Selectmen's Minutes
March 2, 2009
Present: Jim Trudell, Elaine Sherry, Steve Moscicki, Donna Clark, Celine Presby
6:00 pm Chairman Trudell called the meeting to order.
Manifests & Invoices:
The manifest for Mar 2nd was authorized and new invoices for future payment were reviewed and initialed.
Treasurer's Report:
The Treasurer's Report was read showing a balance of $72,213.52 in the WGSB checking account, $129,079.52 in the NHDIP fund and $6,284.08 in the Laconia Bank savings account.
Committee Reports & Needs:
- The Selectmen reviewed a quote for $3,000 for engineering work for the Pettyboro Rd replacement culvert. Additional quotes will be sought before a decision is made.
- A paper was signed re-appointing Robert Chenevert to the Conservation Commission.
Permits and Applications:
The following was approved:
- Veterans Tax Credit for John Murray for Map 51 Lot 30-1
Meeting Minutes:
Minutes for Feb 23rd were reviewed. Sherry motioned to approve the minutes as written, 2nd by Moscicki, so voted all.
Correspondence:
- Legislative Bulletin #9 was distributed to the Board. The repercussions of Senate Bill 99 authorizing car dealerships to register vehicles and the potential significant loss of revenue to the Town was discussed. Both the NH Municipal Association and the Town Clerks Association are opposing the bill.
- A letter from the Grafton County Commissioners explained that they have taken steps to scale back the $38 million jail facility. Revised plans will be sent to their engineering firm for new cost estimates. Operational costs should be less with the down-sized facility. They have also contacted the Washington, DC delegation in hopes of the project being placed on the stimulus package.
- Clark will represent the Town at NH Municipal Management Association's Membership Meeting which has been rescheduled for Mar 11th at 9:30 am in Concord.
- Local Government Center is offering a 12-week Financial Reporting & Accountability course. The Board approved Clark's request to attend if scheduling allows.
- Senator John Gallus provided information on how to access the official state webpage to submit a recommendation for Economic Stimulus Money. The Town has several "shovel-ready" projects in mind that will be suggested. They will also recommend that work be done by NH DOT on Clough Hill Road.
- Other correspondence included a letter outlining the 2008 accomplishments of the Granite State Chapter of the American Red Cross, an invitation to the Grafton County Senior Citizens Council's annual meeting Apr 6th in Lebanon, the Feb 2009 Emergency Management Newsletter and information on local preparations for the upcoming 2010 census.
Old Business:
- The Board will set up the hall for the Mar 10th Town Meeting at next Monday night's meeting.
- The Selectmen will meet briefly at 4:30 pm on Mar 16th to approve that week's manifest and review bills for future payment before leaving to attend the State Budget Public Hearing at 6:00 pm in Whitefield.
- Sherry spoke with Maura Carroll of the NH Municipal Association about the proposed loss of state aid and finding new sources of revenue.
New Business:
- Annual Reports are available at the Town Hall. A stack of books is kept on the table in the entryway which is always accessible.
- The counter on the LymanNH.org website indicates it has had almost 10,000 hits in the past 12 months.
- As suggested at the budget hearing, the Board reviewed medical insurance rates for other tiers of plans offered by HealthTrust.
- One 2008 abatement application has been received. It will be reviewed by assessor Phil Bodwell and his recommendation will then be forwarded to the Selectmen for their consideration.
- Repairs will be made to the cement abutment on Dodge Pond bridge and some of the uprights on the dam's catwalk in the spring.
- The condition of Clough Hill Road is atrocious once again; some say it is the worst they have ever seen it. This is a State road that is maintained by the Town during the winter only. Because the road itself is in such bad shape, it is difficult for the Town crew to keep it clear and safe to drive on. Both the Selectmen and our State Representatives have discussed this matter with Greg Placy of NH DOT. Some culvert replacement and ditching work was done over the summer, but nothing that has helped with the roughness and frost heaves.
Sherry motioned to adjourn the meeting at 7:15 pm, 2nd by Moscicki, so voted all.
The next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, Mar 9th, at 6:00 pm.
