Town of Stoddard, NH

Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes

April 28, 2010

In attendance: John Halter, Sandra Holland, Arnold Stymest and Jim Coffey.

The Board met at 7:00 P.M., to discuss the four solid waste bids received. At the conclusion of the discussion it was agreed that the Board should interview Corcoran, RSI and Waste Management.  The Bestway Disposal bid was judged to not be in compliance with the request.

A special session will be scheduled for May 27 to meet individually with the bidders.

Respectfully submitted,

____________________________

James Coffey, Interim Administrator

Approved

___________________            _______________        _______________

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

Board of Selectmen

Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes

April 26, 2010

In attendance: John Halter, Sandra Holland, Arnold Stymest 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:

7:00 P.M.  Dave Marcoux, representing Waste Management met to explain the late opening of the Transfer Station on the previous Sunday, and to apologize for the problems it created.  Selectman Stymest stated that the delay was about an hour and many cars were backed up.  He then asked about a contingency plan.  Mr. Marcoux explained that there is a contingency plan but their employee had a family emergency and was late leaving to open the Transfer Station.  When the problem was initially known is was too late to get another employee that could have arrived before the  assigned employee.  It was further explained that they have four people in the area that could fill in, with the closest in Sullivan.  Selectman Holland had no questions concerning the problem.

7:20 P.M.  Pat Aglio and Mark Skidmore met to discuss unresolved land use violations they alleged were committed by John Marren on his property (Map 138 – Lot 34) dating back to at least 1998.  Mr. Skidmore submitted a summary outline of the problem and a lengthy detailed handout with additional information.  Mr. Skidmore stated that he has complained for seven years to the Town and has not had a response.  There was a lengthy discussion during which Richard Skidmore entered the meeting.  Mark Skidmore questioned the 1998 ZBA decision for John Marren and stated that the information provided by Marren was intentionally fraudulent. 

Near the end of Mark Skidmore's presentation it was determined that he alleges two present violations on the Marren property.  They are a setback violation along the boundary of the Marren property where it borders Skidmore's property, and the roof line of Marren's building is too high.   Near the end of the discussion Compliance Officer Harry Power suggested giving the issue to the Town's attorney.  Mr. Skidmore stated that he wants Marren's building put in compliance.  The detailed documents presented to the Board by Mark Skidmore were taken back and he will clarify some items and return them. Chairman Halter expressed support for a review by the attorney and it was echoed by Selectman Stymest.  After receipt of the material from Mr. Skidmore it will be furnished to Attorney Beth Fernald, with a cover letter and instructions from the Board.

8:30 A.M.  Open session:

Richard Nicoletti expressed concern over the proposed use of crushed asphalt on North Shore Road. He expressed concern that his name was used in the proposal to use the material.  He expressed concern about oil leaching out, despite any DES approval for its use.  He asked that the residents have a chance to approve the use of crushed asphalt before any is used, and the Road Agent be instructed not to use it at the present time.  Chairman Halter explained that there was a warrant article for improvements to North Shore Road and it was to use Best Management Practices, or BMP, when near the water.  A resident of Aten Road. Kevin Robbins,  mentioned that he has seen it used and the run off has an oily sheen and an oily smell. Tim Ruehr asked that this be part of a discussion at a coming meeting when John Baybutt will present information on a watershed study for the Granite Lake Association. Chairman Halter agreed that nothing should be done with use of crushed asphalt without more input.

Selectman Stymest mentioned that there have been two meetings at his house because Town Hall was not available. He suggested using the Gould House for meetings.  Selectman Holland stated she wasn’t sure it could be used at this time.  Chairman Halter wanted to hear from Dick Briere and suggested the suggested be put on hold until next week.

The open session concluded with a brief discussion with Dave Marcoux of Waste Management.  The Board agreed to have a  work session on Wednesday, April 28, at 7:00 P.M., to look further at the solid waste bids.

9:33 A.M.  Chairman Halter, seconded by Selectman Stymest moved to adjourn.  The motion passed 3-0.

APPROVED/SIGNED:

1.                  The Accounts Payable Manifest was approved.

2.                  The minutes of April 19 were approved with correction.

3.                  Disability exemption for Roy Marotta was approved.

4.                  Pistol Permits (4) were approved

B.  NEW BUSINESS:

The Board approved the following:

            Selectmen's Report for inclusion in the Annual Report

OLD BUSINESS

The solid waste bids will be further reviewed on April 28.

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

Respectfully submitted,

____________________________

James Coffey, Interim Administrator

Approved

___________________            _______________        _______________

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

Board of Selectmen

Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes

April 19, 2010

In attendance: John Halter, Sandra Holland, Arnold Stymest and Jim Coffey.

Also, Planning Board Chair Ruth Ward, Harry Power, Patricia Putnam, Robert Fee, Lou GrandPre', Michael Hayes and Terry McMahon.

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

APPOINTMENTS:

The meeting opened with a discussion of the site plan for property owned by Michael Hayes, on Route 9,  Selectman Chair John Halter opened the discussion and informed the public that comment from the audience would be restricted. He went to state that the meeting would conducted as expeditiously and respectful as possible.

Planning Board Chair Ruth Ward then went through a list of events starting in January 2008 with a meeting concerning junk cars.  February 2008 there was a site visit and all junk vehicles were to be removed within 60 days.  April 2008 there was a work session to review the file. May 2008 Mr. Hayes still plans to erect a fence. July 2008 the Planning Board held a public hearing and concluded that not enough work was completed.  During August 2008 the Planning Board made a site visit. September 2008, Mr. Hayes, the Planning Board and Mr. Bentley agreed that the fence would be erected in 60 days. Vehicles there for repair and not paid for would be removed by the end of the year.  A living wall of trees to provide a screen would be erected by May 1, 2009.  Planning Board Chair Ruth Ward concluded by reading an agreement made between Hayes and Smith for the removal of the cars and scrap metal storage.

Selectman Holland and Stymest agreed with Ruth Ward's comments.

Michael Hayes then mentioned the 1999 original site plan and the person who made the complaint has a junkyard that abuts his property.  Mr. Hayes then presented an agreement that both he, and the former Planning Board Chairman had signed.  Mr. Hayes mentioned that a section of plantings had not been done because they would be in the highway right-of-way, and DOT would remove them.

Considerable discussion ensued, much of it relating to the signed plat.  The need for a fence was questioned by Mr. hayes since he now had a building where the fence was to be built. During the discussion agreements between Dale Smith and Mr. hayes were questioned. Robert Fee stated that the most experienced Planning Board members on this subject are not here, and then questioned if the “Plat” superseded a prior written agreement.

At the conclusion it was agreed to have the Planning Board's attorney, Silas Little, review the agreement signed by Mr. Hayes and former PB Chairman Dale Smith.  Mr. Hayes then explained some of the improvements he was attempting . 

At 7:45 P.M. The joint meeting with the Planning Board concluded.

The Board took a five minute recess.

7:55 P.M.  Chairman Halter asked if there was anyone present who wished to address the Board.

At 7:55 the bids for the operation of the Transfer Station were opened. There were four respondents and their bids are attached.  All the bids represent a significant savings from the present price.

Harry Power commented that going out to bid was good and will result in a savings.

Chairman Halter mentioned that even the present contractor, Waste Management was offering a significant savings.

Lou GrandPre' mentioned the Washington costs.

8:15 P.M.  Chairman Halter moved to appoint Paul Crosby to the Conservation Commission. Selectman Stymest stated that he would like to meet him.  Selectman Holland explained that this was not necessary, but he want to it could be arranged.  Selectman Stymest then withdrew his request and Selectman Holland seconded the motion which passed 3-0.

The Board directed that the local E911 coordinator be the Jim Coffey with Cartographics for assistance.  Jim Coffey asked about the status of Aten Road and Chairman Halter explained that it carries a Class V designation from a court case but is privately maintained.

The door to the treasurer's office had been “jimmied” and forced open. Some papers were moved and others miss filed, none of which were private. The Board authorized the door lock to be replaced or modified to be tamperproof.

APPROVED/SIGNED:

1.                  The Accounts Payable Manifest was approved.

2.                  The minutes of April 12, were approved.

3.                  2010 Warrant and Budget Form MS-6

B.  NEW BUSINESS:

The Board approved the following:

            Veteran's Tax Credit for Elmer Roentsch

            Veteran's Tax Credit for James Amrein

            Elderly Exemption for James & Barbara Amrein

            Appointment of Paul Crosby to the Conservation Commission

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

OLD BUSINESS

The Board reviewed a liability assessment of the Stoddard Police Department from the Local Government Center, which manages our property & liability insurance.  Suggested items will be reviewed at a later date. A thank you letter will be sent to the LGC.

Bids for the operation of the Transfer Station were opened.  A copy of the bid summary is at the end of the minutes.

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

At 9:00 P.M. Chairman Halter, seconded by Selectman Stymest moved to adjourn the meeting.  Voted 3-0 to adjourn.

Respectfully submitted,

____________________________

James Coffey, Interim Administrator

Approved

___________________            _______________        _______________

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

Board of Selectmen

Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes

April 12, 2010

In attendance: John Halter, Sandra Holland, Arnold Stymest and Jim Coffey.

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Halter at 9:50 p.m., after the close of the 2010 Budget Hearing.

APPOINTMENTS:

None

APPROVED/SIGNED:

1. The Accounts Payable Manifest was approved.

2. The minutes of April 5, were approved.

3. Property Tax Abatement for Richard Beam, Jr. was approved, as recommended by the assessor.

4. Veteran's Tax Credit for Lanny Seaver

5. Pistol Permit (1)

6. Payroll Authorization for Mark McKeen for Stoddard Fire Fire Department

B. NEW BUSINESS:

The Board disagreed with the premise of a request from Mark Skidmore to reduce values for 5 lots in the Spruceland Owners Association and assign a value to a beach lot. [The matter will be taken up in greater detail in the future should Mr. Skidmore, and the other owners, submit abatement requests.]

The Board agreed to have the Interim Administrator use the Report of Cut from Andorra Forest for determining the timber tax to be warranted to the Collector.

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

OLD BUSINESS

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

The Board reviewed other correspondence without any specific action taken, or required.

**************************************************************************************

At 10:12 P.M. Chairman Halter, seconded by Selectman Stymest moved to enter non-public session under RSA 91-A:3, II c. Role call vote, Halter-yes, Holland-yes, Stymest-yes.

At 10:27 P.M. The Board returned to public session and voted 3-0 to seal the minutes.

At 10:28 P.M. Selectman Stymest, seconded by Chairman Halter moved to adjourn the meeting. Voted 3-0 to adjourn.

Respectfully submitted,

____________________________

James Coffey, Interim Administrator

Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes

April 5, 2010

In attendance: John Halter, Sandra Holland, Arnold Stymest, Harry Power, Ed Saleski, Pat and Terry McHahon, Dick and Carol Briere 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. Compliance Officer presented the Board with a building permit for Robert T. Parker for a porch. Mr. Power explained that the permit was for an 8 x 32 foot unheated porch that was already built. During the discussion Mr. Power stated that the owner plans on adding some additional porches and the Board agreed that these would require additional permits. The Board also agreed that there would not be a fine.

Mr. Power then told the Board that he suggests a joint meeting between the Planning and the Selectmen to determine what the present status is for the Hayes car & Truck site plan. Once the two Boards are in agreement, Mr. Power will have the necessary direction to address any violations. It was agreed that Mr. Hayes should also be invited to the meeting. The meeting will be at 7:00 P.M., on April 19.

7:23 P.M. Mary Lou Stymest met to discuss recent vandalism of some marble headstones at the New Town Cemetery. She presented the Board with pictures of the vandalized stones. The matter was discussed, and the Cemetery Trustees will be looking into repairing the damage. The incident has been reported to Chief Vaillancourt.

7:28 P.M. Town Clerk Joan Read meet to thank the Board for repairing the door to her office and the printing of ballots for the coming town meeting. Joan commended Mario for the excellent installation he did with the door. The Board agreed with Joan to continue with the same printer for the ballots. The final item discussed related to the restoration of a very old Town book concerning the olde roads. It was agreed to keep the $600 in her budget for that purpose.

7:42 P.M. Mrs McMahon requested that the March 22 minutes be corrected relating to a comment she said was made by Selectman Stymest. She said that he stated that “only the the Trustees of Trust Funds were properly notified of a meeting of the Cemetery Commission to be held at the Town Hall on Monday morning March 22 at 10a.m. Mrs. McMahon also stated that Arlene DiCorcia was in error when she stated that a husband and wife were serving on the Cemetery Commission. Selectman Stymest commented that the Board had taken a vote that all meetings of any committees or Boards must be noticed and the meetings held at the Town Hall.

7:47 Terry McMahon asked if the Selectman had obtained an editorial policy from an attorney, or if an editorial policy had been developed. Selectman Holland questioned the need for an editorial policy if we should not be editorializing. Mr. McMahon stated that the Selectmen would have a copy of the newsletter before it is released. Mr. McMahon then asked about the CIP Committee's report and CIP Implementation. There need to update the CIP was discussed as an item that needs to be accomplished.

7:56 P.M. Fire Chief P.J. Lamothe, along with Randy Weaver,discussed the cracks in the Fire Station walls and the fill on which the station was constructed. The CIP was also discussed with comment from Chairman Halter that the Fire Department has some of the most expensive items. Selectman Stymest asked about a problem with an office going to an incident in Turtle Rock Road. Chief Lamothe stated that Chief Vaillancourt was right there and very professional. Chief Lamothe also mentioned that Engine 1 would be out of service for two days while being repaired.

APPROVED/SIGNED:

1. The Accounts Payable Manifest was approved.

2. The minutes of March 29, were approved.

B. NEW BUSINESS:

At the suggestion of Treasurer, Patricia Putnam, the Interim Administrator will review and approve future mileage reimbursements.

Carol Briere asked about the gravel dumped between the Town Hall and the Road [King's Highway}. She explained that it needs immediate attention, if the grass there is going to be recovered.

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

OLD BUSINESS

The subject in the Agenda was covered during the discussion with Mr. Power.

At 9:17 P.M. Selectman Holland, seconded by Selectman Stymest moved to adjourn the meeting. Voted 3-0 to adjourn.

Respectfully submitted,

____________________________

James Coffey, Interim Administrator