Selectmen's Minutes
January 12, 2009
Present: Jim Trudell, Elaine Sherry (arrived at 6:15), Steve Moscicki, Donna Clark, Celine Presby, Tom Smith
6:00pm Chairman Trudell called the meeting to order.
Manifests & Invoices:
The manifests for Dec 31st (final 2008 payments), Jan 12th and Jan 19th were authorized and new invoices for future payment were reviewed and initialed.
Treasurer's Report:
The Treasurer's Report was read showing a balance of $81,165.71 in the WGSB checking account, $129,003.04 in the NHDIP fund, $6,282.75 in the Laconia Bank savings account and $470.11 in the Dodge Pond Preservation Fund.
Committee Reports & Needs:
- Road Agent Tom Smith updated the Board on highway department issues. The 2009 proposed highway budget and planned road work were reviewed and a few adjustments were made. Trudell will research options for basic Internet or TV service for the highway garage to provide access to local weather information about current and impending storms. A warrant article will be prepared to add $50,000 to the Highway Equipment Capital Reserve Fund. No major equipment purchases are expected in 2009.
- FEMA Public Assistance is available to the Town for damages caused by the December Ice Storm, but Lyman had no road problems or extra expenses to report.
- Trudell and Smith responded to a request from NHMA for a list of "shovel-ready" infrastructure projects to be included in a proposed Economic Stimulus Package.
- The front corner of the Town Hall has lifted again so the ramp door doesn't close. Smith will work with Charles Hochmuth in the spring to do more drainage work in that area.
- The Board approved Clark's request for a personal day Jan 21st.
Meeting Minutes:
Minutes for Jan 5th were reviewed. Trudell motioned to approve the minutes as written, 2nd by Moscicki, so voted all.
Correspondence:
- NHMA's Legislative Bulletin #2 was distributed to the Board. The Local & Regulated Revenues Committee will be considering three House Bills this week regarding veterans' tax credits, similar to the Floor Policy submitted last summer by the Town of Lyman. HB 91 - allowing municipalities to extend the veterans' tax credit to veterans who do not have service in a war or conflict, and relative to the definition of veteran. HB 155 - allowing municipalities to adopt a non-wartime veterans' property tax credit. HB 188 - enabling municipalities to extend the veterans' property tax credit to all honorably discharged veterans.
- A NH Dept of Health & Human Services survey on municipal funding for public health was completed.
- A UNH Roads Scholar class on NH Public Works Mutual Aid is being offered Apr 23rd in Concord.
- David Falkenham, the new Grafton County Forester, sent a letter of introduction.
- Minutes from North Country Council's Dec 17th Transportation Advisory Committee meeting were received.
- Scott Baker e-mailed an update on the Ogontz Hall project.
Old Business:
- The Selectmen finalized a letter to the Current Use Board regarding the impact proposed forestland assessment range changes would have on the Town of Lyman.
- Northland Electrical will suggest and quote outdoor lighting this week for budgeting purposes and Charles Hochmuth will prepare a quote on some of the life safety issues that need addressing at the Grange Hall if it is to be used for events and/or an emergency shelter.
- The Town Offices will be closed Monday, Jan 19th, to observe Martin Luther King Jr Day. The Selectmen will not meet that evening.
- Work continued on the 2009 budget and warrant articles.
New Business:
- Trudell signed a letter authorizing Town Counsel to provide information to Plodzik & Sanderson that is needed to complete the 2007 audit.
- The 2009 Budget Hearing has been scheduled for Tuesday, Feb 10th, at 7:00 pm.
- The Selectmen are considering funding the Health Officer and Emergency Management Director positions to attract qualified people with more knowledge, experience and time than they have to offer.
- DRA field monitor Ron Cote will meet with Clark Jan 14th to discuss updating Current Use files that are missing recorded applications and proper maps.
- The Selectmen are drafting their report and the dedication page for the 2008 Annual Report.
- Phil Clark will attend the annual Moderator's Workshop Jan 24th in Concord.
- The Aldrich Family sent a thank you note and donation for use of the Town Hall last weekend.
- The Board will meet with Lisbon Selectmen on Jan 26th at 6:15 pm to discuss the 2009 fire support and recycling agreements. Lyman's Selectmen's meeting will start at 5:45 pm, then move to Lisbon for the joint meeting, then reconvene back in Lyman at approximately 7:30 pm to complete regular business.
Moscicki motioned to adjourn the meeting at 8:00 pm, 2nd by Trudell, so voted all.
The next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, Jan 26th, at 5:45 pm.
