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Town of Henniker New Hampshire 2012 Minutes from Selectmen Meetings |
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Town of Henniker Members Present: Leo Aucoin, Vice Chairman; Thomas Watman, Selectman; Robert French, Selectman; Ron Taylor; Selectman Town Administrator: Chuck Connell Guests: Leigh Bosse, Carl Knapp, Mike Pon, Chief Murdough, David Bowers, June Bowers, Terry Leedham, Samantha Seinzo, Katie Sisser, Allyson Flynn, Mike Kern, Rick Daniel Recording Secretary: Cherry Palmisano Vice Chairman Aucoin opened the meeting at 6:15 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance. Selectman French moved, Selectman Watman seconded to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Passed 4-0-0 Organizational Meeting: Elect Chair and Vice Chair Selectman Aucoin asked to table the election until May 1st when they have a full Board. Selectman Watman commented on this being the third meeting since Town Meeting and the election should have already taken place directly after the Town Meeting. He finds it annoying that the Chairman can send an email to all members of the Board stating that he would not be present and telling the members that they can vote for him as Chairman. Selectman Aucoin apologized that the issue has not been taken care of. Selectman Taylor would prefer to have the full Board present for the election. Selectman French moved, Selectman Taylor seconded to postpone the election of officers until the next meeting with a full board. Passed 3-1-0; Selectman Watman was opposed. APPOINTMENTS Item 1: L. Michael Reed, Repayment to Town Chuck Connell told the Board that Mr. Reed is not present and he will contact him. Item 2: June and David Bowers, Noise Complaint – Hall Avenue June Bowers presented two statements to the Board from neighbors on Hall Ave who also have the same noise complaints. She spoke to Bob Seaman in the fall regarding the noise across the street at the college house on Fairview and Hall. The Bowers moved in two years ago in October and since that time the noise has escalated to being out of control Wednesday night to Sunday and is non-stop. Selectman Aucoin asked what actions have been taken. Mrs. Bowers said that they have called the police hundreds of times. During the weekend of April 1st there was a party that was broken up by the police. Mrs. Bowers told the Board that her husband was asked by Bob Seaman, who is the landlord, to be his eyes and observe what goes on in the building. Mr. Seaman told them to call the police if a situation arises. Chief Murdough said that from August to today there have been thirty-eight complaints regarding the Seaman apartment building on Hall Ave with nineteen of those complaints being founded. Chief Murdough said that the last time they were called was on April 1st and the party was dispersed without incident. Chief Murdough explained that they have to observe noise before acting. If it is close to 11pm they knock on the door and speak to the tenants. If they need to come back a second time they will be issued a summons and have to appear in court. Chief Murdough told the Board that every time they have knocked on a door and spoke with the tenants the noise has stopped without incident. The Police Department has maintained high visibility on Hall Ave in the last two months. Selectman Watman asked if there have been any repeat incidents to the same apartment. Chief Murdough responded that there have been. Selectman Watman asked if they report to any landowner that an incident occurred. Chief Murdough said they do not report to the landlord, but that is not a bad idea. Chief Murdough said that there was a long term standing problem on Hall Ave, but there is not as much of a problem now. Chief Murdough has discussed with the college making the landlords responsible for their tenant’s actions. There are some buildings where they have no problems because the landlords are strict. There is no penalty he can oppose on the landlords. Chief Murdough has read the lease and there are strict rules, but they are not good if they are not enforced. Terry Leedham, who lives across the street from the problematic apartment building on Hall Ave told the Board that he hopes they all agree that there is an enormous problem. He has been very patient for over a year. He said that there are no consequences for those people causing the problems. Mr. Leedham said that there have been forty calls to the police department for disturbance of the peace in the neighborhood, which constitutes a huge problem. Mr. Bowers told the Board that he met with Bob Seaman and some of the residents. He said that the residents of the apartment drive in and out and lay on their horns to disturb them. Mr. Bowers said that he has gone over several times to the residents and asked them to be quiet. Selectman Watman asked if Mr. Bowers reports the specific people who have violated the rules to the landlord. Mr. Bowers said he has called Mr. Seaman thirty-five times before receiving a return phone call. Selectman French commented on Mr. Bowers having no authority to set consequences and should have police presence when approaching the tenants. Mr. Bowers said there are times when he calls the police and they are busy and cannot be there. Selectman Watman is concerned with there being forty incidents needing a call to the police and asked if something could be enforced and the landlord could be held responsible. Chief Murdough said that there have been thirty-eight calls and nineteen have been founded, but there have been no violations. He knows of no law that holds the landlords accountable. The noise ordinance holds tenants accountable for the noise. Selectman Watman suggests asking the town attorney if there are any changes that can be made to the ordinance to have the landlord be responsible for the tenants upholding the ordinance. Mitchell Carney, resident of the Hall Ave apartment in discussion, told the Board that the landlord was made aware of the meeting tonight, but is not here. Mr. Carney said that he is not aware that any resident has been cited with a violation of noise, he said as a resident he is also entitled to peace and privacy. He feels that the allegations of noise waste the police department’s time and taxpayer’s money. The complainants are applying such pressure to the landlord, who does not want to see them leave. Mr. Carney feels that as paying residents it is an injustice to harass them. They do have people over, but the scale that is being described has happened only three times. Any time the police have come to their door they have asked people to leave. He understands that Mr. Bower has come over and asked them to quiet down, and they have done their best to do so. Mr. Carney feels there is a difference of opinion on what loud is. No one has been cited with a violation of noise and he does not think they are doing anything wrong. The residents are not trying to do anything to hurt others and feel they are being harassed by the police. He has to live with his windows closed to play his music, in fear of getting a noise complaint. Mr. Carney feels that there were issues in the past, but that is not the case now and he does not want to get evicted for something that they are not doing. Mr. Bowers said that the 90% of the noise he is talking about occurs from 11pm to 3am. He is not talking about music, but people out there hooting and hollering and waking them up. The other apartments throw parties as well and he is not pinpointing just one apartment. Chief Murdough said that they have dealt with this same situation two years ago on Prospect Street. When guests of the building left they would holler and were loud. The department worked with the tenants, college, and landlords regarding the need to be respectful of neighbors and a lot of the issues stopped. The only reason they have not been issued a summons on Hall Ave is because they comply with the police requests. Chief Murdough said that yelling, screeching tires, and honking horns looks bad for the tenants and they should tell their guests to respect their neighbors. Mrs. Bowers told the Board that she works 36 hours within three days and she does not receive restful sleep. She is not sure these people know how obnoxious they are. She would like some respect and is sleep deprived because of the noise and would like to sleep a full night. Selectman French noted that one of the residents stated there was not a problem, but they have several letters from residents stating that there is a problem. The town noise ordinance was passed by the Selectmen. Selectman Aucoin said that they are discussing notification to the landowner and changing the noise ordinance to extend the violation process to the landowners and if the problem persists the landowner would receive the violation. Selectman Taylor said that there is nothing in the ordinance regarding the property owner/landowner. He said that the policy should be sent to the attorney to re-write/enhance the policy. The Board is not in any position to do anything tonight. Samantha Seinzo stated that she has lived in the apartment building since September. She would like to come to an agreement. She knows that the Bowers are entitled to peace and quiet and she is also entitled to privacy. Mr. Bowers has come to her apartment late at night or early in the morning and his wife has also come onto her property and taken pictures. Ms. Seinzo said that it is to the point where they can’t even open their windows because of fear of getting a noise complaint. Selectman Aucoin said that as a Board they make the policies and this policy will be re-visited in the near future. Chief Murdough will police the area more strongly. Selectman Aucoin said that an agreement needs to be made between the people involved. The Board cannot provide a cure all, the landlord needs to be put on notice by the police department, but they need to check with the attorney to see if they can do so. Selectman Watman moved, Selectman French seconded to submit the Noise Ordinance to the attorney to see what can be done in regards to re-writing the ordinance to see what can be done to hold landlords responsible. Selectman Aucoin hopes that the young adults in the room look at the situation and speak to their guests to see what can be done. The Board will get an opinion from the town attorney, but would like to see them all work together. The motion passed 4-0-0. Item 3: Rick Daniel, Henniker Youth Athletics Boosters Fundraising (HYAB) Rick Daniel, long term volunteer in town, told the Board that his volunteering for athletics allowed him to create the Henniker Youth Athletics Boosters. He has been raising funds for the purpose of promoting youthful activities in the Town of Henniker. Mr. Daniel has been the director for about six years and has held the role of soccer director and director of programs. In his years of volunteering he has made a lot of friends who would give him money and he would use that money to buy things for the sports programs. He was told to form a 501Cx (non-profit) to protect him from being accused of wrong doing, so he formed the 501C. The HYAB has purchased uniforms, grass seed, paid for fertilizing and seeding, paid for portable toilets, purchased two pieces of equipment with funds he received from generous donations, and many other things. The primary source of his money comes from the soccer tournament when he asks people for small donations when parking to help provide for the fields and the kids. Mr. Daniel said that he has never demanded a parking fee, never asked for a parking fee, and only has received donations. The future of the HYAB is uncertain and more and more people are saying they don’t want to make donations when they park their car. His time is limited for volunteering and he is not sure of the status after this year. There is $1,500 left in the fund. Selectman Watman commented on Mr. Daniel being on the list of the top ten people who deserve credit for the success of the program. Selectman Watman suggested that Mr. Daniel check with the Town Administrator to see what permission needs to be given to solicit donations. Selectman Watman also suggested that he work closely with the Athletic Committee, particularly the fund raising individuals to see what the needs are so they are fully aware of what is going on. He commended Mr. Daniel for his effort. Selectman Aucoin also thanked Mr. Daniel for all his effort. He said that some members of the Athletic Committee feel their hands are tied in trying to raise funds with the snack shacks, shirts, sweatshirts, hats, and dances. Mr. Daniel is more than welcome to attend the Athletic Committee meetings. Mr. Daniel said they weren’t asking for people to donate and it is a historical position that they can’t ask for a nominal fee to play. He plans for his activities based on the premise that he doesn’t want people to think that the money raises funds the athletic programs; the Boosters can’t raise that much money. Mr. Daniel said that to comply he did form the 501C because he wants to continue to get the things that they need. He has been doing this for years so that the Athletic Committee does not have to request the additional funds in their budget. Mr. Daniel is a little worried they might lose the lease on the fields and does not want to see them disappear. He is also worried about the future of the Henniker Youth Athletics Booster Club. Item 4: Carl Knapp; Award of Bids: Paving Bids and Reclaiming Bids Mr. Knapp told the Board that he has received bids for the reclamation of Western Avenue from The Oaks to Liberty Hill and the reclamation of Old Concord Road from Keyser Pond Road to the far end of Old Concord Road. The bids were all close, but Advanced Excavating was the low bidder at $.73 per square yard for a total of $9,673. Mr. Knapp said he has worked with Pike for many years and they did Old Concord Road last year. He has not personally used Advanced for reclaiming, just for paving. Selectman Watman prefers the low bidders, especially when they are lower than the larger company and asked if the bidders were given an option of bidding the reclamation and paving together. Mr. Knapp said that some bidders did so on the same sheet, but the reclaiming is totally separate from the paving. The Board is comfortable going with the lowest bidders. Selectman Taylor said the Water Department has already ordered the pipe and all other parts needed to complete the installation. Selectman Aucoin said that the Sewer Treatment Plant needs to be included in the project planning. Selectman French moved, Selectman Watman seconded to award the reclaiming to Advanced Excavating at $9,673. Passed 4-0-0 Selectman French moved, Selectman Watman seconded to award the paving to R&D for a total of $185,214. Under discussion, Mr. Connell informed the Board that the bid price is only good until May 14th Mr. Knapp is trying to do everything possible to get it done before the next excalator increase occurs on May 15th. If all the paving cannot be done by May 14th there will be another increase. Mr. Connell did not want the Board to think this was a firm fixed price bid for asphalt. It is possible that Mr. Knapp will come back to the Board because the price of asphalt increased. The motion passed 4-0-0. Mr. Knapp told the Board that the footings for Temple Road are in and he has a crane scheduled for May 2nd to have them delivered. The FEMA funding is secure. Mr. Knapp spoke with Mitchie Corp yesterday and everything is going fine. OLD BUSINESS Item 5: Review and adopt the minutes of 4/3/12 and the non public minutes of 4/3/12 Selectman Taylor moved, Selectman Watman seconded to accept the minutes of April 3, 2012 as submitted. Passed 4-0-0 Selectman Taylor moved, Selectman Watman seconded to accept the non public minutes of April 3, 2012 as submitted and to seal and restrict the minutes indefinitely. Passed 4-0-0 Item 6: Auction of Town Property – James R. St. Jean, Auctioneers Mr. Connell told the Board that they have a proposal submitted by Jay St/ james of James St. Jean Auctioneers. There are two of four scenarios where the town will incur some expense. If none of the properties sell the town will need to pay $250 per property and the cost of the advertising,($2,500). Similarly, if all rids received fail to meet the reserve bids placed on all three parcels, the town incurs the same obligation. But if any one of the properties sells St. Jean incurs all of the costs. The worst case scenario would be that the town may need to pay $3,250. If they go through the sale and at least one property sells and then closes, St. Jean bears the cost of everything. J. St. Jean Auctioneers are ready to go as soon as the Board accepts their proposal. Mr. Connell reminded the Board that they arrived at the figures in non public session, which reflected 25% of the value. Selectman Watman moved, Selectman French seconded to authorize the Town Administrator to sign the document from James R. St. Jean Auctioneers dated April 9, 2012 setting a fee structure and expense structure for the sale of three parcels of town land. Passed 4-0-0 NEW BUSINESS Item 7: Michelle McGirr – Donation of Planter Barrels Mr. Connell told the Board that if they choose to accept the donation it is subject to the Historic District Commission approval. Selectman Watman moved, Selectman Taylor seconded that the Board accept the donation of two planting barrels as outlined in the April 6 memo from Michelle McGirr subject to advance approval from the Historic District Commission. Passed 4-0-0 Item 8: Letter, Henniker Chamber of Commerce, Lot 241B Mr. Connell said that several groups have come together and they are proposing that Lot 241B be retained by the town for the purpose of parking. Selectman Taylor commented that a lot of work would need to be done before it would be suitable for parking. Mr. Connell said that Mark Fougere also believes that this would be a great idea. Selectman Aucoin said that there is a need for parking. Mr. Connell suggests that the Board acknowledges receipt of the request. Selectman Aucoin said they should acknowledge receipt of the letter and pass it on to the Town Planner. Selectman Watman suggested that they also check with the college. By consensus, the Board acknowledged receipt of the request. Item 9: Letters Conservation Commission – Request for Exception to BOS’s Policy on missed meetings Selectman French moved, Selectman Watman seconded to allow Terry Stamps to remain on the Conservation Commission and waive the policy as requested. Passed 4-0-0 OTHER BUSINESS Item 10: Town Administrators Report Mr. Connell informed the Board that he has no updates to present, but would be happy to answer any questions that the Board may have. Mr. Knapp cleaned the culvert as requested by Mr. Hamel. Mr. Connell told the Board that he has not seen George Hildum in regards to the PSNH abatement, but has sent him an email. The issue is not time sensitive. Item 11: Selectmen’s Reports Selectman Watman said that no one should speak during a Selectmen’s meeting unless they are recognized by the Chair, the only exception is a member can raise a point of order. There is a basic rule that the person recognized by the Chair has the floor for a reasonable amount of time. People should always address the Chair and not hold a discussion with the audience. All of this is the framework for avoiding problems that could occur if the rules are not set up. Selectman Taylor distributed a copy of the History of Azalea Park to all members of the Board. Selectman Watman reported that the Azalea Park Committee is meeting with the CC tomorrow night. Selectman French met with the Currier and Ives Scenic Byway Committee. They are trying to raise funds for signs and are working with DOT regarding placement of the signs. Selectman French said that he told the committee to make sure they discuss placement of the signs with the towns. Selectman French attended a SHOT Committee meeting and they are working on getting additional vendors in the area. Selectman Taylor moved, Selectman French seconded to adjourn at 8:25 p.m. Passed 4-0-0
Chairman Blomback opened the meeting at 6:15 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance. Selectman French moved, Selectman Taylor seconded to approve the Consent Agenda with the exception of the acquisition of a 2-yard, stainless steel sander. Passed 5-0-0 PUBLIC FORUM Dennis Hamel said that it is his belief that the town has the responsibility to clean drainage ditches and keep them clear to keep the roads clear. In November he came down his driveway on Old Hillsboro Road to find damage. There was a large rut that started 3-4 ft from the edge of the driveway and continued down hill. It was obvious to him that water damaged the driveway because the drainage ditch was blocked with vegetation. The water came down with enough force as to dig into the driveway. Mr. Hamel told the Board that there is also a substantial rut going downhill 30 yards, which damaged the side of the road. Mr. Hamel told the Board that when he pressed the Town Administrator to get something done, Carl Knapp went down and looked at the issue and said that the water could still get through and nothing needed to be done. Mr. Hamel said that his driveway is damaged, the culvert is blocked, and the road is damaged. He would like the culvert cleaned out. Mr. Knapp said that driveway culverts are installed to access property and are the responsibility of the property owner. Mr. Hamel said that he is not talking about the culvert; he is talking about the drainage ditch beyond the culvert. The culvert is his, but the drainage ditch belongs to the town. He is asking the town to take responsibility for the drainage ditch and clean it properly so it will not cause further damage. Selectman Watman asked Mr. Knapp what the general procedure is for cleaning drainage ditches. Mr. Knapp said that there are a tremendous amount of drainage ditches in town, there is not enough time to get to them all and they have already been out this spring cleaning culverts and drainage ditches. Mr. Knapp said that he would be happy to meet with Mr. Hamel to review his concerns. If there is something that is impacting the drainage ditch then the town can take care of, but if there is a blockage in the driveway culvert it would be the responsibility of the homeowner. Chairman Blomback commented on the shoulder on that road needing repair. Mr. Knapp said that they can repair the shoulder and also clean the ditch at the same time. Chairman Blomback asked for the driveway permit to be reviewed and clarified as well. Mr. Hamel pointed out that the town has a responsibility to maintain. Mr. Knapp will take care of Mr. Hamel’s concerns. The driveway permit will be reviewed going forward. Tom French, 89 Tanglewood Drive, explained to the Board that his neighbor had trees removed from her property and the logging contractor drove the skidder with chains on it on the road and caused damage to the road. Mr. French said that Mr. Knapp told the loggers to get out of the road and not to go back on the road. He is concerned that they will return to town and damage additional roads and asked if the Board could send a letter to the loggers. The loggers are know as; SE Logging and Tree from Deering, Spider Creek Logging and Scott Campbell. Mr. French does not want to see them do any more damage in town. They damaged the house as well as the town road. APPOINTMENTS Item 1: Gail Hayden, Azalea Park Committee; committee extension, rocks Ms. Hayden told the Board that the Azalea Park Committee is making really good progress and hopes to continue. Stacy Luke, Merrimack County Conservation, said that people have come to her office asking for assistance with the project and they discussed applying for grants. There is an EPA Urban Waters Grant that will be available next spring. Ms. Hayden said that the park is in a central location and there is a lot of neglect in the park. Dave Connors, Master Gardener, has a plan of action and told the Board that the erosion repair project with minimum impact was determined by engineers. Rainwater is coming off the roofs of the building and running into catch basins and has caused problems and erosion. Mr. Connors discussed placing large stones at the waters edge to keep the erosion from continuing. The river is 200 ft wide and the weirs extend 20 ft into the river. The Army Corps of Engineers has put in for a grant to cover the time of their two engineers. They would like the project completed in September of 2013, but first they need to get the funding and have the permits approved. Chairman Blomback said that he assumes they will need a wetlands permit and asked if they are working with the Henniker Conservation Commission. Mr. Connors responded that they are working with the Merrimack County Conservation Commission. They are seeking grant money and do not plan on utilizing town funds, but they cannot apply for grant funding without the Board’s permission. Ms. Luke said that the district will help them write the grants, but the Azalea Park Committee wanted it to be a Henniker project. Ms. Luke assists municipalities in writing the grants and will fill the grant out. Mr. Connors said that if they don’t do something about the erosion the park will be in the river. Mr. Connors said the engineers have put in a grant for their time and included in the handout is a material list. Ms. Luke said that they are looking for quotes to return approximately in the range of $80,000. There is a pre-proposal deadline of April 30th for the application, which must have an estimate of cost. Army Corps of Engineers is currently working on the engineered plans. Mr. Connors said that the walkways will be comprised of large granite slabs. June 19-22 they are putting on an extreme restoration program at NEC. Mr. Tim McComish asked if the people upstream, that are losing land for the same reason, will be able to get any assistance with the erosion. Mr. Connors believes there could be. Joan O’Connor, member of the committee, wants things to stay sustainable and environmental. She said that she did talk with the Conservation Commission. There are a couple of phases within the project, but the important part is the erosion and drainage coming off the school. Selectman Watman asked who is legally responsible for this type of work in this area and what the town’s liability is. Ms. Luke explained that if the town applies for funding, the cost of the liability is born by the town. Ms. Luke said that the Army Corp is trying to get funding for the project. Selectman Watman reminded the Board of the recent grant that is well marked all over town, and said that any approval by the Board to go forward should be contingent on more information be brought to the Board to review their concerns. Selectman Watman said that at some point the committee needs to hold a public hearing to discuss all their plans with the public so that the public can voice their opinions. Selectman Watman understands that there were conflicts with the Conservation Commission in the past and said that is why they need to be contacted. He said that the Conservation Commission has not been approached by the Azalea Park Committee. Selectman Watman said that the Azalea Park Committee is a special committee with a set date to expire and all the terms of the members expire the same year. If the committee is extended for five years then the terms of the members will be staggered. Joan O’Connor told the Board that they are asking for an extension of the committee, not the terms. It was discussed that if they want to become a permanent committee, then the Board would approve it as a standing committee and all members would have staggered terms. Selectman Watman moved, Selectman Aucoin seconded to extend the Azalea Park Committee for a period of three years, have staggered three year terms, and have the chairman of the committee work with the Town Administrator to work out the details of staggering the members. Passed 5-0-0 Chairman Blomback moved and Selectman Watman second to allow the Azalea Park Committee to pursue the first preliminary steps for Army Corps funding and bring forth plans to the Board for review. Passed 5-0-0 It was discussed that the Azalea Park Committee would like the Highway Department to retain all usable stone from the Temple Road Project. Mr. Knapp said the stone from the Temple Road Project is all at the town pit. Chairman Blomback amended the motion, Selectman Watman seconded to pursue funding from the Aquatic Resource Mitigation Grant, the Mooseplate Grant/State Conservation License Plate Grant, EPA Urban Water Grants, and any available grant money. Passed 5-0-0 Item 2: Bill McGirr, Superintendent Transfer Station; receive donations – Mr. McGirr told the Board that the Henniker Youth Athletics Booster Club has agreed to donate a tine dethatcher valued at $760 and a drag harrow valued at $350. Both will be useful tools for the soccer fields. A public hearing is not necessary due to the valued amount. Selectman Watman said that the town has not approved the name of the Henniker Youth Athletics Boosters Club. He believes it is possible that some of the funds were raised by asking for donations for parking at soccer games, without Board approval. Selectman Watman thinks the Town Administrator should be asked to check into this organization i.e., who they are, where they are, and what kinds of activities are they involved it. Selectman Watman moved, Selectman Taylor seconded to accept the donation of a tine dethatcher and a drag harrow with a total value of $1,021. Passed 5-0-0 Item 3: Carl Knapp, Road Agent; loader proposals – Mr. Knapp told the Board that the loader went out for sealed bid as requested. He received four bids two from Caterpillar, John Deere, and Anderson Equipment for a Komatsu. The Komatsu bid does not qualify because the price is higher than they have at $102,496 and the equipment is smaller and less horsepower then specified. Caterpillar bid two different machines, but the 924K does not fit the required specifications. Mr. Knapp said the two proposals did meet the specifications the 544K John Deere from Nortrax for $96,000 and the Milton 2012 Cat 930K for $94,000. Mr. Knapp compared the warranties on the two machines and noted that there is an additional warranty available from Milton Cat for $1,189 that would provide a 5 year warranty and bring the total to $95,189. Mr. Knapp told the Board that both machines come with blanks to weld to the plow. Mr. Knapp has tried both machines and has no issue with either and finds them both very comparable. The rental price for the John Deere machine is already figured in the cost. Selectman Watman moved, Selectman Taylor seconded to accept the proposal and purchase the Caterpillar 930K at $94,000 with the extended warranty of $1,189 for a total of $95,189. Scott Dias commented on the John Deere already having 250 hours and the CAT would be brand new. Mr. Dias asked about trade in value for the future. Mr. Knapp said John Deere and CAT both hold their value. Mike McManus, NorTrax John Deere dealer, told the Board that they took Mr. Knapp’s recommendation and bid and brought the machine up from Tennessee. At the time Mr. Knapp brought the purchase and sale to the Board to go forward pending town approval. Mr. McManus noted that the John Deere comes with a 10,000 hour structural hour warranty and parts would be 100% replaced not repaired. He asked if the warranty from CAT was in their sealed bid. Mr. Knapp responded that it was not in the sealed bid. Mr. Knapp mentioned clarifying of the new wording in the amended article at Town Meeting. Selectman French said that they have had the John Deere for three months and the other one has not been in service. The CAT has 0 hours and the John Deere has 250 hours. Mr. Knapp said he still considers the John Deere as being new. The motion passed 5-0-0. OLD BUSINESS Item 4: review and adopt minutes of March 17, 2012 (Special) Selectman Taylor moved, Selectman Watman seconded to accept the minutes of March 17, 2012 as written. Passed 5-0-0 NEW BUSINESS There was no new business to come before the Board. OTHER BUSINESS Item 5: Town Administrators Report
Mr. Connell is prepared to deal with three lots and provide a map identifying the other four parcels, but has made no arrangement for them to be sold. Selectman Watman said that there was supposed to be some surveying and discussion with NEC and the schools. Scott Dias commented on a letter submitted last Friday from the Chamber of Commerce regarding the possibility of obtaining a lot for parking.
Consent Agenda Item: 2 yard stainless steel sander Selectman Watman noted that he notified the Town Administrator over the weekend regarding the sander and did not hear back. He believes it is a violation of the town’s policies on how to handle surplus material. The policy calls for items to be offered to internal departments first, if the item is not useable it is to be destroyed, and if usable it should be sent out to bid. There are ways around that by coming to the Board and requesting a waiver. Selectman Watman said that it is a violation to put this on the consent agenda. Secondly he feels that this is the same type of thing going on too often in the Highway Department, wheeling and dealing and not keeping the transactions open to the public. This is the second time for this type of event and the Highway Department Supervisor was spoken to the first time. He is not happy with the Highway Department Supervisor over what transpired tonight regarding the loader. Selectman Watman feels the same way about Town Meeting when he found a good used loader and did not support the purchasing of the new loader. The Board made their decision based on the recommendation of the Highway Department Supervisor and he feels that something is wrong and that there is wheeling and dealing. This was the second great deal being done the wrong way. Selectman Watman moved, Selectman French seconded to remove the sander from the consent agenda and have it channeled through the Town Administrator, Highway Department Supervisor, and Finance Administrator to review the value of the sander and the one way plow and have the Town Administrator, Highway Director, and Finance Director review the financial policies of this Board and implement the policies in place, change the policies, or apply for a waiver. Mr. Connell told the Board that he has contacted all departments that might have any interest in the equipment but has not heard back. It is his understanding it would be put out to auction with a $4,290 value established. Mr. Connell asked if the Board wants to put a reserve bid on that auction. Selectman Aucoin said a reserve bid and he would like to know how long Fairfield would reserve the option of a trade-in. Mr. Knapp said he is not sure and told the Board that he did not ask for this to be on the consent agenda. Mr. Knapp explained that he was at Fairfield picking up parts and knows they could really use a sander for the pick up truck for the downtown area so he asked for a price. Selectman Watman said it is the responsibility of the administrators to carry out the policies of the Board, there are ways for changing policies, not judging what is needed, but the process was not followed correctly. Selectman Watman feels Mr. Knapp can not go out in the public area and make deals. Selectman Watman said that business needs to be transpired in the correct manner to keep the faith of the community, they might not get the best deal, but it will be fair. It was discussed that a reserve bid will be put on the two pieces. Mr. Connell said that he will follow Selectman Watman’s recommendation to get together as a group to review the financial policies. Mr. Knapp told the Board that there is a lot of surplus equipment that should be gotten rid of. Selectman Watman said the inventory should be checked with the Finance Director. The Board should receive a list of the items that Mr. Knapp feels should go to auction for approval. The motion passed 5-0-0. Mr. Connell suggests that they advertise for sealed bids for the two pieces of equipment while building the list of surplus equipment. The Board agreed. Item 11: Selectmen’s Reports Selectman Aucoin said that the Athletic Committee was disheartened with the Board’s decision regarding their ruling regarding the non-resident athlete. There was some discussion at their meeting regarding the ability to fund their new Athletic Director. Selectman Aucoin expects they will be in to the Board with a plan. Chairman Blomback said that the Economic Development Committee had a meeting at the Simon Center and will be meeting tomorrow to prioritize the various subjects discussed. Selectman Watman reported that the Conservation Commission will open up the bids for surveying the lots being put into conservation at tomorrow nights meeting. Selectman Watman said that the Energy Committee did try to meet, but did not get the keys to get inside. They are working on revamping the bids specs for the Highway Department building. Selectman Watman told the Board that he has received some complaints about the Azalea Park project. One complaint was that the Board appointed someone to the committee that is a non-resident. If true, that individual could be advisor, but not a voting member. Scott Dias asked when the auctions will be scheduled. Mr. Connell responded that the Selectmen will receive a proposal outlining all the information at their next meeting. Item 12: Town Administrator request for Non-Public Session per RSA 91-A:3, II a Chairman Blomback moved, Selectman Aucoin seconded to enter into non public session @ 8:20 p.m. pursuant to the authority granted in RSA 91-A:3II (a). A roll call vote was taken, Selectman French – yes; Selectman Aucoin – yes; Selectman Taylor – yes; Selectman Watman – yes; Chairman Blomback – yes. Passed 5-0-0
Printable Version Only 03-13-2012 & 3-17-2012 TOWN MEETING Town Meeting - March 2012
Members Present: Kris Blomback, Chairman; Leo Aucoin, Vice Chairman; Thomas Watman, Selectman; Ron Taylor; Selectman
Chairman Blomback opened the meeting at 6:15 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance. Selectman Aucoin moved, Selectman Taylor seconded to approve the Consent Agenda, with the exception of a permit for the Weare Winter Wanderer’s that was pulled. Passed 4-0-0 PUBLIC FORUM James McElroy, Rush Road, said that during budget considerations and prior to deliberations the question for funding Child and Family Services at White Birch was discussed. At that time Chairman Blomback pointed out that they would probably not fund any new requests. Mr. McElroy said that he felt that was reasonable at the time and made no comment at the Budget Advisory Committee, but several things have happened since. He cited occurrences in schools or in local communities, the school shooting in Walpole, the shooting in Ohio with three dead, and the recent request to grant parole to one of the young men that was part of the machete killings in Mt. Vernon. Mr. McElroy explained to the Board that these incidents have made him think about that position again, which has been in Henniker for many years. This position has been servicing the young and others that cannot afford mental health care. Mr. McElroy asked the Board if they would be willing to find some money outside of the budget to fund that request. He understands that the positions other sources of funding have been dried up and the position will be no longer. Chairman Blomback said that the budget has already been set and the only way to change the budget at this time is to amend it on the floor. Selectman Watman said that it could be possible to do something after Town Meeting. If the budget is approved without any additional cuts and if Child and Family Services were to come back to the Board for reconsideration the Board can review the budget to see if they choose to honor the request. It was discussed that there have been many cuts in departments and to review this request may not be fair to other departments whose requests are not being granted. Mr. McElroy is respectful of the Board’s efforts to meet the budget that they did and said that the town departments deserve praise for their efforts in meeting their reductions, but this is a service that has been in Henniker for a long time and he would view it differently then other agencies that are new to the town. APPOINTMENTS Item 1: Ken Levesque: Award of Contract – Waste Water Treatment Plant Boiler Replacement Selectman Taylor moved, Selectman Watman seconded that they go into a Sewer Commissioners meeting. Passed 4-0-0 Mr. Levesque told the Board that they have been working on the boiler replacement for a year and they hired an engineer to help them with the bid specs. They came up with the final bid specifications in November and they were sent out in late January. They received a total of eight bids. Most of the bids are complete with the exception of the lowest bidder, which did not follow any specs in the bid. Mr. Levesque also requested that the mechanical engineer that worked with them submit a bid, which came in at $76,000. He spent time with Underwood Engineers to review the eight bids and based on that review Underwood Engineers prepared a letter recommending the next to the lowest bidder, which was Vermont Mechanical. Mr. Levesque also recommends that the Town award the Waste Water Treatment Facility boiler replacement to Vermont Mechanical, which left the painting of the floor with epoxy paint out of their bid. Mr. Levesque was asked if he knew that the Public Works building will be getting a wood pellet furnace and why did he bid this one out as an oil furnace. Mr. Levesque replied that he knew and said that when he proposed this and asked the question several times if he should be going out to bid with this information he got no objection from the Board. The Jordan Institute report stated that he was working on the boiler replacement and that is why the need was not in the report. Chairman Blomback asked why the Highway Department furnace has to go by warrant and this does not. Selectman Watman said because it was felt that the payback was better and the Highway Department was in worse condition. The money is in the Waste Water reserves, which was earmarked for these projects. Selectman Watman said that because the energy report came in later and there was not enough time, what looked like a great request did not hit the question mark stage until after the report and was not on the priority list according to the energy report. Selectman Watman commented on the possibility of researching further. Mr. Levesque said that the boiler, although thirty-six years old, is still working, gets serviced every year, the parts are very tough to get, and it will not be critical until it fails and they can’t fix it. Selectman Aucoin asked if Mr. Levesque could give them some time to review. Mr. Levesque said that he has put in a lot of work into this and is concerned if the bids will still stand if they wait. Selectman Aucoin said to inquire from the bidders if their bids stand; a lot depends on Town Meeting. Mr. Levesque said that the Jordan Institute noted the windows at the plant as well. The windows are very drafty and they are losing a lot of heat out of the windows. Mr. Levesque told the Board that next year they were supposed to look at a generator for west Henniker, which could be put off another year so they can look at replacing the windows at the plant. It was discussed that out of the eleven buildings surveyed by the Jordan Institute they were rated number seven of best investment with a twelve year payback. Selectman Watman said that they need to realize those are the best estimates in the report that could be given and there was no way to know the price of oil or pellets. Secondly, one advantage of doing it building by building is receiving the full benefits at one time for maximum benefit. Selectman Watman said that the normal process is to have the Energy Committee work with each department to determine the best recommendations to present to the Selectmen. The total cost to do everything was $450,000, which was discarded as an approach because of tough economic times. Mr. Levesque said that the boiler was not discussed in the report, because it is noted that when they came around to review he was already working on the replacement boiler. Selectman Aucoin thinks that going to a higher efficiency boiler is better than what they already have at the plant. Chairman Blomback asked for a stay of decision for one meeting to allow them to review where the building is in priority. The building is listed as the third top energy user. Chairman Blomback wants to compare the wood pellet burner and the oil burner. The bids for the Highway department wood furnace will be opened March 7th. It was discussed that NEC uses a wood pellet boiler. Mr. Connell said that they will need to breach the building at the treatment plant because there is no room in the boiler room for storage of the pellets. Mr. Connell said that he will bring forth information at the next Selectmen’s meeting. Selectman Watman moved, Selectman Taylor seconded to postpone further discussion on this issue until the next Board meeting. Passed 4-0-0 Selectman Taylor moved, Selectman Watman seconded to come out of the Sewer Commissioners meeting. Passed 4-0-0 Item 2: Joanna Puza: Athletic Committee – Henniker Sports Joanna Puza explained to the Board that Mr. and Mrs. Eliason were told by the Athletic Committee that their son Dryden, who they tuition to attend Henniker School, cannot continue to play Henniker sports. The Athletic Committee said that Dryden was playing under the radar. Mrs. Eliason said that she did notify Tim Lamphere that they live in Hillsboro and tuition into Henniker schools and would be willing to pay for their son to play Henniker sports. Mr. and Mrs. Eliason want their son to be able to play sports with his friends. Selectman Aucoin said that the letter was emailed to him, but unfortunately Mr. Lamphere is not in town and has not yet responded. Selectman Aucoin stated that he was not at the meeting when the vote took place. Selectman Watman said that he worked on this particular issue in 2010 regarding how they should handle requests from out of town participants asking to play Henniker sports. At that time he urged Board members for a policy and guidelines to determine criteria for allowing non-residents to play Henniker sports. Selectman Watman said that sports are based on residency simply to not allow coaches and parents to use the system to their advantage. The only thing that anyone is entitled to is to have their children play sports in the town in which they reside. There are always exceptions, which are in his proposal. Selectman Watman feels that any time they allow a non-resident youth to play a sport it takes away playing time for players of residents who pay taxes towards the sports. He feels that they need a policy and set up the option of fees and make it rigorous. Selectman Watman pled to the Board that he would like to see them take his draft policy, which failed in 2010, and send it back to the Athletic Committee. Selectman Watman said that he can accept this case and any decision the Board makes because this player is attending the Henniker school system. He feels that as a Board they need to provide guidance, but his tendency is to back the Athletic Committee. Ms. Puza told the Board that they read the May 2010 minutes of the Athletic Committee, which stated these cases should be considered individually. There are not many students who tuition into the Henniker school system and there is a need for more players. Mr. Eliason said that they are paying $16,000 per year, which is a significant contribution to the town and if the school is going to allow students to tuition in then the town should have said to him they need to pay to play sports. Selectman Watman said that the programs are funded by Henniker tax dollars for Henniker kids. Chairman Blomback said that he agrees that they need to formulate a policy and he will revisit his opposition to the efforts. He is very sympathetic to these parents whose son has been playing Henniker sports. He urges the Selectmen to say that no new out of town participants will be accepted, but to grandfather this case in to allow this child to play. The December 19, 2011 Athletic Committee minutes state that by consensus the Athletic Committee decided not to allow this non-resident to play Henniker sports. Selectman Watman moved, Selectman Aucoin seconded to let Dryden Eliason, currently a tuition student in Henniker Schools, continue to participate in Henniker athletic programs until the beginning of the next school year and second to notify the Athletic Committee that they are not to accept any other non-resident players until such time when a policy can be developed by the Athletic Committee and approved by the Selectmen regarding the handling of non-resident participants. Selectman Watman gave his policy to the Town Administrator to present to the Athletic Committee for reconsideration. The motion passed 4-0-0. Item 3: Chief Tom French: Presentation of Heartsafe Community Designation Chief French said that back in 2010 they came before the Board to ask if they could apply to be a Heartsafe Community and after a very long process, the Governor has recently bequeathed Henniker as a Heartsafe Community. Henniker has been identified by the Governor, NH Department of Safety, and the American Lung Association as worthy of the certification. Chief French asked to hang the certification from the Governor at the Town Hall. The NH Department of Safety has provided them with signage identifying Henniker as a Heartsafe Community and Chief French assumes that the Board would need to ask the State for permission to prominently display the signs at two different locations on Route 114. Selectman Aucoin moved, Selectman Taylor seconded to hang the signs. Passed 4-0-0 Chief French told the Board that they have been busy at the Rescue Squad working on major projects. Today they completed the two year process for the new ambulance. The Board followed Chief French outside to see the new ambulance. Selectman Watman moved, Chairman Blomback seconded to commend the Rescue Squad, Chief French, Steve Mead, and other officers for the excellent work they have done in obtaining this award and all their other efforts put forth for the safety of the community. Passed 4-0-0 OLD BUSINESS Item 4: Review and adopt minutes of February 21, 2012 Selectman Watman noted that he made an error in stating that the legal posting of the warrant needs to be done by March 9th. Selectman Taylor moved, Selectman Watman seconded to approve the minutes of February 21, 20121 as amended. Passed 4-0-1; Selectman Aucoin abstained Item 5: Carl Knapp – Final, Temple Road Project Mr. Connell said that the Board requested other bids for the bridge structure on Temple Road. Mr. Knapp went back to Jennifer McCourt and she identified the possibility of Carroll Concrete, but it was determined that they do no not cast bridges. Mr. Connell said that he went to VHB (another engineering firm) and asked them to identify sources. He received a list of concrete suppliers and contacted those on the list. Mr. Connell said that they have reached out to the sources in the State of NH and identified Michie Corp, White Mountain Precast, as the only one in the state to cast concrete bridges. Selectman Aucoin moved, Selectman Taylor seconded to accept the quote for $34,976 from White Mountain Precast, LLC and to authorize the Town Administrator to sign the contract. Mr. Knapp said that the bid also includes design and shop drawings that will need to be engineer stamped. This type of bridge will create the least amount of elevation. The motion passed 4-0-0. NEW BUSINESS Item 6: Establish Economic Revitalization Zone – Old Concord Road Chairman Blomback said that the Economic Development Committee is trying to attract businesses to town. This is a state incentive program that may generate new or expanded business in town. Selectman Taylor said that there are three or four lots that can’t be covered because they are in the RN zone. Selectman Watman asked if the committee checked with Conservation Commission to see if there would be any problems. Selectman Taylor said that the Planning Board was not approached. Selectman Watman feels that the protocol should be to go before those boards. Selectman Watman moved, Selectman Taylor seconded that the Board endorse the application to the NH Division of Economic Development for designating the heavy commercial zone portion of Old Concord Road as an Economic Revitalization Zone. Passed 4-0-0 OTHER BUSINESS Item 7: Town Administrators Report
Selectman Taylor moved, Selectman Watman seconded to authorize the submission of the Safe Routes to School Application Form for the SRTS Startup Funding dated March 7, 2012. Passed 4-0-0
Item 8: Selectmen’s Reports Selectman Watman mentioned that Mark Mitch or Martha Sunderland may have slides available for the energy article and conservation article to present at Town Meeting. Item 9: Weare Winter Wanderers Sign Chairman Blomback recused himself at 8:05 p.m. Selectman Taylor said that he pulled the sign permit for the Weare Winter Wanderer’s because it was not signed. The 4x8 sign is over sized. Selectman Taylor questions if there are over 300 people if there should be an assembly permit. Selectman Aucoin said that it is the same highway sign commonly seen on Rt. 89. Selectman Aucoin pointed out that this sign permit is for approximately a 48 hour time period. This event has taken place for three years and is for a non-profit. Selectman Watman moved, Selectman Aucoin seconded to waive the requirement to permit the temporary 4x8 sign and to approve the request if it is signed by the owners of the property.
Chairman Blomback returned to the meeting at 8:12 p.m.
Selectman Taylor moved, Chairman Blomback seconded to adjourn at 8:13 p.m. Passed 4-0-0
Town of Henniker Members Present: Kris Blomback, Chairman; Thomas Watman, Selectman; Robert French, Selectman; Ron Taylor; Selectman
Selectman French moved, Selectman Taylor seconded to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Passed 4-0-0 APPOINTMENTS Item 1: Patricia B. Miller: Water drainage problems on property Patricia Miller, 268 Tanglewood Drive, explained to the Board that she is having drainage and flooding problems on her property, which the town has caused her. She purchased her home in 1994 and there was a culvert under the road in front of her yard, which drained her property of rain and snow run off. Ms. Miller said that she had no problems with flooding from 1994 to 2001 and in 2000 the town resurfaced the road and took the culvert out and she has had water problems ever since. Ms. Miller explained that her basement floods and she has purchased seven new sump pumps over the years. She has called the road department several times and asked them to look at the situation and clean out the ditches. Ms. Miller is humbly asking for the ditches to be cleaned out so that the water will run away from her property. Jean Lewis commented on the bottom level of the house being beautiful with a lot of money invested in the basement and never in the history of the house was there a water issue. The basement was never wet until the culvert was taken out. Carl Knapp, Highway Supervisor, said that he has been there to look at the situation. Mr. Knapp said in following the ditch line there is a tree next to the road and as you go down the road it continues to get deeper. Over the years he believes the ground has settled next to the well. Mr. Knapp said in shooting grades, the road continuously drops. Selectman Taylor asked if there is a chance something was dumped in there and it has settled. Mr. Knapp said it could definitely be. He knows that the neighbors had problems with their garage settling due to stumps being buried. Mr. Knapp measured the grade all the way down to the next driveway and believes that the solution to the puddling problem is to fill and that the only way to get it to drain would be to ditch all the way up to the puddle. Ms. Miller said that she cannot sell her house until this is resolved. Chairman Blomback said that survey machines do not lie and without seeing the property he would have to say that the property settled. Selectman Taylor suggests that they do not dig or trench until the hole is filled. Mr. Knapp said if the hole was filled he would personally ditch along the tree line. Chairman Blomback said that the best possible solution would be to have Mr. Knapp look into the situation. Item 2: Jim and Laura Roberts: Petitioned Warrant Article – Cancelled Mr. Roy told the Board that after review of the petitioned warrant article by town counsel, there is no action the town can take. Selectman Watman said that the legal posting of the warrant needs to be done by March 9th. The Town Report is being sent out tomorrow for printing and the warrant will still include this petitioned article, which should have been removed. Mr. Roy said that the Town Report will have a copy of the warrant. The lawyer ruled that the articles are significantly different. Selectman Watman said that if the petitioners were to come back before the Board it would be unlikely that the Board would not go with the legal opinion. He said that the petitioners need to know that there are legal requirements that petitioned articles need to meet and it is not up to the Board to decide. If the requirements were met, then the Board would be obligated to put the petitioned warrant article on the ballot. Selectman Taylor recused himself at 6:45 p.m. Item 3: Norm Bumford: Request for no salt area on Cote Hill Road Norm Bumford, 176 Cote Hill Road, told the Board that his parents live at 22 Cote Hill Road and they are having a problem with salt in their drinking water. Their well does not sit far off the road. Mr. Bumford is asking to have a “no salt” area for 200ft around where his parents live. He explained that when the salt gets in their well they cannot use their water for months and their system needs to be flushed. Mr. Bumford spoke with both the Town Administrator and Mr. Knapp regarding his concerns. He said that he had an agreement with the previous Highway Director, who would sand, but not salt the area, but things have changed. He would like to put up some signs stating “no salt area.” Mr. Knapp said that he did speak with Mr. Bumford. Mr. Knapp actually plows that route and just puts plain sand in the area, but there may be times when someone else might do the route. Mr. Knapp said that there could be an issue because of ice and he would like to see “reduced salt” instead of “no salt” and mentioned that there could be an asphalt burm installed. Mr. Bumford said that when there is a lot of snow the plows push the salt right over the hill and onto the well. He said that he is willing to pay for the signs. Selectman Watman asked Mr. Knapp if there are any liability issues he is aware of. Mr. Knapp said in his past experience they had to take the signs down and continue salting, but he is not saying that will happen in this case. Mr. Bumford mentioned that there are requirements from the Federal Government regarding salt in wells and the town could have to replace the well. Bill Goss told the Board that he has seen cases where the salt was proven to come from the town road and the town was responsible for putting in artesian wells at the their expense. Selectman Watman moved, Selectman French seconded that the Board authorize a reduced salt area, as described in the request, for 200ft subject to the ability of the Highway Supervisor to use the amount of salt he feels is required for safety. Mr. Bumford asked what happens if the Highway Supervisor does use the salt. Selectman Watman said that they would have to see if there is another way to resolve the issue before the next winter season. The installation of an asphalt burm was mentioned. Mr. Bumford told the Board that he appreciates the burm, but that is not the only problem, because salt gets pushed with the snow onto the well. Chairman Blomback said that the Board is sympathetic to the reduced salt area, but would like to leave it at the Highway Supervisor’s discretion. Selectman Watman said they can’t tell the Highway Supervisor not to salt the road when the road needs to be salted for the safety of all. Mr. Bumford said that years ago the previous Road Agent put a rock wall up there. Years ago the road was tipped to the other direction, but when the road was redone it now has a crown in it. He said that the Highway Department put in rocks, but now they get the snow boulders with salt coming down onto the well. The motion passed 3-0-0. The Board is leaving it to the discretion of the Highway Supervisor if more salt needs to be applied. Mr. Knapp will work with the Bumford’s towards a long term solution. Selectman Taylor returned to the meeting at 7:00 p.m. Item 4: Carl Knapp: Request approval to proceed on Temple Road project Mr. Knapp would like to move forward since the weather is conducive and they are required to do the work in a low flow situation. He is ready to start dismantling the old structure. FEMA has committed to the project. There are currently two bids for concrete. Selectman Watman asked why they couldn’t put it out for additional prices. Mr. Knapp said there is no reason not to put it out for an actual sealed bid. Selectman Watman moved, Selectman Taylor seconded to authorize the Highway Supervisor to proceed with the Temple Road Project. Selectman Watman said that they have FEMA project approval that must outline what they need to do and he assumes there are bid procedures that need to be followed. He also assumes that they will follow what will be approved and if that is not the case the Highway Supervisor will come back to the Board. Mr. Roy said that FEMA holds the town to their own policies. The motion passed 4-0-0. Item 5: Martha Sunderland: Conservation easements in Warrant Article 9 Martha Sunderland told the Board that the purpose of her being here is to try to work out an agreement on what the town will be paid for conservation easements on Lots 47, 50, and 86 should Warrant Article 9 pass. The reason to come to an agreement is to eliminate the need for an appraisal. The Piscataquog Land Conservancy PLC) and Five Rivers have agreed that this is reasonable and will save the town time and money. Lots 47 and 50 will have one easement on the two lots, plus Lot 48, which has no development value. $136,100 represents 50% of the assessed value of these two lots. Lot 86 has limited development potential because of its remote location. $14,600 represents 10% of the assessed value. The total payment for both easements is $150,700, which reflects the amount going to the town. There are costs associated with the easements that will need to be expended from the conservation fund as well. There is currently $201,811.89 in the conservation fund. Mr. Roy said that there is now $219,138 in the conservation fund because of a land use change tax completed near the end of 2011. After the easements and transactions costs there will be approximately $20,000 remaining in the conservation fund, some of which might need to be used for some additional expenses. There is also a potential project coming up next year that might require expenses. Selectman Watman said that the Conservation Commission has stated from the beginning that they were trying to get the town as much as possible. Ms. Sunderland told the Board that the CC has committed to these projects, but if there are more expenses than they figured it could jeopardize the projects with not having the funds. Selectman Watman moved, Selectman Taylor seconded that the Board accept the CC figures for the funding of the conservation easements on Lots 47, 50, and 86 with a total of $150,700. Passed 4-0-0 Selectman Watman noted that this reflects a $.39 savings on the tax rate. The Board acknowledged Ms. Sunderland and thanked her for all her time and effort. Item 6: Contoocook Valley ATV Riders: Renew permissions for Class VI Roads Bill McGirr said that a year ago they sought permission from the Board to access certain Class VI roads and were granted permission for a period of one year. They are now requesting to renew for an indefinite time period with the rationale that it can be revoked by the town at any time. Mr. McGirr pointed out that he checked with the local Police Department and there were no ATV incidents of concern. He received a copy of Martha Sunderland’s letter and said that he cannot dispute her claims. Mr. McGirr said that the area in question is not on the list from the club and they can’t put signage up. The club has requested signage from the state, but they have not received them yet. They borrowed signs from other clubs to be able to have some signs placed. Mr. McGirr told the Board that the club has secured permission from the Barletta’s to access that property and they have a gate to eliminate trucks with only the local clubs having keys to the gate. They are an official club, but try not to advertise and that is why they are not on the state’s website. Ms. Sunderland said that her property is located between Colby Hill Road and where the ATVs are coming in from Hillsboro. She said that there is also traffic on Lot 86, which is new this year. Ms. Sunderland said that she is not against the club, but her concerns are with making thoughtful and informed decisions on what roads are opened up. Selectman Watman asked if anything could be done with signage to assist Ms. Sunderland’s with her concerns. Her pictures show that three individuals drove right pass the signs. Selectman Watman said that if there was the right signage the club would be off the hook. Mr. McGirr responded that they would be happy to work with Ms. Sunderland or any other landowner in regards to any issues. It was mentioned that the state does not want the club to sign properties that are not in their trail system. Selectman Watman said that they are trying to encourage good neighborly cooperation, but it will be difficult to keep other people off, which is a problem they were concerned with initially. He feels that other people, not in the club, may not be as careful or observant of the rules. Selectman Taylor said that the Selectmen can authorize signs. Selectman French moved, Selectman Taylor seconded to allow ATV riders access to Chase Road, Pleasant Pond Road, Craney Pond Road, Liberty Hill Road, Mink Hill Road, Colleague Pond Road, Bound Tree Road, Ryan Road, Cross Road, Goodwin Road (Craney to 114) Foster Road, Colby Hill Road for a period of five years and then have them come back to the Board on the consent agenda. Passed 4-0-0 The club will meet with Ms. Sunderland to see what can be done. OLD BUSINESS Item 7: Review and adopt minutes of February 7, 2012 Selectman Taylor moved, Selectman French seconded to accept the minutes of February 7, 2012 as amended. Passed 3-0-1; Chairman Blomback abstained. Item 8: Finalize 2012 Budget Mr. Roy said that there have been no changes and this is the way the report will appear in the town report. At this point there is still a $.02 reduction in the tax rate from 2011 reflecting $7.22 per thousand. The CC has offered $150,700 instead of $150,000 and there is also a reduction in the loader project. Selectman Watman moved, Selectman Taylor seconded to submit the budget to the town. Passed 4-0-0 Selectman French noted that the Henniker Community School vote is March 7th and John Stark is March 13th. Item 9: Finalize 2012 Warrant Mr. Roy said that he knows of no changes. The article for Brown’s Way is not in the final warrant per Town Counsel. Selectman Watman asked if the Selectmen are supposed to be recommending the Water Commissioner’s articles. It was mentioned that the Board acted on all the other warrant articles, but no action was taken on those three. Selectman Watman moved, Selectman French seconded that the Board recommend Articles 6, 7, and 8 to the public. Passed 4-0-0 Selectman Watman moved, Selectman French seconded that the Board submit the warrant as presented to the voters. Passed 4-0-0 Item 12: Selectmen’s Reports Selectman French went to the Scenic Byway meeting and they were having issues with getting Hopkinton residents there to vote. They are trying to change the bylaws to not run into these road blocks on voting. Selectman French said that Safe Routes to School will make a PowerPoint presention at Town Meeting. Item 10: Windows at Highway Garage (Tabled) The information was included in the RFP. OTHER BUSINESS Item 11: Town Administrators Report Mr. Roy did not have anything to report on behalf of the Town Administrator. Chairman Blomback asked about the remaining lots in the town’s inventory. Mr. Roy said that the Board set the acceptable prices for the lots in non public session. He said that they will contact the auctioneer when it is advantageous to proceed. Selectman French moved, Selectman Taylor seconded to adjourn at 7:45 p.m. Passed 4-0-0
Adopted Minutes Town of Henniker Members Present: Leo Aucoin, Vice Chairman; Thomas Watman, Selectman; Robert French, Selectman; Ron Taylor; Selectman
Vice Chairman Aucoin opened the meeting at 6:15 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance. Selectman French moved, Selectman Taylor seconded to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Passed 4-0-0 APPOINTMENTS Item 1: Bond Hearing: Cogswell Springs Water Works Articles 6, 7, and 8 (proposed) JOE Damour said that the Board of Water Commissioners is proposing three separate warrant articles for two different projects. The first is for a $350,000 bond for the Depot Hill water storage tank and the replacement of a water main on Western Ave. Mr. Damour said that the most important to them is the storage tank, which was installed in 1915, with no work being done on it until 2-3 years ago. They put a new tank on Davison Road to give them the ability to isolate the tank and get inside. There is water infiltration causing bacteria problems. To replace the tank would cost $500,000, but they feel that the $220,000 being requested to repair the tank will allow for an additional 50-100 years of service. Mr. Damour explained that there is an issue with the water main in front of the condos on Western Ave. The water main is only about 18 inches deep and there has always been a concern with freezing problems. They would also like to complete the loop and upgrade to the main to 8 inch. The water main was installed in 1915 and generally has a life cycle of 50 years. It was discussed that the Town obtains the bond, but the water user fees pay 100% of the bond. Mr. Damour said that it will add about $28.00 per year to the users, but they anticipate adding $10.00 per year to the users. The bond is structured as decreasing payments and is a twenty year bond. Mr. Damour explained that since the 1980s they have done significant capital improvements on their own. Selectman Aucoin closed the public bond hearing at 6:23 p.m. Item 6: Review and adopt minutes of January 7, 2012 Selectman Taylor noted that at the January 7, 2012 Meeting the Board voted on the sewer cleaning bids as Selectmen and not as Sewer Commissioners. Selectman French moved, Selectman Taylor seconded to accept the minutes of January 7, 2012 as amended. Passed 4-0-0 Selectman Taylor moved, Selectman French seconded that the Board go into a Sewer Commissioner’s meeting. Passed 4-0-0 Selectman Taylor moved, Selectman Watman seconded that the Board accept the bid from Hartigan Wastewater Services as submitted on December 1, 2011 for the cleaning and televising of 1.9 miles of sewer at a price of $14,948. Passed 4-0-0 Selectman Taylor moved, Selectman French seconded to come out of the Sewer Commissioner’s meeting. Passed 4-0-0 Selectman Aucoin opened the public hearing at 6:30 p.m. Item 2: Budget Hearing: 2012 Municipal Budget Mr. Connell noted that copies of the warrant and budget are available for the public and that both of these hearings were properly posted. The purpose of the hearing is to provide public opportunity to view the budget in final form, ask questions, and get answers from the Board. The 2012 budget calls for a total expenditure of $6,134,442 after adjustments made by the Selectmen with a total budget of $5,972,091 and revenue projection of $3,157,258 leaving a net to be raised by taxes of $2,814,833. This budget results in a projected tax rate of $7.33 per $1,000, which is a nine cent increase over the 2011 budget. Mr. Connell told the Board that as of the close of business today there was one petitioned warrant article asking the town to change the status of a portion of Brown’s Way from Class VI to a Class V. There are no other articles that will affect the budget at this time. There were no comments from the public. Selectman Aucoin closed the public hearing at 6:33 p.m. Item 3: Energy Committee: RFP for Highway Garage Mr. Connell told the Board at their request the Energy Committee drafted a Request Ffor Proposals (RFP). This RFP would capture the recommendations from the Jordan Institute and their recommendations are to insulate the building envelope of the Highway Garage, replace the oil fired furnace with a complete wood pellet boiler, and the installation of thermostats and motion sensor lighting. There is a warrant article to raise $58,711 for the purpose of these upgrades to the Highway Garage. Selectman French commented on not knowing the exact cost. The RFP calls for submissions by March 7th. On the strength of the Jordan institute report the amount could be less, but they cannot expend more than $58,711. Selectman Watman moved, Selectman French seconded that the Board accept the submission of the Request for Proposals as submitted by the Energy Committee. Passed 4-0-0 Item 4: Carl Knapp: Surplus Vehicles Mr. Connell informed the Board that yesterday they received information that changes the original recommendation. Mr. Knapp said that they had briefly discussed the federal surplus equipment that was available in Concord, but the state has decided to keep that particular machine. He has since located another machine, which is a 2006 624J wheel loader with 920 hours. There is currently $60,000 in the capital reserve and an additional $16,000 would be needed. Mr. Connell said that currently the warrant article is taking $60,000 from the reserve account and calls for $25,000 by disposing of the dresser loader and the CAT loader and then raises another $60,000 from taxes. There will be a reduction in the budget of $44,000 reflecting $0.11 per thousand if the Board chooses to accept this recommendation the rate would go from $7.33 to $7.22 per thousand or $0.02 less than last year. Selectman Watman asked if they would be able to reduce $55,000 from the budget for the backhoe. Mr. Knapp said that if they are getting rid of both loaders, they will still need to change the bucket on the backhoe. Mr. Knapp said instead of requesting $60,000, they only need to request $16,000. It was discussed that the rental loader will be used for three months and then sent back. Mr. Connell said that Article 10 is requesting $145,000 be raised and appropriated to purchase a new front end loader by sealed bid and to withdraw $60,000 from the Capital Reserve Fund for this purpose. The trade in or sale of the Dresser is to be at least $5,000 and the sealed bid of the 1996 CAT loader for at least $20,000 with the amount to be raised by taxation not to exceed $60,000. If this recommendation is accepted the warrant article would read to raise and appropriate $116,000 for the purchase of a 2006 John Deere Loader with $60,000 to be withdrawn from the Capital Reserve Fund and with the trade in of two loaders for $40,000 it would leave $16,000 to be raised by taxation. Mr. Knapp said that his concern is how to give a commitment on the machine between now and Town Meeting and whether they will hang on to it. Mr. Connell said that it would have to be a commitment subject on Town Meeting. The Board does not have authority to expend funds on the purchase, but they can enter into a P&S agreement contingent upon Town Meeting. Selectman Watman moved, Selectman Taylor seconded that the Board accept the proposal as outlined and that Article 10 of the warrant be modified to reflect the changes and that the budget also be modified to reflect the changes. Passed 4-0-0 Selectman Taylor moved, Selectman French seconded to enter into a P&S agreement with Chappell Tractor Sales per the proposal dated February 6, 2012 depending on approval from Town Meeting. Passed 4-0-0 Mr. Knapp commented on the truck for surplus. Selectman Aucoin told the Board that there is a 99 Freightliner AWD at Federal Surplus. They are not looking to add to the fleet, but to replace the 2002 and refurbish. He believes that the longevity will be a lot longer than the one they currently have. The equipment can be swapped over to the 99 Freightliner, which is in very good condition. The purchase price of $8,500 is less than a used pick up truck and it has new tires worth approximately $500 each. Selectman Aucoin said that he has viewed the truck and it is a clean truck. The issue is where the money will come from. Russ Roy, Finance Administrator, said that they have the option of adding it to the operating budget or add it to the truck refurbishment warrant article. He said that another option is that the Selectmen could reduce the $60,000 being used for the loader and use it for this truck and the Selectmen can authorize a purchase order to utilize funds from last year’s budget. Selectman Watman commented that it is too bad that the Board didn’t get this material prior to the meeting because squeezing money at the meeting isn’t the best way. To take the money out of the $60,000 complicates the warrant article. Mr. Knapp said that once they strip everything off the old truck that they need to transfer and other modifications are done, he feels strongly that the unit can recoup the money to purchase this one. Selectman Watman said to reword Article 18 to state “refurbish or replace.” Mr. Roy said that the Selectmen can authorize using the funds from last year’s surplus and utilizing the $8,500 would reduce the amount going into the fund balance. The 2011 budget is still being calculated and there is an excess of $100,000 out of the appropriations from 2011 that will be going into surplus. Mr. Roy will check with the DRA and the auditor if the Board chooses. Mr. Connell commented on taking money out of the surplus to replace the windows at the Highway Garage from money that was set aside for the furnace. Replacing the office windows is not part of the Jordan Institute’s report. They have three bids to replace the windows with the lowest being $4,253. Selectman Taylor moved, to authorize the expenditure of $8,500, for a 1996 Freightliner Truck at Federal Surplus in Concord, to be withdrawn from the 2011 budget pending approval from the auditors and/or DRA. Selectman Watman said that the Finance Administrator and Town Administrator should have checked on the funds in advance. Selectman French seconded. Passed 3-1-0; Selectman Watman was opposed. Item 5: Carl Knapp Windows: /Insulation – Highway Garage Mr. Knapp said that the windows were part of the original need of the Highway Garage in the office portion, the furnace is two years old, but the windows are wind tunnels. Selectman Aucoin said that he was under the assumption that the Jordan Institute did not survey office. Mr. Connell said that the Jordan Institute came in and spoke with Mr. Knapp who was already working on replacing the windows therefore, the windows were not included in the report assuming that in 2011 the town was going to replace the windows. The Jordan Institute’s report does include insulation above and beyond that office. The report acknowledges considering future extended forced hot water into the office for heating. The estimate of $4,200 from Window World came in on Friday estimate. The money was under consideration in 2011 and was recommended to come from the building maintenance line. Mr. Roy is concerned that the action might have been needed to be made before the end of 2011 and if the auditor tells him it is not allowable, it won’t happen. There is the option of putting this into the 2012 budget. By consensus, the Board agreed to table the discussion until additional information is received. OLD BUSINESS Item 7: Budget Update Mr. Connell said that there were two recommendations from the Budget Advisory Committee. The first recommendation is to restore $1,000 to the Community Concerts budget and the second is to increase the Library budget by $2,700 for the purpose of a COLA for library employees. The Library Trustees have asked not to have that $2,700 restored in their budget and feel confident they can deal with the budget already put forth. Selectman French told the Board that he spoke with several people involved with the concerts and they have come up with good ideas to fund what is needed to keep the concerts as they are. He also commented on knowing that the Chamber of Commerce has come up with ideas. Selectman French said that even if the budget was left as it is the concerts committee would come up with the money. Mr. Connell said that the question is whether or not they can maintain their charter. He noted that through the town budget they would only have $4,850 to expend on concerts. Selectman Watman moved, Selectman Taylor seconded to accept the recommendation of the Budget Advisory Committee to restore $1,000 to the Community Concerts budget. Selectman Watman said that it is not a question of dollars. He feels that the $1,000 was not removed to save Henniker’s tax rate, it was removed because there are some Selectmen that feel the concerts should be a self-funded activity. The Memorial Day Parade has also been under attack to become self funded. The reality is that all of these arts and culture activities reflect $.16 on the tax rate. He feels that the Board should stop playing games with the concerts, because they are not requiring everyone else to make money. Selectman Watman commented on Memorial Day being for the Veterans. He said that the Athletic Committee has saved thousands for the town and has guaranteed that for a minimal cost, children can have activities year round. Selectman Watman feels that it is about time to face the facts and either do something, bring it to the town for a vote, or lay off. Selectman Taylor commented on the Budget Advisory Committee volunteering at least 7 hours of their time and feels it would be disappointing to them to make this recommendation and have the Selectmen vote it down. Selectman French said that he personally feels the Concert Committee is a great community builder, but he feels they have asked all departments to squeeze and they are squeezing people’s raises. He would hate to see the Patriotic activities suffer, but they are moving forward and asked every department to look for money. Selectman Watman said that they are what they value and cutting 20% out of a $5,000 budget is severe. He commented on the Athletic Committee spending hours fundraising when their time would be better spent with the children. He feels the community should decide if they are so desperate financially to do this. Selectman Watman thinks that the Board should recognize the benefits these activities provide the community and there is a lot of time that represents dollars from volunteers. Selectman French said that he stands by his vote and if the town thinks this is worthy, they have the right to add it to the budget at Town Meeting. Selectman Aucoin said that he believes it is easier to raise tax dollars then to go out and fundraise. He would like to see the town go back to where fundraising is not that difficult and take pride in what they are doing. There is no mechanism for fundraising and even if they were to get some sort of support they would have to come before the Selectmen to accept donations to have them put back into their budget. Selectman Aucoin said that in the future they need to look at options to offset tax dollars which would be fairer than reducing $1,000 from the budget. He will support Selectman Taylor’s motion to add $1,000 back into the Community Concerts budget in the hopes that the Selectmen can get together to agree on a motion to encourage these groups to actively raise funds. Selectman Aucoin stated that he works hard for his family to give them more and it is hard to do with the tax rate continually increasing. Motion passed 3-1-0; Selectmen French was opposed. Selectman Watman applauded Selectman Aucoin’s statement and has no objection to those committees finding ways to fundraise and finding ways to encourage them to do so. Mr. Connell said that by the Selectmen’s action they added $1,000 to the bottom line for a total of $2,815,833 with the change for the loader and the change to the budget the estimated tax rate will be $7.22, reflecting a $.02 reduction from 2011. Selectman Aucoin thanked the Budget Committee for their time and hard work. Item 8: Town Warrant 2012 Mr. Connell said that Article 9 was changed to clarify the purpose of the warrant article. Martha Sunderland, Conservation Commission, and Bart Mayer, Town Counsel, added “income to go to the general fund” to the article. Mr. Connell said that with the advice of Bart Mayer, Article 15 for the Recreational Director was reworded as follows to provide a platform so the article can be supported at Town Meeting: “To see if the Town will vote to establish the position of Recreation Director to oversee, coordinate, and administer all of the Town’s sports activities now currently totally organized by volunteers; and to raise and appropriate the sum of Fifteen Thousand Dollars ($15,000). The source of funding is private donations and funds in the Recreation Revolving Fund, created by the Town Meeting vote on Article 32 in 2009.” Selectman Aucoin mentioned that at one point the article stated “fees.” Mr. Connell responded that the idea of fee for play was removed on December 20th. If funds are raised from the snack bar the money will go into the Recreation Revolving Fund and will be used for salary purposes. There is more than $10,000 in the fund to provide the start of this position. There is no tax impact. The third change was the only petitioned warrant article submitted, which is now Article 23: “To see if the Town will vote to support the portion of road known as Browns Way from its intersection with Old Hillsborough Road to be maintained for 0.45 miles in an AS IS maintained Town Road status.” Mr. Knapp said that it would be difficult to maintain it as is. Mr. Connell said that the petitioned article has to be included exactly as submitted. The submitter will need to defend the article at Town Meeting. The meaning would need to beclarified in order for it to be effective. Mr. Connell questions wheter the addition of the one sentence invalidates the petitioned article. Selectman Watman said it is best to ask the town attorney for advice concerning the town warrant. The Town Moderator said that unless you have the exact same wording signed by 25 registered voters it is not valid. Selectman Aucoin asked the Town Administrator to check with town counsel and also check with the Town Clerk for a recount to see if there are enough signers. Mr. Connell said if there are not 25 signatures remaining, the petitioned article will be declared invalid and will not appear on the warrant. The deadline for posting the final warrant is the February 27th. They have to get the Town Report to the printer and need to have the Report available for the taxpayers on March 6th. It was discussed that the Selectmen will have to accept the budget and warrant at their next meeting. NEW BUSINESS Item 9: Request for No Salt Area on Cote Hill Road Chuck Connell told the Board that the requestor asked to table this discussion until February 21, 2012. OTHER BUSINESS Item 10: Town Administrators Report
The article will need to be changed to take out the descriptive terms, but the dollar would not change. Selectman Watman moved, Selectman Taylor seconded to reconsider the motion on the 1999 Freightliner Truck. Passed 4-0-0 Selectman Watman moved, Selectman Taylor seconded to withdraw the previous motion on the 1999 Freightliner Truck and approve the expenditure of $8,500 out of the 2012 Highway Department budget for the purchase of a 1996 Freightliner Truck from surplus. Passed 4-0-0 Item 11: Selectmen’s Reports Selectman Taylor reported that the Planning Board is holding a hearing tomorrow night. Selectman Watman reported that he received an email indicating that it is almost definite that the Conservation Commission will get $150,000 valuation on the easements. Selectman Watman noted that the CC originally voted to transfer as much of the fund that can be legally approved into the general fund. Item 10: Town Administrators Report, Continued Proctor Square Sign Policy – Mr. Connell told the Board that some communications occurred this weekend regarding signs at Proctor Square. Selectman Watman understands that the Board directed the Town Administrator to find out from DOT if Proctor Square is theirs or belongs to the town and to have them put it in writing. He does not recall negotiating any type of agreement and is deadly opposed to a maintenance agreement because it means that DOT is in charge, but will allow the town to have the liability. Mr. Connell said that previous to the meeting of December 6th, he had confirmation that town and state share the right a way at Proctor Square. Selectman Watman asked who is responsible, who built it, and what the history is. Mr. Connell said that the written response he received was that they share it. Mr. Connell said that there is no agreement being brought forth, he did not enter into the maintenance agreement and that if an agreement was proposed, he would bring it to the Selectmen immediately. If the Selectmen wanted to accept the agreement they would do so. Selectman Watman said that the Town Administrator was asked to see if DOT controlled the island or the town did as to settle the issue. The town attorney should be contacted to see what kind of liability they will have if they enter into a maintenance agreement. Selectman Watman said that they took temporary action to not issue any sign permits. Selectman Aucoin believes the motion was not to issue permits, but not deny signs. Selectman French asked if they can just say that the town is not going regulate. Mr. Connell asked if it is the Board’s wish to stay completely away from Proctor Square. Selectman Aucoin thinks that they want to keep putting flowers there. Mr. Connell asked if the Board is willing to accept liability for placing flowers there. DOT authorized the building of the triangle. Selectman Watman said that the Safe Routes to School Committee, which was funded by DOT, said that it is the most unsafe intersection in town. Selectman Watman feels that if they continue to allow signs there and something happens without them enforcing, they are in deep trouble. It was discussed that the previous policy regarding signs at Proctor Square was rescinded and the Board has adopted a “don’t ask, don’t tell policy.” Selectman Watman stated that he does not want the Community Concerts to have signs at Proctor Square either. Mr. Connell informed the Selectmen that he was selected to be part of the Jury in an upcoming criminal trial beginning February 13, 2012, and continuing at least through February 21, 2012. That said, Mr. Connell stated that he made arrangements with Mr. Roy to cover for him in his absence. This may include preparing for and appearing in his place at the next BOS Meeting. Selectman French moved, Selectman Taylor seconded to adjourn at 8:40 p.m. Passed 4-0-0 Adopted Minutes
Members Present: Kris Blomback, Chairman; Leo Aucoin, Vice Chairman; Thomas Watman, Selectman; Robert French, Selectman; Ron Taylor; Selectman
Selectman Taylor moved, Selectman French seconded to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Passed 5-0-0 APPOINTMENTS Item 1: Public Hearing: Donation of AEDs to Fire-Rescue Department (First Reading) Chief Tom French presented the Board with the Advanced Life Support Intercept Agreement between the Town of Henniker and surrounding communities and explained that a signature of the governing body is required. Every year the Town of Henniker provides and receives advanced level care from several communities. The agreement is a list of providers and a list of receiving towns; Henniker falls under both. Chief French said that a paramedic intercept fees line was created in the budget. The $549 fee is based on what the providers feel is the revenue earned for an intercept. Only one provider (the ambulance that is transporting) can bill the patient or insurance company. If Henniker assists another town they bill that town $549 for the intercept. The agreement needs to be executed to keep things the way they are; essentially the same as the way they have been operating for years. Chief French said that Henniker can receive service from the Concord Fire Department but Henniker does not provide service to Concord. Chief French explained that the town establishes the billing fees; he takes the Medicare rate and adds 10%. The numbers are close as to what is spent and what is received. Chief French said that during the weekend they don’t normally have a paramedic on staff. Chief French mentioned that there is a resident, who is a paramedic and has donated thousands to the town in service. Selectman Aucoin moved, Selectman French seconded to enter into agreement with Advanced Life Support Intercept Agreement and authorize the Chairman to sign the agreement. Passed 5-0-0 Item 4: Review and adopt of minutes of 1/3/2012 Selectman Aucoin moved, Selectman Taylor seconded to approve the minutes of January 3, 2012 as amended. Passed 5-0-0 Chief French informed the Board that the ambulance is due to come up from North Carolina on Monday to be lettered and is due to the town on February 1st. The state will have to license the ambulance and then it will be in service. Chief French explained that the two CPR assist devices are actual machines that provide the compressions on the heart. They were approached by Concord Hospital Trust making them aware of a program that had matching funds available. They met with them and developed a plan to begin fundraising, the donations started coming in, and the initial plan was to raise enough money to purchase one device for just under $16,000. Concord Hospital Trust was able to get a reduced price of $13,500 and the town had to come up with half. They did many presentations around town at many businesses, functions, organizations and met their fundraising goal. Zoll Corporation came to them with a proposal to possibly be able to have Henniker purchase two units for the price of one. They went back to Concord Hospital Trust and paid them $8,000 and they have ordered two machines for the Town of Henniker, one for each ambulance. It was discussed that any donation over $5,000 requires a public hearing. The $16,000 donation to the Town of Henniker has no tax impact. Chief French said that the devices will become property of the town and it is within their mission statement to provide top level care. A first level operator can operate the computer driven machine, which provides continuous compressions to a victim. Chairman Blomback closed the public hearing at 7:40 p.m. Selectman Watman moved, Selectman Aucoin seconded to waive the second and third reading and approve the acceptance of $16,000 worth of CPR assisted devices from Concord Hospital and express appreciation to the Rescue Squad and local businesses. Passed 5-0-0 Item 2: Terri Trier – S.H.O.T. Ms. Terri Trier stated that there is no cost to the taxpayers or participation costs for the Music on Main Street program. They would like to hold the event on October 6, 2012. The event takes place from 9:00am to 4:00 pm and they are asking to close Main Street from 6:00 am to 5:00 pm. The event should align with NECs alumni weekend. Chairman Blomback asked if SHOT received any complaints about the road being closed for the event last year. Ms. Trier said they did not. Ms. Trier told the Board that the event was very popular last year and they ran out of vendor space. She asked if it would be possible to approve as an annual event to be held the first Saturday in October. It was discussed that SHOT could provide a letter to the Town Administrator with the date and time for the event and it could be included as a consent agenda item in the future. Selectman Watman moved, Selectman Taylor seconded that the Board approve the Music on Main Street program scheduled for October 6, 2012 by the SHOT Program from 9:00a.m.-4:00p.m. and also approve the closing of Main Street for the event from 6:00a.m.-5:00p.m. Passed 5-0-0 Item 3: Ruth Zax – Child and Family Services Ms. Ruth Zax informed the Board that the amount of service they have been providing in town since 2006 has been increasing. They saw twenty-nine 29 residents in 2010 for a variety of programs and thirty-six residents in 2011. Roni Hardy explained that Riverbend had a presence in town for many years, but when they closed in 2007 it left a hole for people who require services and for those that can’t pay. White Birch provides office space for her, which is convenient for a lot of families in Henniker that can’t transport to Concord for services. They see residents with debilitating depression and anxiety and without services would be hospitalized or worse. They also see students from NEC who don’t have insurance. Ms. Hardy helps children with stress and ways to cope. Ms. Zax said that their organization makes it possible for these children to be seen. Ms. Hardy told the Board that they slide their fee to $10. Ms. Zax explained to the Board that this is a good investment for the town to support. Chairman Blomback said that his issue is that they can’t even fund what they have on the books and they are hesitant to fund new requests. He asked if it was possible to take from the Welfare budget. Selectman Watman said that he is familiar with Child and Family Services and providing valuable services, however they are cutting from the budget and programs are being requested to become self sufficient and off the town tax rolls. He thinks it is a valuable service, but does not know how they can fund the request. Selectman Watman encouraged them to talk to the Welfare Director to see if there is any funding in her budget. Ms. Zax stated that in the last two years they have been providing more and more services to the community and they lost a significant amount of United Way Funding. They are now reaching out to Merrimack County towns for funding. The possibility of tapping into White Birch’s budget was discussed. OLD BUSINESS Item 5: Budget Update Mr. Chuck Connell noted that after the January 9th meeting of the Selectmen the tax rate stands at $7.50, which is $.26 from where they were last year. The final schedule does reflect committee sponsored articles. Selectman French informed the Board that he went to the John Stark School Meeting and with the bond being paid off and all other reductions there is a $.57 decrease to Henniker’s tax impact. Item 6: Draft Town Warrant 2012 Mr. Connell informed the Board that the final draft reflects zoning changes and responds to the request that more controversial warrant articles appear before the operating budget. He also cleaned up the format and numbered the articles. Mr. Connell told the Board that there is also a revenue neutral warrant article to support Safe Routes to School, which is funded 100% by a grant and if the grant was not awarded no money would be expended. Selectman Watman would like to see the article on the conservation easement before the operating budget to see if the townspeople approve so they would know if they have the $150,000 to apply. Petitioned articles are due by close of business on February 7th. The Board agreed to put the Safe Routes to School article on the warrant as article number 21. NEW BUSINESS Item 7: Award: Sewer Cleaning Bids Mr. Connell informed the Board that he received correspondence from Ken Levesque recommending Hartigan Wastewater Services for the cleaning and televising of 10,056 or 1.9 miles of sewer main at a price of $14,948. Mr. Connell told the Board that Mr. Levesque was very comfortable with Hartigan Wastewater Services and their references from other communities. The request is within his budget and was put out to bid. Selectman Watman moved, Selectman Taylor seconded that the Board accept the bid from Hartigan Wastewater Services as submitted on December 1, 2011 for the cleaning and televising of 1.9 miles of sewer at a price of $14,948. Passed 5-0-0 Item 8: Request to purchase radios from the Waste Water Treatment Plant Reserve Fund Mr. Connell told the Board that this request is for the money to be taken out of the reserve fund to replace four radios at the Waste Water Plant that will not be functional after December 31, 2012. The Selectmen are the agents to expend from the fund. Mr. Connell informed the Board that with this request they are on track with all town radios. Selectman Taylor moved, Selectman Watman seconded that the Board go into a Waste Water Commissioner’s meeting. Passed 5-0-0 Selectman Watman moved, Selectman Taylor seconded that the Waste Water Commissioner’s authorize the expenditure of $1,433.35 from the Waste Water Reserve Fund at the prices quoted in the January 9, 2012 memo. Passed 5-0-0 Selectman Taylor moved, Selectman Watman seconded to come out of the Waste Water Commissioners meeting. Passed 5-0-0 Item 9: Training Agreement for Police Officer Chief Murdough said that the Town of Deering’s Training Agreement was upheld in court; he used their agreement and altered it for the Town of Henniker and it was reviewed by town counsel. The agreement is a three year contract with the Town of Henniker. Chief Murdough told the Board that the total cost to train and outfit an officer is approximately $19,552, which is a considerable investment for the town. Selectman Watman said that he has been concerned with paying nearly $20,000 to train an officer only to lose the officer to another town. Selectman Watman moved, Selectman Aucoin seconded for the Board to approve the Training Agreement for Police Officers as per the Memorandum of Understanding for Service Period as presented to the Board and is attached. Passed 5-0-0 OTHER BUSINESS Item 10: Town Administrators Report
Chairman Blomback commented that the state has adopted a “don’t ask don’t tell” philosophy. It was discussed that if there was a sign that was obstructive the Police Department would have the authority to remove it. Selectman Watman said that they have legal opinion that basically said the Board is not able to make rules for signs there because it is DOTs road, so unless DOT says they are willing to let something happen, the issue is mute. If DOT wants to tell them in writing that it is OK to manage signs then a motion would be appropriate. Joan O’Connor, Echo Lane, said that previous practice has been to get a sign permit at the Town Office. She mentioned that the town does have a sign ordinance. Chairman Blomback said that it is a state road and they can’t regulate. Selectman Watman moved that the town accept bids to place advertisement on each and every town vehicle. The motion failed with no second.
Item 11: Selectmen’s Reports Selectman Taylor informed the Board that the Planning Board discussed that the impact fees on buildings were up $5,600. The report from the consultant said to drop the impact fees down to $2,200 because the bond is being paid. Selectman Taylor thinks that at the Planning Board meeting scheduled for February 8th they will be doing away with the impact fees. It was discussed that they paid the consultant to come up with the $2,200 impact fees and now the majority of the Planning Board looks like they will do away with the impact fees. Selectman Taylor said that the Planning Board does not think that $2,200 in impact fees is worth it. Chairman Blomback noted that he was against paying the consultant. Mr. Connell said that apparently the bridge over the canal on Western Ave is red listed and has been for quite some time. He asked if there is a reason why it was not part of the overall project. The Board said it was never brought to their attention that it was red listed. Mr. Connell said that the bridge needs repair, not replacement. He asked if he could raise the issue with DOT to see if they can include it within the whole project and the Board agreed.
Selectman French moved, Selectman Aucoin seconded to adjourn at 7:45 p.m. Passed 5-0-0
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Members Present: Kris Blomback, Chairman; Selectman Aucoin, Vice Chairman; Thomas Watman, Selectman; Robert French, Selectman; Ron Taylor, Selectman
Chairman Blomback opened the meeting at 6:06 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance. Chairman Blomback noted that there were no Consent Agenda items to approve. PUBLIC FORUM Blomback asked the public if they had any comments for the Board. Mr. Goss asked the selectmen to take it under advisement to buy one highway loader and get rid of two. He strongly urged that one loader be kept for the town with a backhoe and to sell the old “Hough” and the “96” and buy one more. ITEM 1 - BUDGET DELIBERATION Mr. Connell noted that a week ago he was challenged to come up with $90k of additional savings so that the tax rate would remain at $7.63 or $7.58. Finance Director Russ Roy and Mr. Connell came up with a combination of additional revenue and expense cuts, resulting in $91,500 of savings, exceeding the challenge by $1,500. The two revenues that increased were in the Fire Department for fees collected ($10k) and the Tax Collector Budget for interest collected. Chairman Blomback asked if there is a more current Statement of Revenues, later than 11/30/2011. Mr. Connell noted that the only significant changes were Fire and Tax Collector and that Mr. Roy won’t have a better number until the books are closed. Chairman Blomback asked for clarification on whether Motor Vehicle Registration would have an increase. Mr. Connell stated that Mr. Roy has reduced Motor Vehicle Registration revenue, not increased it. Selectman Aucoin noted that the reduction is for $84k, as anticipated by Mr. Roy, and that this amount is carried through in the budget figures. Revenues have been downgraded, overall, from $695k to $667k. Selectman French noted that, under the $2,500 for the Executive Budget decrease, there is a typo of $2,050 on another page. Mr. Connell corrected that it should read $2,500. Chairman Blomback noted that with the cuts the Administrator came up with, we are at a tax rate of $7.24 for 2011 with the going forward rate showing an increase of 38-cents and that approximately $380,000 equals a cut of $1 in the tax rate. Chairman Blomback suggested that the Board focus on the operating budget before moving onto warrant articles. Selectman Aucoin asked the Administrator if the Human Services budget is “bare bones” and Mr. Connell said that, given the fact of the economy, any further reduction is a significant gamble, particularly considering that the Federal Government is not providing heating relief. ZBA Budget Selectman Aucoin noted that the ZBA, as of December, was running a fairly large surplus. He noted that last year they budgeted for $6,537 but only used up $1,200. Selectman Aucoin wants to know if he can “slice-n-dice” and find a “skinny” with a grand here or there. He stated that everyone will have to “bleed a little bit.” Selectman Taylor noted December is often the most expensive month when the Planner prepares warrant articles. Chairman Blomback asked if that money comes from Planning or Zoning and Selectman Taylor noted that it comes from Planning. MOTION: Selectman Aucoin moved to eliminate $1,500 from the ZBA budget. Selectman Watman seconded. Mr. Connell said they just paid a $3,400 bill that was on the Selectmen’s manifest at their last meeting. Selectman Taylor said he was unaware of how a cut might affect the ZBA. Selectman Watman pointed out that, according to the backup info, in 2008 the gross budget was $7,800; in 2009 it was $8,000; in 2010 it was $6,500; in 2011 it was $6,500 and this year $6,500. Given the history of the account the budget is already slim. Legal fees could eat up the entire amount with one case; it does not seem like there’s all that much in that budget. Selectman Taylor noted that there is revenue to offset things like postage. MOTION PASSED 3-2 with Watman and Taylor opposing. Highway Equipment Watman stated he is concerned about the loader. He’s been contacted by numerous people on this subject. There seems to be a conflict saying that the 1996 Caterpillar needs to be replaced and we have to buy a new one, then turning around and saying that we want to keep the Caterpillar in operation. The more important motion is to replace the loader. If one was going to be kept in operation, why would we spend a large amount of money on a new one if the older equipment could stay in operation. The hours of usage is close to the range that we should assume significant repair costs could happen with the transmission or motor. We should focus our attention on replacing that and disposing of the Caterpillar. MOTION: Selectman Watman moved to change the warrant budget to indicate funding from sale of the 1996 CAT with estimated revenue of $25,000 and to include the sale of the 1978 Dresser/Hough. Selectman French seconded. Selectman Aucoin stated that the sale would be by sealed bid. Chairman Blomback clarified that this motion would be to sell the 1996 machine and purchase a new one. Selectman French clarified that this would exclude the plows. Road Mr. Knapp stated that the intention was never to keep the Hough. Trade in value, including the bucket and plow, is $27,500. The price of new plows, if we were to put new plows on the new machine, is $27,000. So to go that route, we’d net $500. Secondly, Mr. Knapp said if we are going to attempt to use that little “wacko” to load trucks, we have to have a different bucket which costs $3,700 plus $300 for a cutting edge. Mr. Knapp did find a used bucket in Maine for $2,700 plus $300 for the cutting edge, but does not know the condition of this equipment. The new machine would cover 1.3 yards and the current machine covers less than a yard because it is a small clamshell-style. Currently there are 9,500 hours on the CAT now. Selectman Aucoin noted that he looked at the equipment this past Saturday and asked around and believes that the CAT loader would sell for at least $30,000 without the plow and buckets. Selectman Aucoin stated that we should have been a “one-loader town” all along and that it is in the best interest of the town to downsize and go down to one loader, letting go of the other one with a sealed-bid sale. Mr. Knapp agreed that we would get more money on a sealed bid. Mr. Knapp noted that he has changed the plow routes to be more efficient and that he put the Mechanic’s route closest to the shop because he inevitably will have to return to the shop for repairs. Selectman Aucoin suggested how the Road Agent could change other staffing and routes. Selectman Watman noted that the bottom of the issue is that when things are going well, it’s nice to have a fallback plan with extra equipment ready to go but that economically we are in a stage where we need to downsize and that the proper thing to do would be to buy a new loader and sell the other. If the economy does not improve, even these measures will not help us stay afloat. If equipment does break down in the future, the Selectmen will have to make a decision on how to handle the situation at that time. Chairman Blomback asked how many times does it need to be filled during a storm with salt and sand. Carl said that it takes 11 loads of sand and 5 loads of salt. Selectman Taylor discussed the difference of time vs. value based on the size of the loader we currently use. Mr. Knapp stated he plans to upgrade to the biggest bucket (1.3 yards) that this machine could handle. MOTION PASSED 4-1 with Taylor opposing. MOTION: Selectman Watman moved that we add $4,000 to the Highway Budget for the purpose of a larger bucket for the backhoe and a cutting edge. Selectman French seconded. Selectman Aucoin clarified that they would search for used equipment first. MOTION PASSED unanimously 5-0. Ladder Truck for Fire Department MOTION: Selectman Aucoin moved to remove the $36,000 for the ladder truck. Selectman Watman seconded. Selectman Aucoin is concerned that adding a truck will eventually increase their budget to house the unit. He noted that we have a good Mutual Aid relationship with other towns that already have ladder trucks. Selectman Aucoin said we have enough equipment to cover our fires and this is not about safety but is an argument about increasing the size of the fire house operating budget – more equipment will need to be replaced and in the coming years the budget will have to increase due to the additional equipment. Selectman Blomback commented that the “Quint” had a few things working in its favor, including a grant to cover 95% of the cost and that it could do 90% of the work of the Engine 2 which is scheduled to be replaced in 2015. Selectman Blomback noted that putting this on the warrant at least gives them the mechanism to get the grant and that whether it replaces Engine 2 is a fight for another year. Selectman French noted that this is a separate $36,000 warrant article that will have a 10-cent impact on the tax rate only if they get the grant. Selectman Watman stated that Mutual Aid was never intended to not have any community not take care of their own needs and take advantage of other town’s equipment. While he is concerned that additional expenses could be incurred in the future due to this additional equipment, he believes that many townspeople see that Henniker getting a ladder/tanker truck anytime in the next 25 years, compared to getting one now for “5-cents on the dollar”, is a real opportunity. Selectman Watman would like the Chief to be able to present his request to the people to let the people decide. Mr. Connell noted that the grant would come around in June or July. Chairman Blomback asked Selectman Aucoin if believes that the ladder truck could replace Engine 2 and the two agreed that this is an argument for the future. MOTION FAILED 1-4 with Blomback, French, Taylor and Watman opposed. Legal Budget MOTION: Chairman Blomback moved to cut $10,000 from Legal, which is currently at $25,000, and return it to $15,000 which is the 2010 budget. Selectman Watman seconded. Discussed the history of this budget item and how the legal staff at the Local Government Center can be leveraged more for the benefit of the town. Selectman Watman would like a $5,000 reduction as a more cautious approach to the unknown. AMENDMENT TO THE MOTION: Chairman Blomback moved to amend the motion $5,000 from $25,000 to $20,000. Selectman Taylor seconded. AMENDMENT PASSED 5-0 unanimously. AMENDED MOTION PASSED 5-0 unanimously. Fire / Rescue Budgets MOTION: Selectman Aucoin moved to reduce the Fire/Rescue by $7,500. Selectman Watman seconded. Selectman Aucoin noted that last year they could withhold some purchases to buy a Command Vehicle. If they had that money in there last time, they could do it again. Mr. Connell asked if we were looking at account # 4220-740. Selectman Aucoin noted that last year they wanted $14,000 for a Command Vehicle and came up with the money in their budget quickly, and that Fire/Rescue needs to cut. Mr. Connell asked if the money is to come out of the bottom line or specifically out of the Equipment Budget. Selectman Aucoin said the bottom line is fine. Chairman Blomback asked “Who sets the fees for Rescue billing?” Mr. Connell will get that answer. Selectman Taylor suggested it might be insurance companies. Selectman French suggested that hospitals are involved in the rate-setting. Selectman Watman noted that we have two distinct budgets for Fire and Rescue. Selectman Aucoin noted that both Fire and Rescue run that Command Vehicle as a joint venture, so they could work together on finding the $7,500. Selectman Taylor asked Mr. Connell if the Chiefs were invited to this meeting. He noted that no particular department was invited. Selectman French noted that the Chiefs are aware of the meeting and that he told them it was up to them if they wanted to come. Chairman Blomback noted they are proposing a 2% increase. A 0% increase would require a $9,766 cut, but the motion is only for $7,500. The largest drivers of cost are retirement with the changing of the group status, the telephone which is related to critical communications, and dispatch fees. Selectman Watman expressed concern that we’re asking for too much cutting, but it’s not to say that it can’t be done. Chairman Blomback looked at the Detail Sheet and noted that their budget had 16% left in year-to-date expenses with only two weeks left in the year. Mr. Connell noted that the Call Firefighters might not have been paid. Chairman Blomback noted that $116,000 in part-time salaries were paid already out of a $123,000 budget. While he understands that there may be large outstanding payments to be made with two weeks left in the budget, Chairman Blomback sees $24,000 left in the Equipment category and $7,000 left over in the Vehicle Repair category. Most of the wages look up to date, as do the benefits, insurance, etc. Selectman Watman asked, “Didn’t we ask if the finance system could be showed as ‘encumbered’ as soon as the purchase order went out, so we can see not only what was spent but what’s coming up?” No reply was given. Selectman Aucoin noted that not only is he struggling with his tax bill, but “so is 60-70% of the town and if we’re not going to take the ladder truck from them, we have to cut something. You can’t keep taking some money out and then sticking it back in.” Selectman Aucoin expressed concern that spending is happening at the end of the year. Mr. Connell noted that yes, departments do hold off on scheduled, planned purchases to see where they are but that in his 15 years, unlike the federal government, he has never seen local government say “we have all this extra money, now what can we buy?” Chairman Blomback noted that there is $5,000 left in Seminars and $6,000 left in Equipment Repair with 50 out of 52 weeks done; they still have 15% of their budget and therefore he supports Selectman Aucoin’s cut of $7,500. But Chairman Blomback would also welcome inviting the Chiefs to come in and explain. Selctman Taylor noted that Mr. Roy stated there is a large bill coming. Mr. Connell noted that he can’t respond to the amounts Mr. Blomback is citing at this time. MOTION PASSED 4-1 with Taylor opposing. Chairman Blomback asked that a special note be put in the record that the Chiefs be made aware of these motions. $30,000 in Cuts Chairman Blomback stated that, so far, they have cut $30,000 tonight, reducing the budget from $7.58 to $7.51. The Selectmen are now 27-cents away from their goal of a zero-tax-increase. Chairman Blomback questioned Mr. Connell on benefit insurance under Section 211 for Highway. Benefits went up $5,200 but Retirement went down $3,900. Is the benefit a reflection of the health care change? Mr. Connell noted that it might have been a change of programs and that he will look into it to make sure it’s not a typo. Code Enforcement Budget Selectman Aucoin noted that on December 14, Code Enforcement was still sitting on 64% of their budget with a lack of building going on due to the economy. He would like to make a motion to have Code Enforcement recalculate their fees to make it more based on users paying the costs. He would like people to pay a lesser fee if they ask for a permit but decline inspections. People who are asking for inspections should pay more for the cost. Leo wants to know if they can restructure a little bit and lower their budget. Chairman Blomback noted that this is not a formal motion but rather a comment. MOTION MADE BUT NOT SECONDED: Selectman Watman moved to ask “the powers that be” to report back to the Board whether there is a potential to add revenue by increasing fees. Nobody seconded the Motion. Selectman French said he is concerned that we will encourage less inspections. Mr. Connell noted that the Code line includes more than building permits and includes land use. MOTION: Selectman Aucoin moved to reduce the current Code Enforcement budget by $2,000 from its voted budget of $8,496. Selectmen French seconded. Mr. Connell noted that if we reduce the expenditure, we cannot make it up with revenue, but the fees can be increased to generate more revenue. Mr. Connell said the bigger question is “Where to do the Selectmen want to go to with building permits and certificate of occupancy?” If the town gets out of the building inspection process, we can justify cutting the amount. But it is Selectmen’s policy that an inspection will be offered upon request. Selectman Aucoin asked the Administrator if there was any room to move in this budget which is $7,292. Mr. Connell noted that the cut on the table is approximately 25% of the entire budget. Mr. Connell noted that if Code Enforcement runs out of money we will simply come to the Selectmen to overspend the line item or cut off the operation altogether – those will be the choices. AMENDMENT TO MOTION: Selectman Aucoin amended it to $1,000 from $2,000; Selectman French seconded the amendment. AMENDED MOTION PASSED 4-1 with Taylor opposing. Police Department Budget Selectman French asked the Police Chief – when did we vote to add more personnel. Chief Murdough stated that when the grant from the federal government allowed us to hire, there was a significant jump at the end of the third year of the grant when the funding went down. Selectman French asked - at what point would we have to cut the 24-hour minimal coverage? Selectmen French said he does not want to arbitrarily cut the budget, but rather give the people a chance to decide. Chief Murdough said that, actually, with the amount of business they are doing they could justify adding another officer not reducing, and that he does not have a concrete concept of how to define what is the “minimum.” Selectman Watman noted that his budget is a sitting target at town meeting. The estimated tax rate is $2.59 for the police budget and that fact legitimately gives people the curiosity to ask about this budget. Chief Murdough needs to be prepared to defend his budget. The Chief stated that cutting the 8-hour day of a Police Department costs $350k and is very different from other departments, as there is never a “closed” sign for the police protection. They require 5 rotating shifts. The Investigator position is critical for being dedicated to larger cases. They have an unfilled Seargant postion that the Chief is afraid to fill due to budget constraints. Chief Murdough stated that our budget is only $10,000 greater than it was in 2008. Chairman Blomback noted that the community has come to expect 24-hour coverage. Chairman Blomback expressed that the police budget is where it should be. Selectmen French hears comments from the public that New England College requires a majority of the Police volume, though he also noted that New England College adds money to the town through businesses. Chief Murdough noted that Pats Peak ski area brings in 3,000 students a year to town from various schools which increases traffic. He stated that New England College logs 40% of their arrests but only 10% of their call volume. On average there are 300-400 arrests a year. The Selectmen praised the police for their good work and critical presence in the community. It was noted that the Selectmen already took a good hit at their budget this year. Selectmen Taylor noted that he is very pleased with the response by the all the departments and is pleased with the budgets. Selectman Aucoin noted that if the fire truck does not come through, the rate would go down 10-cents. Selectmen Watman stated that he was not so ambitious as to flatten the rate at this meeting. Athletics & Entertainment MOTION: Selectmen Aucoin moved that all athletic and entertainment programs provided by the Town of Henniker become fee-based and self-supporting, and further moves that the committees associated with these activities be required to develop fee schedules, that at least cover all costs for the program, and submit them to the Board of Selectmen for review, approval and implementation. Seconded by Selectman French. Chairman Blomback clarified that this includes athletics, concerts, patriotic / parade. Selectman Aucoin said yes, that’s correct. Selectman Watman asked about the $50,000 to White Birch that includes trips and Bingo to seniors – aren’t they “entertainment”? Selectman Aucoin said that no, this does not include White Birch. Selectman Aucoin stated that a long time ago we used to fundraise for functions and that the Spirit of Henniker Team does that now. Somewhere down the line we have come to rely on government for entertainment. Selectman Watman noted that Selectman Aucoin is selecting individual things he does not like to pay for and that this should be up to the people and not the Selectmen. Selectman Taylor suggested that this discussion be tabled for a year to study it, or to put it on the warrant for the people to decide. Chairman Blomback clarified, “Are you zeroing out their budget, or giving them a vehicle to fundraise? Are you cutting their budgets?” Selectman Aucoin said he wants to get them to be as self-supporting as they can get. AMENDMENT TO MOTION: Selectman Watman moved to amend the motion to include White Birch senior entertainment and to include Old Home Days, SHOT and the John Stark Grange Bus Terminal to whatever extent they need tax payer funds. Seconded by Selectman French. Selectman Taylor strongly suggested that this motion should be defeated and that this should be put to a study group or on a warrant so that townspeople can vote on it. AMENDMENT FAILED 2-3 with Blomback, French and Aucoin opposing. Chairman Blomback deferred to the Administrator - Didn’t we deal with the issue of creating additional funding mechanisms for concerts, conservation commission, and anything of that sort? Mr. Connell noted that we have not responded to that yet but he will get back to the Board on this as quickly as possible. His urgent focus has been on preparing the budget. Chairman Blomback noted that the motion is not clear enough to vote. Selectman Watman stated that three people in this room should not turn around something that the people have decided on for many, many years. MOTION WITHDRAWN by Selectman Aucoin and Seconded by Taylor. Remaining Budget Chairman Blomback stated that now we’re at $7.51 for a tax rate and that he would read down the list of budgets and asked the Selectmen to stop him if there was something to discuss. Selectmen French stopped at the Town Office budget and noted that is has a tax impact of $1.25. Chairman Blomback stated that the Town Office budget is very low compared to the 2008 budget and thus heading in the right direction. Selectman Taylor suggested that we get on the State of NH pay scale as soon as possible in regards to the cost-of-living raises. Selectmen Watman noted that, in general, he is not in favor of the state schedule because it overpays some and underpays others. However, we gave a 2% raise when the state gave 5% and then we gave no increase. According to the State’s pay schedule, we already took $190,000 from the employees that they will not see again. He warned the Selectmen that if you’re not prepared to do something in the next 2-3 years to catch the employees up with the State schedule, you don’t have a salary schedule at all. Selectman Watman stated “If we are going to defend the state salary schedule, fine, but I believe that if we create our own salary schedule, by comparing to other towns, we would save some money and be better off even though some people would make more and some less.” Chairman Blomback continued to read down the budget categories, awaiting comment from Selectmen. At Emergency Management, chuck clarified the amount approved at the last meeting. Selectman Aucoin questioned if New England College paid the light bill for the street lights that have banners on them, and Mr. Knapp said yes. Chairman Blomback continued reading down the budget categories. Mr. Connell noted that Safe Routes to School warrant article is coming soon. He expects them to come forward with a warrant article or $250-260,000 of which $250,000 would be a Safe Routes to School grant, with a $0-10,000 impact on the budget. Selectman Taylor noted that Wastewater will be presenting 1-3 different warrant articles from $230- $350k for tank repairs and enlarging main water pipes and valves. RSA 41:14 Chairman Blomback noted that there is a housekeeping issue to address regarding RSA 41:14 as stated on the draft warrant. Selectman Watman gave a summary: this is a recent state legislative action in response to different towns using different systems for acquiring land. The system, as spelled out on the warrant, gives a process for notice, warning and petition options for townspeople who might oppose the Selectmen acquiring ownership of land. Chairman Blomback said he understands and respects this proposal but that he is of the opinion that the Selectmen’s hands will be tied under this proposed system. Selectman Taylor stated that we already ask for the townspeople to vote at town meeting before acquiring any land. Chairman Blomback said, for example, if land comes onto the town’s roles this piece of legislation would allow anyone to come forward with 50 signatures and stop the Selectmen. Selectmen Watman said that this is a fair way to allow the people to be involved. Chairman Blomback said that the town vote has already given them authority. Chairman Blomback had a legal friend review it and his opinion was that anyone could simply stop the Selectmen from acquiring land. Selectmen Watman said that if this Board would commit to not sell any land without town approval, he would remove this motion. Chairman Blomback sees this as allowing obstructionism to get in the way. Selectman Watman stated that previous boards chose not to follow the same process as the current board and this provision is to bring consistency. MOTION: Selectmen Watman moved to put this article on the warrant. Taylor seconded. To see if the Town will vote to adopt the provisions of RSA 41:14-a, authorizing the Board of Selectmen to acquire or sell land, buildings, or both, subject to the requirements that any such proposed acquisition or sale be presented to the Planning Board and Conservation Commission for review and recommendations of those bodies and that the Board hold two public hearings. Further, that upon the written petition of 50 registered voters presented to the Selectmen prior to the Selectmen’s vote, the proposed acquisition or sale shall be inserted as an article in the warrant for the Town Meeting. This article shall not apply to the sale of conservation land managed and controlled by the Conservation Commission, any part of a Town forest, and any real estate that has been given, devised, or bequeathed to the Town for charitable or community purposes.
MOTION FAILED 1-4 with French, Aucoin, Blomback and Taylor opposed. Other Mr. Connell noted that the wording of the Conservation Easement is listed in the Warrant and has been reviewed by legal counsel. Chairman Blomback asked if the legal counsel advised that we do not include the wording that says this would be to reduce the taxes, and Mr. Connell confirmed that was correct. Regarding the warrant article for painting Academy Hall, Selectman Taylor noted that this requires a 2/3 majority vote, according to the Trust, and that the numbers are firm. MOTION: Selectman French moved to add the two warrant articles (Conservation Easement and Academy Hall painting) as presented, pending council’s blessing. Watman seconded. MOTION PASSED 4-0-1 with Taylor recusing himself. Mr. Connell noted that the Energy Committee’s warrant article on page 6 and has been reviewed by council and considered efficient. Selectmen discussed briefly the order of the warrant articles. Chairman Blomback asked the selectmen to consider what order they’d like to put the warrant articles for next meeting. MOTION: Selectman Blomback moved to send the budget to the Budget Committee. Seconded by French. MOTION PASSED 5-0. Chairman Blomback asked that Items 15-20 be moved to the January 24th Budget Committee meeting. Chairman Blomback clarified the attendance schedule for selectmen to be at the Primary voting on Tuesday. MOTION TO ADJOURN: Selectman Aucoin moved, Taylor seconded to adjourn at 9:37 p.m. Passed 5-0-0
Members Present: Kris Blomback, Chairman; Leo Aucoin, Vice Chairman; Thomas Watman, Selectman; Robert French, Selectman; Ron Taylor, Selectman
Chairman Blomback opened the meeting at 6:15 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance. Selectman Aucoin moved, Selectman Taylor seconded to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Passed 5-0-0 PUBLIC FORUM Tia Hooper, Emergency Management Director, handed the Board members a modified budget request and asked the Board to reconsider their vote that reduced the Emergency Management budget. Ms. Nancy St. Laurent, Statement Emergency Management, distributed a list of funds that have been brought into the community from FEMA as well as the grants. She explained to the Board that there is $500,000 coming back to the town from Emergency Management and it is important that the Emergency Management Director has a budget that allows her to do her work. It was discussed that the Selectmen voted at their last meeting to reduce the Emergency Management budget to be level funded at the 2011 amount of $2,042. Ms. Hooper told the Board that the increase is for supplies for the Emergency Operation Plan (EOP) and Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) to be worked on, with both having 50% matching grants. Ms. Hooper is requesting $5,300 more in her budget because there is a state requirement to update the plans every five years and they are due to be updated. If the plans are not updated every five years the town will not qualify for emergency funding. The plan was improved a few years ago but not completed and needs to be moved forward. Selectman Watman said that all items that were reduced by the Board were done so to reduce the tax impact to the taxpayers. Ms. St. Laurent said that if the town wants to apply for any grants the condition of their EOP will be considered and the town’s plan is not updated. Selectman Watman said there are a lot of things that they would like to have, the question is what the tax payers can afford and priorities need to be set. Ms. St. Laurent said that the HMP is required if the town wants to apply for disaster funds and she wanted to make the Selectmen aware of Ms. Hooper’s work, which brought in disaster funding to the town. The HMP was done by the Southern New Hampshire Planning Commission. Henniker does have a current HMP, but they will need to start working on it in 2012. The EOP was updated in 2008 and it will cost $5,000 to update the plan again. There are a lot of changes to the EOP and $2,500 of the cost will be matched if members of the community attend the meetings. Chairman Blomback asked Chief Gilbert if it is necessary to pay a contractor $5,000 to update the plan. Chief Gilbert said that all department heads worked heavily on the last EOP and it was done in-house in 2008 at the Fire Department. Chief Gilbert explained that the HMP looks at everything including curbs, accidents, and goals. It is a really expansive plan and the update is beyond in-house capability. The plan is required to apply for mitigation grants. Selectman Watman suggested that they wait to make decisions on this budget item. Mr. Goss asked why the Town of Henniker is renting a loader for $4,950 a month when they have two loaders and a backhoe. He feels that the town has adequate equipment to do the work and should not be spending $4,950 a month to rent a loader. Selectman Watman responded that the Highway Supervisor has indicated that a loader needed to be rented in order to take care of winter jobs. The Board was aware of the problems with the loader and that there was money in the budget for rental purposes. Mr. Goss said he believes that they do need a new loader, but does not feel they need to expend funds to rent one because the town has adequate equipment. Martha Sunderland told the Board that she would like to present the Conservation Commission’s (CC) proposal, budget, and timeline for two projects. The first project is to put Lots 47, 50, and 48 on Warner Road under one conservation easement to be held by Five Rivers Land Trust with the cost to come out of the Conservation Fund including the value of that easement to be paid to the town. Ms. Sunderland told the Board that the reason for including Lot 48 is that it is a town forest and cannot be sold for development, but it ties the other two lots together. The conservation easement on Lot 48 does not change the nature of the deed restrictions. The second project is to put Lot 86 into a conservation easement to be held by Piscataquog Land Conservancy (PLC) with the cost of the transaction also to come out of the Conservation Fund. There is currently $211,805 in the Conservation Fund. Ms. Sunderland said that they have an estimate for $6,800 from Art Siciliano to survey Lots 47, 48, and 50. There will also be clean up expenses associated with these lots estimated at few days of work and depending on the waste to be removed will cost approximately $5,000-$7,000. The estimated transaction cost from Five Rivers is $10,000 which includes a monitoring fee of $7,500 and $2,500 for estimated legal expenses and deed registration. There may be legal expenses to have town counsel review the easement. The CC also has an estimate from Art Siciliano to survey Lot 86. There are also associated clean up expenses to remove 2-3 cars. PLC is estimating $42,500 in transaction costs, which includes a not to exceed $15,000 monitoring fund. Ms. Sunderland told the Board that after the transactions there will be approximately $150,000 remaining in the Conservation Fund and the Board and CC would need to negotiate the value of the easements. The assessed value on the lots could be used as a basis for the easement values, but they would need to negotiate a value on each lot. Ms. Sunderland said that the timeline is for the Selectmen to approve the proposal and the CC will draft a warrant article. The CC would then spend time preparing for Town Meeting and have a public hearing, which is required to spend from the Conservation Fund. A tentative date for the survey would be scheduled and after Town Meeting, if approved to put into easement, they can clean up the lots. The wording for the easements would be finalized, the transaction closed, and then the agreed upon conservation value would be transferred to the general fund. Putting these lots into conservation easements will cost approximately $50,000 in transaction fees and the Commission will offer the town the balance of the fund. There will also be revenue from timber sales on Lots 47 and 50. Ms. Sunderland said that a forest management plan will need to be done before any timber is harvested. Five Rivers will review and need to approve the timber management plan and the town forester will oversee the foresting. Lot 47 timber harvest funds can only be expended on sidewalks. Chairman Blomback asked if there was another way that the CC can take possession without incurring all the fees. Ms. Sunderland said that they are selling/deeding real estate value of that land, which comes with legal fees and protects the land from development into perpetuity. The Land Trusts are set up to monitor the easements, the CC and town are not, and monitoring is very important. Ms. Sunderland said that this is the only way to transfer the funds from the Conservation Fund to the general fund. Selectman Watman reminded the Board that in a few days over a month there will be a public budget hearing and the warrant articles and budget will be presented to the public prior to the annual meeting. The CC has two reasons for supporting the proposal, to conserve important land and to get as much money transferred to the town from the conservation fund to reduce taxes. Selectman Watman moved for the Board to ask Bart Mayer to draft an article or articles as he seems appropriate to place on the Town Warrant to carry out this transaction per the Henniker Conservation Commission Land Conservation Report dated January 3, 2012. Chairman Blomback thinks that the warrant article should include verbiage to inform taxpayers that the transaction will provide tax relief. Selectman Taylor seconded the motion and it passed 5-0-0. APPOINTMENTS Item 1: Carl Knapp – Loader documents and discussion Mr. Knapp said that he was asked to bring in written specifications on the loaders he looked at. Mr. Knapp told the Board that they are currently renting a new loader for $4,500 a month for three months for a total of $13,500 and they will determine what do after Town Meeting. The Huff is 34 years old and it is not worth putting money into it. The 1996 CAT loader 938 is currently 16 years old with 9500 hours on it and is not too bad mechanically, but the cab is almost rotted off. Mr. Knapp told the Board that Henniker’s equipment is the oldest around. There was zero money put aside in the CIP for replacement of the 1996 loader. The trade in value of the CAT Loader with plow is $27,000 and it can still serve the town for a few more years. The cost to purchase new plows is $27,500. The current backhoe is a 2001 and five years from now they would be looking to replace the backhoe with a two yard bucket and eliminate the CAT Loader and the backhoe in 2017. Mr. Knapp said that after looking at the whole picture, the only reason to get rid of the CAT Loader at this time would be so they don’t have two loaders, it is already paid for and the town should continue to use it. In reviewing the next fifteen years Mr. Knapp has made adjustments to reduce costs to taxpayers on the long term plan. Swapping out the 1996 is a wash, there is no value. Mr. Knapp said they need a vehicle to load trucks for the winter. The Highway Department has used the Transfer Station Loader every winter. Mr. Knapp’s goal in moving forward is to change how the operation has been run in the past. Mr. Knapp feels that the machine will be big enough for the future. Item 2: Keith Gilbert – HFA donations and ladder truck Keith Gilbert explained that he is representing the Henniker Firefighters Association (HFA). The Association receives donations from the public and fundraisers; the funds are used to support Henniker. The HFA purchased a RIT (Rapid Intervention Team) Pack for outside the building, it is essentially a spare tank of air that the RIT can carry into the building and is valued at $2,798. The Association would also like to donate a Command Cabinet that is mounted on the Command Vehicle, it is essentially a file drawer, storage compartment to store gear, and is a pull out command center valued at $2,650. Selectman Watman moved, Selectman Taylor seconded to accept the RIT Pack with a value of $2,798 with appreciation from the Henniker Firefighters Association. Passed 5-0-0 Selectman Watman moved, Selectman Taylor seconded to accept the Command Cabinet with a value of $2,650 with appreciation from the Henniker Firefighters Association. Passed 5-0-0 Chief Gilbert highlighted some of the reasons why they applied for the ladder truck grant. He stated that the ISO has determined that the town does need a ladder truck and they are trying to improve the town’s ISO rating so that taxpayers will receive a reduction in their homeowner’s insurance. They have applied for the grant and went through the proper process. Chief Gilbert told the Board that he was concerned to hear that the Selectmen were considering not included the ladder truck on the warrant. Chief Gilbert said that the Selectmen and the taxpayers choose the level of service the town is supplied. The Fire Department has been fighting fires the same way as they did twenty-six years ago and they average 300-400 calls now with the same equipment. The second line engine is getting old. Typically there is a twenty-four year life on the fire apparatus. The primary tanker holds 500 gallons and the second line tanker also has a 500 gallon tank. They applied for the 2011 firefighters grant, which is a federal program to bring firefighters up to adequate levels across the country. They have had some success with the grants and have applied almost every year since the town has been eligible. The Quint program is a 95% grant to purchase a $700,000 ladder truck, the 5% cost to the taxpayers will be $36,250 if the town receives the grant. Chief Gilbert told the Board that this is a necessary piece of equipment and a great opportunity for the town to leverage its buying power. Included in the grant is the ladder truck with a pump, multi purpose piece of apparatus, and it comes equipped with necessary equipment and all training. The ladder truck can do everything an engine can do but carries less water and has ladder capability. Chief Gilbert anticipates 25-30 years before needing a replacement. The ladder truck will provide safer fire ground operations for fire fighters on building and chimney fires. Currently the department is not equipped to save people hanging out of windows. The ladder truck will provide increased property protection for businesses and homeowners and would give the town an increase in their ISO rating. Chief Gilbert explained that the ladder truck would allow fire fighters to vent a building before entering to reduce the danger to the firefighters. Currently they have to use a ground ladder and then a roof ladder to be able to vent and they cannot use a roof ladder on metal roofs. The ladder truck would allow them to vent a roof without stepping off of the aerial ladder and proper venting is critical in saving lives. The aerial ladder allows for quicker response in getting fire victims to safety. Henniker’s current ISO rating is 6/9 on a scale of 10, with a lot of room for improvement. In 1998 ISO stated that the Town of Henniker should have a ladder truck. Chief Gilbert said that the town’s need for a ladder truck has existed for a long time. This grant gives the town a chance to increase protection that is needed for the town. Chief Gilbert told the Board that when a second alarm is called another town sends a ladder truck, if the fire is downtown a ladder truck is sent at first call. Henniker having its own ladder will reduce response time. If the grant is not funded there is no cost to the town. Chairman Blomback commented on the ladder truck also being a pumper truck and in 2015 the engine to be replaced would not be eliminated. Chief Gilbert said that they should still have two pumpers and the Quint. He would consider the heavy rescue replacement for 2021. Chairman Blomback said that the problem with the grant is that it would be on the books for replacement in the future with no grants. The ladder truck would require one person to operate the ladder. Selectman Aucoin mentioned a shortage of viable personnel on the Fire Department. Chief Gilbert said that is not true, they are currently with thirty-five personnel, they do have some open positions, but are not operating at a shortage. Selectman Aucoin asked about liability insurance to the town. Chief Gilbert thinks the ladder truck will decrease the town’s liability exposure. Selectman Aucoin asked how many times ladder trucks go out on calls from area towns. Chief Gilbert has not looked into it. Chief Gilbert told the Board that the ladder truck will fit in the building and is a non-issue. He feels that the chances are slim of getting the grant. Mick Costello said that they have two grant applications in the process and a lot of towns that apply for the grants do not follow the requirements. Chief Gilbert encouraged the Board to include the ladder truck on the warrant. Mr. Scott Dias commented on the Fire Department being successful with fund raising and asked Chief Gilbert if it would be more attractive to the taxpayers to say that they could raise an amount by fund raising. Chief Gilbert said that they can show years of track records on fundraising, but he can’t guarantee an amount. Chief Tom French said that the wording could be added to the warrant. He feels that the article should be on the warrant for the taxpayers to vote on. Selectman Aucoin feels that without the information on how often other towns utilize their ladder trucks he is not willing to support the article. Selectman Watman suggested they review other budget items before decisions are made on these requests. OLD BUSINESS Item 3: Review and adopt minutes non-public minutes of 12/6/2011, 12/20/2011, and public minutes of 12/20/2011 Selectman Taylor moved, Selectman French seconded to accept the minutes of December 20, 2011 as amended. Passed 5-0-0 Item 4: Budget Deliberation The 2012 budget reflects an $8.53 tax rate. Selectman Watman said that the current tax rate is $7.24 per $1,000. The projected 2012 tax rate is $8.53 per $1,000, which is an increase of $1.29 per $1,000 or an increase of 17.8%. The gross budget request before the reduction in revenues budget proposal at this point shows an increase of $299,684.00 or 5.6%. The projected revenue is lowered by 10% or $239,844.00. Selectman Watman said that in taking to consideration that this year’s budget reflects $250,000 in revenue from the sale of Lot 98, the budget has increased by $463,824.00. If they were to try to reduce this budget to hold the tax rate level at $7.24 they would need to cut $490,564 from the total budget. Selectman Watman estimates that they could budget $150,000 in revenue from the CC project and figure on applying $150,000 from the unreserved fund balance, which would leave $190,000 to be cut from the proposed budget to have a level funded budget. A 4% reduction of all of the budgets would get them close to that figure. Selectman Watman thinks that town government can afford to cut 4% from the current requests and still do the jobs they are trying to do. He does believe that they should attempt to reduce the budget by requesting the Town Administrator between now and the next Board meeting to come prepared with recommendations on how to save $90,000 from the budget and have a $7.51 tax rate, which he thinks could be saleable. Selectman Watman moved, Selectman French seconded that the Board instruct the Town Administrator to present a proposal by January 17th after consulting with department heads and committees to reduce the budget by 2%. Selectman Taylor would like to hold off on voting on that motion until some of the items mentioned previously are discussed, such as the ladder truck and after deciding on the warrant articles. Selectman Watman tabled his motion until after the warrant articles and other budgetary items are discussed. He feels that there is a limit to how much the town can afford and a limit on how much the town government can afford to give up. The Energy Improvement warrant article, which has a tax impact of $.16 is included in the $8.53 tax rate. The loader for $130,000, with $60,000 being applied from CIP, has a tax impact of $.22. The refurbishment of the highway plow truck has a $.07 tax impact. Mr. Knapp said that they can safely take $10,000 from the loader line to not change the tax impact to apply to the refurbishment of the plow truck. Mr. Knapp said that $25,000 will not buy the body. It was discussed that the refurbishment of the highway plow truck warrant article request should be $33,000. The Board discussed that Mr. Knapp would have to reduce his operating budget by $8,000 to compensate for the increase of $8,000 for the refurbishment. Selectman Aucoin requested that Mr. Knapp get a quote for a slide in sander. Selectman Taylor recused himself at 9:08 p.m. The Historical Society Paint Building warrant article is $37,000, with the Historical Society contributing $20,000 and $12,000 coming from the Proctor Family Fund and $5,000 from taxation has a $.01 tax impact. Selectman Taylor returned to the meeting at 9:12 p.m. Tom French, Rescue Chief, told the Board that he brought two warrant articles forth and was not notified that his warrant articles were up for discussion at a previous Selectman’s meeting. Selection Watman pointed out that he told the Town Administrator to do so. Chief French told the Board that the ambulance revenue increases with ambulance usage. The ambulance revenue goes into his operating budget. He is concerned with the taxpayers not having the chance to vote on the warrant article. Selectman Watman said that the Board has left in the money for the ambulance, but not every department has the good fortune of drawing all kinds of revenues and the needs of other departments with no revenue need to be considered. At this time Selectman Watman is opposed because he feels the Board needs control of all revenue. He said that the ambulance will need to be bid and approval will be needed. Chief French would like the article to make it on the warrant for the townspeople to vote. Chief French told the Board that the cost of living has gone up, it also costs more to run the business, and if he runs out of money he cannot stop services. He worries if calls increase, he will be short and they will have to take from other departments. Selectman Watman said that if the Board doesn’t decide to put the article in Chief French has until February 3rd to petition. Chief French said that they cannot stop the calls from coming in and every time they go out on an ambulance call, it is revenue. Their percentage of billable time is not as high during the day. Selectman French commented on the more use the vehicle gets, the sooner it will need replacement. Chief French said that generally a vehicle needs replacement around 100,000 miles, they currently have 98,000 miles on front line ambulance and the maintenance line was overspent. The command vehicle helps to reduce mileage on the ambulance because they now do inspections from the command vehicle. Selectman Watman moved, Chairman Blomback seconded that the Board include the Fire Department Ladder Truck Grant article for $36,250 with a $.10 tax impact on the warrant. Selectman Aucoin feels that they want the ladder truck, but do not need the ladder truck and that other town’s can provide municipal aid. Chairman Blomback said that the thought process was to make the grant accessible to create a mechanism for the Fire Department to go for the grant. If they get the grant then they can theoretically dismiss the $500,000 request for a future fire truck. If the grant is not awarded, then no money is expended. Chairman Blomback said that there is a potential to save or delay a future purchase and save the town money in the long term. The motion passed 4-1-0; Selectman Aucoin was opposed. Selectman Watman commented on the Emergency Management budget and asked the Emergency Management Director what the $2,250 supply budget would be used for. Ms. Hooper explained that the budget would be used for writing the EOP, doing inventory, grant management, and securing a grant for NEC. The two $5,000 projects have now replaced the PR project. Ms. Hooper said that she will need supplies that are not included in the grant amount. The Town Administrator will be getting copies of EOP and HMP for the Board to review. Ms. Hooper informed the Board that she will not expend any monies that she does not have to. Her request is for preparing the plan for distribution to department heads and the Selectmen. Ms. Hooper explained that if the department heads do not participate in the meetings they will have to come up with $2,500. If they get the grant then $2,500 comes from the state and goes to the Planning Commission. The town is responsible for $2,500 in either cash or in-kind. Selectman Watman moved to add $3,750 to the Emergency Management budget to do the Hazard Mitigation Plan for $2,500 and $750 for supplies. Chairman Blomback would like to see the plan before voting. Selectman Taylor seconded. Mr. Connell asked whether the Board is supporting the HMP update and not supporting the EOP, which was created in 2008, so that the EOP would have to be done in 2013. Mr. Connell asked if the Board understands that they will make every effort to match the $2,500 with in-kind service. The Emergency Management Director was directed to match in-kind service to the best of her ability. The Board agreed to include the CC warrant article, which will generate $150,000 in revenue and provide $.39 of tax relief. If they use $150,000 from the Reserve Fund Balance, with a current balance of $495,816, it would provide $.39 of tax relief. The tax rate is $8.66 minus the revenue from the sale of lots which will generate $0.39 and brings the tax rate down to $8.27 and using $150,000 from the Reserve Fund Balance to bring the tax rate down another $.39 bringing the tax rate to $7.88. The Town Administrator was directed to review the operating budget and look for $90,000 in operating budget cuts, which would bring the tax rate to approximately $7.58. Selectman Watman said that the next step is to see the Budget Committee’s reaction. Mr. Connell said that the Budget Committee meets January 19th and 24th. The Selectmen do not meet again after the Budget Committee before the scheduled public hearing of February 7th to react to the Budget Committee’s recommendations unless the Selectmen hold a special meeting. By law, the Selectmen have until Feb 17th to hold the budget hearing. The Board agreed to hold a special meeting for the budget and the warrant on Monday, January 9th at 6:00 p.m. Item 5: Draft Town Warrant 2012 (update) Selectman Watman asked if the Board would be discussing his article for the town to adopt RSA 41:14-a. The discussion was tabled until January 9th. OTHER BUSINESS Item 6: Town Administrators Report
Selectman French moved, Selectman Taylor seconded to rescind the Non-DOT Drug and Alcohol Policy adopted in June 2011. Passed 5-0-0
Item 7: Selectmen’s Reports Selectman Taylor said that there is Planning Board hearing coming up regarding the heavy commercial area. Selectman French told the Board that the Currier and Ives Byway Council put out their annual report. The Board discussed that a copy of non public minutes will be included in the Selectmen binders in a sealed envelope. Selectman Watman stated that he is concerned that the Town Administrator is changing protocols without asking the Selectmen’s approval or notifying them in advance. Selectman Aucoin moved, Selectman Taylor seconded to approve the non public minutes of December 6, 2011. Passed 5-0-0 Selectman Aucoin moved, Selectman Taylor seconded to approve the non public minutes of December 20, 2011. Passed 5-0-0 Selectman Aucoin moved, Selectman French seconded to adjourn at 10:30 p.m. Passed 5-0-0 |
