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Minutes of 06/04/2007

June 9th, 2007

Carroll Board of Selectmen
Meeting Minutes
June 4, 2007
"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 Susan Kraabel, Secretary

Board members present: Bonnie Moroney, Rena Vecchio

The meeting was called to order at 7:09 PM.

Members of the public present: Roberta McGee, Thomas Gately, Michael Gooden, Evan Karpf, Eleanor Brauns, Carmine Fabrizio, Ann Fabrizio, Lee Hallquist, Jim Covey, Lisa Covey, Jeff Duncan, Joyce Charrette, Bill Dowling, Colleen Sampson, Paul Sampson, Harold Garneau, Myriam O’Neill, Mark Catalano, Bill Smalley, John Trammell, Kelly Trammell, Brooks Bartlett, Karen Moran, Dale Shakespeare, John Burt, Eileen Savoy

The board announced the approval of bills and signing of checks.

Chairman Moroney moved to accept the minutes of the May 21, 2007 meeting as written. Selectman Vecchio seconded, and the motion was passed unanimously.

The report from Stan Borkowski is posted on the bulletin board.

Bill Dowling came to the board regarding a Hazmateam, Inc. class on OSHA Construction & Health Safety Standards. It’s a 10-hour course and those that complete it will receive an OSHA card. Leo Traverse has offered to teach this class at no charge some time in July or August, on a Friday and Monday. As he intends to invite Littleton, Lancaster, Whitefield, Franconia, and Bethlehem to participate, this will be held in the gym. Chairman Moroney moved to approve scheduling this class, Selectman Vecchio seconded, and the motion was passed unanimously. Mr. Dowling also said that in August he intends to buy a York rake for the Bobcat. It’s a $3,000 item that he can get for $2,000.

Brooks Bartlett, Bretton Woods Ski Area Food and Beverage Manager, asked the selectmen for their approval of a beer tent for the July 1 festivities. They need the approval before going to the state. The tent will be outside at the ski area, Jeff Duncan has inspected the premises, and given them an assembly permit. Chairman Moroney moved to approve the beer tent, Selectman Vecchio seconded, and the motion was passed unanimously.

Evan Karpf reported that he and Stan Borkowski had gone to inspect the Rte 3 property owned by John Bell, but has the mortgage held by John D’Urso. A letter of deficiency was issued, and Mr. D’Urso has complied with the clean up issues on the property. He also said if he received in writing a list of building problems, he’ll bring it up to code. Mr. Borkowski said he’ll supply the list. Dr. Karpf will also ask Chief Duncan to inspect the property. Mr. D’Urso also told Dr. Karpf that he’d asked Josh Weaver to leave the premises, and will pay for storage for Mr. Weaver’s equipment.

Dr. Karpf said he’s preparing a “Health Officer’s Corner” for the quarterly newsletter, and he’d like to have the disclaimer reviewed by our attorney. He also would like to build a chocolate moose like to one they did by the airport road for the police station. The selectmen gave permission for this donation.

Selectman Vecchio asked if Selectman Strasser was present for the meeting with John D’Urso. Dr. Karpf said he drove up while he was talking with Mr. D’Urso. At the time Mr. D’Urso was saying there was nothing he could do because he was just the mortgage holder, but that if the town would waive the fees for taking tires to the transfer station, he would get rid of them. Selectman Strasser told him that the town had already waived penalties for back taxes for him, and that was enough. Mr. D’Urso has addressed the items noted on the letter of deficiency and has asked what he needs to do about the building.

The secretary explained that we received a letter from the NH Dept. of Safety regarding a Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. This grant money is for projects that would reduce or eliminate future emergency or disaster costs. A copy has been given to John Goodney, Emergency Management Director, and he will send a letter of intent by July 2, 2007. The possibility of getting a generator was mentioned, and John Trammell said he had a possible source, and will speak to Mr. Goodney. The secretary will ask Mr. Goodney if he has contacted residents about food loss because of the power outage in the April Nor’easter.

Chief Duncan talked about NIMS training necessary for all town employees. They need ICS 100, 200, and 700 for certification in case of an emergency. The training if done on site would take 16 hours, but could be done on line in 3-4 hours. The secretary will talk to the office and highway staff about doing this on line. It was mentioned that grant money would most likely be held up without employee certification.

Chairman Moroney read an email letter to the selectmen from Dennis & Nancy Fontaine of the Ammonoosuc Campground. In it they complained about the barking dogs belonging to Evan and Joan Karpf. They stated the barking has gotten worse recently and mentioned being awakened that morning at 3:58 am. The Fontaines would like to have their campers to have a pleasant experience in Twin Mountain. Dr. Karpf asked to respond, and said he would apologize to the Fontaines, and wished they had called him. He explained they have one very ill dog who must be let out frequently, and on the night in question, they had let the dogs out, fallen back asleep and never heard the barking. He said they wanted to be good neighbors, and would call to apologize and try to work things out.

At the last meeting the selectmen discussed rules and procedures for their meetings, made one change to make it clear that all comments were to be made only to the chairman, and voted to table approval until this meeting. Selectman Vecchio asked whether they needed a full board to vote adoption, and was told no. It was suggested that the rules be posted for the public to see. Chairman Moroney moved to adopt the rules and procedures as discussed. Selectman Vecchio seconded the motion, and it was passed unanimously.

Chairman Moroney reported the Building Committee met May 23, and they discussed the MW Resort owners’ offer letter for land for a fire department substation in Bretton Woods. The letter was a little confusing in that it refers to a 10 year time frame in one place and a 3 year time frame in another. The committee would also like to look at the 2 properties that are our options. John Gardiner is going to contact Mike Brunetti before the next meeting in June to ask if utilities will be available to us. They also discussed the issue of architectural review, and whether the resort would absorb the cost of building a “fancier” building than necessary. Selectman Vecchio asked if the committee decides it would like to accept the offer, will the issue come to the selectmen for approval. Chairman Moroney said a formal document of offer would come to the board.

The Building Committee also discussed turning over the former police quarters to the fire department. Chairman Moroney read a letter from Chief Duncan to the selectmen (copy attached). In it he listed issues that need to be addressed: septic system, office and meeting space, wiring issues, paving in front of the station. If these issues are addressed, and the police portion is rebuilt, the Chief feels the building should accommodate the needs of the fire department for at least 10 years. The letter also stated a fire department opinion that a second station should be built in the Bretton Woods area when land and funds are available. Chief Duncan said they haven’t had a formal officers’ meeting yet to vote on their 10 year plan, but he feels there would be a consensus. In discussion of a substation, the need for a ladder truck was brought up, and the possibility of new buildings in Bretton Woods being granted height variances. Mutual aid for the hotel property is probably sufficient. Chairman Moroney asked Chief Duncan if there is a place for a septic system at the fire station, and while he stated he didn’t know, he also said there’s a possibility of obtaining land behind the building. Chairman Moroney said the Building Committee is meeting next week to look at designs for a new police station on town property and they will have accurate costs before the March 2008 election and what will happen to taxes. Selectman Vecchio asked if they approved transfer of the police station portion of the building to the fire department would that mean building the substation in Bretton Woods. Chairman Moroney said they are not committing to this, just looking at it. A question came up about doing two buildings at once, and Chief Duncan said his feeling was that a new police station would be built in a year or two, the substation after that, and replacement of the fire station in ten years. When asked about a Budget Committee plan, Karen Moran said we have capital reserves, and a bond issue is also a possibility. Chairman Moroney moved to turn over the former police station space to the fire department. Selectman Vecchio seconded, and the motion was passed unanimously. Chief Duncan asked about funds available for restoring the space, and the secretary will check with Karen Carew and Don Borror about using the insurance settlement. She will also ask about withdrawing funds from capital reserve, if the town has to vote on all withdrawals.

The following items were approved and signed.

Water Abatement – Drummond
Water Warrant – Myers, Gilman, Saffian
Yield Tax Certifications – Steele, Farina, BW Land Holdings
Oath of Office – James Sullivan, Cemetery Trustee
Veterans Tax Credit – Grassie
Increase of Petty Cash from $200 to $300 for Town Clerk Becki Pederson

The subject of property tax exemptions was brought up and the fact that we have not increased the income and asset limits for the elderly. The secretary will get a list of adopted exemptions with income and asset limits, and the selectmen will look at possible changes to be put forth in the town election.

The selectmen received paperwork (by-laws, feasibility study, etc) from the Carroll Economic Development Corp., but have not had a chance to read it, so this issue was tabled. They will consider asking the officers to come to a meeting to discuss the Industrial Park land.

Chairman Moroney said while it is legal to have a selectman representative on the ZBA, the Local Government Center recommends against it. In the event of an appeal of a board decision, having a selectman on both boards would mean that selectman would have to stand down when a vote was taken. Therefore, Chairman Moroney resigned from the ZBA effective immediately. She mentioned the need for new members for the ZBA, and Dale Shakespeare asked about qualifications. Any new member would have to become familiar with town ordinances, but there are free classes available. Evan Karpf mentioned the Legal Law Series often held at the Highland Center and OEP seminars.

Terms of office for Planning and Zoning Boards were discussed. Each member should be appointed to a 3 year term, and a chairman elected by their board for a 1 year term. Members can be re-appointed at the end of their term, and a chairman can be re-elected. The secretary will contact our board chairmen for a list of members and when they became members, so we can establish the proper procedure.

Funding for the Chamber of Commerce was discussed next, responding to the Chamber’s request last week to have the rooms and meals tax revenue turned over to them. Chairman Moroney called some other towns to see how they fund their Chambers. Franconia has $10,000 in their budget, and Lincoln gives the Chamber nothing, but they join the group for $2,500 per year. She said she thinks it would be a good idea to have the Chamber in the budget as a line item, with them presenting their needs to both the selectmen and the Budget Committee. The one bad thing is if they are put on the 2008 budget, and it doesn’t pass, and there’s no warrant article for funding, the Chamber would get no money. Jim Covey added that the Franconia Chamber of Commerce represents Sugar Hill and Easton, and receives $6,000 and $600 from them respectively. He said Berlin receives $25,000, and Littleton receives $20,000, and Bethlehem $8,000-$9,000. Chairman Moroney said she had heard that the individual business owners in Littleton are billed, and no money comes from the taxpayers. Mr. Covey said his feeling is that the businesses in town are in a war for tourist dollars, and it’s a war they are losing. The Mount Washington Valley has the Bretton Woods Resort as a member, and the resort seems to be looking in one direction only. He said we are surrounded by towns and chambers all looking for tourist dollars, and he feels we are losing out. He said tourism is our economic base, and other than the $8,000 the Chamber gets, the town spends no money on tourism. The Chamber’s budget is approximately $25,000, which is spent on advertising and the information booth. He said the state estimates that for every dollar spent on advertising, there is an eight dollar return. So they’re looking for this money so they can advertise more heavily and improve and beautify the town in ways that haven’t been done. The town’s image is not favorable and they want to improve the look. The resort is going to come to the town soon with plans for a village, and this side of town is being left behind. He feels that the more business we can bring in here, the more businesses will invest in their properties, and that will benefit the town. He feels the town must invest in the businesses. Wayne Presby has offered to wrap track around the intersection and gift a cog railway engine to either the Chamber or the town. The Chamber and the Historical Society are looking for grant money for a half million dollar visitor center on town land. He also said the bike path is coming, we just need to find the money to build it. Mark Catalano said he has a business relationship with Pat Corso, who runs the resort for CNL Income Properties, and he is looking in one direction, he goes to the North Conway Chamber meetings. Mr. Catalano wants to continue to work in Twin Mountain, and said he’d love to see the town and the Chamber work together. Eileen Savoy, who works in marketing at the resort, said she feels the Chamber should present a plan to show to the town, what they will spend money on, and how they will benefit the town. People will be more willing to invest in the town. Mr. Shakespeare said he agrees with Mr. Covey, and the town needs to respond. He said we have no infrastructure for inside activities. Selectman Vecchio said she agrees with everything that has been said here, but there are also people losing their homes because of high taxes, and to take the $28,000 received from rooms and meals tax revenue out of the budget and give to the Chamber is something she can’t vote for tonight. She’ll try as a community member and a selectman to work with the Chamber, but she can’t vote for their request. Mr. Covey asked if the selectmen were aware that the Good ‘N You Restaurant had advertised a wet t-shirt contest for last Saturday night, and was told no. He said that because they had no permit, it did not take place, but he was concerned that the town would be known for this type of activity. When Mr. Covey stated they need to change the way they advertise, perhaps reaching out to Canada, Chairman Moroney and Ms. Moran explained that they should present a budget to the selectman and the Budget Committee; have a line item for advertising in Canada, a line item for the information booth, etc. The public would then see what the money would be used for. Chairman Moroney moved to set up line items for the Chamber in the proposed 2008 budget. Selectman Vecchio seconded the motion, and it was passed unanimously. Mr. Covey said the next Chamber meeting will be June 11 at the Mt. Washington Hotel at 9:30 am. Anyone is welcome.

In talking about the town image, the lettering on the town hall was brought up. The “N” in Twin Mountain is broken, and we will check with Billy Rines about having the letters fixed. He had mentioned that John Woolhouse may be able to do this.

The secretary reported that when she called the insurance company about the cog train, and was waiting to hear back. Mr. Covey said he’d called several companies, and they called it “an attractive nuisance,” that it would be treated like the playground equipment or the floating dock, where someone could get hurt. They suggested an endorsement or rider to our policy. When a question arose about who will paint this train when necessary, Mr. Covey said Lee Hallquist has already volunteered to paint it. Mr. Covey reminded the board that the Chamber will paint anything.

Chairman Moroney moved that the town spend $100 out of the Memorial Day Parade funds to send to the ROTC for their participation. John Gardiner in previous years had taken care of making this donation. Selectman Vecchio seconded the motion, and it was passed unanimously.

Chairman Moroney mentioned that she had spoken to Tom Devin, the electrician working on the new police station, and he had many nice things to say about the Carroll police and firefighters, how professional and well versed they were. She also said the police officers had expressed their thanks to Greg Hogan and Scott Sonia for their hard work in moving items from the old station to the new one. The station is now open in its new quarters, and the new cruiser arrived today.

Roberta McGee asked if the holes on Parker Road were ever going to get fixed, or could she just have a bucket of hot top. Billy Rines will be consulted.

Bill Smalley thanked the Chamber of Commerce for their donations of paint and other items needed for the station.

At 8:52 PM, as there was no additional business, Chairman Moroney declared the meeting ended, and moved to go into executive session regarding a legal matter and town aid. This was seconded by Selectman Vecchio. The board was polled, and went into executive session.

At the close of executive session, Chairman Moroney made a motion to return to public session and seal the minutes from executive session; Selectman Vecchio seconded and the motion passed unanimously.


Action Items:

NIMS Training
Response letter to Bretton Woods land offer
Using insurance settlement to offset police station repairs
Can we withdraw capital reserve funds without town vote
Property tax exemptions
Industrial Park land use
Term Limits for Planning & Zoning
Fix sign on town hall
Parker Road potholes


*****FIRE DEPT. LETTER REFERENCED ABOVE*****
Carroll Selectboard, June 4, 2007
Attention: Chairperson Bonnie Moroney
Dear Bonnie,
As near as I can tell the current Fire Department building was built in the mid 1960’s as a highway garage. It was later turned into the current police and fire station that exist today. Over the past several years the size of the building has been increased and the fire department portion upgraded to house the current fire apparatus. The condition of the fire department portion of the building appears to be well constructed and of sufficient size to house the current plans of the fire department for the next ten years. As things change beyond that period of time then a look should be taken towards a future fire station in the Twin Mountain section of Carroll. As the current Fire Chief I would support maintaining the current fire station for a period of time of about ten years, as long as the existing issues in the current building are addressed. The current issues that need to be addressed in order to extend its useful life as a fire station are (1.)The septic system will need to be addressed. (2) The need for additional office space and an increased meeting area. (3)There are also numerous preexisting wiring issues that need to be addressed and (4) the “temporary” paving that was done in front of the station pending final State DOT approval needs to be completed. If, with the relocation of the police department, the fire department is allowed to rebuild the police portion of the structure to the existing footprint, then from a space perspective, this should accommodate the needs of the fire department for at least 10 years.
In addition, it is the general opinion of the Fire Department that a second station should be built in the Bretton Woods area to provide a more rapid response to the residents of that particular portion of the town. If land and funds become available it will be the intention of the Fire Department to pursue a station in this location. A station built in that area should consist of two double depth bays, an office, meeting room and bathrooms as well as other standard fixtures expected in a fire station. A station in Bretton Woods has been discussed for years and should be in place before too much more development has been completed.