Chichester Board of Selectmen
Minutes of Meeting
March 2, 2010
Members present: Stephen MacCleery, Jeffrey Jordan and Richard DeBold
Others Present: Nancy Tanner (Town Administrator), Alan Mayville, Walter Sanborn, Jim Plunkett, Michele Plunkett, Thomas Houle, John Martell, Pat Clarke, Alan Quimby, John Dever, Jason Wier, Donna Chagnon, Matt Cole, Kris Cole, Barbara Frangione, Ed Millette, George Cooper and Mike Paveglio
Chairman MacCleery opened the meeting at 7:00PM.
Department Heads
Emergency Management: John Martell reported that Schey’s project was denied by FEMA. The EMD information is due into FEMA this week. The shelter was opened during last Thursday’s wind event and was used by one person.
Fire: Alan Quimby reports that the Explorer did not pass inspection. Mr. Quimby did not recommend putting money into the Explorer for the repair. He is wondering about the possibility of using the Police cruiser that we are planning on replacing. Matt Cole spoke to the garage regarding the Explorer’s repairs. The rough estimate is $1500. Matt Cole also reviewed some options for trucks that the department would be able to purchase with the proposed warrant article.
Building Inspector: John Dever updated the Selectmen on recent permits. He also reports a garage and one house were severely damaged during last week’s storm. The homeowner of the house is working with their insurance company. Mr. Dever created a pamphlet to let residents know what does not require a permit.
Police: Pat Clarke reports that we should have a new officer on duty in a couple of weeks. The new officer is coming to us with eight years of experience. The Selectmen will meet the new officer at the March 16th meeting.
Highway: Jim Plunkett spoke to fish and game regarding Beaver Dams and confirmed that any damage is the homeowner’s responsibility. Mr. Plunkett will be sending out letters to the homeowners abutting a Beaver Dam. Mr. DeBold suggested that the appropriate statue be sighted in the letters.
The repair for the guardrail has already been paid for by the citizen responsible. Mr. Plunkett will be able to reuse some of the guardrail he already has.
The highway department worked hard in the storm aftermath to keep roads open and clear downed trees/limbs.
Mr. Plunkett spoke to Joanne from CLD regarding the Perry Brook Road/Hilliard Road delineation. CLD found some issues with the Right of Ways and suggested we speak to counsel before going any further. Mr. Plunkett will contact the Town’s attorney.
Mr. Plunkett addressed the issues that came up at last week’s Selectmen’s meeting. The drivers do have prescribes routes and they are required to write down start and stop times. Mason Road has always been plowed with the one ton. The plow routes are approximately 2.5 hours long. Mr. Plunkett has had his CLD for over 30 years. He drives the one ton to give him mobility. He said that they do use the wings to push back snow. He would like to point out that it is not just the Town trucks traveling on Center Road; many other heavy trucks use that road as well. Jim contacted Pike Industries regarding the road and Pike is coming out to look at the road on Thursday or Friday of this week. Jim asked if one of the Selectmen could be present to hear what is said. There was further
discussion about the proper maintenance of the road.
Mr. MacCleery said that placing blame is not going to resolve the issues with the road. He feels that we should identify the problem and address it accordingly. He is glad that Jim contacted Pike because we built the road according to specs that were given to us.
The road salt was also discussed. Jim is using a coated salt this year which will leave more residues and may make it seem like there is more salt on the road than there is. Jim feels that the salt he has used this year is about average for what we have used in the past.
Discussion took place regarding several culverts that may need replacing.
Mr. Jordan wanted to mention that the highway crew did an excellent job during the storm.
Other Business
Jason Wier: Mr. Wier asked why the cul-de-sac on Hilliard Road is not being maintained by the Town. Mr. Plunkett said that the Town did not own that part of Hilliard Road. Mr. Wier requested that the minutes reflect that the Road Agent does not know which roads he is suppose to maintain. The only road in question was the cul-de-sac on Hilliard Road. Mr. Wier states that the Town accepted the road it has been maintained in the past and he expects it to be maintained in the future. Jim explained that there were notes left by the prior Road Agent telling him which roads need to be maintained. Jim said that if the Town is responsible he will maintain it and remove any trees/debris from the cul-de-sac. Mr. Wier made a comment that the highway department was struggling. Mrs. Plunkett asked what
he meant by that comment. There was back and forth conversation between the two before Mr. MacCleery stopped it. Mrs. Plunkett wanted it pointed out that the comments Mr. Wier made were his own opinion and there is a difference between opinion and fact.
Town Meeting: Nancy will be looking for two responsible adults to oversee babysitting for Town Meeting.
Timber: The Selectmen decided not to levy a tax on timber that fell due to the storm.
Abatements: The Selectmen received an abatement for Map 9 Lot 27. There was discussion about the work being done at this property.
Mr. MacCleery made a motion seconded by Mr. Jordan to approve, for 2009, the abatement of $66,200 in assessed value, for Map 9 Lot 27 owned by Christopher and Desiree Weir and to have the assessor revalue the property as of April 1, 2010. Motion passes.
Mr. MacCleery made a motion seconded by Mr. DeBold to deny the abatement request for Joshua and Brianna Stone; Map 8 Lot 24, due to missed filing deadline. Motion passes.
Mr. MacCleery made a motion seconded by Mr. Jordan to deny the abatement request for Thomas and Richard Noonan; Map 3 Lot 36, for the reasons stated – Mr. Noonan had received an estimate of the current use penalty the actual value was higher, however, the assessor verified the correct assessment. The previous amount was an estimate only. Motion passes.
Food Pantry: Mr. MacCleery made a motion seconded by Mr. Jordan pursuant to RSA 31:95-n, the Board of Selectmen shall accept and expend unanticipated funds in the amount of $1,311.10 received from Fire Fighters Association in support of the Food Pantry. It shall be the responsibility of the Town of Chichester to maintain an accurate record of all funds, detailing their expenditure, and that such records shall be made available upon request. Motion passes.
Pole License: Mr. MacCleery made a motion seconded by Mr. DeBold to approve a petition for new telephone poles in Chichester; pole license 41-0-281. Motion passes.
Posting of Roads: Mr. MacCleery made a motion seconded by Mr. Jordan to post the roads effective March 15, 2010. Motion passes.
Accounts payable and payroll were approved.
The minutes from February 23, 2010 were approved.
A motion by Mr. MacCleery and seconded by Mr. Jordan to adjourn the meeting at 8:50 pm. Motion passes.
Respectfully submitted,
Approved
Nancy Tanner
____________________________ ___________________________ __________________________
Stephen MacCleery, Sr., Chairman Jeffrey Jordan Richard DeBold
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