Warner Board of Selectmen

Meeting Minutes

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

 

1.   Nonpublic Session

Chairman Hartman moved to enter into Nonpublic Session at 6:10 p.m. per RSA 91-A:3 II (c), reputation. The motion was seconded by Selectman Karrick. A roll call vote was taken. Chairman Hartman – yes; Selectman Karrick – yes; Selectman Carson – yes.  Motion passed unanimously.   

In attendance: Chairman David Hartman., Selectman David Karrick, Selectman Clyde Carson; Town Administrator Laura Buono.

Chairman Hartman moved to come out of Nonpublic Session at 6:34 p.m.   The motion was seconded by Selectman Carson. A roll call vote was taken. Chairman Hartman – yes; Selectman Karrick – yes; Selectman Carson – yes.  Motion passed unanimously. 

Chairman Hartman moved to seal and restrict the nonpublic meeting minutes per RSA 91A:3 III.  Motion was seconded by Selectman Karrick.  A vote was taken.  Motion passed unanimously.

2. Public Session

Selectman Karrick opened the public session at 6:37 p.m.

In Attendance:   Selectman David Hartman – Chairman, Selectman David Karrick, Jr., Selectman Clyde Carson &

Town Administrator – Laura Buono  

Others present: Katherine Monaghan, Edward Monaghan, Marianne Howlett  

3. Old Graded School Playground

Ms. Monaghan explained that she brought her grandchildren to the playground located in the back of the Old Grade School and learned that use of the playground is prohibited during school hours, she said the daycare center is not a school.  She feels the sign that states “ 6:00 p.m. until dusk” needs to be changed; she also feels that anyone who pays taxes in Warner should be able to use the playground anytime.  Ms. Monaghan also used the playground equipment at Riverside Park which was funded by the Fall Foliage Festival but she does not feel safe during the day when there are no events on going; it’s too secluded and she also feels the equipment at Riverside Park is not adequate for a playground.  Ms. Monaghan was provided a copy of the 1997 Town Meeting minutes when $14,000+ was raised for the playground equipment at the Old Grade School .  In the minutes it states the equipment is for the use of the Kearsarge Children Center , the then Warner Co-operative Kindergarten and Headstart.  Ms. Monaghan does not feel they should be the primary users of the equipment, because the minutes also say the playground should be made available to Warner children during non-school hours.  She said the Kearsarge Children Center is not a school it’s a daycare and she feels anyone paying taxes in Warner should be able to use the playground.  She also suggested if the daycare needs a restricted area for the children to play in then they should find another facility and pay rent.   

The Town Administrator said the daycare is a licensed agency.  Ms. Monaghan’s issue is there is no school in session.  The Town Administrator said the school hours are for reference purposes.  Selectman Carson explained that the playground is closed to the public during daycare hours for the protection of the children.  Ms. Monaghan said that’s why they have supervision on site.  She feels because she pays taxes on a property where the tenants do not pay rent she should be able to use the playground at anytime.  Selectman Karrick said the daycare is set up as a service to the residents of Warner and the surrounding area.  Ms. Monaghan does not feel it is her responsibility as a tax payer to provide a service for someone else.  Selectman Carson said the reason the Town provides a building to the daycare, preschool and Headstart is they couldn’t provide their service if they had to pay rent elsewhere; these services are essential to the infrastructure of Warner.  

The Town Administrator noted that within the 1997 article at Town Meeting the daycare was one of the organizations that the money was raised for, and even though the article said “non school hours” the children center was one of those organizations included in the hours.   Ms. Monaghan replied then deduct in taxes the use of the playground from her property taxes.   

Chairman Hartman confirmed the issue Ms. Monaghan is bringing forward; if school hours are from 8:00 – 3:00 p.m. then the public should be able to use the playground after 3:00 p.m.   Ms. Monaghan said before 3:00 p.m. because Headstart is over at 11:30 a.m. , she feels the playground should be made available to the public from 12 noon on.  

The Town Administrator will verify with the daycare about licensing and if they are required to have a restricted area.  Ms. Monaghan said if the daycare needs a restricted area then have an area fenced off where the sheds are.  

4. Deeding

Tax Collector, Marianne Howlett explained to the Selectmen that the list of properties to be deeded that was presented to them in March is down to two properties.  She said one of the properties is located in the trailer park which she has prepared a waiver for.  The reason for the waiver is because historically the Town does not want to take on the responsibility for the park rent and in addition to this particular property there are significant IRS liens against the property.   Chairman Hartman asked how many times the Board has granted a waiver.  Ms. Howlett said never, on this particular home.  The total amount due is $2,022.27 which consists of three years of property taxes.  Ms. Howlett explained that if the Board grants a waiver the liens can remain in place.  Selectman Carson moved to grant a waiver on property taxes in the amount of $2,022.27 for Map ON-03-024-54PLE.  Selectman Karrick seconded the motion; all were in favor, the motion passed.  

Ms. Howlett also mentioned in the new 2009 liens there are 65 parcels, of that 6 or 7 are located in the mobile home park.

The second property is owned by Mark Hoar from Webster , NH .  Ms. Howlett has record of proper notice to the property owner; the amount owed is $181.35 for 2007.    Selectman Carson moved to deed Map 10 Lot 37.  Selectman Karrick seconded the motion; all were in favor, the motion passed. (Note: Decision was reversed during the May 12th work session)  

5. Discretionary Barn Easement Scoring

Tabled until May 25th.  

6. Deputy Treasurer

Selectman Karrick moved to appoint Barbara Proper as Deputy Treasurer until March 2013.  Selectman Carson seconded the motion; all were in favor, the motion passed.  

7. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Fuel

Selectman Carson explained because the Town applied for and received a grant for an energy audit the Town qualifies for the next round of applications.  Selectman Carson is recommending applying for a grant that will meet the future needs of the Old Grade School and the organizations that currently occupy the building.   He said the plan can also be attached to future grants such as the Community Action Program could co-apply for grants with the Town as well as the children center and the preschool.  The grant application is for a minimum of $100K which is due by the end of June.  Selectman Carson is recommending cloning the application that was submitted for Energy Community Development Block Grant that was initially denied.   Chairman Hartman said that it should be confirmed that the Historical Society as well as the State Historical agency is in favor of the plan that was created from the Energy Audit.  Selectman Karrick moved to instruct the Energy Committee to apply for the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Fuel Grant.  Chairman Hartman seconded the motion; all were in favor, the motion passed.

Selectman Carson asked for a consensus from the Board that they would some time in the future begin work on a long term plan for the Old Grade School .  The Board members agreed.  

8. Town Administrator’s Report

Fisher – A letter was received from Dick Fisher’s representative with regard to the recent Cease and Desist requesting a meeting with the Selectmen.  Mr. Fisher has also filled out paperwork with the Zoning Board to appeal the Selectmen’s Order if the meeting does not go favorable for him.  The Selectmen will arrange to meet with Mr. Fisher on May 25th during their Selectmen’s meeting.  

Fire Hydrant – Director of Public Works, Allan Brown has obtained the necessary permits from the State to replace the fire hydrant across from the United Church of Warner; the Water Precinct has lined the parts people up to do the work.  The work was supposed to be done this afternoon.  The Town Administrator will send a letter to the Water Precinct confirming what the process is for future hydrant replacement.  Selectman Carson asked if the $1,000 deductable will be split between the Town and the Precinct.  The Town Administrator will verify.  

Junkyard Permits – The Board mentioned they may like to tour the two licensed junkyards. Although one permit was already signed, the second has been submitted but there was a concern voiced by a resident that there may be cars within the Town’s right of way.  Perhaps a tour of both yards is warranted this year.   The Selectmen will establish a date and time during their work session on May 12th.  

Local Energy Solutions Conference – The Conference will be held on Saturday, June 19th at the Grappone Center in Concord .  Topics are financing energy projects, best practices, measuring municipal and school energy use, energy audits and elements of energy planning. Information on registering is available in the Town Administrator’s office.  

Town Hall Roof – Maintenance Technician, Ed Mical received a call from Therrien Roofing yesterday and they will begin the project earlier than expected since the slate is in.  They will begin putting the staging up tomorrow and move forward with the project from there.  The Town Administrator asked Ed Mical to make contact with the property tenants next door to advise them of the work.  

Safe Routes to School – Director of Public Works, Allan Brown has spoken to John Corrigan from Central NH Regional Planning Commission and advised him that he is working on the Request for Quotes.  According to Mr. Brown, it will be quite awhile before anything happens on this project but he’ll be in contact with the Board as it progresses.    Selectman Carson asked what the quote will be for.  The Town Administrator explained that Mr. Brown is developing the quote and he will be in touch with the Board as it progresses.  The Board is concerned about the intersection at Roslyn St. and Route 103 in regards to the sidewalks.   

Discretionary Preservation Easement – A new Discretionary Preservation Easement application for the Bridgewater/Marty property on Pumpkin Hill Road has been received and copies have been forwarded to the Board.   

Downtown Drainage – Work is scheduled to begin on Monday, May 17, 2010 .  

East Roby District – Provan & Lorber is working on revised cross sections of drawings to make sure the revetments  that are needed will not do damage to the river.  The Director of Public Works will be working on the easements.  

Main Street Drainage – Chairman Hartman spoke with Neil Nevins in regards to the easement for the drainage going across Mr. Nevins property.  Mr. Nevins said at this point the easement is not completed.  The Town Administrator believes that the information for the easement is in the hands of Mr. Nevins lawyer, she said she will verify.  

Connors Mill – The Town Administrator was finally able to get in touch with someone in Nancy Mayville’s Office (State) with regard to reimbursement for Connors Mill.  They were very apologetic about the lack of response with regard to the status of the payment but said they need copies of all invoices paid and proof of payment for each invoice.  Mike Ayotte and Mary Whalen (staff) are working on making copies of everything necessary and then the Town Administrator will hand deliver the items to them this week.  The Town Administrator was told that since there wasn’t communication on their end with regard to responding to her inquiries, they will rush the payment through so the Town could have the reimbursements within a week.     

Selectman Carson asked if the Bookkeeper could track the cost for the Main Street Drainage project as well as the East Roby project.  

Fire Truck Financing – The Town Administrator has the rates from two lending institutes for the financing of the fire truck.  Lake Sunapee ’s rate is 3.5% and Sugar River ’s rate (special for us as a preferred customer) is 3.69%.  The Town Administrator asked the Board which bank they wish to contract with.  Selectman Carson asked because Sugar River Bank is in Town can they be asked if they can match Lake Sunapee ’s rate.  The Town Administrator will propose the Board’s suggestion.  

Azmy – Atty. Mayer and Town Administrator spoke with regard to the Azmy injunction hearing on Monday.  He has everything in order and although there is no testimony, she told him she and the Board would all be there.  One of the Webster Selectmen will also be present.  

ATV Use on Class VI Roads – The Town Administrator asked the Board if there is any further information they need before scheduling the Public Hearing.  The Board said no, the information provided clarifying what was a Class VI Road was sufficient.  Chairman Hartman asked if giving permission to use the Class VI roads obligates the Board to tell the ATV club they must obtain permission from property owners in order to cross private lands.  The Town Administrator said no, the club is aware of the laws.  Selectman Carson asked if the Board would grant permission forever or on a yearly basis.  Selectman Karrick said the first proposal was for a one-year trial.  

Building Inspector - The Town Administrator said that she is ready to begin interviewing for the position but she needs the Board to decide how to compensate for the position.  Selectman Karrick asked if the Town is ready to share a Building Inspector.  The Town Administrator feels the Town is not ready at this point.  Selectman Carson asked for a sample of pay structures from other towns.  The Town Administrator will pull that information together.  Selectman Carson asked if certification is required.  At this time the position is paid per inspection plus mileage, the Board agreed not to change anything at this time.   

9. Consent Agenda

Selectman Karrick made the motion to approve the Consent Agenda for May 11, 2010 .  Selectman Carson seconded the motion; all were in favor, the motion passed.

  • Notice of Intent to Cut:

                                          Map 7 Lot 60

                                          Map 19 Lot 39

                                          Map 6 Lot 43-3

  • Elderly Tax Exemption Requalification (3 out of 3 approved)
  • Timber Tax Warrant in the amount of $6,775.58

10. Manifest

Selectman Karrick made a motion to authorize the Selectmen to sign manifests and order the Treasurer to sign Payroll check numbers 480-505 (includes 10 direct deposit stubs) in the amount of $ 30,341.05 and Accounts Payable check numbers 44404-44460 in the amount of $92,557.05.   Selectman Carson seconded the motion; all were in favor, the motion passed.  

11. Meeting Minutes

Selectman Karrick moved to approve meeting minutes dated March 31, April 6 and April 27, 2010 .  Selectman Carson seconded the motion; all were in favor, the motion passed.  

12. Other Business

Selectman Carson reported that Mr. Wright, Sutton Board of Selectmen Chairman, called Selectman Carson; Mr. Wright has arranged a meeting for the delegation to go to the School Board on June 10th at 6:30 p.m.  The School Board will be asking the School Board to coordinate better with the Towns in regards to Capital Improvement Programs.  

Selectman Carson reported on May 15th the Energy Committee will hold a bike rack installation ceremony at the Town Hall.   

Selectman Carson sent Transfer Station Facility objectives via email to the Board members, he asked if they are agreeable to the Board, the members said yes.  The Town Administrator spoke with the Transfer Station Foreman who felt a couple of the items were more suited for a Recycling Committee.   

13. Adjournment

Selectman Karrick moved to adjourn at 8:25 p.m. Seconded by Selectman Carson.  A vote was taken.  Motion passed unanimously. 

Board of Selectmen  

David E. Hartman - Chairman
David Karrick, Jr.
Clyde Carson

   

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Whalen

Recording Secretary