Meeting opened at 6:30 p.m.

In attendance: Selectman David E. Hartman – Chairman, Selectman Richard A. Cook, and Selectman Wayne Eigabroadt - absent

Town Administrator Laura Buono

Recorder of the minutes is Mary Whalen

Others present: Martha Mical

The Selectmen continued with Capital expenses for 2007. The 2007 operating budget including wage increases is at 1.82%. Laura added money to the budget for well monitoring at the Hopkinton landfill. Police budget came in at a .72% increase. Transfer Station budget reduced hazardous waste to $6,000 from $8,000. Town record preservation in the amount of $10,000 has been added to the Town Clerk budget.

A software package for the accounting office has been added in the amount of $12,000, the package is geared for municipal reports and functions that are needed.

The Selectmen reviewed Capital Expenses for the Transfer Station. Two storage buildings for mixed paper and for OCC, two buildings at 55’ x 12’ each with a 15’ aisle between the buildings, a loading dock 14’ wide x 4’ high x 25’ long, 1 acre of land for a mulch area. Steel would be stored on the ground 40’ x 18’ area with 15’ aisle in between (12 areas in total (1/2 acre)), this would allow one year storage; a truck with a crane would come as needed excluding transportation costs (savings is $2,750 on transportation and $420 on box maintenance). Selectman Cook’s concern with this list is there is no cost associated. Laura explained within the Capital Improvements Program it is indicated that site preparation would cost $8,000 - $10,000. Also requested are two attendants at and additional $50,000 a year. Selectman Cook agrees that the Town is outgrowing the current site, a plan needs to be generated that looks at the overall use for restructuring. Parking is a huge issue along with residents going in an out of the building. Laura discussed starting a fund for the Transfer Station expansion and visiting other stations to see how they work. Selectman Cook recommended forming a committee to compare other facilities with the needs of this facility and create a design, the same that was done for the highway department. At this time Chairman Hartman is not inclined to build outbuildings or add the steel area, he is in favor of moving the mulch pile or the burn pile. Laura is in favor of a separate building for the swap area. Swap areas are run by volunteers in both Weare and Henniker; it costs man-hours to manage such an area. Verification from the State is also needed in reference to the lease which expires in 2008. The Selectmen agreed to begin a fund in the amount of $10,000 for potential expansion and relocation of certain operations as yet undesignated. The Selectmen agreed to address putting a group together to address an overall plan for the Transfer Station after the Road Committee is complete.

Chairman Hartman discussed funding a sprinkler system for the Fire Station. Selectman Cook recommended obtaining quotes and hearing from the Fire Chief. Laura will contact the Fire Chief to meet with the Selectmen in regards to future building capacity.

A cost for leveling the Town Hall steps is being worked on by the Maintenance Technician.

Selectman Cook asked if there is a way to complete a cost analysis on the Connors Mill Bridge, how much it will cost to bond versus what is granted by FEMA. Laura is working on that information. It was confirmed that the plow trucks will fit over the bridge.

Selectman Cook confirmed the Capital Expenses:

$50,000 for Highway Equipment, plus the purchase of a loader.

Warrant Article for the small FEMA jobs

$200,000 road reconstruction

$50,000 for conservation

$20,000 for Town Hall steps

$50,000 property revaluation

$5,000 for cemetery

$10,000 for traffic control

$31,150 for police suv

$10,000 for Transfer Station expansion

$20,000 fire sprinkler system at the Fire Station (under consideration)

 

Martha Mical asked if the Board is considering funding the Fire Station Building/Renovation Fund. The Selectmen explained that they are not considering it this year. There is enough money for a purchase & sales agreement, the balance would be bonded.

Selectman Cook explained that the Planning Board meeting had a discussion about exaction fees, there was no agreement, there was discussion that the first person to obtain a permit to build in the Exit 9 area will be told that they will be responsible for the cost of the traffic control light, being reimbursed as other buildings come along. There was some disagreement toward this recommendation.

Selectman Cook asked Martha about McDonald’s land tax appeal. Selectman Cook was confused because the building assessment presented is more than the Town’s assessment. Martha explained that McDonald’s hired an appraiser and they may ask to use the higher assessment against the required deductions. VS Warner has also appealed to BLTA for 2005. Martha explained that a letter from the Board of Land & Tax Appeals stated that they are now addressing the 2003 appeals; Martha is hoping that when the notice to the Town arrives all three years of McDonald’s appeals will be addressed.

Chairman Hartman had further thought on who should be the alternate to the Regional Co-op and feels that Paul Fouliard should be the alternate as part of his job. Being an alternate does not require that much participation.

Motion to adjourn 8:05 p.m.

Board of Selectmen

David E. Hartman – Chairman
Wayne Eigabroadt - absent from meeting
Richard A. Cook