Selectmen Meeting Minutes 12/04/2008

1. Action Re: Communication from LGC Re: Setting Maximum Contributions for FSA:

Carter asked that this item be tabled and he will provide the Selectmen with an update at

next week’s meeting. Approved.

2. Action Re: Dennis Davey, Contribution to Sick Leave Bank: The Selectmen

acknowledged Mr. Davey’s contribution of sixteen hours to the Employee Sick Leave

Bank.

3. Action Re: Request for Permission for Bon Fire, Recreation Dept., Winter Solstice Party:

Karel asked if the Fire Chief was aware and learned from Hope that Chief Bengtson

approved as long as the Selectmen gave their approval. Approved by Consensus.

4. Action Re: Request to Redeem Tax Deeded Properties, David Nickerson, MBLU #’s

018-033, 018-029, 018-028, 018-022: Karel asked and Carter confirmed, that one of

these lots, when tax deeded, required a clean up at a cost to the Town of approximately

$5,000. Carter added that Mr. Nickerson is within the three year redemption period.

Karel suggested and the Selectmen agreed that a letter be sent to Mr. Nickerson to include

the clean up costs in addition to the penalties for all four lots. Joel added that the

redemption time limit be included in the letter. Approved.

December 4, 2008

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5. Action Re: Request for Town to Buy Back Cemetery Lots, Charles W. Kerner, III:

Karel stated that it is the Town’s practice to buy back unwanted cemetery lots at the same

price that it was purchased. She explained that non-residents may purchase cemetery lots

but at the same cost of the town where they reside. Karel added that the two lots are in

the Middlesex Cemetery and will be available. Approved by Consensus.

6. Action Re: Kaitlyn Hull, End of Probation, November 17, 2008: Karel reported that the

Selectmen were notified that Ms. Hull has successfully completed her probationary

period and is to receive 100% of her pay retroactive to November 17, 2008.

7. Action Re: Internal Transfer of Budgetary Funds: Karel explained that there is an

override in the Town Clerk’s budget for salaries, which is due to the state finally

implementing a mandatory program, requiring additional staff time. Joel Made the

Motion to approve of the transfer of funds to the Town Clerk’s salary line items per the

Administrator’s recommendation outlined in his weekly update. Betsey Seconded the

Motion. The Motion carried Unanimously.

8. Action Re: Funds for Fox Hollow Related Survey: Carter reported that in order to be

ready for the spring, he’d like to get as much done during 2008 as possible and begin the

surveying before the snow prevents outdoor work. The cost is approximately $5,000

which includes engineering expenses and to come from the State Aid to Roads fund.

Betsey asked if there is any criterion to using the SAR fund. Carter reported that they

have researched the question and as long as the work pertains to Town roads they are

within the boundaries. Carter requested authority to sign the contract. Joel Made the

Motion to approve $5,000 towards surveying and engineering for the Fox Hollow

intersection and authorizing Carter to sign the contract. Betsey Seconded the Motion.

The Motion carried Unanimously.

1. Establishment of a Heritage Commission: Karel acknowledged Cristina Ashjian’s letter

of interest to create and serve on the proposed Heritage Commission. She also

acknowledged Jane Fairchild’s email of support for the commission. Karel expressed her

feeling that prior to the Selectmen approving and creating the commission, she would like

too would like to receive a recommendation from the Planning Board and the Master Plan

Committee. Karel and the Selectmen agreed to table this until next week’s meeting.

Bruce Worthen expressed his interest of serving on the Heritage Commission to the

Selectmen, and he recently emailed his intent to the Selectmen’s office. Ms. Fairchild

stated that the Planning Board is aware that they have made this proposal and reminded

their group doesn’t want to lose momentum. Carter informed the Selectmen that the

grant writing work shop that Ms. Ashjian referred to at last week’s meeting was canceled

by the state at the last minute due to funding. Ms. Ashjian reported that the NH

Preservation Alliance is scheduling grant writing workshops in February and March.

1. Legislative Update: Betsey reported that she was sworn in this week and the rules are in

place. The Legislature will start in February reviewing the state’s funding promises,

which will be difficult as funding is drying up. She added that gambling, and a sales and

December 4, 2008

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income tax are three funding mechanisms the state may be considering. Betsey

encouraged anyone with any funding ideas to contact her. She feels that the state won’t

be able to afford the cost of education relying on property taxes alone. Joel suggested

that the state assess a tax for water that is bottled in NH and sold out of state. Al Hume

asked if the proposed constitutional amendment for aid to needy towns is a dead issue.

Betsey stated that she feels it will be brought up again.

2. Planning Board Update: Ed reported that with the death of Burt Watson, the Master Plan

information may be delayed.

3. Administration Update: Acknowledged. Carter asked the Selectmen for their support to

write a letter to the Town’s senator and senator elect, and also President Elect Obama

regarding his proposed economic stimulus package for the county’s infrastructure, asking

for assurances that the money will trickle down to towns versus staying at federal and

state levels. Betsey suggested that Governor Lynch also receive the letter. Approved by

Consensus.

4. Planning Board Meeting Minutes, November 12, 2008: Acknowledged.

5. Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting Minutes, November 19, 2008: Acknowledged.

6. Advisory Budget Committee, Meeting Minutes, November 6, 10 & 25, 2008:

Acknowledged.

1. Karel asked Carter to follow up on the complaint they received regarding the David Nave

property. He said he would check with the Code Enforcement Officer.

1. Frederick Van Magness, November 18, 1008: Karel reported that Mr. Van Magness is

writing about the Town proposing to charge a fee for use of its boat launch sites for

commercial groups and non-residents. Mr. Van Magness was under the impression that

Center Harbor residents would have access to the Town’s boat launches. Karel clarified

that this is incorrect and he was misinformed.

2. Jane Fairchild, November 21, 2008: The Selectmen acknowledged Ms. Fairchild’s letter

of support for the proposed Heritage Commission.

3. Center Harbor Selectmen, November 17, 2008: Karel reported that Center Harbor will be

holding a Public Informational Hearing for the replacement of High Haith Bridge. She

added that the Town has offered to pay to replace the dry hydrant by the bridge which

also serves Moultonborough residents.

4. Catherine A. Stanley, November 24, 2008: Karel asked that the letter be referred to the

Assessor. Carter will send a letter to Ms. Stanley acknowledging her correspondence and

it has been referred to the Town Assessor.

5. Cristina M. Ashjian, November 25, 2008: Acknowledged.

Joel Made the Motion for the Selectmen to go into Non-Public Session per RSA 91-A:3 II (a). Jim

Seconded the Motion. Karel asked for a roll call: Jim – Aye; Betsey – Aye; Ed – Aye; Joel – Aye;

Karel – Aye. The Selectmen went into Non-Public Session at 7:35 p.m.

Ed Made the Motion for the Selectmen to come out of Non-Public Session and to seal the Non-Public

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Minutes until the matter(s) is resolved. Betsey Seconded the Motion. Karel asked for a roll call: Jim –

Aye; Betsey – Aye; Ed – Aye; Joel – Aye; Karel – Aye. The Selectmen came out of Non-Public Session

at 7:55 p.m.

Motion Carried Unanimously.

Karel adjourned the meeting at 7:56 p.m.

_____________________________________ ____________________________

Approved Date

Respectfully Submitted

Hope K. Kokas, Secretary

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