Selectmen's Meeting - Feb. 7, 2008 - Draft Minutes
6 HOLLAND STREET
PO BOX 139
MOULTONBOROUGH, NH 03254
Selectmen’s Meeting February 7, 2008
DRAFT
MINUTES
Present: Selectmen: Karel A. Crawford, Edward J. Charest, James F. Gray, Joel R. Mudgett, Betsey L. Patten; Carter Terenzini, Town Administrator, Hope K. Kokas, Office Secretary.
I. CALL TO ORDER: Karel called the meeting to Order at 7:00 P.M.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
III. REVIEW/APPROVE MINUTES: Joel Made the Motion to approve the Minutes of January 31, 2008 as written. Ed Seconded. The Motion carried Unanimously.
IV. NEW RESIDENTS: None.
PISTOL PERMITS: None.
V. PUBLIC MEETING:
1. Ralph Carrasco, Chair of the Municipal Needs Committee presented a memo to the Selectmen regarding the proposed expansion of the Waste Management Facility. He reported that the MNC met with the lowest bidder during a work session on February 6, 2008. Peter Jensen, a member of the Committee, clarified statements from last week’s meeting regarding the equipment vendor bids. On behalf of the Committee and the Town’s engineer, he requested that the Selectmen release the three highest bidders from consideration. Mr. Jensen stated that last week the MNC did not recommend an equipment vendor be selected from the three bidders, but asked the Selectmen to use the highest bid to be included in the total project cost of $1.4 million. He added that the Committee has not completed the review of the bids at this time. Mr. Jensen stated that when the project was given to the Committee, the Town’s Administrator and Selectmen all agreed there was a need to improve the facility. The need has not diminished, but increased. He stated that the expansion would provide improved efficiency, dry storage capacity with a positive revenue impact and decrease potential environmental liabilities, and making it an easier facility to use by Town’s people. On behalf of the Committee, Mr. Jensen requested that when the Selectmen can fully support the project to move it forward. He projected that the one time cost of $1.4 million would result in approximately $125 per property valued at $350,000, or about $35 per $1,000 of assessed value.
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The Feb. 14, 2008 Selectmen's Minutes states the above should
be corrected to "...or about $0.35 per $1,000 of assessed value."
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Mr. Jensen stated that this cost estimate is based on using $400,000 from the Capital Reserve Fund. In addition, with the expansion, it is projected that the costs to run the facility would be reduced by $100,000. Mr. Jensen added that Robert Saunders of Louis Berger provided the Committee with information from NH DES, about a new requirement called “pollutant loading”, which if the project doesn’t go forth this year could add $3,000 to $10,000 to the design and an additional $100,000 to the capital costs, and increased operating costs. The Committee suggested that if the Selectmen are not in favor of supporting the project this year, then to consider producing a brochure for public awareness towards supporting it next year. Joel asked what the cost would be to produce the information. Mr. Jensen estimated $5,000 to $10,000. He asked on behalf of the Committee, that if the Selectmen can not fully support the project that they not put it on the Town Warrant. John McRae, as the former Chair of MBNC asked the Selectmen if they had reviewed his recommendation. Karel stated that they had and she gave a copy of to the MNC Chair, Ralph Carrasco. She added that she is now working on the warrants and asked the Selectmen to give their opinion about going forth with the project or putting money into the Capital Reserve Fund. Betsey stated that at this time she doesn’t support going forth with the project, but would like to add $400,000 to the $200,000 in the Capital Reserve Fund. Joel expressed his support of the project and would like to see it happen this year. Ed said that due to all of the budget factors, economic climate, and with the unknown education funding question, he does not support going forward. Jim stated that he agrees with Ed and Betsey. Karel suggested adding at least another $200,000 (beyond what was budgeted) for a total of at least $400,000 as there is $500,000 in the Capital Reserve Fund now. Betsey Made the Motion to add $600,000 to the Capital Reserve Fund. Karel Seconded the Motion. Betsey and Karel voted Aye; Jim, Ed and Joel voted Nay. The Motion was defeated. Joel Made the Motion to add $200,000 to the Capital Reserve Fund. Betsey Seconded. The Motion carried Unanimously. Karel and the Selectmen thanked the Committee for their efforts in developing and presenting this project. Mr. Carrasco asked the Selectmen to notify Robert Saunders.
2. Rebecca Bryant, Chair of the Recreation Advisory Board told the Selectmen that a representative from the board will report to them monthly on their activities. She informed them that they have held three meetings so far and are working on producing a digital community calendar and hoping to have an Academy student do the actual technical work. The goal of the calendar is to have everything that is going on in Town included. In addition, they are working on developing a volunteer pool for the Recreation Department. Ms. Bryant stated that they need to work towards the RAB not being a grievance board. She added that the Board was charged with providing support and suggestions towards making improvements and being a communication bridge. On behalf of the Board, she asked the Selectmen to direct anyone with a problem first to the Recreation Director. Ms. Bryant added that it is important to note that a lot of people utilize the Recreation Department and are happy. She added that because they are satisfied the Selectmen don’t hear from them. Betsey asked Ms. Bryant if the RAB is working on developing a procedure for addressing grievances. She stated that they are working towards this.
VI. NEW BUSINESS:
1. MPD, Request to Hire: Karel summarized Chief Kinmond’s memo requesting that the Selectmen hire Kathleen Lord as a part-time Police Officer. Ms. Lord is a former State Trooper, and now works as a part time Communications Specialist with the NH State Police. Ms. Lord’s appointment would be contingent upon her passing the physical agility test and reinstatement of her police certification by NH Police Standards and Training. Chief Kinmond asked that she start her employment on March 1, 2008 with six months probation. Ed Made the Motion to hire Kathleen Lord as a part-time Police Officer as of March 1, 2008 with a six month probationary period. Jim Seconded the Motion. The Motion carried Unanimously.
2. Joe Reed, Resignation from Recreation Dept.: Karel stated that the Selectmen have received Joe’s letter of resignation and he made this decision based on obtaining employment closer to home and taking classes to get his degree. The Selectmen agreed that the Recreation Department will miss him. She asked Heidi to draft a letter accepting his resignation with regret.
3. Fishing Tournament Launch Request, Bubba Bassin Club, State’s Landing: Karel reported that the Bubba Bassin Club has requested to use the launch at State’s Landing on April 30, September 20, October 15, 18 & 19, November 2. Chief Kinmond and Chief Bengtson have reviewed the request and recommend approval. Joel requested approval is based on the stipulation of “No Power Loading”. He explained that the launch area at State’s Landing is not concrete and if boats power load on to trailers, they churn up the bottom, creating holes and damaging the launch area. Approved by Consensus.
4. Petition for Warrant Article, Winnipesaukee Wellness Center: To the budget folder.
5. Petition for Warrant Article, Mental Health Center: To the budget folder.
6. Petition for Warrant Article, Senior Needs Committee: Karel asked that this be placed in the budget folder. Freddie Gale, Chair of the Senior Needs Committee informed the Selectmen that she was unaware of this petition and not sanctioned by the Committee. Joann Farnham responded that she started the petition, as a member of the Committee, hoping to get funds to start a drop in center for seniors. Ms. Gale stated that she disputes the petition. Betsey responded by saying that the petition has been accepted and it has to be placed on the Town Warrant. Karel added that the time to discuss it will be at Town Meeting and that Ms. Gale and Ms. Farnham can address it then.
7. Petition for Warrant Article, West Wynde Elderly Housing: To the budget folder.
8. Petition for Warrant Article, Community/Senior Center Trust Fund, RSA 35:1: Tom Howard, Chair of the RSPC addressed the Selectmen, thanking Betsey and Kay Peranelli for assisting him in ascertaining the correct RSA from NH DRA, which is RSA 35:1. He expressed concern that the language in the petition may need to be changed, adjusting the language from “expendable general fund trust fund” and adding “capital reserve”. In addition, the note under the actual petition language wasn’t intended to be on the Warrant Article. Karel informed him that the language can be amended at Town Meeting. Betsey added that she feels that having the “RSA 35:1” may over rule the language. Mr. Howard asked again that the Selectmen support this petition to create of a trust fund of $100,000.
9. Petition for Warrant Article, SB2 - Additional Signatures (original received 7/10/07): To the budget folder.
10. Hollis Austin asked the Selectmen to explain how the Warrant Articles are reviewed. Karel stated that the Town Clerk first reviews the first 25 signatures to be sure that they are registered voters of the Town, as that is the minimum required. The petition then is acknowledged by the Selectmen and also the public. The Selectmen will discuss during the Warrant Article during their meeting and then vote to recommend it. Mr. Austin asked the Selectmen what their criterion is for a Warrant Article. Joel stated that the only criterion is that there are 25 registered voters on the petition. Betsey stated DRA advises the Selectmen in order for them to write a Warrant Article. Karel stated that the deadline to submit a citizen’s petition for a warrant article was February 5, 2008 and the Town can’t accept any after that day.
11. Karel asked the Selectmen if they recalled being asked by the Conservation Commission to write a Warrant Article to use money received from the Land Use Change Tax towards supporting conserving property in Town. She added that presently these funds go into the general fund. Betsey stated that no change should occur until after the Master Plan is completed and then she questions using 100% of the tax for the Conservation Commission, suggesting that they look at how other towns do this, using a percentage or having stipulations. Laurie Whitley stated that she attended the Selectmen’s Meeting in question and it was her recollection that the Selectmen stated they would write the Warrant Article. Karel stated that they needed to check the records, as no one could recall.
12. Betsey asked Karel about the Warrant Article they were asked to create for the Solar Energy System Exemption. Karel asked the Selectmen what the maximum amount of money should be for the exemption. Betsey suggested $10,000 be exempted from the assessed value. Joel suggested that the language should read that the exemption amount will not exceed $10,000 of the cost of the solar energy system installed. Karel commented that she’s reviewed and will use the suggested language of the RSA.
VII. OLD BUSINESS:
1. Judy Ryerson, Chair, Planning Board, MRI, February 4, 2008: Karel summarized Judy’s letter, which stated that she and Natt King reviewed the one and only bill received from MRI and felt it was accurate. The Planning Board does not recommend renewing the contract, but as staff from MRI are working on projects that will not be completed at the end of the contract, they expect to need to contract for specific services after April 1st.
VIII. OTHER BUSINESS:
1. Legislative Update: Betsey reported that the bottle bill and the fee on solid waste did not pass. She reported that the costing of an adequate education has come out: The universal cost per student is $3,456. The following are areas that they continue to work on but they are projecting: $675 for English as a second language; Special Education in a modified classroom $1,800; Special Education in a self-contained classroom $3,610; free and reduced lunch $3,456. Betsey stated that without the constitutional amendment targeting aid to needy towns, there will be donor towns.
2. Planning Board Update: None.
3. Administration Update: None.
4. Moultonborough Planning Board Meeting Minutes, January 30, 2008 & February 4, 2008: Acknowledged.
IX. PENDING:
1. Public Hearing, 2008 Budget, February 11, 2008, 7:00 pm: Karel stated that the Selectmen will have a work session on Saturday, February 9, 2008, 9:00 am, at the Town Hall. This meeting has been posted.
2. Public Hearing, Dog Licensing & Restraining Fine Increases, February 14, 2008, 7:05 pm
3. Public Hearing, SB2, February 21, 2008, 7:05 pm:
4. Tom Howard asked the Selectmen when the Public Hearing is for the Warrant Articles. Karel explained that there is no Public Hearing until Town Meeting. The Public Hearing for the 2008 budget will occur on Monday, February 11, 2008 and this is the time for residents to ask questions. The Selectmen will vote to recommend the Warrant Articles during their regular meeting on February 14, 2008.
IX. CORRESPONDENCE:
1. Jim Bakas, February 3, 2008: Karel acknowledged Mr. Bakas’ letter and learned that he has since emailed thanking the Police and Highway Department for their swift action in plowing his road.
2. Laurie Whitley, February 5, 2008: Karel acknowledged Ms. Whitley’s letter written in support of the petition for the community/senior center Warrant Article for $375,000.
X. ADJOURNMENT: Joel Made the Motion to Adjourn. Betsey Seconded.
Motion Carried Unanimously.
Karel adjourned the meeting at 8:10 p.m.
_____________________________________ ____________________________
Approved Date
Respectfully Submitted
Hope K. Kokas, Office Secretary
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