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Minutes of 11/19/2018

November 30th, 2018

Carroll Board of Selectmen
Meeting Minutes
November 19, 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: Kelly Trammell, Imre Szauter, Michael Hogan, Jeremy Oleson, Tadd Bailey, John Trammell, Carol Carlson-Cunningham, Joan Karpf

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 October 29, 2018. Selectman Mycko seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.

Selectman Moroney made a Motion to approve the minutes of November 9, 2018, and Selectman Mycko seconded. The Motion passed unanimously.

Selectman Moroney made a Motion to approve the minutes of November 13, 2018. Selectman Mycko seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.

Imre Szauter reported on behalf of the Building Committee. They met on October 25, with 15 members and Project Manager Allan Clark in attendance. Also attending were Justin Roshak from Salmon Press and Chad Fillion from Granite North Television (formerly Channel 2).

Discussion centered on the draft budget and property tax implication information provided by Mr. Clark; Town Hall renovation/rebuild estimates from the original in 2014 and in 2019 dollars; the draft warrant article for the Select Board’s consideration; and providing rides to the polls on voting day. They also distributed brochures created by Tadd Bailey for the Police Department and the Twin Mountain Fire Auxiliary for the Fire Department. Following the meeting, Mr. Szauter met with Chad Fillion regarding the creation of a short video of the three town buildings which should be ready by mid-January. Mr. Szauter said they prior to tonight’s Select Board meeting and did a walk-through of the buildings.

Mr. Szauter reiterated that none of the $25,000 allocated by the Select Board has been spent. He also said they will try for one meeting in December, but may have two meetings before the Deliberative Session.

Chairman Scalley said they discussed setting up a separate phone number for those requesting a ride to the polls but opted to use the Selectmen’s number to avoid any possible confusion. It was also discussed to inquire if the Select Board is open to getting appraisals for the two buildings so if they are able to sell one, they’ll have an idea of the market value. There was also brief discussion of the warrant article for the building project and it was suggested to have it sent to the Bond Attorney and DRA before the Committee or the Select Board spend a lot of time on the draft.

The Board thanked Mr. Szauter for the report.

Selectman Mycko said the Police Chief Search Committee met the week before last. They have received many resumes, but have narrowed it down to four. He said they will be meeting next week and have an additional 18 resumes so far. Chairman Scalley asked when and he said the date is to be determined as he is waiting to hear from some members. Mr. Scalley asked if he would let him know when he has the date.

Regarding the property sale, Chairman Scalley said they made a Motion last week to contact Town Counsel to make sure what they were doing was correct and they all received a copy of the email. It is indeed correct and they are moving forward. The Chairman asked for a Motion on the floor to open and read the bids; Selectman Moroney moved and the Chairman asked for a second, which he then gave. The Motion was passed by a vote of 2 to 1. Selectman Moroney read the first bid, for Parcel #1 in Woodland Acres at $16,700, which was the minimum amount advertised.

Selectman Moroney made a Motion to: Accept this bid. It was noted there was one bid for this property. Selectman Moroney stated there was only one bid for each property and that was the conflict because there was only one, but the feeling was that the advertisement was there and it wasn’t really fair where we had a bid, to put it back out there for a longer period of time and spend more money on it. Chairman Scalley said there was a Motion on the table and after a brief silence, he seconded it. The Motion passed by a vote of 2 to 1.

Selectman Moroney then opened the envelope for Parcel #2 on Twin View Drive, for $12,500, the minimum amount required, and made a Motion to: Approve and accept. Chairman Scalley seconded and the Motion passed by a vote of 2 to 1.

Rena Vecchio spoke about the meeting for the future of the Town Hall and said there were just four people there; Bonnie Moroney, Imre Szauter, Mike Finn and herself. She said she felt they accomplished though despite the low attendance. They talked about the values of the Town Hall and the Fire Station and said the only appraisals available on the two buildings are for insurance purposes, so they feel we should get appraisals to be able to tell the public what the fair market value is. Mrs. Vecchio said, to be fair, there is a lot of work to be done in the building. If the Select Board approves, they talked about the possibility that the Town Hall would need more than .87 acre that it sits on now, so it may need to be subdivided. There could more parking space required, a new septic system, etc., depending upon what it would be used for. They feel they need to start putting out directions to the public; even though they are not showing up, they need to know what’s being done. And finally, they feel they need to put an end date on it. Selectman Moroney said the thought was rather than let it dwindle and keep going--the building project passes and is completed and this building is still sitting here. She said they felt that we need the end date so we can focus on what is going to happen one way or the other and to let the public decide so we can move forward.

Selectman Moroney went on to say that she had started the next Newsletter and was putting the figures in it for the new project and how much it has increased from 2014 when George Brodeur worked up numbers to renovate and bring it up to code and also to rebuild from the bottom up for the same type of building. She said having an appraisal would be an option to show the people what might possibly be out there to put back in toward paying off the new buildings. Chairman Scalley said after talking with Mr. Szauter after the last Building Committee meeting, he had spoken with Jim Walker for an estimate to appraise the buildings. He said we will get numbers from other appraisers as well. He also said he had spoken about the possibility of adding some land and to see if that would make it more desirable not only to sell, but for a better price.

Kelly Trammell said any money a sale might bring will not necessarily be able to reduce the loan, but it can be used to reduce taxes. She also said they need to be aware that they may not get the amount they ask for if it is sold. Selectman Mycko said he was told Littleton Hospital went through something similar and did not get anywhere near the appraised price. Mrs. Trammell also said they might want to be careful about the value that is placed on the building as there is a lot of work to be done on it which is one of the reasons for our new project. She said if it’s sold even at a minimal fee, but with the expectation that it is of much higher value and it doesn’t come to pass because of all that’s wrong, etc., that’s not good either. Though all were in agreement, it was stated that it shows the people we’re trying with this building.

Selectman Mycko made a Motion to: Get three bids for appraisals for the Town Hall and the Fire Station. Selectman Moroney seconded and it passed unanimously. Some names were mentioned and Chairman Scalley said he would make phone calls.

Next were budget presentations with Carol Carlson-Cunningham for the Chamber of Commerce. She said it was the same as the last three years. Though there are no major repairs for this year, as it’s not leaking anymore, she said there may be some steps to repair. Mention was made about using the upstairs and letting people go up there. Mrs. Cunningham said it has been the practice of the Town for as long as she knows, not to allow people to go up and felt it was for insurance purposes as well as the safety of the people.

2018 2019
01-4589.10301 Beautification 1,000 1,000
01-4589.10-303 Information Booth 10,400 10,400
-------------- -------------
$ 11,400 $ 11,400

Selectman Mycko made a Motion to: Accept the proposed budget for the Chamber of Commerce. Selectman Moroney seconded and it passed unanimously. The Board thanked Mrs. Cunningham.

Michael Hogan was next with the proposed budget for the Planning Board. He noted that overall it had decreased from this year, though some lines are increased: supplies, as he said they need a color printer because there are many graphs, charts, etc., that must have color to be understood. A new computer is also needed though they had hoped to get one this year but when they discussed costs, they realized it could not be done. During the review of the budget, it was noted the Legal Expenses line was reduced to $4,000. Because the lawsuit is ongoing, it was determined that it should be increased to $15,000 and Maps/GSI/Software line had been reduced to $500, but it was noted that should go back to $800 as the Planning Board’s portion for the GIS software is around $650. Mention of the Ordinance updates was made, and discussion about the rewritten Site Plan Review and Subdivision Regulations took place. It was noted that while Tara, the Planner, will help with the applications for them, she has not rewritten them. Chairman Scalley said he believes the contract was for the complete package. He will try to research this before the next meeting.

2018 2019
01-4191.10-100 Secretary 18,900 18,900
01-4191.10-101 Board Member Salaries 840 840
01-4191.10-625 Postage 300 300
01-4191.10-626 Office Supplies/Equipment 300 3,000
01-4191.10-627 Advertisements 200 200
01-4191.10-700 Legal Expenses 25,000 4,000
01-4191.10-701 No Country Council Dues 2,500 2,500
01-4191.10-702 Circuit Rider Expenses 1 1
01-4191.10-800 Registration Fees 1 1
01-4191.10-801 Engineering 1 1
01-4191.10-802 Computer Repair & Equipment 600 4,000
01-4191.10-900 Miscellaneous 1 1
01-4191.10-901 Code Enforcement Officer 1 1
01-4191.10-902 Training and Travel 700 700
01-4191.10-903 Maps/GSI/Software 800 800
01-4191.10-904 Master Plan/Ord/Regs Updates 2,500 2,500
$ 52,645 $ 48,745
Selectman Mycko made a Motion to: Accept the Proposed Budget of $48,745 and Selectman Moroney seconded. The Motion passed unanimously. The Board thanked Mr. Hogan.

David Scalley presented the ZBA proposed Budget for 2019. He said they have left it the same for 2018. Though the lawsuit is still going on, it should be nearing the end for the ZBA. Therefore, despite going over the legal line in the budget, the ZBA decided to leave that line at $20,000.
2018 2019
01-4192.10-100 Secretary 8,000 8,000
01-4192.10-101 Board Member Salaries 300 300
01-4192.10-625 Postage 100 100
01-4192.10-626 Office Supplies 200 200
01-4192.10-627 Advertisements 100 100
01-4192.10-700 Legal Expenses 20,000 20,000
01-4192.10-801 Engineering 1. 1.
01-4192.10-802 Computer Equip & Repair 600 600
01-4192.10-900 Miscellaneous 200 200
01-4192.10-901 Training and Travel 500 500
01-4192.10-903 Software, Maps, GIS 800 800
01-4192.10-901 Zoning Ord.Review/Updates 2,500 2,500
$ 33,301 33,301

Selectman Mycko made a Motion to: Accept the 2019 proposed ZBA Budget. Selectman Moroney seconded and it passed unanimously.

The Parks and Recreation 2019 Proposed Budget was presented by Kelly Trammell. She said they had reduced the Counselors line to $1, but have kept the Director line as there has to be someone to run the program. Because of increases to the telephone and the Ski Bus, these lines have been increased and finally, with no staff, they have reduced Staff Training to $1. Mrs. Trammell noted that for special programs the costs are paid from the revolving account. She said there is a Movie Night for the children at the Fire Station on Saturday, December 1, 2018. She said they are trying to do more activities. They hope to get summer camp going again in a year or so, but not this summer. She noted that people are talking about getting family events going at the Recreation Area and that they are trying to get more events to get more seniors involved. When asked, she said as of October 31, the revolving fund balance was $8,644.70 and that the Town Treasurer has custody of these funds.
2018 2019
01-4520.10-100 Counselors 15,000 1
01-4520.10-101 Director 2,000 2,000
01-4520.10-200 Telephone 400 425
01-4520.10-201 Equipment & Supplies 1 1
01-4520.10-300 Parties 1 1
01-4520.10-310 Ski Program 1,500 1,650
01-4520.10-320 Field/Court Repair 1 1

01-4520.10-321 Building Repair 1 1
01-4520.10-501 Transportation 1 1
01-4520.10-806 Staff Training 300 1
01-4520.10-807 Town Entertainment 2,000 2,000
01-4520.10-809 Advertising 1 1
01-4520.10-900 Grants 1 1 _________ _________
$ 21,207 6,083

Selectman Mycko made a Motion to: Accept the Parks and Recreation Budget of $6,083 and Selectman Moroney seconded. The Motion passed unanimously. The Board thanked Mrs. Trammell.

Joan Karpf was then called upon to present the Conservation Commission 2019 Proposed Budget. Mrs. Karpf said the annual membership for NHACC is the same and she has reduced the money for workshops as she’s usually the only one who goes. She also reduced the Operating Expenses and LCIP Monitoring as she said these don’t require as much now.

2018 2019
01-4611.10-300 Membership NHACC 236 236
01-4611.10-301 Workshops 115 55
01-4611.10-302 Operating Expense 20 1
01-4611.10-303 Annual LCIP Monitoring 4 1
01-4611.10-304 ARLAC Donation 50 50
$ 425 $ 343

Selectman Mycko made a Motion to: Accept the Budget at $343. Selectman Moroney seconded and it passed unanimously.

Mrs. Karpf asked about the Unassigned Fund Balance and the percentage. Chairman Scalley responded that the Fund Balance was in excess of $700,000 and that the Board had used $75,000 to reduce the tax rate this year. DRA recommends percentages for the high end and the low end, within which the Municipality should be regarding the amount of money to hold. These percentages are based on the Town’s total budget. The Board thanked Mrs. Karpf.

Last was the 2019 Proposed Budget for the Police Department presented by Sgt. Tadd Bailey, assisted by retiring Chief John Trammell. Sgt. Bailey explained the Salaries are based on 52 weeks for 2019 where in 2018 they were based on 53 weeks. The Chief and Sergeant salaries include a COLA at 2.8% and the Corporal and Patrolman were agreed upon at their hiring. He said all the numbers factor in the surrounding towns, they are not the highest and they’re not the lowest.

Sgt. Bailey said they kept the lines down where ever they could and reviewed the lines that had to be increased. Line 211, data collection for all computers, license fee increased. Line 300, they are hoping to purchase spike strips for each cruiser. He said they have one or two high speed chases each year and they can be deadly. They were faced with the possibility of one a few weeks prior, but an abutting town had the strips and were able to stop the vehicle. Line 301, if the base dies they will have to buy a new one as they can’t go back to narrow band. Line 306, what has to be purchased for uniforms will depend on the hiring process.

Selectman Mycko asked why they don’t replace the radio this year if they can. Sgt. Bailey said they will work on the numbers and try do that. Chief Trammell noted they are trying to hold line 203 and not make repairs. They are managing so far with the car despite no radio and no heat. They also noted they are actually hoping to show a decrease in fuel. They used a five-year average and feel they should.

Selectman Mycko made a Motion to: Approve the 2019 Budget of $329,799 with the stipulation that it may go down $5,000 if they are able to purchase a new radio and with possible salary adjustments as the Selectmen have not discussed them yet this year. Selectman Moroney seconded and it passed unanimously.

Sgt. Bailey said he also had three warrant articles: the usual one for $18,000 for the Police Cruiser Capital Reserve Fund.

A second one to purchase two trailer speed radar systems. He said from feedback what seems to be the largest complaint is the speed which people drive through town. He said they have researched these with the State and they may be put anywhere as long as they are not impeding traffic. The cost of these is $12,000.

And the third, for $41,000 to purchase a new vehicle, which Sgt. Bailey said after lots of discussion, they will go with another Inceptor. The one they have has proven to be a good, all-around vehicle and handles well.

The Board decided to vote on these separately:

Selectman Mycko made a Motion to: Approve the Capital Reserve Fund for $18,000 and Selectman Moroney seconded. The Motion passed unanimously.

Selectman Mycko made a Motion to: Approve the purchase of speed radar systems for $12,000 and Selectman Moroney seconded. The Motion passed unanimously.

Selectman Mycko made a Motion to: Approve the purchase of a new police vehicle at $41,000. Selectman Moroney seconded and it passed unanimously.

Chairman Scalley spoke as the Building Inspector and said there had been complaints about a building on Route 3 South possibly falling in. He said he had spoken with John D’Urso about it and that the building is at the point of being condemned. Mr. Scalley said there is an RSA 155 which he has reviewed. He was told that that they had some issues in Whitefield and have been able to begin solving them with this RSA. Essentially, it says they can require the owners to tear down derelict buildings and if they do not, the Town will and will lien any property they own in the town or anywhere else in the State of New Hampshire. Kelly Trammell asked the amount of time the process takes. Mr. Scalley said he estimates about six months. Discussion of liability if the town knows and fails to act came up briefly. Mr. Scalley said if the town is to take action, he would suggest going to the town attorney and having it done correctly. It was asked if it could be done more quickly if they could identify a building as an emergency or if the Health Officer were to get involved and take action. Mr. Scalley said he will deal with the office and the Attorney.

Selectman Moroney said she would like to add an amendment to the Employee Manual regarding proper notice when an employee is leaving in order to get their owed-time. She said she has another issue that will be taken up in Non-Public.

The next item was a Certificate of Occupancy for Birchwood Commons. It was noted this is for three units which have been turned into two apartments. There are ONLY two units being done now and the owner will need to come back to the Town for a new Building Permit for any other work to be done; whether it is a third unit/suite or something else. When asked, Mr. Scalley said Ken Valerie, the State Electrical Inspector is still moving forward to bring charges as the owner is an abuser and has been in trouble several times before. Mr. Scalley also said expenses may be held and put in with the Court case. He said there have been many additional inspections and that he and the Fire Chief have gone over multiple times. Selectman Mycko made a Motion to: Approve and sign the Certificate of Occupancy for Studio 9 and Apartment 9/10 as one unit. Selectman Moroney seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.

The following items have been approved and signed:

Secure Member Portal Authorized Users Certification – HealthTrust
Medical/Dental Insurance Renewal – HealthTrust
Water Warrant – Gilman; Wesolowski
Pilot Agreement, 2018 – Appalachian Mountain Club
Health Officer Nomination Renewal Form—NH Div of Public Health Services-Brad Houston

Follow up item:

School Street Culvert – On-going. Greg Hogan has pricing on the culvert and is getting three bids so we can get a contract to encumber the funds before the end of the year.
Fire Station Shower -- Fire Chief Jeremy Oleson said they are working on this.

Other:

Selectman Mycko asked that Greg Hogan be asked to come to the next meeting. He just has some follow-up questions to ask him about buildings.

Selectman Moroney said she felt all the Selectmen did not need to receive copies of all the accounts each month as long as one copy is going to the Office. She appreciates all the hard work done by the Treasurer but is also a bit concerned about the account numbers. As this was the consensus of the Board, the Secretary said she will speak with or email the Treasurer.

Michael Hogan said the final Public Hearing for the Zoning Ordinance update will be on Tuesday, November 27, at 7 p.m. It will go to Town Counsel after that. Kelly Trammell asked Mr. Hogan about changes at the last meeting and he said they were made in a Public Hearing so they are included in the update.

Chief Oleson said he has looked at the building called “Hanks” and the Board as the authority to act and he believes they need to be ready. He said other towns he has seen have give 45 days and just wants to make sure the town is ready. Chairman Scalley said when he gets information back from the Attorney, he will move on it and will let everyone know.

Chairman Scalley announced the next meeting would be Monday, December 3, 2018.

As there was no further business, the Board was polled and went into non-public session, per RSA 91-A-3 for Personnel at 8:58 p.m. Chairman Scalley, yes; Selectman Mycko, yes; Selectman Moroney, yes.

At the close of non-public session at 9:40 p.m., Selectman Moroney moved to return to public session and seal the minutes from non-public session. Selectman Mycko seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.

There being no further discussion, Selectman Moroney made a Motion to adjourn the meeting. Chairman Scalley seconded and the Motion passed unanimously. Chairman Scalley declared the meeting ended at 9:50 p.m.