Selectboard Minutes

TOWN OF ANTRIM
Select Board Meeting Minutes
Monday, April 5, 2021
6:00 PM Town Hall (face mask required)

Board Members Present: John Robertson, Chairman; Tom Davis, Selectman; Robert L Edwards, Selectman
Staff Present: Donna Hanson, Town Administrator
Others Present: Shelley Nelkens, Antrim Resident; Richard Block, Antrim Resident; Janice Longgood, Antrim Resident; Fred Ward, Stoddard Resident; Sarah Edwards, Mike Connolly, Trustee of Trust Funds; Eric Tenney, Historical Society

Agenda Items:

I.  Approval of Minutes

• Mr. Edwards moved to approve the March 22, 2021 minutes. Mr. Davis seconded. Passed 3/0

II.  Historical Society Funds

• Mr. Robertson read from the book “Knowing the Territory” which stated that a town can only accept funds for the legal purposes for which a town can appropriate money. Accepted funds have to be used for which the town can appropriate money.  Mr. Robertson said he thought the Select Board should not accept the Historical Society money because he believes money accepted by the Select Board can only be spent on public purpose. Mr. Edwards said he has no doubt that the Historical Society’s use of the funds will be for a public purpose. Mr. Edwards said we should first get the paper work from the attorney to see what the donor’s wishes are. Mr. Davis agreed. Ms. Hanson stated that a public meeting is needed before the Select Board can accept any money over $10,000.

III.  Trans Alta Complaints

• Ms. Nelkens requested to be on the agenda to ask the Select Board to write a letter to the SEC in support of the residents that have not been heard on their complaints regarding the lighting and noise at the Wind Farm. After much discussion,  Mr. Robertson said the Select Board will write a letter in support of the residents that feel their voice is not being heard.

IV.  State Revolving Loan and Drinking Water Trust Fund  

• Mr. Edwards moved to appoint Chairman Robertson and Town Administrator Donna Hanson as authorized representative of the State Revolving Fund Loan and the Drinking Water Trust Fund. They will also maintain the structure after construction. Mr. Davis seconded. Passed 3/0
• There was discussion about the loan being for 20 or 30 years. The loan will begin one year after construction ends which will be in 2023. Ms. Hanson said the Library loan will mature in 2023 which is around $30,000 annually. In 2023, the police station loan debt will be $275, 000, which will mature in 2026. The USDA bond for Highland Ave/Pleasant St debt in 2023 will be $1, 181,210. Debt service in 2023 will be a little over 1.5 million. Mr. Davis suggested we apply for the 30 year loan and budget for the 20 year loan. If something comes up where we need the money we could drop back to the 30 year payment. Ms. Hanson said the 30 year loan will give us the most flexibility as it can be paid off early with no penalty.

V.  Select Board Goals

• Select Board goals were distributed. They will be discussed at a later date.

VI.  Other Business

• Ms. Hanson said she received a request from Conservation Commissioner Peter Beblowski requesting that the boards at Gregg Lake Dam be put in before April 15^th to accommodate any nesting loons. Ms. Hanson said she spoke to the Road Agent, who is in charge of the boards and he sees no harm in putting the boards in early. Everyone agreed they should be put in early to protect any nesting loons.
• Mr. Edwards asked if it was possible to put up a locking display case at the post office so the notices are more visible to the residents. He said the postmaster approved this. Ms. Hanson will look into it.

VII.  Non-Public – RDSA 91 A:3(a)

• Mr. Edwards moved to promote Lieutenant Brian Lord to Police Chief effective May 1, 2021. Mr. Davis seconded. Passed 3/0

Closing

• Mr. Robertson moved to adjourn at 8:40 pm. Mr. Davis seconded. Passed 3/0

            Respectfully submitted, Donna Hanson, Town Administrator