TOWN OF DUNBARTON

BOARD OF SELECTMEN

MINUTES OF MEETING

Feb. 19, 2004

Present: Chuck Graybill

J.R. Swindlehurst, III

Steve Kennedy

Janice VandeBogart, Town Administrator

7:02 p.m. Chuck called a vote to bring the meeting to order and welcomed everyone to the Bond Hearing on the purchase of the Vaal property, Warrant Article #6. All members voted "aye". Chuck reviewed the Board's ongoing interest over the years in purchasing properties and stated that he felt the Townspeople have been remiss in voting down the purchase of properties in the past. He cited the missed opportunity to purchase the Stillwater property at a cost of only $83,000. The property has since been purchased and subdivided into 14 house lots. Chuck said the Board wanted to at least offer the Vaal property purchase to the voters. He then turned the presentation over to Dan Dalpra, of the Dunbarton Center Building Committee (DCBC).

Dan Dalpra introduced the other members of the DCBC, including Jeff Trexler (co-chair with Dan Dalpra), Carl Metzger, Chuck Graybill, and Norm Roberge. He noted that Nancy Lang is a member but was not present. Dan then turned the presentation over to Dave Nault.

Dave Nault gave the history behind the formation of the DCBC, which arose out of the previous Dunbarton Center Planning Committe (DCPC). The DCPC submitted a report, calling for the DCBC to develop the design for a one building plan on the town common, currently housing the library. The DCBC hired an architect, Dennis Mires, who came up with the drawings. The plan included providing access to the second floor of the library building. A construction management company was hired. Cost estimates and drawings were ready to be presented at this year's Town Meeting, when the Vaal property came into play, which may benefit the Town further. Dave then turned the presentation back to Dan Dalpra.

Dan Dalpra indicated that the Board of Selectmen made the final selections and that the cost estimates came in $400,000-$500,000 higher than hoped, at approximately $2.2 million. The plans will be in the Town Report. Dan reviewed the Vaal property (see attached). The property is approximately 6.6 acres and includes a four family residence, pond, shop building (rough), and a shell of a recently-built house. This property could fulfill the future space needs of the Town, opening opportunities down the road. Currently, we are tight for space at the Town offices. Dan indicated that they are not sure what the property will be used for. The plan is to get a design group involved for determining future use. The DCBC recommended this purchase to the Board of Selectmen, who thought it was a good idea. Dan noted that, although the school property looks sizeable, a lot of it is not buildable. The Vaal property would connect the high lands of this property to the school property.

A question and answer period took place between the DCBC, Board of Selectmen and the public, including how much of of the property is suitable for development. Jeff Trexler responded that approximately 4-4 1/2 acres are buildable. Steve Kennedy reiterated that there is no specific use earmarked for the property, but it is being considered an investment property. Mike Poirer suggested that parts of the property could be sold to recover the investment.

Norm Roberge discussed the annual cost of the $620,000 bond issuance (see attached), which would range from a low of $63,147 in the fifth and final year to a high of $143,499 in the second and highest year. Norm indicated that the Library Trustees want to look at this purchase. The effect on the tax rate would range from a low of .40 per $1,000 valuation in the fifth and final year to a high of .91 per $1,000 valulation in the second and highest year.

Chuck Graybill commended the DCBC for their presentation and noted that one of their questions involved the bonding process. The Board looked into whether they could sell parts of the property subsequent to the bond issue, and the answer was "yes". Chuck indicated that they obtained two appraisals, by Compton French and George Brooks, which were different, but that $620,000 was a fair price. The purchase and sale has not been signed yet so the Board can't answer all questions. He said that the Town is not in a position to be a landlord, so that all tenants will be gone, except for the Vaals, who will stay for a period not to exceed 14 months. They will make minor repair and pay the liability coverage and all granite will be cleaned out by 6/30. Steve mentioned that all tenants will receive proper notice and that they are tenants on a month to month basis.

A question and answer period took place, including whether there were funding sources available to help (such as with Kimball Pond). Chuck Graybill responded that not to the Board's knowledge were there funding sources that didn't have too many restrictions. In response to a comment that the Town would be losing $6,700 in property taxes and purchasing a property that the Town didn't have a clue what do do with, Steve Kennedy responded that it would be an investment. In response to an assertion that the Town wasted $39,000 on the DCBC's planning, Jeff Trexler replied that the money was not wasted. Since the cost estimates came in $400,000-$500,000 higher than hoped, we would have put off the renovations to the library building by another year anyway. Chuck reiterated that the Board would be remiss not to at least consider this opportunity and noted that the School Board is in favor of it. There are thousands of ideas. Jeff Trexler indicated that there wasn't time to determine the best use for the property and that we need to buy the property first. He noted that there will be a need for seven more classes at the elementary school and that we will exceed capacity in many areas, including administration and the gym. This purchase provides options for future growth. Several residents spoke in favor of the purchase, noting that the important thing is to get the property off the market and we could always sell or subdivide if no valid use is determined. Chuck noted that the Master Plan will be adddressing the long term questions for the Town and is expected to be completed in 2005. Steve Kennedy mentioned that this will be a ballot vote at Town Meeting. A resident indicated that the DCPC had been planning for the next 10-20 years and that Chuck was an advocate of better services with less space and raised the question of an option to buy the property for a year. A discussion of the feasibility of obtaining an option took place. Steve felt that the Vaals were not likely to be receptive to this idea, and cited an offer they previously received for $500,000 with a $150,000 second mortgage, which the Vaals turned down. A question of whether the public would have a chance to view the property was raised. The Board will pursue this idea. Steve explained that the provision allowing the Vaals to stay for up to 14 months was a technique used to lower the purchase price. They will be building a new home during this time period. Chuck indicated that there is urgency on the Vaals part to sell the property. Jeff Trexler asked when the deadline was to submit a warrant article. Janice Van deBogart replied that it was Mon., 2/23. Jeff noted that any changes would have to be completed by then. Dan Dalpra indicated that there are plenty of viable options for the use of the property but that they felt it was in the best interest of the Town for the voters to decide that. Steve indicated that they will have some of those options at Town Meeting. Dave Nault said one idea came out of a safety concern with children walking on Robert Rogers Rd. They could have a safe walkway to the School at this property. A Committee would investigate different options. Mike Poirier volunteered to be on this Committee. Jeff Trexler indicated that the rate on the bond was being held through March. Chuck thanked the DCBC for their presentation.

8:30 p.m. - DCBC, including Jeff Trexler, Dan Dalpra, and Dave Nault

A review of how the Bond Hearing went took place. The DCBC is planning on meeting in early March and will come up with some concepts to present at Town Meeting. Steve complimented the DCBC on their great presentation and suggested they "hit all the bullets" at Town Meeting.

8:53 p.m. Linda Peters, re: seeking amendment to the 1/22 minutes.

Linda Peters, Town Clerk referred the Board to the minutes of the 1/22/04 Selectmen's meeting ("Other Business"). At the meeting it was incorrectly stated that she (Linda Peters) did not have plans to increase her public hours when she submitted her 2004 budget request. Linda referred the Board to page one of budget package she had submitted in December. It stated that she would expand the Town Clerk office to 32 hours per week in exchange for the salary and benefit package requested; the remainder of the time would be dedicated to non-public time to cover Town and State banking requirements. Steve motioned to correct the minutes . J.R. seconded the motion. The motion carried.

9:00 p.m. Other Business:

The Board okayed Woody Bowne's request for the installation of a street light at the Transfer Station at a cost of $12/month.

Steve moved to grant extensions by 90 days on the projects of Rocco DiPietro/Michel Belanger and Martha Hammond. J.R. seconded the motion. The motion carried.

9:10 p.m., Jeff Crosby, letter from the Board

Jeff indicated that he has no information. Lori Davis noted that she received a similar letter and doesn't have and never had any.

9:15 p.m. Steve moved to go into nonpublic session, pursuant to RSA 91A, to discuss a welfare issue.

9:25 p.m. Chuck moved to end nonpublic session, which was seconded by J.R. The motion carried. Steve moved to adjourn meeting, which was seconded by J.R. The motion carried.

_____________________________________________________________________

Chuck Graybill, Chairman

_____________________________________________________________________

J.R. Swindlehurst,III, Selectman

_____________________________________________________________________

Steve Kennedy, Selectman

Respectfully Submitted,

Joanne Johnson