DRAFT
December 7, 2004
Selectmen Meeting Minutes –12/06/04
Present: M. Genest-Chairman, M. Oldershaw, and B. Pratt
Also in attendance: W. Prokop, R. Haggett, S. Nelkens, M. Pon, G. Halverson, K. Wright,
The selectmen voted to accept the minutes of the 11/23/04 meeting, and also the minutes of the Non-Public meeting of 12/06/04.
Selectmen Pratt addressed the request of S. Nelkens, that the Board of Selectmen propose a Town ordinance that would prevent the idling of vehicles. The purpose would be to strengthen the current State Administrative Ruling (NH RSA 125-C:Env-A 1100). Mr. Pratt explained that he had checked with D.E.S. and was told that this ruling will be “sunsetting” within the next six months. It is assumed that it will be renewed in a similar form.
Selectman Pratt explained that he understands that no other town in the state has adopted such an ordinance, and he felt that it was not in the best interest of Antrim to do so at this time. S. Nelkens felt that it should be done regardless of what any other town in the state has done. She felt that if we want to make Antrim a “safe walking town” that we need laws like this to clean up the air.
The Town presently enforces the “unattended vehicle” law, and it was felt by the selectmen that this was all that is needed at this time. The selectmen suggested to S. Nelkens that if she feels that this is something that the townspeople would want that she should do a petition warrant article and obtain the required signatures and present it to the Town by January 11th, 2005, the final date that a petition can be accepted under state law.
Ms. Nelkens will consider that and she passed out literature covering the current ruling.
G. Halverson and K. Wright, of Steele Pond Development L.L.C., discussed with the selectmen the concerns that they have with the current sand purchase agreement, their assessment and appraisal, and the possible sale of their property to the Town.
First, they did not understand why their tax assessment and the property appraisal showed different values. After some discussion it was agreed to give them an abatement form to complete and that the Town Administrator would discuss their concerns with the Town assessing firm and with the appraisal firm. Second, they were concerned that the Town is not taking out the sand on a monthly basis that they had anticipated. They were expecting 6 to 10,000 yards per year and the Town will probably use only 2-3,000 yards this year. Mr. Genest explained that we have not taken as much sand out as we had planned due to the possible use of current Town storage area for possible recreation fields. Third, was the possible sale of their property. They felt that the appraisal was low and did not take into consideration the value of the sand. Mr. Genest asked
them if they have had an appraisal done and if they had set a price for the sale of the property. They have not had an appraisal done yet and they feel that the value of the sand must be taken into consideration. After some discussion on all the points it was agreed that the Town would respond to them in writing by December 22nd, addressing all of their concerns.
B. Prokop then presented the selectmen with the preliminary budget request for administration, town clerk, management information, financial administration, property revaluation, legal, employee benefits, government buildings, health and welfare, insurance, homeland security, conservation, and funding cost of notes, interest, and tax anticipation. The largest increases are in government buildings, and employee benefit cost.
The selectmen will be reviewing the request and will be formulating questions for each department prior to the next budget review round, on Monday, December 13th, with each department.
The selectmen approved the Chief of Police recommendation to promote Ian Donavan to the position of Sergeant, effective 01/01/05. However, he will be “acting” as Sergeant while in training until the first of the year.
The selectmen then reviewed various correspondences and signed the accounts payable and payroll for the week.
The selectmen will be meeting in non-public sessions on 12/10/04 at 1:00 p.m. and on 12/15/04 at 3:00 p.m. These sessions will be conducted under RSA 91:4.a –Personnel issues.
Meeting adjourned at 10:00 p.m.
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