Town of Groton

Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes

November 18, 2008

7:00pm

In Attendance:  Michael Brogna, Miles Sinclair, Pamela Hamel (Administrative Assistant)

Audience Members Present

Mike Brogna called the meeting to order at 7:03pm and read the appointments, announcements and the minutes of November 11 to the audience. He asked to make the following amendments:

• Amend “The Board believes that it is in the best interests of the Town if the Town Clerk/Tax Collector’s office no longer receive mail intended for the Selectmen, Planning Board, Zoning Board and other town boards and committees” to include except where a deadline is involved.
• Amend “Betty Smolinsky asked is she could rent or borrow a table…” to “Betty Smolinsky asked if she could rent or borrow a table…”

Mike made a motion to approve the minutes as amended, Miles 2^nd, all in favor, so voted. 

Miles explained that the Department of Labor visited the town and issued a citation for 3 violations totaling a possible $1,200 fine.

· No written safety manual

· Failure to file the biennial report

· Failure of safety committee to meet quarterly.

The Board has the right to request a hearing and an informal conference. They have requested the informal conference which is scheduled for Monday, Dec 1 at 10am in Concord. Since the initial DOL visit, the safety committee has met twice, once to inspect all town owned buildings and once to review the new safety manual. Also, the administrative assistant looked in the town records stored in the basement of the Town House and found the town’s safety manual. During the inspector’s visit, Pam was told that Groton had not filed the biennial report since 1996. The current administration had no knowledge that this report needed to be filed as the DOL does not send out reminders.

Mike gave an update on the Maxam building permit request. The LGC said that the town does not have the authority to withhold the building permit during the appeal period. The property owner assumes the risk if an appeal is filed and granted. LGC also reported that the town does not have the authority to withhold a building permit from someone who is delinquent on their taxes.

Mike made a motion to sign the municipal liability form for Maxam, Miles 2^nd, all in favor, so voted. The Board had neglected to sign this when they had first issued Maxam’s building permits. When signing this form, the property owner acknowledges that the town is not liable for the maintenance of a class VI or private road. The property owners assume 100% of the liability.

Mike made a motion to sign the letter to the Dorchester Board of Selectmen, Miles 2^nd, all in favor, so voted. This letter is to arrange a meeting with the two Boards to discuss the Mutual Road Aid Agreement.

Mike read a letter from a Concerned Citizen of Groton alleging building permit and septic violations on Larry Abbott’s property. Mike made a motion to pass this letter on to the Groton Health Officer to investigate these allegations, Miles 2^nd, all in favor, so voted. Miles asked Mr. Stata if he will be taking pictures of the construction as he believes it is the Board’s responsibility to deal with any possible building permit violations. Mike said it is the goal of the Board to see people come into compliance. In the past they have sent out letters requesting compliance. Miles feels that if the allegations are true, then this is a case of blatant deception and he does not feel a letter is appropriate. He would look to see a penalty invoked. Mike agreed that if the allegations are true, then appropriate action should be taken.

Mike made a motion to sign and send the letter to Mr. Tavares, Miles 2^nd, all in favor, so voted. In researching the original 911 name assignments, the conclusion is that Snoburk had the suffix Lane, not Road. A new sign has been ordered.

Pam explained that the LGC said that abutters of a private road can choose the name of the road as long as it meets 911 guidelines. The Board of Selectmen has the authority to review the choice and verify that it meets the proper guidelines. Pam will contact the Blyes and Ellis/Wallaces to ask them to submit their choice. Mike made a motion to table this until a choice is submitted, Miles 2^nd, all in favor, so voted.

Miles gave an update on the Police Chief search. After re-interviewing the 2 candidates, the Board does not feel either one is the right choice for the town. They will be putting together a warrant article to determine whether the Town’s people want the chief’s position to be full or part time. Dawn Lemieux said the idea of combining the Hebron and Groton police departments has been visited in the past and was well received. She would like to see this revisited. Miles asked if she would be willing to investigate this. Ms. Lemieux said she is willing to be involved. She explained that the way this was done in the past was with an initial warrant article to see if the Town is interested in pursuing this. If so, then the next year would be spent investigating and coming up with a proposal to present at the next town meeting. Miles said that given the town’s current situation, the time to visit this is now so that the actual proposal could be before the town at this year’s meeting. Although the Board is not prepared to research this themselves, they would be willing to compose a letter to the Hebron Board to ascertain whether or not Hebron would like to revisit this issue. The Board is looking to honor Chief White’s request to retire from Groton, and they are considering their options.

Mike read a letter from Wilson Townsend concerning the Dodge Road sign which has been stolen. Mike made a motion to sign the letter of response to Mr. Townsend, Miles 2^nd, all in favor, so voted. A new sign will be ordered.

Mike read a letter from the Department of Health concerning the appointment of a local health officer. The current officer’s term expires December 22, 2008. Miles asked Chuck Stata if he is still interested in being the health officer. He said yes. Mike made a motion to fill out the form for the state to appoint Chuck Stata as the Town’s Health Officer, Miles 2^nd, all in favor, so voted.

Mike read a letter from the GRC requesting permission to take $50 from their revolving fund to give a donation to the Newfound Memorial Middle School as a way to say thank you for the free use of the gymnasium for their craft fair. Miles asked if, according to state statute, this is a proper use of funds for a revolving fund. Ms. Tobine wasn’t sure.  Mike made a motion to table this until that question is answered, Miles 2^nd, all in favor, so voted.

The GRC submitted a photo of the recently built pavilion for consideration for the Town Report. The Board is still accepting photos.

Anne Tobine reported that the Library has made $135 thus far on their book sale. The sale will continue through Sunday, November 22.

Ken Martel gave a brief update on the police cruiser building committee. He is preparing a proposal for Town Meeting. At this time, he is considering a 20x24 building with a 9x10 opening with automatic door opener, one 3 ft door, and 1 window.

Dawn Lemieux inquired as to when the road in front of the old school house on Sculptured Rocks Road was going to be repaired. She has incurred damage to her car due to the large pot hole. She was told that it was going to be fixed several months ago and is concerned that the cold weather will prevent the Road Agent from properly repairing it. The Board reported that the Road Agent said he was to fix that area within the next few weeks. Mike asked that Ms Lemieux put her request in writing thus binding the town to a timely response.

Mike made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:03pm, Miles 2^nd, all in favor, so voted.

Respectfully submitted,

Pamela Hamel

Administrative Assistant