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Minutes of 10/19/2009

October 26th, 2009

Carroll Board of Selectmen
Meeting Minutes
October 19, 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: Chris Hancock, Bonnie Moroney, Ken Mills

The meeting was called to order at 7:03 PM by Chairman Hancock.

Members of the public present: Roberta McGee, Ann Fabrizio, Carmine Fabrizio, Jay Ouellette, Kelly Trammell, John Trammell, Leslie Bergum, Jeff Duncan, Bill Smalley, Donna Foster, Lori Hogan, Evan Karpf, Mike Gooden

Pledge of Allegiance

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

Chairman Hancock made a Motion to: Accept the minutes for October 19, 2009 as written. Selectman Moroney seconded and the Motion passed. Selectman Mills abstained.

Stan Borkowski’s report was received and posted.

The following items were approved and signed:

Intent to Cut -- Brooks
Water Warrant – Ellis, Burt
Current Use Application – Dearborn/Clark
Application for Veteran’s Tax Exemption – James S. Gray
Memorandum of Understanding for Fire Dept. Radios
Recreation Committee By-Laws

It was noted the MOU for the Fire Department radios is a mandatory update for the State, of the zone for the radios and that they will not be reprogrammed.

Lori Hogan had been asked to come in to discuss the lease renewal for the Police Department. She advised the only changes are: Point 3; the amount, which is payable quarterly (as is the custom) will remain at $4,650, given the economic times, but with an adjustment for inflation clause. The discount of $300 per quarter is still applicable as long as the rent is received on or before the 1st of each quarter; and Point 5, which states this is for four (4) years, beginning on May 1, 2010, and expiring April 30, 2014.

It was pointed out that we had been advised by legal counsel that a warrant article must be voted on to have a multiple year lease. Mrs. Hogan was asked to draft a one-year renewal as a back-up. The Secretary was asked to send the lease to Town Counsel to review.

Mrs. Hogan spoke on behalf of the Recreation Committee. First she gave “Kudos” to Jenn Hancock and the Rec Committee for the very successful Halloween “Scare Night” which they did on the 17th. There were over 130 children who attended and their “fee” was food for the food pantry. They brought in lots and everyone thanked them.

Mrs. Hogan then brought forth the Recreation Committee By-Laws. Selectman Moroney explained these had been requested from the Committee during a non-public session (due to personnel issues) held earlier in the summer. Mrs. Hogan went on to say once they are approved by the Board, the Rec Committee will accept them. The Board looked them over and Chairman Hancock made a Motion to: Approve the By-Laws, Selectman Moroney seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.

Selectman Moroney followed with a Motion that: When the Rec Committee appoints their hiring committee, one Selectman should also be on it. Chairman Hancock seconded and the Motion passed unanimously. It was pointed out that Selectman Mills has been working a bit with the Committee. Mrs. Hogan said they will start working on rules and regulations policy.

Jay Ouellette was in to discuss the Carroll Economic Development Corporation. He had requested the deed for the land previously and explained this had been voted on by the town many years ago. It was noted that the Board had spoken with Town Counsel about the timeframe, etc., and that legal opinion is that the town is not obligated to deed this land to the CEDC. Selectman Moroney read an email communication from Attorney Jae Whitelaw (attached).

Mr. Ouellette said that the time involved had much to do with grant, etc., and that lawyers at the time said they were not allowed to give the land back to the town if they abandoned the project. He also said he has been asking for years to get the deed and does not see a reason why the Board would not deed it over. He said it is basically in place and they had complied with everything asked – though that is a secondary issue. He said the core issue is that the town voted the land and they have spent a lot of time on it. He said it may not be of benefit at the moment, but still feels it can in time. He said when the Transfer Station was being built, the town asked for land and they gave them ten acres, to include future development, rather than just the five acres asked for. He asked again why the Board does not want to deed the land.

Selectman Mills stated it had been voted on over ten years ago and asked why it hadn’t been taken care of at that time. Mr. Ouellette wasn’t quite sure, but said when he was on the Board of Selectmen he didn’t want to do much as he didn’t want it to be a conflict or something. He went on to say he is speaking strictly to the Board, not personally, as at least this Board is doing something. Selectman Mills said he preferred to defer to the lawyer, but went on to ask Mr. Ouellette why, with two other Board members, he did not recuse himself from the Board and move it forward. Mr. Ouellette responded that they weren’t pushing hard as there were no hard and fast companies, but that they started doing something as soon as they were given authorization. Selectman Mills said as the junior Selectman, he is not comfortable at this point and still needs more information before he could agree to move forward with it. He also spoke of the grant they received which required certain things as infrastructure and firm commitments from three companies.

Mr. Ouellette said they had done the feasibility study and that DRED had been involved but then the Mountain View Grand started and they needed to work with that as there was a promise of 120 jobs there. The CEDC understood the situation. Littleton also was brought up having been competition, as they were building their industrial park and had a lot of disposable income that they could allow to sit until situations were better.

Selectman Mills repeated that he would not be disposed to take action with the information available and added that he wants a better idea of what they are trying to do. He also reiterated the amount of time that had been allowed to pass without making it final. Mr. Ouellette asked if they deny this, what they were planning to do with it. He said again that at the time it was voted in, they were told it could not revert back to the town. He noted they also wanted to diversify industry and jobs and not have to rely on tourism as we do now.

Selectman Moroney said her concern is mainly the passage of time and that she is very comfortable with the lawyer’s opinion. Mrs. Moroney went on to say that in years past, when she asked about it initially there seemed to be an attitude that they weren’t entitled to know. Mr. Ouellette explained that it was fine for people to know about it, but he was trying to get it across that basically it was totally irrelevant as the vote had been taken.

Chairman Hancock stated it is his opinion that it is owed attention and he does not want it put on the back burner. However, he would like more information and requested that Mr. Ouellette bring Steve Messina, a colleague in the CEDC, to a meeting. Mr. Ouellette had stated earlier that Mr. Messina had been very good at keeping all the records and minutes, etc. Mr. Hancock went on to say that he really doesn’t see any industry at all. It is dwindling even at the best of times. He further stated that during the past ten years, times had been very, very good and if nothing could be developed then, he can’t see it happening.

Mr. Ouellette said they’re getting tired, but have not abandoned it, only slowed down, and have also lost several members. Selectman Moroney expressed concern that once the land goes to someone, they can do what they want with it. Mr. Ouellette said that they couldn’t do that as they would have to come before the Board. He said the CEDC is basically a marketing agency to get the project going and stewards of the money and property. Selectman Mills said he had heard the anecdotes of various things, but feels they should stay within the parameters of the project. He asked for patience in looking for the best solution. Selectman Mills then made a Motion to: Table further discussion until they have the opportunity to meet with Mr. Ouellette and Mr. Messina and receive more information at a time convenient to them. Selectman Moroney seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.

Discussion turned to the bids for replacing oil tanks and the furnace in the Town Hall received earlier. It was stated that they feel this is not the avenue to take at this time, as they should look into getting the building insulated and tightened up. It was also suggested that they look for a heat loss to be done. After further discussion, it was noted that removing the two older oil tanks and installing one new one could be done. It was pointed out, and confirmed by Fire Chief Duncan, that according to Code, only 660 gallons of oil can be stored in a building at one time. Upon brief discussion, it was suggested that Mr. Perras, who specializes in weatherizing large buildings and mentioned by Mrs. Tucker at a previous meeting, be called to discuss insulating the gym. Selectman Moroney made a Motion to: Remove the two old tanks and install one new one and to table furnace replacement until we find a more feasible way to do this. Selectman Mills seconded and the Motion passed unanimously. It was noted that Smithfield (Supply) can do a heat loss.

Selectman Moroney spoke about fire false alarms. She noted Counsel had been asked to come up with an ordinance or policy regarding numbers of false alarms and asked if they could charge for them. We had been told by previous Counsel that we could not charge, but actually we can when they become nuisances. It was stated that there are many alarms at Bretton Woods and there are many reasons for the high number. However, one is a need to repair one problem, but it has become apparent that it is easier (maybe cheaper) to restart the alarm instead. As a result, there have been as many as five false alarms in one night. This is very costly in terms of manpower and time. Chief Duncan said the Fire Department has no problem responding to fire alarms, that’s their job, but there could be disastrous results if there is a real fire and the department is responding to a false alarm. Chairman Hancock made a Motion to: Table discussion until the next meeting when everyone has been able to review the ordinance/policy. Selectman Moroney seconded and it passed unanimously. (Fire Chief Duncan and Police Chief Trammell were also given copies to review.)

Chairman Hancock read a letter from DES. They are hoping to get an additional (third) member from the Town of Carroll for the Ammonoosuc River Local Advisory Committee. (Letter attached) Leslie Bergum and Joan Karpf are the two current members and Mrs. Bergum said if anyone is interested, they could be referred to herself or Joan to talk about it. The meetings are the first Wednesday of the month at 4:30 p.m. at the North Country Council offices at The Rocks in Bethlehem. Mrs. Bergum will write something up and email it to Maryclare.

It was noted that the Selectmen will resume their weekly meetings on October 26, through the budget and town meeting season.
Selectman Moroney reminded everyone of the indoor yard sale to benefit the Food Pantry on Saturday, October 24, and the clothing give-away which begins that day and runs through the week, ending on Friday, October 30. The Women’s Discussion Club is sponsoring this.

Selectman Mills said he had a rough draft for electronic meetings and put them in the Selectmen’s boxes for the next meeting.

Mike Gooden said the Historical Society is getting a container box for storage. He said they were told they could store it at the Highway Garage if they got authorization from the Select Board. After brief discussion, Chairman Hancock made a Motion to: Allow the Historical Society to store the container at the Highway Garage. Selectman Moroney seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.

Jim Covey said he would like to see the temporary sign ordinance enforced as there are some temporary signs that have been up seven years. He listed several businesses that fall under the category. Chairman Hancock made a Motion to: Contact Stan about enforcing the Temporary Sign Ordinance. Selectman Moroney seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.

The last of the department budget proposals were presented. The Chamber of Commerce was given by Jim Covey.

Beautification $ 1,000
Information Booth 10,000
Town Entertainment 2,000

This is the same budget as that 2009. Mr. Covey asked that the advertising line be dropped – last year it had $1 to keep the line open in case it was needed. He also asked that the Summer Music Series line be renamed to “Town Entertainment” which will give more flexibility for using the money.

Discussion ensued about the Fourth of July celebration in 2009. Chief Duncan gave accolades to Mr. Covey on the evening’s events culminating in fireworks. He said it was very well organized and run—so much so, that he believes if they repeat it, that it will be even bigger. Costs of fire and police coverage were discussed and the two Chiefs agreed they can come out of their budget lines, they just wanted the Board “OK” on it. Mr. Covey said they don’t know if they are doing the fireworks this year – at the time, in 2009, it was just a “one time only” event. It was discussed if it is town-sponsored or Chamber-sponsored. Mr. Covey said if it happens again, he’d like to see it be a town function also, not just Chamber. Selectman Moroney said when they know what they’re doing for the Fourth, to bring it to the Board so they can approve the money coming out of the budgets. Mr. Covey said they are looking for direction from the Board – if the Chamber moves forward with it, they will come to the Board and address it. Chief Duncan reiterated that initially he had been leery about the event, but he found it to be very positive for the town.
The final budgets were Administration by Maryclare Quigley, Town Clerk/Tax Collector by Becki Pederson and Miscellaneous by Bonnie Moroney, Selectman.

2010 2009

01-4130.10-130 Salaries – Selectmen 2,100 2,100
-131 Salaries – Selectmen 1,800 1,800
-132 Salaries – Selectmen 1,800 1,800
-135 Treasurer 4,158 4,158
-136 Town Clerk & Tax Collector 32,500 32,500
-137 Deputy Town Clerk 15,000 15,000
01-4150.10-110 Administrative Assistant 32,032 32,032
-111 Selectmen’s Office Staff 21,345 21,345
-250 Tax Map 5,000 4,000
-260 Town Report 2,200 2,000
-301 Auditing 12,500 14,000
-390 Office Equipment 4,000 4,000
-603 Office Equip. Maint. 1,000 1,000
-604 Association Dues 1,400 1,000
-620 Office Supplies 6,000 5,000
-621 Computer Software Support 9,600 9,600
- 622 Manatron (Proval) 1,500 0
- 625 Postage 4,000 3,000
-740 Telephone 3,000 3,000
- 800 Town Officers Exp 1 1
- 801 Bank Service Charges 1,000 1,000
- 802 Advertisements 1,000 1,000
- 803 Registrars Fees 700 600
- 804 Miscellaneous 1,000 1,000
- 805 Training 1,800 1,500
- 808 Comstar Billing Fee 1,200 1,200
- 809 Travel Expense 1,750 1,000
- 900 Town Clerk Tr.Exp.State Only 1,800 0

01-4152.10-200 Property Asessing 32,000 30,000

01-4153.10-200 Legal Expenses 25,000 25,000

01-4155.10-200 Retirement 57,501 57,501
-201 FICA 22,065 22,065
-202 Medicare 9,368 9,368
-300 Employee Insurance 163,602 142,263
-301 Unemployment Comp. 400 306

01-4196.10-520 Town Insurance 28,992 25,000
20-520 Worker’s Compensation 21,146 21,146
01-4196.20-521 Worker’s Comp Audit 2,000 2,000

01-4199.10-200 Dog Costs 300 300

01-4240.10-201 Timber Inspections 1,000 1,000
-203 Third Party Review 5,000 10,000

01-4326.10-200 Septic Disposal 500 500

01-4441.10-200 WEL Administration 4,000 0

01-4583.10-200 Memorial Day 500 500

01-4711.10-200 Princ.Lng Term Note Landfil 30,000 30,000

01-4721.10-200 Int. Lng Term Note Landfil 21,125 21,125
-201 Int. T.A.N. 1 1

04-4711.10-200 Princ. Lng Term Note Water 22,739 22,739

04-4721.10-200 Int. Lng Term Note Water 23,071 23,071


It was noted that we are still awaiting information on several of the insurances, and they will be updated as soon as we receive it.

Also discussed further, was the Water Budget in view of changes being made to get the water meters online for future billing. The Clerical line for 2010 has been put in at $12,155 which will include all billing, scheduling for repairs and routine maintenance, as well an amount for work in the field. Postage has been put in at $663, as billing will take place twice a year when the meters are up. Water Meter Software Support is currently in at $1,500 but it has been noted that the current equipment is too old to repair, so this will be changed when a new figure is available.

As there was no further business, Chairman Hancock declared the meeting ended at 9:37 p.m. and moved to go into Non-Public Session for Personnel Matters and three Town Aid issues. The Board was polled and went into Non-Public Session.

At the close of Non-Public Session, Chairman Hancock moved to return to Public Session and seal the minutes from Non-Public Session. Selectman Moroney seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.

There being no further discussion, Chairman Hancock made a Motion to: adjourn the meeting. Selectman Moroney seconded and the Motion passed unanimously. Chairman Hancock declared the meeting ended at 11:01 p.m. The next meeting will be Monday, October 26.

Town of Carroll, New Hampshire ®2024