TOWN OF DUNBARTON

BOARD OF SELECTMEN

MINUTES OF MEETING

Feb. 12, 2004

Present:          Chuck Graybill

                        J.R. Swindlehurst, III

                        Steve Kennedy

                        Janice VandeBogart, Town Administrator

 

7:01 p.m.  Chuck called a vote to bring the meeting to order.  All members voted "aye".  Jan Van de Bogart, re:  sand

Jan explained that some people are taking away sand from the Town Garage by the tractor load and wanted the Board's guidance as to when is enough  sand enough.  Chuck suggested that Jan have people taking sand sign an affadavit stating that the sand is for personal use only.  Steve asked who was taking the sand and Jan replied that sometimes it is taken in the middle of the night.  Jan indicated that he is having trouble replacing the sand fast enough.  Steve's recommendation is that Jan write a policy, considering what is reasonable and how much should be allocated per individual.  J.R. noted that it is customary for towns' residents to obtain sand at their town garages, and they shouldn't be stopped from doing this.  Steve suggested picking a day/time for sand pickup.  J.R. suggested that Jan come up with a policy, including  a restriction that no tractors are allowed and Jan should call around and see what other towns do.

 

Chuck motioned, which Steve seconded, that Jan will write a policy regarding sand pick up.  The motion carried.

 

Chuck reviewed the Town of New Boston's job descriptions for the transfer station.

 

Chuck noted that there will be a nonpublic Board of Selectmen's meeting on Friday, Feb., 13, 2004 at 2:00 and 2:30 p.m. and a meeting on Monday at 9 a.m. with Tom Gleason and Ken Swayze and that these meetings have been posted.

 

Chuck reviewed the zoning ordinances for home occupations (pertinent for Tom Gleason), which was adopted in 1990, including:

·                     There shall be no display of goods or wares visibile from the street;

·                     The building or premises occupied shall not be rendered obejctionable or detrimental to the residential character of the neighborhood because of exterior appearance, traffic, emission of odor, has, smoke dust, noise, electrical disturbance or in any other way;

·                     Not more than one (1) commercial vehicle in connection with such home occupation shall be stored on the premises; and

·                     A certificate of occupany for the proposed use is issued by the Building Inspector verifying conformance with the preceding standards.

 

7:30 p.m. Tom Gleason came in during the discussion,

Steve said that he doesn't want to be in on the "triangle" with Karen Meehan and Tom Gleason.  Ron Slocum noted that the above ordinances are for home occupation and not a commercial enterprise.  He also clarified that the ZBA doesn't get involved in home occupations, but the Building Inspector does.  The ZBA does get involved in commercial enterprises.  Chuck indicated that he would be in favor of granting Tom Gleason a license if he complies with the ordinance restricting the commercial vehicle to just one.  Steve noted that if we require Tom to adhere to these ordinances then we would need to enforce them with Chuck Williamson also.

 

7:45 p.m.  Other Business:

Janice gave the Board something Woody Bowne left for them, which they signed. Chuck said to be sure they get the low end of the pay scale.

 

A discussion on an invoice, which included a television set, took place.  After reviewing the invoice, Janice deemed that the tv was not included in the check and it was attached in error. 

 

7:55 p.m.  Chuck opened the meeting up to the public.

Ron Slocum questioned a $7,500 line item for a canopy in the 2004 budget.  Chuck indicated that it was carried over from last year and it was funded twice.  Ron also expressed his concern that their isn't enough money budgeted for part time help at the Transfer Station and asked if covereage can be maintained with this amount of funding.  Chuck indicated that he was there on Sat. and is comfortable that one full time and 2 part time employees are sufficient to cover the current number of days the Transfer Station is open to the public.  He also noted that there are regular volunteers helping.  Chuck discussed the need for a bailer and reviewed the $3,000 that N.H. the Beautiful gave to the Town for this purpose.  The cost of a new bailer is in the $10,000 range, so the Town decided not to accept the $3,000, but he is now thinking the Town should buy one.  Steve suggested that the next Selectmen Board consider reinvesting recycling income.

 

8:07 p.m.  Steve discussed a situation which occurred on 2/2

Steve discussed an incident which occurred on 2/2 in which he had a pile of work papers on his side of the table, behind his nameplate which he considered to be his private area of the desk and not for public perusal.  Steve indicated that Lori Davis came in to the office and rifled through his stuff, and that this incident was observed by a Town employee.  He said Lori began reading from his pile of work papers , which is a violation. In particular, he noted, there was a letter awaiting his signature, which Lori read aloud and made comments on.  He is troubled by this incident and feels he has to hide his stuff to keep her from looking at it.  He feels this incident is grounds for keeping her out of the building.  The letter in question was a letter to the Recycling Committee. 

 

Steve made a motion, which was later retracted, regarding rescinding and destroying this letter. 

 

Chuck noted that he finds it equally despicable and reviewed the events leading up to this incident.  He said he came in to sign the letter, making his signature the second signature on the letter and called Steve to let him know the letter needed his signature.  Chuck feels it was an official document, not work papers and Chuck Williamson  could have a copy of it.  Chuck agreed to give Chuck Williamson a copy of the unsigned letter.  Steve recommended giving him a signed letter.  Steve continued that he can't tolerate desctructive people.  J.R. suggested the letter be sent.  Janice printed out a new letter for the Board to sign.

 

Alan Rockenbach indicated that the letter was open to public viewing and that Lori Davis didn't touch Steve's papers.  Lori Davis asked who the accuser was and was informed it was Janet.  Lori requested a statement written on Town paper from Janet. Steve agreed.  Lori also requested a copy of the verbatim  minutes  with  three signatures on it, sent to her house via certified mail.  Steve indicated that we provide summary minutes and she can pick up her copy or print it off the website.   Alan indicated that the issue is whether Lori moved Steve's papers.

 

8:18 p.m.  Chuck Williamson came in

Lori Davis requested that Steve repeat the prior conversation. Chuck said it will be in the minutes.  Steve also reminded Lori that she was recording  the meeting.  Chuck Williamson said that the letter was in plain view.

 

 

8:31 p.m. Steve moved to adjourn meeting, which was seconded by Chuck.  The motion carried.

 

 

_____________________________________________________________________

Chuck Graybill, Chairman

 

_____________________________________________________________________

J.R. Swindlehurst,III, Selectman

 

_____________________________________________________________________

Steve Kennedy, Selectman

 

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

 

Joanne Johnson