Town of Tuftonboro

Meeting of the Selectmen

Monday, May 7, 2007

9 a.m.

 

 

*Accepted* 5.14.07 w/corrections

 

Present:  Chairman Weeks, Selectman Stockman, Selectman Duffy

 

Selectmen reviewed mail, which included: Resignation letter from J. Rollins as Secretary to the Planning Board; 2 letters from Bruce Pigott; invitation to Municipal Financing Seminar; LGC workshop notification; memo re: GWRSD payment; letter from Tony Triolo; NRRA letter re: dues; DRA Inventory of Property Transfers for Mark & Bethany Evitts, Cynthia & Michael Ingalls, Richard H. Milnes; letter from Helme Cole & Smith PC re: Illingworth to Lemieux Real Estate Transfer; NH Office of Energy & Planning letter re: 2006 Population Estimates; draft thank you letter to Wolfeboro Selectmen; NH BTLA memo re: administrative rules; email from Pat Remick re: Constitutional Amendement; letter from Stantec re: Tuftonboro Landfill Groundwater Monitoring Report; Warranty Deed on Gould property; letter from Frank Michel, PLLC re: Milnes to Bareham Property Transfer; ZBA notification of hearing on wireless telecommunication; letter from NH DHHS re: WIC Nutrition Program; US Census Bureau News re: workshop; US Bankruptcy Court notice Victoria Avis Van Dyke; Our Town Energy Alliance newsletter; NH DOS re: applicant briefing meetings for Major Disaster Declaration; NH DES Minimim Impact Expedited Application for Les & Barbara Frederick; CDFA memo re: CDBG grant application workshop; memo from Town Clerk re: office hours; ZBA Notice of Decision for Kevin Gillis; lot line adjustment for Mary Hersey; subdivision plan of lands for James F. Taylor; letter from Northern Human Services thank you for support letter; agenda for GWRS Board Meeting; HEB letter re: drainage analysis of Ridgeway Estates; Coalition Communities letter re: constitutional amendment; Tuftonboro Planning Board notices re: Tuftonboro Historical Society site plan review and application from Lloyd & Marion Morgan and Dorothy Colbert for a boundary line adjustment; approval for construction from NH DES for Richard Marriott; Building Permit Applications for Richard Rowsell, David Parsons, and Craig & Terri Sontra.

 

Items for Signature:  Irrevocable Standby Letter of Credit for Zadeda Farms, Inc.; Management Representation Letter from Grzelak and Company, P.C.; Application for Current Use for James Stockman, Brian & Mary Beth Stockman; and Beverly Goodrich.

 

At approximately 9 a.m. Chairman Weeks called the meeting to order.   Selectman Duffy commented that he was not pleased with the minutes, stating that they weren’t accurate.  Joe Kowalski suggested using a tape recorder and then transcribing the minutes.  There was further discussion about the pros and cons of using a tape recorder.

 

Minutes of the April 30 BOS Meeting were reviewed and corrections made.  Selectman Stockman made a motion to accept the minutes with corrections, seconded by Selectman Duffy, with all in favor.  The minutes of the April 30 Work Session were reviewed and corrections made.  Selectman Stockman made a motion to accept the minutes with corrections, seconded by Selectman Duffy, with all in favor.

 

The Town Administrator gave the following report:

  • Selectmen received their updated calendar and pending list;
  • Updated Volunteer List provided to Selectmen;
  • Copy of Welfare Policy for Selectmen to review;
  • Reminder of meeting tonight on disaster funding;
  • Reminder of meeting on Wednesday for Records Committee
  • Reminder that the meeting with John Corrigan of NHDOT is scheduled for this Thursday, at 7 p.m. at the Old Town House;
  • Primex has confirmed that “coverage follows the vehicle,” in response to the question if a citizen drives a Town vehicle, are they covered under the policy;
  • Primex confirmed that there would be coverage for a renter using the wood stove at the Gould home; Primex advised that the renter should get renter’s insurance and name the Town as the landlord.
  • MRI is reviewing the Land Use Change Tax for Sandra Eaton.

 

Chairman Weeks reminded the Selectmen that they have an exit interview scheduled with Jason Boucher on Friday at 9 a.m.  Selectman Duffy stated that, although it was probably too late for this exit interview, he believes we should have someone from the outside doing exit interviews in the future.  He suggested maybe someone from Meredith, Laconia, etc.

 

Chris Sargent, Boy Scout Eagle Troop 165, made a presentation to the Selectmen on the Eagle Project Proposal for Aerobics Stations at Tuftonboro Central School.

He provided a written proposal for the Selectmen’s consideration.  The proposal is to build six aerobic stations, providing an exercise course for the Tuftonboro Central School.  They would be placed on the outside edge of the Tuftonboro Elementary School field to provide a fitness course for the school children to use.  Mr. Sargent has discussed this project with the Physical Education Teacher, Russ Parent and Parks & Recreation Chair, Eric Roseen. Mr. Sargent would like the Selectmen’s feedback and also approval to move forward with the project, stating that they are working under a deadline and need approval by this Wednesday.  He estimates the project will cost $1700.  There was a brief discussion about the various station designs.  Selectman Stockman commented that this looks like a good idea, as long as it is not interfering with the ball field.  Chairman Weeks also commented that it looks like a good project and asked that the proposal meet all the safety requirements, so that no one gets hurt. Selectman Stockman made a motion to approve the proposal, seconded by Selectman Duffy, with all in favor.

 

Chief Shagoury presented a department head update, reporting on various arrests, felonies, burglaries, etc.  The Chief advised that he would be writing letters of commendation for Officer LaFavre and Sergeant Thompson for a suicide incident.

 

Selectman Duffy remarked that he’s noticed cruisers out in front of the school and gave kudos to the Chief.  Selectman Duffy asked if there were any plans for staffing after Jason Boucher leaves.  The Chief stated that the Department would need to rely on the State Police and Sheriff for assistance.  There was a brief discussion about personnel policies as related to staffing and promotion.  Selectman Duffy would like to change the personnel policy to allow quicker promotion. 

 

The Chief also noted that he has been reviewing want ads and that there are about 50 openings statewide.  The competition for officers is great.  Selectman Duffy stated he would check with the Local Government Center about wages and salaries so that we make sure we are competitive in getting and retaining good officers.  The Chief stated that although officers get 100% insurance, they have to pay for their own disability and life insurance.

 

There was a discussion about the Police Department’s vehicle maintenance program.  Selectman Duffy would like to meet with the Chief to go over the records.  The Chief stated that Tuftonboro’s vehicles were in better condition than most other police department vehicles of the same age.

 

Chairman Weeks commented that during last week’s meeting they had a discussion about each police officer having their own vehicle.  She noted that this was common for most stations in the county, not the country.  There was a misunderstanding about what Chairman Weeks had said and she wanted to correct the misunderstanding.  Chairman Weeks also suggested that we may want to look into leasing vehicles, which may be less expensive for the Town.

 

Chief Shagoury advised that he will schedule interviews for this Thursday at 9 a.m. and 10:30 this week.  Selectman Duffy and Chairman Weeks will attend.  The Chief also advised they are in the process of doing a background check on the new part-time secretary and hope to have her start soon.

 

Under Items for Signature, Chairman Weeks wanted to check with the Town engineer first regarding the Irrevocable Standby Letter of Credit for Zadeda Farms, Inc.  If the Selectmen are in agreement, and the Town engineer advises it is acceptable, then Chairman Weeks will sign the letter of credit.  The Selectmen agreed.

 

Also in Items for Signature was a thank you letter and certificate for Karen Abraham, two Notice of Appointments for Annette Cram and Tony Lyon, which the Selectmen signed. 

 

The Selectmen will review the draft financial statements and sign the Management Representation letter next week, if the report is acceptable. 

 

There were three applications for current use, which need additional dimensions submitted first, so that it is clear exactly what is going into current use.

 

Chairman Weeks noted that the sewage disposal meeting last Tuesday with the Wolfeboro Selectmen went very well.  With approximately 100 people in attendance, it was very calm, informative, and positive. 

 

Chairman Weeks also reported on the pandemic influenza table top meeting she attended last week.  She commented that she was surprised to learn just how much is involved in pandemic preparedness.  Although there is a regional plan, each town is required to have their own plan. 

 

John Simms asked if it would be ok to have another meeting of the water study committee to prepare a final report/proposal to Selectmen on how the town should move forward.  Chairman Weeks noted that the Selectmen had not formally appointed a committee on the Wolfeboro Sewage Project and that she expected the information from Wolfeboro’s project would come through Tuftonboro’s health officer and the Selectmen’s office.  Chairman Weeks advised that if Mr. Simms’ group would like to make recommendations to the Selectmen that would be fine. 

 

Chairman Weeks spoke with Eric Roseen of Parks & Recreation about the  Gould property and advised that they wouldn’t be prepared to have an open house right now…maybe in the late fall or next year.  Parks & Recreation are excited about the property and would like to develop trails. They have been out walking the property.  Chairman Weeks noted that she would speak with the potential renter and let them know that the Town will have access to the land.

 

Chairman Weeks stated that in preparing the paperwork for the bond, Bond Counsel needed to have a figure for the rental income.  Selectman Stockman thought $500 would be a fair price, given the condition of the house and the contingencies (will need to have access through the driveway to get to the property).  Chairman Weeks will advise the potential renter of the rental price and also advise that he/she is required to obtain renter’s insurance naming the town as the landlord.   

 

Chairman Weeks reported that the Planning Board met last week for its regular session, which was devoted entirely to the cell tower application.  She noted that the Planning Board had hired an expert consultant who made a very helpful presentation.  There was mention of airports in the area being reactivated.  It was suggested that they should be reviewed to verify the status of the land, i.e., is it in current use?

 

Chairman Weeks asked if the Selectmen had gotten a chance to review the information on Class VI Roads.  Selectman Stockman had not gotten a chance to review the information, so it will be revisited at next week’s meeting.

 

Selectman Stockman reported that he had gotten a chance to look into fuel oil prices but wanted to do a little more research.  Selectman Duffy wondered if the businesses were bonded, referring to an article in the paper about bonded fuel oil companies.

 

There was a discussion about the Capital Improvements Program Committee.  It was decided that there would be seven (7) members of the committee.  Chairman Weeks thought that having a Selectman on the committee may act as a bridge for passing on information about department activities.  Selectman Duffy stated that it was his understanding there would not be a Selectmen’s representative on the committee.  After a brief discussion, Selectman Duffy made a motion to not have a Selectman on the committee.  The motion was seconded by Selectman Stockman, with Selectmen Stockman and Duffy in favor, and Chairman Weeks abstaining from the vote.  Selectman Stockman commented that if someone on the committee runs for Selectman, they would need to resign from CIP.  Selectman Duffy agreed.   The Selectmen agreed the members of the committee should have rotating terms.  It was agreed that there would be 2 people for a three-year term, 2 people for a two-year term, and 1 person for a one-year term.  The Planning Board and Budget Committee representatives would serve one year terms and be up for re-appointment depending on their status on their respective boards.  The Selectmen reviewed the slate of candidates and made the following nominations: a motion was made by Chairman Weeks, seconded by Selectman Stockman, with all in favor for Tony Lyon, representative from the Planning Board for a one year term; Lloyd Wood, representative from the Budget Committee for a one year term; John Simms for a three year term; Ellen Laase for a three year term; a motion was made by Chairman Weeks, seconded by Selectman Stockman, with all in favor for Christie Sarles for a two year term; a motion was made by Selectman Stockman, seconded by Selectman Duffy, with all in favor for Bruce Pigott for a two year term; and a motion was made by Selectman Duffy, seconded by Selectman Stockman, with all in favor for Erin Donnelly for a one year term. 

 

Joe Kowalski mentioned that there is some work that has not been completed at the Transfer Station.  Jeanie Forrester will contact the Transfer Station to get the information needed.  Selectman Duffy suggested that we look at all the Town buildings to see what kind of condition they’re in.  He suggested getting a local contractor to volunteer to look at all the buildings and advise the Selectmen on their condition.  There was a suggestion that a committee might be formed to address this.

 

Chairman Weeks reviewed the mail, noting letters from Bruce Pigott criticizing Chairman Weeks on her demeanor and statements during the April 23rd Board of Selectmen’s meeting.  Chairman Weeks commented that it is a Selectman’s responsibility to represent the public and public safety concerns as well as be consistent and follow the rules.  It was not her intent to give anyone the third degree on any issue or to lecture anyone. 

 

Also in the mail was information about a Local Government Center workshop; a memo requesting early payment of the school district payment; a letter from Tony Triolo asking for assistance from the town in contacting the State to aid in the clearing of the river and channel from debris left from the last storm; a request from the Office of Energy and Planning for information on population estimates; and a draft thank you letter to the Town of Wolfeboro for last week’s presentation on the sewage project.  Chairman Weeks asked Jack Parsons and Jeanie Forrester to work on getting the information to OEP on population estimates; Chairman Weeks advised Mr. Simms that the Selectmen would send a thank you letter, but would wait on submitting a draft “document on some of the agreements and commitments” that were made (as mentioned in the draft thank you letter).

 

 

Other mail included a notice from the BTLA re: administrative rules due to expire in December; a memo from the Coalition Communities; a report on the Tuftonboro landfill groundwater monitoring (there were no significant changes); a ZBA notice for a cell tower hearing in Meredith; a notice of a Department of Safety Meeting for Disaster Relief; information on a CDFA grant writing workshop; information on a Census Bureau workshop; a memo from the Town Clerk regarding a schedule conflict, so that the Town Clerk’s office won’t be open on Friday till 10 a.m.; a GWRS Board Meeting tonight at Tuftonboro Central School at 7:15 p.m.; a notice from the Planning Board re: site plan review for the Tuftonboro Historical Society project on May 17; and a Planning Board meeting on a boundary line adjustment.

 

Roger Drowne met with the Selectmen regarding Lance Williams and his logging activities.  He asked the Selectmen to take action and resolve this problem.  There was discussion about the activities, including the sand shed, the garage and the traffic and noise.  Selectman Duffy commented that the Selectmen need to come up with a solution to this issue.  The Selectmen agreed to speak with Attorney Upton and get a legal opinion on the matter.

 

The meeting adjourned at 11:35 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Jeanie Forrester

Town Administrator