if the Town will vote to raise and
appropriate the sum of $4,200.00 for the operating budget of the Stoddard Fire
Warden. The Fire
Warden and Selectmen recommend this appropriation.
Discussion:
Joe Sarcione says they have not charged for permits in the past and over 200
permits were issued last year. The State Statutes allow for the collection of
fees for services (permits, inspections, etc.), but it was decided to increase
the budget to cover those expenses rather than charging the individuals.
ART.
13: To see if the Town will vote to raise and
appropriate the sum of $190,180.00 for winter and summer maintenance,
emergencies and planned repair of Town roads and bridges. The Selectmen recommend this
appropriation.
Discussion:
Does this include work on the Granite Lake bridge or dam? No, the dam is in
Nelson. Selectman Halter says if Nelson asked for help with that, it would be
on the Granite Lake Village District. Joe Sarcione asked if more work is being
done on Kings Highway? Selectman GrandPre' says yes, a wear coat will go on top
of what has already been done. Somebody asks if there is money there to fix the
sink hole by Shedd Hill. David Vaillancourt says it is already done.. Asked for
a list of projects and roads being done next year, Selectman GrandPre' said
there will be some basic maintenance work done on every town road.
ART.
14: To see if the Town will vote to raise and
appropriate the sum of $183,856.00 for Recycling and Transfer Station expenses
for the ensuing year. The
Selectmen recommend this appropriation.
Discussion:
Was this put out to bid? Selectman Pratt says we are in a three year contract
with one year left now. Dan Eaton asks about putting down hard pack at the
Transfer Station. Selectman GrandPre' says there are no plans to do so. Geoff
Jones suggests using fabric on many roads. Bev Gay asks why people are using
the Transfer Station without stickers. Selectman Halter says the attendant
monitors that, and many people have stickers, but have not affixed them to
their vehicles for various reasons. Bob Hardy asks if the town gets a rebate
for recyclables. Selectman GrandPre' says "No" and when we did, it
cost more. It was noted that Waste Management placed extra dumpsters after the
flooding at no charge to the town. Mike Oldershaw asked for assurance of
getting three bids next time around. Selectman GrandPre' said he doesn't know
if we can find three bidders. Amy Rokoszak says she doesn't understand why
stickers don't need to be affixed to cars. Dan Eaton says the stickers are
ugly, and there are many short-term rentals in the summertime, so the sticker
is passed along to the next renter.
ART.
15: To see if the Town will raise and
appropriate the sum of $1,750.00 to The Community Kitchen Inc. in Keene, NH for
reimbursement of services provided to Stoddard residents for the 2007 year. (By Petition) The Selectmen recommend this
appropriation.
Discussion:
Geoff Jones asked if this is the amount they requested. Answer: Yes.
ART.
16: To see if the Town will vote to raise and
appropriate $800.00 for HCS - Home Healthcare, Hospice and Community Services
to support the continuance of visiting nurse and home health services being
provided to the residents of Stoddard. (By
Petition) The Selectmen recommend this
appropriation.
Discussion:
Dick Betz asks why these articles are by petition. Selectman GrandPre' notes
they change the requested amounts year by year. Dan Eaton says a previous Board
of Selectmen decided to require petitions and it has carried forward.
ART.
17:
To see if
the Town will raise and appropriate a sum not to exceed $1,200.00 to support an
exercise program funded for the Senior Citizens of the Town of Stoddard,
designed by the Home Healthcare, Hospice and Community Service, known as
"AGE IN MOTION". This program for all area Seniors (60+) will meet in
the Town Hall on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons for a period of 10 weeks. The
funds will cover the cost of a trained physical exercise leader and equipment. (By Petition)É.
The
Selectmen recommend this appropriation.
No discussion.
ART.
18: To see if the Town will vote to raise and
appropriate the sum of $19,870.00 for the operation and maintenance of the
Davis Library. The
Library Trustees and Selectmen recommend this appropriation.
Discussion:
Ellen Mason reports that a Friends of the Library group has started. Also, the
Library has applied for a grant and all they need do is increase patronage.
They now have satellite internet service and will be increasing hours.
ART
19: To see if the Town will vote to raise and
appropriate the sum of $200.00 for the operation of the Stoddard Conservation
Commission. The
Conservation Commission and Selectmen recommend this appropriation.
Discussion:
Geoff Jones reports that the Harris Center has taken ownership of the Robb
Reservoir property.
ART.
20: To see if the Town will vote to raise and
appropriate the sum of $600.00 for the residents of Stoddard to participate in
household hazardous waste collection days at the City of Keene Recycling
Center. The collection days will be scheduled on Wednesdays & Saturdays:
7/12/08, 7/16/08, 7/26/08, 8/9/08, 8/13/08, 8/23/08, 9/13/08, 9/17/08, 9/27/08,
10/4/08, 10/8/08, 10/18/08, 3/21/09, 3/25/09, 3/28/09, 4/11/09, 4/15/09,
4/25/09, 5/9/09, 5/13/09, 5/26/09, 6/6/09, 6/10/09 & 6/20/09.
The
Conservation Commission and Selectmen recommend this appropriation.
No discussion.
ART.
21: To see if the Town will vote to raise and
appropriate the sum of $3,000.00 for the Lay Monitoring and Lake Host Programs.
The Conservation
Commission and Selectmen recommend this appropriation.
Discussion:
Lay Monitoring is the testing of the lake waters. Selectman Pratt explains that
the State cut funding for the Lake Host Program this year. This program
monitors boats as they enter the lake to assure they are not bringing invasive
plants in.
ART.
22: To see if the Town will vote to authorize
the Selectmen to continue the lease/purchase agreement established for the
purpose of leasing a 4 wheel drive pumper/rescue vehicle for the Stoddard Fire
& Rescue Department and to raise and appropriate the sum of $36,516.00 for
the third of ten payments. This lease contains an escape clause. (Majority vote
required). The
Fire and Rescue Department and Selectmen recommend this appropriation.
No discussion.
ART.
23: To see if the Town will vote to raise and
appropriate the sum of $20,000.00 for complete statistical update of properties
in the municipality. The
Selectmen recommend this appropriation.
Discussion
explains that instead of having a major expense every five years for a State
mandated revaluation, we plan to begin a rolling revaluation process. A quarter
of the town will be measured and listed for four years, then in the fifth year
a statistical analysis is done and values adjusted across the board.
ART.
24: To see if the Town will vote to raise and
appropriate the sum of $10,500.00 for an engineered drainage plan and survey
for work needed in the Granite Lake area.
The Selectmen recommend this appropriation.
Discussion:
Selectman Halter explains that at last Town Meeting an article required best
management practices for work around the lake. This is for the action plan to
go forward with solving the road and drainage problem there.
ART.
25: To see if the Town will vote to raise and
appropriate the sum of $363.00 to cover the cost of a memorial plaque to be
placed on a boulder in Dow Hill Cemetery where our earliest settlers are buried
and no markers remain. The
Cemetery Commission and the Selectmen recommend this appropriation.
Discussion:
Bev Power speaks to this article saying they plan to have a small dedication
ceremony during Old Home Days.
ART.
26: To see if the Town will vote to raise and
appropriate a sum not to exceed $5,000.00 to fund the part-time position of
Compliance Officer. Adjustment of building permit fees, by the Planning Board,
to include compliance review charges could offset this funding in its entirety.
The Selectmen
recommend this appropriation.
Discussion:
Who put this article on the warrant? The Selectmen did.
ART.
27: To see if the Town will vote to approve
the creation of an 11 member Building Committee comprised of Stoddard resident
taxpayers to be appointed by the Town Moderator. The Building Committee will,
through research and study, and collaboration with town officials, boards and
other committees, recommend to the townspeople and Selectmen plans for future
buildings, improvements, and additions to existing buildings and maintenance of
all town properties. This article hereby replaces the current building committee
created under articles 22 and 23 at the 2007 Stoddard Town Meeting. (By Petition) The
Selectmen recommend this article.
Discussion:
Selectman Halter says he thinks a budget might be appropriate for this article.
A motion was made, seconded to include $2,500 for this article. Pat McMahon
asked when the previous Building Committee was dissolved. Selectman Pratt said
they stopped meeting on 3/21/08. Dale Smith asked if this would be an on-going
thing or just for one year. Terry McMahon speaks about the original building
committee's purpose not being met and how other ideas had been posed. Selectman
Halter said a 2/3 vote would be needed on a large project and how difficult it
would be to get that kind a consensus. Ginger Saleski asked who can disband
this committee? It would rely on the appointments made by the Moderator,
whoever that may be at the time. The motion was passed on an affirmative vote.
ART.
28: To see if the Town will vote to raise and
appropriate the sum of $250,000.00 (Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand), of which
$197,000 (one Hundred and Ninety-Seven Thousand) is for the purpose of
purchasing the buildings and land on Lot 128-09, located at 1460 Route 123
North in Stoddard, N.H., next to the Stoddard Town Hall, and the balance to be
used to begin renovations to the building and/or property. The purpose of this
purchase is to provide town office space and appropriate parking for this
building and the Stoddard Town Hall. (By
Petition) The
Selectmen do not recommend this appropriation.
Discussion:
Carol Clark says she doesn't want to see the Town Hall chopped up into offices.
She talks about a subgroup of the Historical Society getting an architectural
study done of the Town Hall. Parking is a problem, and the biggest concern is
to buy the land next door. She says it is do-able for Town Offices, but
concedes there will be costs down the road. Terry McMahon speaks about what the
best use for the Town Hall is, saying the Capital Improvements Plan Committee
sought ideas for its use if new town offices are built, but got no response
from either the Historical Society or the CEOÉÉÉ.to use the house would cost in
excess of $53,000 and doesn't solve the problem of the Police Dept. and Library
needsÉÉÉ..if we go forward and spend another $200,000 or so, rendering it
useless for other purposes, where does that leave us? Joe Sarcione says we need
to figure out if we want to keep Town Hall for meetingsÉÉwe still need a place
to hold meetings. Dan Eaton says he has looked into it and you cannot buy a grand
fatheringÉ. All ADA requirements will have to be met, including widened,
accessible doors, bathrooms, width of hallways, second floor requires an
elevator and fire escape, sprinklersÉÉ..we could spend $350,000 - $500,000 on
top of the $250,000 just to make it useable for Town Offices. Geoff Jones says
we could look at it as land and take the house down and build new, keeping the
proximity to the Town Hall and increase the size of the land with the Town
Hall. Carol Clark says it has about two acres. Somebody cautions about spending
with the economy as it is. Town Clerk, Joan Read says the voting in the fall
will start at the school. Harry Power says we are not looking for a Town
HallÉÉÉwe need town officesÉÉÉ.this building will always be used by the Planning
and Zoning Boards. Lindsay Freese suggests the Building Committee will take on
this task. George Cahill says the ultimate destination should be a Town Center
with other activities around it. Carol Clark says her only concern is to add
land to the Town Hall. Selectman Pratt says he is worried about it because we
will need to heat and maintain itÉÉ..bond it out next year. It is listed for
$194,000. Pat McMahon says if we buy it we take it off the tax rolls.
ART.
29: To see if the Town will vote to raise and
appropriate the sum of $275,000 for the purchase of land (and buildings) known
as Anytime Auto (located at 830 Rt.9 Stoddard) to be used for town offices and
possibly a south fire station for the Town of Stoddard. (By Petition) The
Selectmen do not recommend this appropriation.
Discussion:
Brian Pratt says it is 5.2 acresÉÉ.we have the same option as with the previous
article. Carol Clark says why consider this when the town center is here.
ART.
30: To see if the Town will raise and
appropriate $500.00 for materials used in public plantings at the Town Hall,
Library, Recycling Center and the Shedd Hill Bridge, for the beautification of
Stoddard. The monies will be donated to the Stoddard Garden Club for this
purpose, labor will be provided at no expense by Garden Club member. (By Petition) The Selectmen do not recommend
this appropriation.
Discussion:
Ellen Mason asks why the request for money when they have done this for free in
the past years. Amy Rokoszak says that just the Shedd Hill Bridge plantings
cost over $200. Harry Power says it is a small amount. Selectman GrandPre' says
he voted against it because the Garden Club has been in existence for 5-6 years
and have built up funds through donations and have over $3,000 in a CD, plus a
checking account. Joe Sarcione agrees with Harry Power and says we could just
add the amount to Town Buildings and strike the article. Geoff Jones says
approving the article says a big thanks to the club. Bev Gay says the $500
would only assist the garden club. Change last word to "membership".
ART.
31: To see if the Town will vote to raise and
appropriate the sum of $75,000 for improvements, repairs and an addition to the
existing fire station building. It is proposed to install a septic system,
running water to the kitchen and to a new bathroom, build an 8' X 20' addition,
and purchase a commercial dryer. (By
Petition) The
Selectmen do not recommend this appropriation.
Discussion:
Fire Chief P.J. Lamothe says it is clear we don't see a new fire station for
some time. There is no water in the kitchen and only a port-a-potty ÉÉÉ..no
bathroom. Somebody will be in on Friday to see if a new septic system can be
put in. Bev Gay speaks in defense of the article. It was decided to amend the article
to include a "washer". Selectman Pratt said he would rather not put
$75,000 on a patch. Amy Rokoszak says it goes back to maintenance. Harry Power
says he supports it. Selectman Halter says he would hate to see this spent and
have people think it is anything more than a very temporary fix.
ART.
32: To see if the town will vote to raise and
appropriate the sum of $1,500.00 for building a Skatepark for the Kids and
families of Stoddard. (By
Petition) The
Selectmen do not recommend this appropriation.
Discussion:
It is unknown where this is proposed to be located. Dale Smith says he thinks
they were looking at the town's 8.8 acre lot. Bev Gay says they need a paved parking
lot. The Selectmen said there are some concerns about liability that are being
looked into.
ART.
33: To see if the town will vote to raise and
appropriate the sum of $8,750.00 for hydro seeding the ball field and
replacement of the outfield chain link fence at the ball field. (By Petition) The
Selectmen recommend this appropriation.
Discussion:
Shannon Sarcione says the fence will be put in by Cheshire Fence. Selectman
Pratt suggests a 12' fence in the outfield. Amy Rokoszak asks who is going to
do the maintenance and how it will be funded. Selectman Pratt says it is
already in the budget.
ART.
34:
To see if
the voters of the Town of Stoddard will approve the adoption of a procurement
policy to be followed by the Town officials of Stoddard. The policy will
provide for obtaining goods and services for the Town of Stoddard at the lowest
possible price consistent with the quality needed, to exercise financial
control over purchases, to clearly define authority for the purchasing
function, to assure the quality of purchases, to allow fair and equal
opportunity among qualified suppliers and to provide for increased public
confidence in the procedures followed in public purchasing. All purchases of
goods or services more than $1,000 and less than $5,000 will require three
verbal quotes; more than $5,000 and less than $10,000 will require three
written quotes; more than $10,000 will require the process of obtaining
competitive bids, initiated by the issuance of a request for bids accomplished
by 1) letters to known providers soliciting bid responses; 2) advertisements
shall be posted in three (3) public locations within the Town of Stoddard; 3)
advertisements soliciting bids shall be placed in a local newspaper or media of
general circulation. (By
Petition) The
Selectmen do not recommend this article.
Discussion:
Harry Power says he thinks it is to protect the people's money. Selectman
Halter reads from a letter from the Town Attorney advising against this article
as being cumbersome for a small town and creating more opportunity for
liability problems.
ART.
35: To see if the Town will vote to approve
the following resolution to be forwarded to our State Representatives, our
State Senator and our Governor: Resolved: we the citizens of Stoddard, NH
believe in a New Hampshire that is just and fair. The property tax has become
unjust and unfair. State leaders who take a pledge for no new taxes perpetuate
higher and higher property taxes. We call on our State Representatives, our
State Senator and our Governor to reject the "Pledge", have an open
discussion covering all options, and adopt a revenue system that lowers property
taxes. (By Petition) The
Selectmen recommend this article.
Discussion:
Geoff Jones speaks in favor of this resolution.
ART.
36: To transact any other business that may
legally come before this meeting.
THE
FOLLOWING ARTICLE IS BEING PROPOSED AS A BYLAW:
To see if the
Town will vote to enact a bylaw under RSA 147-M:17 prohibiting contractors from
bringing construction debris to the Stoddard Transfer Station, and providing
the Board of Selectmen the authority to levy a civil penalty of $500.00 for
each act which violates said bylaw. The
Selectmen recommend this article.
Discussion:
Bev Gay made a motion to accept this proposed article. Harry Power seconded the
motion, which was then voted in the affirmative.
ADJOURNMENT:
The Public
Hearing adjourned at 10:10 pm.
Respectfully
submitted,
Evelyn Nadeau
Administrative
Assistant
TOWN
OF STODDARD, NH
SELECTMEN'S
MEETING
APRIL
14, 2008
@ TOWN HALL
ATTENDANCE:
Bradley C. Pratt, Jr. ,
Chairman
Louis E.
GrandPre'
John D.
Halter
Evelyn
Nadeau. Administrative Assistant
The weekly
manifest was reviewed and checks signed before commencement of the Budget
Public Hearing at 7:00 pm.
AFTER THE
BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING ADJOURNED, THE SELECTMEN MET TO ATTEND TO THE FOLLOWING
ITEMS.
ITEMS
FOR SIGNATURE:
1.
Selectmen's Minutes 4/7/08
2.
Selectmen's Minutes 3/31/08
3.
Budget Cover sheets (2)
ITEMS
FOR DISCUSSION/ACTION:
1.
Review/amend draft warrant
in accordance with decisions made at the Budget Public Hearing.
2.
Review/amend draft Estimated
Revenues on Budget form
3.
A MOTION was made by Lou GrandPre' that we stay with the existing road
contractor. Seconded by John Halter. Vote 2 in favor 1 opposed.
ADJOURNMENT:
11:00 pm.
Respectfully
submitted,
Evelyn Nadeau
Administrative
Assistant