Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes
August 25, 2003
7:00 pm meeting opened
Present: Selectmen R. Pride and J. Hite
Clerk: W. Johnson, TA
Media: None
Lauraette Clark addressed the Board regarding the maintenance of the water department field off Bishop Road. The field has not been mowed in several years and would look better if it was. WJ reported the Board looked into having Doug Erb purchase the hay from the field but found it was not possible to fertilize and therefore it was not feasible for him to cut it. It was agreed WJ would look into options available to see what could be done to resume maintaining the field. Mrs. Clark left the meeting at 7:30 pm.
KC addressed the Board with issues regarding the water project. Towle Street and Bergin Terrace have no gravel base to them and will require gravel and fabric before being paved this fall. The gravel and fabric are not included in the project cost and will have to come from the highway budget or encumbered funds for paving. KC will get WJ the cost of doing the work from Clough Street to the bridge on Towle Street and the balance will have to be done in the spring before final paving if there is not enough money to do it all. KC reported Clough Construction would be completing the water line work on School Street beginning on Wednesday. It should take approximately one day to complete the work. Some Town crew will assist.
Rob Brooks joined the meeting.
Tom White and Mrs. Barbara White addressed the Board regarding the broken waste service line running from Mrs. White’s house on Highland Av. Kevin Schofield has determined the line is broken in several places and approximately 60’ of pipe should be replaced. A video survey of the pipe showed a number of lines used to connect into this line but it is believed they have all been rerouted to the main over the years. T. White believes because this line was once a service line it should be the responsibility of the Town to repair it. The current ordinance requires the property owner to maintain the line if it services only one house to the main line. Because the line was previously a service line for several homes, it was agreed the Town would split the cost of the repair work, an estimated total job of $1500-2500,
with Mrs. White. After the repairs are completed, the property owner will be responsible for all future maintenance and repairs. This stipulation is acceptable to Mrs. White and K. Clement. Schofield Septic will do the work as soon as possible, TW will contact Schofield’s, WJ will contact the Taxters regarding crossing their property to access the repair site. Tom White and Mrs. White left the meeting. KC left the meeting at 8:15 pm.
R. Pride reported on a site visit he made to a fire station on Loudon Rd in Concord. He observed the site was narrow like the Parts Town lot and discussed the building and site limitations with the person on duty. RP also took some photos and will bring them when they are developed.
Board received and accepted, with regrets, the resignation of Mrs. Ruth Marshall as a supervisor of the checklist effective immediately. Chairman Pride noted Mrs. Marshall has served the Town for several years and her service is greatly appreciated. WJ noted the moderator makes replacements of supervisors. Donna Knighton is interested in serving as a supervisor with Richard Grayson. A third person will be necessary to replace the late Frank Clark.
Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes
August 25, 2003
Page 2.
Rob Brooks expressed his interest in serving as a member of the Board of Selectmen. He would like to serve if the Board will appoint him. Rob will need to work out a potential schedule conflict for Monday night meetings but is confident he can. JH moved and RP 2nd to appoint Rob Brooks as a Selectman until March town meeting 2004. So voted all.
WJ reported on activity on the water improvement project. Delays have occurred due to ledge and receipt of an acceptable water quality test on the new section of the line. Paving the trench line on Highland Av is planned for Friday, 8/29, but the paving company cannot guarantee that day. If not Friday, it may be Tuesday, the first day of school. This will create confusion on opening school day, but it will have to be handled the best it can.
RP expressed his concern and the concern of others about the brush burning regulations. Several people expressed concern over the size of the Morrison brush pile. After review of the state regulation brochure it appears the rules are sufficient and clear. It was agreed to confirm these brochures are being distributed when permits are issued to be sure land owners are aware of the rules and liability.
WJ apprised the Board that the recent wage increases to the police personnel has cause a problem with the amount being charged for special details. WJ recommended the detail rate be increased to $32.00/ hr plus $5/hr if a cruiser is required. JH moved and RP 2nd to approve the new detail rates as proposed. So voted all.
WJ presented the matter of Albion Browne’s water and wastewater bill. Mr. Browne does not believe all of the outstanding charges are his and that the property has been vacant for most of the time he has owned it. Mr. Browne agreed to sign the necessary easement agreement for the waterline improvement project on Acre Dr. if a settlement on his bill could be reached. Mr. Browne agreed to pay the amounts outstanding for 2002 and 2003. It was agreed to abate the prior amounts totaling approximately $1,700.00. JH moved and RP 2nd to abate the amount of the prior bill. So voted all.
WJ reported the transfer of a parcel of property from Erline Jesseman to the Town in connection with the waterline improvement project has been completed.
WJ presented a request from Brian Livingston in the recycling department to purchase the former highway department pickup truck from the town on a payment plan. WJ noted he had no history of this being done before and was not sure how the auditors would feel about this type of arrangement. The Board agreed this might not be in the best interest of the town to establish a “credit” policy for employees. WJ will notify Brian of the Board’s position on the matter.
Board agreed there would be no regular meeting next week due to the Labor Day holiday on Monday. The next regular meeting will be held on September 8, 2003 at 7:00 pm.
Adjourned at: 10:05 pm
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