Minutes of Meeting – February 18, 2015; meeting called to order at 7:00pm. Present: Dave Roche; Warren Archey; Ed Lane; Ken Fowler. Absent: Channing Gibson.
DR announced that the deadline to place a petition article on the Annual Town Meeting warrant is March 10.
MOTION by EL, seconded by KF to accept the Minutes of February 4 as presented. 4/0 vote.
Citizen’s Open Forum: None.
Consent Agenda: DR went through each item on the Consent Agenda, asking if any item needed a Hold placed on it. EL questioned if the poles installed for the banners are all set for this year, to which DR stated that they were. MOTION by EL, seconded by KF to approve the Consent Agenda as follows: Permission to St. Ann Church to install a temporary banner across Main Street to advertise their 2015 Summer Festival beginning on Friday, 7/3-7/13; one-day W&M license to Ventfort Hall for 2/24 from 5:30-7:30pm. 4/0 vote.
Town Manager Report: The TM stated that the FY16 budget continues to go through the review process with FinCom, and that he may have updated FY16 figures at the next meeting. He then spoke about his desire to invest the Town’s OPEB funds of $1.4 million into a state trust account which will garner a higher interest rate. The Board has until April 2 to make a decision. He then briefed the Board on the current Snow & Ice account, and the need to deficit spend. He discussed this need with the FinCom at their recent meeting, and they concurred. He will then place on article on the ATM warrant requesting a supplemental appropriation of some sort to cover this deficit. The TM then suggested that the Board have a preliminary discussion regarding the FY16 water and sewer rates; the rate hearing is
scheduled to be held at the March 4 meeting. He is trying to hold the line and keep rates down. Finally, he touched upon the various language changes being proposed to the Town’s Personnel Policy, and that he will seek their approval at the next meeting.
Tennessee Pipeline: The Town continues to receive updates from FERC.
Rest of River: No update.
Solar: Will be reviewing proposals from the finalists next week.
BOS Reports: WA stated that he met with Sean and Northeast Grid regarding problem trees and the need to trim/remove limbs to lessen power losses. EL stated that the CIC and CPC committees have been meeting to discuss budget issues. KF stated that the Environmental Committee welcomed new member Tom Newton-Ireland, and that the committee continues to discuss a plastic bag ban and the pursuit of a green hospitality initiative. He also stated that the Planning Board held a meeting regarding the Elm Court project, and that they did not endorse nor condemn the project. They did, however, put together a 2½ page letter to the ZBA with their concerns with the Elm Court project moving forward. It now moves on to the ZBA for their review. DR stated that the Historical Commission is looking into a demolition
delay by-law, as well as the planning of a parade for the 250th celebration (2017). The Board then said a few words about the passing of Jack Stringer, past building inspector and fire chief.
Meeting adjourned at 7:30pm.
Minutes Taken By: ______________________ Minutes Accepted By: ______________________
Mary Ellen Deming Clerk
Administrative Services Director Board of Selectmen
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