Board of Selectmen’s
Meeting Minutes
December 22, 2004
Present: Selectmen Robert Buker, Chairman and Laura Simoes with Business Administrator James Coffey and Selectmen’s Secretary Iris Campbell.
Meeting was called to order at 6:35 p.m. by Chairman Buker.
Selectmen signed the following items:
a. Payroll Voucher #s [51 & 52]
b. Expense Voucher [29]
c. Minutes of December 8, 2004 (and seven non-public minutes)
d. Abatement 12C-2004
e. Abatement 12D-2004
f. Building Permits:
Permit # Name Location Description Est. value Recommendation
04158BP Zsofka, Matt 61 Valhalla Farm Road Residence $180,000 Approval pending driveway approval.
6:45 p.m. Tamara McClure, Haven Newton, David Coombs and Martha Carlson-Bradley were in to discuss the 2005 Library budget. Mrs. McClure presented the budget noting that there was an increase in clock and computer maintenance. She explained that the increase in the payroll amount and associated items was due to a survey of other town’s library payroll.
7:00 p.m. William Goss informed the board that the recently hired employee had not worked out and he was here to recommend the hiring of Jesse Kelley to fill that vacancy. The Board asked that Mr. Kelley attend the next meeting so that they can meet him. The Board reviewed the highway budget. Mr. Goss explained that it would cost $3.95 per linear foot to paint traffic lines on Henniker Street and W. Main Street.
He asked for a separate warrant article for the purchase of a one tone truck to replace the present one.
He requested that the road reconstruction project this year be the paving of the gravel section of the Second N.H.Turnpike between the Antrim Town Line and Barden Hill Road. The Town has never reconstructed and paved a dirt road before but this section of road has seen an increase in traffic and grading and really needs to be paved.
Mr. Goss also suggested constructing a sidewalk along Center Road beginning were it ends now and the new bypass bridge.
Mr. Goss reported that shimming and overlaying is needed on a section of the E. Washington Road.
Mr. Buker requested that the parking lot, previously discussed, at the corner of Central and Myrtle Streets, be done this year. Mr. Goss agreed that it needs to be done because the town needs more parking. Mr. Coffey said it could be added to the highway project’s budget.
Mr. Goss stated that bridge repairs require engineering in order to obtain permits, which would be good for several years.
Mr. Goss had reviewed that Jackson Street issue again and made the suggestion that the River Street - Preston Street intersection, be a left turn only and no thru trucking on Jackson Street. Mr. Coffey suggested having a map showing the traffic pattern and inviting the residences to a future meeting.
7:45 p.m. Herm Wiegleman came in to discuss the Planning Board and Hillsborough Pride Budgets. He requested that the postage be reduced from $2,000.00 to $1,600.00 and to increase printing costs from $1,200.00 to $1,600.00 and legal to $3,000.00.
Hillsborough Pride will be asking to a warrant article for the same amount as last year.
He also informed the Board that David Essex, the director, was leaving at the end of December and Jan Michael had been hired as his replacement.
8:00 p.m. Fire Chief David Holmes came in to discuss the Fire Department Budgets. He explained that it was time for Hillsborough to have a second ambulance due to the increase in mutual aid a calls and the possibility of major breakdowns with the present ambulance due to the high mileage on it. He reported that the Hillsborough Ambulance Association would donate $10,000.00 to finish outfitting the new ambulance.
Mr. Buker asked if there was space to store another ambulance. Chief Holmes said yes.
Mr. Coffey reported that the Ambulance Capital Reserve Fund would be used for $55,169.00 of the cost with $65,000.00 to be raised by taxes.
Chief Holmes said that they would alternate the two ambulances during the week to try and prolong their use.
Mr. Coffey said that the Fire Department budget was down due to a vehicle having been paid off and that the payroll is call driven.
Chief Holmes asked to add $8,400.00 to the budget in order to replace four old bay doors because their casings have rotted out and some mechanisms no longer function well.
Chief Holmes explained that the forest fire budget is mainly the payroll, which is call driven and in some cases is 50% reimbursed by the State.
8:29 p.m. Park Board Chairman James Bailey came in to discuss the Parks and Recreation Budget. He asked to increase the advertising budget from $50.00 to $200.00. Mr. Coffey explained that he had created to budget based on this years’ actual. Mr. Bailey informed the Board that they would be purchasing new bleachers and bases for Grimes Field and a new tractor for the mower was needed.
Mr. Bailey said that they were considering purchasing a new swing set for Manahan Park similar to the new ones at Grimes Field.
8:55 p.m Peter Brigham, Director of Office Youth Services came in to review that budget and the one for the Gables Building. He requested increases in payroll, insurance and for a new computer. He also requested another week of vacation, explaining that he doesn’t take weeks at a time but rather long weekends or one day during the week.
Mr. Coffey explained that the environmental study at the Gables Building has been completed and that repairs are almost done.
9:17 p.m. Harvey Chandler, Chairman of the Zoning Board of Adjustment came in to discuss the budget and explained that it was totally driven by the number of applications received. He asked that the training budget be increased to $150.00 to allow members to attend training sessions.
9:29 p.m. Jim Coffey, Business Administrator, explained that the Town Office budget was up $4,000.00 to include two new fire proof files. He informed the Board that he would be advertising for a new forester after the first of the year.
Mr. Coffey reported to the Board that the workers’ compensation insurance quote from Primex was $62,771.00 next year and from the Local Government Center was $47,449.00. Mr. Coffey asked that the Board accept the quote from the Local Government Center.
Mrs. Simoes made a motion to accept the workers’ compensation insurance quote from the Local Government Center and to authorize the Business Administrator to execute the agreement with LGC, and to write a letter to both firms. Mr. Buker seconded the motion. The Board voted all in favor.
The Board discussed the property owned by Leon Griffin III, known as the old Wood’s Woolen Mill located on W. Mill Street with Business Administrator. After the discussion the Board signed the two tax deeds which had been presented to them by the Tax Collector.
The Board reviewed the following correspondence and new business:a. Request for money from Contoocook Housing Trust was declined.
b. The 2005 Warrant for Statewide Enhanced Education Tax for $1,248,878 which was $184,784 more than 2004.
c. A request from Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War to conduct a raffle was approved by a motion to made by Mr. Buker and seconded by Mrs. Simoes with the Board voting all in favor.
d. A notice of a follow up conference from the Chamber of Commerce was received and Mr. Buker stated that he would be attending.
e. A request from Welfare Director and Business Administrator for an amendment to the welfare guidelines to address a rental assistance policy. The amendment would limit the amount of rental assistance for a two-bedroom apartment to $650.00 per month and the apartment must meet life safety codes. Mrs. Simoes made a motion to accept the new guidelines subject to a ninety-day review. Mr. Buker seconded the motion. The Board voted all in favor.
The Board reviewed the following old correspondence and old business:
a. A copy of a letter sent to Hillsboro Ford by Business Administrator concerning use of land by Hillsboro Ford which was given to the Town by an encroachment agreement from NH DOT.
b. A copy of a letter from Attorney Waugh to Senator Flanders concerning the proposed legislation for Emerald Lake Village District.
The Board reviewed the following minutes of other boards and reports:
a. Copy of a letter sent to public assistance clients by the Welfare Director for mandatory attendance at seminars put on by UNH Cooperative Extension.
b. Influenza vaccine update
c. Notice of a member of John Sununu’s staff being in Hillsborough on January 6
d. Planning Board December 15 agenda
e. Conservation Commission Minutes of December 8
f. Copy of a letter from DES to Hillsboro Ford, DES#1993311006
g. A letter to Oxbow Campground from DES
h. A letter from DES to Mr. Robert Studivan, 339 Beard Road
At 10:13 p.m. Mr. Buker made a motion to enter a non-public session to discuss a personnel matter. Mrs. Simoes seconded the motion. Board voted in the favor of the motion.
At 10:26 p.m. the Board returned to a public session.
Mr. Buker acknowledged the Chamber of Commerce on the four new Welcome to Hillsborough signs they had placed off the new bypass.
Mr. Coffey reported that the oak table in the town office was back from being repaired.
Meeting adjourned at 10:33 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Iris Campbell
Selectmen’s Secretary
Approved by: Dated: December 29, 2004
____________________________
Robert I. Buker, Chairman
_____________________________
Laura D. Simoes
Board of Selectmen
SELECTMEN'S MEETING AGENDA
December 22, 2004
SCHEDULE
6:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Review Correspondence, Sign Documents
a. Payroll Voucher #s [51 & 52]
b. Expense Voucher [29]
c. Minutes of December 8, 2004 (and seven non-public minutes)
d. Abatement 12C-2004
e. Abatement 12D-2004
f. Building Permits:
Permit # Name Location Description Est. value Recommendation
04158BP Zsofka, Matt 61 Valhalla Farm Road Residence $180,000 Approval pending driveway approval.
OPEN FORUM
6:30 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.
APPOINTMENTS: 6:45 - 8:30
6:45 p.m. Library Trustees - Budget Review
7:00 P.M. William Goss, Highway Department
7:15 p.m. Herm Wiegleman, Planning Board & Hillsborough Pride Budgets.
7:30 p.m. Chief Holmes, Fire Department Budget(s)
8:00 p.m. Park Board Budget
8:10 p.m Peter Brigham, OYS and Gables Budget
8:20 p.m. Jim Coffey, Administrative Budget, Senior Trips Budget, Senior Van Budget, Visiting Nurse Budget, ZBA Budget, Town History Expendable Trust, Tax Map, Street Lights, Pierce Homestead, Mental Health Support, Patriotic Purposes, Old Fire Station, Legal, Insurance, Health, Elections, Conservation, Cemeteries, Audit, Town Clerk/Tax Collector
8:35 p.m. Discuss tax Deeding of Wood’s Woolen Mill with Business Administrator
SELECTMEN’S DISCUSSION / EXECUTIVE SESSIONS
8:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
CORRESPONDENCE & NEW BUSINESS
a. Request for trust from Contoocook Housing Trust
b. 2005 Warrant for Statewide Enhanced Education Tax for $1,248,878. Up $184,784 over 2004
c. Request from Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War to conduct a raffle.
d. Notice of a follow up conference from the Chamber of Commerce
e. Request for rental assistance policy from Welfare Director and Business Administrator
CORRESPONDENCE & OLD BUSINESS
a. Copy of a letter sent to Hillsboro Ford by Business Administrator concerning use of land by Hillsboro Ford which was given to the Town by an encroachment agreement from NH DOT.
b. Tax Collector’s deeds for Wood’s Woolen Mill from November 10-Discuss with Business Administrator.
c. Copy of a letter from Attorney Waugh to Senator Flanders concerning proposed legislation for Emerald Lake Village District.
MINUTES OF OTHER BOARD & REPORTS
a. Copy of a letter sent to public assistance clients by Welfare Director for mandatory seminars put on by UNH Cooperative Extension
b. Influenza vaccine update
c. Notice of a member of John Sununu’s staff being in Hillsborough on January 6
d. Planning Board December 15 agenda
e. Conservation Commission Minutes of December 8
f. Copy of a letter from DES to Hillsboro Ford, DES#1993311006
g. A letter to Oxbow Campground from DES
h. A letter from DES to Mr. Robert Studivan, 339 Beard Road
TRAINING NOTICES & PUBLICATIONS
Various items
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