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Minutes of 02/23/2009

February 27th, 2009

Carroll Board of Selectmen
Meeting Minutes
February 23, 2009

"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, Christopher Hancock

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM.

Members of the public present: Bill Dowling, Linda Dowling, David Ikasalo, Ken Mills, John Trammell, Bill Rines, Mike Gooden, Joan Karpf, Butch Garneau

Pledge of Allegiance

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

Chairman Moroney made a Motion to: Accept the minutes for February 9, 2009 as written. Selectman Hancock seconded and the Motion was passed unanimously.

Stan Borkowski’s report was received and posted.

The following items were approved and signed:

Application for Elderly Tax Exemption –Richard
Water Warrant – Lavin, Maher

As discussed at an earlier meeting, our auditor, Karen Carew, had given the Town notice that she was no longer working for municipalities due to new and increasing requirements by the State. Ms. Carew recommended several firms who were contacted, and proposals were received from two. Mr. Frank Biron, partner and co-owner of Melanson Heath & Company came to speak with Maryclare, Becki and Sue. They recommended that the Selectmen hire Melanson, Heath & Company. Chairman Moroney made a Motion to: Accept Melanson Heath & Company as the Town’s new auditing firm, Selectman Hancock seconded, and the Motion passed unanimously.

Finding a new Emergency Management Director was discussed and noted that it is important for the Town to have one. It was stated that the former Director had much in place and because of it was able to secure reimbursement of more than ten thousand dollars to the Town for qualified weather “events” in the past year. As well as having a basic knowledge of emergency services; fire, police, rescue, the person should be available during the day, as it was pointed out that meetings tend to be then. Police Chief Trammell was asked if he could get some information for an ad for the paper, to see if someone would come forward. He was also asked to ask Jeff Duncan, Fire Chief, if he might know of anyone who would be able to do this.

Chairman Moroney then spoke about the warrant articles. She said she had been to a class at LGC where she learned that if we had a signed contract we could encumber money from the current budget to the next year’s budget to complete a project—in this case, New Straw Road. She then went on to say the Board was mistaken when they believed a signed contract had been received – it was actually a signed proposal, as the company would not do a contract. Chairman Moroney said the Board apologizes for their mistake and because it is not according to the requirement, the encumbered funds of $47,508 will be returned to the General Fund and New Straw Road will not be done.

Chairman Moroney made a Motion to: Return the money to the General Fund. Selectman Hancock seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.

Chairman Moroney then spoke about the letter she sent to the town employees. She had heard things about it, and wanted to correct the inaccuracies. First she said she had written a rebuttal to a letter from Al. Strasser which had been in the newspaper. Apparently it had either mislead people or they misread it which subsequently lead to misinformation and comments being made, so she wrote her letter. She read her letter as she wanted it understood by all that she did not send it as a Selectman, nor did she mention that she is a Selectman – it was from her, personally.

Chairman Moroney read a letter from the LGC regarding the property liability insurance.
Their agreement with the towns had been that they would hold the rates to a nine percent increase, however, because of the downturn in the economy, they advised us they will hold the increase to five percent. Mrs. Moroney asked that the numbers for 2009 be figured at this new rate for the next meeting.

Joan Karpf said the Zoning Board of Adjustment needs new members, and that she had put out notices. She advised the Board she had received one response from Bill Dowling, for which she was very pleased. Mrs. Karpf recommended that the Board appoint Mr. Dowling to the ZBA. Chairman Moroney made a Motion to: Accept Mrs. Karpf’s nomination of Bill Dowling to the Zoning Board of Adjustment and Selectman Hancock seconded. The Motion passed unanimously. Mrs. Karpf advised the Board can still use more members.

Bill Dowling had spoken to the Board at a previous meeting regarding interest by Verizon to install a cell tower on the Transfer Station property. Recently Mr. Dowling telephoned the Office to say he had heard back from Verizon and this is not something they will pursue at this time, and he asked that the Board be made aware of this.

Bill Rines mentioned he had received a notice today regarding a stimulus package and money to be applied for. He wondered if this is something that should be considered. It was stated that the ones we had been notified of were about water which lead to a brief discussion of a water line for Lennon Road. This had been figured once by Provan & Lorber and again by Hoyle & Tanner, whose figures were very high. Chairman Moroney said she had been to a meeting regarding the stimulus program and said if there are plans available, they may submit them. There are many restrictions and requirements, though. Mrs. Moroney advised that they are trying to put through legislation that will allow towns to be able to accept money if they receive it through this package, without having to go through the normal procedure of Superior Court, etc. She also noted she had seen something about diesel fuel, and perhaps this should be looked into more.

Butch Garneau spoke about the new police station with regard to its location and the groundwork needed. It was his thought if the work could be done now, the cost would be lower, as people are looking for work, himself included. The possibility of selling gravel and wood (from trees that would have to be cut) from the site would also be a consideration. He said he had spoken with people who would be interested and wondered if the Board would like to talk about this – he asked if they even could, or if it would have to go to a town vote. Chairman Moroney said she believed it would have to be voted on because of the money involved. Any money must be approved, as the Selectmen do not have authorization to spend without this approval. Mr. Garneau also suggested that any money made could go into a special account for the building. It was noted that without a vote to put it into a special account, any money would most likely have to go into the General Fund.

Mrs. Karpf asked why the building has to be built on the hill rather than on the flat property here at the Town Hall. It was explained that this is a long-term project that includes a whole complex and has to do with direct access to Route 3 for the emergency vehicles and avoiding having to go on and off School Street before getting to a major route (3 or 302). Also, space is also needed for a leach field, etc. Mr. Garneau said in addition, it would make a town center which does not exist now, and he feels is important.

There being no further discussion, Chairman Moroney made a Motion to: adjourn the meeting. Selectman Hancock seconded and the Motion passed unanimously. Chairman Moroney declared the meeting ended at 7:42 p.m.

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