TOWN OF DUNBARTON

BOARD OF SELECTMEN

MINUTES OF MEETING

June 5, 2003

Present: Chuck Graybill, Chair

J.R. Swindlehurst III

Janice VandeBogart, Town Administrator

Steve Kennedy arrived at 8:40 p.m.

7:00 p.m. Other Business

Chuck would like Fred Mullen to walk the common bounds between Dunbarton and Bow, according to the coordinated preambulation.

Janice mentioned that the Historical Awareness Committee asked who the publisher of the book entitled Where Settlers’ Feet Have Trod. The Board feels it should be the Town of Dunbarton.

7:25 p.m.Margaret Venator, Welfare Director, re: welfare questions

Margaret came in seeking information regarding policies and procedures she know,

Including agencies she could refer her clients to. Janice suggested that the Concord Welfare Dept. has been very helpful in the past. Margaret suggested that she put something in the Bow Times, seeking volunteers to help with residents during their time of need. Steve Abbott, writer for the Neighborhood News was present and indicated he would be willing to write a story relating to this. Margaret asked who she should go to for guidance. Chuck indicated that she can come to any of the Selectmen. Margaret mentioned that she is going to a welfare workshop later this month . Chuck mentioned that the Town is only required to pay interest on the mortgage of a welfare recipient, to prevent foreclosure. J.R. suggested that she make an appointment with Concord Welfare, to get their advice.

7:40 p.m. Lee Richmond- Grapevine Rd., subdivision on Tenney Hill Rd.

Lee indicated that some neighbors are complaining about the quality of new construction. He said that the Planning Board directed him to the Board of Selectmen. He is concerned about housing going up that won’t fall down. Chuck directed him to Ken Swayze, as Building Inspector since it is up to Ken to ensure codes are being met and Chuck informed him that we have adopted the International Building Code.

7:45 p.m. Chuck Williamson, re: falling tree branches

Chuck mentioned that tree branches keep falling off. Chuck asked Janice to follow up with Jan VandeBogart.

7:50 p.m. Other Business

A list of items for the tenant to do at the house at Kimball Pond from Brett St. Clair, was reviewed.

8:40 p.m. Dunbarton Center Building Committee, including Jeff Trexler, Dan Gobin, Nancy Lang and Norm Roberge, (Steve Kennedy came in at this point).

Dan presented bid results and described the criteria the Committee used to choose Dennis Mires. P.A. Dan indicated that Mr. Mires was the second cheapest bid at $131,500 for both stages of the proposed Town Office/Library development. See attachment. Dan reviewed the process the Committee followed. The members read the proposals and voted on two vendors. Then Dennis Mires was chosen after a discussion. Mr. Mires is expecting to complete the project in 2004.

Chuck motioned to accept DCBC’s proposal to accept Dennis Mires to complete stage 1 at a cost of $14,500. J.R. seconded the motion. The motion carried.

Jeff indicated that Town Counsel can look over the proposal. Steve and Chuck agreed that Town Counsel should look it over. Chuck indicated that Dennis Mires has done work for the Town previously and has come in under budget.

Dan Gobin tendered his resignation from the DCBC for personal reasons. He indicated that he was against the formation of the Ethics Committee and that he thinks it is dangerous.

Steve discussed the oath that volunteers take, stating his belief that public trust is everything.

9:00 p.m. Chuck Williamson, re: Lori Davis

Chuck submitted a formal request that J.R. excuse himself from the discussion concerning Lori Davis.

Steve asked Linda Peters to recite the oath volunteers take and discussed the purpose an requirements of being a volunteer.

Steve reviewed the process by which the Board took the complaint against Lori Davis in executive session and that the Board referred the accusers to the Ethics Committee, which establishes rules and processes.

Chuck personally felt that the Ethics Committee should have conducted the hearing in a nonpublic forum. Chuck made the following motion: “The Ethics Committee’s findings are complete, however, the decision of this Board should be to solicit common ground between the Board of Selectmen and Ms. Lori Davis. Therefore, I would request the Town Attorney to contact Ms. Davis’ Attorney, Gallagher, Callahan and Gartrell to see if a common ground, reasonable and acceptable to both parties, could be reached.” Steve seconded the motion. J.R. abstained from the vote. The motion carried.

J.R. stated that he agrees with Chuck that the Ethics Committee should have conducted their hearing in a non-public session.

Chuck opened up the floor for discussion. Chuck Williamson agrees that the hearing should have been in a non-public session.

Alan Davis stated that he felt the Ethics Committee’s behavior was outrageous. He feels that the dispute can be worked out, but not with high feelings.

9:10 p.m. Al Vaal, water in driveway

The Board is concerned about future liability for the septic system. Al indicated that he never expected the Town to take care of the septic system, just divert the water.

Chuck feels that if the Town takes this responsibility, it would be accepting future liability.

Steve indicated that Janice has done extensive research on the history of the property. He said it is now a funnel, where it would have been absorbed by the grass.

Al indicated that he wants to stop the water now and in the future. In response to Steve’s question, Al indicated that he is installing a new leech field. Steve suggested restoring the speed bump in a more permanent fashion, and that he didn’t feel the Town would be taking any more responsibility that it had before. Chuck and J.R. will look at it.

9:25 p.m. Ron Jarvis, Town pit

Ron wanted to know if the Board had any concerns about the gravel at the Town pit. Chuck indicated that the Town won’t need the gravel anytime soon. Steve asked if we could store tree stumps there. Ron indicated that none of the Commission had any real concerns with that. Chuck mentioned that the Town needs a place to store big stones and stumps. Ron asked who would pick up the tab for removal and J.R. indicated that the Town probably would.

9:35 p.m., J.R. motioned to adjourn the meeting. Chuck seconded the motion. The motion carried.

________________________________________________________________

Chuck Graybill, Chairman

________________________________________________________________

J.R. Swindlehurst, III, Selectman

________________________________________________________________

Steve Kennedy, Selectman

Respectfully Submitted,

Joanne Johnson