Town of Carroll, New Hampshire

• Town Services
• Town Meeting Minutes
• Planning Board/ZBA
• Applications & Forms
• Town Clerk/Tax Collector
• Map
• Home

Minutes of Town Board Meetings

• Planning Board
• Board of Adjustment
• Select Board
• Budget Committee
• Building Committee
• Energy Commission

Minutes of 9/15/2014 DRAFT

September 23rd, 2014

Carroll Board of Selectmen
Meeting Minutes
September 15, 2014

DRAFT

“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 Quigley, Secretary

Board members present: Bonnie Moroney, Paul Bussiere, David Scalley.

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Moroney.

Members of the public present: Mike Gooden, Ann Fabrizio, Al Strasser, Joan Karpf, Dianne Hogan, Michael Hogan, Cyndi Smith, Carol Carlson-Cunningham, Jeremy Oleson, John Trammell

Pledge of Allegiance

The meeting was filmed by Joan Karpf.

The Board announced the approval of bills and signing of manifests.

Selectman Scalley made a Motion to accept the minutes of 9/8/2014 as written and Selectman Bussiere seconded. The Motion passed unanimously.

Chairman Moroney called on Al Strasser who asked to attend the meeting to talk about the police. He spoke of poor treatment by the Department when a young man reported a house which had been broken into. According to Mr. Strasser they told him that he knew who had broken in. Some weeks later, the same young man was stopped by the police and again according to Mr. Strasser mistreated. Mr. Strasser said the young man called his father who in turn called him. Apparently the young man has moved away and doesn’t want to live here anymore. Mr. Strasser went on to say he feels too many police are stopping too many people in this town. He said he doesn’t think the town needs all these police and that with the State Police also located in town, there are more police going through this town than any other town in the North Country.

Mr. Strasser continued saying that he doesn’t agree with the lowering of the speed limit in Bretton Woods and that no one out there was asked. Chairman Moroney said several years ago the town was asked by businesses in Bretton Woods to lower the speed limit and the State didn’t do anything. Within the last year, they decided to do it, but the town had no part in it.
He said when the power was out there were no police at the lights at Routes 3 and 302; he said they are not getting the service they need. He said the State police numbers are reduced by 14 because there are so many in Carroll. He said people moved here and come here for nature, not to listen to their sirens or see their lights. Chairman Moroney advised Mr. Strasser that his time was up and thanked him for coming. As he left, Mr. Strasser said all he would ask is that the Select Board do something about supervising the Police Department but he knows they won’t.

Fire Chief, Jeremy Oleson, presented the 2015 budget for the Fire Department and noted that there are several lines that should either not show an increase or the amount of increase they do because they were changed for the 2014 budget. But because of an error somewhere in the transferal of the numbers last year, they were not changed. He also said he had not made any pay changes as he had not heard what the Board wanted to do. He stated, however, that they had the agreement with the Firefighter II that if he gets his next step his pay would increase. The next line showing a change is Vehicle Repairs & Maintenance as there is older apparatus thus more need for repair. The SCBA line has increased as the equipment is at least 13 years old and needing upgrading. He also said much is breathing equipment so it’s extremely important that it is in good order, and noted that all cylinders will be expired in 2019. He said he is working on trying to purge equipment which he feels they can do without. Also changed is fuel because prices are up.

Selectman Bussiere asked if they purchase fuel at the State pumps and Chief Oleson said they do, so they get it at the State price which is somewhat less than regular prices. Selectman Bussiere also asked the Chief, regarding administrative paperwork, if he is able to keep up. Chief Oleson responded that it’s very difficult at times; he said they do have a billing company for the Ambulance, but all of the information and paperwork must be in order for them to get paid.

Chief Oleson followed with the Ambulance budget. He said there were several lines in this budget also that had the same transferal errors as the Fire budget. He emphasized that not enough money is being saved to purchase replacements or large items. He said he had spoken with the Board previously about leaving the Special Revenue Fund for the bigger purchases – or we have to at least start putting money into Capital Reserve Funds again. Chief Oleson said he believes there will be less spiking in taxes if we leave the SRF alone.

Changes in the budget include medical equipment as the State has changed some things, so we had to get some new equipment. Also, both defibrillators go back to the company yearly to be checked. Chief Oleson said A2 is having a lot of problems and he feels it should be replaced sooner than later due to the costs of repairs, as well as the cost of liability in the event of breakdown. The last lines showing change are clothing and training. He said he is trying to get better equipment for all and that many are using their own. For example, if a volunteer gets blood on clothing, shoes, etc., the article has to be thrown away. And as they are mostly volunteers, he is trying to get better training for them as it’s only fair for their work as well as their safety. He noted he also did a budget using the $50,000. Chief Oleson reiterated that he would ask anyone with questions to please come and see him at the Fire Station and he will be happy to discuss them.

Regarding the Select Board’s and Budget Committee’s requests for future planning, Chief Oleson said Ambulance 2 is slated for replacement in 2016, and while mileage may not be high, there are many other things that age a vehicle of this sort and these are becoming costly. A brief discussion ensued regarding the cost, which is about $130,000 and again that the reason the Special Revenue Fund should not be used for operating costs but be allowed to grow for these larger purchases.

Engine 2 is on line for replacement in 2017, but he is recommending that it be refurbished. If this is possible, it would be much less money.

Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) cylinders will have to be replaced by 2019 as they will expire. He is hoping to be able to look at getting a grant for these, but it will have to be done.

At some point, they will need to have an aerial ladder truck and he feels we need to start making plans. Though he repeated this is not for right away, planning has to start as these are currently $600,000. Again, Chief Oleson said he is hoping to get looking for grants and suggested he could use help if there is anyone with experience.

Along the same lines, there will need to be building renovations. He said the Building Committee is looking at a safety complex for police and fire but if nothing happens, we at least have to look at the building as there are structure issues, it is quite energy deficient i.e. lighting, heating; and a 40 to 50 foot height will be needed if we do get aerial apparatus.

The Board thanked Chief Oleson for his presentation.

Carol Carlson Cunningham and Cyndi Smith presented the Chamber of Commerce budget, which remains at $11,400 as in 2014. Discussion regarding paying for the painting of the Information Booth took place as Mrs. Cunningham said that $700 from the Beautification line will be used to finish paying for it. Selectman Bussiere said it was his understanding that Greg Hogan agreed that he would have the funds and pay for it from the Town budget. The Secretary said she would look into this. During this discussion, when it was apparent the Chamber did not come to the town for any money, it was noted the money was borrowed from the Kiosk Maintenance Fund and that they will be paying it back over the next two years. They said they rent the panels in Kiosk, which is for the maintenance, and it generates about $4,000 per year. The Selectmen expressed concern about the appropriateness of the money being used this way, and it was agreed that both parties would look into it.

There were no other questions and the Board thanked Mrs. Cunningham and Mrs. Smith.

Police Chief, John Trammell, was called upon for the Police budget. Chief Trammell said there budget is down by $2,000 this year. He said there will be a warrant article to replace the Ford cruiser in line with plans for the future and the recommended rotation. They also need to replace two vehicle computers, two handguns and two vests which are expiring. He noted they are trying for a grant for these.

Chief Trammell said three salary lines show a 3% increase as he didn’t know what the Select Board planned to do. The fourth officer, new in 2014, will increase on his anniversary date as a part of his hiring plan. Most lines will not change however, there are some that will:

Overtime to allow more shifts to be covered in the event part time officers are not available.
Gasoline as they have not yet received the state bid. They do things to try to save gas, however,
they are doing more house checks and other patrols.
Fairpoint has been decreased based on usage.
Time Warner for internet is up slightly.
IMC, main data collection and storage system for all police records and cases, is up slightly.
Equipment Purchase – up by $200 as small items used for are up, i.e., battery sticks, flares, etc.
Radio Repair – increased for repair items as well as federally mandated narrow banding of police
radios and quote price for new radar is $2,212.50.
Bullet resistance vests increased as noted previously.
Computers, increased as noted previously.
Clothing, increased as is replacement line for entire department.
New Officer Clothing, decreased by $4,000
Uniform cleaning, slightly increased as also included cleaning winter jackets once a year.
Ammunition (no change, has stayed the same for two years, but availability may be an issue).
Travel has increased slighted as occasionally a police vehicle is not available for training or meetings and they have to use personal vehicles.

Chief Trammell said they currently have one part time officer in the Police Academy. He also explained that he has modified the pay scale for part time officers and has increased it for those who work more. He said it’s only fair for those who step up when needed.

Michael Hogan said he wanted to comment that he thinks the town has to start looking at a ten-year plan with a five-year projection and thought this showed well for that. He believes equipment for all departments should be looked at and set up a spreadsheet to see what needs to be done and how much money has to be put away to meet these obligations. Chairman Moroney said they had started working on a CIP a few years back and we have the format set up. Joan Karpf asked Chief Trammell about capital reserves for the largest expenses such as vehicles. It was stated they have one set up. She said she is wondering about capital reserve funds for all the large purchases to be sure we have enough money when needed. Mrs. Karpf went on to say she would like to have the rooms and meals tax money that comes back to the town placed in a special revenue fund for the Police Department.

Chief Trammell was thanked for his presentation.

The following items were approved and signed:

Letter to Heidi Lawton re the appointment of John R. Gardiner as Emergency Management
Director and John R. Trammell as Deputy EMD
Water Warrant – Messina (Turn on, clerical fee)
Yield Tax Certificates – Pagliarulo (3)
Yield Tax Warrant – Pagliarulo (3)
Water Warrant – Various Late Notices

Other:

Chairman Moroney gave copies and told the Board due to the time, etc., as they agreed previously, she had started on the Transfer Station budget to help Greg. She said they will get together at some point to go over it. She noted that the line to cover Greg’s salary should be increased to $10,000 to allow him enough time in a week to devote to the Station. Chairman Moroney also said after interviewing several people, Greg and John Warren recommended Andrew Shaheen for the part time position at the Transfer Station. The Board approved this.

Michael Hogan said it may be that they should look at pay-per-bag for throwing away trash and to look at the number of commercial properties using our Transfer Station. He feels they take up way too much space. He also said we need to push recycling and that everyone needs to be part of the solution, not the problem. Discussion of needing a town vote or not to go to pay-per-bag took place and it was thought it was not necessary but should be looked into.

Joan Karpf said she it was her understanding that a water audit to find all the leaks in town could be done as a free service and feels we should do it.

Selectman Scalley said he had spoken with Cathy Warren who asked about fixing the problem that caused the Route 3 freeze up last winter. Selectman Bussiere said he had been speaking with Mr. Warren and Selectman Scalley said that was fine, as long as they were being kept in the loop.

Dianne Hogan mentioned an article in the paper about Lego Company wanting to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Cog Railway with models of Moosilaukee and Peppersass cars and they need 10,000 hits on their website. She thought it should be brought up particularly as one is on the town green by the gazebo.

As there was no further business, the Board was polled and went into non-public session, per RSA 91-A-3 for town aid at 8:30 p.m.

At the close of non-public session at 9:30 p.m., Chairman Moroney moved to return to public session and seal the minutes from non-public session. Selectman Scalley seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.

There being no further discussion, Chairman Moroney made a Motion to adjourn the meeting. Selectman Bussiere seconded and the Motion passed unanimously. Chairman Moroney declared the meeting ended at 9:34 p.m. The next meeting will be Monday, September 22, 2014.

Town of Carroll, New Hampshire ®2024