Meeting opened at 6:00 p.m.

Present: Selectman David E. Hartman – Chairman, Selectman Wayne Eigabroadt and Selectman Richard A. Cook

Town Administrator Laura Buono

Recorder of the minutes is Mary Whalen

Others present: Martha Mical, Ed Mical

1. TOWN REPORT COVER

The Selectmen reviewed a proof copy and forwarded their changes.

2. VEHICLE REGISTRATION

Laura explained that back in October of 2006 she brought to the Selectmen’s attention RSA261:153 which if voted in would enable the Town to attach a $5.00 fee to vehicle registrations to be used for a municipal transportation improvement fund. The money would be used for roads, bridges, bicycle & pedestrian facilities, parking and public transportation. This fund would contribute an estimated $10,000 a year that would help fund current projects. A warrant article would be presented along with a pubic hearing. The $5.00 fee would not be applied to motorcycles, all terrain vehicles or antique vehicles. Laura attended a Business Association meeting last Friday and Mr. Closs (Odd Fellows Building) spoke about this fee in relationship to parking as a source of funding. Martha Mical spoke as a taxpayer and is not in favor of an additional fee, but would be more in favor of the fee if it was for the roads and not for a parking lot that would benefit Mr. Closs. Selectman Cook and Selectman Eigabroadt are not in favor of the fee, Chairman Hartman is neutral.

3. ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

Assessing Meeting – The Assessing firm will meet with the Selectmen on Monday, January 29^th beginning at 8:00 a.m. to discuss the Board of Tax & Land Appeals case involving McDonalds. The contract for pick-ups will also be discussed on January 29^th.

Brayshaw Printing – Karen from Brayshaw Printing called yesterday and wanted to discuss the town report contract that they were not awarded. Karen felt that since they are an in Town business and have been given the contract for many years, they should have been given the opportunity to take a second look at their proposal to find out if they could bring it to an acceptable number once the others were reviewed. Laura explained that the process doesn’t work in that manner and that the Selectmen had mentioned the fact that if the proposals were closer in price, the Board would have considered keeping the work in Town. Karen would like members of the Board to call her to discuss this. Chairman Hartman will contact R. C. Brayshaw.

Connors Mill – At the meeting with DOT and FEMA on Thursday, January 18^th, it was noted that the Town needs to submit updated paperwork in order to be placed on the list for bridge aid for 2010, the Town’s share is $133,000 for State aid; the Selectmen signed the updated form. Allan Brown would also like to have the engineering work placed out for quotations by choosing five companies from the State’s qualification list. Selectman Eigabroadt asked why the Town changed from using Provan & Lorber. Ed Mical explained that by obtaining at least three proposals, this would cover both the State and FEMA’s requirements. Selectman Eigabroadt added that under these circumstances the Town engineer could be used. Laura added that Provan & Lorber is on the State’s qualification list.

Cohen Property – Laura is waiting for the agreements to be drawn up by Attorney Upton with regard to removal of the mobile home from the property but in the meantime, Laura would like to move forward and have the home winterized (drain the system). The home is on a shared well system. The Estate has been paying for fuel so far but the expense is too much to continue at this point. The Selectmen recommend moving forward with the winterization.

Willow Brook – Laura contacted the Conservation Commission regarding the proposed work that would be completed by the State on Pumpkin Hill Road along Willow Brook. The Commission has no formal concerns to relay to DOT; however this is one of the Town’s top watershed streams and will monitor the work. Selectman Cook recommends holding a public hearing where the State can present the work proposed.

Joint Selectmen’s Meeting – The Selectmen will host the next meeting before Town Meeting. Laura will contact the area Selectmen and the school Superintendent to arrange a meeting. The meeting will focus on the school budget.

4. 2007 BUDGET

Selectman Cook explained that the Budget Committee is recommending the $16,500 for on-call EMT be removed from the Fire Departments budget. The position is vacant at this time but the Fire Chief recommends leaving the amount in the budget in case the current responders cannot continue to be available on a regular basis. Selectman Eigabroadt agrees that the amount should remain.

Selectman Cook asked the Board if they have any further concerns regarding the Capital budget. Also, Selectman Cook relayed that the Budget Committee has concerns about the 4-wheel vehicle for the Police Department, $50,000 for the Conservation Commission and the $10,000 for Transfer Station planning. Selectman Cook at one time felt it may be beneficial to reduce the road construction by $25,000 but feels differently now with all the pending needs for two FEMA Mitigation projects, Connors Mill Road and engineering for road projects. Laura added the possibility of $395,000 Precinct article coming onto the Town warrant. Laura will contact DRA in regards to the Town sharing costs with the Precinct. The Selectmen recommend that the Warner Village Water District petition the $395,000.

5. POLICE DEPARTMENT SUV

The Selectmen discussed the Police Department’s request to replace the 1981 SUV. Selectman Eigabroadt is in favor of a new vehicle. The PD has maintained a SUV since early 1980; the current one is a liability to drive and needs to be replaced. There were several circumstances in 2006 that required a SUV. Selectman Cook has doubts and is concerned to see the fleet grow to a third regularly used vehicle. Selectman Eigabroadt explained that the vehicle would not be used regularly. The impact to the tax dollar is 4¢. Ed Mical added that the current SUV is not reliable, and would hate to see the Police not able to attend a call because they couldn’t get to the site. Currently the 2003 sedan will be replaced in 2008, normally it would have been replaced in 2007 but because of low mileage it was extended for one year. The 2005 has also been pushed to be replaced in 2010. Selectman Cook recommends watching the results of pushing the sedans to a five year rotation. Chairman Hartman recommends presenting the warrant to the voters.

6. 2007 WARRANT ARTICLES

Selectman Cook will relay to the Budget Committee that the Board of Selectmen will recommend every article on the warrant.

7. MEETING MINUTES

Selectman Cook made a motion to approve the November 14 & December 26, 2006 meeting minutes. Selectman Eigabroadt seconded the motion. All were in favor. The motion passed.

8. GENERAL BUSINESS/COMMENTS

Selectman Cook received a complaint regarding a logging operation. The concern is about the beaver pond on Joppa East. Martha Mical will contact the Forester.

Selectman Cook attended the school meeting on January 20^th. It was noted that only 7 residents from Warner attended. Also Selectman Cook spoke to the School Board members about the Odd Fellows Building. The members asked to be invited to the next Selectmen’s meeting that the Odd Fellows Building Committee attends.

Selectman Cook asked if the "books" are closed. Laura explained that they are closed. Selectman Cook would like a copy of the expenditures.

Martha Mical commented that last year an article was brought forward that would allow the voters to vote "no" on the school budget. Will the same article appear this year? Selectman Cook said there will be a choice for a default budget. Selectman Cook said the most controversial item on the school warrant is the collective bargaining agreement, the teachers salaries will increase on average over 25% in the next three years. The School Budget Committee did not recommend the salary increases.

Motion to adjourn 7:35 p.m.

Board of Selectmen

David E. Hartman – Chairman
Wayne Eigabroadt
Richard A. Cook