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:
Steve Hall – Highway – Steve shared that the 2007 10-wheel dump truck that was purchased earlier this year is in need of a new transmission. The anticipated cost is $10,264, less the cost of the refunded core charge brings the total to approximately $8900. To date, the Town has spent $12,311 in repairs to this truck.
Motion: Beth Downs motioned to authorize the funding for this repair to be withdrawn from the 2015 Town Equipment Repair and Purchase Expendable Trust Fund.
Second: Mel Pfeifle
Decision: 3-0
Steve mentioned that the panel to be replaced in the garage door is expected to cost $1650 and suggested this repair could wait.
There are four highway trucks that should be undercoated before winter. This will cost approximately $1400. There was much discussion.
Steve noted that his crew has been doing a great job of keeping things going mechanically, keeping equipment repaired. They have replaced tie-rod ends and ball joints, patched the sander and sandblasted truck #6. Steve allowed the crew to incur overtime hours to accomplish these tasks and believes it’s money well spent.
Steve asked about the Shakes to Shingle contract for the insulation of the Highway Garage. Installing OSB over the foundation insulation will cost an additional $1300. Also, we are well into the year and this project is best accomplished when we’re not working against weather as trucks and other equipment will need to be moved outside. Steve’s preference would be to do this project in the spring as long as the NH Saves funding will still be available. There was discussion as to whether or not there might be funds leftover from the installation of LED lighting that could go toward the additional $1300 in energy efficiency costs. Karen stated that it would depend on how the initial appropriation was worded and that she will check.
The work on West Main Street/Cochran Hill and Marshall Hill Road has been completed. It’s expected to cost $21,500 for paving and $5000-6000 for the excavation work.
Motion: Marlene Freyler motioned to authorize the funding for these repairs to be withdrawn from the 2019 Roads and Bridges Expendable Trust Fund.
Second: Mel Pfeifle
Decision: 3-0
Steve mentioned that Irving was going to be coming to install the propane tank for the generator and that Irish Electric was lined up to install the panel in the building. The expense for this work was funded by a warrant article at the 2022 Town Meeting.
The Board circled back to the discussion of undercoating the four vehicles in spite of the very tight budget.
Motion: Beth Downs motioned to authorize Steve to undercoat the four trucks at a cost of $1400.
Second: Marlene Freyler
Decision: 2-1
Finally, Steve presented a contract for diesel fuel with Evans Oil. The agreement is for a .2349 fixed adder. Marlene signed the agreement and credit application.
New Business:
Diesel Shortage – Mel discussed the item in the news regarding a 21-day supply of diesel and a potential shortage. She urged the other Board members to consider what measures the Town might take to handle the situation should it come to pass.
Expenses/Finances – Karen shared the most recent expense report and noted that the Town is on track to finish the year with very little wiggle room in the budget. The Board briefly discussed expenses and how to reduce them. The idea of limiting OT was brought up.
Town Hall Update – Karen shared that she had resumes from two parties interested in serving as Clerk of the Works for the Town Hall project. The Board felt that Bruss Construction Management best fit the Town’s needs. Michael Bruss has experience with large municipal construction projects, historic buildings, LCHIP and is familiar with the project. Karen has also spoken to two moving firms and will move forward with the cost efficient one.
The Board signed the MS-1 (Inventory of Valuation)
The Board signed the MS-535 (Financial Report of the Budget)
Motion: Marlene Freylermotioned to adjourn to non-public session per RSA 91-A:3II (a) at 7:11 p.m.
Second: Mel Pfeifle
Decision: 3-0
Motion: Beth Downs motioned to return to public session at 7:31 p.m.
Second: Mel Pfeifle
Decision: 3-0 in favor
Motion: Beth Downs motioned to adjourn the meeting at 7:31 p.m.
Second: Mel Pfeifle
Vote: 3-0 in favor
Upcoming Meetings:
- November 14, 2022
Minutes submitted by Karen Hambleton, Administrator.