Town of Groton

Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes (Amended)

January 27, 2009

7:00pm

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

Audience Members Present

Mike Brogna called the meeting to order at 7:04pm.

Newfound School District Budget Committee member Lou Lieto introduced Superintendant of Schools Marie Ross. Ms. Ross gave a brief overview of the 2009 school general budget and warrants. This year’s school general budget absorbed the teacher’s raise, bus contract and life saving improvements for the middle school, and it came in at $800,000 less than last year. With the warrants, there would be an increase of 6/10 of a percent over last year. Ms. Ross took several questions and comments from the audience. 

Mike read the appointments, announcements and the minutes of January 20 to the audience.

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

Mike made a motion to sign the 2009 Andover Geologic contract, Miles 2^nd, all in favor, so voted.

Miles explained that statutory language must be used on the ballot for the ratification of the zoning ordinance. The Town’s attorney explained that in order for the Planning Board to include their endorsement, the phrase “as proposed by the Planning Board” can be added to the ballot question.

Mike read a letter from Larry Abbott and Carrie Bovee’s attorney expressing their displeasure over the behavior of Selectman Sinclair during the inspection of their home. They alleged that Miles extended the inspection beyond the time and scope necessary, went beyond the bounds of the Warrant and did not give a copy of the Warrant to his clients. He also stated that his clients have declined permission for any agent of the Town to inspect their home or property. In the future they may grant permission for a representative from DES to inspect the property, and Health Officer Chuck Stata if DES so chooses to have him along.

Mike responded by saying that for as long as he has known Miles, and for as long as he has worked with him when Miles was moderator and then as selectman, he has only seen him behave in a professional manner.

Miles responded to the letter with the following comments:

• Mr. Abbott hired an attorney and obviously only presented his side
• To say that they were there longer than necessary is disingenuous and hypocritical as all the hindrances they encountered while there were due to Mr. Abbott’s behavior and their need to sort through his web of lies. He attempted to mislead them with the following information:

-He said there was no piping under the house even though they discovered some

-He said the system is strictly gravity fed yet a jet pump was discovered

-He said the vanity sink was not hooked up yet when turned on water trickled out

All of these things had to be sorted out once discovered. Miles never raised his voice even though Mr. Abbott did repeatedly, to the point where his wife was apologizing for his behavior.

• Mr. Stata had supplied Mr. Abbott with a copy of the warrant and the affidavit.
• Miles did admit that in his search to find an entranceway to underneath the house so they could look at the piping he attempted to remove a piece of styrofoam insulation and accidently cracked a corner of that insulation while trying to determine what was behind it. He had offered to reimburse Mr. Abbott for the one styrofoam panel if Mr. Abbott was looking for reimbursement.

The Board reported that the 2^nd administrative search warrant was denied by the judge. Dick deSeve, Louise Hanaan and Chuck Stata inspected the property on Friday, January 23 with the permission of the property owner. They have not yet received Mr. deSeve’s report.

Miles also reported that our Health Officer is currently involved in a number of ongoing septic violation cases. Mr. Stata has been following through on them but is frustrated at the delays and extensions allowed by the court.

The Board reviewed the quotes for a new heater for the Transfer Station. They are still looking for more literature on the units including BTU output, square footage covered and whether or not the units have blowers. Mike made a motion to table this until they get the needed additional information, Miles 2^nd, all in favor, so voted. The Board would like this to be expedited as quickly as possible and they are willing to have a work session in order to see this accomplished.

The Board announced that there will be a warrant to adopt RSA 466:30-a, the state’s Dog Control Law. There will be a public hearing to discuss this on Tuesday, February 17 at 7:00pm. Snow date is February 18.

Board asked Pam to wait to review the US Census 2009 Boundary and Annexation Survey once she has submitted the Town Report for publication as the office is usually less busy after the budget hearing and once the Town Report finished.

Mike made a motion to table the Hutchins Junkyard renewal until after the election, when the new Board will be in place, Miles 2^nd, all in favor, so voted. The Board asked Pam to send a letter to the Hutchins explaining that since the permit renewal isn’t due until April 1^st, they would like the new Board to be a part of the decision.

Mike made a motion to approve the 2009 quote for Eastern Analytical to do the landfill testing, Miles 2^nd, all in favor, so voted.

Rena Chase reported that a few years ago her husband had made a sign for the Conservation Commission but the Commission had never gotten the sign. The Chases still have it. Jackie Brogna said she would let the Commission know about it and arrange for pickup.

Mike made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:17pm, Miles 2^nd, all in favor, so voted.

Respectfully submitted,

Pamela Hamel  

Administrative Assistant