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Warner Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes Tuesday, Chairman Hartman opened the public session
at In Attendance:
Selectman David E. Hartman – Chairman, Selectman David Karrick,
Jr., Selectman Town Administrator – Laura Buono Others present: Jeanne Hand, Meg Whittemore, Shirley Brown, Alan
Piroso, Paul Violette, Richard Strickford, Richard Cutting, Jim
McLaughlin, Ed Mical, Royal Latuch, and Barbara Annis 1. Jeanne Hand –
Nonpublic Sessions Jeanne Hand complimented the Board of
Selectmen for following the law in regards to nonpublic sessions;
however, she does not feel the School Board follows the law.
Ms. Hand asked about land acquisition and why a nonpublic session
would be sealed. The Board
said the session would be sealed because of on-going negotiations.
Ms. Hand said she understands that, but conservation property is
dealt with public money. The
Board feels conservation land is dealt with in a public fashion.
The Board explained when the Board of Selectmen are dealing with
land acquisition it is entirely different than the Conservation
Commission dealing with conservation land easements; the Conservation
Commission works independently and are authorized to do so.
Ms. Hand said if a nonpublic session for land negotiations are
sealed the taxpayers have no way of knowing what property is being
negotiated. The minutes Ms.
Hand is referring to took place on 2. Meg Whittemore – Lawn Damage Ms. Whittemore said that for the past 5
years she has noticed at the end of each winter more and more grass
disappears on her property; she has walked around and noticed other
properties with the same damage. She
would like to see future strategies that will minimize the damage from
the sidewalk snow blower after each winter.
The Town Administrator recommends speaking with the Director of
Public Works about alternatives if any.
Selectman Carson who also lives in the same area as Ms.
Whittemore has noticed a difference in lawn conditions, some lawns have
damage and some do not. Shirley
Brown another area neighbor has re-loamed in the past but has instead
planted perennials because the roots are deeper.
Ms. Brown also experiences sand up to her front door from the
sidewalk snow blower. Chairman
Hartman explained that it is not policy for the town to fix lawns, but
the Board will look into a way of preventing the damage as well as why
it is happening. The Town
Administrator said on the other side, the Town deals with complaints in
the winter about the sidewalks not being cleared enough. Allan Piroso who works for the Highway
Department mixes the sand and salt at a ratio of 10 to 1, he said the
State recommends 3 to 1 and he said the snow blower did not use any
material this year because it does not have a spreader. 3. Paul Violette – Class VI Roads for ATV Use Mr. Violette who is a member of the Bound
Tree ATV Club is respectfully requesting that the Warner Board of
Selectmen grant permission for ATV travel on certain Class VI Roads in
Warner. This would include portions of or all of the following roads
listed below: 2. Sanborn to 5. 6. Daisy Hollow – 7. Cunningham Pond Rd. to Wiggin Trace
(also called 8. Wiggins Trace Road to Henniker Town
Line (.6 miles) (Sisco Corner to Tom Patenaude’s Trail in Henniker) Mr. Violette also introduced to the Board,
Richard Strickford, who is the Superintendant of the Contoocook Water
Department and is also the trail master for the Bound Tree ATV Club as
well as Bill Simpson, Sargent of the Hopkinton Police and President of
the Bound Tree ATV Club. The primary reason for the request is to
allow members of the Bound Tree Club and any other legally registered
ATV operators to use these certain Class VI roads as connecting routes
with ATV trails in bordering towns, namely, Hopkinton, Bradford and
Henniker. Bound Tree has received, in writing, the support of the Warner
Police Chief; Fire Chief and Director of Public Works. Bound Tree has
also received backing from numerous Warner Residents who have signed a
supporting petition that will be presented to the Selectmen. If permission is granted, the Club would
mark the trails with appropriate signage according to NH Laws, so that
users would clearly understand which trails and roads may be legally
used for this purpose. The
Club, through its members, would work to encourage its members and other
users to ride the trails according to all laws and regulations; to stay
on these trails; and not to use other roads and trails that are not
legally authorized for use by ATV’s. Facts about the area and roadways
requested: 1.
Estimated total of 8.8 miles are requested by the Club. 2.
All of these roads are used in the winter season by the
Kearsarge Trail Snails Snowmobile Club and listed on their 2009 Edition
Trail Map. 3.
All of these roads are used currently on a year-round
basis, or nearly year-round by both registered and non-registered
wheeled vehicles of all types. 4.
Numerous 4-wheel drive vehicles make use of these roads
frequently. 5.
Numerous 2-wheel (motor cycle; trail bikes, etc.) make use
of these roads frequently. 6.
Without granted permission by the Selectmen of Warner,
ATV’s are the only type of vehicle that is not allowed to
use these roads or any Class VI roads in town. 7.
Many of these other wheeled vehicles leave these roads in
much worse condition from spinning through rough areas and wet areas.
Yet they have no problem using them whenever they wish. 8.
The operators of these “other types of wheeled
vehicles” do not attempt to maintain these roads or to make minor
repairs to fix the damages they cause. 9.
The numerous floods and heavy rainy periods in the past
few years have left these roads in poor condition. 10.
Logging operations have also left the roads in poorer
condition. 11.
These roads have been used and will be used again as fire
trails and emergency access within the town and for operations that
cross town boundaries. The Warner Fire Department owns an ATV and a
trailer to haul it. 12.
Using these roads year-round by an authorized club will help keep
them in useable condition for suppression of wild fires and other
emergency operations and incidents. Facts about the ATV Club: 1.
The Bound Tree ATV Club, Inc. originated in Hopkinton-Contoocook
and has been in operation for approximately 5 years. 2.
The Club draws most of its membership from Hopkinton and
Warner. The Club conducts regular monthly meetings, except during the
winter. The day-to-day operations of the Club are handled by its elected
officers, which includes: a President; Vice President; Secretary;
Treasurer and Trail Administrator. 3.
The Club’s o
To develop and maintain a healthy working relationship
between all ATV riders and landowners. o
To organize safe family level events or outings, geared
toward ATV riding. o
To develop a trail system for the purpose of providing our
members and guests with safe and legal areas to ride. o
And to serve the interests of ATV riders and comply with
all state laws and local ordinances pertaining to ATV’s. Mr. Violette explained the Club has
monthly activities for families; last Sunday the club cleaned the trail
system, trash, brush clearing, maintenance etc.
Selectman Karrick asked what type of
signage would go up. Mr.
Strickford said the signs are markings much like the snowmobile club.
Selectman Karrick asked if permission is granted would the club
communicate with the abutting landowners.
Mr. Strickford said yes, the State law says riding on private
property must be granted by permission. Selectman Mr. Strickford explained the definition of
an ATV; it is a vehicle equipped with low pressure tires under 10 lbs.
psi or less, no more than 1,000 lbs in weight empty and cannot be more
than 50” in width. Selectman Selectman Chairman Hartman said some of the roads
Bound Tree ATV Club is asking to use are not Class VI roads so the Board
does not have the authority to grant the use of land that is not a Class
VI road. Chairman
Hartman recommends defining which roads are actually Class VI roads
before the Board can act on the request. The Town Administrator explained the next
step which would be to hold a public hearing.
Conservation Commission member Jim
McLaughlin asked the Bound Tree ATV members to meet with the
Conservation Commission members on May 5th.
4. Capital Improvements Program Ed Mical met with the Selectmen and
reported that he is Chairman of the CIP Committee.
He said the process will begin in early June.
Mr. Mical is looking for any information that the Board would
like added as well as a Selectman’s representative.
Selectman Karrick will be the Board’s representative.
5. Red Cross The Red Cross contacted Ed Mical about an
orientation seminar that they would like to bring to the 6. Town Hall Roof Ed Mical reported that the slate has been
ordered, it could be delivered within 4 weeks after which the work will
be scheduled. 7. Royal Latuch – Mr. Latuch spoke about the shooting that
is taking place on Mr. Latuch commented to the Board about
the last three years and how the senior two Selectmen handled the
Transfer Station, the lawsuits and the divisive attitude in the town.
Mr. Latuch has watched with great amazement since three years ago
how the town has transformed; the lawsuits and the Transfer Station has
been resolved and overall he feels life in the Town of Warner is one of
tranquility and positive. Mr. Latuch commended the Board on the
reduction of the budget and tax rate, especially in these tough economic
times. Mr. Latuch initially wanted to meet with
the Board for clarification. He
has been involved from time to time with the Mr. Latuch spoke to the Board about two
decisions they made last year that he disagrees with.
One decision was the reappointment of the Odd Fellows Building
Committee which he feels has outlived its usefulness, but, he it is not
the fault of the committee for failing he feels it is the fault of the
Board of Selectmen. Mr.
Latuch said the other decision the Board made was allowing the
application for a feasibility study grant in the amount of $12K for the Chairman Hartman said the decision to move
forward with drainage repairs has no relation to the 8. Exit 9 Planning Board Chairman, Barbara Annis
asked the Board if they wish for the Planning Board to continue
researching Exit 9 area traffic issues.
Planning Board member Ed Mical explained in order to qualify for
State Aid the Board of Selectmen need to sign a form that states the
town has their portion of funding for Exit 9 traffic upgrades.
Ms. Annis said the Planning Board is not sure that there is still
full support from the Board of Selectmen and the Budget Committee.
Chairman Hartman confirmed full support means vouching the fact
the Town has $350K of Town funds available to match State funds.
Ms. Annis said the Town’s portion has yet to be determined
because a plan has not been decided upon.
Chairman Hartman asked why it is the Planning Board’s
responsibility to design the intersection at Exit 9 why not the Road
Agent. Ms. Annis explained a
past Board of Selectmen felt since the Planning Board did the Charette
and the Corridor Study they should also look at the Exit 9 intersection;
it is planning for the future. Chairman
Hartman said it is a concern to him that the Town would put money into
the Exit 9 intersection when there are roads that are heavily traveled
and are collapsing; he is not comfortable putting money into the Exit 9
project in comparison to the roads that need work.
Selectman Karrick asked where the money would come from; at this
point all money’s have been appropriated.
Selectman Chairman Hartman asked the Board members
if it wishes to have the Planning Board work out traffic solutions at
Exit 9. Selectman Karrick
said rather than trying to reinvent the wheel, he feels it makes sense
for the Planning Board to continue.
Selectman Chairman Hartman asked Ms. Annis if the
plan is to spend money for an Exit 9 plan sooner or later.
He feels the current road system at the Exit 9 area can
accommodate additional development the way it is right now.
Chairman Hartman asked the Board if they
wish to have the Planning Board continue their work on Exit 9.
The Board agreed; the Town Administrator said she to would like
to be involved in the meetings as well as future economic development. 9. Transfer Station Facility Committee Agenda Selectman Chairman Hartman explained when the lease
was coming due at the Transfer Station the committee looked at various
options such as relocation, remaining, is the site adequate enough, as
well as looking at other operations etc.
The charge today is the committee should remain as a standing
committee meeting occasionally. Committee
member Rick Davies has completed a survey and drawings have been made
showing what could be done. Chairman
Hartman said at this point he is not sure what the Committee should be
charged with. Selectman
Karrick said one item that was not addressed is separating the swap
area. Chairman Hartman added
looking at future needs still needs to be addressed.
Selectman 10. Consent Agenda Selectman Karrick moved
to approve the Consent Agenda for
Map 3
Map 9 Lots 29 & 30
Map 11
Map 12
Map 4
Map 10
Map 10 Selectman 11. Manifest Selectman Karrick made a motion
to authorize the Selectmen to sign manifests and order the Treasurer to
sign Accounts Payable check numbers 44374 - 44403 in the amount of $
30,904.02. Selectman
12. Selectman’s Objectives The Selectmen scheduled a work session for
May 3 beginning at 13. Purchasing Policy The Town Administrator presented the most
recent revision to the Purchasing Policy as indicated below. Section
D – General
Provisions 1.
Contract Review – Purchases of $5,000 or greater
Changed
this: Unauthorized Purchases: Except as
provided within this policy, it shall be unlawful for any Town employee
or official to purchase any supplies or service other than in accordance
with these policies. To
this: Unauthorized Purchases: Town employees
who purchase any supplies or services other than in accordance with this
policy may be subject to disciplinary action. Selectman
14.
Planning Board
Alternate Position Planning
Board member Paul Violette approached J D Colcord and asked him if he
would consider becoming an alternate member.
Mr. Colcord accepted. Selectman
Karrick moved to appoint J D
Colcord as an alternate member to the Planning Board until March 2013. Selectman
15.
Other Business Richard
Cutting spoke to the Selectmen about the continued obstruction to the
flow of traffic on 16.
Meeting Minutes Selectman
Karrick moved to approve meeting
minutes dated 17.
Nonpublic Session Chairman Hartman moved to go into
nonpublic session under RSA 91-A: 3 II (c) reputation at In attendance:
David Karrick, Chairman; David Hartman, Selectman; Clyde Carson,
Selectman; Laura Buono, Town Administrator The
Board of Selectmen discussed several properties in which they have
received complaints about junk and unregistered vehicles. The
Board discussed these properties and a course of action to be taken on
each. Chairman
Hartman moved to come out of nonpublic session at 18.
Adjournment Selectman
Karrick moved to adjourn at Board of Selectmen David E. Hartman - Chairman Respectfully submitted, Mary Whalen Recording Secretary |