Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes
December 16, 2002
Selectmen Present: J. Hite, W. Berry, R. Pride attended the meeting to sign documents and left at 7:10 pm.
Clerk: W. Johnson, TA
Media: None
Don and Sandra Butson addressed the Board regarding the maintenance of a portion of Sanborn Lane above the town water tank where they are planning to build a new house. It is Don’s understanding from his mother that when his farther gave the land for the water tower the town agreed to maintain the road to the location of the former Clarence Pickins farmhouse. WJ reported he has not found any records regarding the status of the road, if it is a class V or VI or not a town road at all. WB suggested under any circumstances that it would be in the town’s best interest to have a 50’ right of way to allow for the proper maintenance of the road, shoulders and ditches. The Butsons are requesting the portion from the tank to their driveway be maintained or approximately 100 yards. After discussion, it was agreed
that the Butsons would provide additional land to increase the right of way if necessary on the right side of the road, that Don would assist in clearing some of the brush along the road side this winter to make maintenance easier, that the town would continue to research the legal status of the road, that the town would maintain the road on a non-priority status, until January 22, 2003 when materials for the home are expected to be delivered. The Butsons left the meeting.
WJ presented the second issue 2002 tax warrant for review and approval. JH moved and WB 2nd to approve with signatures. So voted all. Tax bills will be delivered starting Tuesday 12/17/02.
Fire Chief GP Houston was in to discuss the proposed 2003 fire department budget. Requisitions were presented to purchase breathing air supplies for $2995, a new gas meter for $1195 and 4 new sets of gear for $3500. All purchases will be made from the 2002 operating budget allowing for adjustments in the 2003 budget. After reviewing all line items the revised budget total for the 03 FD budget is $60,000. Reductions were made to the breathing apparatus, personnel gear and haz-mat lines. Board informed the chief of their plans to delay funding of all capital reserve funds in 2003. R. Pride was contacted by phone and concurred with WB and JH on the vote. A major resurfacing project is being considered in conjunction with the water improvement project and the CRF funds will be applied to that project for roadwork. The Board
will resume funding to CRFs in 2004. Chief Houston and WJ presented a plan to consider purchasing the former Parts town property on North Main Street for the future site of the new fire station. The property is currently on the market and is the only possible site available. The plan is to present a proposal to build a new station to the voters in 2005. The building committee would like to propose an option to the owners to purchase the property subject to voter approval at the March 2003 town meeting. Prior to town meeting the site would be evaluated for suitability. JH moved and WB 2nd to move to non-public session per RSA 91-A:3,II (d) to discuss the details of an offer to purchase the property. So voted all.
Selectmen’s Minutes
December 16, 2002
Page 2
RESUMED PUBLIC SESSION
The discussion of the fire department budget is completed and Chief Houston left the meeting at 8:30 pm
WB noted that a review of all proposed budgets will be necessary to seek reductions in order to meet the goal of a zero increase budget over the 2002 budget. JH agreed and noted that only the fire department was set for town meeting. All others are still subject to change.
WB requested Chief Tavernier provide a report to the Board on the caseload and success rate of the area prosecutor for the PD. JH agreed and WJ will forward the request to the Chief.
After reviewing a letter from the NH Teachers Association regarding the No Child Left Behind Program and the concern that this program has no funding and will cost the local taxpayers money to comply, the Board agreed to send a letter to our US Senate and Congressional representatives requesting funding for the program.
WB reported he received a call from Gerald Winn regarding his offer to facilitate a discussion regarding the acquisition of the former Lisbon railroad station. WB and JH agree the matter should be handled locally and appreciates Gerald’s offer. JH noted the matter was debated and voted on to support the project at the 2002 March town meeting. WB suggested a letter of thanks be sent to Gerald Winn thanking him for his offer. WJ to prepare the letter.
JH moved an WB 2nd that due to the Christmas holiday the Board voted not to meet again until Monday, December 30 at 6:00 pm except in the case of an emergency. So voted all.
WJ noted he would be leaving for Massachusetts for the holiday on Monday afternoon and returning Thursday afternoon.
JH reported he received a compliment for our highway department from a non-Lisbon resident who travels through Lisbon regularly that the winter road conditions and maintenance are one of the best in the area.
Adjourned 9:30 pm
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