TOWN OF DUNBARTON

OFFICE OF THE SELECTMEN

MINUTES OF MEETING

 

 

July 24, 2003

 

Chuck Graybill, Chairman

J.  R. Swindlehurst

Steve Kennedy

 

Janice VandeBogart, Town Administrator

 

7:-00 PM

 

Meeting called to order.

 

7:30 PM – Meeting with  Department Supervisors: Patrick Bowne Transfer Station Supervisor, Christopher Connelley, Police Officer, Jon Wiggin, Fire Chief, Ken Swayze, Building Inspector and  Jan VandeBogart, Road Agent.

 

It was noted that the Selectmen would like to have quarterly meetings of department  supervisors to exchange comments regarding what was going on in their department.

Ken Swayze, Building Inspector:   Ken noted that he had a lot of things going at once, compliance,  small complaints, permits for new houses – only six so far being the lowest in decade for new homes but all are down.  On the administrative front, Barbara McCann, Secretary, is doing an excellent job and helping with Planning Board items as well.  Keefe and Zabadee subdivisions are in approval state and  Stinson Heights in court, dead in water at this time.   Complaints consist of neighbor to neighbor problems, noise, asking if they have permit, start work too early in the morning, are they too close to line, etc.

 

Regarding starting work early in the morning, Chris Connelly from the Police Department  stated the state law says  7am to 11 pm.  Majority are complaints about starting too early in the morning rather than working late in the day.  Dunbarton does not have an ordinance.  Establishing an ordinance was discussed.  Ken felt that it could put a choke on contractors.  Chris said it would be helpful to have something on books, makes it enforceable.  The state law deals with disorderly conduct law which would have to be an habitual offense.   Steve Kennedy stated that a  reasonable time to start could be 7am. And he thought it would be helpful to have a town ordinance. 

 

Chris Connelly will get together with Chief Jeff Nelson  to discuss having a hearing on noise ordinance.

 

Tenney Hill Road:  Selectman Steve Kennedy stated that Leo Martel was in to inquire about tree cutting by the Public Service on Tenney Hill Road. Public Service has indicated to Martel that they can cut any trees they need to.  The Road Agent,  Jan VandeBogart stated that he spoke to the Public Service and they were told they could not cut trees. Tenney Hill Road is a scenic road and the PS could not cut without a public hearing.  Ken Swayze stated he would call Leo Martel  and let him know.  Jan told the landowner on Tenney Hill Road, Mr. Fraser, that the Public Service will have to put the wires and poles in without cutting trees.  Public Service is aware that if  it’s a scenic road they would be in trouble if cut without the landowners permission.  Tenney Hill Road is 66 ft wide and one of the widest ROW for a dirt road in town.  But would have to have a public hearing. 

 

Subdivision Plans:  Chuck Graybill mentioned that the board wanted copies of all future subidvision plans be sent to the post office.  Ken Swayze agreed and will follow up on this.

 

Jon Wiggin, Fire Chief:   Emergency runs same as last year.  Non emergency items have increased.  The department has been awarded a defibulator from the Concord Hospital, received last week, referred to as a  AED  Automatic External Defibulator called a Homeland Security Grant and was in the amount of $5500 .  Every town was allotted some money, company will front the money for the towns and state will pay them.  Town will not have to pay out funds.   Federal Grant money,  requested money be transferred to town account and will be here within the next two weeks.

 

Equipment Breakdowns:  Repairs  to Engine 1, pump repairs, 9 valves, 6 pipes rusted off.  $3000 for that truck.  Old truck broke down and ordered parts for that, waiting for parts, will be down for two weeks.  Need to buy tires and maintenance of vehicles in September and the budget is half gone now.  The Overhead doors on the station need to be repaired and the man for the company will start in a couple of weeks.  One fire Department member is doing some of the work on the entrance to the building.

 

Ambulance Intercepts:  Budgeted $1500 but over budget as of now.  Ambulance billing started 2/2/03 billed $18,000 received $7,500 to date.  Treasurer, Pam Milioto checked with state, who set up account and $140 is invoiced every month.   Jon question if the town could pay intercept bills out of that account.  BOS said to have Pam check into it.

 

Jon relayed to the board that there is a lot of paper work that needed to be done and he was far behind.  A lap top computer would help with work on inspections, etc.  Talked about having a secretary help. 

 

Ken Swayze stated that the fire chief needs to get paid inspection time of Sprinkler Systems and burner permits. Jon bills to  town at the end of the year.  Ken said there needs to be care taken that the revenue half of this covers costs.  Ken needs to work on updating fees.  Also, Road Agent needs to check driveway permits which is another cost.  Other towns gets fees for re-inspection.  Will have a public hearing on fee schedules.  This department should pay for itself. 

 

Road Agent, Jan VandeBogart:  Reported that new highway employee Alan Sheldon is doing great.  He started on July 14th.  Jan stated that the Robert Rogers (in front of School) project will be put off till next year because of proposed improvements to intersection of Robert Rogers and Route 13. Rangeway Road, blasting of ledge would be about $12000 and felt this was too much money.  There is only one house there before get to the turn around so not going to blast the ledge. Will remove some ledge to replace culvert.  Tenney Hill Road, culvert, will be taken care of next week to replace large culvert because wants to get fill from Rick Martin.  Regarding paving for the year, Jan stated that they would not show up until all other jobs are done because we are a small job.  Road Striping, have not showed up as yet and promised back in June.  Will call someone else to do the job. Three culverts  on Tenney Hill Road, one on Long Pond,  and Jan stated that the permit was good till 2007 so if we don’t get to all of them this year, we have time.  Road side mowing, on list to rent a machine for September, because of the leaves and site.  Would like to fix gravel roads for the fire trucks.  Pave some on Twist Hill and lower part of Montalona where Goffstown left off their paving project.  Everett Road, paved to garage.  Stillwater only to do base coat and the town to do overlay of all with money put up  by Stillwater.  

 

Jan VandeBogart told the board that Bob Perry had called him to go see where he is re-doing a driveway for his duplex on Morse Road.  This driveway would be next to the new proposed road.  Jan does not want to issue a permit.  Ken stated that the driveway was going to be off the new subdivision road and the Planning Board had told Perry this.  Perry needs a driveway permit coming off the new road not off Morse Road and this would not be issued until the new subdivision road was approved by the town.

 

Steve went on to say that he was very concerned about this road and need to do some serious road assessment for the longevity of the road.  Wants a surety bond to guarantee this road.    Continuing guarantee requested by the BOS, suggested by the PB.

 

Chistopher Connelly, Police Department: Chris talked about  Grant funding from Dept. of Justice which was prepared by the Chief offered by the Domestic Preparedness Program.  This would be for Personnel protective equipment for officers.  $ 3,019.80.  Department will  be getting the grant.  Chuck congratulated CC on all his work.  Chris reported on an incident at Clough State park by which the department had been working with the Army Corp of Engineers regarding a potential terrorist incident.  Chris assured everyone that it was not a terrorist incident after all, however, Everett Dam is on the list of 100 potential terrorist  targets. 

 

Chris also stated that the department applied for a Road Grant, regarding community block grant, through NH Central Regional Planning Commission.  $300,000 is available and town will most likely get some of it.  Ken point out that the reason why we might get money is because the state is awarding money to small town that might never otherwise get a chance to receive money. The Selectmen extended their appreciation to Chief Jeff Nelson.

 

Chris stated the Police got a call at Kimball Pond for a  break in.  The people had parked their car and while taking a walk their car was broken into and the lady’s purse vandalized.  

Patrick Bowne (Woody), Transfer Station Supervisor:  Woody stated that he had hired two new people, working out great.  He has applied for a grant for  a new baler.  $3000 to $5000 is the range of the grant.  Regarding the project: haven’t had time to do anything because of shortage of help.   Spoke to some contractors by phone and will continue to follow up.  Woody stated that he has been testing the compactor.  Rented a generator, ran the same as always, no change, no need to look any further with regard to wiring.  Shut off the heater and had no problems with it.  Believes the problem is the heater.   Atlantic Leasing had no suggestions.  Also he stated that he was looking into putting in ventilation fans in the building because building gets hot in the summer and is tough on the employees.  Also, is looking into getting another forklift, problems with old forklift. 

 

Now have four people working and Woody stated that he will now have more time to get paper work done and follow up on things.  Regarding the grant for the Baler, will need to do a warrant article on this for next year.  It will be strictly for plastic.  He is also working on a new fee schedule.  Problem getting rid of computers, charge by the pound and monitors are  $5 each.  Looking into sending by trailer load for a flat fee of $597 to get rid of and can also load in refrigerators.  NNRA is sponsoring this.   Long run will be a costs savings for town. 

 

Shipped 15 ½ tons of glass today.  Waiting to hear from someone regarding a glass crusher.  Recycling is up as well as trash.  Sent three  tons over last month but still down from last year.  Might want to expand the hours, will set down with BOS to discuss.  Should be open at least three days to the town maybe even four.  Chuck asked about public hearing for the commercial haulers.   Woody stated this will happen soon. 

 

Woody said he has money in the budget to pave this year and to get fill.   Need some drainage around the 50 yd open top, will talk with Jeff Trexler on how to construct this.  Woody has to make a call regarding ash disposal.  May end up testing just once.   He is dealing with lab and will have answers before years end. 

 

Steve Kennedy stated that it is was very important to have everyone here to discuss items because of budget formations.  We are all one family and  at one dinner table and we all agree that the needs of the town are what is important.   Last week the BOS met with School Board and one issue that was discussed was pay increases whether it be town or school should be in line. When we apply for grants we need  to keep in mind the upkeep of these items.  Must work as a  group to participate in budget process and make logical decisions that are good for the town in the future.  These meetings are great to learn everyone’s needs and concerns. 

 

Next meeting will be scheduled in October.  Department supervisors were ask to come in with ideas and needs on capital equipment. 

 

Salt Shed:   $25,000  was voted to be put in a Capital Reserve Fund for a Salt Shed at last year’s town meeting.  Next year there will be an article to add money to this fund.   The Road Agent was asked to come up with a plan and building size.  Jan said he needs to do a lot of site preparation.  He would prefer a Cover-It type building because it  would be cheaper and not permanent because we may not be in this location very long.  It is small lot and may not accommodate the town as it grows.   JR said he also felt that in time the town garage will not be big enough to support the department and he supported the idea to not build a permanent building because we might have to move. 

 

Steve Kennedy stated that he did not like the idea of the one guy on the highway department, working alone.  It is not good for one person to work alone for safety reasons.  He stated that the Town needs to be educated as to where the town is going as it grows  and every department needs to put together their priorities. This is what the new Master Plan should cover.

 

The culvert on Rangeway Road which was to be replaced by Rick Antonia back in November of 2002, has not been replaced to date. A letter will go out to Mr. Antonia inquiring as to when this will be done.

 

Happy Birthday Steve!  Time out was taken to wish Steve Kennedy a Happy Birthday and to have cake and ice cream. 

 

Steve Kennedy made the motion to enter into non-public session for legal discussion.  Motion was seconded by Chuck Graybill, motion carried.

 

Entered into non-public session at 9:22 pm.

 

Motion by Steve Kennedy to exit non-public session was made at 9:30pm. Motion was seconded by Chuck Graybill, motion carried.

 

Motion to adjourn made by J. R. Swindlehurst at 9:30 pm, seconded by Steve Kennedy, motion carried.

 

                                                                        __________________________________

                                                                        Charles Graybill, Chairman

 

 

                                                                        __________________________________

                                                                        John R. Swindlehurt, III

 

 

                                                                        __________________________________

                                                                        Steven Kennedy

                                                                        Dunbarton Board of Selectmen

 

Recorded by: Janice VandeBogart, Town Administrator