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Minutes of 6/4/2018
June 12th, 2018
Carroll Board of Selectmen
Meeting Minutes
June 4, 2018
“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: David A. Scalley, Brian P. Mycko, Bonnie J. Moroney.
Members of the public present: Imre Szauter, Debbie Szauter, Jeremy Oleson, Allan Clark, Patricia Mycko, Wayne Mycko, Rob Gauthier, Greg Hogan
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairman Scalley.
Pledge of Allegiance
The Chair announced the approval and signing of the manifests.
Selectman Moroney made a Motion to approve the minutes of May 21, 2018. It was seconded by Selectman Mycko and passed. Chairman Scalley abstained as he was not in attendance at that meeting.
Chairman Scalley called on Allan Clark regarding the building project and direction for the new building committee. Mr., Clark said he feels it’s important to look back and noted among the reasons it failed this time, was the vote in March was on the day of one of the worst winter storms. A number of people felt the article would pass, so they decided they wouldn’t go outside. He also pointed out that a lot of people did make the effort to go out and vote and that though it may not have been enough, a large majority were in favor of the project. But he said unfortunately it means that interest and construction costs are going up so the price tag will have to go up. He also said, for this to go forward, it needs full Selectmen support.
Mr. Clark went on to say the previous Building Committee left a fairly substantial amount of money unspent from the warrant article a year ago. He said as with most people, he doesn’t like to waste money and felt there was no need to spend all that had been available. He went on to say going forward, was the concept correct? Do we need both a safety complex and town administration building? Was the size correct? What about the quality of construction? He said the Building Committee was adamant that we needed high efficiency, low cost, as could be afforded, with low maintenance. He said the process to determine the size was a rigorous one—everyone got what was needed; not necessarily what they “wanted.” He added that the Building Committee created what they thought was a very feasible project.
Mr. Clark said areas to look at are:
• Do we redesign and spend more money or refine what we have?
• He noted that he felt it was a long time between the Deliberative Session and the actual vote. Thus, there is more responsibility on the Committee and Board to anticipate questions that may be asked and to reach out to the citizens.
• There were many rumors of cost to taxpayers – one he said he heard was it would cost $800 more in property taxes per year.
• Having those people who were against it, tell us why so we can try to address their concerns or reasons.
Mr. Clark said he feels it could be 10% higher at least and stated increased costs of construction materials as well as employees being hard to find so labor costs will be up. He also cautioned that we are not helping anyone by not doing anything.
It was reiterated that the momentum may have “peaked” too soon. Thus, it would be important the next time to knock on doors, seek people out to talk about it, get questions asked and answered, etc., as there is no opportunity to ask those questions when people are actually voting.
Chairman Scalley said as a Board, they may need a contingency plan if it doesn’t pass again, whether it’s money in the budget for repairs, upgrades, etc., or a separate warrant article. He said people don’t understand the costs to put the buildings where they should be.
Selectman Moroney said some people say to do a safety complex only and do the other later. She said from years of trying to do anything at all, past experience tells her that the next phase won’t ever pass. She said it’s sad that people make up their minds from what they’ve heard and without ever having the facts.
Rob Gauthier said he wants to make sure everyone knows the Building Committee did not fail – they did an incredible presentation – and he considers it a victory. He said he hopes the Committee doesn’t feel any failure on their part. It was noted that there was huge disappointment and it was only natural that it might be taken personally, whether or not it should be. Further, one must put it aside and move on. Mr. Clark pointed out again that the disappointment is going to cost significantly more money.
Imre Szauter praised Allan Clark and said the Building Committee would not have gotten where it did or have the community know what they did without him and his expertise and said he feels it would have been a disaster without Mr. Clark. Therefore, he said he believes the first thing under consideration should be to bring in professional service and is very glad the Board voted previously for money for the Building Committee. He said he highly endorses bringing Allan Clark back on board when the new Committee is formally established. The Board thanked Mr. Szauter and they thanked Mr. Clark for his services and attendance at this meeting.
Chairman Scalley read a report from Bobbi and Vern Amirault regarding the Kids’ Fishing Derby held on the morning of Memorial Day. They had more than 50 children registered who were accompanied by parents, grandparents and friends, totaling 150+. There were people from Twin, Bethlehem, Whitefield, Dalton, Berlin as well as visitors from Connecticut, Massachusetts, southern New Hampshire and even Hawaii! They thanked Brian Mycko for volunteering his time to help, David Scalley for his picture-taking, and special thanks to Greg Hogan for all his help. They sent thank you letters to Fosters’ Crossroads for all the worms; Aubuchon Hardware for the plastic buckets to store the trout which were caught; and Dunkin’ Donuts for the coffee and donuts. They deemed it another great success! The Board thanked the Amiraults.
The Building Inspector and Building Permit/Fee Structure were once again raised. Chairman Scalley said he has spoken with Dave Wiley again who seems interested but is not sure how “deep” the town wants him to go on inspection, etc. The Chairman wants to talk with Jeremy Oleson, Fire Chief, regarding possible conflicts of interest and how they should be handled as Mr. Wiley is an architect and would be working on some of the projects in that capacity. He said he also spoke with a man who is currently the Inspector in his town in Massachusetts and will be moving here in January. However, he’s not sure how interested this gentleman is.
Mr. Scalley said they talked about fees late in 2017 and got side-tracked. And then there was the article put in the warrant to get the public’s feelings and most seem to not want the inspector, etc. However, discussion was that many can’t see the process being removed. Chief Oleson said many may have said not to keep it, but yet they also voted to fund it.
It was stated that a couple of people had been spoken with last year and both were looking at $25 an hour at least, so the budget was crafted to fund that. Unfortunately, there are not a lot of people who do this. Regarding paperwork and fees, Selectman Moroney said when she was on the Board previously work had been done, but she can’t locate it so far. Chairman Scalley said people are at least now asking if they need a permit, and if they don’t we tell them. He said we’re trying to work with people who only repairing or fixing things. He said he wants to work with a base fee of $25 rather than $75 and he feels the commercial fee of
$200 is too high.
Chairman Scalley said he will attend the Planning Board meeting and try to get consensus from them to bring to the Board. Chief Oleson said someone needs to follow-up when conditions are made on projects, whatever they are. Chairman Scalley said there is a disconnection when they are put on—conditions aren’t put forward to Fire Chief, Building Inspector, etc.—he’s been working with the Secretary to get things followed up, and it’s working but still needs work on documentation etc. It was agreed that work is still needed on the chain of communication among everyone; boards, etc.
It was asked if the Building Inspector in Bethlehem works with the Planning Board or Zoning Board. Rob Gauthier asked if there are milestones or inspections whereby the project can’t go forward until such is done and if this holds contractors up. Dave Scalley, speaking as Building Inspector, said they inspect foundation, walls, rebar, framing, wiring, plumbing, HVAC, insulation, etc. He said things don’t go that quickly as it can take quite a while in some cases. In these situations, they will work with them and extend the permit.
Before the next discussion, the Secretary asked to “back up” to the Building Committee. She said she had a phone call shortly after the last meeting. Chris and Judy Pappas had signed up to be on the new Building Committee, but since that time they have had a serious matter arise that will not allow them to commit to serving as they had hoped. They are very sorry but would rather withdraw than not be able to put 100% into it. They do plan to attend, as interested public, and participate in whatever meetings their time allows. The Board thanked Mr. and Mrs. Pappas.
Discussion then turned to river flooding and erosion on Ridgewood Drive that abut Little River. Dave Scalley, as Building Inspector, said he had inspected and taken pictures of two properties that abut each other. Apparently there have been several storms that have caused problems with the river which in turn have significantly eroded the river bank in these areas. The land owners need the State to come and look at the damage, but in order to do that, they were told they need permission from the Town. Selectman Moroney made a Motion to: Send a letter allowing the property owners to speak with DES and have the Chairman sign the letter when it’s ready. Selectman Mycko seconded and it passed unanimously.
The following was approved and signed:
Liquor License Extension – Bretton Woods Ski Area
Intent to Cut Wood -- Bayroot, LLC; Pike Industries, Inc.,
Certification of Yield Taxes Assessed and Tax Warrant – Pike Industries, Inc.
Property Tax Warrant – 1st Issue, 2018
Water Warrant – Palys Rev. Trust
Water Warrant – Gilman; O’Brien
Water Warrant – Wheeler
Water Warrant – Kempton
Sign Permit – Palys/Allegory Inn
Driveway Permit – Kempton
Application for Annual Payment of State Grant – FY19 – NH DES
The Driveway Permit prompted a brief discussion about why the Road Agent waits for the Select Board to approve before he signs. Greg Hogan said it’s so he’s aware of what’s going on; i.e. that culverts are proper, and that it’s to work with Chief Oleson for getting 911 numbers. It was stated the Driveway Permit is doing several jobs as well as the placement of the driveway.
Follow Up:
PLB/ZBA Office – After further discussions, the request was withdrawn as it would be
better for the secretary to work in the kitchen/meeting room the days she is here.
Gravel Pit—Shooting – The Select Board reviewed the comments from our insurance
Carrier. It was noted they cannot make any recommendations, they can only advise about
practices and situations, what would be or would not be covered and what they could or
could not defend. Jeremy Oleson asked if the Police Department still has use of the area
on a limited basis for qualifying, etc. He said this would not be an every-day, all-day
occurrence as it is for very specific reasons. Greg Hogan said in the past they tried to get a
range at the Transfer Station and maybe they could look into it again. It was stressed that it
would be limited to the Police Department. Selectman Moroney this might be a good
option for moving forward, but they should do something now for the Police and notify the
Campground owner. This would be available to only the Police Wednesdays and
Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. only. Chairman Scalley said he would contact Mr.
Catalano. It was noted there have been no known complaints since the gate has been closed
and the sign put up.
Other:
The Secretary clarified with the Board that Town Hall is really only for people who have town business. Any who wish to use town WIFI are welcome when the Library is open or they can have access to it anytime from the parking lot.
Selectman Mycko thanked everyone involved with the Memorial Day Parade and barbecue that followed: Bonnie Moroney, the Fire Department, The Auxiliary, Chris Pappas to name some. He also spoke of the Fishing Derby as a great addition to the day.
The Board announced the Building Committee Informational meeting on Wednesday, June 13, and reminded everyone to try to attend; Town Hall, 7 p.m.
Imre Szauter said he wanted to acknowledge the Town for purchasing flags for the cemeteries and thanked Greg Hogan and his son, Ryan, for putting them out. Greg thanked Imre for his help working with them in placing the flags.
Greg Hogan then said he hadn’t had a chance to speak about the Town Clean Up Day and wanted to say they had a good turn out and everyone did an awesome job. He added thanks to Imre Szauter for all his help that day and in general for helping to keep the roadsides clean. He also thanked Jeremy Oleson for his “Chef” duties at the barbecue at the Fire Station following clean-up.
As there was no further business, the Board was polled and went into non-public session, per RSA 91-A-3 for legal at 8:22 p.m. Chairman Scalley, yes; Selectman Mycko, yes; Selectman Moroney, yes.
At the close of non-public session at 8:48 p.m., Selectman Moroney moved to return to public session and seal the minutes from non-public session. Selectman Moroney seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.
Chairman Scalley said the next meeting will be Monday, June 18, 2018.
There being no further discussion, Selectman Moroney made a Motion to adjourn the meeting. Selectman Mycko seconded and the Motion passed unanimously. Chairman Scalley declared the meeting ended at 8:49 p.m.