TOWN OF SUNAPEE
BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING
TOWN HALL
December 19, 2005
PRESENT: Selectmen William Roach, Emma Smith, Richard Leone and Stephen White. Town Manager, Donna Nashawaty.
OTHERS: Donna Roberson, Charles Smith, William Price, Mike Durfor, Ron Verblauv, Holly Leonard, David Bailey and Robert Henry.
ABSENT: Selectman Frederick Gallup.
The meeting was opened by Chairman Roach at 7:00 PM.
APPOINTMENTS
A. Mike Durfor – Sunapee Econ
M. Durfor was present to update the Selectmen with the progress of Sunapee Econ. He requested an open hearing with the Selectmen and the public, also possibly a representative from Upper Valley Lake Sunapee Regional Planning Council. The hearing would be conducted to find out what residents want to do with the “core” section of town. The “core” section would be from the harbor to Route 11. One of the major topics of discussion would be what would the citizens like to do with the old Town Hall. This should also be addressed in the Master Plan. It is his feeling that most people would like to preserve the old hall. Funds are available for preservation of the hall and more work in the “core” section, but Econ needs a plan before they can
apply. Motion was made by Stephen White to set up a hearing for the public. The motion was seconded by Richard Leone. The vote was unanimous and the motion carried. After checking the schedule, the meeting was scheduled for January 25.
B. Water & Sewer Commissioners Re: Warrant Articles
Nashawaty distributed new copies of the proposed 2006 Town Warrant and explained that the meeting was called with the Water and Sewer Commissioners to discuss the water and sewer articles on the warrant. William Price questioned why Sargent’s Road was still on the warrant. He believed that this was dropped at the last budget session. D. Nashawaty explained that the BAC did not support the article, but the Selectmen have not acted yet on any of the articles so it remains until they do. Also, W. Price asked why the Dewey Beach house was not moved to the operating budget as discussed. D. Nashawaty explained that there wasn’t any clear direction on that article so it remained until she was told to move it. The Selectmen agreed that Dewey Beach house should be moved to the
operating budget.
Discussion began with the $900,000 article for a water line on Lake Avenue. Stephen White noted that the article stipulates that the cost will be borne by the users. Robert Henry first apologized for not being present at the last budget session. He was out of town and did not ask anyone to attend in his place. R. Henry questioned the words “construction phase and engineering” in the article. He explained that the $900,000 would only cover construction. A second article appears in the amount of $46,000 for the engineering costs. It is hoped to begin engineering in 2006 and construction in 2007. William Price suggested that residents of Lake Avenue be notified well in advance when construction would begin. R. Henry stated that letters would be sent. D.
Nashawaty asked what the anticipated annual cost would be for the users to pay for the bond. R. Henry stated that on a 20 year bond for 1,000 users, the cost would be approximately $90.00 per year. On a 30 year bond, the cost would be in the low 80’s yearly. R. Henry stated that they are picking up new users in Granliden, which will help with the cost considerably. D. Nashawaty stated that a hearing will be held for the bond at the January 11, 2006 budget hearing and R. Henry should be prepared to speak on this article.
R. Henry raised discussion on the $50,000 article to assist the commissioners in preparing a capital improvements plan for the water and sewer departments. Funding for this article would be $17,000 from water and $33,000 from sewer. Also an article for $28,500 to purchase a truck and related equipment is proposed. Funding for this article would be $9,500 from water and $19,000 from sewer. William Price stated that he was speaking for the entire Budget Advisory Committee and that all water and sewer articles are supported by the BAC.
Nashawaty stated that the flyer sent to the voters will be mailed January 13, after the budget hearing. The deadline for submission for items in the Town Report is January 11, 2006. Petition articles are due by January 10th. The warrant must be posted by January 30th.
2. ITEMS FOR SIGNATURE
See agenda attached to file copy of minutes.
3. SELECTMENS ACTION
A. BAC Remaining Votes on Warrant
William Price stated that, speaking for the members, the BAC will support all water and sewer articles.
B. Votes for 2006 Proposed Town Warrant
D. Nashawaty distributed a one page handout with all of the warrant articles for the Board to vote on. The first article was $30,000 deposit in the Fire Equipment Capital Reserve Fund. D. Nashawaty informed the Board that she spoke with Selectman Frederick Gallup and his only main concern with the warrant is the reduction of capital reserve deposits, in particular the $30,000 removed from this capital reserve. William Roach also voiced his disapproval of this, but since the Fire Chief agreed with the BAC, the Selectmen will have to keep this article at $30,000 and not the $60,000 as proposed. D. Nashawaty stated that in 2007 and 2008 $75,000 will need to be appropriated to stay within the Fire Department Capital Improvement Program. The vote was unanimous to support and place
this article on the warrant.
The next article was $250,000 to purchase a used ladder truck. Stephen White stated that he did not agree with this article. He realizes that funds are already available in an account, but does not feel it would be good public relations to ask the voters to furnish the department with another vehicle when they are getting a new building. S. White stated he agreed with Richard Leone, in that he is also very proud of the department but would like to defray this purchase until 2007. Emma Smith raised the issue of safety and spoke in favor of the purchase. William Roach also spoke in favor of the article stating that he does not want to see anyone on the department get hurt. S. White re-thought the article and agreed with the other board members. The vote
was unanimous to support and place this article on the warrant.
D. Nashawaty stated that she could change the wording in the article to inform the voters that the ladder truck funds exist and will not have an effect on the tax rate for 2006. The Board agreed to this.
The next item, the Dewey Beach house will be placed in the operating budget.
The next article was the addition of $15,000 to the Police Equipment Capital Reserve. The vote was unanimous to support and place this article on the warrant.
The next article was the withdrawal of $33,000 from the Highway Equipment Capital Reserve to purchase a compactor. The vote was unanimous to support and place this article on the warrant.
The next article was $7,500 for the Conservation Commission. D. Nashawaty explained that the Conservation Commission places these in a reserve to be used to purchase properties. The vote was unanimous to support and place this article on the warrant.
The following additions to Capital Reserve Funds were voted unanimously to be supported and placed on the warrant:
Library Capital Reserve $15,000
Highway Capital Reserve $90,000
Sunapee Beautification Fund $23,360
Town Bridges Capital Reserve $25,000
Milfoil Capital Reserve $ 5,000
Comments were made on what great progress the LSPA has made with milfoil in Georges Mills. They have not only made sure it did not increase, but they have decreased the amount of milfoil found in the lake. This is usually unheard of.
Discussion was next on the article to pave Prospect Hill Road for $35,000. D. Nashawaty stated that the Board had discussed a program to pave dirt roads in the past as the maintenance of a dirt road is much more than a paved. The vote was unanimous to support and place this article on the warrant.
The article was to withdrawal $90,000 from the Highway Capital Reserve Fund to purchase a backhoe. The vote was unanimous to support and place this article on the warrant.
The article for the Sargent Road Intersection will be tabled until the Selectmen have had the chance to speak with the Road Agent, Tony Bergeron. Discussion was raised on asking Sunapee Center if they might be willing to assist with this project. Also, it was discussed that doing this project in conjunction with the Safety Services building would save money for the Town. S. White asked if this would be a two lane exit. The reply was that it would not. Both S. White and W. Roach stated they would like to see a two lane exit at this intersection. T. Bergeron will be asked to attend the January 9 Selectmen’s meeting to discuss this matter.
At this time in the meeting, Argus reporter Donna Roberson, as she was leaving, informed the Selectmen and Town Manager that she is moving back to MA to attend college. She will major in journalism. She received congratulations, best wishes and a round of applause.
The next article was $75,000 for Town Hall renovations. William Roach stated he would support this article only if every effort is made to make sure the renovations will allow for a future addition. S. White agreed stating that the planned renovations would make it easier for the office staff for the next three or four years and in the mean time, plans could be made for an addition. D. Nashawaty stated that she has already spoken with the builder about this. An addition to the side or rear of the building is being investigated. D. Nashawaty asked if she could have the Selectmen’s direction to request that the Buildings Committee put the Town Hall on their priority list. Motion was made by Richard Leone that the Town Manager instruct the Building Committee to address an
addition to the Town Hall and to put this on their priority list. The motion was seconded by Stephen White. The vote was unanimous and the motion carried. The vote was unanimous to support and place this article on the warrant.
D. Nashaway explained that the article for $1,000,000 for the Library Capital Project are private funds, but the Town must vote to appropriate them so that the library may spend the money but only by a vote of the Board of Selectmen.
The vote was unanimous to support and place the following water and sewer articles on the warrant:
Purchase New Truck $28,500
CPI Engineer Project $50,000
Lake Ave. Engineering $46,000
Lake Ave Waterline $900,000
D. Nashawaty will change the wording on the articles to show where the funds are coming from, i.e. water or sewer.
D. Nashawaty explained that the $5,450, Cemetery Expendable Trust, are monies received from the sales on lots. This article will not raise funds. The vote was unanimous to support and place this article on the warrant.
The next item discussed was the operating budget. D. Nashawaty explained that the total operating budget is $4,801,712.00. This figure includes a CPIU of 3.7%. D. Nashawaty also said she was proud to inform the Board that with the new operating budget including the warrant articles, the tax rate for 2006 is estimated to be the same as 2005. Motion was made by Richard Leone to approve an operating budget of $4,801,712. The motion was seconded by Stephen White. The vote was unanimous and the motion carried.
It was agreed that the numbering of the articles would be as follows:
1. Lake Ave Bond $900,000
2. Operating Budget $4,801,712
3. Town Hall Renovations $ 75,000
4. Lake Ave Engineer $ 46,000
5. Fire Ladder Truck $250,000
6. Add to Fire Cap Res $ 33,000
7. Add Highway Cap Res $ 90,000
8. W/D Highway Compactor $ 33,000
9. W/D Highway Backhoe $ 90,000
10. Add to Bridges Cap Res $ 25,000
11. W/D Pave Prospect Hill $ 35,000
12. Sargent Rd. Intersection $ 25,000 (Tabled)
13. Add Police Cap Res $ 15,000
14. Add Library Cap Res $ 15,000
15. Library Private Funds $1,000,000
16. Conservation Commission $ 7,500
17. Add Sunapee Beautification $ 23,360
18. Add Milfoil Cap Res $ 5,000
19. Add Cemetery Exp. Trust $ 5,450
20. W & S Truck $ 28,500
21. W & S Engineering CIP $ 50,000
D. Nashawaty reminded the Selectmen that the zoning amendment articles will go before the money articles on the warrant. It was noted that there are 15 amendments.
C. Warner’s Garden Shop & Mt. Sunapee Resort
D. Nashawaty asked if she might have the Board’s permission to write two thank you letters. The first would be to Warner’s Garden Shop for the wreath they donated to the Town and is hanging on Town Hall. The second would be a thank you to the Mt. Sunapee Ski Resort. They held a food drive and delivered a large amount of food to the Town Hall for those in need at Christmas. The Selectmen gave their permission for both letters and expressed their sincere appreciation to both Warner’s and the Mt. Sunapee Resort. Stephen White will write a letter to the editor as well.
D. Amendment to Intermunicipal Agreement
D. Nashawaty explained that there were two minor changes in the agreement which had to be dealt with. The first would be the date of appointment. It is now April 1 rather than January 1, due to possible changes in Selectboards. The second change is to the mileage section. It was very vague in the old agreement. The new section allows the assessor mileage when he must use his own vehicle from town to town and to meetings, etc. Motion was made by Richard Leone to adopt the new amendments. The motion was seconded by Stephen White. The vote was unanimous and the motion carried.
D. Nashawaty took this time to thank the representatives from New London and Newbury who were very active during the tri-town assessor process. She also informed the Selectmen that they would like to see Selectmen at their quarterly meetings. D. Nashawaty will let the Board know of the next meeting and will provide them with copies of minutes of past meetings.
4. APPROVALS
The Board of Selectmen signed an appointment certificate for Patricia Halpin for the Recreation Committee. Her term will expire September 2008.
5. TOWN MANAGER REPORTS
A. Letters Sent for House Bill
D. Nashawaty distributed to the Selectmen the letters between the Town and Representative Harry Gale regarding the 2% bill and secession. She informed the Board that she received a call from Sandy of the House and Rules Committee. The only individual who can make an appointment for the Selectmen to meet with the committee is the town’s representative, who is Harry Gale. D. Nashawaty was also informed that bill #1698 has gone to the printer. In order for the Selectmen to receive an unofficial draft of this bill, their representative would have to approve it. D. Nashawaty called Harry Gale and was told that all of the bills went up today. D. Nashawaty read a letter from H. Gale dated December 15 which addresses the LSR’s and states that the staff is very busy getting them out,
but they are not ready yet. Stephen White read emails he and H. Gale have been sharing. Richard Leone stated that if the Selectmen’s bill will not be submitted by their Representative, they could then ask a Senator to submit it on the Senate level. He suggested that the Town Manager write a letter to Senator Robert Odell asking him to attend a meeting to discuss the matter. It was agreed that this could be posted as a special meeting if Mr. Odell could not make it during a regular meeting night. D. Nashawaty will write the letter. Emma Smith suggested that Sunapee Invite be invited to attend the meeting with Mr. Odell.
B. Update on Safety Services Building
D. Nashawaty informed the Selectmen that site work is completed for this season. The builders will return once the frost is out of the ground. It has been discovered that the clock in the tower of the old Town Hall is too heavy to be installed in the tower of the new Safety Services Building. It has been suggested that the Town logo be placed in the 6’ round sections instead as a new clock would cost from $5,500 to $7,000. Prices are being obtained for the logos/seals. Several suggestions were raised by Board members such as placing a bell in the tower, a weather vane, glass it in and put lights inside, etc.
D. Nashawaty informed the Selectmen that Dave Williams of Kenna Metals has donated
a telephone system to the Safety Services Building. This has saved the Town approximately $12,000. D. Nashawaty will send a letter of thanks to Mr. Williams.
D. Nashawaty reported that Tony Bergeron has agreed to plow the snow at the site this winter.
6. MISCELLANEOUS
A. The meetings of the Board of Selectmen in January will be held January 9 and January 23, 2006.
B. D. Nashawaty will be on vacation from December 22 to January 3.
C. It was suggested that the secession issue be addressed in the Selectmen’s letter to the people which appears in the Town Report. Emma Smith will meet with D. Nashawaty on January 6 at 3 PM to draft a letter. Other board members will put their thoughts on paper regarding what should be written in the letter. Harry Gale will be informed that no article regarding secession will appear in the warrant.
D. Stephen White stated that Mayor Evelyn Sirrell will be retiring as of the end of the year and also has a birthday coming up soon. He feels the Selectmen should do something to thank her for all of her hard work on the coalition. Emma Smith suggested a Christmas Basket be sent to her place of work this week. Stephen White recommended a Proclamation be written. S. White will write a letter to the editor expressing appreciation for Ms. Seville’s efforts.
E. Stephen White reported that he attended a meeting where Babe Sargent gave a presentation on boats in the lake years ago, and the large passenger boats were placed in the beginning of Otter Pond Brook during the winter months. S. White thought this might be a solution for the Mt. Kearsarge and would take of the bubbling problem. William Roach stated that it was a good idea, but that he believed because of the buildings and running in of silt, the Mt. Kearsarge would be too large to be parked there. It was agreed that winter parking is an item that must be addressed with the owners of the Mt. Kearsarge. The drawing up of the lease
is being worked on by D. Nashawaty.
The meeting adjourned at 10:20 PM
Submitted by, Darlene Morse Approved_________________________
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William Roach, Chairman Emma Smith, Vice Chairman
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Richard Leone Frederick Gallup
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Stephen W. White
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