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Warner Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes Monday, Meeting opened at In Attendance:
Selectman Richard A. Cook – Chairman Selectman
David E. Hartman Selectman
David Karrick, Jr.
Laura Buono – Town Administrator Absent:
None
Others present: Ed Mical
Martha Mical Craig Nichols – DRA Representative
Phil Bodwell – Commerford, Nieder, Perkins, LLC Mark Nieder – Commerford, Nieder,
Perkins, LLC
Carolyn Stoddard – Intertown Record Jeff Earls – Cross Country Appraisal 1.
Public Hearing - Funds Chairman Cook opened the public hearing
for the acceptance of various funds totaling $242,064.50 (FEMA/State of
NH $86,321.50, Chairman Cook asked Ed Mical to clarify
the FEMA funding. Mr. Mical
said the money is for various Hazard Mitigation projects.
The Horne Street Hazard Mitigation project from 2005 was recently
closed out; part of the funding is for that project.
Ms. Buono explained the Nancy Sibley Wilkins Trustees awarded
funding for the Planning Board in the amount of $3,000 for the Master
Plan, $1,000 for Town Hall stage wiring, $1,350 for the mailing of the
Town Newsletter. Fall
Foliage Festival awarded $3,000 for the resealing of the Town Hall main
floor. Chairman Cook asked
for public comments. No
comments were received. Chairman
Cook closed the public hearing. Selectman Hartman moved
to accept and expend funds from FEMA/State of NH in the amount of
$86,321.50, Nancy Sibley Wilkins Trust Fund in the amount of $5,350,
Fall Foliage Festival in the amount of $3,000 and $147,393 for the Fire
Truck Grant for a total of $242,064.50.
Selectman Karrick seconded the motion; all were in favor, the
motion passed. 2.
Public Hearing – 2008 Hazard Mitigation Plan Adoption Ed Mical had available copies of the
Hazard Mitigation maps as well as a draft copy of the plan.
FEMA has issued a conditional approval of the plan.
The next step would be for the Selectmen to adopt the plan.
Once adopted, this will satisfy the Town’s requirements until
2013 with the caveat that the Town will meet annually to review some of
the projects. Chairman Cook asked
for public comments. No
comments received. Chairman
Cook closed the public hearing. Selectman Hartman moved
that the Warner Board of Selectmen adopt the resolution adopting the
Warner Hazard Mitigation Plan dated The Board of Selectmen
complimented Ed Mical on his efforts for this project. Ed Mical added that
the Planning Board is working on incorporating the Hazard Mitigation
Plan into the Master Plan. 3.
Meeting Policy Amendment The amendment changes number 3 on the
policy to read: At a minimum, the following Committees/Boards will
digitally record regular business meetings but may choose whether or not
to record work sessions: Planning Board, Zoning Board, Board of
Selectmen and Budget Committee although all other committees/boards are
welcome to do the same. Nonpublic sessions are not required to be
recorded. Ms. Buono explained this encompasses the
change where sometimes the Planning Board breaks out into sub-committees
and the Selectmen’s work sessions aren’t always recorded.
This amendment allows the ability to choose not to digitally
record the work sessions as well as the nonpublic sessions.
Selectman Hartman asked if there is data
available for how many hits there have been on the website regarding the
digital recordings. Ms.
Buono said there has only been one hit.
Carolyn Stoddard said she would prefer to read the minutes versus
listening to the digital recording for an hour and half, and was
disappointed to see the approved minutes are not up to date.
The Selectmen offered to send the draft minutes to Ms. Stoddard;
the website only provides approved meeting minutes. Selectman Karrick moved
to adopt the Town of 4.
Sign Permit and Cemetery Deed The Board of Selectmen previously signed a
Cemetery Deed for Paul Leary. The Board of Selectmen approved a Sign
Permit for 2 signs which was submitted by Richard Fisher.
One sign is for selling Labrador Puppies the other sign is for
services “Backhoe for Hire”. Both
signs are located at Mr. Fisher’s 5.
Manifest Selectman Hartman moved
to authorize the Selectmen to sign manifests and order the Treasurer to
sign payroll check numbers 1305-1366 in the amount of $44,000.59
(includes 20 direct deposit stubs) and accounts payable check numbers
42338-42441 in the amount of $626,800.18.
Selectman Karrick seconded the motion; all were in favor, the
motion passed. Note: From the accounts payable a payment
was made to 6.
Town Administrator’s Report Bog Road Property – All of the past due taxes,
interest and penalties have been paid on the Crosswalks – Due to the long winter and extensive
overtime at the beginning of the year, downtown line painting was one of
the highway department items that was not done this year in order to
make up for the over-expenditures caused by having to plow into the
spring. The cost for
painting the downtown would have been $4,500. After receiving one
complaint about the crosswalks not being painted and this resident’s
feeling that it presented a dangerous situation for the children that
walk to school, Ms. Buono contacted both Allan Brown and Judy
Pellettieri to discuss the subject.
After speaking with Judy, she said
that she has only had the one complaint from the same resident who
called us; however, she feels crosswalks are important for safety
purposes. Allan has received a price of $600 to paint 7 crosswalks which
would carry us through to the spring at which time they will need to be
painted again. The Board of Selectmen
is in agreement to paint the crosswalks. Ed Mical spoke as a member of the Highway
Safety Committee, he agrees with the importance of having the crosswalks
painted. Safe Routes to School – Ms. Buono will be attending a
meeting the week of December 8th in which information about
the Safe Routes to School Program will be discussed.
This program provides grant money to schools and municipalities
for the purpose of developing and implementing a safe route to school
for walkers and bikers. Round
three of the grant process is scheduled to begin that same week.
I’ll forward information to the Board once the meeting takes
place. I have placed
information on the program in the read file for the Board to review. Exit 9 – Ms. Buono has forwarded information from the Town
of Right to Know Lawsuit – The newest edition of Town &
City magazine from the Local Government Center features a court update
on the Right to Know lawsuit against the Town of Warner in which John
Healy, Wayne Eigabroadt, Ron Wirth, Richard Senor and Ken Klinedinst
sued the Town over not providing under RSA 91-A, copies of applications
and resumes (including names, addresses, etc.) for individuals who had
applied for a public works position that was filled over a year and a
half ago. The article
summarized the findings of the Court and the fact that the Town of Parks & Recreation -
George Saunders spoke with Ms. Buono and said he will not be seeking
re-appointment next year. Mr.
Saunders also indicated that Faith Minton will not be seeking another
term. NIMS Adoption – Ms. Buono presented another adoption for
the Selectmen’s signature that includes the adoption date. 7.
Commerford, Nieder, Perkins, LLC – Revaluation Bid Craig Nichols, representative from the
Department of Revenue Administration introduced himself and is present
to listen to the discussions regarding the contracts. Phil Bodwell and Mark Nieder from
Commerford, Nieder, Perkins, LLC, met with the Selectmen to answer their
questions regarding their submitted proposal for the next revaluation of
the Town. Chairman Cook
began by saying the Town received two bids, one from Commerford, Nieder
Perkins and the other from Cross Country Appraisal.
Chairman Cook also said the Town has been pleased with the
product received from Commerford, Nieder, Perkins over the last few
years but their submitted bid is $40K more than Cross Country.
Chairman Cook asked for their comments.
Mr. Nieder began by saying you get what you pay for, he and Mr.
Bodwell have over 20 years experience.
Mr. Bodwell has been the contract supervisor for the Town of Selectman Karrick said percentage wise the
bids are very far apart. Mr.
Nieder said he is not surprised, typically Mr. Earls is the lowest
bidder. Mr. Nieder advised
the Selectmen to call references. Selectman
Karrick said in comparing the two bids the resumes of the people
involved look quite similar. Mr.
Nieder cautioned the Selectmen to some of the differences between the
two contracts such as Cross Country would have a supervisor on site 75%
of the time where as Commerford, Nieder; Perkins would have a supervisor
on site 25% of the time. Mr.
Nieder does not see the need for a supervisor to be sitting at the Town
Hall 75% of the time when the first year is data collection performed by
data collectors. Mr. Nieder
also informed the Selectmen that Commerford, Nieder; Perkins can
continue the maintenance/support of the Proval software where Cross
Country cannot. Ms. Buono
confirmed with Martha Mical that the Town pays for the support contract
with Proval. Martha said
yes, there is a 1-800 number for support but the majority of the time
she contacts Commerford, Nieder, Perkins for their expertise and quick
response. Selectman Karrick
asked Mr. Nieder if there is a possibility that he could adjust his
proposal. Mr. Nieder said
yes. Mr. Bodwell added that
he has worked with the Town since 2003 and feels he knows the Town quite
well. Martha Mical asked if the price proposed
includes updating current-use, this was not mentioned in the proposal
that she sent out. Mr.
Nieder said if it is just a rate change then that would be included in
the cost, if the Town is considering sending new letters and re-doing
the categories with new applications, that would require more
discussion. Mr. Nichols suggested defensive values for
appeal properties to be included in the revaluation instead of a fee
basis. Mr. Nichols suggested
to Mr. Nieder to possibly consider including this in the contract for
local and state appeals. Mr.
Nieder said he would consider Mr. Nichols suggestion.
Martha Mical added, with Commerford, Nieder, Perkins the Town has
had only 3 appeals. Mr. Nichols also suggested that incoming
expense surveys should be sent out to the commercial properties.
Mr. Nieder said they now do that.
Mr. Nieder said he
would have a revised contract tomorrow. Discussion: Mr. Nichols added another consideration;
the Assessment Standard Board recommends keeping information clear to
the taxpayers such as the assessment cards (transparency) and also
clarification on how values are developed.
Mr. Nichols finds the Proval system very difficult to understand
the assessment card and recommends that the Town consider a change to a
clearer system. Ms. Buono asked Mr. Nichols if many municipalities use
Proval. Mr. Nichols said a
lot in the Chairman Cook does not agree with CNP
revising their submitted bid. Selectman
Karrick asked what would happen if the Selectmen rejected both bids.
Chairman Cook understands the goal, but it’s up to the
Selectmen to keep the process transparent and fair.
Ms. Buono added there is tension between the companies, with
tension comes very little positive.
There are references that can be verified. Selectman Hartman feels if Cross Country
is equal to CNP after checking the references, it’s hard to award the
contract to CNP that costs $40K more.
Selectman Hartman verified with Martha Mical that CNP’s final
product is late in the process where Cross Country’s schedule is not.
Martha Mical said she spoke with the Town of Chairman Cook asked the Board members
their thoughts about allowing CNP to submit another bid.
Selectman Hartman asked if Cross Country would have the same
option. Ms. Buono added that
CNP did not consider any long term customer relationship in their bid. 8.
Cross Country – Revaluation Bid Jeff Earls from Cross Country Appraisal
met with the Selectmen to answer questions regarding his submitted
proposal. Chairman Cook
asked how he could submit a bid that is $40k less than the competition.
Mr. Earls said the Town would not receive anything less than from
anyone else; he has worked in Warner in 2003 as well as two other
employees. Mr. Earls said in
2003 he enjoyed working with the staff and found the Town very friendly.
Work would begin in April and completed by May 1st.
Chairman Cook asked Mr. Earls his thoughts on Proval.
Mr. Earls said it is not his favorite software but he does work
with it. Proval is difficult
to explain to the taxpayers. Selectman Karrick asked if there are any
other expenses that may be incurred that are not listed in the bid.
Mr. Earls said no: properties that were not initially entered
will receive a call-back; letters are sent out asking to schedule
appointments; there is a toll free number provided; letters are sent for
hearings; all these costs are included.
Mr. Earls said anything to do with Proval software is the
Town’s cost. Martha Mical asked if Cross Country
charges for calls from her after the revaluation asking for information.
Mr. Earls said no. He never charges for phone calls. He does
charge for office visits after the revaluation is complete.
There are no additional costs for anything pertaining to the
revaluation. Martha Mical
asked if there is a need for updating the values of the current-use will
there be an additional cost? Mr.
Earls said the Town would not be charged for the values. There would be
an additional cost if the Town wants Cross Country to send letters and
review the files. Selectman Hartman asked Mr. Earls how many
other towns will he be completing a revaluation.
Mr. Earls said that he will be working with 5 towns to date.
Chairman Cook asked how many can Cross Country handle. Mr.
Earls said ten. Chairman Cook asked Mr. Earls what
approach is used for commercial property.
Mr. Earls said he uses a system that gives replacement cost plus
depreciation with a component for land value.
The property will also be tested with market research with
comparable properties, income approach based on similar properties.
The properties will be tested with sales as well as income
approach through rents etc. Mr. Nichols asked Mr.
Earls who are his supervisors. Mr.
Earls said there are five. Selectman Karrick asked if he will
photograph every property. Mr.
Earls said only properties that have changed.
Mr. Earls said that Cross Country is able to begin. The Selectmen
explained that a final decision will be made in December. 9.
Abatement Request Selectman Hartman moved
to authorize the abatement of taxes on 46 and 10.
Old Graded School Operating Expenses Overall the Town is paying about $35,000
per year to maintain the building for the current programs.
The question before the Selectmen is if they wish to charge the
organizations a rental fee or leave as is.
Selectman Hartman asked how long the Town
has had these commitments to the daycare and preschool.
The daycare dates back to the 1980s.
Ms. Buono explained the preschool said that they would have fund
raisers to off-set the cost of rent; the daycare would need to pass the
cost on. Chairman Cook said
if the Board is considering rental costs it would need to be determined
for 2009 in order to give proper notification.
Ed Mical noted for consideration: the
daycare operates year round; preschool operates on the school schedule;
the preschool lost enrollment from James House which has moved to the
old Middle School. Chairman
Cook recommended continued discussion in January. 11.
Dry Hydrants Ed Mical received notification from
Richard Verville, State Hazard Mitigation Officer that FEMA has come out
with a new policy as of September 2008.
FEMA no longer considers dry hydrants a Pre-Disaster Hazard
Mitigation Proposal acceptable under that program.
Mr. Mical noted that the Town has already been approved in 2008,
and wonders how the new policy affects the approved funding.
Mr. Verville is asking for clarification from Congressman Paul
Hoades’ office. Mr. Mical also informed the Selectmen that
an extension needs to be applied for immediately for the Connors Mill
project. 12.
Meeting Minutes Selectman Hartman moved
to approve the 13.
Tipping Fees Selectman Hartman reported the tipping fee
for the Concord Regional Co-op is $45.95 per ton.
Selectman Hartman and Varick Proper attended the Co-op meeting
where there was discussion about the proposed single-stream recycling
facility. The question is,
is this the right time because the bottom has dropped out of all
recycled products? No final
decision has been made with the one exception. The Co-op is going to
purchase a piece of property to build a single-stream facility on if the
decision is made; if the single-stream facility is not built the land
can be sold. 14.
Other Selectmen’s Business Selectman Hartman reported the Governors
Council had on their November 19 agenda to approve the purchase of the
Transfer Station land, there is no official word on that action. Nancy Sibley Wilkins
Trustees will meet on Transfer Station
Facility Committee will meet on The Planning Board
will hold a Visioning Session on Selectman Karrick asked a question about
the County budget and why there are so many blank lines.
Ms. Buono explained that the form that was used is a Department
of Revenue form. There is a
more extensive break down available in the Selectmen’s office. Ed Mical reported that the 15.
Adjournment Selectman Karrick moved
to adjourn. Selectman
Hartman seconded the motion; all were in favor the motion passed.
Board of Selectmen Richard A. Cook – Chairman Respectfully submitted, Mary Whalen Recording Secretary
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