Moultonborough Selectmen Meeting Minutes May 15th, 2008

II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
 
III. REVIEW/APPROVE MINUTES:  Ed Made the Motion to approve the Minutes of May 8, 2008 as written.  Betsey Seconded.  The Motion carried Unanimously.

IV. NEW RESIDENTS:  Matthew T. Sauriol, Roger C. Woodberry, Anthony J. III & Heather J. Toto.

 PUBLIC MEETING:  Karel welcomed Robert and Carol McPherson, friends of Carter’s, from Spencer, Massachusetts.  Mr. McPherson is Spencer’s Town Moderator.

VI. NEW BUSINESS:

1. Presentation Re:  Emergency Animal Sheltering:  Mike Lancor identified Dr. Kelley Keenan, Dr. Lindy North and Jackie Gerald, all of Meadow Pond Animal Hospital, Kate Lancor, Chief Scott Kinmond, Chief Dave Bengtson, and Carter Terenzini as members of the Town’s Emergency Management Animal Shelter Team.  Mr. Lancor explained that the Committee first focused on creating the emergency shelter for people at the Academy, setting up the generator, etc.  Since that has been accomplished, the next task is to create emergency shelter for the animals in Town.  He informed the Selectmen that the American Red Cross does not allow people to bring animals into shelters for humans.  Dr. North told the Selectmen that she and Dr. Kelley participated in a two day course for emergency animal shelter management.  They decided that the Meadow Pond Animal Hospital was the most suitable shelter site in Town for small animals.  Their next door neighbor, East Coast Foundation has offered to provide additional space for sheltering small animals.  The Committee’s now needs to identify a space for large animals/ livestock.  Kate Lancor stated that their next step is to develop an emergency management plan for sheltering animals.  They are reviewing three other plans from New Ipswich, Hanover, and Spencer, MA, which Carter obtained.  In addition, they need to identify resources in order to provide shelter for a period of three days.  Carter added that the Committee needs to execute a memo of understanding with the Town and Meadow Pond Animal Hospital and East Coast Foundation, creating a liability umbrella.  He added that he will work with Town Counsel to develop the memo of understanding.  Chief Scott Kinmond explained that they will conduct an estimated assessment for some kind of power, most likely from a portable generator.  Jackie Gerald informed the Selectmen that they will conduct seminars for pet owners for emergency readiness and they will need approximately thirty volunteers with four being with the NH Disaster Animal Response Team.  Chief Kinmond commented that a component of emergency preparedness is to gather information from other veterinarians in the area.  Mr. Lancor requested permission from the Selectmen to authorize the Town’s Emergency Management Animal Shelter Team to proceed with action steps A-K as described in the memo presented to them.  Mr. Lancor added that the Selectmen should know that no organization will assist with funding and they will be receiving estimates for the cost of a generator and identified necessities.  Karel expressed her opinion that she is in support of providing emergency shelter to animals, which will relieve their owners of the worry of their well being, allowing them to seek necessary shelter.  Chief Bengtson stated that without providing emergency shelter for animals, people will not their pets them and therefore risk their own safety in order to protect them.  Betsey Made the Motion to authorize the Emergency Management Animal Shelter Team to proceed with the planning items A-K.  Joel Seconded the Motion.  The Motion carried Unanimously.  Karel asked that they put her down as a volunteer in this effort.
2. Action Re:  Adopt A Spot Planting Plans:  Carter informed the Selectmen that they have received the planting proposals from Don Muscavitz for the Library; Gary & Melissa Torressen for the Recreation Building; Pineridge for the front of Town Hall; The Lions Club for Sutherland Park proposes to move some shrubs that they feel are misplaced.  Aubuchon Hardware will be sharing Sutherland Park with the Lions Club.  Planting proposals have yet to be received for the Public Safety Building and the Route 25/Center Harbor Town line.  Jim commented that there are still garden sites available.  Carter added that they are the three islands at Town Hall and suggested that maybe one group take an island each.  Laurie Whitley suggested that the Town hire a professional organization to complete the planting.  Karel stated that it wasn’t possible as it isn’t in the budget.  Carter was asked if the Town’s contract with Miracle Farms would allow them to do the planting.  He explained that the language in the contract allows the Selectmen to authorize the work.  Betsey suggested placing another Adopt A Spot ad.  Joel countered that responses wouldn’t come in for another two weeks.  There was discussion about seeking out groups/clubs in Town asking that they participate in the Adopt A Spot planting.  It was brought out that the cost of the plants may be what is preventing these groups from participating.  Joel suggested that they consider the Town buying the plants.  Jim and Carter agreed to meet again and look at the options.  The Selectmen by consensus approved all of the submitted proposals for planting.
3. Action Re:  Safe Routes to School Grant Application:  Carter explained that he; Chief Kinmond and Mike Lancor have worked on the grant application which was submitted.  The Chief commented that in the grant they looked at the safety aspect of children walking to the after school programs through the Recreation Department and Library.  Mr. Lancor stated that it is a good opportunity and they concentrated on a two mile radius from the school.  He added that this is a planning grant only, which will allow them to survey parents and students regarding walking and biking within this radius.  Carter added that the funds will allow them to create pamphlets, provide education and enforcement.  Mr. Lancor stated that the School Board met this week and gave their approval of the grant, adding that the Town would be the fiduciary agent for the funds.  Joel Made the Motion for the Selectmen to endorse the Start-Up grant under the Safe Routes to Schools program.  Betsey Seconded the Motion. The Motion carried Unanimously.  Mr. Lancor informed the Selectmen that they have received a lot of interest in this subject and hopefully, by providing safe walkways, it will result in a reduction in traffic and congestion at the school, especially at the end of the school day.
4. Action Re:  FY 08-10 Work Plan:  Carter submitted to the Selectmen a revised Work Plan for the period of 2008 to 2010.  Ed Made the Motion to accept the Town Administrator’s Work Plan for the FY 2008 to 2010.  Jim Seconded the Motion.  The Motion carried Unanimously.
5. Action Re:  Cumberland County Regional Communications:  Chief Kinmond explained that Cumberland County in Maine is expanding its frequency which is already close to the Town’s.  He added that there is a chance that it can cause interference to the Town’s frequency.  The Chief stated that he consulted with the Town’s provider, Ossipee Mountain Electronics and they recommend approving the request.  Cumberland County has stated that if any interference occurs to the Town as a result of their frequency that it is their responsibility which includes costs for correcting any problems.  Betsey Made the Motion to authorize the Chair to sign the Letter of Concurrence for Cumberland County with the stipulation that if any problem occurs as a result of the change of frequency that they will be responsible for correcting the problem.  Ed Seconded the Motion.  The Motion carried Unanimously.

VII. OLD BUSINESS:

1. Action Re:  Outing Club Request for Substance Abuse Prevention and Enforcement Fund:  Carter reminded the Selectmen that they tabled this in order to get a break down of costs from the Outing Club, which was included in this week’s packet, describing estimates from the First Student Bus Company for five different trips, totaling $1,250.  Caroline Nelson and Karen Pond, Advisors of the Outing Club from the Academy explained that they are requesting funds from the Substance Abuse Prevention & Enforcement Fund.  Ms. Nelson explained that the bulk of the request of funds was to pay for transportation.  In order to reach the most students, they want to provide a variety of activities.  Students are now paying for the activity, but not all can afford to pay.  The advisors would also like to offer scholarships.  Betsey asked how the Outing Club is associated with the school.  Ed expressed his concern that if the Selectmen approve the Outing Club’s request, then this would open the door for other clubs to request funding from this substance abuse prevention fund.  Ms. Nelson responded that it is a club through the school and they act as advisors.  The purpose of the club is to encourage a healthy lifestyle through outdoor activities.  Not all students want to participate in team sports and this would be an alternative to them.  She added that the MTA endorses the Outing Club.  Mr. Lancor explained that the club is sponsored by the school and the advisors are receiving a stipend.  He explained that prior to the Outing Club, there wasn’t a group to provide after school or weekend outdoor activities.  Fifty percent of students participate in organized sports, which leaves the other half that do not.  Any supervised activity for youth conducted outside of the school day is prevention.  Mr. Lancor stated that the school is the fiscal agent for MTA for liability and the same goes for the Outing Club.  Chief Kinmond commented that he feels the funding request is appropriate as it will provide substance abuse prevention.  He agreed that any supervised activity for adolescents is prevention, whether provided by the school or the Recreation Department.  Chief Kinmond did concur that the MTA needs to create clear guidelines for the use of the funds.  He added that he would like to see this money that comes from alcohol and drug violation fines to go towards the Town’s youth.  In addition, he informed the Selectmen that the MTA sponsored after prom party is now booked for the maximum amount of students.  Ed stated that he wants to see clear guidelines for the use of the Substance Abuse Prevention & Enforcement Fund and wondered if funds for the Outing Club should come from the school or Recreation Department.  Betsey continued to question how the Outing Club is connected to MTA and what its mission is.  Mr. Lancor responded that the MTA is affiliated with the National Substance Abuse Prevention Program, promoting changes in lifestyle for students and education for parents.  Chief Kinmond stated that he feels every kid is at risk.  Karel recommended that the Outing Club make their request for a specific outing or event.  Their earlier request is too vague.  Joel added that they should include the eligibility criteria for students to receive a scholarship.  Chief Kinmond suggested that the MTA create a yearly budget for their activities, as the three year grant period will be up at the end of the year.  The audience suggested that these activities be combined with educational programs for drug prevention.  It was also suggested that the students should be doing fund raisers for the money needed.  Discussion occurred about the pros and cons of both of these suggestions.  Karel stated that it is the consensus of the Board of Selectmen to deny the Outing Club’s request, but they recommend that they come back and make a request for a specific activity, including the number of participants, etc.
2. Action Re:  Ossipee Park Road Design Amendment:  Carter informed the Selectmen that the results of the water tests came back today and is being evaluated and asked that it remain tabled.  He added that LBG should be ready to make their recommendation to the Selectmen for next week’s meeting.  Tabled.

VIII. OTHER BUSINESS:

1. Legislative Update:  Betsey reported that this has been a long and frustrating week, as it appears there will be no constitutional amendment for the aid to needy towns.  She expressed her belief that this is due to political egos.  HB 539 will bring back donor towns and will go to the Governor June 5th.  Betsey added that she does not believe that this is for costing only and not funding.  The end result will be that the state has a definition of an adequate education that it can’t afford, which will result in new taxes for revenue, such as sales tax, or gambling, etc.
2. Karel acknowledged Scott Ouellette from the Canoe Restaurant and the new owner of the former Black Snout Tavern, soon to be known as the North End Restaurant and Italian Market.  She informed him that the Selectmen have signed the letter of support for the continued alcohol services that was in place by the former owners of the Black Snout Tavern.
3. Planning Board Update:  Ed reported that during last night’s meeting they met and discussed a lot at Crosswinds and also about businesses that are not in compliance with their site plans.  He asked Carter to have the CEO follow-up on the John Fessenden property.  As Carter was in attendance, Ed asked him to explain the discussion that he had with the Planning Board about its responsibility for the Capital Improvement Committee and the Selectmen’s identification of some governance issues for some committees.  By consensus, the Planning Board decided that they did not want this responsibility.  This can only be changed at Town Meeting and another committee needs to be named as responsible for the capital needs.  Carter will also be meeting with the Recreational Strategic Planning Team and the Municipal Needs Committee to discuss these issues.
3. Administration Update:  None.
4. Jim stated that he and Ed met with the School Board for the Advisory Budget Committee to discuss its charge, form, etc., and have it up and running soon with the goal of working on the 2009 budget. He added that they will meet again on Wednesday, May 28th.
5. Zoning Board of Adjustment Minutes, May 7, 2008:  Acknowledged.

IX. PENDING:

1. Policy for Closing Town Offices Emergency/Inclement Weather:  Carter asked that this be tabled for one more week.  Approved.

X. CORRESPONDENCE:

1. Paul Punturieri, May 8, 2008, Re: Proposed Town Meeting Day Closures:  Karel summarized Mr. Punturieri’s letter stating that he is opposed to closing Town departments (excluding those that deal with public safety) to allow employees to participate in Town Meeting.  Betsey stated that she is in favor of closing the Library and the Waste Management Facility on Town Meeting Day, which emphasizes the importance of attending Town Meeting.  The WMF is opened on Friday and Sunday, and the Library is only open on Saturdays for a few hours, therefore the negative impact is small.  The Selectmen all agreed with Betsey’s statement.  Carter will draft a letter expressing the Board’s sentiment.
2. Golden View Health Care Center, May 6, 2008, Re:  Letter of Support:  Karel explained that this Nursing Home is expanding its facility by adding 33 beds and is requesting a letter of support from the Town.  She added that although the Town is not in Belknap County, many of its residents utilize the services.  The Selectmen agreed by consensus to sign the letter of support.
 
XI. ADJOURNMENT:     Ed Made the Motion to Adjourn.  Betsey Seconded.
                                         Motion Carried Unanimously.
                                         Karel adjourned the meeting at 8:35 p.