Selectboard Meeting Minutes

Minutes of 10/29/2024

October 29th, 2024

Carroll Board of Selectmen
Meeting of the Select Board
Meeting Minutes
October 29th, 2024

“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: Meg Basnar
Board Members: Bonnie Moroney, John Greer
Members of the Public: Brian Mycko, Bobbi Amirault, Imre Szauter, Rena Vecchio

Meeting called to order at 5:00 p.m.

Pledge of Allegiance

Signing of bills and manifests completed prior to this meeting.

Selectperson Moroney motioned to approve the minutes of 10/8/2024, Chairman Greer seconded this motion. All in favor none opposed. Motion to approve minutes of 10/8/2024 passed.

Selectperson Moroney motioned to approve the minutes of 10/15/2024, Chairman Greer seconded this motion. All in favor none opposed. Motion to approve minutes of 10/15/2024 passed.

The Select Board was presented with a Supplementary Water Warrant for 2024. Selectperson Moroney made a motion to approve and sign. Chairman Greer seconded this motion. All in favor, none opposed. Motion to approve and sign Supplementary Water Warrant for 2024 passed.

The Select Board was presented with a Warrant for the Presidential Election. Selectperson Moroney made a motion to approve and sign. Chairman Greer seconded this motion. All in favor, none opposed. Motion to approve and sign Warrant for the Presidential Election passed.

The Select Board was presented with an Intent to Cut for Brayfield. Selectperson Moroney made a motion to approve and sign. Chairman Greer seconded this motion. All in favor, none opposed. Motion to approve and sign Intent to Cut for Brayfield passed.

Chairman Greer informed all in attendance that the meeting must conclude by 6:45 p.m. to allow the Assistant Moderator time to finish setting up for a sitting of the Supervisors of the Checklist.




BUDGET REVIEW

Selectman reviewed the proposed budgets presented to date. Selectperson Moroney informed that some of the administrative budget lines will need to be revisited as additional information comes in. Budgets reviewed, in order of review, are listed as follows: Town Clerk/Tax Collector, Library, Conservation Commission, Trustees of the Trust Funds, Cemetery Trustees, Town Moderator, Planning Board, Zoning Board of Adjustment, Treasurer, Emergency Management, Police Department, Fire/Ambulance Department, and Health Officer.
Selectperson Moroney stated the line for postage should be removed from the Zoning Board of Adjustment budget line.
Chairman Greer asked about the possibility of reducing the training line in the proposed Health Officer budget. Selectperson Moroney informed that there may be some changes to the lines for Health Officer and will reach out to the Deputy Health Officer to determine any changes for 2025.
Budgets for Transfer Station, General Buildings, Highway Department and Water will continue to receive changes as additional information becomes available, such as quotes for work to be done in 2025.
The Select Board continued their review of the proposed budgets for Chamber of Commerce and Recreation Committee. Selectperson Moroney explained the reduction of $560 from the Town Entertainment line to accommodate the creation of a line specifically for the Fishing Derby. Chairman Greer discussed a reduction in the Recreation Committee Budget due to Rec Committee not spending much of their budgeted funds for 2024. Selectperson Moroney explained the expenses from that budget. Moroney continued stating that during meetings for the Master Plan update when reviewing the results of the surveys there were multiple requests for an ice-skating rink, Moroney suggested leaving the equipment and supply line for $1,200 as is to assist with implementing this recommendation from residents. Chairman Greer stated he supported this idea. Brian Mycko suggested discussing the proposed location of the skating rink with the Snowmobile Club, stating there is an arrangement with that group for use of that parking lot. Moroney suggested a possible alternative location of the Town Highway Garage. No reductions were made to the Recreation budget aside from the addition to the Fishing Derby. Rena Vecchio inquired about the ski program happening this year. Selectperson Moroney informed that the ski program will happen, the change for this year is that the organization who covered the bussing for the program will not be doing so. Moroney informed that to account for this the Rec Committee increased the line for transportation in their budget from $1,000 to $1,500. Vecchio inquired about the ski program having a scholarship program to help kids participate whose families may not be able to afford it. Vecchio suggested implementing a program like this if possible. Selectperson Moroney advised that there are funds in the Recreation budget which could potentially be used to assist with this. Vecchio informed she would discuss with Rec Committee and determine if such program already exists. Chairman Greer informed the Rec meeting scheduled for October was cancelled and the next meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 25th.

Selectperson Moroney continued reviewing the proposed 2025 budgets for Patriotic, Energy Commission and Property Inspector. The Select Board discussed the Property Inspector’s proposed budget which included a 9% raise for property inspections, a reduction of $300 for training, and the initially proposed $7,100 for travel/mileage which was reduced by $600 to $6,500 following discussion during the initial budget presentation where Scalley informed most of the trainings needed were completed in 2024 and would need to travel less. Total proposed budget for Building Inspector $73,400.
Selectman’s Assistant informed that she is still waiting on some numbers for her budget, as is the Director of Public Works, and will update the Select Board at the meeting on November 12th.

Selectperson Moroney made a motion to accept the proposed budgets reviewed and agreed upon at this meeting, aside from the budgets from Administration and the Director of Public Works. Chairman Greer seconded that motion. All in favor, none opposed. Motion to accept the proposed 2025 budgets for Town Clerk/Tax Collector, Library, Conservation Commission, Trustees of the Trust Funds, Cemetery Trustees, Town Moderator, Planning Board, Zoning Board of Adjustment, Treasurer, Emergency Management, Police Department, Fire/Ambulance Department, Health Officer, Chamber of Commerce, Recreation Committee, Patriotic, Property Inspector and Energy Commission passed. Moroney reminded all that these could be changed at deliberative.

WARRANT ARTICLE REVIEW

The Select Board began a review of 2025 warrant articles thus far. Selectperson Moroney read the warrant articles as follows:

Upgrade Town Water System
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Eighty-Six Thousand Eight Hundred and Thirty-Six Dollars ($86,836) for the upgrades and labor needed for the Town Water System. This includes incorporating a SCADA System using iFix for graphics and control, upgrading the pump house to today’s standards, repairs to some equipment, installation of VPN for cyber communication with the Cherry Mountain tank, the well house and in-town tank. Funds to come from the Water Department Capital Reserve Fund. No money to be raised from new taxation.

Moroney informed that information on this warrant article will be available to voters at the Deliberative Session to review.

Short-Term Rental Registration and Life Safety Inspection
To see if the town will vote to accept a Registration and Life Safety Inspection for all Short-Term Rentals of 30 days or less. These inspections are vital to the safety of the occupants and are required by the State of New Hampshire Life Safety Code. The registrations and inspections will be done every three years, with a processing fee to be determined by the Town of Carroll Selectboard, with the fee not to exceed Two Hundred Dollars ($200) every three years. The inspections will include, but are not limited to, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, fire escape routes and emergency exits, fire suppression systems, electrical safety and general property safety.

Chairman Greer recognized Rena Vecchio who asked the Select Board about the status of the warrant article for short-term rental registration that was passed in March of 2024. Selectperson Moroney informed that the safety inspection was not specifically stated in that article, so the Select Board has moved forward with establishing a warrant article that includes the safety inspection. Moroney continued, stating that the entire packet will be available to voters at the Deliberative Session to review so they know exactly what they are voting for. Chairman Greer stated he felt having safety measures, such as fire extinguishers and smoke detectors, in short-term rentals was important. Vecchio was provided with an example of the warrant article and all supporting documents to bring to the next meeting of the Planning Board. Brian Mycko asked about ordinances and enforcement. Selectperson Moroney said she would investigate what the Police Department is using currently and go from there. Moroney informed that many other towns have tighter and stricter regulations regarding short-term rentals and feels this article is a good start to maintain safety.

Selectperson Moroney continued reading warrant articles as follows:
To Modify the Slope of the Town Hall
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Sixty Thousand Dollars ($60,000) to remove the steepness of the grade that constitutes a danger for people mowing in front of the Carroll Town Hall. Cutting away the severity of the slopes to maintain safety by removing soil from the front and moving it to the other side of School Street in order to modify both of the slopes.

To place money in the Road Improvements CRF
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000) to be added to the Road Improvement Capital Reserve Fund previously established.

To Place Money in the Water Department CRF
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000) to be added to the Water Department Capital Reserve Fund previously established. This sum to come from the Water Unassigned Fund Balance.

To Put Money in the New Land & Building CRF
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Thirty Thousand Dollars ($30,000) to be added to the New Land & Building Capital Reserve Fund previously established.

To put money in the Police Cruiser CRF
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Thirty Thousand Dollars ($30,000) to be added to the Police Cruiser Capital Reserve Fund previously established.

To Place Money in the Municipal Truck CRF
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Thirty Thousand Dollars ($30,000) to be added to the Municipal Truck Capital Reserve Fund previously established.

New Lawn Tractor
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Fifteen Thousand Dollars ($15,000) for the purpose of purchasing a Gravely Pro Turn 660 Lawn Tractor.

Selectperson Moroney informed this warrant article will also have information available to voters at the Deliberative Session regarding the specs of the tractor to be purchased.

To Place Money in the Highway Equipment CRF
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Twenty Thousand Dollars ($20,000) to be added to the Highway Equipment Capital Reserve Fund previously established.

To Put Money in the Landfill Closure CRF
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000) to be added to the Landfill Closure Capital Reserve Fund previously established.

To put money in the Energy Commission CRF
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000) to be added to the Energy Commission Capital Reserve Fund previously established.

To Offset Ambulance Medical Transfers
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Twenty Thousand Dollars ($20,000) for the purpose of off-setting expenses related to ambulance operations, specifically hospital to hospital medical transfers of the sick and injured, with said funds to come from the Fire Department and Ambulance Equipment, Apparatus and Personnel Special Revenue Fund.

To Place Money in the Computer Technology CRF
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Four Thousand Dollars ($4,000) to be added to the Computer Technology Capital Reserve Fund previously established.

Modify the Totally Disabled Veteran Tax Credit Amount
Shall the town modify the Totally Disabled Veteran’s Tax Credit in accordance with RSA 72:35 from its current tax credit of Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000) to Four Thousand Dollars ($4,000). (Majority vote required)

Selectperson Moroney made a motion to send new warrant articles for 2025 to legal for review, specifically the upgrade to the water system, short-term rental, modification of the slope, new lawn tractor, modification of the totally disabled veteran’s tax credit, and energy CRF. Chairman Greer seconded. During discussion Chairman Greer recognized Imre Szauter of the Energy Commission who provided a correction on this article.
The corrected article reads as follows:
To put money in the Energy Efficiency CRF
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000) to be added to the Energy Efficiency Capital Reserve Fund previously established.
Motion to send all new warrant articles for 2025 to legal for review passed.

PROPERTIES FOR AUCTION IN 2025
Selectperson Moroney informed there are 3 properties owned by the town which will be available to go up for auction in 2025. Moroney continued stating one of these properties has been difficult in the past, and she would like to make a motion to send the properties to the title company to get them cleared and ready for 2025. Chairman Greer seconded. All in favor, none opposed. Motion to send three properties to the title company passed.



FOLLOW UP

Regarding the topic of private roads, no new information has been obtained since the last meeting. This item will be placed on the agenda for the 11/12/24 Select Board Meeting.

Regarding Poplar Lane Chairman Greer informed he had gone out to visit the property several times to view the road and stated he thought it was the position of the Director of Public Works (DPW) to make the decision. Greer stated during the visit to view the road he could hardly see damage, after speaking with the DPW he learned the marks were not in the location he was looking. Greer stated he left it up to DPW. Selectperson Moroney informed the road was viewed with DPW following a safety inspection of the Transfer Station earlier in the week. Moroney informed the driveway permit signed by the property owner states the property owner is responsible for any damages caused to the road during construction. Moroney stated she did view damage on the road and feels perhaps legal should draft the letter to the property owner since the property owner did not address the damage after the first letter was sent. Chairman Greer stated he does agree there is some damage to the road. Selectperson Moroney stated a precedent is being set on how the damage to this road is handled. Greer stated he agrees, and that he offered to write a letter to the property owner at the previous meeting. Chairman Greer recognized Brian Mycko who informed that if a letter is not sent there is no recourse, and advised the Select Board to have legal write the letter. Chairman Greer stated he did not want to spend tax payer’s money on this issue. Selectperson Moroney stated if Greer wanted to write the letter then he could do so, and if no action is taken by the property owner then the Select Board will have legal follow up. Chairman Greer reported he will write the letter.


OTHER

Selectperson Moroney reviewed RSA 652:16-H regarding electioneering and suggested there be someone attending to this RSA as voting is taking place. Selectperson Moroney requested the Select Board provide assistance to Bobbi Amirault who will be greeting voters as they come in to vote. Chairman Greer reminded all that voting takes place November 5th at the Carroll Town Hall Community Room from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Assistant Moderator Imre Szauter reported on the inspection from the last vote, and discussed how any deficiencies have been addressed in preparation for the Presidential Election.

Selectperson Moroney informed on a visit from a group of individuals with video cameras who were taping town employees as they went about their work. Following taping inside the Town Hall, they went outside the Town Hall and began addressing a member of the Garden Club as well as other residents as they went about their business at the Town Hall. Selectperson Moroney reviewed proper procedure for dealing with individuals taping inside the Town Hall. Selectperson Moroney reported officer Basnar handled the situation professionally.

Chairman Greer moved on to discuss Imre Szauter’s re-appointment to the Energy Commission. Szauter provided information on the length of terms for Energy Commission members. Selectperson Moroney made a motion to re-appoint Imre Szauter to a three-year term with the Energy Commission. Chairman Greer seconded. All in favor, none opposed. Motion to re-appoint Imre Szauter to a three-year term with the Energy Commission passed.

Chairman Greer expressed his gratitude to the New Hampshire Department of Energy for performing a free audit of the town’s water infrastructure.

Chairman Greer informed all in attendance that the town of Littleton is setting their tax rate, and stated this must be because they have their school information by now and the town of Carroll does not. Greer continued that once that information has been obtained the tax rate can be set.

Chairman Greer continued that he was looking at the town’s expenses and observed that the Police Department is spending money on a lawyer. Greer asked for information on this. Selectperson Moroney informed Greer that the lawyer goes to court in place of the officers, and that this system was implemented due to the large amounts of overtime being paid to officers to attend court. Brian Mycko, who was on the Select Board at the time this decision was made stated that it was cheaper to hire the lawyer and not take the officers away from providing coverage to the town to attend court.

At 6:27 p.m. Chairman Greer made a motion to enter non-public for personnel. Selectperson Moroney seconded, roll call vote to enter non-public for personnel passed unanimously.

At 6:32 p.m. Selectperson Moroney made a motion to leave non-public and return to public. Chairman Greer seconded. All in favor, none opposed. Motion to return to public session passed.

At 6:32 p.m. Selectperson Moroney made a motion to seal the minutes. Chairman Greer seconded. Roll call vote to seal the minutes passed unanimously.

At 6:33 p.m. Selectperson Moroney made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Chairman Greer seconded. All in favor, none opposed. Motion to adjourn passed, meeting adjourned at 6:33 p.m.

Next meeting of the Select Board is scheduled for Tuesday November 12th, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. in the Community Room of the Carroll Town Hall.