Town of Stoddard, NH

Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes

March 29, 2010

In attendance: John Halter, Sandra Holland, Arnold Stymest, Harry Power, Richard Betz, Ed Saleski, David Vaillancourt and Jim Coffey.

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Halter at 7:00 p.m. and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

APPOINTMENTS:

7:02 P.M. Richard Betz presented the Board with the new/replacement Boston Post cane that had been received from the Town of Peterborough. A pin that will be given to the recipient to keep was also presented. Mr. Betz mentioned that the replacement cane was donated to the Town by Penny & Dick Betz and Bob Englund had made the stand. A discussion followed on who is the oldest Stoddard resident. Dick Betz stated that the oldest they have found is John Davis, age 90, in Munsonville. It was suggested that a presentation take place at Town meeting, or at Old Home Days. Chairman Halter made a motion to accept with thanks gift of the cane, Selectman Holland seconded the motion and it was approved 3-0. The cane will be publically displayed.

The next item Mr. Betz brought to the Board was the preservation of town records, and the return of those that may stored in private homes. Mr. Betz mentioned that the State contact for the recent grant application, Frank C. Mevers, the Director of the Division of Archives and Records Management and the State Archivist, complimented the Town on Chairman Halter's request to place an item on the March 29^th BOS agenda which declares that town records in individual homes are town property

At the conclusion of the discussion Chairman Halter moved “to declare that town records that might be identified in various locations within Stoddard are publically owned, if they were created by public officials in the course of their official duties. All town records will be processed in accordance with RSA-33A, Disposition of Municipal Records. Historic town records will be preserved with due care in their current locations, or, if endangered in their current locations, moved to a location deemed more secure. Once Stoddard has centralized office space and records storage for all town officials, all town records will be transferred to this centralized office space to preserve the integrity of the Town’s history (its official records and vital statistics) for the present and for future generations.” Selectman Stymest moved to second the motion and it was approved 3-0.

7:15 P.M. Code Officer Harry Power informed the Board of two violations he had recently received. The first violation was at 111 Turtle Rock Road and involved a house that had the front steps removed and a porch constructed across the entire front of the house. A copy of the letter of violation sent to the owner, Robert Parker, was present to the Board.

The second violation involved waterfront property owned by Kevin & Doreen Scibelli. The problem was caused by the enlargement of decks that encroached on the set back from the lot line, and possibly a right of way. There also appeared to be problems with a Shoreland Protection violation. Mr. Power gave the Board a copy of the notice sent to the owners and also stated that should the State grant a waiver, the owners will still need to go to the ZBA.

7:28 P.M. Police Chief David Vaillancourt presented the police budget request which is up $1,500 to provide for more patrol coverage. The budget also set the hourly rate at $16.00 per hour which was is the same as the 2008-2009 budget. Selectman Holland stated that it looked fine to her and Chairman Halter concurred. Selectman Stymest asked when the administrative assistant position was approved. Both Chairman Halter and Selectman Holland confirmed that it had been approved and was shared with the Fire Department. Selectman Holland asked about the billing for the cost of the prosecutor. Chief Vaillancourt also responded that we had four cases that were handled by the prosecutor. The Board seemed satisfied with the value received.

7:35 P.M. Mr. Vaillancourt then presented the Board with a budget proposal for highways. Jim Coffey will check into costs for Bowlder Road (Sullivan) and for Valley Road. There was a discussion concerning Mr. Vaillancourt's contract and it was agreed that it expires in 2011. The 2010 road improvement project was discussed and it was suggested to reconstruct about one-third of a mile of road on School Street. The project will be to reclaim, improve the base and pave.

1. APPROVED/SIGNED:

1. The Accounts Payable Manifest was approved.

2. The minutes of March 22 were approved.

B. NEW BUSINESS:

A letter from School Principal Mark Taft was read. It thanked the Town, and in particular David Vaillancourt for his help during the past Winter. The Board expressed their appreciation in receiving the letter and to David Vaillancourt. A copy was given to Mr. Vaillancourt.

Other items listed in the agenda were also reviewed with no action taken or required.

OLD BUSINESS

Items listed in the agenda were reviewed with no action taken or required.

Respectfully submitted,

____________________________

James Coffey, Interim Administrator

Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes

March 22, 2010

Among those in attendance: Sandra Holland, Arnold Stymest, Harry Power, Richard Betz, Arlene Dicorcia, Richard Briere, Michael Hayes, Louis Grandpre' and Jim Coffey.

The meeting was called to order by Selectman Holland at 7:00 p.m. by and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

APPOINTMENTS:

7:02 P.M. Richard Betz presented the Board with a suggestion that the Town apply for a Mooseplate grant for the purpose of preserving old Town records. The proposed application is to be for $8,805 to preserve and digitize town records from 1761 through 1960. Selectman Holland asked about local matching funds and Mr. Betz explained that none were required. Selectman Holland, seconded by Selectman Stymest, moved to support the grant application. The motion was approved 2-0. The results of the application will not be known until after Town Meeting. Mr. Betz also stated that he and Joan Read will be in to suggest a small warrant article for some additional records preservation.

Mr. Betz then discussed the need for broadband service and the benefits of having better service in town. He suggested that we support the efforts of the Southwest Regional Planning Commission and the Monadnock Economic Development Corporation in their efforts to promote a program known as “Fast Road” which is designed to bring high speed internet services to the region. Mr. Betz also mentioned our recent problems with accessing our web site and it was agreed to have the site hosted by our consultant, Jeff Bergeron for $600 per year. The final item Mr. Betz mentioned was that the new/replacement Boston Post cane had been received from the Town of Peterborough.

7:25 P.M. Michael Hayes came in to respond to the correspondence the Selectmen had received from the Planning Board about site plan violations at his business located on Route 9. Mr. Hayes stated that the trees he was to plant would be mowed down by the State if he plants them. Selectman Holland then asked about the Board coming out to have a look. Mr. Hayes responded by stating that another business nearby has been operating without a septic system. Selectman Holland told Mr. Hayes that we need to stay with the issues concerning his site, which is the specific case [cited by the Planning Board]. A brief discussion followed with the Planning Board complaint unresolved.

8:00 Arlene Dicorcia asked the Selectmen what can be done about the school budget at town meeting. The Board explained that the town and the school were separate and that the School District already has had its Annual Meeting. Ms. Dicorcia also asked about having a husband and wife together on the Cemetery Trustees. It was explained that there was no legal conflict and the voters make the decision. Selectman Stymest noted that at a recent joint meeting of the Cemetery Trustees and the Trustees of Trust Funds, only the Trustees of Trust Funds had a proper notice of a meeting. A reminder will be sent to all Board reminding them of meeting notice requirements and holding meetings in a proper public place.

1. APPROVED/SIGNED:

1. The Accounts Payable Manifest was approved.

2. The minutes of March 15 were approved.

3. An application for current use was approved for Tax Map 421, Lot 14.

B. NEW BUSINESS:

1. 2010 budget request from Cemetery Trustees was reviewed with some concerns expressed about a $40,000 article to restore the Old Dow Cemetery.

2. The Board approved the request form for the Trustees of Trust Funds to reimburse the Town for work down by the Cemetery Trustees, and paid by the General Fund.

3. A Pistol Permit Application was referred to Chief Vaillancourt.

4. The Verbal Request for Use of the Town Hall on Saturday, August 7 From 5-10 P.M. for the Island Pond Association Annual Meeting was approved, subject to receiving the written application. Am application will be mailed to Bob O’Brien.

5. The letter from Planning Board, with supporting documents, concerning site plan violations by Hayes Car & Truck Repair was discussed with Mr. Hayes. See appointments.

6. A notification from Fred & Ruth Ward of Tax Map and land area assessment error for their property, as shown on a recent survey, was reviewed and will be sent to Cartographics for Tax map corrections. Corrections will also be made in the assessing system.

7. Copies of Memos of Deficiency from the Department of Environmental Services to the State's Dam Engineering and Construction Section relating to the Highland Lake Dam and to the Robb Reservoir Dam were reviewed. Copies were given to Mr. GandPre' for the Hidden Lake Association's interest.

8. A Wetlands Bureau Permit by Notification was reviewed. Dick Briere commented that the Conservation Commission has already seen it.

Other items listed in the agenda were also reviewed with no action taken or required.

OLD BUSINESS

1. Correspondence from the Department of labor was reviewed and will be responded to by Jim Coffey.

2. The insurance claim for the pumper, Engine 1, has been filed. Jim Coffey reported that an appraiser will be here next week to assess the damages. The truck is still in service.

The Board also removed Other Correspondence and Selectman Stymest asked Jim Coffey to send in an application for him to the Selectmen's Institute run by the NH Local Government Center and Antioch College.

At 8:36 Selectman Stymest, seconded by Selectman Holland moved to adjourn. Motion was approved 2-0.

Respectfully submitted,

__________________________

James Coffey, Interim Administrator

8:56 P.M. Selectman Holland moved to enter non-public session for an employee review, seconded by Chairman Halter.  Role Call Vote:  Halter-yes, Holland-yes and Stymest-yes.

9:28 P.M. The Board reentered public session and voted to seal the minutes of the non-public session.

9:29 P.M. Chairman Halter, seconded by Selectman Holland moved to adjourn. The Board approved the motion 3-0.

Respectfully submitted,

____________________________

James Coffey, Interim Administrator

Approved

___________________            _______________        _______________

John D. Halter, Chairman          Sandra L. Holland            Arnold Stymest

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,

____________________________

James Coffey, Interim Administrator

Approved

___________________            _______________        _______________

John D. Halter, Chairman          Sandra L. Holland            Arnold Stymest

Board of Selectmen