Francestown Board of Selectmen
Meeting Minutes
September 12, 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 7:02 p.m.
Posting: Hardwick reported this meeting being properly posted.
Minutes: Administrative Assistant, Debra Davidson taking minutes.
APPOINTMENTS:
7:00 John Demetry – Not being on the agenda, Mr. Demetry asked for a few minutes with the Board. With regards to his desire to repurchase the property recently taken by tax deed, Mr. Demetry asked the Board to waive the 15% penalty and further asked for an extension until September 30th, to allow the Selectboard to consider his request.
Selectwoman Arnold recommended no extension and to discuss his request right now. She is not in favor of waiving the penalty or allowing an extension.
Selectwoman Hardwick is also not in favor.
Selectman Carbee pointed out, Mr. Demetry had received his other tax bills. Carbee is not in favor.
Voted 3-0 not in favor of the request by Mr. Demetry.
Resident, BJ Carbee – Mrs. Carbee was before the board to discuss a letter she had sent on August 22, 2011. She would like to discuss her concerns in a meeting.
Hardwick explained the position is a Salaried, exempt position with 40-hours/week minimum. Hardwick further explained Arnold had volunteered in the position for two months, she is now training Davidson. There is a bigger learning curve than expected. Arnold will be working for 3 months, she is receiving $20.00/hour, her hours are variable, with an average of 20 hours/week.
Mrs. Carbee asked if in the future this situation should arise would the Selectmen consider Municipal Resources Inc. as an alternative.
Arnold stated the Executive line item would not be exceeded.
Carbee asked who trained Sherry?
Hardwick responded Sam worked with her and the Selectboard spent a significant amount of time with her.
Carbee asked when was this made public?
Hardwick stated in the August 1, 2011 minutes.
Carbee does not feel that this has been transparent.
Resident, Becky Moul – Ms. Moul approached the Board to discuss the steel containers at the recycling center. The Transfer Station has an opportunity to sell these containers to G.W. Shaw and they are seeking permission to do so. Discussion as to the price followed.
Selectmen thought this is a great idea and instructed Davidson is to speak to Julie Shaw regarding the price. Ms. Moul suggested at least $150.00 each would be a fair price. Davidson is to contact Hardwick when a price is provided.
Resident, Polly Frees thanked Ms. Moul for the signage at the Transfer Station, informing residents to keep the traffic moving.
Moul stated it is all the attendants, they should get the appreciation. Moul asked if Hazardous Waste days could be put on the website. Moul will send Davidson the verbiage.
Selectmen thanked Ms. Moul for this information.
OTHER:
Mail – Selectmen reviewed the incoming mail.
GENERAL BUSINESS:
Field Mowing – Hardwick discussed Paul McGrath contacted her and is not happy with the cutting at the ball field. TJ is blowing the grass clippings into the new clay. He requested permission to obtain quotes for 2012.
Selectmen would like a breakdown from TJ for 2011 and to also get a quote for 2012.
Keys – Davidson reported October 8, 2011 at 9:00 am the building will be re-keyed. Any additional keys need to be obtained. Departments that need to get their key’s need to do so before October 8th.
Cemetery contract – There is some clarification of the deeds needed. The trustees would like the Town attorney to review. Items that need clarification are where/who are these deeds recorded, who is the successor owner, any other items within the contract that needs clarification should be done.
Joint Loss Management Committee – Phil St. Cyr of PRIMEX will be here on Friday at 1:00 to see where Francestown stands with their safety committee and committee compliance.
Irene Update – Hardwick reported Emergency Management Director, Kevin Holdridge sent her an e-mail regarding Irene. There was approximately $20,000.00 damage sustained throughout the town. Items of concern were the generator hook-up/stand alone at the Police Department, Communications (public & departmental improvements were discussed). Radio communication & upgrades to them was discussed. It is the goal to implement necessary improvements. Holdgridge would like to meet with the Selectboard before mid-October. Other matters will Irene. Selectmen received an e-mail that Hillsborough County was not included in disaster itself, however it was included in category B (protective measures) may be reimbursed for.
Hardwick Updates –
- Kevin Magoon will be on the agenda 9/17/2011 at 6:30. He has a license to hunt moose; he would like the Boards written permission to drive up Bullard Hill Road with an ATV while hunting.
- Paul Knight – would like to donate scrap wood to the town for anyone that could use it. He will keep it at the wood bank and will make a bin for the scraps. Selectmen approved this.
- Hardwick follow-up on Cersosimo reporting they have executed fire pond access. They will correct the language in all future deeds.
Carbee Updates –
- Phil D’Vanza has been contacted. The bell side of the clock is not hitting correctly and needs adjusting.
- Regarding the volunteer keepers of the clock, Carbee suggested they be appointed annually. All were in agreement. Davidson will prepare appointments for Silas Little, Wayne Thompson and Warren Kiblin.
- Parking at Old County Road – it was reported there is a tree down across the parking lot, as well as an ash tree which is dead and dangerous and should be looked at.
- The flags were lowered on September 11th. Davidson asked who is in charge of this. She was told in the summer Al Thulander is responsible for the Red School, Common, and Town Hall Common. Scott Carbee is responsible for Cemetery #3.
Arnold Updates –
- Master Plan Committee would like to meet with the Selectboard at a future date.
- Discussed budgetary items will be provided on Monday for 2010 & 2011 year to date. Discussed the meeting on Monday will discuss targets, spending increases and how to prioritize and keeping departments aware of the Town priorities.
ITEMS TO SIGN:
Check Manifests - A/P & P/R were signed
Town Hall Rental Application – Selectmen signed a rental for the horse sheds and grounds only. This is for a church picnic. They can use the church restrooms if necessary.
Exempt Status – Chairman Hardwick signed tax-exempt status for all phone lines. This should save several hundred dollars annually.
Letters –
- Acceptance of audit report and recommendations. Recommendations were implementing an investment policy, separate books to be held by the treasurer.
Minutes – Motion by Carbee to approve the minutes of August 22 & 29th with amendments. Minutes of August 20th were accepted as written. Seconded by Hardwick & Arnold. Voted 3-0.
ADJOURNMENT:
With no further business, Hardwick motioned to adjourn the Selectmen’s Meeting at 8:30 pm. Seconded by Arnold & Carbee. The next scheduled meeting is Monday, September 19, 2011 at 6:30 pm with the Budget Committee and the Departments to meet at 7:00 pm in the downstairs meeting room.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra Davidson
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