Town of Groton

Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes

March 3, 2009

7:00pm

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

Audience Members Present

Mike Brogna called the meeting to order at 7:05pm.

Mike read the appointments, announcements and the minutes of the February 24 selectmen’s meeting to the audience. Mike asked to amend the minutes as follows:

            Change: Each had an opportunity to share with the audience….

            To: Each had an opportunity to share their thoughts with the audience…

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

Gordon Coursey submitted all the paperwork he had for the Trustees of the Trust Funds. Mr. Coursey is upset with how the selectmen’s office is run. He believes they have not communicated with the Trustees nor handled their mail properly. Miles said that initially there appears to have been a break down in communication when the 2007 MS-9 was submitted. Mike explained the new manner in which the office will be dealing with mail. He said at this point the Board does not feel they should be trying to point a finger at who made the original mistake. Instead, they would like to move forward making sure the lines of communication stay open. Miles would like to address some means where by the Board can be made aware of the contents of certified mail intended for other departments or the various trustees. At this time, they do not want the Administrative Assistant opening mail that is addressed to other departments/officers. They feel it is the responsibility of those whom it is addressed to. However, they do want communication between the departments and their office as to the content of certified mail. Mr. Coursey said the Trustees were able to fax the necessary documents to the Attorney General’s office, thus they will not have to travel to Concord. However, he did submit his resignation effective immediately. The Board asked him to reconsider. Mr. Coursey’s term ends on March 10. He agreed to give the matter further consideration. The Board will be keeping the Trust Fund paperwork on file in the office.

The voluntary US Census Bureau Boundary and Annexation Survey has been completed and submitted.

Mike read a letter to Mr. Abbott explaining the nature of his building permit violation and requesting that he submit an amended permit application. Mike made a motion to sign the letter to Mr. Abbott, Miles 2^nd, all in favor, so voted.

Miles made a motion to sign the letter to the Baker River Valley Snowmobile Club thanking them for their offer of a complementary meal at the clubhouse, and explaining the Board’s reason for declining, Mike 2^nd, all in favor, so voted.

Mike read the Town attorney’s response to the Aguiar’s request for the Board to issue a cease and desist to the Buck N Horse Campground. The Buck N Horse Campground was established before the Town had adopted zoning and is now protected as a nonconforming use. The issue over the use of the road is a private issue between the Aguiars and the Leones, and has already been settled in superior court.

Jackie Brogna announced that she has withdrawn her resignation as a Trustee of the Trust Funds and will fulfill her term.

Mike made a motion to table signing the septic design for Escobar until it is corrected, Miles 2^nd, all in favor, so voted.

The Board is waiting to hear back from a representative at Time Warner Cable.

Officer Hill will be verifying with Chief White whether or not the Police Department is going to spearhead the project to clean the litter along the roadways in Groton.

Mike reported that some employees are still submitting their mileage on their time sheets instead of using the proper form. The Board would like Pam to draft a memo to all department heads with the following reminders:

• Employees must have permission from the Board to use their personal vehicles for town business
• They must have a certificate of insurance on file in the Selectmen’s office
• They must submit their mileage request on the proper form.

No mileage reimbursement will be given unless submitted correctly. Helen Santoro suggested that a copy of the form be attached to the memo.

Mike made a motion to sign the amended septic plans for Donegan, Miles 2^nd, all in favor, so voted.

Mike made a motion to sign the Tax Collector Recommittal contract with Mason and Rich, Miles 2^nd, all in favor, so voted. RSA 41:36 requires that the Tax Collector’s office be audited whenever there is a new Tax Collector.

Mike made a motion to adjourn at 8:15pm, Miles 2^nd, all in favor, so voted.

Respectfully submitted,

Pamela Hamel  

Administrative Assistant