TOWN OF DUNBARTON
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MINUTES OF MEETING
JANUARY 9, 2003
Present: Chuck Graybill, Chair
J.R. Swindlehurst III
Janice VandeBogart, Town Administrator
7:00 p.m.,Carl Metzger: came in to request that the Technology Committee be re-established. He suggested that this could save the Town money by avoiding hiring consultants, the website could be updated more often and the Committee could be used as a resource for tasks like researching networking options and other computer needs. Chuck asked if the Committee members would have enough time to update the website, to which Carl responded that they would. Janice indicated that the current glitches have been worked out and was due to Dan Troy not being authorized with the internet provider. Janice suggested that Carl contact Dan Troy. Carl mentioned a new technology which can eliminate the maintenance of the website. Carl will contact Dan. Carl indicated that the following residents are interested in being on the Committee: Carl Metzger, Larry Cook, and Dave Breault. Carl also suggested that Nancy Lang would be a good candidate. A brief discussion then followed about the necessity for additional help with the website, along with a brief history of the website. Chuck would like Dan Troy to come in to see the Selectmen.
7:20 p.m., Ken Swayze, Planning Board update. Ken indicated that the Stillwater case was dismissed in court, with the ruling being 100% in favor of the Town. Fred Weston may need to come in the first week in February. He has the right to appeal.
Ken indicated that the Drobat matter is a potentially going forward legal matter. Chuck indicated that he informed Larry Cook that the Town isn't going to expend any more funds on this matter. Funds would need to come from the Conservation Commission.
Ken indicated that the cost estimates for updating the Master Plan have come in way above the $40,000 allocated by the Board.
Chuck indicated that the Planning Board needs to have public hearings concerning the new international building codes before putting it on the Town Warrant.
7:35 p.m. Jan VandeBogart, Highway Budget. Chuck asked Jan whether the current snow removal budget will be sufficient, given the number of snowstorms recently. Jan was unsure. Janice indicated that in the past the budget was increased at the Town Meeting, if necessary. Chuck warned Jan that Dan Gobin is going to be questioning the snow removal costs. J.R. asked if there was enough money in the budget to buy the culverts on Rangeway Rd. Chuck questioned whether the Paving and Construction line item was too high. Jan indicated that any excess funds will be turned back to the Town. Chuck asked whether spending in 2003 will be as high as in 2002. Jan mentioned it seemed reasonable, especially considering the corner culverts needed on Tenney Hill Rd. Chuck would like to see more funds ($10,000) moved into Roadside Mowing, from the Contractors line item. Chuck asked about road striping, to which Jan responded that it was mandatory and there have been problems with workers not showing up. He feels we need a stipulation when put out to bid regarding this problem. Chuck wants funds moved out of the Crushing Gravel line item. Janice checked and learned that in 2001 $60,000 was spent on Robert Rogers Rd. A brief discussion about gravel needs took place. Jan wants to increase Crushing Gravel to $15,000. Chuck asked about the salt shed. Jan indicated that he needs the price of the concrete foundation and walls and wants a 50' x 100 ' plastic shed , which is guaranteed. Chuck asked Jan to do site work at the Town Garage this summer. Chuck thanked Jan and complimented him and his crew for the work they did in 2002.
8:20 p.m. Tim Terragni, Sales Ratio
Tim came in to warn the Board that the ratio will be way down, which means less money. Tim indicated that Current Use will reduce funds and he expects things to get worse until the re-evaluation is done. He would like to get bids out and lock someone in.
8:25 p.m. Bruce Vaal, Building Dept. Budget
Bruce updated the Board on permits issued to construction and additions. He indicated that the house permits were up by 11 in 2002. Tommie has been experiencing software glitches and has not received appropriate support from the provider. Janice told Bruce that Tommie needs a new chair and pads on the floor. Bruce indicated that Tommie would like a raise, but that he wants her to increase her speed with data entry first.
8:45 p.m. Other Business:
Janice indicated that the Town's auditors suggested that the Town should not be paying the Conservation Commission for Town land.
Ethics Committee has started to meet with Town employees, to explain the duties and illustrated with different scenarios. There have been no complaints made to the Committee.
Chuck indicated that he would not put the Selectmen's opinion on non-money warrant articles this year. It was done similarly last year. Patty Shearin asked that the Selectmen support the Heritage Commission.
9:10 p.m. Ron Slocum, Recycling Committee
Ron requested a description of the duties of the Recycling Committe members. Chuck read minutes from a prior Selectmen's meeting minutes. Ron talked about automating information for the Supervisor of the Checklist.
97 p.m. J.R. motioned, which was seconded by Chuck, to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried.
________________________________________________________________
Chuck Graybill, Chairman
________________________________________________________________
J.R. Swindlehurst, III, Selectman
Respectfully Submitted:
Joanne Johnson