Town of New Boston
Selectmen's Meeting
January 2, 2008
PRESENT: Gordon Carlstrom Selectman
David Woodbury Selectman
Christine Quirk Selectman
Burton Reynolds Town Administrator
A. CALL TO ORDER: A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was called to order by Christine Quirk at 5:00PM beginning with the Pledge of Allegiance.
B. PUBLIC COMMENT: No public comments were made at this time.
C. APPOINTMENTS:
None.
D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
1. Minutes of December 17, 2007 - The Selectmen reviewed the minutes. Corrections were noted. David moved that they be accepted as amended. Christine seconded the motion. All were in favor.
2. Non-Public Minutes of December 17, 2007 - The Selectmen reviewed the non-public minutes. David moved that they be accepted. Christine seconded the motion. All were in favor.
E. OLD BUSINESS:
1. Planning:
There have been no Planning Board meetings since the last Selectmen’s meeting.
2. Survey-The committees will meet with the Selectmen at the next meeting to update them on their status.
3. Budget Topics-The Selectmen reviewed the 2008 Tax Rate Estimate paperwork and will review it further at home in preparation for the meeting with the Finance Committee scheduled for January 5 at 9:00 AM at the Town Hall.
F. NEW BUSINESS:
1. Welfare Assistance Policy Question-A family in town recently ran out of fuel and their furnace wasn’t working. Fuel was put in their tank and their furnace was fixed under the town welfare benefits. However, the furnace will need replacement soon. Burton will check with the Local Government Center and his counterparts in other towns to learn if the town is responsible to replace the furnace in this situation, and, if so, if a building lien placed on the property would be valid after the family has filed bankruptcy. The family has filed bankruptcy and a hearing is scheduled for January 11.
2. Property Tax Prepayments-A property owner has asked to pay their property taxes early. This has to be approved by town vote according to the statute. The Selectmen agree and will put it on the Warrant.
3. Appraisal Letter-A letter to Don Grosso was reviewed and approved by the Selectmen.
4. Review of Non-Financial Warrant Articles-Non-financial Warrant Articles to be placed on the ballot include the Solid Waste Ordinance update, Discontinuance of the short section of Pulpit Road, Increase of the eligibility threshold for elderly and disabled tax exemptions, Allow notation of recommendations on all Warrant Articles, Heavy equipment CRF closure and Cell tower.
G. OTHER:
1. A letter regarding the timber trespass on property near Beard Road was read aloud and the Selectmen suggested some changes. Kim Burkhamer from the Conservation Commission has also reviewed the letter.
2. Transfer Station Manager Gerry Cornett purchased a GMC for use at the Transfer Station. He is trading the old truck for a plow and installation for the new truck.
3. Gerry is still working with the Police Chief to decide if Mark Ciarla or Glenn Dodge will repair the back roof at the Police Station.
4. The Police Chief will meet with the Selectmen soon.
5. The Selectmen approved Officer Keeley Bergeron’s vacation time holdover request.
6. The Selectmen will review a letter to Road Agent John Riendeau at home and make suggestions for any changes.
7. The Community Church sent a letter requesting help with plowing of their parking lot in exchange for the use of their building they provide to the town. The Selectmen will consider asking Road Agent John Riendeau if his department is available to plow the parking lot or giving the church money to help with plowing costs.
H. PUBLIC COMMENT: No comments at this time.
I. ADJOURNMENT: David made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:12 PM. Gordon seconded the motion. All were in favor.
Prepared by Maralyn Segien
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