Francestown Board of Selectmen
Meeting Minutes
September 26, 2011
Present: Chairman, Betsy Hardwick, Selectmen Scott Carbee and Abigail Arnold constituting a quorum.
Call to Order: Chairman Hardwick called the meeting to order at 7:03 pm.
Minutes: Administrative Assistant, Debra Davidson taking minutes.
AGENDA ITEMS:
Doug Farrell – Mr. Farrell discussed his situation regarding his building permit and payment of court ordered fees.
Hardwick asked Farrell what he is asking the Board for.
Farrell explained he is not in good financial standing right now; it will be hard for him to come up with the money for the Town’s legal fees.
Hardwick would like the Selectmen to have an opportunity to go through the files; the Selectmen will get back to him after they do that.
All were in agreement.
CLD Engineering, Chief Engineer, Dave Gates & Senior VP, Ken Rhodes – Mr. Gates was invited to the meeting to discuss the Old Town Hall structural surveys. Mr. Gates introduced client relations representative, Ken Rhodes.
Gates explained after reviewing the reports that were made available to him, all the proposals were prepared by knowledgeable people and are good reports.
Francestown Historical Commission Chair, Maureen VonRosenvinge was introduced at this time. VonRosenvinge discussed the LCHIP grant, explaining $32,000 was applied for with $16,000 being awarded. They are seeking advice and guidance. They have done the structural survey that the grant initially requested; they will follow the State Interior guidelines of National Preservation.
Gates said that CLD will be available to whatever level the Committee and Selectboard need. There will be a minimal fee; Gates further explained they are a civil engineering firm and familiar with the LCHIP program.
Discussion continued as far as problems with the building and what has been reviewed so far, what upgrades need to be done to meet codes and life safety matters.
The Heritage Commission will be sent all information and kept informed with any decisions going forward with this project and consulting with CLD.
Boy scouts – Selectmen approved the Boy scouts selling popcorn this Saturday, October 1, 2011 at the Transfer station, providing there is adult supervision. Tammy Blanchette or Melissa Stewart are the contacts for this.
Containers – Becky Moul reported the containers have been removed from the Transfer Station and the Town will receive revenue for them.
Halloween – Mrs. Noonan informed the Selectmen that Halloween will be held on October 31, 2011 between 6:00 pm – 7:30, but is asking to close Main Street from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. To make sure children are safely off the road. She will complete paperwork for the State DOT. The usual Halloween festivities with hayrides, candy and refreshments. With the inability to use the Old Town Hall, Charlie Pyle will be contacted to see about holding refreshments at the Masonic Hall.
Birdsall Road – Hardwick addressed a letter the Board received in March expressing concerns about signage and speed on Birdsall Road. Discussion followed. Road Agent Gary Paige knows about the tree that is down on Birdsall Road.
Selectmen will ask the Highway Advisory Committee for recommendations on Birdsall Road with regards to the signage and speed. A memo to be sent to the committee.
Wilson Hill Road – As a follow up on this, Hardwick said signs have been ordered and Gary Paige recommended a chevron at the corner. Selectboard agree with this recommendation and further authorize notifying Gary Paige of their decision.
OTHER:
Correspondence – Selectmen reviewed incoming correspondence.
GENERAL BUSINESS:
Fire Pond – Scott Carbee reported the fire pond on Wilson Hill Road has beavers living in it and it was overflowing on Thursday, it has been taken care of. He will talk to Gary next week.
Milfoil remediation – Invoices will be submitted to the State for reimbursement.
.Gov – Arnold offered to use her credit card for payment of the .Gov invoice for the Francestown website domain name if reimbursed. .Gov will not accept checks only credit card or paypal accounts. Carbee & Hardwick agreed with this offer.
Septic – Chris Danforth has submitted a septic plan for the Hooper property.
E-911 - information has been received, allowing Carbee to update E-911 via emails to DOT.
Servpro invoices - Carbee inquired if the Servepro invoice has been submitted to PRIMEX for reimbursement. All invoices to date have been submitted to PRIMEX. A local vendor will be contacted requesting an estimate for carpet replacement.
Pleasant Pond Road - Pleasant Pond Road project is scheduled to continue next year. Additional culvert work is being done this year as there are still funds left. The balance spent of the warrant article to date is $181,975.20. The possible need to have some dead trees near Howarth property removed was discussed. The Selectmen need to determine if they are an imminent hazard, Gary cannot cut any trees without the Selectmen so determining and authorization. Selectmen will set up a time to walk the road with the road agent next week.
Selectman’s Advisory Committee (SAC) – Carbee reported the School Board is returning $625,000 of the budget back to the voters.
Tri-Town Meeting – Selectmen attended a Tri-town meeting in Bennington and discussed various issues with the landfill and gravel pit. They received annual reports.
Driscoll Hill Road - Hardwick received reports of firearms being used in the evening and at other times, dog complaints and blocking access to the road have been reported. Discussion followed.
Selectmen would like to follow up with Chief Bell about this. Selectmen will ask Road Agent, Gary Paige to post a Class VI road sign at the Russell Station end. Arnold believes there may be a Class VI road sign at the end of Palmer Road near the turnaround that could be relocated.
Budget - Selectmen Hardwick & Carbee reviewed notes from Arnold which had suggested items to share with the BAC – computers, batteries & upgrades, expendable trusts, legal budgets, building repairs, highway maintenance, welfare, 5-year plan of the town needs and fee structure was recommended. Town Clerk computer needs to be replaced as soon as possible. The laptop is also in need of being removed from service. BJ Carbee expressed interest in purchasing the laptop if/when it is removed from service.
Arnold further discussed other computer needs of the Town and the copier lease. Police Department should look into the availability of grants for police laptops.
Motion by Hardwick to authorize Allan Treadwell to replace the 7 battery backups, the Town Clerk’s computer and monitor utilizing the 2011 fiscal budget. Seconded by Carbee and Arnold. Voted affirmatively 3-0.
The copier lease was discussed. Davidson will look into the possibility of cancelling the contract.
ITEMS TO SIGN:
Check Manifests - A/P & P/R were signed
Letters – Several letters were signed
Building Permit – A. Thulander; Donovan
Motion by Hardwick to authorize the Selectmen to independently sign the permit for Thulander, after Peter Hopkins signs it. Seconded by Arnold & Carbee. Voted in the affirmative 3-0.
ADJOURNMENT:
With no further business, Hardwick motioned to adjourn the Selectmen’s Meeting at 9:30 pm. Seconded by Arnold, all approved. The next Selectmen’s Meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 3, 2011 at 6:30 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra Davidson
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