Francestown Board of Selectmen
Meeting Minutes
December 19, 2011
DRAFT
Meeting called to order at 7:02PM Betsy Hardwick, Abigail Arnold, Scott Carbee, and Christine Lavery in attendance.
Glenn Dodge – Town Hall – Glenn came in to update the board on the renovation of the Town hall; more specifically the lack of supports for the bell tower. He noted the queen truss was put never meant to support the entire bell tower. He suggested a steel post to be put underneath across the length should be supporting the bell tower. He thought it appeared that a load bearing wall was taken out a while ago leaving the
bell tower as a dead load on the existing structure. He showed a diagram of the floor plan on how it might look.
He also noted that if the second floor were ever to be used the stairwell would have to be moved and a fire door would have to be put in place.
Hardwick agrees that we should put what is needed.
Dodge: If we are going to support with steel beams it is very little money for what it will do as support. We have done a complete survey of the building and feel the steel beams need to be put next to the window; so Dodge feels there should be 3 steel beams for esthetical purposes.
Carbee: Agrees with his suggestions
Arnold: Asked about the structural engineer’s opinion.
Dodge: Brought in Earl Sanford re: concrete and earth work. Spoke to a bridge engineer and he suggested getting them (steel beams) in Claremont. They can quote us the amount and we do not need engineer to do this work.
Arnold: asked Dodge to submit any bills by Thursday
Heritage: Maureen von Rosenvinge would like the refrigerator moved out of the way in the Town hall and Glen would like a dump sticker to get rid of some of the stuff coming out of the hall. Abigail suggested they put the appliance in the beehive.
The board thanked Glen for his explanation.
Maureen von Rosenvinge: Asked to discuss some of the accounting details; she would like to carry over the grant money for next year. BOS said they could not.
She went on to explain that the basement would cost less than they anticipated.
Bible Hill Rd culvert at Byington: was replaced as a deficient deficiency. Hardwick explained it had to be fixed since it was flowing into someone’s basement.
Carbee: asked if it was usual to have this done before the BOS approved. Carbee wondered if the town handles their own culvert repairs.
Hardwick: Gary (road agent) determines if something needs to be repaired and since we do not have a backhoe we always hire a contractor.
Stanley’s Used Furnace: The Stanley’s have a used furnace and wondered if we could use it for the town. Judy Miller said she would go take a look at it.
Patriotic Purposes Bill: Hardwick mentioned we all need an invoice for bills submitted along with receipts. We received a bill from patriotic purposes with no back up. The town wants to make sure all bills are substantiated with back up information.
Hardwick noted at one point the auditors pulled a bill like the one we have and criticized us for not having the backup. We should always have backup documentation for every bill.
Carbee: wondered why now? Since we have been doing it the same way for 10 years.
Jodi Miller (treasurer of the women’s auxiliary): noted she would take care of making sure she got receipts and invoices in the furture.
Hardwick: passed around the check manifest to be approved by the selectmen.
Hardwick: Timber Cut was submitted by Monica Derr, resident. BOS said taxes are due and she needs to post a timber bond for the timber tax amount before BOS the approval of the timber cut.
Property tax abatement for SVA to be approved and signed by the BOS.
Invoice for replacement of new computer submitted for approval.
Twin bridge services submitted contract for new year for approval: down from last year’s contract price due to the new computers
Motion moved and seconded to approve Twin Bridge contract for next year.
Building Permit submitted and approved
Single check manifest presented for approval: BOS discussed difference with treasurer of $40.00 in the conservation fund. Deposit was made and never cleared.
Timber tax: Reed Miller tax abatement approved by BOS
Arnold: noted form must be given to tax collector for abatement
New Investment Policy presented.
Hardwick: made motion to adopt the investment policy
Carbee: seconded motion to adopt; all approved to adopt the Investment Policy.
BOS signed in approval of new Investment Policy
Exterior maintenance contract: Arnold asked Carbee about the exterior maintenance contract. Carbee said Jarest was very sick and he was looking for someone to take over his business. BOS discussed who had submitted contracts and if they will get anymore. They agreed to continue to get more proposals
2012 Legislative breakfast: Hardwick noted on Jan 20 at 7:30-9am all invited for anyone who would like to attend.
Minutes: BOS agreed to approve some minutes that have backed up. Carbee proceeded to put the minutes in order
November 21st minutes, Carbee corrected an item in the minutes where it noted BJ Carbee, and it should have been Scott Carbee. Minutes will be amended
It should also showed Scott Carbee initiated the discussion regarding the mistake in the minutes. They (BOS) agreed to take out BJ’s name from the minutes completely.
Carbee approved with all other minutes submitted as written; Dec 12, Nov 28, Nov 16th Nov 14th.
Manifest Approval: BOS approved the payable and payroll manifests for Dec 27th.
Resident question: Tom Anderson: asked what exposure the town has regarding the car left at the highway department.
Hardwick said we are potentially liable but we are currently looking into it.
Motion made to end public session at approximately 8:14pm, seconded, all in favor.
Motion made to enter into a non-public session at approximately 8:15PM
Carbee: seconded motioned; all in favor.
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