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Minutes of 09/25/2006
September 25th, 2006
Carroll Board of Selectmen
Meeting Minutes
September 25, 2006
"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 Pro Tem.
Board members present: Bill Wright, Allen Strasser, Bonnie Moroney
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM.
Members of the public present: Claire Gritzer, Carmine Fabrizio, Ann Fabrizio, Roberta McGee, Eleanor Brauns, Evan Karpf, Joan Karpf, Linda Dowling, Bill Dowling, Bill Smalley, Harold Garneau, Jeff Duncan, Doug Bews, Thomas Gatley, John Burt, Edith Tucker, Jim Cookson, Judy Cookson, Dale Shakespeare, Margriet Groffen
The board announced the approval of bills and signing of checks.
Selectman Strasser moved to approve the minutes of the meeting on 09/18/06. Chairman Wright seconded, and the motion was passed unanimously.
Becki Pederson spoke to the meeting about water meters and announced they would not be ready this year. There is still a lot of work to be done?"every house has to be inspected and though she and Billy Rines have been to many, there are still more than half to get to. They have found most have to be repaired, replaced or hooked up again (as for whatever reason, many have been disconnected). Once all are on-line, they will have to go back around to inspect one more time. This is a huge undertaking. As a result, Ms. Pederson advised that they would rely on the flat rate charge for the next billing. In addition, because of the large deficit in the water department from last year that must be made up, they are currently trying to come up with a way to cover it. At this point, they are looking at a possible one-time surcharge of $50, rather than increasing the flat rate fee permanently. Claire Gritzer voiced her disapproval and added that she felt it was an unfair practice. In the discussion of other ways to raise the necessary funds, Ms. Pederson said one way might be to go back to the 2004 figures to figure a base rate and work out an amount for a spigot times the number of spigot in a house. Exception was also taken with this possibility as Joan Karpf mentioned that a house with several spigots that were not used could be charged unfairly compared to a house with one that was used very frequently. Selectman Strasser said that the town could get someone (with expertise in the matter) to figure the rate. It appears that the gist of the situation is Mr. Rines finding the time to make all these site visits and then making the appropriate resolution. Evan Karpf expressed his opinion that with all his various duties, Mr. Rines gets called away so much that it affects his availability to this project. Therefore, he said he agrees with a suggestion made at an earlier meeting, that a person be hired just to do the water. Ms. Pederson also stated that when the meters are in place (hopefully next year), they will be read twice a year as with most towns. They will continue to work on a solution to the deficit, and will report back.
Chairman Wright reported that Stan Borkowski’s weekly report was received and is available to be read.
The next item was that of the Health Officer. Chairman Wright made a motion to appoint Evan Karpf as the town’s Health Officer and Bonnie Moroney seconded. As all were in favor, Dr. Karpf was elected unanimously, and the Officer Nomination form was signed by the three Selectmen for mailing to the Division of Health Services in Concord.
The subject of duty rosters came up again. Selectman Strasser read a letter from the town’s lawyer responding to one that he had written asking if the police department schedule could be kept separate. The letter advised that it could not except under special circumstances which were then enumerated. Selectwoman Moroney explained that further conversation had taken place between the attorney and Susan Kraabel which was related in an email from the attorney. Selectman Strasser spoke with Cpl. Bill Smalley, Interim Police Chief, regarding the Freedom of Information Act. Cpl. Smalley believes the Act may have been misquoted as to his knowledge only one condition needs to be met, not two as noted in the town attorney’s interpretation. It is Selectmen Strasser’s opinion that as these are presumed to be public records, they should be made available. Cpl. Smalley said that there is no case law in the State of New Hampshire pertaining to this subject and he disputes the lawyer’s interpretation.
Selectman Strasser said perhaps they might consider having people fill out a form to request to look at the roster. It is still his belief that there should be some method to find out when someone is supposed to be working. He explained again that it goes back quite some time when a town employee was seen in another town during the same time that employee was believed to have been scheduled to work. It was confirmed that the person is no longer employed by the town, and that in fact, it preceded all current employees. A bit more discussion ensued, when Chairman Wright wondered if it should await the new Police Chief. When the public agreed, Chairman Wright made the motion to put the duty Roster off until the new Police Chief is hired and the Board can get his or her opinion. Selectwoman Moroney seconded and it passed unanimously. Chairman Wright was asked about checking with the Departments in Whitefield, Lancaster and Bethlehem as to whether they provide duty rosters and said he would do so.
At this point, Selectman Strasser asked Rick Brown if discussion of the warrant articles that are to be brought up later in the meeting should also put off until the new Police Chief is hired. Mr. Brown advised this is normal procedure and, therefore, felt it should not ?" to which the Board agreed.
The Bridge Replacement Committee was the next item. As Billy Rines, the Chairman, was absent, Selectwoman Moroney offered some information regarding options for an emergency or alternate road. One was the possibility of going through property owned by Richard Harris on Route 3 South, but the Committee voted not to pursue this. The feasibility of the old railroad bed has been under discussion. However, as this is also used by snow machines and parts of it are extremely narrow, they believe it to be a very dangerous situation to have vehicular traffic here as well. Consequently, they are looking into the cost of a new bridge. (Ed Martin is to check on any historic value of the old one). Selectwoman Moroney stated that the town should still qualify for 80% of the cost back if they follow the plan of the State. Chairman Wright inquired if the road can be used this winter for heavy vehicles. Selectman Strasser said he believes safety is an issue and feels there needs to be a study done (for liability of the town) before winter. He reiterated his concern about the narrowness being a collision hazard if there should be traffic from opposite directions at the same time.
The Secretary updated the Board about the bequest to the town from the late Mr. Robert Williams of Massachusetts. Becki Pederson spoke with Attorney Cefalo on September 22, to clarify if there was an intended use for the money, such as perpetual care. The attorney advised Ms. Pederson that it is to be used however it is needed. Claire Gritzer advised that this must be in writing for the Trustees of the Trust Funds.
The following items were approved and signed:
Letter to DOT regarding traffic and parking between Route 3 and the Police and Fire stations -
Motion to sign by Chairman Wright, seconded by Selectman Strasser - Unanimous
Letter to Mr. and Mrs. Lee Hallquist thanking them for the use of the Four Seasons Motor Inn
meeting room by the Police Chief hiring board ?" Motion to sign by Chairman Wright,
seconded by Selectwoman Moroney - Unanimous
Driveway Permit applied for by S.Himmer on behalf of land owner Jay Melick ?" Motion to
sign by Chairman Wright, seconded by Selectman Strasser - Unanimous
MS-1 Report ?" Motion to sign by Chairman Wright, seconded by Selectman Strasser ?"
Unanimous
Property Tax Abatement ?" Pelzel $480.89 - Motion to sign by Chairman Wright, seconded
by Selectwoman Moroney ?" Unanimous
Chairman Wright read an invitation to the Select Board to attend the Mount Washington Regional Airport Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Saturday, September 30. An Open House will begin at 1:00 p.m. with the official ceremony scheduled for 4:30 p.m.
Selectman Strasser reported that the Airport Commission needed a Selectman from the Town of Carroll and he volunteered. Chairman Wright made a motion to appoint Mr. Strasser to the Commission, Selectwoman Moroney seconded, and it passed unanimously.
The warrant articles for the Police Department were brought forth by Rick Brown. The first is regarding the purchase of five Taser systems. After very little discussion, Chairman Wright made a motion to accept this article and Selectwoman Moroney seconded. This passed unanimously.
The second is regarding the purchase of two digital in-car surveillance systems, one for each cruiser. Chairman Wright made a motion to accept this article and Selectwoman Moroney seconded. This passed unanimously.
The third article is regarding the purchase of a new cruiser. Chairman Wright made a motion to accept the article, Selectwoman Moroney seconded, and it passed unanimously.
The Selectmen specified that each of these three articles show that the Selectmen support them.
Chairman Wright then read a letter from the Chamber of Commerce signed by its President, Jim Covey, opposing the cell tower that Verizon Wireless is hoping to install on Harmony Hill. The assembly was advised that a Public Hearing will be held at the Planning Board meeting on November 2.
Selectman Strasser advised that the school tax amount has been received and the number of students has decreased. He said the per student cost is now about $27,000.
There was brief discussion about the town line at Crawford’s Purchase. Chairman Strasser advised that Gregg Placey with the DOT was going to put a pin where it should be.
Chairman Wright read a letter to be sent to the Planning Board regarding the possibility of the Town of Carroll acquiring Crawford’s Purchase, and the Board would like it to be included when they update the Master Plan. Among the many positive aspects are that it would add about 7% to the land base which would help reduce the school tax. It was also noted that the Town provides fire and emergency coverage there anyway. The Fire Chief, Jeff Duncan, and acting Police Chief, Cpl. Smalley, took exception to that statement saying that the town is not obligated to do so. This can be voted on each year. Selectwoman Moroney suggested the wording of the letter be changed to reflect this accurately. Chairman Wright made a motion to sign the letter, Selectman Strasser seconded, and it passed unanimously.
Bill Dowling asked how much it would cost to purchase the land. Cpl. Smalley asked if anyone had approached the County about this. This has not happened yet, but Selectman Strasser feels the County Commissioners would work out an arrangement with a standard fee. He feels the County would not lose a lot of money on the deal. In fact, he does not see how it can hurt the County. Mr. Dowling asked who owns the land if the town does acquire it, and was told it does not become owned by the town ?" it would just be under the town’s jurisdiction. Ed Martin asked if it would automatically become part of the Master Plan. There was also concern what it will cost if there are no improvements on the land ?" as they anticipate that logging will be done, thus there will be the yield tax and probably current use income. Dr. Karpf advised that the Master Plan is not a mandate ?" thus it does not have to be adhered to.
Joan Karpf, Chair of the ZBA, advised that Board needs members plus alternates. She recommended Selectwoman Moroney as fulltime. In discussion for alternates, Linda Dowling agreed that she would accept that position. Thus, Chairman Wright made a motion to appoint Bonnie Moroney and Linda Dowling as fulltime and alternate members respectively. Selectman Strasser seconded and it passed unanimously.
Selectman Strasser then brought forth a letter of response from the Board to one John Gardiner had written from the Building Committee. Chairman Wright made a motion to sign and Selectman Strasser seconded. Selectwoman Moroney was unfamiliar with the letter and asked if she could see it. She proceeded to read it aloud. It was then clarified that it was written by Mr. Strasser as a potential letter from the Board of Selectmen to advise Mr. Gardiner’s Committee that the priorities have changed since its inception in January due to the change of ownership at Bretton Woods. It contains future guidance for the Committee regarding: considering the plans of the new owners at Bretton Woods in order to speed up infrastructure capital improvements; considering the siting option of two fire stations; great emphasis on the Master Plan; including the developers at Bretton Woods and coordinating efforts; generating taxable assessed valuation at a faster pace to achieve capital construction plans over a shorter period of time; to name a few.
It also continues to express the desire to acquire the land in Bretton Woods for a fire station.
Mr. Martin asked what the significance of the Master Plan is. Dr. Karpf responded that it is a tool to assist for future planning and is advisory in nature. The Bretton Woods Master Plan is incorporated in the Town’s. Mr. Martin expressed concern about Crawford’s Purchase if it is developed ?" with talk of nearly a thousand additional units to be built in Bretton Woods. The Selectmen were urged to hold off on accepting Crawford’s Purchase until they can hear from the developers. Mr. Martin has great concern for the vistas and scenic environment that the Bretton Woods and Mount Washington Hotel area afford. He asked the Select Board to please use wisdom and not just the dollar to go into this.
Selectwoman Moroney returned to the letter and inquired if the Building Committee or the Planning Board could work on the Capital Improvement Plan with the gentleman from the North Country Council who has already been approved by the Board. She stated that a move must be made to bring him on. Selectman Strasser suggested that the Select Board assign the CIP to the Building Committee with a representative from the Planning Board. (Dr. Karpf had previously explained the difficulty in getting volunteers for projects?"everyone is already at their limits and beyond, time wise). When the CIP is finalized, the Planning Board would also sign off on it. All the Selectmen were in favor of this.
Selectman Strasser read a letter he had written, which was intended to be from the Select Board, requesting a response from an earlier letter to Mr. Duncan. Mr. Duncan advised that he had responded in writing at the time, and that yes, he will bring information to the October 2, meeting regarding what he has done to improve ISO ratings at Bretton Woods on a short term basis; what he would recommend be done to improve ISO ratings on a long term basis, and have maps prepared to show 5-mile coverage from a two-station department for stated sites. Selectman Strasser made a motion to sign the letter and Chairman Wright seconded. There were two yea votes. Selectwoman Moroney abstained.
At this time, Chairman Wright declared the meeting ended moved to go into executive session when the Board will meet with Dr. Karpf, Chairman of the Police Chief hiring committee. This was seconded by Selectman Strasser. The Board was polled, and went into executive session.
At the close of executive session, Chairman Wright made a motion to return to public session and seal the minutes from executive session; Selectwoman Moroney seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
Edith Tucker returned to the meeting. She was advised that Dr. Karpf, on behalf of his Committee, presented the Selectmen with their nomination for the next Police Chief. They will follow up with an interview with the candidate, and if they follow with an offer of the job, they will have to negotiate what they hope will be a five-year contract and a salary. They believe it will be at least a week and a half before they will be in a position to make an announcement.
There was minor discussion of the budget and as Selectwoman Moroney stated, the Budget Committee will be meeting again. The Selectmen hope to discuss more of the budget at their next meeting.
There being no further business, Chairman Wright declared the meeting ended at 9:30 p.m.