Selectmen Minutes August 28th, 2008
Notes from the MCA: As always we attempt to clarify and expand on information presented in the selectmen minutes as compared to the meetings. The video of the 8/28/2008 meeting will be available in the near future on this website.
MCA
These are "draft" minutes and not verbatim as provided by the Selectmen's Officc. We encourage attendees to comment on any errors or inconsitencies so we can provide the public with correct and complete minutes.
OFFICE OF SELECTMEN
Selectmen’s Meeting August 28, 2008
DRAFT
MINUTES
Present: Selectmen: Karel A. Crawford, Edward J. Charest, James F. Gray; Joel R. Mudgett, Betsey L. Patten; Carter Terenzini, Town Administrator; Hope K. Kokas, Secretary.
I. CALL TO ORDER: Karel called the meeting to Order at 6:30 P.M.
Jim Made the Motion to go into Non-Public session per RSA 91-A:3 (a). Betsey Seconded the Motion. Karel called for a roll call: Jim – Aye; Betsey – Aye; Ed – Aye; Joel – Aye; Karel – Aye. The Selectmen went into Non-Public session at 6:32 p.m.
Joel Made the Motion to come out of Non-Public session. Ed Seconded the Motion. Karel called for a roll call: Jim – Aye; Betsey – Aye; Ed – Aye; Joel – Aye; Karel – Aye. The Selectmen came out of Non-Public session at 6:55 p.m.
Betsey Made the Motion to seal the Non-Public Minutes until the matters are resolved. Ed Seconded the Motion. The Motion carried Unanimously.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
III. REVIEW/APPROVE MINUTES: Ed Made the Motion to approve the Minutes of August 14, 2008 as written. Jim Seconded. The Motion carried unanimously.
IV. NEW RESIDENTS: Dolores J. Law, Richard L. & Nancy H. Lapan, Jessica L. Barrett, Joel D. & Sarah A. Weeman, Edward M. Kaers, David A. & Mary T. Daigneault, Douglas P. & Stephanie Desjardins, Jonathan A. Cornellier, Patricia A. & Todd M. Cornellier, Karl E. & Theresa B. Eichhorn, Julio Colón, Jaime L. & Brian Thornock, William S. Burr, John E. & Margaret W. Aron, Donald B. & Marilyn L. Weatherbee, William J. Ponte.
V. PUBLIC MEETING:
1. Dave Babson, Candidate for State Senate District 3: Mr. Babson introduced himself to the Selectmen, explaining that he is running for the District 3 Senate seat. Karel asked him to talk about his thoughts on educational funding in the state. He stated that he supports targeted aid to needy towns and a constitutional amendment returning the control of education to the legislature. Mr. Babson added that the state now has a huge deficit due to the recent bonding and has created indebtedness to future generations. He would like to see changes to the federally funded and regulated fuel assistance program to ensure that there are enough funds for those that really need it. He explained that presently those who apply for fuel assistance do not have to report their assets and only the last 30 days of employment is verified. .......
Karel stated that the Town is very concerned about the fuel costs and the need to reach out to residents who are to proud to ask for help. Mr. Babson asked the Selectmen what the Town’s policy is about campaigning at the Waste Management Facility. He was informed that candidates must request and receive approval from the Selectmen and must not impede the activity that takes place. Mr. Babson asked that he be allowed to campaign at the WMF and the Selectmen approved by Consensus.
2. Jim Morrison presented his letter to the Selectmen and read it into the Minutes (see attached). He stated that in response to the May 15th meeting and Carter’s statement that all of the Adopt a Spots have not been adopted, he donated $100 for the purpose of the Town purchasing plants for the empty garden spots. To date his check has not been cashed and he requested that it be returned to him. Carter replied that it was his intent to return his check with the closing of the program, as it was the only donation received and was not needed. He added that he would return his check post haste. Karel and the Selectmen offered their apologies, stating that they were unaware of his donation, but appreciate his effort. They assured Mr. Morrison that his check would be returned promptly.
3. Al Hume presented Paul Punturieri’s letter to the Selectmen and read it on his behalf, regarding the August 14, 2008 Selectmen’s meeting regarding his conversation with Time Warner Corp. (see attached). Karel responded to Mr. Punturieri’s letter, stating that in fact she spoke with Rodney King, not Mike Edgecomb as he states in his letter, and he told her that he was under the impression that Mr. Punturieri’s request was being made on behalf of the Town. Relating to the videoed Selectmen’s meetings, Betsey reported that she was told by one of her constituents that recently she requested to view a current video and found out that tapes are not being lent out since September 2007. Karel noted that it had been reported that all of the tapes are available at the Library and asked why this isn’t the case. Hollis Austin responded the tapes are being professionally labeled and will be returned to the library soon. Betsey asked Mr. Austin to check into this situation and report back to her.
4. Mike Ritchey addressed the Selectmen telling them that his car was in an accident requiring that his windshield be replaced and he lost his WMF/Beach sticker. Upon requesting a new one from Town Hall he learned that he must provide a piece of the sticker for a free replacement or buy another for $5.00. Mr. Ritchey asked the Selectmen to approve replacing the sticker for free. Joel Made the Motion to approve the free replacement of one WMF/Beach sticker to Mike Ritchey. Betsey Seconded the Motion. Joel commented that the Receptionist was following Town policy and acted accordingly.
5. Sally Carver reported to the Selectmen that the Supervisors of the Checklist have completed their training and are ready for the upcoming elections. She stated that at this time it is too late to change one’s party affiliation. Ms. Carver asked the Selectmen to recall her previous letter regarding her concern that commercial properties are selling vehicles on their property and are not in compliance with the Zoning Ordinance. She added that since then most of the properties that she previously spoke of have been addressed; however
6. Hollis Austin presented his letter to the Selectmen and read it into the Minutes (attached) regarding the MCA’s request to TWC and their subsequent request to the Town to broadcast the videoed Selectmen’s meetings.
VI. NEW BUSINESS:
1. Introduction of New Staff and Appointees: Debra Peaslee, Director of the Moultonborough Visiting Nurse Service introduced Cecile Andrews, RN as the department’s new per-diam nurse. The Selectmen welcomed her to Town.
2. Action Re: Annual Investment Policy Review and Update: Karel reported that they are mandated by the state to review yearly the Town’s Annual Investment Policy. Betsey Made the Motion to approve the 2008 Annual Investment Policy as presented. Joel Seconded the Motion. The Motion carried Unanimously.
3. Action Re: Referred from Workshop - Proposed Policy PEG Channel Access: Karel reported that the Selectmen worked on this proposed policy during their recent work session. She asked Carter if the SAU had reviewed the draft of the policy. Carter stated that Town Counsel and Time Warner have reviewed it and had some minor edits, but he didn’t forward it to the Superintendent’s office. He added that once the policy is approved he will meet with Rodney King of TWC and the SAU for their review. The Selectmen agreed that they would like the Superintendent’s office to review the policy first before approving it. Betsey added that she would like to take time during a Selectmen’s Meeting to explain the policy to the public. Carter stated he will clean up the edits and distribute it to the SAU office and staff for their Board’s review by Wednesday.
4. Action Re: Referred from Workshop - Renaming of Welfare Department & Staff to “Human Services”: Karel stated that the Selectmen have chosen to change the name of the Welfare Department to Human Services. The only change is the name of the department. Ed Made the Motion to change the name of the Welfare Department to Human Services Department. Jim Seconded the Motion. The Motion carried Unanimously.
5. Action Re: Referred from Workshop - Charge & Appointment of Transportation Representative: Karel reported that the Selectmen have made a resolution to make this a priority. Joel Made a Motion to appointment Carter Terenzini as the Town’s representative. Betsey Seconded the Motion. The Motion carried Unanimously.
6. Action Re: Referred from Workshop – Closure Policy: Carter reported that Town Counsel has reviewed the proposed policy and made changes regarding “staying of deadlines”. Carter requested that the Selectmen adopt the policy. Betsey asked and the Selectmen agreed that the Library be allowed to review the draft of the policy and submit their suggestions prior to adoption.
7. Action Re: Clarification of Lee’s Mill Trust Funds w/DRA: Carter reported that this must be rectified at the 2009 Town Meeting.
8. Action Re: Petition for Warrant Article, Construction of Firearms Range at WMF: Karel acknowledged receipt of the petition and asked that it be placed in the 2009 Town Meeting folder.
9. Action Re: Temporary Sandwich Fair Signs: Karel commented that the Selectmen receive this request each year. Betsey Made the Motion to approve the temporary Sandwich Fair Signs. Ed Seconded the Motion. The Motion carried.
10. Action Re: House Resolution #11, Annual Free Tire Collection Day: Betsey informed the Selectmen that the House used the word “urge” and it is not mandatory. Carter added that it is an effort to prevent improper disposal and dumping of tires. Francis states that the cost is $150 per ton. Carter recommended having the collection day during the spring and limiting four tires per sticker. The question arose that if it is by sticker and a household has multiple cars with stickers then the numbers could be very high. If the limit is set by household, this could be difficult to monitor. Carter replied that he and Francis will study this and report back by mid October.
11. Action Re: Referral to Workshop - Proposed Policy Internet & Implementation: Carter reported that the Selectmen have worked on the proposed policy during their recent work session. Karel asked about linking to businesses in Town and if this is done by other towns. Carter replied that he had sought feedback as to how pro business the Selectmen wanted the website to be and did not hear one way or the other. Betsey suggested having the link to the Chamber of Commerce. Carter stated that during the next workshop he would give a presentation to the Selectmen so they can see how other towns provide links to businesses in their towns.
12. Action Re: Selectmen’s Meeting Schedule: Carter presented two proposed schedules to the Selectmen, meeting either the second and fourth Thursdays with a work session or the first and the third with a work session. Karel stated that for her, the work sessions must be on a Thursday. Ed commented that he is not in favor of meeting every other week and added that after the summer he can only do a work session at night. Jim agreed that he preferred to have the meetings weekly. Betsey stated that from January through June she can only meet at night and she prefers meeting weekly with work sessions. Joel suggested meeting weekly on the first, second, and third Thursday with a work session on the fourth Thursday. The Selectmen then discussed what would occur during those months when there are five Thursdays. The Selectmen agreed that they would reserve the fifth Thursday. Carter asked that the next meeting occur on September 11, 2008 at which time he will create a meeting schedule. Approved.
13. Karel reported that she, Joel and Ed met with the Center Harbor Selectmen and it was a good conversation. It was requested that the Town construct a fire hydrant on High Haith, as Center Harbor is reconstructing the bridge on this road which is used by Moultonborough residents to get to their property on the road. Joel volunteered to work with Center Harbor towards this effort. Approved by Consensus. Karel stated that they also talked about the Route 25 Corridor Study, ride sharing, and mutual uses of town beaches. She added that the Center Harbor Selectmen are drafting a policy for reciprocal use of each town’s beach with the appropriate permit. The Selectmen agreed to continue meeting on a regular basis and they will invite the Center Harbor Board to their meeting in the near future. The Selectmen were asked if they discussed Moultonborough residents using the Center Harbor ramp at no charge. Karel reported that they have had this discussion in the past and the Center Harbor Board was not in favor as parking space is limited to even their residents.
14. Karel reported that she met with the Pathway Committee on the problem that exists on Phase II. The engineer was also in attendance and he recommended that they plant a test strip with a weed called crown vetch, hoping that the height of the flowers will prevent cars from pulling over. She added that they expect to request that the Town budget money to purchase equipment to sweep the Pathway.
15. Karel read the letter to the Library that they have been awarded “Library of the Year” for the outstanding facility and the amount of support that they receive. The Selectmen congratulated the Library on this achievement and all agreed that it is a great Library.
16. Carter reported that the engineer has submitted a change order for the reconstruction of Ossipee Park Road, specifically refreshing a catch basin at the top of the road and installing two additional catch basins, straightening a curve, placing raised 8” curbing to protect the stone wall, etc. One of the catch basins will require a discharge easement from Lakes Region Conservation Society, which they have agreed to give. The cost is $45,754.50 and Carter requested that the Selectmen authorize the Chairman to sign the change order in the amount of $46,000 to cover any incidentals. Jim expressed concern about the drainage and water entering the abutters’ water supply. He suggested that the abutters’ engineer be allowed to review the proposed changes. Joel Made the Motion to authorize the Chair to sign the change order after the Vappi family engineer reviews and approves the proposed changes. Betsey Seconded the Motion. The Motion carried.
VII. OLD BUSINESS:
1. Lakes Region Water Company Matters: Carter stated that he has no update.
VIII. OTHER BUSINESS:
1. Legislative Update: Betsey reminded everyone that primary elections are on September 9, 2008 at the Public Safety Building and the general election is November 4, 2009.
2. Planning Board Update: Ed stated he was unable to attend the last meeting.
3. Administration Update: No update.
4. Planning Board Minutes, August 13, 2008: Acknowledged.
5. Municipal Needs Committee, WMF Site Visit, August 15, 2008: Acknowledged. Karel commented that their recommendations were very thorough and appreciated. She stated that the Selectmen will review them. She asked that this item remain on the Agenda.
IX. PENDING: None.
X. CORRESPONDENCE:
1. James R. Medley, August 8, 2008: Karel summarized Mr. Medley’s letter and intent to give his property in Suissevale away. The Selectmen agreed that they would like Carter to look into the matter and the parcel in question.
2. Dale S. Mayer, August 12, 2008: Ms. Mayer’s letter thanked the Selectmen for a pleasant visit to the Town Hall, adding that staff in Administration were very helpful. The Selectmen agreed that it is always a pleasure to receive this kind of correspondence.
3. Benjamin R. Foster, August 17, 2008: Mr. Foster’s letter stated that he is not in favor of the proposed MPD shooting range at the WMF.
4. Carroll County Disaster Declaration (public only), Tornado of July 24, 2008: Carter reported that Chief Bengtson is working on this and the Town has approximately $4,000 in costs as a result of the Tornado.
XI. ADJOURNMENT: Ed Made the Motion to Adjourn. Joel Seconded.
Motion Carried Unanimously.
Karel adjourned the meeting at 9:27 p.m.
_____________________________________ ____________________________
Approved Date
Respectfully Submitted
Hope K. Kokas, Secretary
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I agree with the MCA webpage comments. The MCA is not in any way responsible to the BOS. All the selectmen can do is ask questions of the MCA, such as when/will all the tapes be available in the library? A remark to Mr Austin, which is not in the minutes, was that Mr Austin continually says that the tapes are available in the library. Mr Austin responded that it is not he who says that but rather the papers. He also stated that meeting videos are posted on the MCA webpage. I could go on about the minutes and their omission of facts and accuracy but there is not enough comment space to point out all the differences between the meetings themselves and the minutes. What is not conveyed thru the minutes, and is only detectable by attending a meeting, is the attitudes, posture,facial expressions and general tone of condecension by the selectmen, mostly by the chair. Nowhere in these minutes from Aug 28th does it mention an exchange between Mr Hume and Karel Crawford. Heated and shameful on behalf of the chair. It is quite apparent that she detests anyone disagreeing with her. She also appears to speak on behalf of the entire board. I also wonder if she deliberately speaks in such a soft tone (at times) as she knows she is being recorded, thus making it difficult for someone to completely understand what she has said. Here’s a tip for those of you who desire to view the meetings on this webpage: headphones work wonders! Try it. You’ll be amazed at what is said.