TOWN OF DUNBARTON
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MINUTES OF MEETING
January 8, 2004
Present: Chuck
Graybill
J.R.
Swindlehurst, III
Steve
Kennedy
Janice
VandeBogart, Town Administrator
7:00 p.m. Chuck called the meeting to order. Donna Dunn and Judy Petersen, Town Common
Project Committee, Shorty's Mexican Roadhouse Fundraiser
Donna and Judy came in to bring the Board up to date
on the the funds raised to date and to seek approval of a fundraiser, called
"Sharing" at Shorty's on April 13, 2004. The TCP will receive 15% of all food proceeds
all day long, including take out, for everyone who drops their receipt in the
drop box. Shorty's will cut a check to
the TCP. They plan on soliciting every
group in Town. The Board approved of the
fundraiser.
7:07 p.m. Other
Business:
Steve mentioned that he swore in two auxiliary police
officers.
Janice discussed replacing the carpet and needing a
new vacuum. Steve authorized Janice to
buy a new vacuum.
Fred Mullen came in and discussed the procedure for
obtaining new voting booths.
Janice mentioed that Jeff Trexler is coming in to
review the Vaal property and discuss holding a bond hearing.
Janice received the Recreation Commission's budget.
Jan Van deBogart sent a letter to the Board with a
request that it be read aloud (see attached). Steve read the letter, then moved to accept
the letter for the record with an apology.
Chuck seconded the motion. The
motion carried.
Janice noted that the Board of Assessors received bids
for the reval., with estimates ranging from $84,500 - $134,500. The Board of Assessors picked three companies
to interview, and obtain references on, in the the $84,500 - $111,000
range. The Board of Assessors will ask
for a warrant article for an extra $50,000 to cover the highest bid and a
computer program. They will also call
the references. Steve discussed the possibility of the Town going from a
receiving town to a sending town, in terms of
education funding.
Steve moved to buy two more voting booths to meet the
Town's voting needs and pursue finding a handicapped voting booth. J.R. seconded the motion. The motion carried.
A review of the Board of Assessor's budget took
place. Chuck questioned the Utility
Assessors line item. Janice indicated
that it is updated every year and that an increase in 2003 was due to the New
England Power case. A discussion of the
higher cost budgeted for 2004 took place, which Janice indicated was due to new
additions. Chuck and J.R. said they have
no problem with the budget.
The Cemetery budget is the same as last year,
according to Larry Cook.
The Kuncanowit (SPELLING?) Committee asked Chuck
to present the same budget as last year.
The Library's budget is higher from $61,610 to
$66,690.
A review of the Town Office budget took place. Steve asked why there was a 4.5%
increase. J.R. indicated that the the
dept. heads are the same as last year because they submit increases for the
staff and the Board puts in for department head increases. More money is needed for audit services. Steve asked Janice to call Northwood to find
out what staff was used to do the work needed for the audit.
The Town Clerk's registrations activity was
discussed. Chuck indicated to leave
registrations at 621. Steve wants to
protect the Town. Steve asked about the budget for training. Janice indicated that they spent about $300
last year and the the Town Clerk is expecting to need $1,100 for a motor
vehicle program. Steve wants to budget
money for unexpected training. Janice
suggested $300 and the Board approved.
A discussion regarding Town wages took place. Woody has increased his hours. J.R. wants to look at salary of staff and
Steve wants to look at other Town's wages.
8:35 p.m. Cemetery Trustees, Terry Jelley and Patrick
Bowne, re: Budget
Steve mentioned the veterans flags and gps coordinates
for all. Terry indicated that they are
getting better at marking where burials are.
The big concern is the East Cemetery.
He said plots are available to be used, not sold. Steve asked how much loam he needs. Terry said it depends on the extension. In
the Center Cemetery, there are just a few lots left. He feels that putting in a road, with
pre-marked graves is the way to go.
Woody said that Page's Corner needs a road. Steve said to do something nice. Chuck applauded their efforts, but questioned
why there was a need to make changes all at once. He feels the Committee should be writing
newspaper editorials. Woody said they would have to fence it in. Chuck indicated that it is premature to
commit to this kind of funding. Steve suggested
prioritizing the list into two lists and in the Town Report talk about their
2003 successes and future needs. He
feels we have a responsibility to honor deceased veterans. Terry feels that Page's Corner can wait. Janice asked if markers can be drawn up on
paper. Terry said they could. Chuck asked if the Highway Dept. could make
the road. J.R. said it needs to be
surveyed first. Chuck mentioned that
Vaal's property was surveyed. J.R.
suggested getting Jacques Belanger to survey the property. Steve suggested promoting "Cemetery
Awareness Day" on Memorial Day to let people know the condition. Terry feels that Page's Corner is perfect and
meets regulations. Steve asked the
Committe to come back next Thursday with a modified budget. Terry discussed cemetery maintenance and
having more lawns to mow. Steve
indicated to take a look at plot cost, which is at $25 for the real estate and
$100 for perpetual care. Terry mentioned
that all fences need to be painted.
Chuck said to tackle one year.
9:15 p.m. Jeff
Trexler, Dunbarton Center Building Committee, re: Vaal property, School St.
Jeff brought in a market analysis, which was completed
by Compton French, Dept. of Revenue, at $516,050. Jeff indicated that a certified appraiser
would charge $4,000-$5,000 and it would take 3-4 weeks for an appraisal. Steve doesn't think $516,050 is the fair
market value. The assessed value, in
1997, was $312,850.
Steve motioned to spend what is necessary to get a
fair market value on the Vaal property. Chuck seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Jeff feels it is better to go to Town Meeting with a
purchase and sales agreement. Chuck
asked Jeff to check with realtors and appraisers. Dan Gobin suggested that if the seller has an appraisal, they may be
willing to share it.
Jeff will call Chuck if he finds someone. Jeff suggested having the Bond Hearing at the
same time as the Budget Hearing. They
have until 2/23 to hold a hearing.
9:50 p.m. J.R.
moved to adjourn, which was seconded by Steve.
The motion carried.
_____________________________________________________________________
Chuck Graybill, Chairman
_____________________________________________________________________
J.R. Swindlehurst,III, Selectman
_____________________________________________________________________
Steve Kennedy, Selectman
Respectfully Submitted,
Joanne Johnson
Jan Van de Bogart, Sr., Independent
Contractor
J
& J Excavating
10
Jay Drive
Dunbarton,
N. H. 03046
Telephone:
603-774-3899
January
8, 2004
Board of Selectmen
Town of Dunbarton
It is my wish that this letter be read into the minutes
of the Selectmen’ meeting for town record:
During the storm of January 5 and 6, 2004 my plow truck
was down for repairs. Consequently, I
used the Town vehicle, the one ton with the plow and sander, to clear the roads
for the safety and well being of the residents of this town.
It has come to my attention that rumor has it that during
the hours that I was using the town vehicle, I was paid an independent
contractors rate of $60.00 an hour which I normally charge for the use of my
own truck. In reality, I have charged
the town an hourly rate of $18.00 per hour which is my agreed upon rate as Road
Agent.
I would like to make it perfectly clear for the record
that anytime I use the Town vehicle it is for necessity in service for this
town and not for my own use.
Furthermore, I resent any implication that I would abuse my position for
personnel or financial gain.
This letter is only to set the record straight and
certainly does not imply that you as a Board do not support me and my policies.
Sincerely,
Jan
VandeBogart
Road
Agent, Town of Dunbarton