Warner Board of Selectmen

Meeting Minutes

May 23, 2006

 

Meeting opened at 7:00 p.m.

In attendance: 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:

Ed Mical Allan Brown

Richard Haight Martha Mical

Robert Firth

Ed Mical joined the Selectmen during the opening of bids that were recieved for chimney repair at the Town Hall and the Old Grade School.

Lifetime Masonry bid $40.00 per hour plus materials (did not meet requested bid).

Fire Guard Chimney Lining bid $7,080.00 for Town Hall and $950.00 for Old Grade School.

A Warrant Article in the amount of $13,000.00 was approved at the 2006 Town Meeting. Selectman Cook recommended checking the supplied references by Fire Guard. The bid receiver will also be required to supply proof of insurance. Selectman Eigabroadt made the motion to award the bid to Fire Guard Chimney Lining as spelled out in their proposal totaling $8,030.00 contingent upon satisfactory references and a supplied proof on insurance. Selectman Cook seconded the motion. Mr. Mical feels that there could be possible unforeseen expenses; there is the capacity to spend more than the approved bid. Mr. Mical will arrange the working time frame (completed by Sept. 1). All were in favor. The motion passed.

 

Richard Haight met with the Selectmen regarding a communication he received from the TA about a structure on Map 22 Lot 2 that is land locked. The structure that is now on the property exceeds the size of the original structure when it was known as Frenchman’s Camp. The Selectmen explained that a building permit is required when the exterior footprint is changed. Since the office learned that the building does exist, photographs have been processed along with measurements and taxable adjustments. Mr. Haight explained that he has been camping on the site since he was young and he has had to make improvements to the structure. The Selectmen explained that the work that has been done was without the proper permits, and because the property is landlocked permitting would not have been approved. Lots are required to have access to a Class V road or Class VI road with special conditions. The Selectmen questioned the sewage disposal; after discussion with Mr. Haight it was determined that there is no underground disposal system. Martha Mical explained to Mr. Haight that the tax bill will reflect a developed lot. The Selectmen explained that because there was a structure on the property before zoning, Mr. Haight would only be able to replace in-kind. Also, because there is no road access a Limits of Liability Waiver would need to be signed that holds the Town harmless of liability. The Selectmen and Mr. Haight will meet on June 17th at 9:00 a.m. at the property in order to move forward to a resolution.

 

Robert Firth met with the Selectmen to present a progress report on his property located on Map 9 Lot 35 (ref. Memo of Understanding dated June 5, 2005). Mr. Firth is requesting a 6 month extension to reside in the mobile home that is currently on the site. In lieu of the extension Mr. Firth explained that he would withdraw his appeal to the Board of Tax and Land Appeals regarding a current-use penalty, and upon approval of a construction loan he would also become current on the property taxes owed, along with completing the construction of a home. Chairman Hartman and Selectman Eigabroadt walked the property today. Previously, about 5 weeks ago Chairman Hartman the TA and Martha Mical also walked the property. At that time a letter was sent to Mr. Firth noting that the deck was not removed and that he should meet with the Selectmen regarding the status of the property. Since the latter visit it was confirmed today by Chairman Hartman and Selectman Eigabroadt that the deck was removed. Mr. Firth confirmed that he is not using a septic system at the current site, but is using a holding tank system that is emptied regularly. Selectman Cook asked Mr. Firth if he plans to build the same structure as submitted in the building permit. Mr. Firth explained that the structure would be slightly smaller. Selectman Cook recommended that Mr. Firth amend the building permit application. Selectman Eigabroadt commented that Mr. Firth’s offer to withdraw his appeal to the BTLA is his own decision; it does not have any basis toward the request for an extension. Selectman Eigabroadt recommends that Mr. Firth become current on his property taxes before the Board of Selectmen considers an extension. Selectman Cook agrees. Chairman Hartman clarified that the Board has agreed not to enforce the May 31, 2006 deadline for the removal of the mobile home, Mr. Firth will become current on his property taxes and at that point the Selectmen will consider Mr. Firth’s request for an extension. Selectman Eigabroadt recommends extending the May 31 deadline to June 20, 2006. Mr. Firth will then meet with the Selectmen on June 20th or earlier if the taxes are paid. Selectman Eigabroadt explained to Mr. Firth that the June 20th date is the final deadline; if progress is not underway the mobile home will need to be removed. The Board agreed.

 

Selectman Cook began discussion about highway road projects and establishing a committee that would prioritize projects for bonding. The Director of Public Works will forward information that will assist in the formulation of such a committee. Mr. Brown commented that culverts need to be seriously looked at; there are a number of structures that are aging quickly. Chairman Hartman discussed the roads (Mason Hill, North Road, Burnt Hill, Red Chimney, Waldron Hill Pumpkin Hill) that need immediate action. The need to continually fund road construction was discussed. Discussion will resume on June 6, 2006.

 

Cingular Wireless submitted a request in reference to a building permit for the proposed tower site on Tewksbury Road (Class VI). Cingular has asked the Board of Selectmen to consider allowing a structure on the Class VI road without upgrading to a Class V. Cingular does plan to significantly improve the road to the site and is willing to sign a "Limits of Liability Waiver". The Assessing Clerk and the Director of Public Works explained that the waiver needs to be attached to the deed. The Director of Public Works stressed that Cingular needs to understand that Tewksbury Road is a public road even though they would be responsible for the improvements. Because Cingular is still in the Planning Board stages the Selectmen are not in favor of executing a waiver until the process is complete. The TA will notify Cingular.

Selectman Cook informed the Board members that Gerald Courser, Gary Young, himself and Sonny Harris from Bradford has completed the perambulation of the Warner/Bradford town line (last completed in 1996).

 

ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

Bagley Park Entrance – The entrance to Bagley Park runs over a parcel of land owned by Leslie Johnson (previously owned by Melinda Regnell). The parcel is one of three parcels within the same deed, however, this particular parcel carries a tax value of $4,320. In the past, the tax amount generated on this has always been abated since the land is used by the Town. The TA asked the Board if they are agreeable to the Tax Collector holding the bill as she has in the past and processing the abatement. Martha Mical explained that the Town does have a deeded right of passage over the land. The Board agreed to abate the taxes.

Budget Committee Meeting – The Budget Committee met on May 11th to review the year to date spending. Mike Cutting was elected Chairman and Marc Violette is Vice Chairman. David Karrick is a member of the CIP Committee. The next meeting is scheduled for July 24th @ 5:30 p.m.; goals for 2007 will be established.

Research on potential cost saving items – The TA has given the Selectmen a memorandum with regard to areas she would like to research to saving money. The Selectmen encouraged the TA to further explore her research and present options to the Selectmen for consideration.

Purchasing Policy – The TA has given the Selectmen a draft Purchasing Policy as well as a copy of a marked up copy by Chairman Hartman. The Selectmen recommended reviewing a copy that includes the changes made by Chairman Hartman.

July 4th Meeting – One of the Selectmen’s Meetings for July falls on July 4th. The Selectmen agreed to hold a meeting on July 5th.

Heating Fuel – Peter Chamberlain has contacted the TA with regard to obtaining bids for heating fuel. He asked if Warner would be interested in participating in this along with the other towns within the school district. Since the schools have a higher usage, a better price may be obtainable. The Board agreed that the TA should pursue this interest.

Transfer Station – After the inspection of the Transfer Station, a couple of items have already been taken care of. At Paul Fouliard’s request, Ed Mical has installed two exit signs which have battery backups and has also installed 10" boards for kick plates over the bathroom storage area. Paul has placed ropes blocking off various areas as indicated by Local Government Center and is still working on a solution to the interior of the building. Mr. Fouliard is obtaining a price for the remainder of hazardous material that needs to be disposed from Clean Harbor. Martha Mical asked if the price will include the asbestos file cabinets. The TA will mention the cabinets to Paul, there is also one at the Police Department.

Joint Loss Management – Since there appeared to be little interest by a majority of the employees to participate in the Joint Loss Management Committee the TA has chosen a couple to serve temporarily in order to get the committee up and running so that Warner is in compliance with the Department of Labor. The committee will consist of the TA, Pete Newman, Ed Mical, Bonnie Barnard and Martha Mical. The first meeting is scheduled for June 8th.

E-Reg – The Town Clerk is moving forward with the E-Reg and expects to be online within 30 days. Interware provides advertising to be posted in order to advise the public. There is no cost to the Town for this service and it’s only for registration renewals. This is approved through the State of NH.

Regional Meeting – Town Clerk’s office will be closed on June 7th to attend a regional meeting, this is required to keep the municipal agent status.

Selectman Eigabroadt made the motion to approve meeting minutes dated April 11, 2006, April 25, 2006, April 25, 2006 non-public, May 9, 2006 and May 9, 2006 non-public as corrected. Selectman Cook seconded the motion. All were in favor. The motion passed.

Selectman Eigabroadt made a motion to extend the closure date for Class VI roads from May 31st to June 15, 2006. Selectman Cook seconded the motion. All were in favor. The motion passed.

Selectman Eigabroadt recommended appointing Ed Mical as Deputy Health Officer, filing will be processed with the State.

Selectman Cook made a motion to go into non-public session as allowed by RSA 91-A:3, II (c). Selectman Eigabroadt seconded the motion. Roll call: Chairman Hartman, Aye; Selectman Cook, Aye; and Selectman Eigabroadt, Aye.

Chairman Hartman made the motion to close the non-public session. Selectman Eigabroadt seconded the motion. Roll call: Selectman Eigabroadt, Aye; Selectman Cook, Aye; Chairman Hartman, Aye. All were in favor. The motion passed.

Selectman Cook made a motion to go into non-public session as allowed by RSA 91-A:3, II (c). Selectman Eigabroadt seconded the motion. Roll call: Chairman Hartman, Aye; Selectman Cook, Aye; and Selectman Eigabroadt, Aye.

Selectman Eigabroadt made the motion to close the non-public session. Selectman Cook seconded the motion. Roll call: Chairman Hartman, Aye; Selectman Eigabroadt, Aye; Selectman Cook, Aye. The motion passed.

Selectman Eigabroadt made the motion to seal the non-public minutes. Selectman Cook seconded the motion. All were in favor. The motion passed.

 

Motion to adjourn at 10:31 p.m.

Board of Selectmen

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