Board of Selectmen - Minutes (Draft)
BOARD OF SELECTMEN’S MEETING
Tuesday, January 17, 2017 Call Meeting to Order 6:00PM
DRAFT
Approved on ______________(Date)
Donald Harty ________
Hugh Curley ________
Present: Donald Harty, Chair; Hugh Curley, Vice Chair and Kelly Dearborn-Luce, Recording Secretary.
Staff Present: Nancy Wheeler
Other Attendees: Bob Bean, Sonny Sell, Jill Lavin, Ron Colby and Virginia Drew.
The group recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
Review and Accept Agenda Hugh Curley made a motion to accept the agenda for Tuesday, January 17, 2017. Don Harty would like to amend for a signature item to be discussed in non-public. Hugh agreed and made his motion again with the amendment. Don Harty seconded the amended motion. All voted in favor.
Signature:
- Accounts Payable/Manifest was reviewed and signed.
- Payroll was reviewed and signed.
- Abatement – Map 01-4-8 (will be discussed later in the meeting.)
- Intent to cut – Map R14 Lot 19 was reviewed. Hugh Curley made a motion to approve the intent to cut. Don Harty seconded the motion all voted in favor.
Staff:
Kelly Dearborn-Luce reported on several items; The Economic Development Committee recruitment process now has 3 volunteers and the 2017 Charter has been drafted. Kelly also spoke about the RSA 79-E for tax incentives as a project that the new committee could work on. The Electrician has completed the repair work at the Old Town Hall. The Attorney responded with information regarding Lords Mill and Griffin Road. It was recommended to hire someone for deed research for the Griffin Road and to ask about clear title (if more research is done) with Lords Mill. The Messenger paper has requested draft minutes. The NH DHHS Biomonitoring program has requested use of some office space and Kelly will follow-up with a schedule. The Old Turnpike Road residents will not be submitting a petition to pave the road this year.
Nancy Wheeler reported that she is reconciling for year end. Some purchase orders are still outstanding. Nancy asked if encumbrances could be discussed later.
Discussion:
Big Easy – Entertainment approval request. Sonny Sell from The Big Easy (Circle 9 ) Campground is requesting an approval from the Selectmen for entertainment at the restaurant/lounge area. The Board discussed the history and the request. Sonny said the Liquor Commissioners are looking for a zoning letter from Jay Hickey, Zoning Compliance Officer to make sure it’s zoned properly for entertainment for a requirement in his application for a liquor license. Hugh read the request and the RSA 179:19 requesting written authorization from the Town for entertainment use. Hugh asked Sonny for his interpretation of entertainment. Sonny said he has always (even the last 60 years) had small bands or a DJ for Friday or Saturday nights or at functions. Hugh asked Mr. Sell to provide a letter to the Board identifying the types or kind of entertainment that will be provided at the Circle 9, it may be redundant with current practices but Hugh stated he was uncomfortable in signing a letter stating permission to provide generic “entertainment”. Mr. Sell agreed to submit the letter to Kelly who will forward it to the town attorney for review. Don Harty said he spoke with the Town Attorney and would like some more time for her to reply.
Big Easy – application notice. Hugh noted that a new application for a liquor license has been received from the Liquor Commissioners Office. The wording for the use of the liquor license has been revised; from “Ballroom-Cocktail Lounge” to “Restaurant-Beverage/Wine Liquor License”. Sonny said the difference is that the restaurant stays open while the bar is open. Hugh said the Board will write a letter, addressing same correspondence as the first notice, with same testimony as held at both Commissioners hearings.
Bob Bean asked if the Board knew that there was a request in to the Liquor Commissioners Office for a rehearing. The Board said they have received copies.
Recommendations on Warrant Articles – The Board read each Article and voted “Yes” to
recommend all 12 Articles. Article 9 and 10 about the maintenance/repairs of town buildings
and a future building were discussed and explained.
Bob Bean asked about the procedure to have the Board recommend the articles. Board explained
that it informs the voters and Nancy said it is a NH RSA that requires the Selectmen and Budget
Committee to recommend each article.
Default Budget – The Board reviewed the preliminary default budget worksheet for 2017. Nancy said Article 1 for the operating budget does include a default amount. Nancy noted items under contractual changes and an amount for Revaluation was not included. Nancy noted that the State does allow this to be changed if need, up until the ballot is printed. Hugh Curley made a motionto approve the default budget as submitted for $3,312,186. Don Harty seconded the motion, all voted in favor.
Nancy spoke about encumbrance of funds from 2016 Budget. The outstanding bills/purchase orders are; Sanel for Highway, Radio chargers for Fire, Uniforms for Fire, transmission repair for Fire, cruiser for Police and storm damage clean-up at Webster park (stumpage & small pavilion). Hugh Curley made a motion to approve the total of 2016 encumbrances at $39,582.70. The repair at the Old Town Hall contract and Echo Valley Farm Road Bridge project (which is on-going with funding) is still encumbered from prior years. Motion was seconded by Don Harty, all voted in favor.
Refund request- A citizen is requesting a refund due to disability. The Board read the letter and noted that the registration was completed before notification to qualify for total disability. Hugh Curley made a motion, in accordance with RSA 261:141-8, to approve the requested rebate of $104.00. Don Harty seconded the motion, all voted in favor.
Police Staffing – Hugh Curley spoke about the time line for the Police Academy and to meet the date for recommending a 6th Officer. Hugh said they have tried 4 times before with only 1 success. Don Harty asked about the budgeted part time position and Hugh said they have not had any activity on that positon. Hugh spoke about advertising again. Don Harty said he would prefer to wait until full Board is present to discuss further. Kelly will put the discussion on the agenda for January 30th.
MINUTES FOR REVIEW AND DISCUSSION
Draft – Jan 3, 2017 were reviewed. Hugh Curley made a motion to approve the minutes as submitted. Don Harty seconded the motion, al voted in favor.
MINUTES were signed;
Final – December 19, 2016
Non-Public minutes – January 3, 2017
Special Meeting – January 4, 2017
Non-public minutes –January 4, 2017
Special Meeting- January 9, 2017
Selectmen Liaison Reports:
Hugh Curley said the Planning Board met and Mike Tardiff from CNHRPC spoke about his support to the Economic Development Committee. Hugh said he was asked by the Budget Committee to provide cost estimates for a new building as to what could be done for the requested $100,000.00 to have the Meetinghouse lower level occupied. Don asked Kelly to research this information. Hugh also said he is hoping to attend the DARE Program graduation on the 26th.
Don Harty spoke about the meeting with the property owners to have the water easement across the property for the Meetinghouse. Don said some concerns are being addressed and Kelly will draft the new language and have legal review.
For your Information:
BOS meetings schedule for 2017
Town of Bedford Notice – Tower
Unpaid list from Dawn (Board reviewed and initialed)
Trustees Report
DOT Bridge List
Candidate filing list
Request for vacation hours (Board reviewed and initialed)
5 Minutes for Public Questions and Comments:
Bob Bean spoke about the Police Academy candidates. Bob also asked about the BCEP sticker requirements.
Jill Lavin explained the sticker requirements at BCEP. Jill also said that the BCEP budget has not increased in 17 years.
Ron Colby spoke about the neighbors still living in the campground.
Virginia Drew spoke about the Library Celebration. Virginia also applauded the Board for setting aside some money for a new building as this rental space is costly and unsafe.
Virginia also noted that there is good information on the Police Chiefs Association web site regarding hiring. Board spoke about incentives to recruit officers and keep them employed. Virginia also asked Kelly if the hours for the Historical Building could be updated.
Nancy Wheeler asked if the Board could meet to sign the Warrant as it needs to be posted before the next meeting. Don and Hugh said they could meet January 23rd at 7:30AM. Kelly will confirm meeting.
At 7:25PM Hugh Curley made a motion to go into non-public session under RSA 91-A: 3 II (c) Reputation. Don Harty seconded the motion. A roll call vote was Don Harty – yes and Hugh Curley – Yes. (Chris Bowes absent). Motion passed.
At 7:40PM the Board returned from non-public session.
Hugh Curley made a motion to not seal the minutes. A roll call vote to not seal the minutes was Don Harty – yes and Hugh Curley – Yes. (Chris Bowes absent). Motion passed.
Hugh Curley made a motion to abate the taxes/lien, upon new ownership, for Map 01-4-8 in the amount of $10,205.55. Motion was seconded by Don Harty, all voted in favor.
At 7:48PM Hugh Curley made a motion to adjourn. Don Harty seconded, all voted in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Kelly Dearborn-Luce
Recording Secretary
These minutes are in preliminary draft form only and are subject to change before final approval.