DUNBARTON BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MINUTES OF MEETING
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2005
TOWN OFFICES – 7:00 P.M.
The regularly scheduled weekly meeting of the Dunbarton Board of Selectmen was held at the above time, date and place with Chairman Charles Graybill presiding. It was noted that the meeting was called to order at 7:06 p.m. The following were present:
Charles (Chuck) Graybill,
Chairman
Mert Mann
Les Hammond
Janice VandeBogart, Town
Administrator
The Selectmen reviewed correspondence and signed checks prior to the Public Meeting was called to order.
The Selectmen signed and approved the minutes of the previous Selectmen’s Meeting of November 10, 2005.
GENERAL
BUSINESS:
CIP (Capital Improvements
Program)
1.
Mert Mann stated that the completed CIP had been presented to the
Planning Board at their meeting this past Wednesday, November 16, 2005. They will be holding a Public Hearing for
acceptance by the Planning Board on Wednesday, December 21, 2005.
New Tax Rate
1. Charles (Chuck) Graybill complimented the Board of Selectmen for all the good work done on setting the new tax rate.
DEAN JORE, RECREATION
COMMISSION
Tree Lighting Ceremony –
1. Dean Jore, Recreation Commission, brought a letter requesting permission from the Board of Selectmen to have a camp fire on the Town Common on November 27, 2005 for the Tree Lighting Ceremony.
He stated that Fred Mullen, Fire Department, had requested that the Selectmen be the ones to grant permission.
The Selectmen signed
the letter granting permission to have a camp fire on the Town Common on
November 27, 2005 for the Tree Lighting Ceremony.
JEFF CROSBY, ROAD AGENT:
Salt Shed
1. Jeff Crosby, Road Agent, picked up the signed Building Permit for the Salt Shed. (Selectmen signed the permit)
Police Department requesting permission to use
Town Garage, etc.
1. Jeff Crosby, Road Agent, read a letter to him from the Police Chief (Chris Connelly, Executive Officer) which requested permission to store vehicles in the Town Garage if the need arose. It was noted in the letter the need off-site parking facilities for accreditation.
Jeff Crosby stated that the Town Garage is not a secured facility. In addition, there is no room, especially in the winter.
Selectmen requested
Jeff Crosby get more information from the Police Chief, etc.
Snow Plowing of Stinson Heights (Lamontagne
Builders)
1. Jeff Crosby, Road Agent, stated the Highway Department was not planning on snow plowing the Stinson Heights Development this winter. There presently are only two foundations in. In addition, the road has not been accepted by the Town. The Selectmen and the Road Agent agreed that the developers had sufficient equipment to keep the road plowed for this winter.
Snow Plowing Contractors Hourly Rates
1. Charles ( Chuck) Graybill asked Jeff Crosby if he had all his contractors lined up for snow plowing for this coming winter season. He stated he did but that they were all looking for an increase in the hourly rate due to increase in fuel and equipment upkeep.
The Selectmen
discussed what time frame a snow plowing year would be considered. It was finally established that a winter
season would be considered from November 1, 2005 until May 1, 2006 for example. In other words, the year for winter road
snow plowing does not go from December
31 to December 31 like other Town Department’s budgets.
MOTION:
Mert Mann made a
motion that the snow plowing hourly rates be increased by $5/per hour as
follows and would run from this November 1, 2005 until spring of 2006:
6 wheeler - $65/per hour
10
wheeler - $70/per hour
One Ton - $50/per hour
Les
Hammond seconded the motion. The motion
passed unanimously.
Les Hammond noted for the record that even though
we have given a rate increase, it is
still good for the Town because we do not pay overtime or Holidays or
maintenance.
The Town provides the cutting edge for the plows and provides housing for the vehicles in the winter months.
Chuck Williamson – Picker
1. Jeff Crosby, Road Agent, reported that Chuck Williamson has purchased a “Picker” for wood along the side of the road which can be used by the Town if necessary at a rental.
Stripping of Gorham Pond Road
1. Jeff Crosby, Road Agent, reported it was still not too late to have the stripping of Gorham Pond Road done this year. Has contacted L & D Paving from Vermont.
Site Walk of Ron Ruggierro Property
1. Mert Mann notified Jeff Crosby, Road Agent, that the Planning Board will be doing a Site Walk of the Ron Ruggierro Property on Saturday, December 3, 2005 at 8:30 a.m. Would request that Jeff Crosby, Road Agent, be present because of issue with existing stone wall and easement, etc. for future road improvements.
Andy Michaels
1. Jeff Crosby, Road Agent, reported that Andy Michaels has requested that he wants his road paved in order to be able to sell his house easier.
TAMMY LUBY, ON BEHALF OF
PATRICK BOWNE, TRANSFER STATION:
Surplus Truck for Transfer Station
1. Tammy Luby reported that the Town of Dunbarton is next on the list to be able to purchase the 1997 Chevrolet Pickup from Surplus Property. We have only three days to make a decision, and then it goes to the next person on the list.
2. Patrick (Woody) Bowne has checked the truck over and would suggest that if we purchase it, it will need new windshield wipers, new tires and a new battery. Estimated cost to be $200.00 more or less.
3. Patrick (Woody Bowne would like to continue to use the old truck until it is no longer operable.
4. Selectmen noted the Town would need to put a plow frame on the vehicle at a cost of approximately $1,000.
Charles (Chuck) Graybill and Mert Mann agreed that for the long term, this is better for the Town than to purchase a $35,000 truck. The truck gets limited use.
Les Hammond asked what happens to the $35,000 in the CIP plan. The Selectmen stated it would be just taken out, thereby reducing the proposed expenditures for that particular year.
MOTION:
Les Hammond made a motion that the Town of
Dunbarton, Transfer Station, purchase the 1997 Chevrolet Pickup from State
Surplus for $6,000 with the understanding that we authorize the amount of
$1,000 for a plow frame and plow, and allocate an additional $200.00 for repair
work to the newly purchased truck and that the old truck be disposed of.
Mert Mann seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Repairs to Transfer Station Building next
Year’s Budget
1. Tammy Luby stated that Patrick Bowne would like to include roof repairs in next year’s budget. Would like permission from the Selectmen to get quotes for budget purposes.
Selectmen had no
objection to obtaining quotes at this time for next year’s budget.
Other Necessary Repairs to Transfer Station
Building this Year
1. Tammy Luby stated that Patrick Bowne would like to do some repairs this year such as insulation, replacing several doors, fix locks, replace the storm door. Would like to have one key for all doors. Some of the doors presently don’t shut and unlock. Will amount to around $400-$500. Would like to take this from the Town Building Fund if possible
New Signs
1. New Signs have been put around the Transfer Station.
Baler Repairs
1. Company has put in a new part for the Baler, but it still does not work to full capacity. Will continue to find the problem.
Mack Truck
1. Mack Truck has been delivered to Merrill’s this morning for painting.
Comments from the
Public:
Lori Davis expressed the following comments:
1. When are the budget hearings started? Would like to be notified about the Workshops.
2. Stated she had a complaint. Everyone has a responsibility for their position. Everyone is to report on their departments. Chief Nelson is responsible for the Police Department. He does not send in his wife, etc. Other Departments do not send in their significant other when they handle their business. That is what they are paid for.
Charles (Chuck) Graybill stated her complaint is
so noted with no discussion.
3. Budget is a concern to the Selectmen. I do have a concern with regard to certain departments having to spend their budgets down…… even when they don’t have a reason to spend. What is the real object and they always find a way to spend it. Are we really doing what is good for the taxpayers? That money should not be spent on things that were never brought up.
Mert Mann stated that she misunderstood how the
surplus is determined.
4. Stated she did not have an objection as to whether the Board of Selectmen likes me or not. That is my right as a taxpayer to ask questions, and I expect to be treated fairly.
MOTION:
Charles Graybill made a
motion that the Dunbarton Board of Selectmen adjourn at 8:30 p.m. Mert Mann seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Recording Secretary
____________________________________
Charles
(Chuck) Graybill, Chairman
_______________________________________
Mert
Mann, Selectman
_______________________________________
Les
Hammond, Selectman