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Warner Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes Tuesday, May 12, 2009 Chairman Cook opened the meeting at 6:00
p.m. In Attendance:
Selectman David Karrick, Jr. – Chairman Selectman
David E. Hartman Selectman
Clyde Carson
Town Administrator – Laura Buono Absent:
None
Others present: Pam Jolivette – CAP Elder Services
Phil Stockwell
Larry Pletcher Stacy Cooper
Peter Wyman Marianne Howlett Chairman Karrick opened the Selectmen’s Meeting at 5:38 p.m. 1.
Nonpublic Session Chairman Karrick moved to enter into
Nonpublic Session at 5:40 p.m. per RSA 91-A:3 II (b), hiring. The motion
was seconded by Selectman Hartman. A roll call vote was taken. Chairman
Karrick – yes; Selectman Hartman – yes; Selectman Carson – yes. Motion
passed unanimously. In Attendance:
Chairman Karrick; Selectman Hartman; Selectman Carson; Laura Buono,
Town Administrator; Richard Brown, Fire Chief; Ed Raymond, First Deputy
Chief; Heather Greenlaw. Chief Brown introduced Heather Greenlaw to
the Board with a recommendation that she be hired to fill an open slot on
the rescue squad. Ms. Greenlaw will be completing her EMT at the end of the
month and has been riding with the Hopkinton ambulance. The Selectmen asked various questions of Ms. Greenlaw.
Chairman Karrick moved to come out of
Nonpublic Session at 5:49 p.m. The
motion was seconded by Selectman Hartman. A roll call vote was taken.
Chairman Karrick – yes; Selectman Hartman – yes; Selectman Carson –
yes. Motion passed
unanimously. 2.
Nonpublic Session Chairman Karrick moved to enter into
Nonpublic Session at 5:50 p.m. per RSA 91-A:3 II (d), property
acquisition. The motion was seconded by Selectman Carson. A roll call vote
was taken. Chairman Karrick – yes; Selectman Hartman – yes; Selectman
Carson – yes. Motion passed
unanimously. In Attendance:
Chairman Karrick; Selectman Hartman; Selectman Carson; Laura Buono,
Town Administrator; Richard Brown, Fire Chief; Ed Raymond, First Deputy
Chief. Selectman Hartman moved to come out of
Nonpublic Session at 6:10 p.m. The
motion was seconded by Selectman Carson. A roll call vote was taken.
Chairman Karrick – yes; Selectman Hartman – yes; Selectman Carson –
yes. Motion passed
unanimously. Selectman Hartman moved to seal and restrict
the nonpublic meeting minutes per RSA 91A:3 III.
Motion was seconded by Selectman Carson.
A vote was taken. Motion
passed unanimously. 3. Pam Jolivette –
Community Action Programs Elder Services Ms. Jolivette explained to the Board of
Selectmen that CAP has been providing service to older adults for over
30-years. One of the newer
programs is Service Link Resource Center of Merrimack County.
There are Service Link Centers in each county throughout the State
of NH. The centers help
with transportation, caregiver and family support, disability services,
Medicare counseling and many more. Selectman
Hartman asked if the person in Medicare counseling visits area towns.
Ms. Jolivette said talks can be arranged.
Selectman Carson asked if the CAP program located in the Old Grade
School is affiliated with this program, Ms. Jolivette said no.
Another program Ms. Jolivette spoke about is
the Senior Companion Program. This
program is federally funded; there are 81 volunteers in the State of NH.
There is one active senior volunteer in Warner and the program is
looking for more. These volunteers receive a tax free stipend.
The volunteer will average 20 hours per week between 5 seniors.
Any senior is eligible for this program; it is not income level
driven. There is a senior employment program for 55
years of age and above. This program places individuals into non-profit
settings working for 20 hours per week for training and work experience.
The intent is for permanent employment. There is a transportation program that
provides transportation to senior adults for medical appointments, grocery
shopping and rides to the senior center. There are nutrition programs such
as meals on wheels; last year there were 2,848 meals delivered in Warner.
There is a Fixit Program comprised of volunteers who work on homes
of elders. Ms. Jolivette
concluded by saying there will be more strategic planning within the CAP
organization to work with Selectmen and municipal organizations because it
is felt communities should be livable across a lifespan.
4.
Larry Pletcher – Seasonal Camping on Land in Current-Use Mr. Pletcher has property in current-use. An
employee of Mr. Pletcher, Stacy Cooper, would like to build a platform and
camp on the property on a seasonal basis.
The Town Administrator spoke with the Assessing Clerk who learned
through the Department of Revenue that land would need to be removed from
current-use if a platform is built. Ms.
Cooper explained that she would build a platform for a tent that would
remain on the platform for a period of time.
The tent is hand made with a collapsible support.
Ms. Buono explained to Mr. Pletcher that the platform would not
require a building permit; however, any structure that is on sight as of
April 1st will be taxed. Ms.
Cooper said she would also use a composting toilet so there will be no
gray water issues. Warner Zoning only addresses travel
trailers. Ms. Buono can contact other communities regarding a tent
structure (yurt) erected on a piece of property for a length of time.
The question that needs an answer: is a yurt considered a
structure? Selectman Hartman
recommends further research in order to make a decision at the next
Selectmen’s meeting. 5.
Tax Collector – Deeding Deadline for 2006 Property Taxes Tax Collector Marianne Howlett explained
that there are four properties that are unpaid, one is in bankruptcy so it
can’t be deeded only liened, one is a mobile home located within the
trailer park which the Selectmen have waivered back to 2004.
Selectman Hartman explained the reason why the Selectmen have
waived the taxes is because it would be more of a liability if the taxes
were not waived, the property the mobile home sits on is owned by another.
The amount for the mobile home as of March 4 is $1,134.93 for back
to 2006; the total amount including 2007 & 2008 is $1,850. Another
property has made payment arrangements and the last property has filed for
a Hardship Abatement with the Selectmen.
This property owes $2,052.82 back to 2006; the current balance owed
up to 2008 is $6,400. Selectman Hartman asked when a decision is
needed. Ms. Howlett explained
to the Selectmen that since they have granted one extension up to July 1
she feels the Board would want to wait and complete any deeding on the
same date. Selectman Hartman
asked if the Selectmen wish to consider continuing to grant a waiver on
the property located in the trailer park.
Ms. Howlett learned through mailing that the owner no longer lives
in the trailer park. Ms.
Howlett also added that compared to other communities Warner has very good
taxpayers. She also explained
that for 2008 there are approximately 2,000 parcels in Warner; out of that
she has liened 65 parcels and out of that 8 of them are located in the
trailer park. 6.
Peter Wyman – 15 Pleasant Lane Mr. Wyman who owns the trailer park
explained that the present owner has abandoned 15 Pleasant Lane.
Due to medical reasons the State of NH has placed a lien on the
property. Mr. Wyman has been in contact with the State of NH and proposed
to demolish the property; the cost to do this is approximately $4,000.
Mr. Wyman explained that due to the age of the mobile home there is
no value to it, he is before the Selectmen to see what can be done
regarding the taxes that are owed. To
become current with the Town the total amount is $1,850.
Selectman Hartman moved
to abate all back taxes for 15 Pleasant Lane in the amount of $1,886.06. Selectman Carson seconded the motion. Selectman Carson asked by approving the abatement does it
enable anything else in terms of Mr. Wyman or the State. Mr. Wyman explained that this action would allow the property
owner to sign the deed to him and he can then work something out with the
State. Mr. Wyman has added to
the park rules that as of February 2009 if a tenant is more than one-year
behind on taxes that it is cause for eviction.
This action by the Selectmen will allow Mr. Wyman to remove the
existing mobile home and replace it with a new one valued at $50K - $60K.
A vote was taken on the
motion; all were in favor, the motion passed.
7.
Sign Permit Three sign permits for one business were
submitted to the Selectmen for approval.
Two of the signs will be on the building and one located at the
corner of the property. The
business is Kearsarge Rug Workshop located at 1 East Main Street.
Selectman Carson asked when there are multiple businesses in one
building is there a rule that says for a given building there should be
one sign that lists the businesses as opposed to having a sign for each
business. Chairman Karrick moved
to approve the two signs located on the building and requires further
clarification for the location of the free standing sign and also proposes
charging a total of $15 for the two permits and $15 for the free standing
once that is clarified. Selectman
Hartman seconded the motion; all were in favor, the motion passed. 8.
Appointments Michael Ayotte resigned as Trustee of the
Trust Funds because he has been hired on as the Town’s Bookkeeper.
Dale Trombley has agreed to fill the vacancy until next election. Chairman Karrick moved
to approve appointing Dale Trombley as a Trustee to the Trust Funds until
March 2010 election. Selectman
Carson seconded the motion; all were in favor, the motion passed. Barbara Proper has agreed to serve as Deputy
Town Treasurer until 2010. Chairman
Karrick moved to appoint Barbara Proper as the Deputy Town Treasurer until March
2010. Selectman Hartman
seconded the motion; all were in favor, the motion passed.
The position of Deputy Town Treasurer is appointed annually. Chairman Karrick moved
to appoint Rebecca Courser, Jim McLaughlin, Steve Brown and Kyle Whitehead
to the Odd Fellows Building Committee for a one-year term. Selectman
Carson seconded the motion; all were in favor, the motion passed. Chairman Karrick moved
to approve the resignation of Hugh Wilkerson as a Library Trustee.
Selectman Carson seconded the motion; all were in favor, the motion
passed. 9.
Manifest Selectman Hartman moved
to authorize the Selectmen to sign manifests and order the Treasurer to
sign payroll check numbers 1768-1810 (includes 9 direct deposit stubs) in
the amount of $32,797.26 and accounts payable check numbers 43056-43095 in
the amount of $231,448.22 (includes payment to Kearsarge Regional School
District in the amount of $207,970.45).
Selectman Carson seconded the motion; all were in favor, the
motion carries. 10.
Town Administrator’s Report Odd Fellows Building – TF Moran has forwarded the
Professional Service Order for the Feasibility study on the Odd Fellows
Building after the kick off meeting which was held last week.
Donna Lane has reviewed the order and received the approval from
CDBG and the last step is to have the Chairman of the Board of Selectmen
sign it. Chairman Karrick moved to approve the contract.
Selectman Hartman seconded the motion; all were in favor, the
motion passed. Joint Selectmen’s Meeting – The Town of Sutton would like
to host a Joint Selectmen’s Meeting and would like to receive date and
time availability from each of the seven towns within the Kearsarge area. At this time there is no agenda.
The Town Administrator will forward some dates in June. Meet Eleanor Roosevelt – The Pillsbury Free Library is
holding a presentation in the Town Hall on May 13 at 1:00 p.m. entitled
Meet Eleanor Roosevelt which is free and open to the public. Connors Mill – The Town received the first payment request
from Weaver Bros. for the Connors Mill Project which has been approved by
the Engineer. The payment
amount is $111,455.50 out of the total project amount of $531,352.02. Payments are based on progress points that are first approved
by the Engineer and then forwarded on to the State. Discretionary Preservation Easement Application – The Town
Administrator asked the Selectmen when they would like to schedule a tour
of the property on Kearsarge Mountain Road which is the subject of an
application for a Discretionary Preservation Easement.
The Selectmen will schedule a tour for June with the property
owners. Map 7 Lot 46 – A letter has been sent to the Town of
Webster regarding this property that is located in both Town’s.
The letter asks for a date to meet with both Boards. Warner
is concerned about the condition of the property and how it is affecting
neighboring property values. 11.
Selectmen’s Other Business Selectman Carson reported during his first
open office hours a resident spoke to him about the increased number of
unregistered vehicles that are accumulating throughout the Town.
The resident asked if the Board would consider taking some action
and recommended by beginning to task the Police Department with
identifying such properties. The
Assessing Clerk can also provide a list of properties.
The Selectmen were sent a draft vacation
time policy. Selectman Carson recommends moving towards the current trend
which not to have a separate policies for vacation, sick, personal time
etc. The trend is moving
toward a block of time to be used at the employee’s discretion.
The block of time includes holiday, sick, vacation, bereavement and
personal time. Further
discussion will take place at the next scheduled Selectmen’s meeting. Selectman Carson reported that the Energy
Committee met and they are working in conjunction with the Planning Board
in developing ordinances related to green energy generation. 12.
Meeting Minutes Selectman Hartman moved
to approve meeting minutes dated April 28, 2009.
Selectman Carson seconded the motion; all were in favor, the motion
passed. 13.
Motion to Hire Chairman Karrick moved to hire Heather
Greenlaw as an EMT. Selectman Hartman seconded the motion; all were in favor, the
motion passed. 14.
Nonpublic Session Selectman Karrick moved to enter into
Nonpublic Session at 8:13 p.m. per RSA 91-A:3 II (c), reputation. The
motion was seconded by Selectman Hartman. A roll call vote was taken.
Chairman Karrick – yes; Selectman Hartman – yes; Selectman Carson –
yes. Motion passed
unanimously. In Attendance:
Chairman Karrick; Selectman Hartman; Selectman Carson; Laura Buono,
Town Administrator. Selectman Hartman moved to come out of
Nonpublic Session at 8:27 p.m. The
motion was seconded by Selectman Carson. A roll call vote was taken.
Chairman Karrick – yes; Selectman Hartman – yes; Selectman Carson –
yes. A vote was taken.
Motion passed unanimously. Selectman Hartman moved to seal and restrict
the nonpublic meeting minutes per RSA 91A:3 III.
Motion was seconded by Selectman Carson.
A vote was taken. Motion passed unanimously. 15. Nonpublic Session Chairman Karrick moved to enter into
Nonpublic Session at 8:31 p.m. per RSA 91-A:3 II (e), legal. The motion
was seconded by Selectman Hartman. A roll call vote was taken. Chairman
Karrick – yes; Selectman Hartman – yes. Motion
passed unanimously. In Attendance:
Chairman Karrick; Selectman Hartman; Laura Buono, Town
Administrator. Selectman Hartman moved to come out of
Nonpublic Session at 8:46 p.m. The
motion was seconded by Chairman Karrick. A roll call vote was taken.
Chairman Karrick – yes; Selectman Hartman – yes; Selectman Carson –
yes. A vote was taken.
Motion passed unanimously. Selectman Hartman moved to seal and restrict
the nonpublic meeting minutes per RSA 91A:3 III.
Motion was seconded by Chairman Karrick.
A vote was taken. Motion
passed unanimously. 16. Adjournment A motion was made and seconded to adjourn at 8:47 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. Board of Selectmen David Karrick, Jr. – Chairman
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