In attendance: Selectman Edward F. Mical – Chairman, Selectman John C. Brayshaw, and Selectman Allen C. Brown

Recorder of the minutes is Mary Whalen.

Chairman Mical opened the meeting at 6:00 p.m.

The Selectmen discussed the Naughton property. It has been noticed within the last two weeks that commercial vehicles are still being parked along Poverty Plains Road. Mrs. Mueller came into the Selectmen’s office on January 12, 2004 inquiring about the status of the vehicles. The Selectmen will again attempt to contact the owner of the property where the vehicles are being parked. The Selectmen reviewed the Zoning Ordinances, Selectman Brayshaw will speak to the Planning Board, and Chairman Mical will speak with Director of Public Works regarding the right-of-way and also the State in regards to Route 127.

Mr. & Mrs. Taylor Loop, along with Ray Robins met with the Selectmen to discuss the history and the location of his property in Warner and Salisbury. In the past Mr. Loop had tried to have the town line moved so that his land that contains his home would be in Warner where he receives his services. Salisbury passed the request; Warner turned the past request down at a Town Meeting. As a result Mr. Loop’s children were not able to attend Kearsarge school district. The maintenance and status of Quimby Road was discussed.

The Selectmen finalized the lease agreement for the Old Graded School. Chairman Mical will take measurements of the rooms before the lease can be filled out and signed.

The Selectmen approved a letter to the Town of Hopkinton that is requesting information regarding the land that was purchased next to the landfill.

The Selectmen discussed salaries. Selectman Brayshaw explained to the Board that he feels the Board acted prematurely when salaries were increased before accepting the wage study. The original decision of the Board was to wait for the wage study. The Selectmen discussed their previous decisions regarding salaries and the process. The Selectmen discussed maintaining consistency and addressing the proposed salary increases when the wage study is made available. The Selectmen discussed the implementation of the evaluation process, it was agreed the process would begin after Town Meeting. For the record, Chairman Mical did not vote on part of the Fire Department budget. Selectman Brayshaw made the motion to withdraw the Selectmen’s salary increase recommendations beyond the 3% for the Planning/Zoning Clerk, Emergency Management and the Fire Chief until the numbers from the wage study are presented. Chairman Mical abstained from the motion. Selectman Brown seconded the motion. Selectman Brown clarified that the motion is intended to protect the process and consistency of the wage study but he remains very much in favor of the salary levels that had been discussed. Selectman Brayshaw agreed. Vote taken. All were in favor. Vote passed 2-0, one abstention. Budgets will need to be revised reflecting the change.

The Selectmen received a proposal for the Martin Building by Mr. Closs. The Selectmen will further discuss the proposal at the January 20, 2004 Selectmen’s meeting.

Selectman Brown made the motion to approve the December 30, 2003 Selectmen’s meeting minutes. Selectman Brayshaw seconded the motion. All were in favor. The motion passed.

The Purchase Order process was discussed. It was previously discussed about purchases under $25.00 not needing a purchase order. The Board had agreed that all purchases would require a purchase order to maintain accountability. Chairman Mical suggested using the receipts for accountability for purchases under $25.00 instead of writing a purchase order. No decision was made to change the process.

An Emergency Management Grant proposal was presented to the Selectmen for their review. The deadline for submission is at the end of January 2004.

Selectman Brayshaw made the motion to move Evelyn Joss to the status of full member on the Zoning Board. Selectman Brown seconded the motion. All were in favor. The motion passed.

The Selectmen reviewed and approved a 911 application that will be combined with the building permit application process. Selectman Brown made a motion to amend the building permit package with the addition of the provided 911 address application. Selectman Brayshaw seconded the motion. All were in favor. The motion passed.

The Selectmen discussed a proposed Warrant Article by the Planning Board asking the Town to vote to raise money for the Town‘s portion of a grant that will entail at corridor study at Exit 9.

Chairman Mical informed the Selectmen about the Budget Committee meeting on January 12, 2004. The Budget Committee approved the following budgets; Elections, Town Clerk Expense, Planning Board, Zoning Board, Ambulance, Fire Department, Forest Fire, Emergency Management, and Expendable Trust Forest Fire. Next Budget Committee meeting is January 15, 2004.

The Chairperson from the Planning Board sent a letter to the Selectmen concerning billing for legal services.

The Selectmen approved a letter to a resident that has change the use of their property from a single to a multi-family unit.

The Selectmen approved a Town Hall rental for a play. Fees were waived by the Selectmen.

Heavy Hauling permit was granted.

Reimbursements for over payment in taxes was reviewed.

Chairman Mical made the motion to close the public session to go into non-public session per RSA 91-A; 3, II (d). Selectman Brayshaw seconded the motion. All were in favor. The motion passed.

Selectman Brayshaw made the motion to close the non-public session and to re-open the public session and seal the minutes per RSA 91-A:3, III. Selectman Brown seconded the motion. All were in favor. The motion passed.

Motion to adjourn 9:32 p.m.

Edward F. Mical – Chairman
John C. Brayshaw
Allen C. Brown