Meeting Minutes
SELECTMEN'S MEETING MINUTES
April 6, 2020
The meeting opened at 7:00 PM.
Attendees included Christopher Madden, Chairman of Selectmen, Charles Fosberry, Selectman, Robert Fee, Selectman, Michelle Pong, Town Administrator, Harry Power, Compliance Officer and Patricia Putnam, Administrative Assistant. Several members of the public were in attendance. Meeting held via phone & Zoom.
APPOINTMENTS: None
SELECTMEN'S COMMENTS:
Chris Madden suggested talking to David Vaillancourt to stop Dominic Busto coming from Connecticut, because of the virus, to work as a Police Officer. The board agreed.
Chris Madden expressed concern for Fire Department personnel going to Keene to transport overflow from Cheshire Medical Center to Keene State College due to the lack of quarantining after they have possibly being exposed to the virus.
Chris Madden asked for a broad band committee to research high speed internet. There is grant money out there to apply for.
The Board asked Michelle Pong to post a notice on the Town Web Site that out of state visitors and residents are to self-quarantine for 14 days.
SIGNED/APPROVED:
P/R Manifest
Was signed via Email
PUBLIC QUESTIONS & COMMENTS:
1. Karen Bell expressed concern about the Tax Collector/Town Clerk salary compensation. Chris Madden explained that after certifications are completed the compensation would be reviewed. Karen also said she has concerns about the amount of money for training. She wants to send her Assistant Town Clerk for some training. She was assured that as long as the bottom line was not exceeded she would have enough for training costs.
OLD BUSINESS:
1. Chris Madden moved to close the Town Offices and all buildings until May 4th, the board approved.
2. The board decided to postpone the Town elections to June 9th and the Town deliberative meeting to June 16th. There may be a further extension of up to 3 weeks. The postponements can be only done with 72 hours at a time. The Hearing to rename Old Forest Road will be held on May 11 along with the Budget Hearing.
3. Budget review –
1. Noted that the Fire Department requesting $7,500 for a new LP furnace to make all equipment fueled by LP and $1,400 to seal the driveway and parking lot. Charlie Fosberry did not feel the furnace is necessary. Charlie wanted to remove $7,500 for the furnace. Chris Madden reminded the board that there is a $300,000 culvert/ bridge replacement for Kings Highway Culvert/Bridge, which effects 1/3 of the town. Bob Fee expressed concerns on the
amount of money being requested reflecting the virus costing people their jobs and income.
2. Michelle Pong suggested adding $1,200 for sealing the Library driveway, the board
agreed.
3. The Fire Department will be asked to consider lowering salary due to the lowering of
personnel from 16 to14. Steve McGerty said he is considering the Selectmen's request to bring
personnel pay what they are certified for. Charlie Fosberry observed the budget is up $45,000.
This is not including the truck. Chris Madden asked Steve to look into the cost of the truck and
financing. Need the information by 4/30/2020.
4. Mutual Aid – remains the same as last year.
5. Welfare – add $1,900 – due to the virus situation
6. Building Capital Reserve – lower to $10,000.
7. Bridges and Roadway Capital Reserve – lower to $5,000
8. Town Clerk/Tax Collector – office upgrades = $7,800 – partial unexpected fund income
was $1,700 earmarked for that office. But Karen Bell wants further improvements. Chris
Madden said the budget should be explored to find any excess $$ to be used for the upgrades.
9. Transfer Station – Building replacement – use $5,000 and put out a request for bids to
build it.
10. Computer upgrade - $3,700 – Michelle Pong will find another contractor to bid.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Daniel Eaton reported that he has appointed Jason Kovarik to the position of Deputy
Moderator but Jason needs extensive training. Sandy Sherman said she didn't feel she could
continue as Deputy Moderator but will continue as Deputy until Jason is fully trained.
OTHER CORRESPONDENCE: None
ADJOURN: Meeting adjourned at 9:02 with no motion.
Respectfully submitted:
Patricia E. Putnam
Administrative Assistant
Approved:
_________________ ___________________ ____________________
Charles Fosberry Christopher Madden Robert Fee
STODDARD SELECTMEN
SPECIAL BUDGET MEETING
Monday, April 06, 2020
7:00 pm
CALL-IN CONFERENCE LINE
The