Select Board Meeting called to order at 6:00 pm
Pledge of Allegiance
Roll Call – Beth Downs, Marlene Freyler, Mel Pfeifle and Karen Hambleton, Town Administrator, were in attendance.
Appearances:
BACC Governance Board – The Board members are wondering what will happen once the Town Offices are moved back to the Town Hall. There was a discussion about Parks and Recreation using some of the space in the Community Center. The Selectboard encouraged them to look into some different options for creating programs etc. Karen mentioned they could also take a look at what needs to be done for maintenance on the building as well.
Fire Department Update – The Chief thanked the Highway Department for help in fixing the manhole cover in their yard. He also thanked Nate Nichols and Parker Resling who are two young hires who have been helping around the station.
The Chief said that payment for the new fire truck has been sent to E1. The 14 SCBA bottles will be purchased at the old price.
There are seven new hires (two returns and five new volunteers) in the department.
The Chief reported that there were two fire incidents in March and five medical and two mutual aids to Sutton in April. All nine sets of gear that were purchased have been issued and accounted for. The Chief said he does not have compliant gear. He was fitted and the cost will be $3,840. He is looking into getting a grant to recover some costs on past gear that has been purchased and would like to use this money toward the purchase of the new outfit. He asked the Board to approve the expense.
Motion: Beth Downs made a motion to authorize the Chief to purchase new gear at his discretion.
Second: Mel Pfeifle
Decision: 3-0
The Chief has also been working with FEMA and he wants to stagger purchases in the future.
He is going to turn into outdated gear because there is no need to keep expired gear. Mel said she thinks it makes sense to make a plan for gear and keep it aligned with the CIP.
The Chief looked into their electrical use, and noted that the higher-than-average expense is due to the three-face service for the compressor. It is a higher rate than a residential rate.
Commercial inspections have begun.
EMS training has gone well. There is an EMS conference occurring in Sunapee this weekend. There were some other trainings that have taken place within the Department as well.
Steve Hall asked who initiates inspections, and the Chief said the Code Enforcement Officer lets them know when they need to inspect.
Marlene asked if we have purchased a shirt for the Code Enforcement Officer yet and Karen said no. The Chief said they all have shirts or hats that identify them as members of the Fire Department.
Karen asked if the Chief could meet with her at some point to discuss the process of residential inspections.
Steve Hall – Highway Department – Steve reported that the Highway office and break room have been painted. He also said the street sweepers are scheduled to start sometime the week of May 9. The loggers are at the Transfer Station and are pulling out logs. Steve would like to purchase a roller at the White Farm State Surplus in the amount of $3,000. He asked what they should with the older roller. He has requested that the money he receives for the old roller go back to his budget rather than in general funds. Karen said that by definition and auditing standards, the funds need to go into unanticipated revenue.
Motion: Beth Downs motioned to authorize Steve to purchase a roller and use funds from the 2015 Town Equipment Expendable Trust Fund in the amount of $3,000.
Second: Mel Pfeifle
Decision: 3-0
Steve said he has some concerns about Old Mountain Road. He said a property owner and the Conservation Commission is planting trees by the brook. This is on a Class VI Road. He said these trees are four feet away from the road. The closest point where the brook comes to the road is about 16 feet away from the road. He thinks the interest is to protect the trout but he is concerned about how close to the road they are being planted. Steve thinks there should be a conversation with the Conservation Commission and the Police Department as there is also destructive activity taking place on the road. Steve will send an email to the Conservation Commission.
Mel asked how the roads are. Steve said Bruce Davis from All States Construction came in and said some roads we hoped to attend to this year are too far gone for crack sealing. Bruce suggested to do half of stone and oil, then put in more stone and oil and it would last 7 years. He said it would be about $65,000 for a one-mile section of road. He said if they did all of the areas it would about $130,000 for the roads identified in the road plan.
Karen’s concern is that based on Bruce’s information, the road plan has changed since Town Meeting. She said the Town needs to explain why the plan will be changed. Mel thinks it is important to get collaboration from the State to explain why we are straying from the original plan and Marlene added that this will validate what he is saying.
Public Input:
None.
Regular and Old Business
- The Board reviewed the minutes of the April 11th meeting.
Motion: Beth Downs motioned to accept the minutes.
Second: Mel Pfeifle
Decision: 3-0
- The Accounts Payable and Payroll Manifest were reviewed and signed.
- CAP Internet Update – Beth called various towns and Warner and Bradford are the only ones that rent space to CAP (Community Action Program). She said that in Warner, the Town pays for CAPs internet and phone. Bradford CAP has contacted TDS and will set this up.
New Business:
- Zoning Board Membership – The Board would like to request Doug Southard be appointed to the Zoning Board.
Motion: Beth Downs motioned to appoint Doug Southard to the Zoning Board.
Second: Marlene Freyler
Decision: 3-0
- Review Equalization – Karen sent this to the Board members. Karen explained the reevaluation process.
- Warner River Advisory Board Recognition – Karen announced Scott MacLean’s resignation from the Advisory Board and shared the Advisory Board’s appreciation for his service
- Accept Unanticipated Revenue (per RSA 31:95-b) – The Town received $250 from LCHIP for completing the annual LCHIP stewardship monitoring report on time. This will be deposited into the Town Hall checking account.
Motion: Marlene Freyler motioned to accept $250 in unanticipated revenue.
Second: Beth Downs
Decision: 3-0
- Compensate office help – Karen would like to compensate Beth Downs as she is assisting out in the office.
- Sign Intent to Excavate Map 7 Lot 26 – Signed.
Upcoming Meetings:
- May 9, 2022
Motion: Beth Downs motioned to adjourn to non-public session per RSA 91-A:3II (a) at 7:35 p.m.
Second: Mel Pfeifle
Decision: 3-0
Motion: Beth Downs motioned to return to public session at 9:07 p.m.
Second: Mel Pfeifle
Decision: 3-0 in favor
Motion: Beth Downs motioned to adjourn the meeting at 9:07 p.m.
Second: Mel Pfeifle
Vote: 3-0 in favor
Minutes submitted by Donna Long, Recording Secretary.