Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes
December 30, 2003
6:00 pm Meeting Opened
Present: Selectmen: R. Pride, J. Hite, W. Berry. Clerk: W. Johnson,
Kevin Clement, Lisbon DPW and Steve LaFrance, engineer of Provan and Lorber Engineers.
Steve LaFrance presented plans for the water improvement project to review with all present. Several items were discussed including the following: type of pipe to be used and it was agreed after discussion that ductile iron would be best overall; the condition of Bergin Terrace is a concern and WB suggest we expand the improvement of the sub grade to include the entire road width, the project scope will cover an 8’ wide trench with paving, the existing road is approximately 15’ wide, it was agreed SL would provide an estimate of the additional work required that will include under drain, subsurface material and paving (the town would be required to cover the cost of the this work). SL will also provide provisions to replace the wall on Riverside Av. in front of Mrs. Blake’s. SL will look at the retaining
wall by Roy Hudson’s on Barrett St. as it may not survive the construction due to the narrowness of the road. WB suggested looking at lowering the grade of the beginning portion of Riverside Av. for easier maintenance, however there is a concern of ledge that may prevent this from being done. A concern was expressed regarding the stonewall on the Bible Church property on Grafton Street may need to be addressed during construction. The issue of a change in line pressure – particularly in the area know as “the acre” - was discussed; SL explained the project impact should only increase volume to the affected areas and not pressure unless there are leaks that are eliminated as a result of the project. The Town may be responsible for providing and installing pressure reducing valves at the water meters if a problem arises. SL requested the Town purchase the fire hydrants for the project to avoid any conflict in the bidding process; the funds for the hydrants
would come from the project. SL cautioned that some attorney’s who are required to certify that all work being done in the project is being done in the a Town right-of-way or legal easement could be an issue if attorney is uncomfortable with the available records. This can delay the project and cost an excessive amount of money. WJ advised the lease for the railroad crossing at Pine Knoll Terrace is complete and he will provide him a copy. SL noted he would have the plans for the attorney to review next week. Steve LaFrance and Kevin Clement left the meeting at 7:35 pm.
Dave Armstrong, owner of the Lisbon Village Country Club addressed the Board regarding his property taxes. Mr. Armstrong believes his assessment, that has doubled from the prior value is incorrect and plans to file for an abatement. A letter explaining Mr. Armstrong’s position was presented to the Board. Mr. A. questioned if the response to his abatement application could be expedited so he can determine rates and memberships in the spring. WJ stated the assessors who did the revaluation could review the application shortly after it was received. Also inquired about the interest rate on any abated funds? WJ noted 5% is the interest and info on current and past evaluations are available from the selectmen’s office during the day. Mr. Armstrong thanked the Board and left the meeting.
WJ presented a request for the following encumbrances from the remaining funds in the 2002 budget:
Highway budget: $10,000 for paving
Water budget: 20,000 corrosion control system
Gov. Buildings 3,900 Town office lights
Police 7,000 new equipment and training
Total: $40,900
WB moved and JH 2nd to encumber the 2002 budget funds as proposed subject to final budget adjustments. So voted all.
WJ reported final budget numbers are ready for review and the police and highway should be finalized next Monday at the monthly department head meetings with the Board. WJ noted the first budget hearing is scheduled for January 13, 2003 at 7:30 pm.
Board discussed Chief Tavernier’s request for payment for an overnight stay at the Mt. Washington Hotel for the Chief’s Assoc. winter conference. The amount is $93.00 JH noted that a prior request for an overnight stay had been denied because it was a reasonable travel distance to Lisbon. The precedence has been set and should not change for this request. WB moved and JH 2nd to not approve the payment. So voted all.
WJ provided an update on the Riverside Housing project. Dialogue with NHHFA continues and a resolution may be near to fund the project. More info should be available next week.
WB moved and JH 2nd to move to non-public session per RSA 91-A: 3II © to discuss an application to the Buffington Fund. So voted all.
RESUMED PUBLIC SESSION
WJ reported a proposal from the Town to FAR Properties to purchase the former Parts Town business site for a future fire station site has been made and the owner according the broker is preparing a response. A response should be available next week.
Invitations to the Select boards of Lyman and Landaff to meet on 1/7/03 to review and discuss the proposed 2003 recycling, fire and life squad budgets were reviewed. No confirmation of available members has been received as of this date.
Adjourned 9:45 pm
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