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Minutes of 07/26/2010

August 4th, 2010

Carroll Board of Selectmen
Meeting Minutes
July 26, 2010

"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

Board members present: Bonnie Moroney, Mark Catalano. Chris Hancock was excused.

The meeting was called to order at 7:04 PM by Acting Chairman Moroney.

Members of the public present: Roberta McGee, Bill Dowling, Linda Dowling, Frank Maturo, Ike Ikasalo, Tom Gately, Mike Gooden, Herb McGee, Michelle MacCorison, Tadd Bailey, Scott Sonia, Bill Smalley, Kelly Trammell, John Trammell, Rena Vecchio, Evan Karpf, Joan Karpf

Pledge of Allegiance

Acting Chairman Moroney read the following statement: “This meeting is being taped by a private citizen. It is not done under the auspices of the town and is not an official record of the Town.”

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

Stan Borkowski’s report was received and posted.

Acting Chairman Moroney made a Motion to: Accept the minutes for July 12, 2010, as written. Selectman Catalano seconded and the Motion was approved.

Acting Chairman Moroney stated discussion on the Statewide Mosaic Parcel Map is tabled until the next meeting when Chairman Hancock will be here.

Mrs. Moroney called on Michelle MacCorison who wanted to speak about the Fourth of July Holiday next year. Mrs. MacCorison is hoping to have a celebration such as in 2009, and proceeded to say she felt there may be an option to donate money to the Omni Mount Washington Hotel for town wide fireworks or, as she would prefer, the town help fund and put them on. She said she had spoken with Harold Garneau and he has offered the use of his field again (referring to the celebration of 2009). One way money could be raised is to put cans out for donations throughout the year, which was very successful in the town she came from. It’s Mrs. MacCorison’s thought that a celebration would help boost community spirit and help the businesses in town. She said she had spoken with Jim Covey who sent her to the town. It was noted that in 2009, the Hotel decided not to do fireworks and they donated $2,000 to which the Chamber of Commerce added $500, for putting them on; basically, the Chamber put on the event. Selectman Moroney said if it were a town function, it would be a whole different matter as well as that we’d have to use town employees. She said she leans toward the Chamber of Commerce sponsoring it as this is more their specialty of getting people together and things going. Selectman Catalano said he was all for this and asked if the Select Board would approve if Michelle and the Chamber of Commerce were to get together to do something. Selectman Moroney agreed as it was fine with her. Selectman Catalano suggested that Mrs. MacCorison talk with the Chamber about putting donation cans around. Selectman Moroney said it been brought before the town previously because it was the first time and there were a lot of questions. Because it was rather last minute before, and there hadn’t been time to allow Police and Fire to budget for it and because it is for the benefit of the town, these departments did not charge the Chamber for the coverage they provided. Police Chief Trammell implied there wouldn’t be a charge next year either, at least for the Police, as Fire Chief Duncan was away and not in attendance.

The False Alarm Ordinance was brought up. This had been proposed a while ago, but had some work to be done on it. Chief Trammell said his concern is faulty home alarms and is mainly for that. Mr. Ikasalo said one had been brought up before with fees and he was wondering if this was the same thing, which it is. Chief Trammell said they have no way of knowing who owns the property, who holds keys, etc., and of course they respond to them all. He said they’ve had six false alarms at one residence since January. This is an attempt to encourage people to get their alarms fixed or corrected, as the fee will be in force after a certain number of false alarms. As clarification, this will affect both business as well as residential alarms. The final draft will be brought to the next meeting, with copies for all Selectmen.

Chief Trammell also brought forth existing ordinances that need updating. Basically it is to bring them in line with the current RSA’s in the State. Chief Trammell stated if the town has ordinances and there are fines, the money will come to the general fund; otherwise, if it’s based on State Statute, the money goes to the State. Acting Chairman Moroney read the ordinances regarding: Alcohol Use; Dogs; ATV’s/OHRV’s; Overnight Camping; Vehicle Use; Vehicle Noise, Use, Safety; Landfill/Transfer Station; Construction Equipment, Woods Operation Equipment & General Construction; Outdoor Fires; Fireworks; Domestic & Commercial Refuse and Feeding Wild Animals; Parking; Street and House Numbering System. Chief Trammell was asked about vehicle noise, and he responded that it would be somewhat discretionary as a vehicle with the engine running would be different from someone revving the engine intentionally. The question was asked if there was an end time on the use of construction equipment and it was found there wasn’t. Following brief discussion, it was decided that a twelve-hour period would be reasonable, thereby, making it 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. When questioned, Selectman Moroney said the Selectmen have the authority to update ordinances and they do not have to go before town vote. Also upon questioning, it was stated the fine is $50 for the first violation with an increase of $50 for each subsequent violation. It was also agreed these activities not be limited to Monday through Friday as weekends are the only time a lot of people are able to do these things, whether they are full time or part time residents. It was asked if gravel operations would be allowed seven days a week and it was stated this is covered in the town Zoning Ordinance. Discussion then went to woods operations and the running of diesel engines, especially during the cold, winter months. It was determined the ordinance covers this, that equipment cannot be started before 8 a.m. It was noted that by letter or with the Intent to Cut, the loggers be notified of this noise ordinance. It was further noted that if an earlier start is necessary, the Selectmen could be petitioned for a permit and the requirement that abutters be notified would be part of the process. Selectman Moroney made a Motion to: Table further action until the next meeting so the changes may be incorporated. Selectman Catalano seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.

Selectman Moroney then spoke about the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Committee and said Evan Karpf has already done much work on it. This is intended to help with future planning and figuring out how much money will be needed to be put aside each year, thereby helping to keep taxes from being all over the place. They had their first meeting and used the wonderful books with all the information given to her, that Carol Bonte from North Country Council had put together. In addition to herself, those who showed up in addition to herself, were Lori Hogan, George Brodeur, Ken Mills, Jeff Duncan, Mark Catalano, Donna Foster, Mike Brunetti and Tom Gately. Evan will attend the next meeting and will be part of the Committee. Selectman Moroney said according to State regulations, there is to be a balance of the different committees involved in a CIP, and noted that Mrs. Hogan and Mr. Gately are from Budget Committee, Mrs. Foster and Messrs. Mills and Karpf are from Planning Board and she and Mr. Catalano are from the Select Board. Mr. Brunetti is from Bretton Woods and has offered to help not only with the CIP, but has also offered to help update the Master Plan, the offer of which they will take up as the CIP ties in with the Master Plan. Selectman Moroney made a Motion to: Adopt the CIP Committee so the responsibility isn’t completely on the Planning Board and so this group will be able to work and get things going. When this is done, they will present it to the Planning Board. Selectman Catalano seconded and the Motion passed unanimously. Selectman Moroney announced the next meeting will be July 27, and all are welcome to attend to listen – it is open to the public. As there are two Selectmen on the Committee, she will take minutes and they will be posted.

It was announced that the Highway truck, Ford F-350, needs engine work and they had gotten three estimates. Dick’s Truck Sales submitted one for $4,654.88 to make repairs, if possible, and one for $7,196.08, if it had to be replaced (a rebuilt engine). They noted the estimates are without being able to see the actual damage inside the engine. The third estimate was from North Country Ford, to replace the engine with a rebuilt one for $11,152. The engine comes with (whichever comes first) a three-year or 36,000 miles warranty. The estimates from Dick’s did not note any warranty, so that will looked into, as it everyone felt there should be something. Scott Sonia will check with Dick’s to find out about a warranty. When asked about the history of the truck, Mr. Sonia reminded that this does a lot of plowing and sanding, which are very heavy uses. He also stated they are not easy to work on as getting into the engine requires the removal of many hard-to-get-at, parts and a lot of the cost is tearing the engine apart. During discussion, it was decided that Mr. Sonia should inquire about the estimated cost of finding out if the engine needs to be replaced. The Board felt it didn’t make much sense to spend a large sum of money to just find out if it can be repaired – and then pay for the repair. Selectman Moroney made a Motion to: Go forward on the truck to see what the diagnosis is and then a decision will be made from there. Selectman Catalano seconded and the Motion passed. It was reiterated that Mr. Sonia will try to find out the damage and any warranty coverage.

The following items were approved and signed:

Property Tax Abatement – Hogan (Police Station)
Water Warrant – Roesbery

Transfer of Funds from Water Revenue to Water Improvements Capital Reserve Fund, Per
Warrant Article #22

Under Other:

The Secretary said the request for roadside mowing bids had been place in the newspaper and there had not been any response either to the Office or to the Highway Garage. A quote had been received earlier from Sean Moran, who has done the mowing for the past five years, and this was brought forth. In it, Mr. Moran explained his equipment and experience, as well as showing that due to both, his cost has dropped by about half. Mr. Moran estimates 30 hours of mowing for $1,350, with additional mowing work other than the roadside to be billed at $45 per hour. Selectman Moroney made a Motion to: Accept Sean Moran’s bid. Selectman Catalano seconded and the Motion passed.

Acting Chairman Moroney read a letter of appreciation and commendation to Chief Trammell regarding his and his department’s response to a recent motorcycle accident. The Selectmen thanked Chief Trammell for his actions.

Joan Karpf asked if there was a policy for the Building Inspector going to properties. She said Stan had been sent to their Birchwood Commons, the former Northlander Motel, and she feels there should be documentation filed to be sure the concerns are legitimate. It was her thought to have something in place in case something goes to Court and she had booklets with sample forms from the LGC. Rena Vecchio questioned the LGC forms as in the past, the staff has made inquiries with the LGC and there were still problems. Selectman Catalano asked if the reason for her question is looking for something to legitimize a visit, such as a form to collect names and/or observations. Selectman Moroney asked when there is an existing permit, doesn’t the Building Inspector show up periodically for inspections, and isn’t there anything in the Permit application that already gives permission for this? The Karpfs feel the Building Inspector should be contacting people to let them know he is coming, as they were quite concerned about trespassing. The Selectmen asked the Secretary to speak with Stan, the Building Inspector, about this concern and about making up such a form.

Ike Ikasalo said after the March voting that Selectman Moroney made the statement that there is already a deficit of $30,000. He asked if the Board has done anything to resolve this. Selectman Moroney said the Budget Committee is watching the budget and everyone is doing the best they can. Mr. Ikasalo asked what the plans to close the deficit are. Selectman Moroney said the voters decided not to change the name of the account that would have allowed a one-time payment of $30,000 for the Transfer Station loan and that is the reason for the deficit. Basically, they are hoping for ways to solve this within the existing budget.

Frank Maturo said earlier in the year there had been discussion of violations at the Police Station and he asked if these had been taken care of. Chief Trammell and the Selectmen said they are getting done slowly – they will not bring the building into compliance, but they are working for safety.

Roberta McGee spoke about the Budget Committee Surveys and said a neighbor of hers didn’t get his. It was stated to call the office, but the Secretary asked that people contact Lori Hogan not the Office, as they are working very hard to keep anonymity.

Bill Dowling, Superintendent of the Transfer Station/Recycling Center said the new glass crusher is being built. He stated in all of 2009, he had 50 ton of glass, and to date this year, he already has 50 ton.

As there was no further business, Acting Chairman Moroney moved to go into Non-Public Session for personnel matters at 8:26 p.m. The Board was polled and went into Non-Public Session.

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

There being no further business, Acting Chairman Moroney made a Motion to: Adjourn the meeting. Selectman Catalano seconded and the Motion passed unanimously. Acting Chairman Moroney declared the meeting ended at 9:27 p.m. The next meeting will be Monday, August 9, 2010.

Town of Carroll, New Hampshire ®2024