Selectboard Meeting Minutes

Minutes of 3/27/2023

March 30th, 2023

Carroll Board of Selectmen
Meeting Minutes
March 27, 2023

“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: Ken Mills, Jules Marquis, John Greer

Members of the Public: Imre Szauter, Rena Vecchio, Bill Vecchio, Bobbi Amirault, Vern Amirault, Mike Gooden, Judy Pappas, Chris Pappas, Dave Scalley, Jeff Duncan, Greg Hogan, Geri Hayes, Bob Hayes

The meeting was called to order at 5:00 p.m. by Selectperson Mills.

Pledge of Allegiance.

Selectperson Mills explained that for the first few agenda items he would be facilitating the meeting until the Board determined a Chairperson.

OATHS OF OFFICE – Selectperson Mills read the oaths to the public and the Board reviewed the following oaths of office:
Jules Marquis – Selectman (3-year term, 2026)
John Greer – Selectman (2-year term, 2025)
Edward Martin – Cemetery Trustee (3-year term, 2026)
John Gardiner – Library Trustee (3-year term, 2026)
Annette Marquis – Treasurer (1-year term, 2024)
John Foster – Trustee of Trust Funds (3-year term, 2026)
Rena Vecchio – Planning Board (3-year term, 2026)
Donald Jones Jr. – Planning Board (3-year term, 2026)
Ryan Peffer – Planning Board (2-year term, 2025)
Karen Moran – Zoning Board of Adjustment (3-year term, 2026)
Anita Greer – Zoning Board of Adjustment (3-year term, 2026)
Bonnie Moroney – Deputy Treasurer (1-year term, 2024)

Selectperson Mills made a motion to accept and sign all the oaths presented at the end of the meeting. The motion was seconded by Selectperson Marquis. Discussion – none. All in Favor: Mills-AYE, Marquis-AYE, Greer-AYE.

ELECT A CHAIRPERSON – Selectperson Mills asked the Board if they had any nominations for a Chairperson. Selectpersons Greer and Mills both thanked David Scalley and Brian Mycko for their efforts on the Board. Selectperson Mills made a motion to nominate Jules Marquis to be the Chairperson to the Select Board. Selectperson Greer seconded. Discussion – none. All in Favor: Mills-AYE, Marquis-AYE, Greer-AYE.

Selectperson Mills explained that he would be handing the meeting over to Chairperson Marquis to run.

COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS – The Board reviewed and discussed the committee assignments. The following was assigned:

Planning Board – Chairperson Marquis
Zoning Board – Selectperson Greer
Parks & Recreation – Selectperson Greer
Conservation –Selectperson Mills
Safety – Chairperson Marquis
Airport – Selectperson Mills
Broadband – Selectperson Greer

ELECTION RESULTS – Chairperson Marquis read the 2023 Town election results. A copy of the results is attached.

The Secretary explained to the Board that she had a housekeeping item that needed to be addressed, noting the budget was presented one way, however, there were changes in personnel at the police department after the budget was presented and there are general ledger lines that should be corrected to reflect the correct amounts, noting there would be no change to the budget. The amount on GL line 01-4210.10-101 should read $63,739 and the amount on GL line 01-4210.10-106 should read $64,445. Selectperson Mills made a motion to allow the Secretary to make the necessary changes to the general ledger lines noted. Chairperson Marquis seconded. Discussion – none. All in Favor: Mills-AYE, Marquis-AYE, Greer-AYE.

The Secretary asked for the Boards permission to cut checks for the Library and the Chamber, as well as Trustees of the Trust Funds and feel goods, noting those would not get cut until closer to June when tax revenue starts coming in. Selectperson Mills motioned to approve the secretary to cut the checks as requested; Chairperson Marquis seconded. Discussion – none. All in Favor: Mills-AYE, Marquis-AYE, Greer-AYE.

The Secretary asked the Board to determine a date for the employee pay raises, noting that in past years, it is typically the first week in April. The Board discussed and agreed the new rates should begin on April 2nd, 2023. Selectperson Mills motioned April 2, 2023 as the date for the employee pay raises to take effect; Chairperson Marquis seconded. Discussion – none. All in Favor: Mills-AYE, Marquis-AYE, Greer-AYE.

Selectperson Mills discussed the repercussions of warrant article #17 failing, noting the cost of the building inspector was calculated in the budget, however the revenue generated from building permits, etc. cannot be used from the Special Revenue Fund to offset the cost of the property inspector this year.

APPROVAL OF 2/28/2023 SELECT BOARD MINUTES – Selectperson Mills explained to the Board the logistics of approving this set of minutes, noting the new members on the Board and that the members could vote AYE if they believed the minutes were accurate even though they were not on the Board at the time, or they could vote NAY or abstain, noting that if the Board voted and the consensus was NAY or abstain, the minutes would just not be approved. Selectperson Mills motioned to approve the 2/28/2023 Select Board minutes as written; Chairperson Marquis seconded. Discussion – none. All in Favor: Mills-AYE, Marquis-ABSTAIN, Greer-AYE.

APPROVAL & SIGNING OF MANIFESTS – All Board members confirmed that they had and/or would sign the manifests.

SUPPLEMENTAL WATER WARRANT – The Board reviewed the supplemental water warrant for Rouillard Properties LLC, TMFR LLC, Bretton Woods Property Management, and Cassidy, totaling $300.00. Selectperson Mills made a motion to approve and sign the supplemental water warrant; Chairperson Marquis seconded. Discussion – none. All in Favor: Mills-AYE, Marquis-AYE, Greer-AYE.

ABATEMENT – The Board reviewed the property tax abatement for Owen, totaling $6.07, noting it was for “deck removed”. Selectperson Mills made a motion to approve and sign the tax abatement for Owen; Chairperson Marquis seconded. Discussion – none. All in Favor: Mills-AYE, Marquis-AYE, Greer-AYE.

CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY (BIRCHWOOD COMMONS; 206-074-010-000) – The Board reviewed the certificate of occupancy. Selectperson Mills made a motion to approve and sign the Certificate of Occupancy for Birchwood Commons LLC; Chairperson Marquis seconded. Discussion – none. All in Favor: Mills-AYE, Marquis-AYE, Greer-AYE.

DRIVEWAY PERMIT (WINGATE; 417-061-000-022) – The Board reviewed the driveway permit. Selectperson Mills made a motion to approve and sign the driveway permit for Wingate; Chairperson Marquis seconded. Discussion – none. All in Favor: Mills-AYE, Marquis-AYE, Greer-AYE.

SIGN PERMIT (BRETTON WOODS PROPERTY MGT; 207-050-000-000) – The Board reviewed the sign permit. Selectperson Mills made a motion to approve and sign the sign permit for Bretton Woods Property Management LLC; Chairperson Marquis seconded. Discussion – none. All in Favor: Mills-AYE, Marquis-AYE, Greer-AYE.

KEY CARD ACCESS REQUEST FOR A. FOTI-ZBA – The Secretary explained that Aaron Foti of the ZBA is requesting an access change to his key card. The Board briefly discussed and indicated that they would like to discuss further in non-public.

RECREATION DIRECTOR RESIGNATION – The Secretary explained that Erin Oleson had submitted her resignation as Recreation Director on March 16th and the Board would need to appoint a new Recreation Director, noting there was a letter of interest received from Donna Goettler, which the Board reviewed. The Board discussed their options to advertise for the vacancy or to appoint Donna Goettler. The Secretary confirmed that Erin and Donna have been working together for the past month.
Chairperson Marquis made a motion to appoint Donna Goettler as the Recreation Director; Selectperson Mills seconded. Discussion – Selectperson Greer indicated that he did not know Donna Goettler, but noted that it’s great they are already working together. Bobbi Amirault voiced her support of Donna Goettler, noting Donna had already stepped in and has hosted a couple of events/activities for the Recreation Department. Rena Vecchio explained that Erin would not have stepped down if there was not someone there to take her place, also confirming that Donna and Erin have been working together. All in Favor: Mills-AYE, Marquis-AYE, Greer-AYE.

VEHICLE PURCHASE FROM WARRANT ARTICLES (DUNCAN) – Fire Chief Duncan explained to the Board that Police Chief Bailey planned to be in attendance, however he was unable to do so. Chief Duncan wanted to give the Board an update of where he and Chief Bailey are in terms of the vehicle purchases for both departments. Chief Duncan explained that Chief Bailey has gone forward with purchasing/ordering the new police cruiser, noting that the dealership offered $8,000 as trade-in for the old cruiser. Chief Duncan further explained that the Fire Department expected to purchase a new vehicle within the next couple of years, noting that vehicle would be approximately $50,000-$60,000 properly equipped. Chief Duncan presented the Board with the option of the Fire Department purchasing the old Police cruiser for $8,000, using money from the Fire Department budget and another $4,000 to equip and paint the vehicle, as opposed to putting in for a warrant article for a new vehicle next year. Chief Duncan elaborated that the cruiser is approximately four to five years old and has about 65,000 miles on it, noting the vehicle would not be an everyday response vehicle for the Fire Department and still has a lot of life left for how the Fire Department would utilize the vehicle.

Chief Duncan also updated the Board on the purchase of the new ambulance since the warrant article passed. Chief Duncan explained that he has met with four manufacturers and wanted to let the Board know that it appears that the cost of the ambulance could be approximately $40,000 less than anticipated, assuming there were no other increases along the way.

The Board discussed Chief Duncan’s proposal to purchase the old Police cruiser, rather than the Police Department trading it in. Chief Duncan confirmed that Chief Bailey does have documentation regarding the $8,000 trade-in value. Chief Duncan also explained that Chief Bailey will incur costs to install a radio and lights for the new cruiser, however Chief Duncan offered to split the cost with Chief Bailey, since the old cruiser is already equipped with both items and they are transferrable to the new vehicle. Chief Duncan confirmed that this purchase would be an interdepartmental transfer between the Police and Fire departments, noting it’s Town owned property. Chief Duncan reiterated that purchasing the old cruiser would save money. Chief Duncan further explained that the current Fire Department pickup truck has always been used as a forestry vehicle, noting it was renovated last Fall and he anticipates getting three to five additional years of service from it . He emphasized the truck would be used strictly for that purpose, along with leaving the pumps in it year-round. Chief Duncan reiterated with the Board his proposal would be approximately $12,000 from the Fire Department budget to purchase the old cruiser and little bit more on top of that to have the vehicle painted and re-lettered to indicate it is a Fire Department vehicle. Selectperson Mills inquired if the $12,000 amount was a “no higher cost”. Chief Duncan responded that he does not have a cost to have the vehicle painted and lettered, further explaining that the cost of purchasing a brand-new vehicle would be much more. Selectperson Mills made a motion to approve Chief Duncan’s request for the vehicle transfer as requested; Chairperson Marquis seconded. Discussion – Selectperson Greer voiced his opinion that it seems like an excellent deal and inquired how long a vehicle like this would last. Chief Duncan responded that he anticipates the Fire Department getting five to seven years out of the vehicle. Duncan also confirmed that if this request didn’t happen, the Fire Department would be submitting for a warrant article for a new vehicle next year or the year after. The Board indicated that it would be a good use of tax dollars, in terms of the interdepartmental transfer of the vehicle. All in Favor: Mills-AYE, Marquis-AYE, Greer-AYE.

1st ISSUE WATER WARRANT 2023 – The Board reviewed the 1st issue water warrant, totaling $39,696.25. Selectperson Mills made a motion to approve and sign the 1st issue water warrant; Chairperson Marquis seconded. Discussion – none. All in Favor: Mills-AYE, Marquis-AYE, Greer-AYE.

2023 MS-232 – The Board reviewed the MS-232. The Secretary explained that this is the report of appropriations actually voted. Selectperson Mills made a motion to approve and sign the 2023 MS-232; Chairperson Marquis seconded. Discussion – none. All in Favor: Mills-AYE, Marquis-AYE, Greer-AYE.

VETERANS EXEMPTION – The Board reviewed the Veterans exemption for Early. Selectperson Mills made a motion to approve and sign the Veterans exemption for Early; Chairperson Marquis seconded. Discussion – Selectperson Greer briefly explained that he spoke with the Town Clerk prior to the meeting regarding the residency requirements, noting the applicant only has to be a resident of New Hampshire, confirming that the applicant meets the requirements. All in Favor: Mills-AYE, Marquis-AYE, Greer-AYE. Selectperson Mills further explained the Veterans exemption is almost like a default, but for cause, in recognizing an impact to the revenue to the Town, noting the Town has consistently approved, noting the last ballot to increase the amount from $500 to $750, further noting the Town makes that determination. Selectperson Mills also explained to the Board that there are approximately 57 Veterans in total in Carroll, two of which are totally disabled, which is its own separate exemption.

FOLLOW UP:

LAND USE SECRETARY POSITION – The Secretary explained that the Board has received a total of three applications, however two of the applicants have withdrawn. The Board briefly discussed the need to schedule an interview, as well as the duties of the position that is being advertised until filled, noting the Land Use Secretary would also attend the Planning and Zoning meetings monthly, as well as take their minutes. The Board indicated that they would like to continue discussion further in non-public.

CLEANER/MAINTENANCE POSITION – Selectperson Mills indicated that filling this position is also on-going and should be discussed further in non-public; the Board agreed.

CLOCK IN COMMUNITY ROOM – Selectperson Mills updated members on the request for a clock in the Community Room. The Board was shown a picture of the clock that was previously picked out, noting that it does not tick, is battery powered, and is approximately $20. Selectperson Mills made a motion to purchase the clock; Chairperson Marquis seconded. Discussion – Selectperson Mills asked Greg Hogan if he could assist with hanging the clock when it arrives; Hogan confirmed he would. All in Favor: Mills-AYE, Marquis-AYE, Greer-AYE.

OTHER:

ELDERLY EXEMPTION – The Board reviewed the elderly exemption applications for Pelzel and Boudle. Selectperson Mills highlighted that these applications are based on the newest criteria that was passed on the ballot this year. Chairperson Marquis made a motion to approve and sign the elderly exemptions for Pelzel and Boudle; Selectperson Mills seconded. Discussion – none. All in Favor: Mills-AYE, Marquis-AYE, Greer-AYE.

Selectperson Mills stated that going forward he would like to ask the Board to approve the continuation of Imre Szauter participating in several non-public legal conversations, noting he is a great resource. Selectperson Mills wanted it to be recognized in public that Szauter’s presence in non-public wouldn’t be questionable and has the support of the Board to continue in that capacity. Selectperson Mills made a motion to continue including Imre Szauter for non-public legal; Chairperson Marquis seconded. Discussion – none. All in Favor: Mills-AYE, Marquis-AYE, Greer-AYE.

Bobbi Amirault invited the Select Board members to the Easter Egg Hunt for the school-aged children at the Recreation area, happening this Saturday (4/1/2023) at 1:00 p.m., if it does not rain, noting that it would be a great way to meet people.

David Scalley requested to speak to the Board in non-public regarding legal to update the Board on past happenings with the transition of new board members. The Board unanimously agreed to the request.

At 6:06 p.m., Selectperson Mills made a motion to go into non-public session per RSA 91-A:3 II. The motion was seconded by Chairperson Marquis and polled; All in Favor: Mills-AYE, Marquis-AYE, Greer-AYE.

At 8:07 p.m., Selectperson Mills made a motion to return to public session and seal the minutes. The motion was seconded by Chairperson Marquis and polled; All in Favor: Mills-AYE, Marquis-AYE, Greer-AYE. The motion passed unanimously.

The Board unanimously agreed to continue utilizing David Scalley on a consultation basis with the Select Board on several non-public matters with the transition of new Board members.

The Board unanimously agreed to deny Aaron Foti’s request to have his key card access expanded, noting they would like to keep the access as status quo.

The Board discussed scheduling non-public interviews on April 4, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. for the cleaning/maintenance position and the Land Use Secretary position.

The Board discussed dates for the next couple of Select Board meetings in April, based on availability. The Board announced that their next meeting is Monday, April 3, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. in the Community Room, with the following meeting on Monday April 17, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. in the Community Room.

Selectperson Mills made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Chairperson Marquis seconded. All in Favor: Mills-AYE, Marquis-AYE, Greer-AYE; and the motion passed unanimously. Chairperson Marquis declared the meeting ended at 8:20 p.m.

ATTACHMENT TO 3/27/2023 MINUTES:
2023 Town Election Results