Town of Groton

Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes

December 16, 2008

7:00pm

 

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

 

Audience Members Present

 

Mike Brogna called the meeting to order at 7:02pm and read the appointments, announcements and the minutes of December 9th to the audience. Mike made a motion to approve the minutes as written, Miles 2nd, all in favor, so voted. 

 

The Board gave a brief update on Pam’s conversation with Steve Pilcher concerning the status of Nedeau Lane/Bailey Hill Road. Mr. Pilcher said some research had been done on those roads in the 80’s that showed they were class VI from North Groton Road to Will Colburn Road, then private back down the mountain toward 118 to the portion that the town currently maintains. He said that at some point, these records mysteriously disappeared. Mr. Pilcher suggested that we get in touch with Trish Matthews who was the Administrative Assistant when the research was done, and with Alison Bagley to see if Eben Beever had kept a copy of this file. Miles made a motion to table this until further investigation has been done, Mike 2nd, all in favor, so voted. Pam will be in touch with Ms. Bagley and Miles will contact Ms. Matthews.

 

Miles made a motion to table the update on the administrative search warrant until the investigation is complete, Mike 2nd, all in favor, so voted.

 

Mike gave an update on the trial equalization ratio study that Pam did with the DRA. The study used all qualified sales from October 2007 through September 2008. The preliminary results show that the assessed values are within the parameters allowed by the state. The DRA will issue the final results after reviewing the trial ratio study and verifying the sales used and those excluded.

 

Miles gave an update on the inspection conducted by the Department of Labor. The inspector pointed out a few things that needed to be changed but the overall results were good. The inspector will be filing a final report within the next few weeks. Once this report is filed, the town will have 30 days to become compliant. The Board is looking to implement these changes as soon as possible. Some of the changes include:

·         Putting up a 2nd railing on the steps leading to the basement in the Town House

·         Having all boilers and the air compressor inspected

·         Installing an emergency light at the Transfer Station

·         Installing a 15 minute continuous eye flush station at the Transfer Station and Town Garage

·         Installing a guard on the grinder and affixing it to the floor

 

Jimmy Albert asked if the town had been cited for a lack of a fire escape on the second floor of the Town House. Mike replied that although the inspector had not cited them for this, the Board is concerned for the safety of all town employees. In a recent work session, the Town Clerk and her Deputy requested that the Board look into putting in some kind of fire escape. It is the Board’s intention to research this. He did point out that when the offices where originally put in, the Board was told by the fire marshal and fire chief that because of the amount of square footage, a 2nd exit was not needed. 

 

Mike made a motion to take a 5 minute break, Miles 2nd, all in favor, so voted.

Mike made a motion to return to session at 7:43pm, Miles 2nd, all in favor, so voted.

 

Mike gave an update on the interim selectman’s position. The Board has decided to not appoint anyone to fill the vacant position. Neither Board member feels that the two remaining candidates would be a good fit, and they have decided to finish the year with only 2 board members. Mike read RSA 669:63 which states that any resident may petition the superior court to appoint someone suitable to fill the vacancy. The current Board would like to see the town make that decision at the polls in March. If for some reason there is a tie vote that needs to be broken, the Board may ask a former selectman to break the tie if necessary.

 

Mike reported that the Dorchester Board of Selectmen was unable to meet with them on the 10th.  They would like to set up a meeting for sometime in January. The LGC reported that the town trucks and employees are covered if they are working in another town to help out. Dorchester is also covered under LGC. They did suggest that we have a written Mutual Road Aid Agreement for our own records.

 

Miles made a motion to sign the Intent to Cut for Leone, Map 3 Lot 6 sub 5, Mike 2nd, all in favor, so voted.

 

Miles made a motion to sign the Intent to Cut for Merrill, Map 3 Lot 9, Mike 2nd, all in favor, so voted.

 

Health Officer Chuck Stata reported that DES called him last week and requested that he draw water samples from the Bardsley logging operation off Halls Brook Road.

 

Pam requested to use some of her comp time during the week of Christmas. She will take a half day on Christmas Eve and a full day the Friday after Christmas. This will leave her with approximately 4.25 hours remaining. The Board asks that she either use that time before the end of the year or be financially compensated. Pam will look at her schedule and get back to them about whether or not she will take another half day.

 

The Board set up a work session for Monday, December 22 at 9pm to go over the rest of the budget and the warrants.

 

Librarian Pam Yinger reported that there were 18 children at the Library’s Christmas Party.

 

Board reviewed the Department of Health Questionnaire. Chuck Stata explained that part of the new regionalization program for public health is figuring out how they are going to fund it. This questionnaire is to determine how towns are spending their money for health resources. Miles made a motion to forward this questionnaire to Chuck Stata, Mike 2nd, all in favor so voted. Chuck asked if the Board wanted to review the completed questionnaire before he sends it to the state. Board feels it is okay for Pam to verify the numbers and keep a copy. They do not need to see it before it is sent.

 

Doug Hutchins submitted several photos of the street in front of his house. Mr. Hutchins believes that the road agent has been putting too much salt on the side of the road as well as excessively winging the snow back and damaging the trees that he had planted. After reviewing the photos, the Board explained that they have had discussions with the Road Agent about this area as there are some significant drainage and ice problems there. Mr. Hansen has done some ditching to help alleviate the water problem but there is also a significant dip in the road there. His concern is to keep that area open and keep the snow pushed back so they do not have the same problem of ice and snow buildup that existed last year. Mike made a motion to take the pictures and set up a work session with Glen Hansen to review them, Miles 2nd, all in favor, so voted. The Board will respond to Mr. Hutchins in writing.

 

Mike made a motion to go into non public session at 8:45 pursuant to RSA 91-A:3, II (a) & (b), Miles 2nd, all in favor, so voted.

 

Mike made a motion to go back into public session at 9:27pm, Miles 2nd, all in favor, so voted.

 

Miles made a motion to seal the minutes of the non public session, Mike 2nd, all in favor, so voted.

 

Mike made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:29pm, Miles 2nd, all in favor, so voted.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Pamela Hamel  

Administrative Assistant