Warner Board of Selectmen

Meeting Minutes

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

 

Chairman Karrick 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: Peter Wyman, Martha Mical, Marc Violette, Ed Mical  

1. Peter Wyman – 15 Pleasant Lane

Mr. Wyman is requesting abatement in taxes for 15 Pleasant Lane which is located in the mobile home park that Mr. Wyman owns.  Chairman Karrick asked if there was a previous abatement.  Mr. Wyman said yes, in May of 2009.  At that time Mr. Wyman did not own the property but he was in the process of taking the property over because of abandonment.  His plan is to replace the old mobile home with a new one.  Mr. Wyman understands that property is taxed based on what is on the property as of April 1, the abatement was granted in May and since then Mr. Wyman has removed the mobile home.  Mr. Wyman was under the impression the first abatement covered all taxes owed.  

Selectman Hartman moved to abate taxes totaling $282.37 for Map ON-03024-15PLE.  Selectman Carson seconded the motion; all were in favor, the motion passed.  

2. 2010 Capital Budget

The Town Administrator is still gathering information for leasing a pumper for the Fire Department.  The total amount for the capital budget is $540K, not including the Fire Department capital expense or anything for the Odd Fellows Building .  In discussing the Odd Fellows Building it is not believed that a large amount of money will be requested.  The OFBC will be meeting on December 3, 2009 to discuss the status of the building.  Marc Violette asked if a cost to tear down the Odd Fellows Building has been obtained.  He said if there is no plan for the building, then why keep band-aiding it.  Martha Mical said a cost was provided to the OFBC to tear down and recycle the building; but, a few years ago a cost of $60K was provided to dumpster the building.  Selectman Carson is in favor of providing a choice to the voters, either mothball the building for future use or tear it down.   

Selectman Carson said the energy audit reports will be available in about two weeks.  He said there could be opportunities for the town that have a pay back; the Board may want to consider these for Town Meeting.  

The Selectmen will continue Capital Budget discussion on Tuesday, December 8 at 1:00 p.m.  

3. Fire Department Land Committee

Selectman Hartman moved to create a Fire Station Site Selection Committee.  Selectman Carson seconded the motion asking if there should be a time frame.  The Board said a time frame will be set when the committee begins to meet.  All were in favor of the motion; the motion passed.  

4. Electioneering Policy

The Town Administrator presented the draft revised edition of the Electioneering Policy.  The draft will be posted at the Town Hall, Library and the website.  

5. Junk Vehicle Enforcement

The Selectmen’s office is waiting for an update from the Police Department regarding the number of unregistered vehicles on the Azmy property.  The Police Chief is generating a list of other properties with unregistered vehicles and he will then meet with the Selectmen to explain the steps that will be taken.   

6. Sign Permit

The Selectmen approved a temporary sign permit for three barn dances that will be held in 2010 which are sponsored by Parks & Rec.  The sign is an internally lit informational sign that is supplied by Weaver Bros. if it is available.  Selectman Carson is concerned precedence is being set for other circumstances that are not promoting business or a community event.  Marc Violette said the sign does make a positive impact for the retailers.  Chairman Karrick added that accessibility to the sign is also dependent on the owner.  The Town Administrator said the approval can be dealt with on a case by case basis.   

Selectman Hartman moved to approve the Sign Permit for 3 Barn Dances in 2010 as requested by Parks & Rec.  Chairman Karrick seconded the motion; all were in favor, the motion passed.      

7. Manifest

Selectman Carson moved to authorize the Selectmen to sign manifests and order the Treasurer to sign payroll check numbers 125-190 (includes 12 direct deposit stubs) in the amount of $67,964.29 and accounts payable check numbers 43769-43812 in the amount of $679,271.56. Selectman Hartman seconded the motion; all were in favor, the motion passed.  

8. Other Business

The Selectmen and the Town Administrator discussed dedicating the next newsletter to budget and Town Meeting information.  

Selectman Carson asked if there is anyone or any committee that has addressed parking in the downtown area.  Selectman Hartman explained that the Odd Fellows Building Committee has completed some work in regards to parking in conjunction with the Simonds School and Foothills.  In the end the Director of Public Works is waiting to coordinate with the school regarding drainage issues but this is not a priority for the school at this time.  Selectman Carson said in the long term the parking for downtown and the Fall Foliage Festival will need to be addressed.  Chairman Karrick said the main issue is the school’s cooperation and money.  The Selectmen will walk the site on December 8th at 12 noon behind that is behind Simonds School for interest purposes.   

Selectman Hartman reported that the progress on the first phase of the downtown storm drain improvements is progressing.  Weaver Bros. is completing the project.  The Selectmen commented on how fortunate the Town is to have such a professional outfit available during planned construction jobs as well as emergencies.  

Selectman Hartman also reported that both he and the Town Administrator spoke about establishing the Town Administrator position in the Town of Warner at the Annual Local Government Center Conference.  The Board and the Town Administrator talked about all the other interesting classes that were available at the conference this year.   

Selectman Hartman attended the Emergency Management meeting on Thursday, November 19th; the first in the beginning stages for updating the operation plan.  

There is a Joint Board of Selectmen meeting scheduled for December 3 hosted in New London .  The Superintendant is scheduled for this meeting.  

The Town Administrator reported that the County Budget has been received and is available for the Selectmen to review.  

The Town Administrator requested permission to have the Town Hall close on Thursday, December 24th because the Town Hall is typically closed on Fridays.  This will allow the Town Hall staff to use the floating holiday before the end of the year.  Staff that is scheduled to work on Friday, December 25 will take the regular holiday.  Selectman Hartman moved to grant permission to close the Town Hall on Thursday, December 24th as the holiday.  Selectman Carson seconded the motion; all were in favor, the motion passed.  

Selectman Hartman moved to establish a $1,500 limit in the flexible spending health benefit.  Chairman Karrick seconded the motion; all were in favor, the motion passed.  Selectman Carson asked the Town Administrator to find out from Local Government Center any further information about establishing a maximum amount.   

The Board of Selectmen will try to contact Gamil Azmy to arrange a site visit of his property on either December 4 or December 9th.   

The January Board of Selectmen meeting schedule will revert back to the payable schedule which will begin on January 5, 2010 .

9. Meeting Minutes

Selectman Hartman moved to approve meeting minutes dated November 9, 10 & 17(health benefits).  Selectman Carson seconded the motion; all were in favor, the motion passed.  

10. Adjournment

Motion was made and seconded to adjourn at 7:40 p.m.  

 

Board of Selectmen

   

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

   

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Whalen

Recording Secretary