Present: Chuck Graybill
J.R. Swindlehurst, III (arrived at 8:15 p.m.)
Mert Mann
Janice Van de Bogart, Town Administrator

7:00 p.m. Mert reported that J.R. had an emergency at the Bow Schools and would be late or unable to attend. Chuck officially opened the meeting. Other Business:

Ken Swayze brought in a sample motion from last night’s Planning Board meeting and a discussion regarding some the items from the meeting was discussed.

Janice gave the Board a letter for them to sign, addressed to Ronald and Brigette Ruggierro, informing them that the fence they have erected is in the Town’s right of way and must be removed, per the Road Agent.

The Board reviewed the revenues from MS4. Janice mentioned that building permits are up.

Janice said that a press release would be sent to the local newspaper, announcing a question and answer meeting on 9/28, regarding the Town’s revaluation.

Janice mentioned that due to an accident on Kimball Pond Rd., guard rails need to be installed. She indicated that J.R. thought it was a good idea. Chuck said it didn’t matter that it was a scenic road and he also thought it was a good idea. The Board agreed to it.

Janice informed the Board that the State has changed the size requirement for handicapped voting booths, but haven’t determined the new size yet. The State is also recalculating the ratio of booths/voters needed. A representative from the Attorney General’s office said to hold off until we know the size and number of voting booths required.

The Board decided to resume weekly meetings beginning tonight. Mert said “the residents don’t elect us to sit at home every other week.”

Mert suggested that a Selectmen’s representative participate in the Historical Awareness Committee to help them keep their focus. He indicated that the meetings tend to deviate from their purpose. Mert will attend these meetings, in an unofficial capacity.

Chuck asked if the master plan was accepted at the last meeting. Mert said that no, it had not been accepted, just reviewed.

Mert noted that the Town Center Building Committee continues to be inactive.

7:40 Chuck opened the Public Hearing, re: acceptance of North Woods Rd. at 2,400 feet by Dick and Judy Keefe.

Chuck confirmed that the Keefe’s had received letters dated 8/19 and 8/30 and a $100 invoice (from the Sept. Planning Board meeting and approval review). The 8/30 letter was from Don Mayo, the Town’s engineer, and included a list of things to be completed, a narrative of Officer Chris Connelly’s observations and pictures.

Chuck opened up the meeting for discussion. Ken Swayze indicated that whether to accept the road was up to the Selectmen to deliberate and decide (see motion from Planning Board meeting). Don Mayo’s list is the crux of the outstanding work.

Chuck asked if the Keefe’s agree with Don Mayo’s cost estimate of $37,000 to complete the work. Dick Keefe said he “did not exactly agree”, citing a lower estimate from his contractor: Grant Jones Services. The original estimate was for $33,000 (which included a 10% inflationary factor) back in April, 2004. Grant Jones’ estimate is for $22,000 (see estimate) and the Don Mayo’s current estimate to complete the work is $37,000.

Ken said that Grant Jones has done a fairly good job. Chuck said that he has the utmost respect for Don Mayo, who has always done an excellent job. In response to Judy Keefe’s objection that she felt that the Town didn’t trust them to complete the project, Ken warned that it was not personal, but that when a project goes into default, the costs undoubtedly rise. Chuck indicated that the Town has gone through an extreme learning process and is getting more critical and asked Judy not to take it personally. Chuck is inclined to go with Don Mayo’s current estimate of $37,000.

Another issue is that the State will allow the opening of the new roadway with the condition that the existing driveway be closed, so as not to be interpreted as a roadway. Chuck asked if the Keefe’s were using the new roadway, to which Dick Keefe responded that they weren’t because the drive is not finished (this is part of the $22,000 estimate to complete the work). Chuck said that that part of the work is not in the $37,000 estimate. A discussion took place as to who should call the State for an inspection. It was determined that since it was not the Town’s responsibility, it has to be the Keefe’s responsibility.

Bethany Syversen spoke and indicated that she is the owner of the house on this road and is ready to move in. Her family has been without a house for four weeks and expressed her frustration over what she considered to be minor work yet still to be done before the acceptance of the road. Ken spoke and said that there needs to be money and a willingness to finish the project and that safety is the main concern.

Chuck opened the meeting for public discussion. Ron Slocum confirmed that the side road is the Keefe’s driveway and feels that there needs to be deadlines and money. Ken said he doesn’t think the Keefe’s should be held responsible for inflation concerning the top coat of asphalt. He feels the Keefe’s deserve a fixed price, since it’s the Town’s call when to apply the topcoat.

Chuck asked Dick Keefe for an estimate to close the driveway. Dick wasn’t sure but indicated that there is 150 feet of driveway, and the culvert needs to be pulled out and seed applied. Chuck asked him if he would agree to the $37,000 figure. Dick replied that he would. Chuck said then he is comfortable. He asked for clarification as to whether the street name is two words or one. It is two: North Woods Rd. Bethany Syversen asked the Board to consider that a family is waiting to get in. Ken indicated that all the deeds have been filed.

Chuck motioned for the Board to accept North Woods Rd. and subdivision with the following provisions:
• Set up a bond for $37,000 to be held by the Town in escrow to cover construction costs, according to Don Mayo’s letter dated 8/30/04;
• Culvert in driveway to be removed by 10/1/04;
• Re-grade., loam, and seed center of cul-de-sac by 10/1/04;
• Flared end section at sta O+25 will be repaired by 10/4/04;
• All signs correctly spelled and up by 10/1/04;
• All logs and brush removed by 10/4/04;
• Soil around PSNH pole cleaned up, loam and re-seeded by 10/4/04

Mert seconded the motion. The motion carried.

8:15 p.m. Woody Bowne, Transfer Station salary requirements
Woody asked what is considered advance notice for him to work overtime. Mert indicated that they don’t want him to work overtime, but if he does, he’ll get paid. Chuck said that one day’s notice is sufficient. Mert would like to know what his regular schedule will be. Woody reviewed a scenario last week which required the staff to stay a bit longer than 4 p.m., thereby creating overtime. Chuck asked Woody to give Janice a copy of his hours.

Chuck indicated that the Highway Dept. will be doing all the plowing in the winter. Mert assured Woody that is okay for the Transfer Station to be closed due to inclement weather. Jan VandeBogart confirmed that the Highway Dept. will do all the plowing.

Woody mentioned that Jake Baker will be leaving his job and they will need to advertise for a replacement.

Woody also indicated that he is finding hazardous waster all over and the State will assess a fine. He also noted that we have to pay to get rid of it. A discussion of the school’s hazardous waste took place. Chuck said the school is separate and wants a note sent to Chuck Gaides informing them that they should start budgeting for their hazardous waste. Woody confirmed that the Transfer Station is not getting paved this year and should be patch it? He was advised to patch it. He wanted to know if it would get paved next year. Chuck said that as far as he knows it will be. Jan indicated there will be an overlay. Woody cautioned that some costly repairs will be coming in soon. He is getting estimates now.

8:30 p.m. Other Business:
A discussion concerning a welfare case took place. Chuck suggested sending quarterly statements. Mert asked if Brian Little has gotten involved. Janice didn’t know. Mert will call Brian.

8:45 p.m. Chuck opened the meeting for public comment.
Lori Davis questioned the accounting for overtime, sick time and vacation time at the Transfer Station. Mert responded to her inquiry by stating that the employees are there for the benefit of all of us and there is no need to worry about an hour here or there of overtime. He feels that salaries have been handled quite well and that there is no problem. J.R. feels that the Town is fortunate that the departments work together. Woody has put in a ton of time out of the goodness of his heart and that the work is getting done. Mert said there have been no complaints.

8:50 p.m. Chuck moved to adjourn the meeting. Mert seconded the motion. The motion carried.

_______________________________________________________________
J.R. Swindlehurst, III, Chairman

________________________________________________________________
Chuck Graybill, Selectman

Mert Mann, Selectman

Respectfully Submitted,

Joanne Johnson