TOWN OF DUNBARTON

BOARD OF SELECTMEN

MINUTES OF MEETING

March 31, 2005

 

 

 

Present:          Chuck Graybill, Chairman

                                Mert Mann

                        Leslie Hammond

 

                        Janice VandeBogart, Town Administrator

 

 

Meeting was called to order at 7PM.

 

It was noted for the record that the police department reported that one of the cruisers was damaged by a wrecker that was used at a recent automobile accident.  The wrecker company had agreed to pay for the damages to the cruiser, however, they have not following through on their promise.  The Chief advised the Board of Selectmen that the department will be taking the wrecker company to small claims court to recover the cost of repairs to the cruiser.

 

Les Hammond reported that more pieces of  slate had blown off the roof of the Town Hall and that the louver attachments on the eves have not been replaced, leaving holes for birds to build nests in.  It was noted that the town will have to put money in the budget next year for repairs to the Town Hall.  For now, the board will contact the people who repaired the slates in the past to take care of this problem this year.

 

Jim Marcou and Brian Nordle-Dunbarton Planning Board:  Jim and Brian were in to discuss appointments that need to be made to the planning board.  It was noted that Jim Marcou and George Holt terms were up this year.  Jim Marcou made the recommendation that David Breault, who is now an alternate, be moved up to a regular member and that Terry Swain be appointed as a alternate to replace David.  It was also mentioned that Barbara McCann was considering serving as an alternate but at this time was undecided.  She will get back to Jim as soon as possible.  It was noted that David Breault had been to all the meetings and had gone on a number of site walks and has made a good contribution to the Board.  After much discussion, Jim and Brian stated that they would leave it up to the Board of Selectmen to make their decision regarding appointments.

 

The group went on to discuss Gile Hill Road and the Chan’s proposed subdivision.  Jim stated that the Planning Board would be looking for a recommendation from the Board of Selectmen regarding the upgrading of Gile Hill Road.  It was noted that Gile Hill Road is a scenic road.  Mert stated that the Selectmen had not discussed this to date.  Jim relayed that they had a site walk last year in which the Selectmen, Planning Board, and the Conservation Commission were present.  They agreed that a number of trees needed to come down.  Jim felt that the Chans had been working with the Planning Board and had made some concessions, giving the town some land with the gravel pit area.  They had also dropped the number of lots from 10 down to 4 lots with a large lot for the town.   The specifications for a Class V road were discussed.  It was noted that all of the specifications could not be meet on this road but the Chans were eager to do what was fair and right.  Chuck Graybill stated that he would love to see the town follow the present standards with any future development of this subdivision because of future projects.  He also was under the impression that the Brennans were going to give some land to allow the widening of the road.  Les Hammond stated that he had a problem with double standard, allowing concessions here and not on other projects.   Chuck agreed in that we cannot go one way and then another.  Have to treat everyone the same.  Ken Swayze stated that the town can agree to compromise and some towns are allowing development standards because in some cases the developer could not meet the road width.  Could use trade offs to make it possible for people to use their land.  The Board of Selectmen stated it was their feeling to keep the standards at the 24 foot rule for all.  It was noted that Jacques Belanger, the surveyor for the Chans, had been to the Board of Selectmen and had been told their position.  Jim Marcou stated that the Planning Board would honor whatever the Selectmen wanted.  However, he went on to say that he felt that the compromise that the Chans were proposing would be good for both sides.  Chuck Graybill stated that the Board of Selectmen would have to have further discussions on this subject.

 

Chuck Graybill asked Jim Marcou if he wanted to still stay on the Planning Board and he concurred.

 

John Trottier, Chairman Zoning Board of Adjustment:  John presented his recommendations to the Board of Selectmen (see attached memo)  in regard to appointments to the Zoning Board.  He stated that he felt that Ron Slocum should be moved up from an alternate to a regular member to replace Gert Dulude.    He went on to say that Gert had done a great job for the board but she had agreed that it may be time to step aside.  He also recommended that David Nault be re-appointed as a member of the board. 

 

Les Hammond made the motion to appoint David Nault a member of the Planning Board and to move Ron Slocum up from an alternate to a regular member of the Planning Board with both terms ending March 2008.  The motion was seconded by Chuck Graybill and the vote was unanimous.  

 

It was noted that the Zoning Board needs two alternates. 

 

Ken Swayze:  Building Inspector:  Ken advised the board that another ad for the building inspector’s job was placed in the newspapers.   He stated that he had four or five responses so far, some were not qualified and the ones that were, he could not reach.   This was the reason he was going to start over.   There is a need to replace Ken as Building Inspector and one or two assistants.  Ken said he could fill in occasionally but not all the time.  He said he will stay on to help in the meantime.  Ken went on to say that Line Comeau was doing a good job and getting better every week as she becomes more familiar with the job.  It was noted that the inspector’s job could be about 20 hours a week.    He noted that part of the job was to work with the Planning and Zoning Boards.  The building department has been instrumental in collecting money to offset costs for the Planning Board.  Ken wanted to make sure that this would carry on. Ken also mentioned that there is a need for code enforcement.  This was a time consuming job and could be nerve racking as well.  Someone could be hired for this purpose on a part time basis and dedicate 12 to 15 hours a week.  

 

The Selectmen noted that the police department had said that all car complaints should be turned over to them.  Jeff Nelson has agreed that these complaints are under the authority of the police department.  Chuck went on to say that he would not like to see the police going after anyone who had only one or two unregistered cars.

 

Appointments:  Mert Mann made the motion to appoint Margaret Venator as Deputy Overseer of Welfare for the term ending December 31, 2005.  Les Hammond seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion carried.

 

Chuck Graybill made the motion to appoint James Marcou as a member of the Planning Board  to the Planning Board with a term ending March 2008.  Les Hammond seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion carried.  

 

Motion by Les Hammond to move David Breault from an alternate to a regular member of the Planning Board with a term ending March 2008 and to appoint Terry Swain as an alternate member of the Planning Board with a term ending March 2006.  The motion was seconded by Mert Mann.  All were in favor, motion carried. 

 

Chuck Graybill stated that Mike Underwood would like to spread mulch around the plants on the town common for a fee of $100.00 if the town would supply the mulch.  Chuck suggested that the town one-ton truck could be used and that would be enough for all the gardens.  All members were in favor.

 

It was discussed and agreed that the Road Hearing should be scheduled at the end of  April.  Road Agent, Jeff Crosby will be notified.

 

Selectmen voted to adjourn at 9 PM.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                ____________________________________

                                                            Chuck Graybill, Chairman

 

 

                                                            ____________________________________

                                                            Mert Mann

 

 

                                                            ___________________________________

                                                            Leslie G. Hammond

                                                            Dunbarton Board of Selectmen

 

Recorded by:  Janice VandeBogart, Town Administrator