Minutes
Selectmen’s Workshop
February 3, 2006
10:55 AM Chair Netishen opened the meeting.
Members: Bill Netishen, Mary Bonser, Peter Bock and Town Administrator Charles A. Brown.
Guests: John Fernald, Florence Chamberlain, Tom Sweeney, Jay Starr and Heidi Carlson.
John Fernald spoke to the Board first concerning an idea he had about funding the reconstruction of the Deerfield Road Bridge. Approximately $114,000 is needed for the Deerfield Road bridge project construction phase and $51,000 for engineering and design services. If we change the warrant article for reconstruction of Devonshire and Gebig Roads to include Deerfield Road, we can use up to $75,000 from those funds. Additionally, up to $80,000 from Shim & Seal-coat, slated for Freeman Hall Road paving can be used for the Deerfield Road Bridge. The Deerfield Bridge budget line will be reduced to $35,000. It was decided to add the Deerfield Road Bridge to the warrant article. Using the funds in this way will still address areas that were planned for this year, although to a lesser extent, and
address work needed in other areas with an urgent need. Much discussion followed regarding the scheduling of the Deerfield Road bridge construction project. Realistically, the project may have to wait for spring as winter weather and high water conditions would severely impact construction if environment changed during construction.
Mr. Fernald feels that the Freeman Hall Bridge can be kept open for cars if construction is planned for this year, (summer of 2006). The engineering work on Swan Drive will have to be put on hold. Additional discussion followed regarding the bridges. Ms. Bonser asked Mr. Fernald if the town highway department could help with in kind work for the PLAC? Mr. Fernald indicated he would try. The Board recommended Deerfield Road be added to Article #14.
Next, the warrant articles and the Selectmen’s recommendations were discussed.
Motion: Bonser, second Bock to recommend Article #5 as written. (Easement article)
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Concerning Article #6, this may need 2/3 majority vote so the wording may have to change.
Motion: Netishen, second Bonser to recommend Article #6. (Freeman Hall Bridge)
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Mr. Brown left for a phone call. The Board waited for his return before continuing.
Article #7 concerning the Firehouse building was discussed next. Mr. Bock explained last week’s meeting with the Building Committee and contacts with Mark West regarding site conditions. Mr. Netishen stated his preference of contractors. Mr. Sweeney stated Mr. Ricci’s numbers as stated were between $600,000 and $700,000 which includes site prep. Mr. Bock believes there must be a great deal more clarity regarding any proposals. Verbal estimates are not acceptable. Mr. Bock does not feel comfortable with several issues including the driveway access. We have not received any specific quotes on this project. More information is needed. Discussion revolved around past issues with other construction projects. Ms. Bonser complimented the Building Committee for all their
hard work. She feels that the large number of issues facing the town this year will be a problem. By pursuing too many large dollar proposals this year, it may sour the voters on approval of all proposals.
Mr. Sweeney stated that Ms. Bonser has tried to scuttle this firehouse project for 6-8 months. Ms. Bonser strongly disagreed and stated that all she wanted was information. There were issues of disagreement between Ms. Bonser and Mr. Sweeney. Mr. Netishen stated there has been a big commitment by the Building Committee and feels the community has also supported this effort. He hopes this question will be moved forward since waiting will cause multiple payments to be due in 2007. Mr. Netishen feels the Conservation Commission should seek additional funding for their conservation projects. He feels that not doing the firehouse this year would be a grave error. Mr. Bock asked the Fire Department representatives to comment on this issue. Deputy Chief Heidi Carlson stated she had committed
to Mr. Sweeney some months ago but is concerned that all members of department do not agree on the proposal as presented at this time. Ms. Carlson is concerned about how the project will be perceived if all parties are not in agreement. The whole matter has become very touchy. Chief Jay Starr is concerned that the issue will come down to the conservation easement versus the firehouse. Mr. Bock asked if an article could be created for setting money aside for this project. The answer was that a CRF for this purpose already exists. Mr. Netishen spoke about Mr. Ricci’s proposal and the fact that hard numbers were not presented. Mr. Bock is not prepared to present this as a warrant article but is in support of continuing the process. Mr. Netishen commented about the timeliness of each article and made comparisons between articles #5 & #7. There will be details available on #7 by town meeting.
Motion: Netishen, to recommend article #7 as written, and asked both Mr. Bock and Ms. Bonser individually for a second, there was no second.
Mr. Netishen asked for straw vote of the Board’s support for the firehouse. Ms. Bonser stated she supports the Fire Department, Mr. Bock agreed. Much discussion followed. No vote was taken. Because of the reasons stated above there was not a recommendation of article #7, asking for $800,000 for a fire station. Being no recommendation, the article will be removed from the warrant.
It was asked what amount of money might be requested in a warrant article without requiring a public hearing. Mr. Brown will confirm but believes it is $100,000 or less.
Motion: Bonser, second Bock to recommend Article #8, Freeman Hall Bridge.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Motion: Bonser, second Bock to recommend Article #9, 6-year Grader lease.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Motion: Bock, second Netishen to recommend Article #10, #11, and #12, exemption articles.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
#13 is the operating budget, still needs a final number.
Motion: Bonser, second Bock to recommend Article #14, Construction / Reconstruction of roads.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Motion: Bonser, second Bock to recommend Articles #15 & #16, CRF’s for highway trucks and Fire/Rescue vehicles.
Vote: 3-0 in favor
Motion: Bonser, to recommend Article #17, SUV for Police Dept, there was no second.
Short discussion followed.
This article will be removed from the warrant.
Motion: Bonser, second Bock to recommend Article #18 as written, mosquito control.
Discussion followed regarding giving the legislative body the opportunity to discuss the issue.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Motion: Bonser, second Bock to recommend Article #19 as written, general assistance agencies.
Vote: 3-0 in favor. Action ended regarding the warrant.
Ms. Bonser wishes to have a letter of introduction concerning her membership in the Pawtuckaway Lake Advisory Committee. This will allow Ms. Bonser to solicit donations and gifts to the Committee for support of planned projects etc.
Motion: Bonser, second Bock to approve Ms. Bonser’s request.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Motion: Bonser, second Netishen to have Mr. Brown sign the HTA contract regarding the Deerfield Road Bridge.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
1:40 PM Having no further business before the Board.
Motion: Netishen, second Bonser to adjourn.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Respectfully Submitted,
Charles A. Brown
Town Administrator
Approved as amended
02/21/06
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