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Warner Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes March 19, 2008 Meeting opened at In Attendance:
Selectman David E. Hartman - Chairman Selectman
Richard A. Cook Selectman
David Karrick Laura
Buono � Town Administrator Absent:
None Others Present: Martha Mical � Assessing Clerk
William Chandler � Police Chief David Ackerman � Police Officer
Mary Whalen � BOS Secretary Ed Mical � Emergency Management &
Maintenance
Barbara Annis � Planning Board Paul Violette � Planning Board
Richard Senor Ron Wirth
Jeanne E. Hand Jim Hand
Faith Minton 1. Pick-Up Contract � Commerford Nieder Perkins The Selectmen reviewed the pick-up
contract via e-mail. Martha
Mical, Assessing Clerk, met with the Selectmen for any questions they
may have regarding the contract. There
were no concerns stated by the Selectmen.
Selectman Cook made a motion
to approve the contract with Commerford Nieder Perkins dated
2007
2008 Per Parcel
$31.00
$34.00 Man Hour
$58.00
$61.00 BLTA
$70.00 per hour
$75.00 per hour 2. Elderly Exemption Selectman Cook made the motion
to approve an Elderly Exemption for Map 29 Martha Mical reviewed the qualifications:
Martha explained that exemptions are
reviewed on a yearly basis. 3. Donation Selectman Cook made a motion
to approve a $50 donation on behalf of Ron Orbacz to the suggested
organization from the family for his service to the Town of 4. Non Public Session � Selectman Cook made a motion to go into
nonpublic session as allowed by RSA 91-A: 3 II (b) Hiring. Selectman
Karrick seconded the motion. Roll
call vote: Selectman Cook, Aye; Selectman Karrick, Aye; Chairman
Hartman, Aye. The motion
passed. Police Chief William Chandler met with
Selectmen to recommend hiring David Ackerman.
Mr. Ackerman is currently in field training.
Mr. Ackerman spoke to the Selectmen about his desire to work in
Warner. He has been an
officer since 2004. Selectman
Cook moved that the Board of Selectmen come out of Nonpublic Session at 5. Ron Wirth � Article 26 Mr. Wirth received an unapproved version
of the Town Meeting minutes regarding Article 26.
Mr. Wirth said there is a sentence missing which loses the intent
and spirit of the article as he stated to the audience during Town
Meeting. Mr. Wirth is
referring to the audio file being posted within 48 hours on the
web-site, this was removed; he said that was not intended.
Ms. Buono said when the 48 hour posting was discussed, it was
explained at Town Meeting that Town Meeting cannot dictate policy to the
governing body. Mr. Wirth
said he realizes that the posting of the audio does not meet any RSA
requirements but he does object to the removal of the audio from the
article. Again, Mr. Wirth says the removal defeats the spirit of the
article. Ms. Buono explained once the Selectmen
review the policy for recording meetings, handling the audio version
would come into play at that time. Many
questions need to be discussed before a policy is finalized.
Selectman Cook is concerned about the webmasters views toward
placing an audio version on the website.
Selectman Cook said the Selectmen will make a decision most
reasonable within the intended intent of Article 26. Ms. Buono will verify if there are any
legal ramifications for placing an audio file on the website.
In closing Mr. Wirth is satisfied that the
Board of Selectmen will work towards putting an audio file on the
website. The Selectmen
agreed to form a committee which will include Ron Wirth, Richard
Cutting, Dan Watts and Mary Whalen.
The committee members will generate information for the Selectmen
in order to create a policy. 6. Chairman, Planning Board Representative and Budget Committee
Representative The Board members discussed what the
commitments are for each Board; all members are willing to serve in any
of the required capacities. Selectman
Karrick first asked Ms. Buono if it is necessary for a Chairman to be
available during the day. Ms.
Buono does not see it necessary for a Chairman to be available during
the day; it�s not uncommon to have a whole Board that works during the
day. Selectman Karrick made
the motion to nominate Selectman
Cook as Chairman of the Board of Selectmen.
Selectman Hartman seconded the motion.
All were in favor. The
motion passed. Selectman
Cook thanked Selectman Hartman for his tenure as Chairman.
Chairman Cook called for a motion for a
Select Board representative to the Planning Board.
Selectman Hartman expressed his interest.
Selectman Karrick made a motion
to nominate Selectman Hartman as the Selectmen�s representative to the
Planning Board. Chairman
Cook seconded the motion, and would like to see more input from the
representative on the Board�s views as well as reports to the
Selectmen with some input about the other Planning Board members on how
they view the issues before them. All
were in favor. The motion
passed. Selectman Karrick expressed his interest
in being the representative to the Budget Committee.
Selectman Hartman made a motion
to nominate Selectman Karrick as the Board�s representative to the
Budget Committee. Chairman
Cook seconded the motion. All
were in favor. The motion
passed. 7. Audit Report The Town received a management letter from
the auditors indicating areas of concern, as well as a report on the
internal controls. Under the
management letter was:
Insurance for cash deposit � the auditor explained that Federal
Depository Insurance is provided for the first $100K of cash deposits in
each bank and type of bank account.
As of Jeanne Hand said it�s
how the account is registered, if you have more than one account there
would be a federal ID for each account.
Ms. Buono explained the Town currently has one federal ID, and
legal would need to be consulted regarding more than one federal ID.
Next observation was at the 2006 annual Town Meeting the Town
voted to transfer $280K to various capital reserve funds, the authorized
transfers were not made until January 2007.
Ms. Buono explained that transfer of funds takes place after Town
Meeting. In 2006 during the
transition of the finance office the transfer was not done in a timely
manner. When the bookkeeper was hired the funds were transferred.
It was noted that the amount dispersed for forest fire services
amounting to $450 was issued to the Chief Fire Warden who in turn
deposited the funds in his personal account who then distributed monies
to the individuals who assisted in the various fire calls.
Prior to receiving the management letter the finance office took
over the forest fire payroll through the regular payroll system.
There was no documentation supporting the disbursement of
Conservation funds. The
management letter has been forwarded to the Treasurer.
It was noted that the Town was not issuing a 1099G form for any
tax abatements; this has been rectified and the form will be issued at
the end of the year.
Accounts Payable - an observation was noted that after year end
the Town issued various checks and back dated them
The auditor noted that financial back-up is not stored off site.
Ms. Buono explained that at the end of 2007 she purchased two new
servers that will resolve this issue.
One server will be located at the Police Department and the other
in Ms. Buono�s office, the servers will be configured to back each
other up.
The auditor noted a trust fund account in the amount of $9K which
they were not aware of. Ms.
Buono explained the account was an inactive account for the downstairs
floor which was closed in 2007 and deposited in the general fund but in
2006 it was current. The
account was overlooked because it was closed and stored away with closed
accounts. Selectman Karrick noted for the first item
discussed regarding the insurance for cash deposits.
The organization that invests for a number of Towns within the
state is called New Hampshire Public Deposit Investment Pool.
Selectman Hartman reiterated what is
unresolved at this time:
Internal Control Ms. Buono explained there were three items
that were addressed, the first is cash reconciliation.
The auditor stated that the cash and investment balance for the
Town�s general ledger did not reflect the balance at year end for the
Treasurer. As of The auditors noted that the Board of
Selectmen was not officially approving cash disbursements for the Town.
This has been resolved by approving the manifest. Lastly the auditor noted that monies are
received for paper copies that are not being deposited in the Town�s
cash account; instead the money was used to purchase items.
Ms. Buono explained that the money received for copies was being
deposited but an amount was kept for petty cash.
Resolution is to set up a separate petty cash fund.
Selectman Karrick confirmed that receipts would be needed in
order to reimburse the petty cash. 8. Faith Minton � Community Bulletin Board Faith Minton met with the Board on behalf
of Warner Connects which is a small community organization that is
interested in revitalizing the community bulletin board that is located
between Kearsarge Insurance and Colby Realty.
Warner Connects applied and received funds from the Warner Fall
Foliage Festival. Ms. Minton
wanted to check with the Selectmen before making any changes.
One proposed change is moving the board closer to the sidewalk
without obstructing any view from the current signage or the sidewalk
plow. Selectman Karrick
asked if Warner Connects would like to take over maintaining the
bulletin board. Ms. Minton
said the Warner Connects is very interested in doing so.
Chairman Cook recommended first speaking with the property owner;
Ms. Minton has, and the owner indicated that he will continue to allow
the bulletin board on his property.
Chairman Cook asked Ms. Minton to come back to the Board when a
plan is generated. The Board
agreed that Warner Connects should take on the responsibility of the
bulletin board. Ms. Minton
asked if there were regulations the group should be aware of, Selectman
Hartman said the only regulation is the �Sign Permit�.
9. Marianne Howlett � Tax Collector � Lien Research Contract The contract indicates a $13 cost for each
parcel that is researched, this cost has not increased within the last
three or so years. Selectman
Hartman made the motion to
approve the contract with Goulet Computer Consultants to be used for tax
lien research for 2008. Selectman
Karrick seconded the motion. All
were in favor. The motion
passed. 10. Ed Mical � Emergency Management Mr. Mical presented a contract between the
Town of 11. Ed Mical � Building Maintenance Mr. Mical explained the electrical
upgrades for the stage and control booth are underway.
The upgrades were funded by the Fall Foliage Festival, Nancy
Sibley Wilkins and the Men�s Club.
Mr. Mical recommends adding to the Town Hall rental agreement a
deposit requirement and specific training to use the new equipment.
Mr. Mical will coordinate with the Selectmen�s secretary.
12. Procedure for
Appointing Town Officers The Selectmen first wish to receive
recommendations for expired terms from the various chairs.
After which meetings will be arranged for those who have
submitted volunteer interest forms.
The Selectmen also wish to advertise the vacancy for the
Trustee of the Trust Funds; currently there is one interested volunteer.
The Selectmen asked Ms. Buono to research if it is required to
appoint the Director of Public Works every three years. Tax Collector, Marianne Howlett asked the
Board to re-appoint Janice Cutting as Deputy Town Clerk.
The Selectmen will address this request on April 8. 13. April 1 Selectmen�s Meeting � Canceled April 1 has been rescheduled for April 8th 14. Sign Permit � Harold French The Board had previously asked if the sign
Mr. French proposes indicates an in home business.
Ms. Buono reported the definition of a Home Occupation is a
business conducted entirely within the dwelling. Mr. French does not
meet this requirement. Selectman
Cook asked if there is a regulation not allowing a sign if there is no
home business, Ms. Buono said no. 15. Manifest Selectman Hartman made a motion
to authorize the Selectmen to sign the manifest and order the Treasurer
to sign payroll checks numbered 41140-41189 dated 16. Richard Senor � Recycle Committee Mr. Senor presented documentation to Ms.
Buono during the Selectmen�s meeting regarding the Zero Waste Pledge.
Chairman Cook after quickly reading the document stated to Mr.
Senor that the Recycle Committee has no authority to act without first
receiving the Selectmen�s approval.
Presenting a pledge to the Governor�s office is something the
Recycling Committee would need to come before the Selectmen with.
Mr. Senor said that he is going to present the pledge to the
Governor himself. Chairman
Cook said the letter he wrote does not state that.
Mr. Senor said he is asking the Board to sign the letter and he
will bring the letter to the Governor himself.
Chairman Cook said again, that is not what the letter states.
Mr. Senor reiterated by saying he is asking on behalf of the
Recycling Committee that the Selectmen sign the pledge, the Governor has
nothing to do with the Board, and Mr. Senor said he is going to the
Governor personally and he will tell the Governor that he is the
Chairman of the Recycling Committee.
Mr. Senor said he is not representing the Town.
Chairman Cook disagrees; Mr. Senor is representing the Town if he
is going as the Recycling Committee Chair.
Mr. Senor said the Governor is going to ask him his background
and when he does Mr. Senor will say he is the Chairman of the Recycling
Committee. Mr. Senor said he
has been studying the zero waste information regarding the pledge for
over a month, other States are doing it.
Mr. Senor said he is going as a resident to the Governor.
After the manifest motion Mr. Senor said
that Chairman Cook was correct, the Warner Recycling Committee will
rescind the pledge and since Chairman Cook has a fear against the
pledge�. Chairman Cook interjected by saying he does not have a fear,
he is merely pointing out that the committee does not have the authority
to act without the Selectmen authority and Mr. Senor has had the
propensity to do that. Mr.
Senor said that he would present the pledge as a resident.
Selectman Hartman made a motion
to table the presented zero waste pledge until the Board has further
explored the pledge. Selectman
Karrick seconded the motion. All
were in favor. The motion
passed. 17. Motion to Hire Selectman Hartman made the motion
to hire David Ackerman Jr. as a full time Police Officer with the Warner
Police Department, starting compensation in the amount of $18.53 per
hour. Selectman Karrick
seconded the motion. Mr.
Hand asked if the hourly figure includes benefits, if that is not the
case, should the Selectmen consider adding the benefit amount with the
hourly figure to tell the whole story.
Selectman Hartman explained that the individual hired is for a
one-year probationary period, health insurance is provided
negotiated by the Town of Warner with an annual deductible, life
insurance is one-year salary, short term disability, and vacation time.
All were in favor of the motion. The
motion passed. 18. Meeting Minutes Selectman Hartman made the motion
to approve meeting minutes dated 19. General Comments Jeanne Hand asked if there are plans to
pave Barbara Annis said she was one of the
presenters at Awareness Day; the subject was youth and politics.
Ms. Annis indicated that some students may show interest toward
some of the committees. Ms.
Annis learned for appointed committees the age limit is 18, younger may
be appointed to an advisory capacity.
Paul Violette reported the Master Plan Committee is working with
CNHRPC to apply for a grant regarding housing and conservation.
Part of the grant is obtaining support from the Selectmen; Mr.
Violette will submit a letter to the Town Administrator for the
Selectmen to review and sign. Mr.
Violette explained the Town�s portion for the grant is $2,500 and the
Conservation Commission indicated that they could contribute half of the
cost. Mr. Hand commented about Article 23 (Fair
Tax Coalition) and feels it was wrong for the Town to consider the
article at Town Meeting. Mr.
Hand feels the article is more of a State agenda.
Selectman Hartman explained the Selectmen felt it was a topic
that could be reasonably discussed at Town Meeting, the Article is not a
binding commitment, and it�s a statement of opinion.
Marianne Howlett asked the Selectmen when
they had discussed the Zero Waste Resolution.
Chairman Cook said the Board has not yet discussed the issue; Mr.
Senor presented the information this evening. Chairman Cook noted that the spruce tree
in front of the Town Hall has been removed.
The Business Association will be donating a replacement tree.
The type of tree has yet to be determined.
Motion to adjourn 8:40 p.m. Board of Selectmen Richard A. Cook � Chairman Respectfully submitted, Mary Whalen Recorder of the minutes
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