TOWN
OF STODDARD, NH
SELECTMEN'S MEETING
APRIL 7, 2008
7:00 PM @ TOWN HALL
ATTENDANCE:
Louis E.
GrandPre'
John D.
Halter
Evelyn
Nadeau, Administrative Assistant
PERSONS
APPEARING BEFORE THE BOARD:
1.
Jim & Candy Elliott - had
questions about TM# 408-21.2 & 408-21.3. He wants to change the lot line
between the two, build a house on lot 21.2 and sell his existing house on lot
21.3 to his son. Changing the lot line would allow for easier driveway access.
The Selectmen said he would have to go to the Planning Board for a lot line
adjustment. Selectman Halter suggested, as an alternative, granting a driveway
easement or Right-Of-Way across lot 21.3. Selectman GrandPre' suggested that
Mr. Elliott contact NH-DOT (Base Hill Rd, Swanzey) about adding traffic usage
to the existing driveway access off Route 123.
2.
P.J. Lamothe, Fire Chief - asked
the Selectmen if they intend to roll over the money from last year's Warrant
Articles 22 & 23. Answer: No. Chief Lamothe then submitted a petition to
expand the existing Fire Station, saying she is working with Wally Weaver to
get an improved septic designed.
3.
Shannon Sarcione - submitted
a petition to hydro seed the ballfield and replace the outfield fence.
4.
Diane Tatro - expressed
interest in being on the Recreation Committee. The general consensus of the
Board is to approve her appointment. Ms. Tatro then submitted a petition to
create a skate park in town. Concern was voiced over the liability consequences
and the recollection that the Town's liability carrier had previously advised
against skate parks. LGC-PLT will again be consulted in this regard.
5.
George Preston - requested
copies from Mike Hayes' file.
6.
Bev Gay --asked what had
been learned about the Budget Committee warrant article. Evelyn Nadeau read the
responses. (1) Sandra Rourke from the DRA had advised that if the petitioned
article passes to adopt a Budget Committee (ballot vote), then the moderator
needs to call for a vote to determine the number of members. Then another vote
is needed to determine if the members are to be elected under RSA 669:17 or
appointed by the Moderator. Membership is to be in staggered 3 year terms. The
Membership is to include one member of the school board, because the Budget
Committee will also oversee the school's budget. Granite Lake Village District
has the option of being under the Budget Committee or not, since they are
divided between Nelson and Stoddard. (2) The Town Attorney's letter states: "I have reviewed the draft
warrant articles you sent, and I understand your concern about Article 2. The
statute contemplates that there will be a vote on whether to adopt the budget
committee, and a later vote on the membership of the committee if the first
article passes. In my opinion, though, it is not illegal for these two issues
to be combined in one warrant article. Since it is a petitioned warrant
article, the Selectmen ought to leave it in the warrant the way it was
submitted. There is, however, another problem with this warrant article. The warrant
article states that the members of the budget committee will be appointed, and
that they will have one year terms. The statute specifically requires that
budget committee members have staggered three year terms. If a budget committee
is created and members are to be appointed: "the staggering of terms shall begin
that same year, with one third of such members chosen to hold office for one
year, on third for two years, and one third for three yearsÉ.." The warrant article could be
amended at the town meeting to correct this defect. The Selectmen might pursue
or support such an amendment if they want this article to pass. Please keep in
mind that you must keep the voting open and accept ballots on this article for
at least one hour after discussion ends."
Additionally,
the Town Attorney advised about the petitioned warrant article for adopting a
procurement policy: "In
my opinion, this would create a cumbersome and inefficient purchasing process
for a town the size of Stoddard. There is no legal requirement that towns award
contracts by a competitive bid process. The problem with requiring competitive
bidding is that it will subject the Town to an increased risk of legal claims.
Those whose bids are not chosen often conclude that the process was not fair. The
requirement of strict compliance with a competitive bid procedure can also be a
problem for small towns, since contracts are void and unenforceable if a town
fails to strictly comply with its procedure."
ITEMS
FOR SIGNATURE:
1. Weekly
manifest
2. Selectmen's
Minutes 3/31/08
3. CU
Application - Dudley m. Baker III & Jeannette - TM# 414-32
4. Intent
to Cut - Mirle Cross - TM# 412-12.11
ITEMS
FOR DISCUSSION/ACTION:
1. A
MOTION was made by John Halter and seconded by Louis GrandPre' to transfer
$100,000 from savings to checking. Approved by unanimous vote.
2.
Building Permit - Emil Kaczka - carport on TM# 119-34. There was a problem with
one of the setback, so the Board denied the permit. Mr. Kaczka will be referred
to the ZBA.
2. Draft
Town Warrant and budget for review. Recommendations were made on the various
warrant articles. Budget amounts for Roads ($190180) and Solid Waste Disposal
($183,700) were discussed and added to the warrant
ITEMS
FOR INFORMATION/READING:
1.
Petition for a resolution on the "tax pledge"
2.
Petition from Community Kitchen $1,750.
3. Budget
vs. Actual report
4.
Planning Board preliminary Minutes 4/1/08
5. School
Appropiations report
6. School
Annual Meeting report
7.
Coalition Communities' latest
8. Health
Officer faxes (2)
9.
Miscellaneous newsletters, bulletins, etc.
Respectfully
submitted,
Evelyn
Nadeau
Administrative
Assistant