BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
1. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE
FLAG: Chairman Angelo Terreri called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm
and the Pledge of Allegiance was said. Those present were Mr. Dennis
Richardson, Mr. Richard Keene, Mr. Kurt Youland, Mr. Jeffrey
Timberlake, Town Manager Eva Leavitt and some residents with
interest.
2. ADJUSTMENTS TO THE AGENDA: Mr. Terreri
requested an item added to discuss a skating rink, which the Board
agreed to discuss as item 4A. Mrs. Leavitt noted that the monthly
finance report is available and requested it be added to the
Managers' Business as item 5, and also requested the addition of a
discussion regarding the performance guarantee for
3. REVENUE ESTIMATES FOR 09/10 TAX COMMITMENT:
Mrs. Leavitt noted to the Board that the taxes are set to be
committed at the 8/17/2009 meeting and provided a revenue analysis
for reference. With the information provided, Mrs. Leavitt noted she
has done a preliminary tax commitment using a mil rate of $13.25,
which would be .18 cents lower than last year. Mrs. Leavitt informed
the Board that Assessor Agent Robert Duplisea
has suggested an overlay of $80,000 based on the size and valuation
of the Town, Mrs. Leavitt is suggesting $40,000 and noted that in
recent years the Town has only used approximately $21,000 as an
overlay. Mrs. Leavitt further noted an estimated 1.7 million in
deductions for the tax commitment and also noted the town reduced the
overall budget as requested by $336,000.
Discussion regarding a possible tax rate included
acknowledging that excise tax revenue has dropped and could be even
less if the pending referendum passes in November. Discussion
included noting that Public Works cut their budget dramatically for
the current year, which means less roadwork will be done. The Board
had a general consensus not to lower the mil rate so much that it
might need to be increased dramatically a year from now. Mrs. Leavitt
noted that the mil rate has been lowered for two years in a row,
using the 13.25 would lower it for a third year. Discussion followed
regarding what happens to any money left in the overlay and Mrs.
Leavitt informed the Board that any money left in that line item
would lapse back into the general fund at fiscal year end. Mr.
Youland then made a motion to have the overlay be set at $40,000, Mr.
Keene seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous. Following some
additional discussion Mr. Terreri made a motion to set the mil rate
at 13.40/thousand, Mr. Youland seconded the motion and the vote was
three in favor, Richardson, Youland, Keene, and one abstained,
Timberlake. The motion passed.
4. POTENTIAL REORGANIZATION OF STATE AND LOCAL
ROAD SYSTEM FORMATION OF WORKING GROUP: Mrs. Leavitt suggested that
this new group being formed should be monitored and inquired if a
Selectman would consider becoming part of the group. Mrs. Leavitt
inquired if Mr. Timberlake would be interested but not knowing when
the group will be meeting, Mr. Timberlake couldn't commit, however,
stated that he would attend whenever possible to stay informed on
what the group does.
Mrs. Leavitt reminded the Board that revenue in
the former "highway block grant", which is now known as the Urban
Rural Initiative Program has diminished over recent years and
reorganization could be an effort on the State's part to get
communities to take over maintenance of certain roads, which could be
costly to the communities. The town currently does winter maintenance
on several state roads such as
4A ICE SKATING RINK: Mr. Terreri stepped down from
the table for this discussion and Mr. Youland took over. Mr. Terreri
noted that the Athletic Association is interested in creating a
Public Skating area at the Village Crossing site, which is owned by
Mark Duguay who is willing to allow a rink
to be built on the site. The area is well lit and easily accessible
with plenty of parking. It was noted that a skating rink was
discussed last year and begun; however, it was never completed due to
the late timing for the construction. Mr. Terreri noted the project
will cost approximately $700 and the Athletic Association has no
money for this and inquired if there might be money in Parks for the
Town to possibly cover this. Mrs. Leavitt indicated there are no
funds available for such an event. The discussion that followed
included a suggestion from Mr. Youland that the grade level be
dropped a little prior to placing the plastic down would work well to
help hold the water in. Mr. Timberlake offered to provide the plastic
needed at cost from the hardware store. Mrs. Leavitt offered the use
of a town fire truck and grader when the time comes for that part of
the project. Mr. Keene offered to pay for half the cost of the
plastic and resident Ray Guimond who was in
the audience offered to donate $500 to the project. No further
action. Mr. Terreri returned to the table.
5. TOWN MANAGER'S BUSINESS: 1. Q & A WEEKLY
MEMO: Mr. Keene referenced the note that both Transfer Station
Attendants will be out on the same day and inquired if it is common
for that to happen. Mrs. Leavitt noted this is the first time both
have requested the same time to be out, and that adequate coverage
has been obtained. Mr. Keene then inquired about the 7/24/09 memo
regarding AFLAC being on site to meet with employees and asked if
this occurred during the workday; which Mrs. Leavitt acknowledged it
was. Mr. Keene further noted that during the Road Committee meetings
Wilson Hill Road was mentioned for possible minor work, however
nothing has been done yet and Mrs. Leavitt noted that Public Works
Foreman Charlie Poland has indicated that he has plans for some type
of patching to be done, however, he may have to cut back on the
number of roads to be worked on due to budget restraints.
5-3 TRI TOWN SELECTMEN: Greene Town Manager
Charlie Noonan is asking to schedule the next meeting on September
24th. Mrs. Leavitt noted it is a Thursday night and Mr. Richardson
noted he can't make that day, however, the other Board members can.
Mrs. Leavitt noted that the gathering will be addressed as a workshop
and the Town of
5-6 NIMS AND FREEDOM OF ACCESS
TRAINING: Discussion regarding the required training for elected
officials for NIMS and the Freedom of Access Training, noting that
three of the current selectmen haven't yet completed their training.
By mutual agreement, they have two weeks to go online individually to
the web sites provided by Mrs. Leavitt. If after two weeks the
training hasn't been completed via the on-line access a class will be
scheduled for them.
5-5 FINANCE REPORT: Nothing major at this point in
the budget year. 5-6 HORNET DRIVE PERFORMANCE GUARANTEE: Mrs. Leavitt
brought before the Board by request from Jason Courbron
regarding the required performance guarantee for his subdivision
located off Lower Street known as Twenty-mile Overlook. The Board
previously approved an exception to the performance guarantee for the
initial phase of the project, which only included two lots served by
a common driveway. The Street Construction Ordinance requires $86000
for the next 2 phases of construction and Mr. Courbron has requested a deviation to the
required amount down to $50,000 with release of funds outside the
established guidelines. Mrs. Leavitt explained the road to be
developed is approximately 1,000 feet in length and the Town's
estimated cost is approximately $120/foot; which Mr. Youland noted
may not be high enough with today's prices. Discussion resulted in a
mutual consensus from the Board to stand by the Ordinance with the
required performance guarantee. Mrs. Leavitt thanked the Board for
their input and support.
6. CONSIDERATION OF ANY OLD BUSINESS: 1. NEZINSCOT
RIVER DAM: Mrs. Leavitt noted that the weather patterns have created
an unusually high water level and flowage for this time of year and
recommended the Board wait until next Spring
to consider addressing the necessary repairs; which the Board agreed
with. No further action
7. CONSENT AGENDA: Mr. Terreri had one amendment
to the minutes under item 3 which he noted, and there were no other
necessary amendments. Mr. Richardson reviewed the disbursement
warrants and had one question regarding the purchase of an additional
culvert, which Mrs. Leavitt will review. Mr. Terreri will review for
8/17. There were no abatement or supplements
or Veteran's Exemptions to consider. Mr. Keene then made a motion to
approve the consent agenda with the amendment to the minutes, Mr.
Timberlake seconded the motion, and the vote was unanimous.
8. EXECUTIVE SESSION: None needed
9. ADJOURNMENT: The Board adjourned by mutual
consent at 8:33 pm.
Respectfully submitted:
Sandra L Philipon
Assessing/Office Assistant