Selectboard Meeting Minutes

Minutes of 11/16/2021

November 22nd, 2021

Carroll Board of Selectmen
Meeting Minutes
November 16, 2021

“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 Heather Brown, Secretary
Board Members: David Scalley, Robert Gauthier, and Ken Mills

Members of the Public: Tadd Bailey, Imre Szauter, Jason Sullivan, Mary Sullivan, and Rebecca Pederson.

The meeting was called to order at 6:38 p.m. by Chairperson Scalley.

APPROVAL of 11/9/2021 MINUTES - Selectperson Mills motioned to approve the 11/9/2021 minutes as written, Selectperson Gauthier seconded. Mills-AYE, Gauthier-AYE, Chairperson Scalley abstained because he was not in attendance.

HEALTH OFFICER BUDGET – Fire Chief, Jeff Duncan was not in attendance; however, he had informed the secretary that the proposed budget would be the same as last year, with no changes.

Budget as proposed:

01-4419.10-100 Health Officer Salary $ 500.00
01-4419.10-300 Health Officer Travel $ 0.00
01-4419.10-301 Health Officer Dues $ 75.00
01-4419.10-302 Health Officer Supplies $ 0.00
01-4419.10-303 Health Officer Training $ 0.00
TOTAL $ 575.00

PATRIOTIC BUDGET – Bonnie Moroney was not in attendance; however, she had provided the secretary with a letter for the requested 2022 budget for patriotic purpose. Moroney is requesting $1,000; Chairperson Scalley read the reasoning Moroney included with patriotic budget:

“This money is used for buying flags to replace the ones on the Town’s flag poles, purchase flags for the graves of the veterans, and the wraps that go around the gazebo.

We are hoping to have a parage again, and the barbeque, but the way things go, there is no guarantee as of today, but hope that if we have these funds to be able to do something to recognize this important day.

Thank you, Bonnie Moroney”

Budget as proposed:

01-4583.10-200 PT Memorial Day $ 1,000.00
TOTAL $ 1,000.00


BUILDING INSPECTOR BUDGET – Chairperson Scalley announced that for this topic he is going to be speaking as the Building Inspector and not as a Selectman.

Scalley explained that he took this position in 2016, temporarily, due to the previous inspector passing away. Scalley further explained that he, as the Building Inspector, has been at the rate of $25/hr., for an average of 23 hours/week for 52 weeks, totaling $29,900, for the past 5 years with no increase.

Scalley is proposing to increase the Building Inspectors rate to $30/hr., keeping the same average hours of 23 hours per week for 52 weeks, totaling $35,880.

Selectperson Mills indicated that it was 66% increase, Scalley confirmed and explained that if this was over the last 5 years it would equal a 3½% increase each year.

Selectperson Mills re-reviewed his building inspector research that was discussed on 4/7/2021 regarding building inspectors, which is noted in detail in the 4/7/2021 Select Board minutes.

Selectperson Mills highlighted that he looked into becoming a building inspector and noted that it’s a lot of work and not that easy (courses, experience, cost, etc.). Mills indicated that the current rate that the building inspector is getting now is below the current median for the State of New Hampshire (high is $29+ and low-$22). Selectperson Mills wanted to state that he thinks the 66% increase, given there has not been an increase in 5 years, the current median for a building inspector in the state, and where we are in the economy right now, he supports the $30/hr. rate – total $38,880 yearly.

Discussion between Scalley and Selectperson Mills regarding Mills’ previous research and if it was taken into account with the other building inspectors he referenced, regarding the rate of pay, if they were employees of their respective town or a 1099. Selectperson Mills confirmed they were employees. Scalley confirmed that he’s not an employee and his rate is based off having a 1099. Conversation regarding the difference and noting the benefit of the building inspector not being employee, but a contractor (1099) and being responsible for his/her own withholding, retirement, etc., and not an additional expense to the Town. Selectperson Mills did indicate that by being a contractor there is a savings to the Town.

Selectperson Gauthier also stated that he felt it was a reasonable budget request.

Scalley announced that he is returning back as a Selectman, with this topic concluding.

ADMIN BUDGET – The Secretary explained that she is still waiting on information before she can present the budget, which should be received within the next couple of weeks. The Board agreed to table the Admin budget discussion.

SIGN PEMITS (4) – SHEENA STEVENS – The Board reviewed all (4) sign permits. Selectperson Mills made a motion to approve all (4) sign permits for Sheena Stevens, Selectperson Gauthier seconded. All in favor.

DRIVEWAY PERMIT – O’LEARY – The Board reviewed. Selectperson Mills made a motion to approve the driveway permit for O’Leary, Selectperson Gauthier seconded. All in favor.

YIELD TAX – HOGAN – The Board reviewed. Selectperson Mills made a motion to approve the yield tax for Hogan, Selectperson Gauthier seconded. All in favor.

WATER WARRANTS – STRICKLAND/CAMPBELL, GILMAN, MARTIN JR., and RAJ LLC – The Board reviewed (4) water warrants. Selectperson Mills made a motion to approve the water warrants for Strickland/Campbell, Gilman, Martin Jr., and RAJ LLC, Selectperson Gauthier seconded. All in favor.

QUITCLAIM DEED – SCALLEY (old Fire Station) – Chairperson Scalley recused himself from this topic at 6:59 p.m. Selectperson Gauthier read the quitclaim deed:

“The Town of Carroll, a municipal corporation duly organized under the laws of the State of New Hampshire, with a principal place of business at 92 School Street, Carroll, New Hampshire 03595, for consideration paid, grants to David Scalley and/or his assigned, with a mailing address of 105 Union Street, Whitefield, New Hampshire 03574, without covenants, certain real property, with the improvements thereon described as follows:

Certain land and buildings in the Town of Carroll, County of Coos, State of New Hampshire, located at 104 Route 3 North, Carroll, Coos County, New Hampshire described in the tax maps of the Town of Carroll as Tax Map 206, Lot 23.
Subject to all easements and rights of way of record.
The property is conveyed subject to the restriction that the following uses are prohibited on the Premises, which restrictions shall run with the Premises:
Pawn shops
Junkyards
Sale, rental and repair of motor vehicles, recreational vehicles, and off-highway recreational vehicles
Raising and keeping of animals and livestock
Agriculture
Excavations
Kennels
Storage facilities
Medical marijuana dispensary
Sexually oriented business
Materials recycling or processing
Wholesale businesses, including a discount house or bulk sales outlet”

Selectperson Gauthier questioned if “medical marijuana dispensary” should be listed as a restriction. Both Selectpersons Gauthier and Mills agree that they believe it should not be part of the restrictions.

Selectperson Gauthier made a motion to sign the quitclaim deed once the correction is made of removing “medical marijuana dispensary” from the list of restrictions.

Discussion between Selectpersons Gauthier and Mills regarding the restriction being allowed and how it was listed on the purchase agreement with the auction.

David Scalley asked (as the purchaser) that since the property was purchased on 10/29 and the 30-day requirement, noting the upcoming holiday and still needing to do a title, he may not fall within the 30 days, since it would take at least a week or more with the title company. Both Selectpersons Gauthier and Mills confirmed that there was a week window factored in and this was discussed with St. Jean’s. Scalley acknowledged.

After further discussion and research Selectpersons Mills and Gauthier confirmed “medical marijuana dispensary” was included as a restriction with how the property was sold at the auction on 10/29/2021. The quitclaim deed is correct as written.

Selectperson Gauthier is questioning if the restriction could be lifted at another time. Selectperson Mills explained that the restrictions run with the deed. It is being sold with the restrictions as listed.

Scalley asked if it goes with the land, Selectperson Mills confirmed it goes with the property.

Selectperson Mills confirmed that for the closing, Town Counsel would be representing the Town and Scalley would have his own representation, as the buyer.

Selectperson Mills made a motion to sign the quitclaim deed as written for the former fire station at the Town of Carroll, Selectperson Gauthier seconded. All in favor. Mills-AYE, Gauthier-AYE.

Chairperson Scalley un-recused himself at 7:06 p.m. and returned as the Chairperson.

TOWN CLERK (PEDERSON) SCHEDULING – Chairperson Scalley stated that the Board asked the Town Clerk (Pederson) to come tonight to discuss the scheduling of when to expect the Town Clerk’s office being open on Friday’s, now that there is a Deputy Clerk and it was previously discussed back in July.

Pederson asked that prior to discussing the schedule, she would like to present the Board with Crystal Bailey’s Oath of Office as the Deputy Town Clerk/Tax Collector. Pederson explained that the Oath needs to be done, as well sent to the Secretary of State to allow Bailey to have a password and access, along with additional paperwork. The Board reviewed the Oath of Office. Selectperson Mills made a motion to sign the Oath of Office for Crystal Bailey, Selectperson Gauthier seconded. All in favor.

Extensive discussion between the Board and Pederson regarding when to start having the Town Clerk’s office open on Fridays, which would involve the Deputy Clerk being in the Town Clerk’s office alone on Fridays. Pederson explained her reasoning and suggested not starting the Friday hours until after the March elections. The Board discussed the benefits of having the Town Clerk’s office open on Fridays and understands that there may be things the Deputy Clerk cannot address. The Board is agreeance that the Deputy Clerk could ask the customer to come back the next week when Pederson is in the office if there was an issue and assistance is needed. In further discussion with the Board, Pederson indicated that she and Bailey had conversed and would they both would like to wait until after the holidays before opening on Fridays, which would allow for continued training, noting that there are not very many Fridays between now and after the 1st of January, because of how the holidays fall. The Board reiterated that they all are very confident that the Deputy Clerk is ready to start the beginning of the new year.

The Board and Pederson are all in agreeance that the Town Clerk’s office will be open on Friday’s, starting January 7, 2022 from 8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. The Board also requested that the secretary announce the change on the Town’s website.

Pederson asked the Board if there would be anyone else working in the Town Hall on Fridays, in reference to the Land Use Secretary and the Administrative Assistant to the Select Board. The Board responded that it does not know at this time.

HEALTHTRUST 2022 RENEWAL – The Board reviewed, noting that there is an 8% savings from last year. Selectperson Mills made a motion to approve the 2022 HealthTrust Renewal, Selectperson Gauthier seconded. All in favor.

SULLIVAN – BEECH HILL – Mary Sullivan stated “thank you for your time, for putting us on the agenda, but at this time we are going to ask that we hold off from speaking while we are communicating with our attorney right now”. Chairperson Scalley acknowledged and stated that it was dually noted and apologized that they (the Sullivan’s) sat through most of the meeting.

Chairperson Scalley asked the Sullivan’s if they would like to be on the agenda going forward, noting that if they were at the meeting they could speak and if they were not, it could be tabled until the following meeting, or call the Admin. office to be added. Ms. Sullivan responded “not sure, we are talking to legal right now”. Chairperson Scalley stated that they would remove them (the Sullivan’s) from the agenda, but asked the Sullivan’s to contact the Admin. Office to be added to the agenda when they were ready. Ms. Sullivan thanked the Board


FOLLOW UP:
TOWN ADMINSTRATOR – Selectperson Gauthier explained that he is still waiting to hear from legal.

TAX DEEDED PROPERTY – ROUTE 3 NORTH – Nothing to new to report.

SCHOOL WITHDRAWAL – Selectperson Gauthier explained that the case was presented to the Board of Education and they agreed that it should be on the ballot, noting that it is moving forward. Selectperson Gauthier noted that there was some good discussion and highlighted a comment from one of the board members mentioned that with the prices that Carroll is paying, we could send each child to Exeter Academy, as an example.

Selectperson Gauthier hopes the community will support the same view with voting, noting it is an uphill battle with the other towns to join in and understand.

The Board discussed the benefits of posting information about the withdrawal on the website. Selectperson Gauthier stated that he is going to get the minutes from the State Board of Education, and suggested also posting the letter of intent and the minority report that was submitted. Selectperson Gauthier stated that he would send this to the secretary tomorrow.

Discussion regarding the press, the Board noting a really good article that was in the Caledonian Record by Paul Hayes. Selectperson Gauthier is not sure if there will be a conflict with the Coos County Democrat, since one of the reporters is also on the School Board, but he could reach out to see if they would like to do an article.

Selectperson Gauthier noted that they are just looking for some equalization with the rate and further discussed the survey and tuition.

Discussion regarding the ballot, further noting that it goes to all (5) town’s ballots (Lancaster, Whitefield, Dalton, Carroll, and Jefferson) and the they would all have to vote to approve Carroll’s withdrawal. Selectperson Gauthier noted that Ben Jellison was at the State Board of Education meeting.

Tadd Bailey suggested the importance of getting fact sheets out to the community so everyone is educated, noting there’s a lot of options.

Selectperson Gauthier noted that each time we move up the valuation (i.e., putting a new house in), it ups our valuation and each town nets differently. For example, if it was 100, we pay 80 to the school and net 20. Other towns pay 10 to the school and net 90.

Selectperson Gauthier suggested, in his opinion, that the position of Town’s School Board Rep. has been odd and appears unsupportive as of recent.

CERTIFIED COMPUTERS/PROFILE – Chairperson Scalley indicated that the estimate to replace the server and hardware has been received ($10,510) and noted the importance of making a decision between now and December, if the money is available, and allocating some of it.

Discussion regarding the Computer and Technology Special Revenue Fund, the Board believes there is approx. a little over $14,000 in the account. The Board also believes that it would require a vote in March.

Discussion regarding the amount in the Computer Support Line and the difference needed.

Selectperson Mills explained that he spoke with Profile and we should be receiving a service estimate from one of their team members.

ARPA FUNDS – The public hearing was earlier tonight at 6:15 p.m. to accept the full amount. Selectperson Mills explained that these are the funds that were previously discussed and putting the funds in a separate account for easier tracking and reporting.

CLEANERS – This topic is still on-going. Chairperson Scalley would like to further discuss in non-public regarding contracts, personnel, and other data. Discussion amongst Chairperson Scalley and Selectperson Mills regarding discussing multiple cleaning contracts in public vs. in non-public, as well as personnel, noting that values for each contract would be announced. Selectperson Mills agrees under the context of discussing in non-public. Chief Bailey also indicated the discussion of background checks.

OTHER:

Discussion regarding department heads meeting with Bretton Woods Telephone regarding questions. The Board suggested that department heads come up with questions for Bretton Woods Telephone that they need answers for and send them to Bretton Woods Telephone so they could have answers ready when everyone meets. The Board suggested that someone from Bretton Woods come to the next meeting vs. having a meeting be set up with department heads after the holidays with Bretton Woods Telephone. The Board asked the Admin. to reach out the Bretton Wood Telephone to set up.
Chief Bailey stated that he believes one of the questions he and Chief Duncan have is regarding the true phone lines. The PD has 2 true phone lines and FD has 1 true phone line, however on the bill it is indicated that there are multiple lines. Chief Bailey also pointed out renting vs. buying the phones.
The Board asked the department heads to come up with questions they need answered.
Chairperson Scalley informed the Board that Imre Szauter asked for authorization to access the Town’s Eversource account to perform analysis. Chairperson Scalley made a motion to allow Imre Szauter to access the Town’s Eversource accounts online to perform analysis, Selectperson Mills seconded. All in favor.
Selectperson Mills wanted to speak in reference to Eversource, regarding street lights. Discussion regarding the importance of notifying Eversource when a street light is out, noting that Eversource does not know unless it is reported. Selectperson Mills explained the process, noting when calling Eversource, they need the pole number of the light that is out.
Selectperson Gauthier wants mention that when the Admin budget is discussed it ties in with the Town Administrator, noting a suggested increase for the Select Board members, however that would hinge on whether a Town Administrator is hired or not.
Chief Bailey informed the Board that on Saturday night the PD’s server monitor, keyboard and mouse experienced some type of electrical surge and burnt out, causing them to be unusable. Chief Bailey is asking to purchase a new server monitor, wireless keyboard and wireless mouse from Dell, for approx. $300-$400. Chairperson Scalley stated he would like to approve the expenditure; however, he would like to offer these items to the PD if he has these items at his office. Chief Bailey thanked Chairperson Scalley and stated that he would wait to purchase anything until he hears from him. Chairperson Scalley made a motion to approve the expenditure in the event he does not have the items at his office, Selectperson Mills second. All in favor.
At 8:05 p.m., Chairperson Scalley made a motion to go into non-public session per RSA 91-A:3 II legal and personnel. The motion was seconded by Selectperson Gauthier and polled; Scalley-yes, Gauthier – yes, Mills – yes.

At 9:12 p.m. Chairperson Scalley made a motion to return to public session and seal the minutes. Selectperson Gauthier seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

Chairperson Scalley made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Selectperson Gauthier seconded and the motion passed unanimously. Chairperson Scalley declared the meeting ended at 9:13 p.m.