Alexandria Board of Selectmen
April 7, 2009
Members Present: Tom McGowan and Don Sharp
A Work Session was held at 5:30 at the request of Don Sharp. He wanted to be able to sign checks and ask any questions he had about the agenda prior to the 6:00 p.m. meeting. Next week the selectmen will begin to hold a weekly work session at 5:30.
The deliberative session came to order at 6:00 p.m. with two members present; Larry Stickney is excused for the evening.
Department Heads:
Christie Phelps:
Christie asked to have hazard mitigation and tax deeding properties put on the agenda for that meeting. One of the properties in question should have been deeded this year, but the board voted not to take the property. The owner has made no payments toward the taxes since February of 2007.
Helen LoPresti:
Helen asked to be able to change the Wednesday hours to 11-7 rather than 11:30-7:30. She said that there is usually only one person that comes in after seven because he is collecting trash from a number of houses and does not want to hold anyone up. The selectmen said they are not in favor of changing hours at this time because they were just changed. Christie suggested that Helen keep a tally of how many cars come in after seven. Prior to town reports, etc. being printed next year that include the hours of the transfer station, is the time for changes to be proposed. Helen asked where the limbs and such that have been cleaned up at the transfer station should be put. Someone suggested putting them over the banking. Christie said that Helen should check with the property owner, Boake Morrison. Helen said that there are two of her customers who have not paid their transfer station fees. She asked the selectmen what she should do with their slips. Tom said to bring them to the selectmen’s office, and Christie will send them a letter. Helen asked if she is allowed to make people pay before they dump their load. Tom said it is up to her. Don Sullivan said that if he is going to have to get involved from a police department point of view, it would be much easier to issue a citation for violation of a town ordinance if customers are required to pay first.
Kate Barrett:
Kate Barrett complimented Helen on the condition of the transfer station. Kate also asked for changes to be made to the recycling committee meeting schedule; it is the 4th Thursday at 6:30. She said that George is supposed to talk to Steen Gilpatric in order to invite him to a recycling meeting.
Don Sullivan:
Don has been working on a grant application for funds to cover pay and benefits for a full time officer for three years. The only catch is that the town needs to cover a fourth year as a condition of the grant. When asked if it has to be the same officer covered for the fourth year, Don replied that it does not. The grant is for the position, not a specific person. The selectmen gave their approval for the application to be submitted. Don said he is also working on a Highway Safety Grant for dedicated patrol, perhaps on West Shore Road, and has also asked Steve Sargent at Highway Safety for some items to be passed out or demonstrated at Community Day. Some mention was made of the need for a golf cart for the day and it was suggested that the chief check with Ragged Mtn. Ski Area.
Items Requiring Signature:
An Intent to Cut was signed for Jennifer and George Tuthill
Veteran’s Credits were signed for William Malone, Peter Brown and Edwin Weber
A Current Use application was signed for John Binette
Old Business:
No update
New Business:
Posting of Positions: Maggie LaBerge wanted it noted in the minutes that she feels as
though any job openings in the town should be posted, no matter what department. Tom
said he did not have any problem with that.
Silver Star Families: Christie said that Silver Star Families of America is asking for
town to declare May 1 as Silver Star Family Day and asking that they sign a petition. Silver
Star Family Day will pay tribute to the wounded and ill military members who have come home.
Tax Deeded Properties: Postponed due to absence of one member
Salt Meeting: There is a meeting next Thursday in Concord regarding the purchase of
salt for next winter. The state has called the meeting to look at the various ways organizations
might work together for a decent price on salt. Christie said that she has passed the notice
along to Jeff. If he is not able to attend the meeting, she will try to.
Community Day: Nancy Whitman asked Christie to find out if insurance is needed for the people who are providing horse/pony rides at Community Day. Christie checked with Deb Lewis at LGC, the town’s insurance carrier, and outside vendors do need certificates of insurance as do the owners of the horses/ponies.
Christie Phelps: Cat and Christie would like permission to plant veggies in the front yard of the town hall. Veggies grown would be put in the lobby for distribution and any leftovers would be taken to Bristol Community Services. Permission was given. The project will also cut down on the amount of lawn maintenance that will be needed.
Conservation Commission: Kate Barrett said that she had recently been to a Land Use meeting that the road agent and other officials might find beneficial. She also spoke of several publications she had picked up. April 19 is “Hang Your Laundry Out Day” because next to your refrigerator, your dryer is the biggest user of electricity. Lakes Region Conservation, Newfound Lakes Region Association and SPNHF have joined forces to approach people in the watershed area about placing their land in conservation. The state has printed a stormwater management manual. Kate thought the town should have a copy, but suggested they wait until a decision is made on whether or not the price can be lowered. It is also available online. Kate asked people to be aware of Blanding Turtles on the Bog Road. Do not run over them, please put them on the side of the road. Kate is working with Janet Towse and another individual regarding natural resources in the town. In addition, she said the Master Plan is coming out and Kate would like that “slowed down” because she thinks that there is stuff in there that needs to be added or updated. She said she would go to the planning board meeting with her concerns.
Public Input: Bonnie said the flag in the center of town looks good and the other one was “put to rest”.
She also said the roads are pretty good. Carol Pannagio said there is a sink hole by her house on Shem Valley Road.
Adjournment:
The meeting was adjourned at 6:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Christie Phelps, Town Administrator