Alexandria Board of Selectmen
March 17, 2009
At 5:30 p.m. the selectmen held a non-public session regarding the transfer station. There were no votes taken; no minutes necessary.
At 6:00 p.m. the deliberative session began with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Members Present: Tom McGowan, Larry Stickney and Don Sharp
Distribution of Minutes: March 10, 2009
Approval of Minutes: There was no approval of minutes as Cindy Williams was not re-elected and is therefore not present to vote on minutes with Tom McGowan.
Department Heads:
Christie Phelps: Christie said that Jeff Cantara, the road agent, will be in later to address a complaint from Scott Hackett. The selectmen were asked if they wished to have keys to the building; Don and Larry said they would think about it.
The schedule for the New Officials Workshop will be coming out soon. Christie asked if the selectmen are going to attend. Larry said he would like to; Christie will give them the dates as soon as they are available. Christie informed the board that she will be taking vacation time from March 26-29 and May 1-11. Cat White will cover the office during her absence and has her cell phone number if she needs to reach her.
Kate Barrett: Kate asked if Steve Whitman has been approved by the selectmen as a member of the conservation commission. Christie replied that he has. Kate stated that the commission has met and there are no issues at this time.
Dennis Manchester: Dennis reported that the fire department is fine and new bunker gear has been received. A cold water rescue training will be held soon. Dennis asked about the fire warden situation. Christie has yet to receive the necessary paperwork so she can issue fire permits. The people present at the meeting asked the selectmen to appoint a new fire warden. Christie will write a letter to DRED asking for this to happen.
Jeff Cantara: Jeff reported that the Scott Hackett issued has been resolved. There was a pile of snow that has been removed. It was not put there deliberately. With regard to the Washburn Road Hazard Mitigation Project, Jeff expressed a desire to hire as many local contractors as possible in order to keep the work in town. Larry Stickney cautioned Jeff to keep in contact with the landowners so there are no surprises.
Items Requiring Signature:
1. A letter to the planning board, outlining the selectmen’s minimum bridge standards, was signed.
2. Abatements were signed for Brian Shedd and Bruce Johnstone
3. A letter to the cemetery trustees was signed
4. The MS-2 Report of Appropriations Actually Voted was signed
New Business:
1. Work session with selectmen on Washburn Haz. Mit. Project—will schedule one as soon as more information is available
2. Meeting with department heads—selectmen felt that it is not necessary; a memo regarding the need to remain within their budgets will do. Christie will prepare the memo.
3. Christie reported that a portion of the Stimulus Program money is available in NH for bridge projects; i.e. the Washburn Road Bridge. If the town wishes to be placed into competition, NHDOT needs to be notified as well as the engineering firm. Christie reported that the difference between what the town would have had to raise before and now is $30,000. She also expressed an opinion that the cost of the project is still too high and should be reviewed. The selectmen do not wish to have the project placed in competition at this time and need an update from the engineer’s with regard to what work they have left to complete at this time.
4. Don Sharp will be the ex-officio for the planning board, Tom McGowan for the conservation commission and Larry Stickney for the Highway Safety Committee.
Public Input:
Bonnie O’Brien asked if the survey taken at town meeting resulted in people wanting to pay fees or see the cost in their tax bills. Christie replied that fees were the overwhelming response. Bonnie asked if someone has a single parking space with a culvert and then takes the culvert out and makes more parking spaces, do they have to get a new permit. Jeff said that if they needed a culvert before, they probably need to put another one back in. He will find out from Bonnie after the meeting who the property owner is. Bonnie asked about the flag in the “square” by the church. Christie said she has a new one in her car for that location.
Maggie LaBerge said that the planning board worked well with the previous board and hoped that will continue with the new board.
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 7:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Christie Phelps, Town Administrator