Selectmen's Meeting Minutes March 6, 2008

the Selectmen have not received any meeting minutes.  Ed recalled that he served on the Committee back in 1993-1994 and was independent.  Karel thought that when the Recreation Feasibility study formed, their goal was to provide recreational services to all in the community and that would be the only connection for Senior Needs Committee’s to the Recreation Department.  Joanne Farnham, a member of the Senior Needs Committee stated that they meet six times a year and there were no minutes that she was aware of.  Karel commented that the former Town Administrator was a member of the Committee and felt certain that he kept documentation.  Ms. Taylor informed the Selectmen that the RAB has received suggestions from the seniors for activities and also people offering to volunteer to help with the activity.  The Committee would like to know if there is funding for senior activities.  Karel replied that the Senior Needs Committee is unfunded; however the Recreation Department can provide activities for seniors as allowed in the budget.  Al Hume, also a member of the RAB, asked the Selectmen if the job description for the Recreation Director’s position includes providing services for seniors.  Karel commented that the Recreation Director has tried in the past to incorporate activities for seniors, but received little interest.  Peter Jensen commented that the Recreation Department has done a survey for senior activities and as a result has planned a trip for seniors the day before Town Meeting.  He felt the department is making an effort.  Ms. Taylor told the Selectmen that when the Board asks to develop an activity for seniors housed at the present Community Center the Recreation Director responds it can’t be done as there is little available space, budgeting is an issue and they don’t have the man power to provide more services, etc.  She added that the RAB would like to have a financial workshop for seniors.  Betsey suggested contacting UNH’s Cooperative to speak and do the workshop at little cost.  Betsey commented that it is important that committees keep minutes in order to be accountable.  Karel also suggested that there is space available in the Town Hall for activities.  Nancy Wright commented that senior activities should be separate from activities for youth and suggested that personnel or a volunteer be added to coordinate activities for this group.  Karel stated that the RAB now has members that represent the seniors in Town and if there is to be a community/senior center, they will be on board to begin advocating for this group.  Tom Howard, the Chair for the Recreation Strategic Planning Team stated that the Recreation Department’s mission statement can be viewed on line and the strategic plan is to serve community members of all ages.  He suggested that the petitioned warrant article for $3,000 could possibly be amended to the Recreation Department to provide more senior activities.  Betsey reviewed the Recreation Director’s job description and it does not state anything specific about seniors.  Joanne Farnham commented that she thinks senior activities should be separated from activities for youth; seniors are not interested in sports activities.
2.         Karel welcomed Senator Joe Kenney.  Senator Kenney stated that he came to provide the Selectmen and the Town with information about the education funding efforts in the Senate.  He provided the Selectmen with a spreadsheet depicting that they have determined the cost of an adequate education is $3,400 per student, with a total cost of $914 million with a supplemental plan of $48 million added to that for poorer communities and those with English as a Second Language programs, and a higher population of students with disabilities.  In order to pay for this, the cost to the donor towns would be $16 million, which he opposes.  Moultonborough would once again become a donor town at $3.4 million.  The Senate passed a constitutional amendment to target aide to needy communities and that is in the House.  The bill for the cost of an adequate education is before the Senate and he welcomes anyone to contact him if they have questions or comments.  Senator Kenney added that it is being discussed to make kindergarten mandatory for all towns and the cost for this is not part of the cost for an adequate education.  He stated that he is not in favor of making it mandatory, but allowing each town to decide this.  The state would provide 75% of this cost to start up kindergarten programming.  Karel asked the Senator what he predicts will happen if the constitutional amendment isn’t passed and the cost of an adequate education is vetoed by the Governor.  Senator Kenney replied that he feels the court will act and make the decision.  Once the constitutional amendment is on the ballot, the big debate will occur with towns asking what they will get out of this.  He added that he feels the constitutional amendment is needed and let the towns vote.  Senator Kenney was asked questions regarding the possibility of a state income or sales tax and the under funding of the state’s retirement system.  He responded that the Governor is against any sales or income tax.  Senator Kenney reported the under funding of the retirement system has occurred for two major reasons.  He stated that five years ago employees were allowed to buy in an extra five years which was a short term revenue increase.  This combined with the poor stock market permanence has created the problem.  The question is what to do with cost of living adjustments, etc.  He stated they are working with municipal groups and have received recommendations with changes to some programs.   Karel thanked Senator Kenney for coming before the Selectmen with this update.
3.         Ed reported that there is a Coalition Communities meeting on March 27, 2008 and if he and Karel are re-elected they are planning on attending.  Regardless of the election outcome he hopes that the Selectmen will continue to represent the Town at these meetings as it is a very important issue.
 
VI.       NEW BUSINESS:
 
1.         Launch Requests:
Hawg Squad Bass Club, Lee’s Mills, June 15, 2008
Stateline Bass Angler, Lee’s Mills, October 5, 2008
So. NH Bass Club, Lee’s Mills, July 20, 2008
Manchester Bass Club, Lee’s Mills, October 26 & 27, 2008
N.E. Bass Hunters, Lee’s Mills, October 19, 2008
Karel reported that all of the launch requests have been approved by the Police and Fire Chiefs.  Karel asked if the clubs were receiving information regarding each chief’s comment that appropriate parking be maintained to allow room for emergency vehicles.  Hope replied that she includes with the approval, photos of the fire truck parked and the fire boat docked at Lee’s Mills and also a copy of the ordinance.  Betsey Made the Motion to approve the Launch Requests for Hawg Squad Bass Club, Stateline Bass Angler, So. NH Bass Club, Manchester Bass Club and N.E. Bass Hunters.  Ed Seconded the Motion.  The Motion carried Unanimously.
2.         FEMA, Moultonborough’s Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan:  Karel reported that the Town’s plan was approved by the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA.  The letter states that the Town’s multi-hazard mitigation plan must be reviewed, revised as necessary, and resubmitted to FEMA for approval within five years in order to maintain eligibility.  Karel congratulated Chief Dave Bengtson and everyone who worked on the plan.
3.         NH Public Radio, Town Meeting Website:  Carter explained that this is an opportunity for the Town to highlight six issues that appear on the Town Warrant, allowing people to discuss them on the Internet.  He suggested placing the Town’s general operating budget, Ossipee Park Road, SB2, funds for the architectural and engineering study for the proposed community/senior center, and the proposed zoning ordinances.  Nancy Wright asked who posts the information to go on the website.  Carter replied that the Selectmen approve of what is to be posted from only the warrant articles and will appear without the Selectmen’s recommendations.  The Selectmen agreed that this was a good idea.  Carter stated that he will try to get this information posted by this weekend.
4.         Chief Scott Kinmond, Expenditure Request:  Karel stated that in Chief Kinmond’s memo he is requesting the amount of $2,500 be withdrawn from the Community Substance Abuse & Enforcement CR account to expend on drug enforcement operations.  Betsey Made the Motion to approve the withdrawal of $2,500 from the Community Substance Abuse & Enforcement CR account for the purpose of drug enforcement operations.  Jim Seconded the Motion.  The Motion carried Unanimously.
5.         Let. Thomas R. Dawson, Expenditure Request – Boy Scout Troop:  Karel reported that the Police Department has been requested to present a drug and alcohol prevention program by the local Boy Scout Troop.  Let. Dawson is requesting $210 to purchase 15 of Todd Crandell’s book, From Addict to Ironman, for his presentation.  Ed Made the Motion to approve withdrawing $210 from the Community Substance Abuse & Enforcement CR account for the purpose of purchasing 15 books for the upcoming presentation.  Betsey Seconded the Motion.  The Motion carried Unanimously.
6.         Town Operations on Town Meeting Day:  Karel reported that she heard from Phyllis Prouty, the Chair of the Library Board of Trustees and they will have employees available to work during Town Meeting, Saturday, March 15.  In addition, Francis Horne, the Manager of the Waste Management Facility, wants to be open on that Saturday and he along with another staff will work during Town Meeting.
 
VII.     OLD BUSINESS:
 
1.         Municipal Needs Committee:  Ralph Carrasco, the Chairman of the MNC asked that the information provided to the Selectmen be discussed under correspondence.
 
VIII.    OTHER BUSINESS:
 
1.         Legislative Update:  Betsey responded to the article in the newspaper and to Jim Castleberry’s email about her comment from last week’s meeting that not a lot was going on.  She stated that as a Representative her focus is on the House.  She added that during the period of time she spoke of, the House was waiting for the Senate to act.  Betsey reported that she will be in session on Wednesdays and Thursdays for the next several weeks.  She informed everyone that this week they worked on health insurance matters for municipalities and small businesses and banning ATV’s to run on railroad beds.
2.         Planning Board Update:  Ed reported that they will meet next week.
3.         Administration Update:  None.
4.         Planning Board Meeting Minutes, February 27, 2008:  Acknowledged.
 
IX.       PENDING:
 
1.         Residency Ordinance for Registered Sexual Offenders:  Carter reported that he hoped to bring this before the Selectmen in April after he meets with Town Counsel.  Betsey referred Carter to Jill Rockey, Head of the Sexual Offender Registry in Concord to help develop the Town’s ordinance.
2.         Policy for Closing Town Offices Emergency/Inclement Weather:  Carter reported that he is drafting questions to bring to Town Counsel and hopes to have a draft for the Selectmen in mid May.
 
IX.       CORRESPONDENCE:
 
1.         Anthony Alibrio, February 29, 2008:  Karel acknowledged Mr. Alibrio’s letter and his right to his first amendment rights, as she has a right to hers.  She added that if he is unhappy of her comments during a public meeting, it is his right to tell her so.
2.         Jim Castleberry, February 29, 2008:  Mr. Castleberry spoke to his email to the Selectmen asking that the Minutes from last week’s meeting be amended where it was reported that he is a member of the Moultonboro Citizen’s Alliance.  He stated that during last week’s meeting he was incorrectly listed as a member of the Moultonboro Citizen’s Alliance.  Mr. Castleberry added that in all of his correspondence to the Selectmen he has never represented himself as being a member of the Alliance.  Karel acknowledged this.  Garry Torressen addressed the Selectmen stating he too was listed as a Member of the Moultonboro Citizen’s Alliance of which he is not a member.  Karel acknowledged this.  Mr. Castleberry asked the Selectmen to predict the tax impact to the Town if we once again became a donor town.  Karel stated that the Selectmen can’t predict a tax rate for 2010, but it will have a tremendous impact, and it is very likely that the budget would need to be cut.  The Selectmen expressed their concern about the Town becoming a donor town again and stated that they have been active with the Coalition Communities from the very beginning.
3.         Jim Castleberry, March 3, 2008:  Mr. Castleberry asked Karel to address her comment from last week’s meeting about her being uncomfortable reading letters to the Selectmen into the record.  Karel stated that at times the content of some letters is uncomfortable as it might be derogatory towards another.  She feels that if an individual has derogatory comments to make towards another that they should not expect the Selectmen to read it, but should come in person.  Karel added that typically she generalizes correspondence.  Adding that it is public record and she welcomes anyone to view correspondence received by the Selectmen available in the Administration office.  Karel stated that the Selectmen do not have an official policy regarding reading correspondence into the record.  Ed expressed that he does not agree with Karel and feels that all letters to the Selectmen should be read into the record, or at least provide the public with copies in order for them to follow along.  He added that there isn’t any state law requiring that they provide feedback of correspondence they receive.  He added that in the case of receiving multiple letters on one topic, reading each and every one into the record does not make sense.  Joel stated that the Selectmen will be reviewing policies and they can add this to the list.  Betsey agreed.
4.         Hollis Austin asked the Selectmen if they look at the voter registration checklist.  Karel responded that they do not.  This is the responsibility of the Supervisors of the Checklist and it is under the jurisdiction of the Town Clerk.  He asked the Selectmen if they felt that the Checklist is accurate and ready for the election.  The Selectmen all agreed that it is accurate and ready.
5.         Ralph Carrasco, Chair of the Municipal Needs Committee asked that the Committee’s correspondence be made a part of the record.  Karel replied that it would be made part of the Minutes (attached).
 
Karel asked for a Motion to go into Non-Public Session.  Ed Made the Motion for the Selectmen to go into Non-Public Session per RSA 91-A:3 II (a).  Betsey Seconded the Motion.  Karel called for a roll call:  Jim – Aye; Betsey – Aye; Ed – Aye; Joel – Aye; Karel – Aye.  The Selectmen went into Non-Public Session at 8:30 pm.
 
Betsey Made the Motion for the Selectmen to come out of Non-Public Session.  Ed Seconded the Motion.  Karel called for a roll call:  Jim – Aye; Betsey – Aye; Ed – Aye; Joel – Aye; Karel – Aye.  The Selectmen came out of Non-Public Session at 9:25 pm.
 
Ed Made the Motion to seal the Non-Public Minutes until the matter is resolved.  Jim Seconded the Motion.  The Motion carried Unanimously.
 
X.        ADJOURNMENT:    Jim Made the Motion to Adjourn.  Ed Seconded.
                                              Motion Carried Unanimously.
                                              Karel adjourned the meeting at 9:27 p.m.
 
 
_____________________________________                      ____________________________
Approved                                                                                 Date
                                                                                                Respectfully Submitted
                                                                                                Hope K. Kokas, Office Secretary