Warner Board of Selectmen

Meeting Minutes

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Chairman Karri ck opened the meeting at 6:04 p.m.

In Attendance:           Selectman David Karrick, Jr. – Chairman

Selectman David E. Hartman

Selectman Clyde Carson

                                  Town Administrator – Laura Buono

Absent:             None      

Others present:

Allan N. Brown

Kimberley Edelmann

Rebecca Courser

Martha Mical 

1. Public Hearing – Discretionary Preservation Easement for Kearsarge Meadows        

Chairman Karrick opened the hearing for public comment: 

Rebecca Courser supports the easement; the farm was settled in the early 1800s by the Harvey family.  In 1867 Walter Sargent took over the farm.  Sargent had farming and carpentry experience; he may have built the barn.  The barn is unique because it has interior stone stairs which adds historic value, that are now visible from a section that was torn down.   

Selectman Carson asked if the easement is granted are there any restrictions?  Ms. Buono said no, only to keep the structure maintained. 

Martha Mical requested if the easement is granted Ms. Edelmann contact the Assessing office before the barn floor is repaired.   

The Assessing Clerk will determine the curtilage for the barn.   

Kimberley Edelmann explained the reason she is applying for the easement: the spirit of preserving the barn under an easement makes it so that the next person who owns the property has to think twice at doing something different with the barn. 

The Assessing Clerk explained what the barn preservation is designed for; it is designed for homeowners who are about to begin restoring their barns.  The last easement that came before the Selectmen came after they were restored. 

Chairman Karrick closed the public hearing at 6:21 p.m. 

The Selectmen will utilize the scoring system in accordance with RSA 79 and then they will develop a single figure at the next Selectmen’s meeting. 

2. Selectmen’s Other Business

Chairman Karrick signed the audit contract with Vachon Clukay & Co. 

The Selectmen reviewed and signed a contract for Clean Harbor who will conduct a household hazardous waste day at the Transfer Station on Saturday, October 3, 2009. 

The Selectmen reviewed the engineering services agreement for the Main Street drainage improvements from Provan & Lorber.    Provan and Lorber is the Town’s engineer of record; they are also State approved; having an engineer of record saves bidding time.  Allan Brown explained that the original agreement cost was at $56K; after Mr. Brown reviewed the agreement he removed a number of the services and reduced the cost down to $25K.  Mr. Brown will oversee and complete the necessary inspections.  Selectman Carson asked if there is a benefit to upgrading only one part of the system.  Allan Brown explained it is strictly cost and timing because the Nevins family would like to develop the park area, it makes sense to develop the park with the upgrades to the drainage.  Allan Brown explained the drainage sections, the current engineering study includes all the sections, but it does not include the school, just the amount of drainage that is coming from the school.  Also, this engineering study does not include wetland permits, a discharge permit will be needed for the final discharge.  The study could take up to 45 days.   

Chairman Karrick asked the Board members if they wish to make a decision this evening.  Selectman Hartman feels the drainage study is necessary.   This study will be useful in relationship with the school, the Odd Fellows Building, and parking.   

Selectman Hartman moved to approve the proposed agreement with Provan & Lorber in the amount of $25K for completing an engineering study for the drainage that runs from the Town Hall to Depot Street through Mainstreet Bookends.  Selectman Carson asked if the budget can support this cost; Mr. Brown said yes.  Chairman Karrick asked why the contract is not going out for competitive bid.  Mr. Brown explained when you use the same engineer you save time on the qualification process.  Martha Mical asked if the Purchase Policy allows the Town to use an engineer of record without going out to bid.  Ms. Buono explained that the Selectmen have the authority to wave any part of the policy.  Provan and Lorber has bid on many engineering projects throughout the years.  They are qualified to be on the State engineering list, for FEMA projects if the Town has an engineering firm of record it is not required to go out to bid.  Mr. Brown also added that it is a benefit when you have a working relationship with an engineering firm.  Chairman Karrick called for a vote; all were in favor, the motion passed. 

Selectman Carson drafted a camping policy for the Selectmen’s review.  Further discussion will take place at a Selectmen’s meeting.   

3. Adjournment

A motion was made and seconded to adjourn at 7:10 p.m.   

Board of Selectmen  

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

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Whalen

Recording Secretary