Selectboard Meeting Minutes

Minutes of 12/10/2024

December 10th, 2024

Carroll Board of Selectmen
Meeting of the Select Board
Meeting Minutes
December 10th, 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: Brian Mycko, Bonnie Moroney, Jules Marquis
Members of the Public: Bill & Rena Vecchio, Bobbi & Vern Amirault, Mike Gooden, Chris Pappas, Imre Szauter, Gus Reis, Dave Scalley.

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

Pledge of Allegiance

Selectperson Moroney made a motion to appoint Brian Mycko as Chairman of the Select Board until his term ends in March 2025. Selectman Marquis seconded, all in favor, none opposed. Motion to appoint Brian Mycko as Chairman of the Select Board until his term ends in March 2025 passed.

Signing of bills and manifests completed prior to this meeting.

Selectperson Moroney motioned to approve the minutes of 11/21/2024, Selectman Marquis seconded this motion. Selectman Mycko abstained. Selectperson Moroney and Selectman Marquis in favor, none opposed. Motion to approve minutes of 11/21/2024 passed.

Selectperson Moroney motioned to approve the minutes of 11/26/2024, Selectman Marquis seconded this motion. Selectman Mycko abstained. Selectperson Moroney and Selectman Marquis in favor, none opposed. Motion to approve minutes of 11/26/2024 passed.

The Select Board was presented with an Oath of Office appointing Brian Mycko as Selectman until March 2025, signed by Mycko on November 27th, 2024. Selectperson Moroney made a motion to approve and sign. Selectman Marquis seconded. All in favor, none opposed. Motion to approve and sign Oath of Office appointing Brian Mycko as Selectman until March 2025 passed.

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

The Select Board was presented with a Supplementary Water Warrant for 2024. Selectperson Moroney and made a motion to approve and sign. Selectman Marquis 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 Memorandum of Understanding for continued membership in Education Coalition Communities 2.0. Selectperson Moroney informed those in attendance that Coalition Communities represents the town regarding education funding to prevent doner town funding for education. Moroney informed she usually attends the meetings and would like to be the representative for the Select Board with this organization. None were opposed to this. Selectperson Moroney made a motion to approve and move forward with the Town of Carroll continuing its membership in Education Coalition Communities 2.0. Selectman Marquis seconded. All in favor, none opposed. Motion to approve and move forward with the Town of Carroll continuing its membership in Education Coalition Communities 2.0 passed. Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Selectperson Moroney.

The Select Board was presented with a contract from Wright-Pierce to continue their services providing general water system engineering support. Selectperson Moroney informed those in attendance that this is the firm the town has been working with to make plans for improving the town’s water system. Moroney stated they have been very helpful and made a motion to approve and have the chairman sign. Chairman Mycko seconded this motion. All in favor, none opposed. Motion to approve contract from Wright-Pierce passed. Chairman Mycko signed the contract from Wright-Pierce to continue services for $5,000.

Chairman Mycko recognized Gus Reis to discuss a cease and desist regarding continued construction of the building on his property. Reis reported he is hoping to cap the basement he has built currently and continue construction in the spring of 2025. Reis informed that when he went to apply for his building permit, he did not realize there would be a hold up with the state and moved forward with construction. Reis apologized and informed he has submitted everything he needs for the building permit and would like to move forward. Selectman Marquis asked if Reis is looking to cap his basement so he can heat it for the winter. Reis informed that he does not plan to heat it, just make it water tight for the winter. Building Inspector Scalley informed that Reis had filled out the building permit application, and he spoke to them prior to the start of construction to inform that due to a town ordinance construction could not begin until the building permit is in place. Scalley informed that on page 7 of the building permit it states “please be advised you may be required to obtain additional permits from the state or federal government”. Scalley continued and stated Reis informed him that there had been an issue with DES regarding an illegal crossing of a brook and Reis was addressing that. Scalley informed Reis and the Select Board of RSA 676:17 Fines and Fees of which he provided a copy. Scalley informed that Reis did not apply to DES for permission to cross the brook prior to establishing a crossing and that DES needs to come out and evaluate the current crossing. The Select Board reviewed the information from Reis and the Building Inspector. Reis stated he was under the impression that he could install a temporary crossing until the design for the permanent crossing designed and approved by the state. Scalley stated he contacted Reis and discussed a list of what was needed to complete the permit, then was informed that there was building taking place without a permit. Reis stated that he was not informed of the requirements when he purchased the 20 acre property. Scalley informed that there are currently no inspections for any of the building that has taken place including the foundation. Chairman Mycko clarified that the Building Inspector has not inspected any of the foundation or heating. Scalley confirmed he has not. Scalley suggested having the attorney complete something for the deed that can be included with the tax card to release the town from liability since no inspections were done. The Select Board reviewed RSA 676:17 and informed Reis that he can cap the basement to prevent damage during the winter, cap the basement and stop there. Mycko continued the town will have legal write a document to be attached to the deed and the property card related to the lack of inspections, Reis will be billed for this as well as fines and fees. Chairman Mycko informed Reis that prior to any construction in the spring he must meet all DES requirements.

Building Inspector Scalley informed there is another property on Parker Road who applied for a permit and informed the Building Inspector that he could not wait for the permit and began construction. Scalley there is a foundation poured, and the timber frame is up. Scalley informed that he made three attempts but was unable to serve the cease and desist in person, so he had a certified letter sent to inform of the cease and desist. Scalley stated it was described as a pavilion under construction, but will provide further information as it is available.

Selectperson Moroney reported on an amendment to the Employee Handbook Employee Manual that was approved and signed by the Select Board in November. Moroney read the amendment:
“Part-time employees do not receive holiday pay for the holidays listed under Article IV.1. However, if a holiday listed under Article IV.1 falls on a day that a part-time employee would have ordinarily worked according to their regular, approved schedule but their department is closed, then the part-time employee will receive their standard rate of pay for the hours they would have worked on that day. Part-time employees shall not receive any additional leave time.” Moroney informed that this change is due to paid time off was being used by part-time employees not to cover holidays, but to use as vacation time, which caused scheduling issues with the remaining employees. Moroney informed this is being sent to employees who will sign and return to the Selectman’s office to be placed in their employee file.

The Select Board began a review of the completed warrant articles to be voted on by the Select Board. Selectperson Moroney read the articles:

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) to upgrade the Town Water System including incorporating a SCADA System using iFix for graphics and control, upgrading the pump house, equipment repairs, VPN installation for communication with Cherry Mountain tank, the well house, and in-town tank and authorize the withdrawal of Eighty-Six Thousand Eight Hundred and Thirty-Six Dollars ($86,836) from the Water Department Capital Reserve Fund.
Selectperson Moroney made a motion to accept and move forward. Chairman Mycko seconded. All in favor, none opposed.
The Board of Selectmen recommends this appropriation 3-0.

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 The registrations and inspections will be done every three years, with a processing fee to be determined by the Town of Carroll Selectboard. The fee will not to exceed Two Hundred Dollars ($200) every three years and will be payable every three years, with each registration and inspection. 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, occupancy and general property safety.
Selectperson Moroney made a motion to accept and move forward. Chairman Mycko seconded. All in favor, none opposed.
The Board of Selectmen recommends this appropriation 3-0.

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.
Selectperson Moroney made a motion to accept and move forward. Chairman Mycko seconded. All in favor, none opposed.
The Board of Selectmen recommends this appropriation 3-0.

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.
Selectperson Moroney made a motion to accept and move forward. Chairman Mycko seconded. All in favor, none opposed.
The Board of Selectmen recommends this appropriation 3-0.

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.
Selectperson Moroney made a motion to accept and move forward. Selectman Marquis seconded. All in favor, none opposed.
The Board of Selectmen recommends this appropriation 3-0.

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.
Selectperson Moroney made a motion to accept and move forward. Selectman Marquis seconded. All in favor, none opposed.
The Board of Selectmen recommends this appropriation 3-0.

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.
Selectperson Moroney made a motion to accept and move forward. Selectman Marquis seconded. All in favor, none opposed.
The Board of Selectmen recommends this appropriation 3-0.

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.
Selectperson Moroney made a motion to accept and move forward. Selectman Marquis seconded. All in favor, none opposed.
The Board of Selectmen recommends this appropriation 3-0.

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 made a motion to accept and move forward. Selectman Marquis seconded. All in favor, none opposed.
The Board of Selectmen recommends this appropriation 3-0.

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.
Selectperson Moroney made a motion to accept and move forward. Selectman Marquis seconded. All in favor, none opposed.
The Board of Selectmen recommends this appropriation 3-0.

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.
Selectperson Moroney made a motion to accept and move forward. Selectman Marquis seconded. All in favor, none opposed.
The Board of Selectmen recommends this appropriation 3-0.

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.
Selectperson Moroney made a motion to accept and move forward. Selectman Marquis seconded. All in favor, none opposed.
The Board of Selectmen recommends this appropriation 3-0.

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.
Selectperson Moroney made a motion to accept and move forward. Selectman Marquis seconded. All in favor, none opposed.
The Board of Selectmen recommends this appropriation 3-0.

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.
Selectperson Moroney made a motion to accept and move forward. Selectman Marquis seconded. All in favor, none opposed.
The Board of Selectmen recommends this appropriation 3-0.

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 accept and move forward. Selectman Marquis seconded. All in favor, none opposed.
The Board of Selectmen recommends this appropriation 3-0.

To Contribute to Tri County Community Action
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Two Thousand Fifty Dollars ($2,050) for the purpose of being the Town's contribution for Tri County Community Action Program in support of their services for residents in our community.
Selectperson Moroney made a motion to accept and move forward. Selectman Marquis seconded. All in favor, none opposed.
The Board of Selectmen recommends this appropriation 3-0.

To Contribute to North Country Home Health & Hospice
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Two Thousand Sixty-Five Dollars ($2,065) for the purpose of being the Town's contribution to the North Country Home Health & Hospice Agency Inc., to help offset the support of the home health care, supportive care, medical hospice and community health programs and services of North Country Home Health & Hospice Agency, Inc., and Hospice of the Littleton Area for the residents of our community.
Selectperson Moroney made a motion to accept and move forward. Selectman Marquis seconded. All in favor, none opposed.
The Board of Selectmen recommends this appropriation 3-0.

To Contribute to Ammonoosuc Community Health
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of One Thousand Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($1,250) for the purpose of being the Town's contribution to help offset the cost of preventative and primary health care services of Ammonoosuc Community Health Services, Inc. provided to the residents of our community.
Selectperson Moroney made a motion to accept and move forward. Selectman Marquis seconded. All in favor, none opposed.
The Board of Selectmen recommends this appropriation 3-0.

To Donate to Second Chance Animal Rescue
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000) for the Second Chance Animal Rescue.
Selectperson Moroney made a motion to accept and move forward. Selectman Marquis seconded. All in favor, none opposed.
The Board of Selectmen recommends this appropriation 3-0.

To Contribute to CASA
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Five Hundred Dollars ($500) for the purpose of being the Town’s contribution to Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of NH for recruiting, training and supervising volunteers who advocate in NH’s courts for the best interests of abused and neglected children.
Selectperson Moroney made a motion to accept and move forward. Selectman Marquis seconded. All in favor, none opposed.
The Board of Selectmen recommends this appropriation 3-0.

To Contribute to the Center for New Beginnings
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Five Hundred Dollars ($500) for the purpose of being the Town’s contribution to the Center for New Beginnings in Littleton, which provides counseling and mental health services to individuals throughout the North Country.
Selectperson Moroney made a motion to accept and move forward. Selectman Marquis seconded. All in favor, none opposed.
The Board of Selectmen recommends this appropriation 3-0.

To Donate to Pathways Pregnancy Care Center
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of One Hundred Dollars ($100) for the purpose of being the Town's contribution to Pathways Pregnancy Care Center in Littleton which provides educational services to individuals throughout the North Country.
Selectperson Moroney made a motion to accept and move forward. Selectman Marquis seconded. All in favor, none opposed.
The Board of Selectmen recommends this appropriation 3-0.

Rena Vecchio informed she has a warrant article she would like to submit and inquired on the deadline. Selectperson Moroney informed as soon as she could get the article in it can be sent to legal then DRA for review. Vecchio stated she would bring it to the next Select Board meeting for vote and review.

Selectperson Moroney informed on a conversation with legal regarding the warrant article for the Energy Commission and read as is which follows:
To purchase and install a Solar PV Array on the Town Public Safety Building

To see if the Town will vote to borrow and appropriate the sum of One Hundred Fifty-One Thousand, Seven Hundred Sixty-Six Dollars ($151,766) from the Town’s New Land and Building Capital Reserve Fund to purchase and install a solar array on the Public Safety Building roof to be installed by a licensed contractor.
The entire cost will be fully reimbursed from the following resources:
1. A grant awarded to Carroll from the United States Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant, Municipal Solar Grant Program in an amount not to exceed $86,236
2. $45,530 IRA Elective Pay (30% of the project cost)
3. $10,000 NH Department of Energy Commercial and Industrial Solar Incentive
4. $10,000 Town of Carroll Energy Efficiency Capital Reserve Fund
These four resources total $151,766 – the total amount of the amount borrowed from the Town’s New Land and Building Capital Reserve Fund account.
The solar array is expected to offset 100% of electricity usage of the Building.

Selectperson Moroney informed that Ken Mills will be continuing as the representative for the Town of Carroll to the airport.


FOLLOW UP

Private Roads – No updates at this time, Select Board determined to leave on agenda for the next meeting.

Selectperson Moroney recommended that legal be involved with the Planning Board in discussions regarding the Echo Lake and made a motion that legal attend the next Planning Board meeting. Selectman Marquis seconded. All in favor, none opposed. Motion to have that legal attend the next Planning Board meeting passed.

Selectperson Moroney discussed work being done by the DOT and inquired about permits. Scalley informed that Public Works Director Sonia has been in communication with DOT as well as he himself has requested the permit.


OTHER

Bill Vecchio provided information on the upcoming Public Information Session to inform the public on the Solar Array warrant article. The date of this informational session is January 4th 6 pm-7pm with a snow date of Jan 31st 6 pm-7 pm. Imre Szauter requested use of the Community Room for those dates. Selectman’s Assistant will add this to the town calendar.

Bill Vecchio asked about a replacement for Select Rep to the Energy Commission. Selectperson Moroney nominated Brian Mycko. Selectman Marquis seconded. All in favor, none opposed. Brian Mycko nominated as Energy Commission Select Board Representative. Mycko will also take former Chairman Greer’s place as the Select Board Representative for the Zoning Board.

Bill Vecchio informed that the Energy Commission is holding off on the battery storage application that was in the works, and provided information on the technical aspects of that project. Vecchio informed the Energy Commission has decided to work on battery storage at a later date.

Vecchio informed on the LED streetlight installation and stated the project is almost completed and anticipates completion 12/11/2024.

Chairmen Mycko recognized Rena Vecchio who informed that at the last Planning Board meeting the board was discussing the survey for the Master Plan update and how to improve responses. Vecchio informed that a suggestion was made to use a program similar to Constant Contact where the town could send email notifications out regarding surveys, inclement weather etc. Vecchio informed that an offer was made by Alex Foti to provide this service at a cost of $45 for the program with no additional cost for his services. Vecchio supports the idea of establishing an email database and informed the Select Board could reach out to Foti for additional information. Chairman Mycko requested the Selectman’s Assistant provide him with Foti’s email address to discuss this. Dave Scalley suggested reaching out to Whitefield to inquire what they use for this service. Mycko informed that he is currently working on creating a new Facebook account for the Town of Carroll which will be administered by the Selectman’s Assistant.

Chairman Mycko recognized Dave Scalley who asked for a rough estimate of the Air B & B’s in town. Mycko informed it is the second largest in the state but did not have an exact number at this time. Selectperson Moroney informed the count is around 400.

Chairman Mycko suggested moving the Select Board meeting scheduled for December 31st to December 30th due to New Year’s Eve. The Select Board had no objections to this change and the Selectman’s Assistant will adjust the meeting date from December 31st to December 30th at 5pm.


At 6:11 p.m. Selectperson Moroney made a motion to enter non-public for legal. Selectman Marquis seconded, roll call vote to enter non-public for legal passed unanimously.

At 6:29 p.m. Selectperson Moroney made a motion to leave non-public and return to public. Selectman Marquis seconded. All in favor, none opposed. Motion to return to public session passed.

At 6:30 p.m. Selectperson Moroney made a motion to seal the minutes. Selectman Marquis seconded. Roll call vote to seal the minutes passed unanimously.

Selectperson Moroney made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:31 p.m. Selectman Marquis seconded. All in favor, none opposed. Motion to adjourn passed, meeting adjourned at 6:31 p.m.

Next meeting of the Select Board is scheduled for Tuesday December 17th, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. in the Community Room of the Carroll Town Hall.