|
Warner Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes March 4, 2008 Meeting opened at In Attendance:
Selectman David E. Hartman - Chairman Selectman
Richard A. Cook Selectman
Wayne Eigabroadt Laura
Buono – Town Administrator Absent:
None Others Present: Frederick Moe – Intertown Record Ray Martin – Moderator Mary Whalen – BOS Secretary Martha Mical – Assessing Clerk Marianne Howlett – Tax Collector Richard Senor – Resident Ron Wirth – Resident David Bates – Resident David Karrick – Resident Jim McLaughlin – Rebecca Courser – Steve Brown – Chris Closs – 1. Audit Report Ms. Buono asked the Selectmen if they have
any questions regarding the Management Report.
Not all members reviewed the report so this item will be placed
on the next agenda. 2. Administrator’s Report Cell Phones - Currently,
the Town pays about $35/month for cell phones for various departments.
Instead of entering a contract for a second cell phone for the
Highway Department Foreman the Director of Public Works would like to
reimburse him $25/month and use the minutes on the phone the Foreman
currently owns. Ms. Buono
asked the Board if they have any concerns.
The Selectmen asked who would be responsible for the original
contract; Ms. Buono explained the Foreman would be responsible.
Ms. Buono will create a contract based on what other Towns
provide. The Selectmen can
review the contract and make their final decision. Town Newsletter – The first edition of the Town’s
newsletter was well received by the public and has been classified as a
refreshing change when it comes to reading about what is happening in
the municipal departments. Through
the months, Ms. Buono will be writing about various topics which are
beneficial for the public to know dealing with the operations of the
Selectmen’s Office, various rules & regulations, right-to-know
law, etc. In all Towns,
there tends to be a lot of misinformation and/or confusion and hopefully
these articles will clarify some issues. Transfer Station – It was inaccurately reported in the
local newspaper that the Transfer Station is paying over $3.00 for a
gallon of heating oil when the rest of the Town’s buildings are heated
for $2.39 per gallon. Ms.
Buono assured the Selectmen that this is not the case.
A month or two ago, Transfer Station Department Head Paul
Fouliard brought in a delivery slip for his kerosene questioning the
price per gallon and Ms. Buono explained that he was confusing the price
of kerosene with the price of oil. Animals at the Transfer Station – There has been a couple
of incidents within the past year dealing with animals at the Transfer
Station in which residents, employees and the animals themselves have
been in danger of injury. One
incident involved a woman and her horse which resulted in the woman
being trampled by the animal and transported by ambulance.
An employee got the horse under control in this incident.
Another more recent incident dealt with a dog jumping into the
hopper and having to be rescued by an employee.
The third recent incident happened last week when a dog was
almost run over by a truck. Although
Ms. Buono approached Paul Fouliard with regard to requiring animals to
either be left in the owners cars or on a leash, he was not receptive to
the suggestion stating that studies show that dogs are calming for
people and there hasn’t been enough incidents to warrant a change.
Ms. Buono feels there is a liability issue which is too great to
ignore and placed a notice in the newsletter stating that animals must
be left in the car or on a leash. An
employee and or resident can sustain various degrees of injuries dealing
with an anxious animal that has gotten themselves in a situation and the
Town should be proactive to prevent this if possible.
Selectman Eigabroadt said there is a Town Ordinance requiring
dogs to be either leashed or under voice control, the dog that jumped
into the hopper was not under voice control or leashed and can be
citied, this may be a Police Department issue.
Ms. Buono recommends posting the Transfer Station requiring
animals to be either leashed or left in the vehicle, the Selectmen
agreed. Richard Senor added that he thinks the
ordinance is great but that was not the problem, the dog ended up in the
hopper because he jumped out of the van when he saw two other dogs on
the other side of the hopper. Department of Transportation – A preconstruction conference
for I-89 between 7 & 8 will he held on March 6, 3. Manifest Selectman Cook made a motion
to authorize the Selectmen to sign the manifest and order the Treasurer
to sign payroll checks numbered 41049-41095 dated 4. Ray Martin - Moderator Mr. Martin and the Selectmen reviewed the
agenda for Town Meeting. 5. Ron Wirth – Petition
Article # 26 Digital Audio Recording System Article 26 - To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate
the sum of no more than $700.00 for the purchase of one professional
grade, real time digital audio recording system (CD burning
capabilities), several wireless microphones (3 or 4), and an appropriate
multi-microphone mixer to properly duplicate and index/archive said
CD’s for posterity. CDs
require little space, do not degrade, and can be stored indefinitely.
The practice will allow reference and establish an official,
traceable, permanent historical record of those meetings of boards
and/or committees of the Town of Warner that are required by law or
policy to be recorded. The
purpose of this equipment is to digitally and indelibly record public
meetings. At least one
microphone shall be available for the public.
This will capture an immediate, permanent audio record, and
require it to be posted on the town website as a downloadable audio file
within 48 hours of recording. It
will facilitate and authenticate meeting minute’s transcription as
well. The Selectmen asked to meet with Mr. Wirth
regarding their concerns about the petition he has submitted as written.
There is hope to resolve their concerns with an amendment during
Town Meeting. One concern is
being committed to a specific audio system as well as the limitation in
cost. It was felt by Selectman Eigabroadt that the petition was too
restrictive. The other point
made in the petition was posting the audio version on the website within
48 hours, this may be a concern with the webmaster/or not, sometimes the
webmaster travels but Selectman Eigabroadt is confident that the
Selectmen’s secretary’s computer could be hooked up for a direct
download of the audio files. Selectman
Cook was concerned that this system may impact the current transcription
process. The Selectmen’s
secretary said she does not feel there will be any impact, she has
experience transcribing from digital recorders.
Selectman Eigabroadt stated for the record moving toward a
digital device is a fantastic idea; the audio files could be downloaded
on CDs or DVDs. Martha Mical said she would still like to
point out, even though the Warner New Paper said it was incorrect, that
RSA-33 states for legal permanent records minutes will be either on
paper or microfiche, which is currently maintained.
Selectman Eigabroadt said digital storage would be a side to what
is maintained for the permanent records, currently we keep the audio
tape for six months and then the tapes are recycled; the digital storage
would be a permanent electronic record. Selectman Cook explained to Mr. Wirth that
at times this Board and others have been equipment challenged and asked
how user friendly is the digital equipment.
Mr. Wirth obtained a copy of the February 9 work session meeting
where the Selectmen’s concerns were discussed.
Mr. Wirth said no equipment is user friendly until you learn.
Mr. Wirth discussed the equipment that is outlined in the
petition and how he came to the $700 cost as well as other types of
equipment in regards to multiple meetings being held at the same time.
Martha Mical believes that Town Counsel
has said at one time that it is not a good idea to have two permanent
records because there is only one official record, the meeting minutes.
Marianne Howlett asked if there is a
concern about the current website and if the site could handle the audio
files. Selectman Eigabroadt
spoke with the Town’s tech support, the entire Warner website could be
put on the new servers as well as a new hard drive allowing capability
to service the website. Mary Whalen said the audio version could
also be requested through the Selectmen’s office email address. Selectman Cook said one of his concerns is
having enough funding. Richard Senor said something about
purchasing a 500kb hard drive, plugging it into a router and using it as
a server putting a link to the website.
Selectman Cook does not want to endanger
the Town’s relationship with the volunteer webmaster, this change
should be in conjunction with him. The website provides a lot of service
to the community. Ms. Buono asked Mr. Wirth if he sees a
difference in using a personal digital recorder.
Mr. Wirth did some research on digital recorders that are less
costly, they are adequate but there could be audio problems in terms of
downloading. General
conversation between the audience and the Board continued about
different types of equipment. Chairman Hartman brought the conversation
back to what is needed for the petition article.
Selectman Eigabroadt is more comfortable asking the voters to
approve $1,000 rather than $700, this would allow for upgrades to the
website and equipment. Mr.
Wirth is agreeable to the increase.
Mr. Karrick asked why additional microphones are needed.
Mr. Wirth said the additional microphones would eliminate echoes
and shuffles. Chairman Hartman summarized the
discussion. The petition proposes replacing the audio recorder equipment
with a system that is up to date, equipment that is affordable producing
a product that is user friendly, as well as access to recorded meetings.
Chairman Hartman is not in favor of the mandate for the 48 hour
audio availability and equipment; he prefers a broader approach such as
directing the Selectmen to construct a digital audio system for a
determined dollar. Mr.
Wirth added that the audio version on the website could be removed after
six months making them available by request.
Chairman Hartman recommends advisement from Counsel on keeping
the audio files indefinitely. Ms.
Buono said the storage of the audio files will need to be determined in
a policy because the written meeting minutes are the official record.
Richard Senor said there is a site called
File Crunch that provides file storage at no charge, secondly storing
the audio files is more of a historic factor, he checked with Mary Whalen recommends the committees that
choose to change to digital recordings should have their own equipment
instead of sharing. Marianne Howlett asked if the petition is
adopted will all committees be required to use the digital equipment.
Ms. Buono explained the Selectmen will need to make that
determination, policy cannot be dictated by Town Meeting only suggested.
Selectman Eigabroadt said the basic equipment being discussed
would set up the Selectmen’s office and some of the other board’s,
if the Board of Selectmen decided to make digital recording a policy
throughout, the department budgets would need to support that cost. Chairman Hartman questions how much demand
there is for audio recording availability. Selectman Eigabroadt said a
counter could be added to the website, the audio could also be sectioned
and titled. Chairman Hartman summarized by saying the
only change to the petition is the dollar amount which has been
increased to $1,000. Selectman
Cook recommends adding after the word posterity, “and the equipment required to make the recordings
available on the internet”. Mr.
Wirth will make the amendment on the Town Meeting floor.
6. David Bates – Petition Articles 24 & 25 Article 24 - Shall
we adopt the provisions of RSA 72:66 for a property tax exemption on
real property equipped with a wind powered energy system which exemption
shall be in the amount of 100% of the cost of the wind powered energy
system up to $35,000? Article 25 - Shall
we adopt the provisions of RSA 72:62 for a property tax exemption on
real property equipped with solar energy system which exemption shall be
in the amount of 100% of the cost of the solar powered energy system up
to $35,000? Mr. Bates noted that the petitions were
not submitted on behalf of the Energy Committee, he submitted them as a
resident. The Selectmen met
with Mr. Bates regarding their concerns, one being how will the “100%
of the cost” play out over time as
well as “up to $35K” of
the cost. The petition is
very restrictive the way the petition is written.
How does this petition affect current solar & wind systems?
The Planning Board now has the authority to regulate the height
of the wind towers. Selectman
Cook said the Board discussed having the petition state 100% of the
assessed value rather than 100% of the cost.
The Board felt 100% of the assessed would not create a situation
where the property taxes would go down.
Selectman Cook believes the goal of the RSA is not to have
property owner pay additional taxes for the installation of energy
saving features. Mr. Bates
is agreeable to changing the wording to assessed value. Mr.
Bates commented on the question on how the petition would affect current
solar or wind systems; he believes the petition would apply to new
construction. Selectman Eigabroadt explained the RSA
definition for a solar energy system as a system which utilizes solar
energy to heat or cool the interior of a building or to heat water for
the use in the building including collectors and storage container.
Same for the wind energy, any wind powered devices which
supplement or replace electrical power to households or businesses at
the immediate site. The
statute also states that this is an exemption from the assessed value. Martha Mical believes Selectman Eigabroadt
and Selectman Cook’s definition of assessed value is different.
Selectman Eigabroadt spoke about the exemption from the assessed
property value and Selectman Cook spoke about an exemption from the
assessed value of the system. Ms.
Buono asked if the exemption would be similar to the barn preservation
easement, Ms. Mical said yes. Selectman
Eigabroadt said an amendment could say “shall we adopt the provisions
of RSA72:62 for a property tax exemption on real property taxed with
solar energy system”. Then
the Selectmen would create a scoring method similar to the barn
preservation in order to figure the amount of the exemption.
Martha Mical said if the assessed value of the system is used,
then only the increased assessed value from the installed system would
be exempt. Chairman Hartman
said if the exemption is for the cost of the system, if the system cost
$45K and the system was assessed at $50K, the exemption total would be
$35K and the remaining $15K would be taxed.
A time limit was discussed, Selectman Cook
recommends an expiration date giving the Town the opportunity to change
the agreement based on technology and home values.
Selectman Cook recommends amending the petition to
the exemption shall be 100% of the assessed value up to $35K expiring
after 10 years. Martha
Mical recommends 10 year expiration on the article. Selectman Eigabroadt
recommends a 10 year limit on the exemption leaving it up to the
property owner to renew; it would be the Assessing Clerks responsibility
to track the exemptions. Chairman Hartman reiterated the changes to
the petitions. First change
is to eliminate the word cost
and change to assessed value in both petitions, the next change is the exemption
will expire in 10 years after approval.
Mr. Bates noted that Ms. Mical has a good point about setting a
sunset provision on the article. Selectman
Eigabroadt does not agree with the sunset provision on the article, he
agrees on a 10 year limit/up to $35K for the exemption, the incentive is
to re-coup some for the cost of the installation, eventually the system
will be paid for. Ms. Mical
added that there are upkeep costs to a solar system, her main concern
about not having a sunset date on the article is who will checking on
the exemptions, the RSA states the systems must be working in order to
receive the exemption. Selectman
Eigabroadt recommends adding the exemptions on a yearly pick-up.
Mr. Wirth added the purpose of the
petitions is to encourage alternate energy sources. Mr. Bates does not understand the concern
if a system is not operating; there is no value if the system is not
working, and the property is still taxed whether the system is working
or not. The exemption is for
the energy system, not the property. Richard Senor asked if the RSA addresses
depreciation, Selectman Eigabroadt did not see any information in the
RSA. Selectman Cook said the
RSA addresses incentive to invest the initial money, the exemption off
sets the initial cost. In closing, the Selectmen agreed changing
100% of the cost to assessed value as well as a 10 year, $35K limit on the exemption.
Mr. Bates agreed with the changes and will work on an amendment
for Town Meeting. 7. OFBC member Jim McLaughlin requested the
Selectmen to appoint Kyle Whitehead to the Committee.
Mr. McLaughlin thought by now they would
have a more fully developed process for the redevelopment of the
building. The Committee is
still waiting to hear from CATCH (affordable housing). There is also a
question on whether the Town is interested in using some space in the
building. The Selectmen have
not given the concept any thought just some minor discussions.
Mr. Closs explained if the Town has an interested in using the
building that leverages the use of certain public funds.
Mr. McLaughlin said the Committee feels
the drainage is a larger issue beyond the building and recommends the
Selectmen appoint a separate committee to address the drainage issues.
The drainage issue affects the main village area including Jim McLaughlin will speak on behalf of
Article 22 during Town Meeting. Chairman Hartman recommends verifying
whether the Selectmen have the ability to extend the current agreement
with the Odd Fellows Building Partnership.
Selectman Cook asked Mr. Closs if CATCH has a time line, as it
stands between the Town and KRSD nothing could be accomplished until at
least next year in regards to any drainage issues. Selectman Eigabroadt believes that as long
as there is continued progress towards redeveloping the building there
should be no objection toward extending the current agreement with the
Partnership. Selectman Cook made the motion
to appoint Kyle Whitehead to the Martha Mical asked if there are no
resolutions to the parking will the CATCH 8. Meeting Minutes Selectman Cook asked to have a sentence
clarified on the February 19th meeting minutes. Selectman Cook made a motion
to approve meeting minutes dated February 5, February 5 Non Public
Sealed, February 9 Work Session and February 19 meeting minutes.
Selectman Eigabroadt seconded the motion.
All were in favor. The
motion passed. The Selectmen discussed who will speak on
specific Articles: Operating Budget
Mike Cutting Police Cruiser
Richard A. Cook Conservation Commission
Member Road Construction Capital
David E. Hartman Highway Equipment
Richard A. Cook Revaluation
Wayne Eigabroadt Cemeteries
Trustee Exit 9
Barbara Annis & Paul Violette Town Hall Reserve
Wayne Eigabroadt Old Graded School Roof
Richard A. Cook Transfer Station Improvements
David E. Hartman Bridge Replacement/Maintenance
Wayne Eigabroadt Discretionary Preservation Easements
David E. Hartman Selectman Cook requested to meet with the
Director of Public Works at the next scheduled Selectmen’s meeting to
discuss his budget, the severity of the season needs to be reviewed. Selectman Cook asked the Board if it
wishes to decide upon the salaried employees’ 27 pay period issue.
Ms. Buono explained what ever the Board decides 27 pay periods
need to be budgeted because the auditors will charge back the odd
amount. The Selectmen agreed
the salary employees W2 should reflect their salary plus 5.8% only.
Selectman Cook asked if the office has
heard back from the State regarding the Transfer Station property. To
date there has been no response. Ron Wirth asked if anyone looked into
sidewalks about a warranty in regards to the bricks breaking and the
surface crowning. Mr. Wirth
explained his own personal research on why the sidewalks crown and sink
in some areas. Motion to adjourn at David E. Hartman – Chairman
|