GILFORD BOARD OF SELECTMEN’S MEETING
NOVEMBER 29, 2006
3:00 P.M.
The Board of Selectmen convened in a regular session on Wednesday, November 29, 2006, at 3:00 p.m., at the Gilford Town Hall, 47 Cherry Valley Road, Gilford, NH. Selectmen present were Chairman Dennis Doten, Alice Boucher and Connie Grant. Also present were Assistant Town Administrator Debra Shackett and Administrative Secretary Sandra Bailey.
1.0 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Selectmen recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
2.0 REVIEW/APPROVAL OF MINUTES – The Board of Selectmen approved the regular and non-public minutes of the November 8, 2006 regular meeting and work session, and the November 14, 2006 special meeting.
3.0 APPOINTMENTS
3.1 RJ Harding – Meadowbrook Farm – Mr. Harding addressed the issue of inadequate signage at the entrance to Meadowbrook Farms, which creates both a traffic and safety concern. Mr. Harding provided a brief background on the history of Meadowbrook Lane, dating back to 1982, when the road was deeded to the Town. The existing sign location and
proposed sign location are both on Town property. DPW Director Sheldon Morgan stated that he originally had a concern if the site were to be expanded. However, as long as there is an agreement in place regarding expansion, he has no objection.
Selectman Boucher suggested having Town Counsel review the situation, prior to making any determination. John Ayer, Director of Planning and Land Use, pointed out some of the zoning issues associated with moving the sign. Police Chief John Markland spoke in favor of moving the sign. He feels that an extreme safety hazard exists since the lack of
adequate signage impedes the flow of traffic into events.
Selectman Grant stated that she feels Meadowbrook Farm should bear any expense associated with the relocation of the sign. Chairman Doten advised Mr. Harding to provide a specific drawing and letter of intent regarding the signage, so that it can be reviewed by Town Counsel.
3.2 Brian O’Meara – Mr. O’Meara advised the Board of the intermittent problems he has experienced since 1994 with his sewer connection. He stated that he hired Rowell’s Sewer and Drain to place a video camera in his sewage pipe, which determined that the pipe was not connected to the sewer main. Mr. O’Meara provided documentation for approximately $5,000 worth of services
provided by contractors to address the problem, which he felt was largely due to the fact that the Town did not have a plan for the area.
Discussion ensued on the matter of the sewer connection and whether or not the problem has always been there. Assistant Town Administrator Shackett read from the Town Sewer Ordinance, which indicates the sewer connection is a matter between the homeowner and contractor. DPW Operations Manager Dustin Muzzey pointed out that there has not been
a problem with the sewer main, only the connection.
It was the consensus of the Board that more information is needed prior to making a decision. Dustin Muzzey will research the matter further.
Alice Boucher moved to table the matter to the December 13, 2006 meeting. Connie Grant seconded. Motion carried.
3.3 Sheldon Morgan – 2007 Household Hazardous Product Collection Day – DPW Director Morgan explained this program, which is held each year. Mr. Morgan prepared a Letter of Commitment, to be signed by the Town Administrator.
Connie Grant moved to authorize the Town Administrator to sign a letter of intent for the 2007 Household Hazardous Production Collection Program. Alice Boucher seconded. Motion carried.
3.4 Denise Morrissette – Tax Deeded Property – Town Clerk/Tax Collector Morrissette advised the Board that she has a property that needs to be deeded to the Town, which was missing from the original list. The property in question is 16 Sprucewood Drive (227-080.000) and is for land only.
Connie Grant moved to accept a deed from the Tax Collector for 16 Sprucewood Drive. Alice Boucher seconded. Motion carried.
4.0 NEW BUSINESS
4.1 Richard Sonia - Resignation – Chairman Doten stated that Richard Sonia has submitted his resignation as a member of the Planning Board and the Planning Board representative to the Historic District Commission.
Alice Boucher moved to accept his resignation with deepest regret, with the understanding that he would stay on until a replacement is determined. Connie Grant seconded. Motion carried.
4.2 Conservation Commission Recommendations – Chairman Doten reported that correspondence has been received from the Conservation Commission, recommending the appointment of Everett McLaughlin as a regular member. Following brief discussion, Connie Grant moved to table the matter to the December 13, 2006 Selectmen’s Meeting to make sure
that other alternates were considered. Alice Boucher seconded. Motion carried.
4.3 CASA – (Court Appointed Special Advocates) – Assistant Town Administrator Shackett reported that this is a new outside agency requesting funding. Due to the late date of their request, she suggested denial.
Alice Boucher moved to deny the request from CASA for inclusion in the 2007 budget, in the amount of $500. Connie Grant seconded. Motion carried.
4.4 ZBA Appointment – Dion – The Board briefly reviewed a recommendation to appoint Robert Dion as a regular member of the Zoning Board of Adjustment. Alice Boucher expressed concern with whether or not the other ZBA alternate was given an opportunity to apply for the position.
Alice Boucher moved to table the matter to the December 13, 2006 Selectmen’s Meeting. Connie Grant seconded. Motion carried.
4.5 Warrant Article – Fire Truck – Chief Jim Hayes stated that he is in attendance today to request the Board’s support in having an article placed in the 2007 Warrant for a new fire truck. Chief Hayes provided a lengthy presentation, which included history of the fleet, number of trucks in the fleet, the role of mutual aid, functions of different types of fire
trucks, safety issues and ISO rating.
Following Chief Hayes’ presentation, Fire Engineer Bill Akerley recommended that the Board defer to Chief Hayes, who is a professional and knows the needs of the Town of Gilford. Selectman Grant stated that other than the letter from a Gilford resident that was received today, she has heard from several other concerned citizens. Chairman Doten stated
that he does rely on the recommendation of Chief Hayes.
Alice Boucher moved to include an article in the 2007 Warrant for the purchase of a new fire truck, as recommended by Chief Hayes, and for the Selectmen to recommend the purchase. Dennis Doten seconded. Motion carried. Connie Grant was opposed.
4.6 Budget Committee Proposal – Salary Management and Ranking Tool – As the Board has previously stated, they are not in favor of the deceleration plan proposed by Skip Murphy.
4.5 Warrant Article – Land Conservation Task Force - Non-Public Session – RSA 91-A:3 II (d)
The Board of Selectmen on a roll call vote entered Non-Public Session at 4:25 p.m. Present were Selectmen Dennis Doten, Alice Boucher and Connie Grant, Assistant Town Administrator Debra Shackett and Administrative Secretary Sandra Bailey.
Joining them was LCTF Chairperson, Sandy McGonagle.
While in Non-Public Session with Chairperson McGonagle, the Board of Selectmen discussed the possible acquisition of property.
Sandy McGonagle left the Non-Public Session at 4:38 p.m.
At 4:39 p.m. the following persons joined the Non-Public Session: Library Director Katherine Dormody, Friends of Library Chairperson Kate Hamel, Library Trustee Bill Seed and Town Counsel Walter Mitchell.
While in this portion of Non-Public Session, the Board of Selectmen discussed the possible acquisition of property. No action was taken.
9.3 Non-Public Session – RSA 91-A:3 II (c) (e)
Katherine Dormody, Kate Hamel and Bill Seed left the Non-Public Session at 5:15 p.m. Town Counsel Walter Mitchell remained with the Board of Selectmen and discussed pending litigation. No action was taken.
The Board exited Non-Public Session at 5:28 p.m.
5.0 NEW BUSINESS
5.1 Vendor Permit Policy – DPLU Director John Ayer was in attendance to discuss the revisions he made to the Vendor Permit Policy, which address the matter of hawkers and peddlers permits and itinerant vendor permits. Assistant Town Administrator Shackett stated that she checked with the Property Liability Trust (part of LGC) on the liability
issue and was deferred to the State of New Hampshire.
The Board proceeded to review the application and instruction sheet provided by Mr. Ayer. Extensive discussion ensued and recommendations were made for various changes. John Ayer will seek input from Fire Chief Jim Hayes, prior to the next regular Selectmen’s meeting on December 13, 2006, regarding the inspection of cooking facilities.
The Board also discussed the fee structure at length, as well as imposing a fee for late applications.
5.2 Rabinovitz Case – Assistant Town Administrator Shackett briefly explained the most recent correspondence received from Mr. Rabinovitz. It was the concurrence of the Board that they will stand by their decision to not accept Mr. Rabinovitz’s counter-offer.
6.0 PUBLIC INPUT – None was provided.
7.0 SIGNATURES
DATE SIGNED |
DOCUMENT |
MAP/LOT # |
|
|
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09/23/06 |
Change of Status - DeNutte |
|
10/01/06 |
Change of Status - Hayes |
|
10/30/06 |
Lien Notice - Stokes |
240-014.000 |
10/30/06 |
Lien Notice - Beauregard |
|
10/31/06 |
Accounts Payable Manifest |
|
11/01/06 |
Accounts Payable Manifest (2) |
|
11/01/06 |
Change of Status - Pelletier |
|
11/01/06 |
Change of Status - Proulx |
|
11/06/06 |
Change of Status - Watson |
|
11/06/06 |
Payroll Check Register |
|
11/07/06 |
Abatement - Connelly |
252-016.073 |
11/08/06 |
Change of Status - Dion |
|
11/08/06 |
Accounts Payable Manifest |
|
11/10/06 |
Change of Status - Beland |
|
11/13/06 |
Tax Collector's Warrant - Sewer Rents |
|
11/13/06 |
Change of Status - Cutter |
|
11/13/06 |
Change of Status - Andrews |
|
11/16/06 |
Abatement - Monahan |
203-207.000 |
11/16/06 |
Abatement - Gilford Green Acres |
263-036.001 |
11/17/06 |
Deed - Realty Corp. |
240-058.000 |
11/18/06 |
Blind Exemption - Cram |
223-450.000 |
11/20/06 |
Veteran's Exemption - Meehan, H. |
263-018.100 |
11/20/06 |
Veteran's Exemption - Meehan, G. |
263-018.100 |
11/20/06 |
Veteran's Denial - Stuart |
263-005.000 |
11/21/06 |
Change of Status - Madon |
|
11/22/06 |
Abatement - Romagnoli |
224-049.063 |
11/22/06 |
2006 Real Property Abbreviated Exceptions |
|
11/27/06 |
Authorization Letter for Town Administrator for DES |
|
11/28/06 |
Sewer Abatement - Guruge |
223-419.000 |
11/29/06 |
Letter to NH Liquor Commission on 18 Weirs Rd. |
|
12/05/06 |
Change of Status - Stuart (2) |
|
12/12/06 |
Change of Status - DiMartino |
|
12/14/06 |
Change of Status - Tidd |
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8.0 SELECTMEN’S ISSUES – there were none.
9.0 ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
9.1 Humane Society Contract – Connie Grant moved to authorize the Town Administrator to sign the 2007 Humane Society Contract. Alice Boucher seconded. Motion carried.
Other Matters
Assistant Town Administrator Shackett stated that Comstar, our ambulance billing service, would like to discontinue being participating providers with Anthem, since Anthem’s rates are now below those of Medicare. This will enable the Town of recover more costs.
Alice Boucher moved to authorize Chairman Dennis Doten to sign the agreement with Comstar. Connie Grant seconded. Motion carried.
Assistant Town Administrator Shackett asked the Board to sign an authorization for Town Administrator Juris to act on behalf of the Town for DES grants. Alice Boucher moved to authorize the Town Administrator to act on behalf of the Town for DES grants. Connie Grant seconded. Motion carried.
9.2 Lakes Business Park - Alice Boucher moved to re-affirm the telephone poll of 11/9/06 to allow Steve Smith, representing Laconia Eye Associates, to address the Planning Board and ZBA regarding a Lakes Business Park lot. Connie Grant seconded. Motion carried.
10.0 NEXT MEETING – December 13, 2006 at 3:00 p.m.
11.0 ADJOURNMENT – With no further business before the Board, the Board of Selectmen’s November 29, 2006 meeting was adjourned at 6:19 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Sandra J. Bailey
Administrative Secretary
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