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Minutes of 01/03/2011

January 7th, 2011

Carroll Board of Selectmen
Meeting Minutes
January 3, 2011

"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, Mark Catalano

The public meeting was called to order at 7:03 PM by Chairman Moroney

Members of the public present: Evan Karpf, Joan Karpf, Roberta McGee, Bill Dowling, Linda Dowling, Frank Maturo, Carmine Fabrizio, Ann Fabrizio, Mike Gooden, Al Strasser, Ike Ikasalo, Jim Covey, Lisa Covey, Richard Gould, Scott Sonia, Bill Smalley, Tadd Bailey, John Trammell

Pledge of Allegiance

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

Chairman Moroney made a Motion to: Accept the minutes for December 29, 2010 as written. Selectman Catalano seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.

Chairman Moroney read two articles regarding the bond. “To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate Seven Hundred Thousand Dollars ($700,000) for the purchase and improvements of the Twin Village Plaza located at 601 Route 3 South, and to authorize the issuance of not more than $600,000 of bonds or notes in accordance with the provisions of the Municipal Finance Act (RSA 33) and to authorize the Selectmen to issue and negotiate such bonds or notes and to determine the rate of interest thereon; furthermore, to authorize the withdrawal of $100,000 from the New Land and Building Capital Reserve Fund created for this purpose. Recommended by the Selectmen. (2/3-ballot vote required)” and “Shall we adopt the provisions of RSA 31:95-c to restrict (dollar amount to be inserted) of revenues from the Twin Village Plaza property rentals to expenditures for the purpose of the Twin Village Plaza property. Such revenues and expenditures shall be accounted for in a special revenue fund to be known as the Twin Village Plaza Property fund, separate from the general fund. Any surplus in said fund shall not be deemed part of the general fund accumulated surplus and shall be expended only after a vote by the legislative body to appropriate a specific amount from said fund for a specific purpose related to the purpose of the fund or source of revenue. (Majority ballot vote).

As it had been left out, Chairman Moroney then read the following statement: “This meeting is being taped by a private citizen and is not done under the sponsorship of the town and is not an official record of the town.”

Discussion took place about the bond. Ike Ikasalo asked about the building the Police are in now and what the town is doing about code compliance. It was explained that first of all, it’s only a temporary location and that the code issues are not on the building – it’s the fact that the Police Department is there and it’s particular codes that apply only for that use, and trying to make it compliant would be very expensive for the town, especially when the Police will move out eventually. Normal code issues would be the responsibility of the owners but that’s not the concern. It was further explained the new building would have a sprinkler system installed and fire doors/walls among other things. While the Building Feasibility Committee has not contacted anyone for specifics, they have a very good idea about the cost as a member of the Committee works on projects such as this as his job.

The question was asked why they ruled out the original property purchased for this purpose. The property referred to is that further up on School Street, across from the Information Booth. It was explained that had not been purchased specifically for the Police Department, it was more for the Historical Society and the Library and it had been discussed namely because of its accessibility to Route 3.

Tom Gately pointed out the property in question is also currently an income property which should be helpful. The question of the price arose and it was stated that it is based on its assessment. The town’s current bond rating was also brought up and the Chairman said we could find out. It was also questioned if this is a smart thing to do now and if anyone thought about how the voters would react and if this would cause another year of voting “no” to everything. In responding, Chairman Moroney said she didn’t know what else we can do to have people understand that the town has to do something to show the state that we are working on getting a code-compliant building as the Police Station. Selectman Catalano said the Selectmen have a fiduciary responsibility to the town in this matter and they are only trying to do what they have to do. If they do nothing, in addition to the lack of code adherence, there is a big risk of lawsuits. The Board hopes people will look at each warrant article and decide their vote on each one.

Mr. Ikasalo then said the taxpayers are the Board’s boss, which they acknowledged, and he went on to say they vote yes or no and if they vote no, the Board does what they want anyway. When Chairman Moroney asked what that meant, Mr. Ikasalo said the $30,000 for the bond for the Recycling Center. Chairman Moroney reminded everyone that the town did not just go ahead and use that money. She said the article to use it passed, but the article changing the name and expanding the use did not, so the Board believed we couldn’t touch it. When DRA came to set the tax rate, the Board was told by the DRA that the money would be used as the use of these funds cannot be made so specific. Mr. Ikasalo said he must have misunderstood.

Joan Karpf said she agreed about protecting against litigation, but asked if we could just say that we’re putting money into a capital reserve fund. The Board replied that we have to demonstrate that we are actually working on doing something about a new building. Al Strasser stated our litigation responsibility is limited because of our insurance and that we should work on the present building. He believes putting the option in front of the people is a bad idea.

Chairman Moroney made a Motion To: Accept and recommend the two warrant articles. Selectman Catalano seconded and the Motion passed.

Selectman Catalano then read a warrant article that had been handed to him at the beginning of the meeting. “To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Three Thousand Dollars ($3,000.00) and turn over such monies to The Carroll Information Group, a non-profit, charitable organization. The monies are to be used to help provide the service to the Town of recording and broadcasting government meetings and events of interest to the residents of Carroll.” This is the group that films meetings and they need to update their equipment so the Public Access TV Station in Littleton can put them on the air without changing from one format to another. Brief discussion took place and Selectman Catalano made a Motion To: Accept and recommend the article. Chairman Moroney seconded and the Motion passed.

Chairman Moroney then read the next article. “To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Thirty Seven Thousand Dollars ($37,000.00) to purchase a new police cruiser and to authorize the withdrawal of Twenty Five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00) from the Police Cruiser Capital Reserve Fund and Twelve Thousand Dollars ($12,000.00) from taxation.”
Brief discussion took place. Al Strasser suggested in order to make sure it will pass, taking the remaining $12,000 come from the Unreserved Fund Balance so it won’t affect the taxes. The Selectmen agreed it was a good idea and asked the Secretary to look into doing so. Chairman Moroney made a Motion To: Accept and recommend the article as amended and Selectman Catalano seconded. The Motion passed.

Chairman Moroney read the following article: “To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the amount of Six Thousand Dollars ($6,000.00) to fund the salary of the Property-Code Enforcement Officer Salary. And further to authorize the withdrawal of such amount from the Planning Revenue Fund established in 2006 for that purpose. Chairman Moroney explained the line items in the budget to cover Stan’s salary had been reduced to $1 each and that the intent of this account is to go toward the Building Inspector’s salary. Chairman Moroney made a Motion To: Accept and recommend the article. Selectman Catalano seconded and the Motion passed.

Chairman Moroney then brought up the Capital Reserve articles:
“To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate $15,000 (Fifteen Thousand Dollars) to be placed in the Municipal Truck Capital Reserve Fund.”
“To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate $18,000 (Eighteen Thousand Dollars) to be placed in the Police Cruiser Capital Reserve Fund.”
“To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate $10,000 (Ten Thousand Dollars) to be placed in the Highway Equipment Capital Reserve Fund.”
“To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate $2,000 (Two Thousand Dollars) to be placed in the Computer Technology Capital Reserve Fund.”
“To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate $2,000 (Two Thousand Dollars) to be placed in the Library Improvement Capital Reserve Fund.”
“To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate $10,000 (Ten Thousand Dollars) to be placed in the Road Improvements Capital Reserve Fund.”
“To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate $30,000 (Thirty Thousand Dollars) to be placed in the New Land & Building Capital Reserve Fund.”
Joan Karpf asked how they decide the amount for these funds. It was explained using a vehicle as an example, they would take the approximate cost versus the life expectancy and put that much money in each year. Mrs. Karpf appreciated the explanation felt it would be helpful for others to hear it also. It was further explained this is where the CIP would be a big help when it’s up and going as these needs would be shown and how they’re planned for. There was some discussion about showing the balance of these funds and it will be looked into as to whether we may show them or not in the article. As discussion continued, it was decided it would be better not to put the balances in the articles but have them available or show them in the information and handouts.
Chairman Moroney made the following Motions. Selectman Catalano seconded each and each Motion Passed:
To Recommend $15,000 for the Municipal Truck Capital Reserve Fund.
To Recommend $18,000 for the Police Cruiser Capital Reserve Fund.
To Recommend $10,000 for the Highway Equipment Capital Reserve Fund.
To Recommend $2,000 for the Computer Technology Capital Reserve Fund.
To Recommend $2,000 for the Library Improvement Capital Reserve Fund.
To Recommend $10,000 for the Road Improvements Capital Reserve Fund.
To Recommend $30,000 for the New Land & Building Capital Reserve Fund.

The following item was approved and signed:

Water Abatement – Hogan (Police Station)

Linda Dowling asked about the “feel good” articles. Chairman Moroney said they are still coming in and will all be on the agenda for the next meeting.

Chairman Moroney read the letter to Keith Bergeron of Brenda’s Country Kitchen & Inn requesting that Mr. Bergeron come to the meeting on January 10, to discuss their signs.
Chairman Moroney made a Motion To: Sign the letter. Selectman Catalano seconded and it passed. Selectman Catalano said the Board is responding to complaints by various people. It is not their intention to restrict Keith or anyone else from doing business – but they must do it legally. Jim Covey reiterated a statement he made previously that in order to be consistent, they must also include the temporary signage in town and there has been one at the Naturally New Hampshire property for at least two years. We have ordinances and they must be enforced.

The Selectmen discussed the Deliberative Session and decided on Tuesday, February 8, with a snow date, if necessary, of Thursday, February 10. Chairman Moroney made a Motion to set the dates as noted. Selectman Catalano seconded and the Motion passed. It was noted the School District dates are set for February 7 and February 9, if necessary.

Under Other:

Scott Sonia updated on water usage in the month of December which was 1.8 million gallons compared to 2.8 million gallons during the same period in 2009. The difference in water usage for the year is just under 20 million gallons less than in 2009. This also trickles down to using less power, motors running fewer hours and using less soda ash to name a few areas that are affected. Mr. Sonia was applauded for the fine job he is doing for the Water Department.

Bill Dowling said he had seen an executive from Shell Oil on television and he predicted gas would around $4.50 a gallon by December, 2011, and close to $6.00/gallon in 2012. So he was advising the Selectmen he will be increasing his trucking lines with the Budget Committee at their next meeting.

Jim Covey asked for the last date to sign up for Office and was told Friday, January 28.

Evan Karpf said the Our Town Energy Alliance is very concerned about oil prices and rather than locking in customers in the fall as usual, are trying to lock in this month. He was just passing that along in case it was of interest.

Linda Dowling gave a copy of the Carroll Information Group’s By Laws to the Board to be kept in the Office for the town.

Ike Ikasalo asked Chief Trammell if the money is passed for a new cruiser, what they will do with the old one. Chief Trammell said they will strip it down and turn it over to the Selectmen, it will not be used as a third cruiser.

Al Strasser said he had two comments to make: To consider reducing the Highway Department to two people and hire a part time road agent who would also have an engineering background. He was advised with Mr. Rines’ resignation, it’s basically down to one employee with Scott helping out as needed for plowing, etc.

There being no further discussion, Selectman Moroney made a Motion to: adjourn the meeting. Selectman Catalano seconded and the Motion passed unanimously. Selectman Moroney declared the meeting ended at 8:20 p.m. The next meeting will be Monday, January 10, 2011.

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