DUNBARTON BOARD OF SELECTMEN

MINUTES OF MEETING

THURSDAY, JUNE 23,  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 7:00 p.m.  The following were present:

               

                Charles (Chuck) Graybill, Chairman

                Mert Mann

                Les Hammond

               

 

The Selectmen reviewed correspondence and signed checks prior to the Public Meeting was called to order.

 

GENERAL BUSINESS: 

 

Jeff Crosby, Road Agent:

 

                Tree Removal Policy:

 

1.        Asked if the Town had a policy regarding dead tree removal on trees within the Town Right of Way along Town Roads.

 

Selectmen noted there is a line item in the budget for tree removal within the Highway Department section.  The unwritten policy in the past has been if a complaint is received, the Road Agent assesses the situation and makes a decision as to removal. 

 

Jeff Crosby stated that he isn’t qualified to  make a decision with regard to a live tree which only has dead limbs, etc.   It would have to be a professional to make that determination. 

 

                Possible Summer Work Schedule, Highway Employee:

 

2.        Asked about the possibility of changing the Highway Employee’s Work Schedule to be four ten hour days, Monday through Thursday, taking Friday off.  Jeff Crosby stated this way the Highway Department employee would be working a longer day when the days are the longest, etc.  Would be able to take advantage of daylight, etc.  while the Highway Department is doing paving and other road work.  The hours presently are 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.  He would suggest 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. from July 1 to Labor Day. 

 

Charles (Chuck) Graybill indicated he was reluctant to do this for one department and not be able to do it for all departments.  He noted that other departments would be unable to work this out because of office coverage, telephone coverage, etc.   He stated that if we agree to this program, how would we work out coverage for the Transfer Station when Woody is on vacation, etc.  (Highway Employee is the backup for Woody when he is on vacation.)

 

The Board of Selectmen agreed among themselves that the coverage situation for the Transfer Station could be worked out with advance notice of vacation schedules, etc. 

 

MOTION:

 

Mert Mann made a motion that the Dunbarton Board of Selectmen authorize the Highway Department employee to work a ten hour day with hours 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. four days a week, Monday through Thursday, taking Friday off with the summer work schedule subject to review.  Les Hammond seconded the motion.  The motion passed unanimously. 

 

   Driveway Permits for new subdivisions:

 

3.        Driveway permits are authorized by the Road Agent according to the subdivision plans, etc.  If the Road Agent is the one contracting to put in the proposed driveway, then Charles (Chuck) Graybill stated he felt that another individual should be authorizing where the driveway should go (possibly the Highway Employee) because of possible conflict of interest, etc.  If the driveway location is according to the plan, there is no problem.  If the driveway location is different than the plan, we should have another person locate the driveway, etc.  Could use Allen (Highway Employee)  instead of Road Agent to avoid possible conflict.  

 

In cases where the Road Agent is contracted to put in the driveway, others should be involved in the driveway location if it differs from the plan i.e.  Jim Marcou, Brian Nordle, Planning Board, etc. 

 

Les Hammond felt that the Road Agent should still have the authority to decide where the driveway location should be.  He is the person who is the most qualified to make this determination. 

 

There was no final resolution of this situation. 

 

                Jacquelyn Drive:

 

4.        Jeff Crosby, Road Agent, reported that all the necessary improvements had been made to Jacquelyn Drive as noted by Don Mayo, Town Engineer.  Have gotten rid of the rock.  Have put rip rap at the end of the culvert.  Regarding the slope, etc., the slope has become stabilized at this point and don’t want to disturb it.  At this point, there is grass/vegetation growing on the slope.    Sight issue was not on Don Mayo’s list but it should be looked at, etc.  Need 400 feet sight distance for a Town Road. 

 

Paving: 

 

5.        Jeff Crosby stated he has made arrangements with Ed Forcier of Brox for Gorham Pond Road

       Paving.    Les Hammond asked if the contract can be extended until January 1, 2006.

       Unknown at this time. 

 

       Jeff Crosby stated that they (Brox) will pave Gorham Pond Road and do the shoulder work. 

 

Selectmen requested the Road Agent to coordinate with the Police Department to make sure they were aware of the project and the dates of paving, etc.   Noted there is a Road Race which goes down Gorham Pond Road.  Unsure of the date but the Road Agent should be aware of this. 

 

There being no further business, the following motion was made:

 

                MOTION:

 

Mert Mann made a motion that the Dunbarton Board of Selectmen adjourn at 8:05 p.m.  Charles (Chuck) Graybill seconded the motion.  The motion passed unanimously.

 

 

 

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                Alison R. Vallieres

Recording Secretary

 

 

 

 

 

 

______________________________________

Charles (Chuck) Graybill, Chairman

 

_______________________________________

Mert Mann, Selectman

 

_______________________________________

Les Hammond, Selectman