Alexandria Board of Selectmen
December 30, 2008
Members Present: Cindy Williams, Don Gangemi and Tom McGowan
The meeting came to order at 6:05 p.m.
Distribution of Minutes: December 23 Draft
Approval of Minutes: None; waiting for approval on December 4 and 18
Department Heads:
Christie Phelps: Due to the diligence of Barbara and Robin, there is now one open credit of $140 from a year previous to 2008. The remaining credits are from 2008 and will be taken on first issue 2009. The ladies are to be congratulated on their work. An application for employment was received from Harold Boehmer; he is interested in applying for the transfer station. Planet Aid sent some information on their organization. There are three boxes at the transfer station and some people have expressed a concern that these items are resold and should not be at the facility. Helen, the transfer station supervisor, said she has received numerous complaints. Christie asked if Planet Aid should be asked to move the boxes outside of the fence. The selectmen said that they never approved them being there in the first place. Christie will call and ask them to remove the boxes. Christie informed Helen that United Site Services has put in a ticket to replace the unit at the transfer station. Christie also let Helen know that the gate was unlocked this morning when she got there to let USS in. Paul Hatch was contacted to come and do the final review on the town’s emergency management plan. The field reps have been told to plan on working in the office all of this week and next relative to the ice storm issue. He could do an evening meeting if the selectmen need this done prior to the 16th. Christie will be the person meeting with Paul. The selectmen agreed with Christie that it is not an emergency to get this done, so a meeting in a couple of weeks will be fine. The warrant issued for the second billing was some 1.924 million; of that, 1.546 million has been collected as of the close of business today. The district manager for Southworth Milton has been called by Christie in reference to some ongoing problems with a piece of equipment purchased in 2006. She indicated that the boom and hydraulic problems are ongoing, and Southworth Milton is trying to say that there are different issues each time they have been called. This issue may be turned over to the attorney for further communication.
Items Requiring Signature:
Intents to cut were signed for Craig and Cindy Williams
An abatement for Joseph Elias was signed
An intent to cut was signed for William Corbeil
Old Business:
No discussion
New Business:
The NH Road Standards Handbook was delivered to the town earlier in
the year for review and adoption by the town. Jeff and Christie have both reviewed the handbook and find that the town already exceeds most of the minimums stated in the book. Don Gangemi would like a statement that
indicates that these are the minimum; however, the town reserves the right
to exceed these levels. Ed Skroback said that the advantage to adopting
these regulations is that in the event of a disaster on a substandard road, Fema will allow funds to improve the road to these standards. If the road was
above standard already, FEMA will replace it to that level. Don made a motion to accept the NH Road Standards Handbook. The motion was seconded by Tom McGowan and passed by a vote of 3-0.
The selectmen voted 3-0 to adopt the Financial Policies dated December 30, 2008. Motion made by Don Gangemi; seconded by Cindy Williams
Transfer Station:
Cindy asked Helen if there is still a need for a third person at the transfer station.
Helen said there is. Cindy asked for the position to be posted. If one of the
selectmen has an interest in applying for the position, they can. The only limitation would be that they could not be part of the interview process on other applicants. The selectmen voted to affirm that Helen LoPresti is the Transfer Station Supervisor. Christie will send a letter to Alexis letting her know that Helen is indeed the transfer station supervisor. Helen was reminded that she has the authority to have people removed from the station. Helen said that she has been told not to get into a confrontation; she is to contact the police or Christie to handle the situation. Cindy made a motion to pay Tom for Saturday for his time at the transfer station. Don seconded the motion and it was passed by a vote of 2-0; Tom abstained as the motion concerned him.
Don Gangemi made a suggestion that the selectmen move their meeting from Thursday to Tuesday. He also suggested that it be every other week. Christie asked that every other week wait until after town meeting. Don received information that many other towns have their meetings every other week. Don has a meeting on the first Tuesday of each month and would ask that every other week be the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays. Christie said that for now she could make sure that important decisions that should have input from all three selectmen will not be scheduled for that first Tuesday. Kate Barrett said that the Recycling Committee meets on Tuesday. Christie explained that recycling could use the room outside the planning board office. The change in meeting nights will take effect immediately; therefore, the selectmen will meet next Tuesday.
Public Input:
Ed Skroback suggested that the transfer station have walkie talkies. This would let someone who is outside be able to inform personnel inside the shack that assistance is needed. Christie explained that if the transfer station supervisor feels it necessary to have such equipment, it is up to that person to bring the matter to her or the selectmen.
Kate Barrett asked about the letter from the state requesting comment on a request to open an inspection station in the town. Christie said that the last time one was received; it was referred to the conservation commission. The same thing was done this time. It was explained to Kate that the only response the conservation commission needs to make is whether or not the use will endanger wetlands area or conservation land. The state indicated that the zoning board would normally review the application. There is no zoning and no zoning board. The state representative then said the planning board would review, but the planning board has no authority either. Kate asked if the commission should look at the property. Don Gangemi said yes.
Carol Panaggio wanted to know what could be done about people parking in front of her house because they cannot get up the road to the AMC Lodge. She was told to contact the police department and have the cars removed. Carol said it blocks traffic and makes it difficult for the plow truck to get through and do its job. It was also suggested that Carol call the AMC Lodge for them to instruct people not to park in front of Carol’s house. Don suggested that the town could install signs restricting parking in front of the house.
Helen asked if she is going to have help at the transfer station on Saturday. Tom
said that he would be there.
Meeting adjourned at 7:22 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Christie Phelps