Minutes of Selectmen's Meeting
October 30, 2002
The meeting was called to order by at 7:00 p.m. by Chairman Buker. Selectmen Lamothe and Knapton were present along with Business Administrator James Coffey. Lloyd Henderson, representing the Villager, was also present.
SCHEDULE:
The meeting opened with Chairman Buker reading a letter from Selectman Knapton announcing his retirement from public life effective December 31 , 2002 at which time he will step down as Selectman. Chairman Buker expressed his thanks for all that Mr. Knapton has down. The resignation was accepted with regret.
7:00 Paul Sylvia, ELVD Commissioner, brought several different types of violations to the Selectmen for enforcement. The items were submitted on ELVD letterhead and Mr. Sylvia informed the Board of Selectmen that they were all from the entire Board of Commissioners, even though his was the only signature. The initial item concerned a travel trailer set up with a portable outhouse and a waterline into the pond. This travel trailer is on Emerald Drive next to the beach. The matter will be looked into. There was also a discussion concerning a trailer on Spring Street that had a building permit several years ago but is still on wheels and not permanently sited. This will also be looked into.
The final item concerned former Commissioner Ray Stankunas’s keeping of a backhoe on his property and using it to repair septic systems. Commissioner Sylvia stated that Mr. Stankunas was not licensed to do repairs or install septic systems and that he was worried about the quality of the water in the lake, especially since one of the sites was near the boat landing. He went on to say that he thinks Mr. Stankunas may now be licensed. Selectman Lamothe suggested to Commissioner Sylvia that he was attempting to involve the Selectmen in his political problem. Commissioner Sylvia then stated that Mr. Stankunas had been digging in the District’s roadways. The Board suggested that Commissioners can regulate their own roads
and it was also mentioned that the Commissioners should consult their counsel.
A discussion about the Districts water resources followed during which Commissioners Sylvia stated that the District would now only allow 12 new water hookups per year.
7:52 The Board met with Business Administrator Jim Coffey to discuss several items. The first item he presented to the Board was a request from U.S. Cellular that the Town hold a special Town Meeting to grant them permission to enter into a long term lease with the Town to rent space on a communications tower they would construct and give to the Town. [This proposed tower would replace the existing one on Bible Hill Road and be the same height but the monopole would be slightly thicker to allow more antennas.] Mr. Coffey also reported that if this is
done the tower would have the capacity to house additional carriers as well as our own emergency communications. He went on to report that he has already had inquires from another carrier that would like to locate on the tower and would provide “home” service for two new carriers. He mentioned that their interest is part of their planned coverage of the Concord - Keene corridor and would eliminate the need for them to build a tower while providing the Town with revenue. It was also stated that U.S. Cellular would pay the costs for the meeting. The Board agreed to hold a Special Town Meeting pending a final commitment from U.S. Cellular.
The next item discussed were benefits for part time employees. Mr. Coffey stated that he had informal conversations with SAU # 34 and with the Town of Jaffrey. He stated that there were some benefits provided for those that work year-round on a regularly scheduled basis. He informed the Board that the only part time position with a history of benefits is in the Selectmen’s office. This is a 25 hour/5 day per week position that assists with payroll, financial administration and other duties. This position receives pro-rated holidays and sick pay. The Town’s health and dental plans are also available but the person must pay 100% of the costs. A tax deferred 457 plan is also available but with no employer match. He went on to state that the part time assistant hired under a grant for Youth Services also has a similar arrangement. A discussion ensued after which the Board concluded that part time employees who are employed throughout the year, not seasonal, would
receive prorated benefits for vacation, holidays and for the 3% employer match for the 401 savings plan. Any such position must be pre-approved by the Selectmen and incorporated into a budget. It is anticipated that this might affect two employees, at most. Mr. Coffey will check with department heads during the budgeting process and a draft for inclusion in the personnel policy will be presented to the Board for their approval.
APPROVED AND/OR SIGNED
Payroll Voucher #s [44]
Expense Voucher [24]
Current Use Lien Release - Coleman, 11I/421
Abatement for Francese Smith, Issue 1 and 2
Current Use Penalty Abatement for Richard Withington
Minutes of October 23
Minutes of October 23 non-public session
Betterment Assessment Warrant - Issue 2 - Mary Rowe Drive, $3,107.13 (Two Copies)
Building Permits
Permit # Name Location Description Est. value Recommendation
02140BP Robyn Mitchell 17 2nd NH Tpk.. residence $109,000 Approval subject to driveway approval.
02141BP Judith Holley 5 Union St. shed $1,559 Approval.
02142BP Charles Megnin 138 County Rd. deck $2,500 Denial, does not conform to Section 160-1 of Town Code.
NEW BUSINESS:
The Board accepted the resignation of Garry McCulloch as the inspector for the Fire Department and wished him well. A letter of appreciation was also sent to Mr. McCulloch.
The Board approved the repurchase of Tax Deeded property by Mr. Richard Newhall, the former owner, in the amount of $1,386.73.
OLD BUSINESS:
Items in the agenda were reviewed without any action required or taken.
REPORTS:
Items in the agenda were reviewed
Meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
James Coffey
Business Administrator
| 
