|
Warner Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes October 16, 2007 Meeting opened at In Attendance: Selectman David E. Hartman – Chairman Selectman Richard A. Cook Selectman Wayne Eigabroadt Absent:
No Members Absent Recorder of the minutes is Mary Whalen Others Present: Laura Buono – Town Administrator Brenda Jorge – asking to waive fees for renting the Town Hall Richard Brown – Fire Chief – Capital Budget Paul Violette & Barbara Annis – Exit 9 Traffic Light Richard Senor 1. BRENDA JORGE Ms. Jorge asked the Selectmen if she could use the
Town Hall as a non-profit organization. She is passionate about
educating the community about what she has learned in regards to 9/11.
Ms. Jorge has already arranged to show a screening at the library
on November 1st. Ms. Buono
reminded Ms. Jorge that when she came into the Selectmen’s office she
wanted the Board to send a letter to other Towns encouraging them to
request another investigation. The
Selectmen explained to Ms. Jorge that she could put an article on the
Warrant at Town Meeting by petitioning 25 or more voters asking the
State or the Federal Government to take certain steps.
Selectman Eigabroadt clarified that Ms. Jorge is not a non-profit
organization; she is a private individual trying to educate the public.
Selectman Eigabroadt also explained that it would be up to Ms.
Jorge to get other towns involved, the Selectmen do not actively
campaign to other communities. Ms. Jorge asked if the Selectmen will
waive the rental fee for using the Town Hall.
The Selectmen agreed to waive the Town Hall rental fees for Ms.
Jorge. Ms. Jorge will
contact the Selectmen’s office if the showing at the library proves to
be successful. 2. RICHARD BROWN – FIRE CHIEF – CAPITAL
BUDGET The Selectmen asked Mr. Brown if he had any further
information about the Capital Improvement Program that requests funding
for land to build a central station in the year 2010.
Mr. Brown said there has been no movement forward.
At a fire station meeting a central station was discussed and due
to the cost of the project it was agreed to remain at the existing
station, fix it up a little and continue funding the Capital Reserve
Fund for a new facility; Mr. Brown estimates a new facility could cost
up to $2 million. Selectman
Cook feels such a facility should be bonded, using the Capital Reserve
to purchase the property. Mr.
Brown agreed. Selectman Cook
is concerned that there isn’t a plan, properties being considered and
a timeline. Selectman
Eigabroadt said if Mr. Brown is concerned about privacy in relation to
the properties the conversation could take place in a nonpublic session.
Mr. Brown will gather the information he has on possible sites
and discuss them with the Board in a nonpublic session.
Selectman Cook feels that a tentative timeline needs to be
established, the goal is to keep the fluctuation of capital expenses to
a minimum from year to year. Mr. Brown talked about his 2007 budget; the
sprinkler installation was spent from Building Maintenance.
Ms. Buono explained that the Bookkeeper will make the appropriate
accounting change; the funding will be drawn from the Building
Renovation Capital Reserve. Mr.
Brown understands that the repairs to Engine 1 came out of his operating
budget and the insurance money received for the damage went to the
general fund, Mr. Brown is concerned because his budget now looks over
spent. Mr. Brown will be
reviewing the fuel costs, fuel costs are driven by the number of calls. Martha Mical asked why FEMA money was used to
offset the Highway Department Budget and not the insurance money for the
Fire Department. Ms. Buono
explained that the FEMA money offset $100K - $200K, those large numbers
would have potentially caused the bottom line of the entire budget to go
over which can’t be allowed. The
Selectmen could apply the insurance money to the Fire Department but at
this point it is not necessary. The
insurance money does cover the line item. Chairman Hartman asked Mr. Brown about the status
of the on-call position. Last
year the position was vacated but funding for the position remained in
the budget; for the 2008 budget Mr. Brown has removed the funding.
Mr. Brown said the on-call position has been vacated for a full
year, he has since seen the morale of the group improve by 100% along
with daytime call response unaffected by the change; Mr. Brown
recommends the Fire Department should continue to run without the
on-call position. Selectman
Eigabroadt is in favor of keeping the on-call position; he explained
that since the position has been eliminated he has heard on the radio
more re-tones for rescue calls as well as several ….. Mr. Brown said
he has heard of that information also and what he needs to see is dates,
times, calls and the reason for the re-tones.
Mr. Brown said there are a lot of calls that if Henniker or
Hopkinton covers Warner doesn’t go because there is no need to.
Selectman Eigabroadt said it was calls within town bounds that he
is hearing re-tones for. There were several calls where the Hopkinton
Ambulance had to go on by themselves because there was nobody from
Warner to respond. Selectman
Eigabroadt feels strongly that the on-call position should remain for
another year and filling the position should also be considered.
Selectman Eigabroadt feels the position provides a much better
service to the community. Mr.
Brown said he could keep the money in the budget but does not honestly
see the need for the position. Mr.
Brown would like to see the calls that were missed because he can only
think of 1 or 2. Mr. Brown
said he has heard the same rumors that Selectman Eigabroadt is talking
about; at the Officers meeting he reviewed the calls and found maybe 1
or 2 where Hopkinton had to go to the calls by themselves.
Mr. Brown cannot justify spending $35K a year and another $30K -
$40K for Hopkinton just because Warner missed one call especially when
another Town was able to make the call, that’s why Warner has Mutual
Aid. Selectman Eigabroadt
asked Mr. Brown why the on-call position was created.
Mr. Brown said that it’s a long story and belongs in a
nonpublic discussion. Mr. Senor commented that the whole issue of full
time EMT was voted on at Town Meeting so if you like to get rid of that
position maybe the Town should … (rest of comment was not audible).
Mr. Brown said that he believes the Town approved the money for the
position. Paul Violette made
a comment but was not audible. Selectman Cook asked if a nonpublic needs to be
arranged. Selectman
Eigabroadt does not feel that it is a long story; he recollects that Mr.
Brown wanted to fill the on-call position to better serve the community.
Mr. Brown does not want to get into an argument at this meeting,
there was a reason why it was felt the position was needed, this meeting
is not the place to display that reason, and the discussion belongs in
nonpublic. Selectman
Eigabroadt recommended that Mr. Brown speak to Ms. Buono for her to
determine if the reason belongs in nonpublic.
Ms. Buono asked if the reason deals with someone’s reputation. Mr.
Brown said yes. Reputation
is grounds for a nonpublic session. 3. PAUL VIOLETTE & BARBARA ANNIS – EXIT
9 TRAFFIC LIGHT Mr. Violette met with the Selectmen during a work
session on October 9th. During
Mr. Violette’s appointment the tape recorder malfunctioned.
Chairman Hartman paraphrased the discussion which consisted of
piecing together the current status at exit 9, should the stop light
come first and can it be installed before the park & ride is
relocated all tying into the development of the property owned by RAW.
The Selectmen determined that Planning Board, Board of Selectmen
and the State should meet and review the total consequences of what has
been talked about for the exit 9 area.
Ms. Annis said that the Planning Board has dealt with the
Department of Transportation Division V and feels there has been no
progress. Ms. Annis did
recall that during the conversations with Division V she was referred to
the Bob Barry Fund. Ms.
Annis learned that Mr. Barry administered the State funds and has since
retired. Ms. Annis did
however speak with Mr. Barry before he retired; Mr. Barry requested a
copy of the Corridor Study, which was sent and since Mr. Barry retired
without any further contact. Ms.
Annis believes she may have the phone number for Mr. Barry’s
replacement. Chairman
Hartman asked what the criterion for the fund is.
Ms. Annis does not know. The RAW conditions for approval were discussed.
Chairman Hartman said that one option discussed by the State in
connection with getting new bus service to Warner was relocating the
park & ride at exit 7. Selectman
Eigabroadt heard the State say that if there was a bus service in Warner
the park & ride would need to be redesigned to allow a bus to go all
the way around without backing up. Selectman Cook’s concern is some action is going
to take place whether it’s RAW, the hotel, etc. which will force the
Town or conditions are going to demand some sort of traffic control, and
at that point the Town won’t be ready.
Selectman Cook recommends revisiting what has transpired with the
State in order to move forward. Selectman
Eigabroadt said one of the problems is working with a State road; there
are limits to what the State can do; the site meets the criteria for a
traffic light now. Ms. Annis
said that she has spoken with the State and asked for contacts regarding
the engineering etc. Ms.
Annis is not in favor of spending the Town’s money for engineering to
find out it would not be accepted by the State.
The State told Ms. Annis that the Town needs to engineer, design
and present the plans to the State.
Selectmen Cook asked if the cost is known for the design and
recommends contacting Provan & Lorber.
Mr. Violette asked Ms. Annis when was the last time she spoke
with Division V? Ms. Annis
said it has been since the spring. Ms.
Buono said there was a discussion with the State, basically it was said
that something needs to be done with the Park & Ride, and it’s the
entire Town’s expense. The
State said that they have no plans to move it, change it, expand or
reduce it. Mr. Violette said
in his mind that all changes if the situation dictates traffic control.
Selectman Eigabroadt recommends drafting a letter to Division V
putting them on notice that the Town has tried to work with them to
rectify the traffic light issue and where it’s a State road they have
been forewarned, any liabilities incurred is going to be on the State
because the Town is absolving themselves.
Mr. Violette recommends starting over with Division V.
Selectman Cook said that he will contact an individual that once
worked for Transportation under the Governor for advisement. Selectman Cook confirmed that the State is
comfortable with the Town moving forward with the traffic light.
Ms. Annis said Division V is OK with the traffic light.
Selectman Cook said when hiring an engineer the firm will know
what the State’s requirements are.
Ms. Annis said the question is: Does the Town fund for the
relocation of Evans driveway, the drive coming out of Market Basket, and
does the Town pay for revamping the Park & Ride? Ms. Annis said this
is all State. There was some
discussion about roundabouts. It was agreed that the engineer should
provide the best option for the intersection. Selectman Cook said there
will be further discussion after he makes contact with the individual
that worked for the Governor. 4. MASTER PLAN Ms. Annis explained that it is time to update the
1999 Master Plan. Mr.
Violette is chairing the committee and has learned that most Towns are
hiring Central NH Regional Planning Commission to up-date the plan.
Ms. Annis said that she has been researching for grants to fund
the project and asked what the Nancy Sibley Wilkins Fund is for?
Ms. Buono explained the NSWF is a source as well as the Fall
Foliage Festival. Mr.
Violette said the cost for CNHRPC is $25K, there may also be sections
where the work has already been completed such as the Intervale area
that can be incorporated into the plan; incorporation of work will help
lower the cost. Ms. Annis added in order to enforce impact fees a Master
Plan and a Capital Improvement Program must be in place (State Law). 7. MANIFEST Selectman Eigabroadt made a motion to authorize the
Selectmen to sign the manifest ordering the Treasurer to sign payroll
check numbers 40044 - 40108 dated 8. STATE VETERINARIAN Selectman Eigabroadt said that he has involved
Police Chief William Chandler. Selectman
Eigabroadt reported that Mr. Chandler has contacted the State
Veterinarian’s office and is waiting for a call back.
Chairman Hartman said that he received a phone call from an area
resident concerned that there are at least 8 dogs out in the elements on
Map 10 Lot 45. Selectman
Eigabroadt said he would step up the contact to a daily call to the
State Veterinarian. 9. VEHICLE REGISTRATION REIMBURSEMENT Selectman Cook made the motion to approve the
reimbursement of $72 to John Klucinec for overpayment of a vehicle
registration. Selectman
Eigabroadt seconded the motion. Selectman Eigabroadt asked what happens
if the registration is underpaid. The
State sends a letter of cancellation if payment is not received by an
indicated date. All were in
favor. The motion passed. 10. TAX RATE SETTING Ms. Buono spoke to the Selectmen about setting the
tax rate which is being delayed by the 11. DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES DES had sent a letter to the Town about the
Transfer Station and the construction/debris pile at the Highway
Department. Recommendations
were made in the letter by DES; Ms. Buono spoke to both departments in
regards to the recommendations. DES
contacted Ms. Buono and informed her that Mr. Senor called DES upset
about DES not pursuing the construction/debris pile at the Highway
Department. Ms. Buono
explained that DES issued a cease & desist order regarding the C/D
pile, Ms. Buono spoke with DES and is aware as well at the Department
Head about what is needed to be done.
Mr. Senor expressed his feeling to DES by saying they are not
doing enough because the C/D site has toxic substance underneath the
ground as well as barrels. DES
said they were not concerned and informed Mr. Senor that he could file a
complaint with Special Investigations which has been done.
Ms. Buono spoke with the Director of Public Works who has
pictures from the past that he sent to DES because he had concerns about
the glass storage in the same area; again DES was not concerned with the
area. The Town is now
waiting to here from Special Investigations; Ms. Buono is not sure what
toxic substance would be under the ground.
The Director of Public Works is confident and willing to dig
holes where ever he is instructed to.
Ms. Buono is not clear on the information that Mr. Senor has,
where it came from and what backs it up.
Mr. Senor said that he did not fill out …… it’s not his
place. Ms. Senor said that
Selectman Eigabroadt brought “it up” and he wanted to see how the
Town would resolve it. Selectman
Eigabroadt clarified what Mr. Senor said; it was actually Ms. Buono not
Selectman Eigabroadt. Ms.
Buono added that DES said Mr. Senor complained to the Commissioner which
automatically triggers Special Investigations.
Mr. Senor said he received a message from DES saying it was felt
it would cost a lot of money to clean up and too much of a problem, Mr.
Senor has the message on tape. Ms.
Buono said DES did not mention anything like that to her.
Ms. Buono has spoken to DES about stockpiling C/D material until
the fall; DES said the pile shouldn’t be in an area where DES would
question whether or not it’s going to be buried.
Ms. Buono said the concern toward the accusation that the Town of
12. OTHER BUSINESS Chairman Hartman has been in contact with the State
in regards to the Transfer Station lease and was told that the Town
would have a figure by the end of the week. Chairman Hartman will attend a Regional Co-op
meeting on October 18th where he will report on the Town’s
guaranteed annual tonnage. October 18th at October 20th a site walk at the Transfer
Station is scheduled for the TS Facility Committee. Budget Committee meets on October 22nd.
The Selectmen agreed not to meet prior to the BC meeting.
Budget will be presented as it stands except for the health
insurance amount which is due by the end of the week. 13. MEETING MINUTES Selectman Cook made the motion to approve meeting
minutes dated August 21, August 21 nonpublic, September 7 & 18,
September 25 work session, October 2 and October 9 work session.
Selectman Eigabroadt seconded the motion.
All were in favor. The
motion passed. Motion to adjourn at Board of Selectmen David E. Hartman – Chairman
|