Warner Board of Selectmen

Meeting Minutes

April 6, 2003

 

Chairman Brayshaw opened the meeting at 5:30 p.m.

In attendance: Selectman John C. Brayshaw – Chairman, Selectman Allen C. Brown and Selectman Peter St. James.

Recorder of the minutes is Mary Whalen.

Chairman Brayshaw made the motion to go into non-public session per RSA 91-A: 3 II (b) matters that deal with compensation for public employees. Selectman Brown seconded the motion. All were in favor.

Chairman Brayshaw made a motion to close the non-public session and to re-open the public session. Selectman Brown seconded the motion. All were in favor. Chairman Brayshaw made a motion to seal the minutes. Selectman St. James seconded the motion. All were in favor.

The Selectmen met with all the Departments:

Director of Public Works, Allan N. Brown explained that the water tanks have been drained at the Police Department and the Highway Department. The water is then processed at the Water Precinct. Mr. Brown suggested that the present agreement with the Precinct should be verified. Winter sand for the next season (7,000 yards) is in stock. Construction projects have begun, one being North Road, along with a pipe separation on Latting Lane, grading of dirt roads has begun. Asphalt will be ground on East Sutton Rd. (1,100 feet), Mr. Brown is obtaining prices from Pike. Mr. Brown suggested a meeting with the Selectmen in order to determine what type of road construction will be done this year, construction bids will need to be considered. The 1982 truck did not pass inspection, the frame is cracked in two places.

Transfer Station Department Head Paul Fouliard needs to discuss some on-going issues with Selectman St. James (ash disposal, and drywall berms), Liaison to the Transfer Station. Chairman Brayshaw asked about the status of the glass disposal. Mr. Fouliard explained that if the glass were hauled to New London it would cost approximately $10,000.00. Mr. Fouliard also stated that if the glass were stored for three years, there would be an adequate amount at the end of three years for a company out of Maine to process the glass at a cost of $2,000.00. Chairman Brayshaw asked Mr. Fouliard what the $10,000.00 figure consists of. Mr. Fouliard explained that a 30 yard dumpster would cost $50.00 per month, ($600.00 per year). Transportation would cost $200.00 per trip at $5,200.00 per year, the average weight of the dumpster will be between 15 –16 tons ($160.00 tipping fee for each pull @ 26 pulls a year ($4,160.00)) amounting to $9,960.00 for 390 tons of glass (15 tons x 26 pulls). Selectman Brown asked how the $2,500.00 for the 2004-glass disposal budget was generated. Mr. Fouliard explained "that the dollar figure was not figured in yards, we will be charged for tonnage but we need to pay attention to yards in order to ship." Mr. Fouliard stated that the Town generates 60 tons of glass a year. Chairman Brayshaw asked about the lighting at the Transfer Station. Mr. Fouliard explained that PSNH could install a switch for manual activation. Chairman Brayshaw asked about the front gate, in the winter the gate freezes. Mr. Fouliard explained that he is working to repair the gate by cutting it in half so that it will swing open. Chairman Brayshaw asked if the owner of the black trailer (RAD from Mass.) is bonded, a copy of the certificate of liability needs to be submitted to the Finance Director. Wendy Pinkham asked Mr. Fouliard if the Highway Department would not use the crushed aggregate what would the other uses be. Mr. Fouliard explained that the Town would have to use it, it is also approved to use for septic systems and could be used for drainage. Mr. Wirth asked about the purity of the aggregate. Mr. Fouliard explained that the crushed aggregate does not need to be washed. Selectman St. James asked about the status of the generator. When the weather breaks the generator will be moved to the Transfer Station. Mr. Fouliard spoke about an opportunity to lease to own a baler from L L Bean for $630.00 per month for 60 months ($37,800.00), the baler is for sale for $30,000.00 with a $1.00 buy out at the end of the lease. Mr. Fouliard explained that the man time would be cut by 50%. There is also a 24-month lease available for $1,382.68 per month ($33,184.32). Wendy Pinkham asked if there was a pre-payment penalty. Mr. Fouliard will inquire about any penalty fees. Selectman St. James asked if there is State or Federal money available that could be applied toward the purchase of the baler. Mr. Fouliard explained that NH the Beautiful has a grant program, but it was not budgeted this year. Mr. Fouliard will check to see if it is possible to apply next year to NH the Beautiful for a piece of equipment that would be purchased in 2004. Mr. Fouliard commented that the money for the baler could possibly come out of the existing budget if some changes were made. Mr. Wirth asked if a repair log would accompany the baler if it were purchased. Mr. Fouliard said "yes".

Police Chief, William Chandler stated that the Public Service Grant for the energy survey was received at the Police Department, the contract has been signed and is now waiting for an installation date. Chief Chandler and Sergeant Leppard are currently working with the Highway Safety Agency for equipment grants that will be applied toward lap top computers that would be mounted in the cruisers. Chief Chandler also referenced a previous Highway Safety Committee meeting where there were concerns regarding passing zones as well as an intersection. An address was presented to the Selectmen for a letter explaining the two areas that are concerning and require evaluation (Old Main St. intersection toward Exit 8, and the passing zone after the Highway Department toward Bradford). Chief Chandler forwarded the Police Department job descriptions with minor corrections.

Town Clerk, Judith Rogers reported that the office is running smoothly. Dog licensing has begun.

Finance Director, Wendy Pinkham discussed combining the holiday time and the vacation time into one entity that would be called "leave time". This would consolidate tracking within payroll. A representative from Quick Books would need to assist the Finance Director in creating a leave time file. The Finance Director and the Selectmen discussed creating an employee handbook that would explain all the benefits that are available along with policies.

Assessing Clerk, Martha Mical explained that the pick-ups have begun. Chairman Brayshaw asked if the pick-ups could be tracked from year to year. Martha stated that the information could be obtained. Chairman Brayshaw asked if there are any classes available in regards to the software that she is currently using. Selectman St. James asked about the progress on the inventory forms. The return rate has been good. Chairman Brayshaw asked how 911 is coming. Currently Mrs. Mical is only working on assessing and the inventory forms. Chairman Brayshaw asked if any part of the job is preventing her from updating the 911 addresses (i.e. intents-to-cut etc.). Mrs. Mical explained that it is all the functions within the Assessing office right now, along with the preparation for the upcoming tax billing. Only two weeks are required to update the 911 and then once a month to maintain it. The Assessing Clerk explained that there should be a lull in the workload soon. The Selectmen asked to be informed otherwise if the workload does not level out.

Emergency Management & Maintenance Technician Ed Mical will be meeting with a contractor that will be rewriting the emergency plan. Mr. Mical will review the draft. Approval has been given for two emergency exercises that will be executed between now and September. The first exercise is scheduled for May. Mr. Mical has been working with TDS on an available telephone system for emergency situations at both emergency operation centers. Mr. Mical is still waiting approval from the State and Federal agencies before placing an order for the radios that will be used by the Police Department and Emergency Management. As Maintenance Tech. Mr. Mical is currently painting the interior of the Fire Department. Mr. Mical suggested that the Town purchase a light for the Transfer Station that would run on a separate switch at the pole. The Selectman presented a Maintenance Request Form for Mr. Mical to review before they are distributed to all Departments.

Jayne Rayno from TDS Telecom met with the Selectman to explain the features and costs for an updated phone system for the Town Hall offices. The system would accommodate 8 incoming lines with 24 telephone sets. The system would include an automated attendant with voice mail. Ms. Rayno discussed other options that are available. Ms. Rayno will forward a new installation quote based on the information that was received this evening.

The Selectmen discussed what approach the Board will take regarding the Class VI road that is located off of Route 103, east of town, and runs between Mr. Azmy’s and Mr. Richard’s property. Chairman Brayshaw spoke with two surveyors, one surveyor that has been actively involved with locating the Town bound has informed Chairman Brayshaw that it would be nearly impossible to locate exactly where the Class VI road lies due to the lack of information. If it were to be done, it would have to be taken from Concord into Webster then into Warner. The next option would be to revert the road back to the landowners. There is one concern about where the Class VI road intersects with Mr. Azmy’s parking lot. Chairman Brayshaw discussed the on going issues with the Class VI road. Mr. Richard has supplied the Selectmen’s office with a survey of his property. Mr. Azmy has not. At this point the Board feels the Mr. Azmy needs to supply a registered survey of his property. The Town has spent money to relocate the Town bound. Chairman Brayshaw recommended reversion of the Class VI road back to the landowners at next Town Meeting. Chairman Brayshaw is not willing to spend taxpayer money on a civil matter. The Board would like to pursue locating the Town bound that runs through Mr. Azmy’s property in order to establish what structures are in Warner (transit line). The Selectmen will address an inquiry concerning the number unregistered vehicles on Mr. Azmy’s two properties. The Board is also waiting for a decision from the Planning Board regarding Mr. Azmy’s Site-Plan review. The Selectman discussed signage on Mr. Azmy’s property, and the specifics that were granted with the "Special Exception" to run a business in a residential area. The Selectmen will review the stipulations that were stated in the "Special Exception" regarding the signage. Barbara Annis, Planning Board Chair, stated that a letter will come from the Planning Board explaining any violations of Mr. Azmy’s Site Plan after April 29, 2004 (D.O.T deadline for drive-way permit compliance). Selectman St. James made the motion to have the Police Department check on the number of unregistered vehicles on both properties owned by Mr. Azmy. Selectman Brown seconded the motion. All were in favor.

The Selectmen proceeded to sign the remainder of the payroll change forms that reflect a 3% pay increase to all Town employees.

Selectman St. James asked the Board, if the signage at the Azmy property needs to be addressed. Chairman Brayshaw recommended a letter from the Planning Board acknowledging the signage as a violation. Selectman St. James made a motion to have the Planning Board address the signage that is at the Azmy property at the May Planning Board meeting. Selectman Brown seconded the motion. All were in favor.

The Selectmen reviewed a "Hardship" application. The Selectmen decided not to take any action at this time.

Selectman St. James made the motion to appoint Selectman Brown as Selectman Brayshaw’s alternate to the Planning Board for the remainder of Chairman Brayshaw’s term. Chairman Brayshaw seconded the motion. All were in favor.

Public Comments

Barbara Annis, Chairperson for the Planning Board, briefed the Selectmen on the Planning Board meeting that took place on April 5, 2004. A lot line adjustment for John Howe was approved. A site walk will be scheduled for a sub-division on Poverty Plains. Also a site walk for a change of use for the Garcia property will be scheduled. A home business was reviewed (Kyle Whitehead,) a site-plan was not required. Mrs. Annis discussed Aubuchon Hardware. Verbal agreements that were made by Aubuchon representatives are not being met (as stated in the Planning Board meeting minutes). The Planning Board will clarify properties that fall within two separate zones, a letter will be drafted and sent to the appropriate offices. Mrs. Annis discussed the Charette and meetings that are taking place without her knowledge. Chairman Brayshaw made the motion stating that there will be no meetings without proper notice and notification to Chairpersons of all Boards/Committees and their members. Selectman Brown seconded the motion. All were in favor.

The Selectmen proceeded to review and sign building permits. Chairman Brayshaw made a motion to abate the building permit fees for Emma Courser Cook. Selectman St. James seconded the motion. All were in favor.

Motion to adjourn at 10:00 p.m.

 

Board of Selectmen

John C. Brayshaw – Chairman

Allen C. Brown

Peter St. James