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Minutes of 12/18/2017

December 31st, 2017

Carroll Board of Selectmen
Meeting Minutes
December 18, 2017


�These minutes of the Town of Carroll Select board have been recorded by its Secretary. Though believed to be accurate and correct they are subject to additions, deletions and corrections by the Select Board at its next meeting when the Board votes its final approval of the minutes. They are being made available at this time to conform to the requirements of New Hampshire RSA 91-A:2.�

Minutes recorded by Maryclare H. Quigley, Secretary

Board members present: Brian Mycko, Paul Bussiere, David Scalley

Members of the public present: Greg Hogan, Jason Sullivan, Mary Sullivan, Holly Sullivan, Jeremy Oleson, Imre Szauter, Bonnie Moroney, John Trammell

The meeting was called to order at 7:08 p.m. by Chairman Mycko.

Pledge of Allegiance

The Chair announced the approval and signing of the manifests.

Selectman Scalley made a motion to approve the minutes of December 11, 2017. It was seconded by Selectman Bussiere and passed unanimously.

Imre Szauter reported on the Building Committee�s meeting on December 14, 2017. The focus was on finalizing the brochure on their findings and recommendations on the project which will be mailed to 552 registered voters in town in early January, 2018. Extra copies will be available at Town Hall, Transfer Station, Police and Fire Departments, Post Office, and several businesses around town. The possibility of changing the date for the next Informational Session had been discussed, but this will remain as originally scheduled on Thursday, January 18, 2018 at 7 p.m. in the Town Hall as the Select Board set the required bond hearing for Tuesday, January 9, 2018, at 6 p.m. Mr. Szauter gave the balances for their line item: $1,321.12 (52.8%), ($1,178.88 spent); and the Warrant Article: $28,499.39 (47.5%), ($31,500.61 spent). The Committee�s next meeting is Thursday, January 4, 2018, at 9 a.m. There will also be a brief meeting on Thursday, January 18, 2018 at 9 a.m. at Town Hall to finalize plans for the Informational Session that evening.

Mr. Szauter then acknowledged the hours of commitment that town elected and appointed officials, employees, citizens and professional staff have provided to be able to bring this project to the voters in 2018, and proceeded to thank each individual including Board of Selectmen, Professional Staff, Town employee Committee members, Volunteer citizen Committee members, with special thanks to the town hall staff. He also thanked town residents, business owners and guests who have attended the Committee meetings and the three informational sessions they hosted this year. The Board thanked Mr. Szauter for all of his hard work.
Bonnie Moroney was at the meeting to ask the status clearing the sidewalks after snow storms. Greg Hogan, Public Works Supervisor, said the equipment we have cannot do the job. He said it doesn�t fit on the bridge or anywhere that there are guardrails and that basically we have two options: one is to not do them and the second is to get something that will cost a lot of money. Neighboring towns of Bethlehem and Whitefield were brought up and Greg said they have people who plow the sidewalks all day long to keep up and this plus their equipment allows them to do the job. Greg said the tractors we have just can�t do the job and that we need much bigger horsepower. As he had said before, with the sidewalks being on state roads, there are all kinds of stuff that gets plowed up and they have constant breakdowns. He said it�s not for lack of trying as they have all worked hard trying to plow and they�ve all had the breakdowns, etc., where they have to try to make the repair on the spot. Greg went on to say the machine for doing this costs $179,000 and that this is what all the towns and cities are buying. Gorham just bought another one, so they now have two. After much discussion and talk about a warrant article, Selectman Bussiere said to bring the warrant article to the town and let everyone know what we�re up against. It seems that it�s either buy the machine or not plow the sidewalks. Mrs. Moroney said to make sure the public is aware of the issues the town is facing and Mr. Hogan said they have been talking about this at meetings and he�s not sure what else to do to get the information out. It was stated they should sell the tractor to help offset the cost and Mr. Hogan said he is looking at trade-in value. Selectman Bussiere spoke about the Bobcat at the Transfer Station but Mr. Hogan said it won�t do the job and in fact he has been advised against using it for the sidewalks as it clogs up with what they do at the Transfer Station. Greg said he is trying to get a demo and he has talked with Gorham about theirs. Selectman Bussiere said in spite of what he said last year, he has not been able to find where he read about being able to close sidewalks as long as they are posted, and he has since found out that is absolutely not the case. According to the ADA and to State statue, sidewalks will be maintained through the winter. Mr. Hogan will research more, but according to what several at the meeting were saying, they need to be kept open. John Trammell did a search on his phone and found several court cases in New Hampshire that ended with findings against the town or city because they were not doing what they were supposed to do. It was stated that court cases are very expensive and it would most likely be cheaper to buy the equipment.

Selectman Scalley spoke about doing a water line easement for the line on Ruby�s Way and said he would like authorization from the Board to allow Mark Russell, Esq. to talk with Town Counsel, Jae Whitelaw, on behalf of the town. This easement is for the town to have access to the water line after it�s turned over to them and which will preclude having to get permission from the land owner any time they need to work on it, etc. Selectman Bussiere made a Motion: that the Town Attorney may speak with Mark Russell, Esq., to be sure the easement is written in such a way for protecting the Town. Chairman Mycko seconded and the Motion passed. Selectman Scalley recused himself from the vote.

The Secretary had information from the Bond Attorney, David Barnes, about which she spoke to the Board. She said for any amount of money over $100,000, whether the town is going for a bond or a loan from a bank or otherwise, rules and procedure for a bond must be followed. While a Bond Attorney may not be required if we don�t go for a bond, it was strongly advised


that we have one as it�s a very strict protocol and the most minor mistake could nullify the entire process if the article passes. It was reiterated that if the article fails, there will be no cost for the Attorney.

The Board moved on to the budget and the Chairman said regarding the police cell phones, but all departments in general, he was in the process of looking into grouping all town cell phones if it was agreeable. General consensus was if it can save money for the town, there is no reason not to do it. Further to the police budget, it was noted the ammunition line for 2017 included new guns, which have been purchased, so Chief Trammell said they should be fine for a number of years. After brief discussion, the Board approved the budget as presented by department heads.

Next were warrant articles, which Board members alternated reading and determined whether or not to recommend as follows:

Statement to be added to 2018 Operating Budget Warrant Article:

�The Transfer Station/Recycling Center Budget will be offset by $20,000 from the Recycling Equipment Special Revenue Fund established in 2001.� Recommend: 3 yes

�To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $9,000 (Nine Thousand Dollars) for the purchase of two Kenwood portable radios to replace two Motorola XTS3000 that were purchased in 2001, no longer serviceable.� Recommend: 3 Yes

�To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the amount of $16,000 (Sixteen Thousand Dollars) to fund Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals and the Property Inspector-Code Enforcement Officer�s Salary and further to authorize the withdrawal of such amount from the Planning Special Revenue Fund established in 2006 for that purpose.� Recommend: 3 Yes

�To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $10,000 (Ten Thousand Dollars) to be placed in the Employee Benefits Capital Reserve Fund for the purpose of funding the benefits upon an employee�s retirement or resignation. This will be added to the Fund to reach the total amount of $20,000 (Twenty Thousand Dollars), the amount which will be kept in this Fund.� Recommend: 3 Yes

�To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $15,000 (Fifteen Thousand Dollars) for the purpose of offsetting expenses related to ambulance operations, specifically hospital to hospital medical transfers of the sick and injured, the total amount to be taken from the Fire Department and Ambulance Equipment, Apparatus and Personnel Special Revenue Fund established for this purpose. No money to be raised from new taxation.� Recommend: 3 Yes

�To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $82,620 (Eighty Two Thousand Six Hundred Twenty Dollars) for the purpose of purchasing 12 SCBA�s (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus), 12 SCBA masks and 24 SCBA carbon fiber 45 minute cylinders, and to authorize the withdrawal of $20,620 (Twenty Thousand Six Hundred Twenty Dollars) from the Fire Truck and Equipment Capital Reserve Fund and $62,000 (Sixty Two Thousand Dollars) from the Fire Department and Ambulance Equipment, Apparatus and Personnel Special Revenue Fund established for this purpose. No money to be raised from new taxation.� Recommend: 3 Yes

�To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate $35,000 (Thirty Five Thousand Dollars) to be placed in the Road Improvements Capital Reserve Fund.� Recommend: 3 Yes

�To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate $30,000 (Thirty Thousand Dollars) to be placed in the New Land & Building Capital Reserve Fund.� Recommend: 3 Yes

�To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate $18,000 (Eighteen Thousand Dollars) to be placed in the Police Cruiser Capital Reserve Fund.� Recommend: 3 Yes

�To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate $15,000 (Fifteen Thousand Dollars) to be placed in the Municipal Truck Capital Reserve Fund.� Recommend: 3 Yes

�To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate $10,000 (Ten Thousand Dollars) to be placed in the Landfill Closure Capital Reserve Fund.� Recommend: 3 Yes

�To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate $10,000 (Ten Thousand Dollars) to be placed in the Highway Equipment Capital Reserve Fund.� Recommend: 3 Yes

�To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate $4,000 (Four Thousand Dollars) to be placed in the Computer Technology Capital Reserve Fund.� Recommend: 3 Yes

�To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate $2,000 (Two Thousand Dollars) to be placed in the Library Improvement Capital Reserve Fund.� Recommend: 3 Yes

�To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $9,500.00 (Nine Thousand Five Hundred Dollars) to be placed in the Water Department Capital Reserve Fund, said appropriation to be offset by water user fees. No money will be raised from new taxation.�
Recommend: 3 Yes

�To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $7,350 (Seven Thousand Three Hundred Fifty Dollars) for ground-water monitoring of the old landfill, to include paying for the engineer to take samples, produce reports and send the results to the Town and State and to pay the laboratory fees to process the samples. The total amount to come from the existing Landfill Closure Trust Fund established for this purpose. No money to be raised from new taxation.� Recommend: 3 Yes

�To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $1,000 (One Thousand Dollars) for maintenance of the old landfill, to include actual physical maintenance, engineering and overseer expenses. The appropriation will come from the Landfill Closure Capital Reserve Fund established for this purpose. No money to be raised from new taxation.� Recommend: 3 Yes

�To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $3,000 (Three Thousand Dollars) to hold a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program. The program will provide residents� access to a household hazardous waste collection of household generated waste such as oil based paints, paint thinners, solvents, pesticides, gasoline, and household cleaners.� Recommend: 3 Yes

�To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate $52,017 (Fifty Two Thousand Seventeen Dollars) to purchase a new Bobcat for use by the Carroll Transfer Station with said funds to be withdrawn from the Transfer Station Special Revenue Fund. No money to be raised by new taxation.� Recommend: 3 Yes

�To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate $18,000 (Eighteen Thousand Dollars) to resurface some town roads with said funds to be withdrawn from the Highway Block Grant Fund. No money to be raised by new taxation.� Recommend: 3 Yes

�To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate $179,000 (One Hundred Seventy Nine Thousand Dollars) to purchase a machine to clear and maintain town sidewalks for winter use, with $20,000 of said funds to come from the Highway Equipment Capital Reserve Fund and $159,000 (One Hundred Fifty Nine Thousand Dollars) to be raised by new taxation.�
Recommend: 3 Yes

There was a brief discussion about the Transfer Station Bobcat which is 13 years old and will be used for a trade-in. Greg Hogan said he was told this one lasted much longer than those at most transfer stations, which he said is because it is well cared for.

The Water Model and Well Capacity Evaluation Contract for the Dufresne Group came next and Selectman Bussiere made a Motion that: Chairman Mycko sign this. Selectman Scalley seconded and it passed unanimously.

Funds to be encumbered as requested by Department Heads were offered by the Secretary: Police, $2,598; General Buildings, $4,475; Highway, $2,150; Street Lighting, $2,500; R/C T/S, $3,700; Water, $9,567; Ambulance, $2,179.42; Fire, $2,179.42; TC/TC, $400; FA, $6,600; Legal, $1,200. Selectman Scalley made a Motion to: Approve the funds to be encumbered. Selectman Bussiere seconded and it passed unanimously.

With the final signings of contracts for Zoning and Planning Services and the Water Model and Well Capacity Evaluation, monies were encumbered from: Planning Board, $5,000; Water, $12,000. Selectman Scalley made a Motion to: Encumber these funds. Selectman Bussiere seconded and it passed unanimously.

The following were approved and signed:

Certificates of Occupancy � Mycko; Oliver; Transform Health & Fitness
Selectman Scalley made a Motion to: Approve the CO for Mycko. Selectman Bussiere
seconded. Chairman Mycko abstained as it is for his house. Selectman Scalley abstained
as he is the Building Inspector. It was approved by Selectman Bussiere who told the Board
that one vote will carry if the other members abstain. It was noted the CO for Mycko is a
60-day temporary CO and he must go back to the Fire Chief at the end of that time.
Water Warrant � 4th Quarter Billing The Secretary asked if the Board could vote to sign this
as soon as it�s ready, as the readings have just been completed and billing must be done this
week. She also asked that they approve any other warrants which must be signed before
the next meeting. Selectman Scalley made a Motion to: Sign warrants as needed.
Chairman Mycko seconded and it passed unanimously.
Property Tax Abatement � Reenstierna; JELP, LLC; Mortell; Joslyn
Property Tax Lien Abatement � JELP, LLC; Mortell; Joslyn
Current Use Tax Warrant � Messina
Letter of Thanks to Library Trustees


Follow up items:

Building Permit Application and Fees � Tabled
Building Inspector � Tabled
Selectmen Meetings � The Selectmen�s Secretary said she had looked at various policies and there were none that stated Selectmen must have a meeting at least every two weeks. She said it was apparently said at a meeting but there was no policy adopted.

Regarding the Building Permit and Process and Building Inspector, Chairman Mycko said it is his opinion that there should be a warrant article to get rid of this all together. When Selectman Scalley asked where this should come from, the Chairman said he feels it should come from the Select Board as it�s been an issue that has gone back and forth since before he was on the Board. He was asked to write up the warrant article.

Other:

Selectman Bussiere said he had been thinking about the dedication for the Annual Report and he thought it would be good to dedicate it to Flora �Jo� Jordan who passed away earlier in the year. She was a native and long-time resident of town who was also considered our town historian. He said he had spoken with Bonnie Moroney, Jo�s neighbor and friend of many years, who said she would help with the writing. Selectmen Mycko and Scalley agreed that it was a good idea and the right thing to do.

The Secretary noted if the Town is interested in purchasing the land that the Little River water tank is on, this would be the time for the warrant article, etc.

Fire Chief Jeremy Oleson said he had not had the right forum previously to award a Member of the Year for the Twin Mountain Fire Ambulance. He said this person may not have been able to make a lot of the calls, but she has done a tremendous amount of work raising funds for the Department and encouraging great support from people in the community, which has allowed the purchase of much-needed equipment over the years. Chief Oleson went on to say they greatly appreciate everything this person has done for so long and was proud to present the 2017 Member of the Year award to Bonnie Moroney. Mrs. Moroney received hearty applause from all in attendance.

Chairman Mycko announced the next meeting will be Monday, January 8, 2018. He also announced the Public Hearing for the Bond will be Tuesday, January 9, 2018 at 6 p.m. which will be followed at 6:30 p.m. by the Public Hearing for the Budget.

The Board wished all Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

There being no further discussion, Chairman made a Motion to adjourn the meeting. Selectman Scalley seconded and the Motion passed unanimously. Chairman Mycko declared the meeting ended at 8:53 p.m.