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Board of Selectmen Minutes -- 02/07/2013
Selectmen’s Board Meeting
        February 7, 2013        

Present:        Jerry Dougherty IV, Chairman; John Allen and Bob Thompson, Selectmen

Visitors:       Administrative Assistant Ella Cressy, Police Chief Karl Meyers, Fire Chief/Road Agent Jay Henry, Ray Abbott, Dick Bennett, Sarah Clemons, Mary Canty, Hank Benesh, Frank Benesh, Hank Dresch, Linda Dresch, Jerry Dougherty III, Sam Harding, Bill Lockard, Keith Bradley, Denise Sachs, Gino Funicello, Beth Funicello, Martha Benesh, Bobbi Meserve, Susan May, Dr. Gerald Carrier, Helene Matesky, Huntley Allan, Allen Brooks, Bob Davis, Bea Davis, Jamie Gemmetti, Kathleen Dougherty, Brooks Dodge Jr., Joyce Allan

Chairman Jerry Dougherty called the meeting to order at 4:31 p.m.

Chairman Dougherty opened Public Hearing #1 at 4:31 p.m.

  • Public Hearing #1:  Acceptance of unanticipated funds resulting from the reimbursement of operation expenses of the Bartlett-Jackson Transfer Station, in the amount of $15,000 from the Town of Bartlett  This is the first installment of approximately $39,000 Bartlett owes to Jackson for employee costs from March 1, 2011 to August 29, 2012; this is what Bartlett had available; they will pay the balance through 2013; the Board has to have a Public Hearing to accept the funds.  Gino Funicello would like to know how the town determined what Bartlett owes and how far back this goes.  Chairman Dougherty noted the total amount owed is $39,000 which was determined by taking the joint operating expenses at the 75/25 split from March 1, 2011 to August 29, 2012.  Bartlett will owe another $24,000 on this but Jackson currently owes Bartlett $20,000; there is no reimbursement prior to March 1, 2011.  Gino asked about the declaratory judgment however this agreement is separate from that; March 1, 1011 was when the Selectmen came to agreement on this.  
Chairman Dougherty closed Public Hearing #1 at 4:34 p.m.

Chairman Dougherty opened Public Hearing #2 at 4:34 p.m.

  • Public Hearing #2:  Public input on the proposed 2013 Municipal Budget and Warrant Articles  Chairman Dougherty will review the Articles and read the Operating budget, which comprises Article 6, folks were asked to speak up if they have input.  
Article 5:  To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $40,000.00 for the purpose of paying the 2013 principal on the bond for the Public Safety Facility and Salt Shed.  The Sum of $15,577.71 to come from the remaining balance of the bond for the Public Safety Facility and Salt Shed.  The sum of $9,774.60 to come from the Unreserved Fund Balance (fund balance as of 12/31/2011 – $1,013,045.00) and the remainder of the $14,647.69 to be raised from taxes.  Requires a 2/3 majority for passage.  Chairman Dougherty hasn’t heard back from the DRA regarding the wording and the article’s placement but the article attempts to spend the remaining balance of the bond ($15,577.71); which can only be used to pay down the principle and requires placement on the warrant.  $9,774.60 is proposed to come from the Unreserved Fund balance which also requires a legislative vote.  The remainder ($14,647.69) is to be raised from taxes.  There are articles at the end of the warrant that close out these Funds.  

Gino Funicella would like to know who came up with all the information being presented tonight; he wants to know if this is the work former Office Administrator Falcey compiled.  Chairman Dougherty noted these are the numbers that are on the budget.  Gino noted these are going to be looked at by the state and he wants to know who came up with these numbers.  Chairman Dougherty noted he prepared the information presented tonight but the budget numbers were worked on by the office staff, the town’s accountant, by the DRA, by Town Counsel, by the Selectmen and by the different Department heads; the information presented tonight was not put together by one person, group or individual.  

Article 6:  To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the Selectmen’s recommended Operating Budget of the Town in the amount of $1,804,286.75 $1,805,586.75, not including appropriations by special warrant articles and other appropriations voted separately (see 2013 Budget)   Chairman Dougherty noted this is the operating budget for the town; he will be reviewing this line-by-line.  
  
General Government

4130.00 – Elected Officers’ Salaries  $19,700

4130.01 – Employer FICA & Medi Expenses  $1,650.00

4130.02 – Selectmen’s Expenses  $900.00

4130.03 – Treasurer’s Expenses  $500.00

4131.00 – Town Clerk Office Wages  $31,300.00  Last year this was a separate warrant article; it’s okay to go into the operating budget this year and includes both positions.  
        
        4131.01 – Employer FICA & Medi Expenses  $2,400.00

        4131.02 – Town Clerk/Tax Coll Exps  $12,440.00

4131.04 – Collection Fees to State of NH  $2,300.00  This is money that is collected by the Town Clerk’s Office for the State.

4140.00 – Elections & Registration Exps  $750.00  This amount is down as there are not as many elections this year.

4150.00 – Office Wages  $80,115.00  This represents the four percent increase the Selectmen recommended for all departments this year.

        4150.01 – Town Office Wages FICA & Medi  $6,500.00

        4150.02 – Town Office Health Ins  $50,950.00

        4150.03 – Town Office NHRS Pension  $7,850.00

        4150.04 – Telephone  $2,000.00

        4150.05 – Utilities (heat & elec)  $6,200.00

        4150.06 – Supplies  $2,500.00

        4150.07 – Postage  $1,000.00

        4150.08 – Advertisement  $500.00

        4150.09 – Accounting Expenses  $3,000.00

        4150.10 – Association Dues  $4,200.00

        4150.11 – Computer Technology & Support  $8,600.00

        4150.12 – Registry Recordings  $100.00

        4150.13 – Minute Recording  $5,500.00

        4150.14 – Equipment Repairs & Purchases  $1,500.00

        4150.15 – Training Expenses  $800.00

        4150.16 – Payroll Processing Fee  $3,000.00

        4150.17 – Town Report Printing  $1,600.00

        4150.18 – Bank Fees  $100.00

        4152.00 – Property Appraisal  $38,000.00  This is the amount paid to the Assessor.
        4153.00 – Legal Expenses  $20,000.00

        4191.00 – Jackson Planning Board  $6,900.00

        4193.00 – Board of Adjustment  $1,500.00

4194.00 – Maintenance of Town Buildings  $37,500.00  This is down from last year; historically it has been around $20,000; it went up last year to purchase the tractor for the town; that expense is gone but this year there are a fair number of items in there that weren’t before; the number of the buildings and property that have to be maintained has increased.

4196.00 – Insurance General  $49,000.00

4197.00 – Intergovernment Diesel Fuel  $20,000.00  This is a gross appropriation that is reimbursed by the school.

4199.00 – Health Ins Others  $29,970.00  Frank Benesh asked what this is; Chairman Dougherty noted former employees or selectmen can purchase health insurance; the town needs money in this line in case someone chooses to do that; it’s totally offset by the funds paid by the person buying the insurance.  Last year no one opted to use it.   

4240.00 – Building Inspections  $15,000.00  Last year the town only spent $7600 but this is an unknown; there isn’t an expectation of any increase to expenses, this is mostly a gross appropriation that offsets what the town gets for inspections.

4240.01 – Septic System Review  $2,000.00

4700X – Debt Service  $1,000.00   This is up to $1000 because if the town votes to utilize the Unreserved Fund balance the town will most likely need to take a Tax Anticipation Note.

Cemetery

4195.00 – Cemetery Checking Account  $1,613.75

4195.03 – Cemetery Maintenance  $9,250.00  This was increased mostly because the way the cemetery is spending money will be changing a little.

Police

4210.00 – Police Dept Wages  $144,560.00

4210.01 – Police Medi Expenses  $2,490.00

4210.02 – Police Health Insurance  $85,420.00

4210.03 – Police NHRS Pension  $35,750.00

4210.04 – Gas/Oil, PD  $12,000.00  This was increased as it was overspent last year.

4210.05 – Vehicle Parts & Repairs  $3,500.00

4210.06 – Supplies  $4,000.00

4210.07 – Communication Technologies  $5,538.00

4210.08 – Special Equipment, PD  $3,500.00

4210.09 – Miscellaneous, PD  $500.00

4210.10 – Special Detail  $5,000.00

Joyce Allen asked how many police officers the town has; Chairman Dougherty noted there are three full time and two part time officers.  Joyce is concerned that the town now has five officers.  Chairman Dougherty noted the town doesn’t utilize the part time officers on a regular basis.  Selectman Thompson noted the part time officers are rarely used; one of the part time officers is transitioning out so the Department transitioned in another part time officer.  He’s can’t say how long the town has had the three full time officers, it’s been a while.

Bartlett Jackson Ambulance $6,400.00

This used to be budgeted at $5,000 but last year they had to borrow $2800 to make their payroll; they are doing a great job of containing their costs; they are finding it more and more difficult to get Medicaid funds; the share on the Ambulance is 60/40 Bartlett/Jackson.

Fire Department

4220.00 – Fire Wages  $60,000   This is up by $10,000; compared to the state Jackson’s pay is the lowest; the town is trying to make up the difference.  The Selectmen have been hearing more and more great news about Jackson’s Fire Department; their hard work and dedication here and in the valley is evident.  Fire Chief Henry noted the biggest increase to his budget was having four people take Firefighter 1 and two people take Firefighter 2 training; that’s two hundred hours apiece.  Frank asked why this increase is under wages; Chief Henry explained that’s wages for their time to attend classes; the cost of the classes is a separate line.  Selectman Thompson pointed out that the Department has also had longer lasting calls.  Chief Henry agreed; he noted while calls are going down the hours are going up; there are a lot of factors contributing to this; forest fire and mutual aid calls are all long calls.

4220.01 – Fire Code Inspector Wages  $17,000.00  This is the fee paid for Robert Gaudreau’s services; Fire Chief Henry has noticed over the recent years there has been an increase in the complications and paperwork with running a Fire Department; Inspector Gaudreau provides a great service.

4220.02 – Fire Dept FICA & Medi Expenses  $6,050.00

4220.06 – Gasoline/Oil FD  $3,000.00

4220.07 – Operating Expenses, FD  $17,000.00

4220.08 – Special Equip, FD  $22,000.00

4220.09 – Testing Equip, FD  $5,300.00

4220.10 – Utilities  $12,000.00

4220.11 – Training  $3,000.00  This is a new line item; the $3,000 has been removed from the operating expenses; it clarifies how the budget is utilized.  

4290.00 – Hydrants Services  $6,300.00  This has increased from $5,000; the town had twenty-seven fire hydrants in the budget but there are thirty-two.  

Frank asked to what extent the Fire Department gets involved in fire ponds; Chief Henry noted his Department flushes them every year.  Frank noted they aren’t all only the town’s responsibility some are private; he wants to know if the private ponds are not maintained does the town have the ability to take action.  Chief Henry noted that’s a good question.  Chairman Dougherty noted historically, there has been good cooperation between the Associations and the town.  Chief Henry noted there are a couple of developments that haven’t done much of anything and another that needs a bit of work but most are not so bad.  Frank just wants to make sure the town is aware of these ponds; there is one near him.  Chief Henry noted the town dredged them all and sucked water out and cleaned a bunch of them.

4291.00 – Emergency Management  $5,100.00

4299.00 – Emergency Communications  $4,000.00

Highway Department

        4311.00 – Highway Wages  $177,000.00

4311.01 – Highway FICA & Medi Expenses  $13,600.00

4311.02 – Highway Health Insurance  $67,700.00

4311.03 – Highway NHRS Pension  $14,150.00

4311.04 – Gasoline & Diesel Fuel, Hwy  $30,000.00

4311.05 – Telephone & Internet Services  $3,000.00

4311.06 – Heavy Equip Parts & Repairs  $20,000.00  Last year this line was overspent  and that will most likely happen again this year; some years there are none while other years there are a lot.  

4311.07 – Special Equipment  $16,000.00

4311.08 – Supplies, Small Tools & Oil  $16,000.00

4311.09 – Training & Misc Expenses  $5,000.00

4311.10 – Contract Hire, Mowing & Rental  $20,000.00

4311.11 – Backhoe Lease  $23,200.00  2013 is the last payment on the backhoe; the town will own it and will probably start a new fund for the next one.

4311.12 – Utilities  $10,200.00

4312.00 – Sand  $24,000.00

4312.01 – Gravel  $12,000.00

4312.02 – Salt  $33,000.00

4312.03 – Culverts  $5,000.00

4312.04 – Hwy Road Maintenance  $130,000.00

4312.05 – Street Signs & Flags  $2,200.00

4316.00 – Street Lighting  $10,000.00

4721.01 – Bond Interest Garage & Salt Shed  $68,700.00  This is a gross appropriation for unused funds.  If Article 5 passes then the Selectmen would ask to lower the Operating Budget by $40,000.    

Jackson Transfer Station

4324.00 – Wages Transfer Station  $50,000.00 This is down from what was appropriated last year and significantly from two years ago; this reflects the contract with Bartlett; they pay all employee expenses then Jackson reimburses them.

4324.01 – Transfer Station FICA & Medi Wages  $0

4324.02 – Transfer Station Health Insurance  $0

4324.03 – Transfer Station NHRS Pension  $0

4324.04 – Jackson Equipment  $10,000.00  This line used to be called “Joint Operating Account”.  Jackson has been appropriating funds for years but has not used any money; most expenses are covered by the funds from recycling.  This year Jackson needs a new compactor bin which will be more than $9,000.  The Board is asking for $10,000 for the new bin.

4324.06 – Operating expenses  $3,000.00

4324.08 – Hauling & Rental Fees  $16,000.00

4324.09 – Tipping Fees  $40,000.00  Bea Davis asked if the Board is expecting tipping fees to go from $33,000 to $40,0000.  Chairman Dougherty noted this is the same amount asked for last year; they only spent $33,000 of that.  Bea wondered why the Board wants to keep this at $40,000 and Chairman Dougherty noted the amount for tipping fees is a judgment call; it’s nice to have a little extra so the town doesn’t fall short.

Gino noted that years ago Jackson had a plan for a scale; estimation of weight is a serious issue; there is missed money from someone estimating something at a thousand pounds when it really weighs six thousand.  Chairman Dougherty noted weighing materials has nothing to do with the tipping fees; this is for household material and it’s not shared with Bartlett.  Gino believes the town is shipping demolition material now; that amount will go up but most likely not this year.  Chairman Dougherty agrees having scales is a great idea but it’s separate from tipping fees; Jackson’s fees are separate from Bartlett’s.  

4411.00 – Health Inspector  $500

4419.00 – Animal Control Officer  $500

4419.02 – Animal Control FICA & Medi  $40.00

4442.00 – Public Welfare  $6,000.00

Recreation & parks

4520.01 – Bartlett Recreation Dept  $6,700.00

4520.02 – Fireworks  $3,000.00

4520.03 – Jxn Conservation Comm  $2,000.00

4520.04 – PEG Channel 3  $5,000.00

4520.05 – Video Taping Meetings  $3,000.00  Sarah Clemons asked if this means the meetings are shown on Channel 3.  Chairman Dougherty noted they are not; these are two separate expenses; several town meetings ago the voters asked the Selectboard to get viewing privileges only.  Conway has offered to get coverage for the town on that station for an additional $3,000; if that is something the voters are interested in having happen, then there needs to be a motion from the floor to increase that amount or the voters can ask the Selectmen to make that increase.  As an alternative, the town has its own employee who records the meetings and they are available live; folks can go back and watch them any time while if the town spent $3,000 for coverage on Channel 3 there would be specific times folks could see these and it would most likely be at 2 a.m.  Sarah asked if there would be a disc at the Library for folks without computers to watch; Chairman Dougherty noted there is a disc available at the Town Offices; he likes the idea of having one at the Library.  Frank pointed out folks can watch the meetings online at the Library; the link is on the town website.  The librarian can have an instruction sheet explaining how to access them.

Hank Dresch pointed out that Article 6 has a different number than what’s on the spreadsheet; he was thanked for picking that up.  

Article 7: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $200,000.00 to be placed into the existing Road Re-construction Capital Reserve Fund (fund balance as of 12/31/2012 - $0.00).  Said funds to come from the Unreserved Fund Balance (fund balance as of 12/31/11- $1,013,045.00).  This Capital Reserve Fund was created in 2009 but was not funded pending discussion on how to best maintain Jackson’s roads.  The Unreserved Fund balance as of 2011 was $1,001,034; that is the last known amount; it will be another month or so before the figure is known for 2012 but the Board can project it will be a little bit higher than the number seen here but for legal purposes the Board can only use the known number.  This is an extraordinarily large amount due to the state-wide property tax being an unknown; that didn’t go into effect but the town still had to have $500,000 available just in case.  The one million is nearly twenty-five percent of Jackson’s gross appropriation and the DRA says this should be ten to fifteen percent.  The LGC and the NH Municipal Association recommends between twelve and eighteen percent of gross revenues.  There are a number of reasons to maintain an Unreserved Fund; mostly it’s for cash flow reasons and for unexpected things that could happen; Jackson’s Unreserved Fund is much higher than it should be.  Even though the Selectmen have been using funds from the Unreserved Fund each year the town still has an Unreserved Fund balance that isn’t reducing.  The Board doesn’t want to artificially lower the tax rate as they don’t want to have a spike but the Board also wants to figure out how to return the excess funds to the taxpayers.  This Board’s thought is to invest it in long term capital fund as a way to maintain Jackson’s roads.  The other option would be to take a long term bond for road maintenance.  In 2009 the town went with reclaiming roads and has done so for a couple of years but with the way Jackson’s roads are decaying the town can’t reclaim as much as had been planned in 2009.  The town has let some roads go and it needs to get the roads up to par.  In 2010 the town needed 3.5 million dollars to rebuild the roads; the town is now looking at 4.5 to 5 million now.  The bond note would raise the tax rate thirteen to fifteen dollars per thousand; the Board doesn’t think the taxpayers can absorb that and wants to use $200,000 from the Unreserved Fund to put in a Capital Reserve Fund for roads to do what was planned for 2013 plus catch up.  Along with the planned reclaiming there are some roads the town wants to shim and topcoat.  Over the past couple of years it’s become apparent climate change is here and is affecting us now; there are potholes now where none ever existed; the town has to plan how to deal with it without blowing the tax rate out of the water.  The town may take a bond at a later date once the other bond is paid off.

Frank noted that some years ago the town reduced the Unreserved Fund dramatically and significantly in favor of lowering the tax rate; he wanted to know how low the Unreserved Fund was at that time.  Chairman Dougherty noted that was a different picture.  Gino noted it was a mistake to use those funds at that time; this was done with the belief there was a 1.1 million dollar balance in the Unreserved Fund while the Fund balance was closer to $750,000; taxes went down 24% one year then up 24% in the next year.  Chairman Dougherty reminded folks the figure for the Unreserved Fund is from 2011; the tax year begins in April; the budget begins in January; and the DRA sets the tax rate in November so it is hard to pin down this number; he assured folks this is a one-time expense and is a reflection of how this Board thinks is the wisest way to lower the Unreserved Fund.

Gino wondered if Road Agent Henry can get $400,000 worth of work done in a year.  Road Agent Henry noted most of the work is shimming; the cost would be $150,000 for reclaiming and then he would have to topcoat them next year; he’s looking at shimming and top-coating this year.  Chairman Dougherty noted the Board will be looking at this seriously; Gino has asked a good question as to how much can be done in a year; the Board wants these funds in a Capital Reserve so it’s non-lapsing; the Board won’t have to come back to the town to use the remaining money.  

Selectman Allen wondered what would happen if the article is voted down.  Chairman Dougherty noted the voters are being asked to pull these funds out of the Unreserved Fund; they can vote it up; vote it down; vote it up but not to pull the money from the Unreserved Fund or they can change the amount to something else.   

Chairman Dougherty reminded folks these warrant articles are a draft; it says these are recommended by the Board 3-0-0 but the Selectmen have not voted yet; they will do this later.  

Article 8:  To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $125,000.00 to be placed into the existing Heavy Highway Vehicle Capital Reserve Fund (fund balance as of 12/31/2012 - $50,028.00).  The sum of $100,000.00 to come from the Unreserved Fund Balance (fund balance as of 12/31/11 - $1,013,045.00) and the remainder of the $25,000.00 to be raised from taxes.  This is a two part article; it asks for $100,000 from the Unreserved Fund and $25,000 to come from taxes.  This Fund was created to purchase a grader for the town; by funding it at $25,000 a year it will take until 2020 before Jackson can purchase a new grader.  The one Jackson has is on its last legs, any debate is not “do we need a new one” but “does the town want one”.  Maintenance on the old grader will continue to go up; no one makes parts for this grader anymore; the idea behind this article is to remove money from the Unreserved Fund balance.  This grader was purchased in 1986; this is a long-term capital investment.  The $25,000 will remain the same expense; the additional $100,000 would give Road Agent Henry and the Selectboard options this year.  The Board would consider purchasing a used one; the market is pretty good but there may not be one available; the town may not find it this year; if this is voted up, the Board’s intention is to seek a used grader; if one is not available then they would have considered getting a new one for next year.  Road Agent Henry has priced out the graders; they range from $175,000 to $200,000; there are three to five available in that range.  He pointed out these are thirty-year machines; the grader is the cheapest piece of equipment Jackson owns.  The grader was purchased for $93,000; it cost $3500 a year to buy it; a new one will be $10,000 per year to buy it; the Highway Department’s trucks that last for ten years cost $20,000 a year to buy them.  He reiterated the grader is the cheapest equipment to own.  

Gino noted that Arthur had made the same request as did Robbie and now Road Agent Henry.  He wants to know what the operating hours in a given year are so the voters can make a comparison.  If Jackson uses it about forty hours a year does the town want to pay $100,000 to buy one or should this be rented.  Road Agent Henry doesn’t have the exact hours but they’ve used it about six-thousand hours over the last twenty-six years; some years they use it six-hundred hours other years it’s two-hundred hours; this equipment is primarily used for snow removal.  As far as renting one; Road Agent Henry noted all-wheel drive graders are not available for rent and if he were to rent one it wouldn’t have plow equipment; it’s $12,000 a month without any plow equipment.  Gino recommends buying a new grader; the town doesn’t want another person’s headache.  

Ray Abbot feels the town can hire a grader; Jackson doesn’t have to have a grader to plow snow.  Road Agent Henry disagrees.  Ray feels it would be cheaper to hire the grader for the summer time ditch work; Road Agent Henry noted that may be the case but  the town won’t be able to get one when it’s needed.  Ray noted this is an expensive piece of equipment to have in this town; other towns don’t have graders.  Road Agent Henry pointed out that Jackson has more hills than other towns.  Ray doesn’t agree with using the grader for plowing; he was in the equipment business.  Road Agent Henry quipped that just because Ray sold them doesn’t mean he sat in the seat.  Ray pointed out there are people out there with graders looking for work.

Bob Davis noted it costs $135 an hour to rent a grader for summer time use; he feels the trucks the town has now are fine for plowing.  The town got through the winter of 1969 with ten feet of snow and lighter trucks.  The truck the Department has now is an equal truck to what the town had in ’69 and the town has two of them now.  Road Agent Henry wondered why then Jackson bought the grader in ’86 if it wasn’t needed.  

Article 9:  To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $25,000.00 for the purpose of repairing Dundee Road.  There will be no reimbursement this year from FEMA; Jackson needs another $25,000 to make those repairs effective.  This comes down to how the voters want the town to maintain Dundee Road; the road is now better than it has been in a long time but another $25,000 will mitigate future damage to the road.  

Article 10:  To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $25,000.00 to be placed in the Highway Truck Capital Reserve Fund (fund balance as of 12/31/12 - $50,162.00).  

Article 11:  To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $38,000.00 for the purpose of highway repair and reconstruction.  The sum of $8,200.00 to come from the Special Revenue Fund known at the Highway Repair and Reconstruction Fund (fund balance as of 12/31/12 - $8,263) and the remainder of the $29,800.00 to be offset with the State Highway Block Grant received in 2013.   

Article 12:  To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $50,000.00 to be deposited into the existing Fire Truck Capital Reserve Fund (fund balance as of 12/31/2012 - $209,098.00).   Selectman Allen asked if the town is due for a truck soon; Fire Chief Henry noted the town is well beyond needing one and hopefully by the time the town buys one the Fund will have most of the money needed.

Article 13:  To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $20,000.00 to be deposited in the State Aid Reconstruction Expendable Trust Fund (fund balance as of 12/31/12 - $9,433.00).  This is mutual aid for Route 16B primarily; Road Agent Henry hopes the town will see State Aid; it is wise to appropriate Jackson’s half.

Article 14:  to see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $69,503.00 for the support of the Jackson Public Library.   This represents a little less than a thousand dollar increase over last year.  

Article 15:  To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $10,000.00 to be placed in the Police Cruiser Capital Reserve Fund (fund balance as of 12/31/12 - $17,675.00).   The town will be looking to purchase a new cruiser in 2014 to keep in the cycle.

Article 16:  To see of the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $3,000.00 to be deposited in the Police Department Equipment Expendable Trust fund (fund balance as of 12/31/12 - $5,728.00).

Article 17:  To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $8,980.98 to be deposited into the Baker Prospect Farm Trust (fund balance as of 12/31/12 - $50,616.00).  Said funds to come from the Unreserved Fund Balance (fund balance as of 12/31/11 - $1,013,045.00), which represents the same income amount of $8,980.98 from the Baker Prospect Farm’s 2012 timber sales.  This represents the 2012 income from timber sales; this transfers the funds from the Unreserved Fund to the Baker Prospect Farm Trust.  Frank asked what these funds are used for; they are used to maintain the Baker Prospect Farm area.  Frank asked how much has been spent over the last couple of years; Dick Bennett noted there is mowing every year, there may be some roadwork,  culverts, on-going yearly expense for the property up there, if the town wants to use it.  Frank would like to know how much has been spent; how much does it cost the town.  Dick noted mowing is $2500 a year, money was used for the 2011 survey, clearing around apple trees; Dick doesn’t know the actual figures.  Chairman Dougherty noted it was $12,000 for the survey.  Frank asked if these funds can only be used for the Farm; this was affirmed.  It was noted the money from the timber sales doesn’t have to go in there but that makes the most sense.

Article 18:  To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $7,535.00 to be placed in the Transfer Site Buildings & Recycling Equipment Expendable Trust Fund (fund balance as of 12/31/12 - $86,014).  Said funds to come from the Unreserved Fund Balance (fund balance as of 12/31/11 - $1,013,045.00).  This is a transfer of money because revenue from the Transfer Station goes into the general fund and this would transfer those funds into the Expendable Trust.  There shouldn’t be any adverse tax impact should the town want to do improvements; now that the relationship with Bartlett is very positive the Board will probably look at long term capital improvements to the Transfer Station; there are improvements that need to be done up there.

Article 19:  To see if the Town will vote to establish a Capital Reserve Fund under the provisions of RSA 35:1 for the purpose of maintaining, constructing a septic system, and supplying water to the Old Library building to be known as the Old Library Capital Reserve Fund and raise and appropriate the sum of $10,000.00 to be placed in said fund; and furthermore, to appoint the Board of Selectmen as agents to expend.  The Selectmen were asked to form this Capital Reserve Fund for short term needs and maintenance over the years.  Dick asked what the funds are going to be used for; Chairman Dougherty noted for two years the town has had a Committee looking into use of the building; the town is heating the building now even without water because that’s the best way to keep the woodwork good; the reason for wanting water and septic is because the Committee felt that would be the best way to assure the building gets used; the use is to be determined.  Susan May noted there have been several events which were published in the e-news and with the addition of plumbing the Committee expects they’ll be able to have more events.  Chairman Dougherty noted it will be significantly more than $10,000 to get water and septic to the building; this is seed money to get the ball rolling.  Dick asked if the church is amenable to septic on their property and was informed this is not going on their land; it is going on the property behind the church; there are church members on the Committee so the church is aware of the plans.  

Frank thought this was for water and sewage while maintenance applies to the entire building; he suggests rewording this to say for the purpose of constructing a septic system, supplying water, and maintenance.  He was thanked for his suggestion; it’s much better that way.  

Article 20:  To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $15,000.00 for the purpose of developing the Master Plan and build-out analysis.  The Planning Board is in the process of developing a new Master Plan; a warrant article is required to appropriate the funds to start the Plan.  Frank noted the funds will go to engage a professional to do a build-out analysis.    

Article 21:  To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $2,500.00 for the purpose of controlling the spread of Knot Weed on Town properties and roads through the use of herbicides and other methods.  Knotweed is persistent; this is for another round of trying to knock it down.

Article 22:  To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $1,358.00 for the support of White Mountain Community Health Center to help meet the healthcare needs of the uninsured and underinsured residents of the Town of Jackson.  Submitted by petition.  

Article 23:  To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $716.00 for the support of Northern Human Services to assist the Mental Health Center.  Submitted by petition.   

Article 24:  To see if Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $2,500.00 to support Jackson home delivered meals (Meals on Wheels), congregate meals transportation and program services provided by the Gibson Center for Senior Services, Inc.  Submitted by petition.

Article 25:  To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $3,000.00 for Tri-County Community Action for the purpose of continuing services of the Fuel Assistance Program for the residents of Jackson.  Submitted by petition.  Ray noted Tri-County is totally into legalities now; the Board is not sure if that impacts this article; it’s submitted by petition so it’s being brought forward.   

Article 26:  To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $2,500.00 for the Early Supports and Services Program (birth to 3 years) of Children Unlimited, Inc.  Submitted by petition.     

Article 27:  To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $679.00 in support of Starting Point providing advocacy and support to victims of domestic and sexual violence and their children.  Submitted by petition.   

Article 28:  To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of five hundred dollars ($500.00) for the Eastern Slope Airport Authority for its use in maintaining and improving the Eastern Slope Regional Airport.  ESAA is a non-profit organization committed to foster, encourage and assist in the location, settlement or resettlement of industry, manufacturing and other business enterprises in the locality surrounding the site of the public airport.  Submitted by petition.  

Chairman Dougherty noted the next three articles are to close Funds; it takes a vote of the town to close these; the funds will go into the General Fund then into the Unreserved Fund.

Article 29:  To see if the Town will vote to discontinue the Capital Reserve Fund known as the New Public Facility Capital Reserve Fund (fund balance as of 12/31/12 - $4,651.59).

Article 30:  To see if the Town will vote to discontinue the Expendable Trust Fund known as the Public Safety Facility Expendable Trust Fund (fund balance as of 12/31/12 - $1,435.90).

Article 31:  To see if the Town will vote to discontinue the Capital Reserve Fund known as the Sand and Salt Shed Capital Reserve Fund (fund balance as of 12/31/12 - $3,687.11).  

Article 32:  To act upon other business which may legally come before this meeting.  

The net impact is $3.90 per thousand which is a decrease from last year’s $3.95.

Joyce Allen has brought in the minutes from the Library Trustees last meeting; there is a Library account with a zero balance; the Trustees voted to close that; she wondered if there is supposed to be an article on the warrant for this.  Chairman Dougherty noted it depends on how the account was formed; Helene Matesky noted the account was created by the town and needs a warrant article to close it.  This is a moot point for this year.  Joyce asked when warrant articles need to be submitted; they need to be in by the last date providing an ability to have a public hearing on them which is today; articles need to be in no later than the fifth Tuesday before annual meeting; this means the Trustees should have their plan finalized in December.  

Joyce noted the Library asked for the return of revenue and thought it was all set; this has to go on the ballot.  The Selectmen could get it on the ballot but it’s almost impossible given there needs to be seven day’s for notice of a public hearing and there would be no way to get it to the printer on time for it to be on the ballot or for absentee ballots; there is no way to execute it this year.  

Chairman Dougherty noted the town has received a petitioned article that is a request from Jackson’s legislative representatives to consider a constitutional article this will become Article 32 and Article 32 on tonight’s draft will become Article 33.  This was submitted by petition.

Ray would like to compliment the Board of Selectmen on putting together the budget; it was well presented.  

Chairman Dougherty closed Public Hearing #2 at 6:18 p.m.

The Board will vote on the Articles under New Business.

  • Amend & approve minutes
  • Selectmen’s Meeting January 17, 2013  The minutes were approved as written.
  • Non-Public Meeting – January 24, 2013  This is tabled as Chairman Dougherty doesn’t have these tonight.  
  • Public Comment  Denise Sachse would like to speak about Diane Falcey; Denise has the utmost respect for Diane’s willingness to educate and to lend a hand; Denise believes Diane has been a valuable asset; she takes the time to work with people; a lot of elected officials don’t know what they’re supposed to do; Diane assured that the budget  worked.  Denise was surprised and concerned with Diane’s termination; she urged the Selectmen to reinstate her; allegations of insubordination are subjective not objective.  Denise asked the Board to release the results of the investigation as well as the facts to back the termination of a competent individual like Diane.
Helene Matesky is the Treasurer for the Trustees of the Trust Funds; Dave (Matesky) was the Treasurer before; they were handed three pages with no list identifying the trust funds the town has, how the funds were to be used or information on the wills used and initiated for the purposes of the trusts.  Tracy and Julie were involved but didn’t have the ability Diane had; some of these trust funds went back to 1930; with Diane’s assistance they located wills, she researched RSAs and used her expertise regarding the purpose of the trust fund versus the general fund; the Trustees can now help the Selectmen and the town better manage that money; Helene can’t speak highly enough of Diane’s abilities.  The townspeople are being asked to believe Diane was insubordinate; Helene pointed out that all employees have disagreements with their bosses or have better ideas than their bosses.  Good managers manage those little blips, none of the folks who support Diane can fathom there was insubordination.  There has also been no information released about the investigation the town paid $12,000 for; according to the Attorney General a Board member cannot suppress an investigation if it is about his actions.  This has cost the town the loss of the best employee the town has ever had; it cost $12,000 for legal fees with more to come.  Helene wondered if Jackson’s Board members are the kind of people to drive someone out because the employee disagreed with them.  She is disappointed in the Board’s behavior.  

Beth Funicella noted that earlier there was a good sized group outside protesting the removal of Diane; the Conway Daily Sun was here, too.  These people share the same viewpoint the Board heard from Denise and Helene; the Board has heard from Beth previously to release the information about the investigation.  There’s an article in today’s Sun where Chairman Dougherty responded regarding Diane’s removal; Beth would like to hear, for sure, that Diane was fired.  Beth queried who would now be putting together all this information for the town warrant; how much more is that going to cost the town; she hopes the Board is going to put aside a lot of money for further legal expenses.

Gino noted that as a Selectman he helped to hire Diane; the Selectmen looked through her background; she was an exemplary employee.  There were others who were looked at up, down and sideways; as far as looking to the future of our town, Diane was the best the Selectmen could get.  Gino’s last year as Selectman was the first year with Diane; every meeting ran forty-five minutes to an hour-and-a-quarter because she had the meetings set; there were no four or five hour meetings; she had the information put together.  Chairman Dougherty said that she wasn’t fired but didn’t quit; Gino is asking the members of the Selectboard, as men, what have they done; there was aggravation back and forth during his time with Diane but he felt the town was better than this.  Several years ago the town had an employee quit; she turned in her resignation then asked to have it rescinded.  He suggested the town can avoid a lawsuit if the Selectmen bring Diane back.

Helene asked the Board to take the emotion out of this situation and to look at it as business people, Christians and people who treat each other with respect; in risk management one looks at how to save one’s entity money; the town will save money on lawsuits from employees by creating an environment where all employees succeed; where complaints are welcomed and solved in a public forum; if an employee is bad then make efforts to correct the problem.  In this case Jackson didn’t have a bad employee; the town had an employee doing her job and the Board disagreed when she had issue.  Maybe the personnel procedures and policies are outdated.  In a public forum the Board should make those changes and ask the employee to enforce them; the Board shouldn’t just change it; the Board needs to create an environment so folks can get along.  Helene is not being touchy-feely; it’s good for people to treat others with respect.  The Selectmen are volunteering for the town but were counter-productive with this action.

Bea worked with Diane for a number of years; Diane came into this Office with a mess and did a fantastic job; she turned everything around; she loved and worked for the town.

Susan would like to add her voice to the rest of these people.

Ray has one comment and that is to let the Selectmen do their job and keep this election issue out of it.  

Helene’s concerns are not political; it’s to save money; there are a lot of folks that worked with Diane such as folks from the Planning Board and the Library Trustees.  There are just the three Selectmen counteracting all that good; the folks with concerns about this aren’t irrational.  These folks don’t want people with egos and opinions that take it out on town employees.  

Huntley Allan is disappointed in all three of the Selectmen.

  • Police Report  Police Chief Karl Meyers reviewed Department activities since the last meeting; some items included taking a report of overdue cross-country skiers who eventually showed up; there were six false burglar alarms; a business complained about a car parking in their lot; a landlord/tenant issue continues; it is still a civil matter but the Police help out by trying to keep things de-escalated.  A report was taken of an abandoned vehicle at the rest stop; Jackson Cross-Country had an injured skier on a gated trail, officers opened the gate.  Officers assisted the Ambulance with an ice skater who had an ankle injury; there was one 911 misdial; an individual found a dog, notified the Police and got it back to owner; another loose canine was reported by the gas station as well.  Officers are keeping an eye on homes for residents out of town.  Officers helped out with someone having an issue with the Department of Youth Services; Officers were able to be there to mediate the situation.  Officers assisted the Fire Department with a house that burned on Ridge Road and assisted the Ambulance with a gentleman suffering from a toothache that became a headache.  There was a motor vehicle accident on Carter Notch Road and Valley Cross Road.  The individual who created a disturbance at the Grammar School was found guilty on both charges; her driver’s license was suspended and the next day she was seen driving in town at the Post Office; when Officers approached her she jumped into the passenger seat and denied driving; her dad came to get her so Chief Meyers positioned his cruiser so they couldn’t get out; the subject was very uncooperative; she wouldn’t get out of the vehicle so Officers requested a deputy come up; the subject’s father did get out of the vehicle and was arrested for interfering and hindering; the woman was arrested for driving with a suspended license; the standoff lasted about thirty-five minutes.  A recently purchased house was found to have some old ammunition which was turned in.  Chief Meyers was hurt during the fire; a fire truck from Bartlett went to move out and forgot to detach its hose, the hose acted like a rubber band and took him and a neighbor out; Chief Meyers landed on a coupling; he got a really good bruise and is sore.  It reminded him that in a split second things change.
  • Road Agent/Fire Chief Report  Road Agent Henry has left the meeting but had nothing to bring to the meeting tonight other than the budget as discussed.
  • Building Matters – Andy Chalmers, Building Inspector
  • Urey, Donna (Map **, Lot **): Install 20 Solar Panels and Electric Water Heater  Selectman Thompson, seconded by Selectman Allen, made a motion to approve the building permit as recommended by Inspector Chalmers.  The motion passed unanimously.  
  • Sincere, Richard (Map **, Lot **):  Height Restriction  Inspector Chalmers wants the Board’s input on this; previous Boards wouldn’t approve this as the height ordinance is violated.  This is thirty-nine feet and the Board agrees it violates the Zoning Ordinance and needs to be brought into compliance.  Selectman Allen noted Richard could get a variance if the Board denies this.  Chairman Dougherty noted the Board is not being asked to consider it; Inspector Chalmers was looking for input; Chairman Dougherty will inform Inspector Chalmers the Board agrees with his analysis.  
  • Scrap Metal Agreement for the Bartlett Jackson Transfer Station  Selectman Thompson, seconded by Selectman Allen, made a motion to approve the Scrap Metal Agreement for the Bartlett Jackson Transfer Station.  The motion passed unanimously.  
  • HE Bergeron Letter of Agreement for 2013 Groundwater Monitoring, Melloon Road Landfill, Jackson NH  Selectman Allen, seconded by Selectman Thompson, made a motion to approve the letter of agreement and further to allow Chairman Dougherty to sign as the authorized representative of Jackson.  The motion passed unanimously.  
  • Timber Matters
  • Intent to Cut – Garland Lumber Co. (Map R19, Lot 477/THAN Unit #9) 12-231-11  Selectman Allen, seconded by Selectman Thompson, made a motion to approve the Intent to Cut.  The motion passed unanimously.  
  • Intent to Cut – Adams Street Trust (Map R8, Lot 46) 12-231-13  Selectman Thompson, seconded by Selectman Allen, made a motion to approve the Intent to Cut.  The motion passed unanimously.  
  • Intent to Cut – Dickersin Realty Trust (Map R18, Lots 60, 61 & 62) 12-231-14  Selectman Allen, seconded by Selectman Thompson, made a motion to approve the Intent to Cut.  The motion passed unanimously.  
  • Public Comment  There were none.
  • New Business
  • Liquor outside licensed area for the Wentworth from May 1 – November 30, 2013  Selectman Thompson, seconded by Selectman Allen, made a motion to approve the request to serve liquor outside the licensed area for the Wentworth from May 1 to November 30, 2013.  The motion passed unanimously.  
  • Job Search – Office Administrator  The Board needs to craft an advertisement to post for the position and start to advertise.  There are a couple of ways to go about this; the Board could execute it or use an outside professional service; the Board hasn’t had an opportunity to discuss how to proceed.  Selectman Thompson asked what Chairman Dougherty knows about this outside agency; one hasn’t been picked; there are services that do this that might be worth looking into; they post the ad, they receive the resumes and/or applications, review them, narrow the field and then send the resumes to the Board. The Board would then review them and schedule interviews.  MRI was used in the past; Selectman Thompson wants to know what the town used them for; Chairman Dougherty doesn’t know off hand.  Selectman Allen feels the Board should start the advertisement process to get this going; Chairman Dougherty agrees; this was just a thought; he’s not sure which one of the Selectmen would be able to take on crafting the ad; next week he can research outside companies.  In the private sector this service is paid for by the applicant when hired for the position; he’s not sure if it is the same for a municipal resource.  Frank noted at professional levels this cost is paid by the company doing the hiring and can run as much as fifty percent of the annual salary.  Chairman Dougherty still believes that once hired the applicant who is hired pays the cost and there are services that don’t charge that kind of rate.  As far as posting and crafting the ad Selectman Allen would like to start with the ad that was crafted in 2009.  Selectman Thompson pointed out that Jackson now has a job description although they may not need the essential duties for the ad.  The Board agrees to request a letter of interest and resume with a deadline for receipt.  Ray would suggest this be advertised as Selectmen’s Assistant and get rid of the administrator part; the title gets in the way but this would clarify who works for whom.  The last time the ad was for an Office Administrator; when the Board was going through the job description process Chairman Dougherty discussed these jobs with the LGC and found that the title of Office Administrator doesn’t really exist; this is really an administrative assistant position; if it’s advertised as an Office Administrator folks don’t know what that is.  The Board reviewed the ad; this will be posted in the Conway Daily Sun; it will run Tuesday the 12th through Saturday the 16th with a deadline of Thursday the 21st.  Selectman Thompson will write it up and send a draft to the Selectmen; it can be approved through the Office; Administrative Assistant Cressy noted this has to be in to the Sun by noontime on Monday.  
Chairman Dougherty noted that making the recommendations on the Warrant Articles will be the last item discussed tonight.  Selectman Thompson noted the Board needs to get to the Holly Lewis minutes and the Chase/Shaw drainage matter.  Chairman Dougherty would like to schedule another meeting for next Thursday; the Board agreed to meet briefly on the 14th to take care of those two items.
 
  • Recommendation on Warrant Articles (added)  The Board can vote on these as a group unless there are concerns or issues; Selectman Allen has an issue with Article 28.  It was noted Article 32 is a non-spending article that doesn’t require a recommendation although Chairman Dougherty likes what it stands for.  Some wording might change after the DRA review but the intent will be the same.  Selectman Thompson, seconded by Selectman Allen, made a motion to recommend Articles 5 through 27 and Articles 29 through 31.  The motion passed unanimously.  
Selectman Thompson, seconded by Chairman Dougherty, made a motion to recommend Article 28.  Selectman Allen does not support this; he feels $500 does nothing and wonders what Jackson gets out of it.  Selectman Thompson noted the airfield provides access to emergency medical air lifts.  Frank noted Dr. Badger spoke about this last year.  Selectman Allen still wonders what $500 provides towards those services and Selectman Thompson noted it’s much the same for the other petitioned requests, what will $2500 do for Early Supports or $3,000 for fuel assistance or $716 for Northern Human Services; it’s a token amount.  Jerry Dougherty noted the town’s contribution is a pittance; the airport is a ten million dollar asset that runs on $50,000 a year; most of that is for snowplowing.  The FAA feels it is important to keep that facility there for safety; it serves as a refueling station and has a significant impact on the Mount Washington Valley.  The towns that contribute indicate to the airport’s Board of Directors that the towns are with them in their endeavor; it is a good faith endorsement.  It is an article every year and it warrants a lot of discussion; it’s good to go through that.  Usually folks are opposed because they think the airport is a rich man’s endeavor; Jerry doesn’t have a plane there but he is a pilot and he recognizes the role of small airports as well as the fact that military aircraft can land there in an emergency; helicopters use navigational aids from there and the airport has a weather station that gives aircraft information in the area.  Selectman Allen wants to know what Jackson has to do with that; his concerns also centered around the fact that no one who signed the petition attends the meeting to speak about the article; when no one from the organization is here how do the Selectmen know what to say about it.  He feels the information provided tonight is enough to earn his support.  There was no further discussion.  The motion passed unanimously.  

  • Old Business
  • Board Policy  There is nothing new on this tonight.  
  • Job Descriptions  There is nothing new on this tonight.  
  • Unseal Lewis Litigation Non-Public Session Minutes  This is tabled to the February 14th meeting.
  • Shaw & Chase water drainage matter  This is tabled to the February 14th meeting.
  • Right to Know Law – Implementation of Non-Public Session Checklist Form  There is nothing new on this tonight.  
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 7:23 p.m.

        Respectfully submitted by:      

        Martha D. Tobin

        Recording Secretary