DUNBARTON BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MINUTES OF MEETING
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2004
TOWN OFFICES – 7:00 P.M.
The regular scheduled weekly meeting of the Dunbarton Board of Selectmen was held at the above time, date and place with Chairman J. R. Swindlehurst presiding. It was noted that the meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. The following were present:
J. R. Swindlehurst, Chairman
Charles (Chuck) Graybill
Mert Mann
Janice VandeBogart, Town Administrator
The
Selectmen signed checks.
Mert Mann reported on the Gile Hill Road Site Walk which was conducted on Saturday, November 13, 2004 as follows:
1. He reported there were representatives from the Conservation Commission, the Planning Board, and one representative from the Town of Bow - Sandra Crystal along with Jacques Belanger and the Chan’s. Mert was there representing the Dunbarton Board of Selectmen.
2. The consensus of the people present was that the road should be extended to the Chan’s
property with a 18 foot minimum graveled way. In addition, the gully should be filled in.
The turnaround will be at the Chan’s driveway instead of at Brennans as it presently is.
3. The Conservation Commission agreed that several trees should be cut. The Conservation Commission will hold a Public Hearing on December 9, 2004 for the road improvements.
4. The road will become a Class V road once it is maintained and accepted by the Town of
Dunbarton.
5. Don Mayo, Town Engineer, will be inspecting the road as it is being upgraded. The grades at the most will be no greater than 13 – 15%.
Anna Silver and Robert Salley, 44 Ray Road, Dunbarton:
Anna Silver and Robert Salley appeared before the Board of Selectmen with a complaint about the gravel pit operation which is beside their home. They asked when the hours for the gravel pit operation had changed. They stated that workers arrive at 6:15 am and start the trucks and are out of the pit before 7:00 a.m. which is the time the operation is supposed to start according to the Zoning Approval. She noted the following complaints:
1. They have called the Town Police and the Police have not responded. The Police state that this is a Civil Matter. The police have not responded at all. They have called the police at 6:05 am. with no response.
2. They stated that workers are urinating in full view of their home and deck. They do not go behind their trucks. Anna Silver stated they are exposing themselves in full view of their home. They don’t go out of their way while they are “taking a leak”.
3. There are boulders around our property. The police say the rocks are a civil matter.
4. There are five or six gravel trucks running up and down the road. There is dirt in my house.
5. Asked for a copy of the letter that was sent out by the Selectmen to owner of the Gravel Pit. (copy provided).
6. Stated that these people are “outsiders” in this Town, and they get more consideration than the residents. Stated they have had “enough of this”. Want the police to enforce the requirements of the gravel pit. Stated the matter is “out of hand”. There is no respect out there.
Selectmen will ask the Police Department to enforce the issues.
Jon Wiggin, Fire Chief, 2005 Budget
Jon Wiggin, Fire Chief, appeared before the Board regarding the 2005 Budget. He stated he anticipated the following budget increases for 2005.
1. Dispatch fees will increase by $5,000. This is controlled by Mutual Aid.
2. New truck equipment will increase by $3,800.
3. Administration will increase by $500 because State will be going to a computer based inspection program which will cost $50/month.
Reported the following:
1. Will be able to install a dry hydrant by the former Ken Alton property. Ken Alton gave Fire Department permission to install a dry hydrant but now there are new owners. The water supply hydrant will be on the Town right of way so will not need property owner’s permission. A Wetlands Permit needs to be completed. Because of this, don’t think it will be done.
2. Have ordered three sets of gears @ $1,000 each for a total of $3,000 from this year’s budget.
3. Will budget another $3,000 for pagers for 2005.
4. Uncertain about gas prices for 2005 and amount to budget.
5. Potential of replacing the defibrillator for the ambulance. Stated that the City of Concord took four or five back to Concord Hospital. They will distributed them to surrounding Towns. We have requested one of them. Cost of a new defibrillator is $15,000 - $20,000. Can purchase a reconditioned one for $4,000 - $5,000. Possibility of taking the money out of the ambulance special account. Will bring it to the voters as a Warrant Article to be voted on the floor at Town Meeting if necessary.
6. Continuing to have problems recruiting for the Fire Department, especially EMT’s.
Selectmen requested that all
Department budgets be submitted to the Selectmen by December 15, 2004.
Jan VandeBogart, Road Agent, Budget 2005
Jan VandeBogart, Road Agent, appeared before the Board of Selectmen regarding the Highway Department 2005 budget as follows:
1. No increases for 2005 budget. There presently is no equipment requiring repairs. We will be able to do fine with what we have. The new truck has more problems than the old grader.
2. Salt Shed will have to be built. Should be a three stall shed. This would be the only increase for the Highway Department budget.
Selectmen requested Jan to get estimates for the cost of a new salt shed.
Chuck Graybill requested there be an independent on-site meeting to see what he is proposing before people bid on the project to go over the design. Meeting scheduled for next Monday or Tuesday, November 22 and 23, 2004. Jan will set stakes where the corners of the salt shed will be.
3. Suggested the Town skip a year on the paving. This would save asking for more money.
Cassandra Zorawowicz, Gorham Pond, Milfoil Project:
Cassandra Zorawowicz appeared before the Board of Selectmen regarding the progress on the Milfoil Project for Gorham Pond.
1. She stated that the Conservation Commission was helping the residents write a Warrant Article for the treatment of Milfoil at Gorham Pond. Brett St. Clair is seeking additional funding from the State of New Hampshire. State only have $60,000 for the entire State.
2. Milfoil requires biennial treatment for all of Dunbarton ponds.
3. The residents will help by putting up signs and mailing out notifications to residents to cut down on the cost.
4. Have received a bid of $12,000.
Jeff Nelson, Police Chief, Budget 2005:
Selectmen reported to Police Chief Nelson that Anna Silver and Robert Salley had requested the Dunbarton Board of Selectmen to find out why the Dunbarton Police Department would not respond to their requests regarding violations of the existing gravel pit operation beside their home. Police Chief stated that they would not respond to Zoning violations for the gravel pit. The Selectmen informed the Police Chief they felt they should be more responsive when the calls come in. The Police Chief stated they will enforce the Noise Ordinance but not the Zoning Ordinance. The Selectmen informed him there were reports from Silver and Salley of workers urinating in public view. They would like the Police Department to follow up on this report. The Selectmen informed the Police Chief the gravel trucks were coming and going at 6:45 am with full loads of gravel. This is in violation of the gravel pit permit.
Jeff Nelson, Police Chief, appeared before the Board of Selectmen regarding the 2005 Police Department budget. He reported the following:
1. Presented the 2005 Police Department budget to the Board of Selectmen. The Selectmen noted there was no increase from the previous year for the final line of the budget.
2. Stated the most change would be within the part-time personnel. Will be providing for a 4% raise for officers.
3. In addition, the line for Special Police Duties will be increased. The Department presently is providing services as requested for Public Service special details. These details are revenue producing and go back into the General Fund as income. Stated they charge $32/hour for an officer and $40 for an officer and vehicle.
4. Stated that in the following year 2006, according to the five year plan he had previously submitted, he would be proposing a new full-time officer along with an addition to the Police Department to provide for secure prisoner cell, etc. Stated that the present situation is not a safe one.
5. Will continue with Bow Dispatch. It is working well. Contract fees stay the same.
MOTION:
J. R. Swindlehurst made a
motion that the Dunbarton Board of Selectmen accept and sign the contract for
dispatch services with the Town of Bow in the amount of $7,000 for the coming
year. Chuck Graybill seconded the
motion. The motion passed
unanimously.
6. New part-time officer paper work slow is increasing. Office supplies will be increased by $1,100. This will include photo copying, etc. for insurance companies and others.
7. Have increased gasoline expense by $1,300 because of gas prices.
8. Possibility of a Warrant Article for a new cruiser. Stated the 1997 Explorer does not meet the needs of a Police Department. It is a 6 cylinder. Does not stand up for Police Work. Has required some minor repairs such as exhaust manifold, etc. Do not need to replace it this year, but because of the two Warrant Articles proposed for 2006 (new full-time officer and plant expansion) , would prefer to do it this year instead of having three Warrant Articles in the year 2006. Unknown at this time if Police Chief will request a Warrant Article for new cruiser in 2005. Has priced replacement vehicle at $39,000. Will need to replace the 1997 Explorer in two years.
9. Reported the new secretary will be starting work on January 24, 2005. Have already started training.
Other Business:
Jacqueline
Drive:
1. Public Hearing scheduled for December 9, 2005 for Jacqueline Drive to be accepted by Town.
Don Mayo will present a summary (All items have been completed)
Town Report Bids:
1. One bid received for the printing of the Town Report from Sir Speedy $1,950 for printing of 450 books of 110 pages with additional charges for pictures, etc.
Central New Hampshire
Regional Planning Commission:
1. Received agreement with Central New Hampshire Regional Planning Commission for $2,000 for working with sub-committee re non-conforming lot proposed amendments.
PTO – Donation:
1. PTO wants to donate a new refrigerator for the Community Center. Selectmen will write letter to Lisa Poirier and Jean Leo thanking them for their efforts in getting the refrigerator.
NH Municipal Association
Health Insurance:
Janice VandeBogart, Town Administrator, reported that the NH Municipal Association Health Insurance Program was asking the Town how we have selected insurance coverage for surviving spouses.
Invoice for Damages –
Tenney Hill Road:
Janice VandeBogart reported that the Town had received an invoice from a resident for damages to their vehicle (“bottomed out”) on Tenney Hill Road. The Selectmen agreed to handle in the same way as previous requests for damages. The Town is not liable for damages and does not pay damages, etc.
MOTION:
Charles Graybill made a motion
that the Dunbarton Board of Selectmen go into non-public session in accordance
with RSA 91-A:3 for the purpose of discussion of legal issues and personnel
issues. The motion was seconded by J.
R. Swindlehurst. The motion passed
unanimously with the following roll call:
Yes – Mann
Yes – Graybill
Yes – Swindlehurst
There were no decisions or motions made at the non-public session.
MOTION:
Mert Mann made a motion that
the Dunbarton Board of Selectmen adjourn the non-public session in accordance
with RSA 91-A:3 for the purpose of discussion of legal issues and personnel
issues. The motion was seconded by
Charles Graybill. The motion passed
unanimously with the following roll call.
Yes - Mann
Yes – Graybill
Yes – Swindlehurst
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,,
Alison R. Vallieres
Recording Secretary
_______________________________________
J.
R. Swindlehurst, Chairman, Board of Selectmen
_______________________________________
Charles
(Chuck) Graybill, Selectman
_______________________________________
Mert
Mann, Selectman