TOWN OF THORNTON

Selectmen Meeting Minutes

July 28, 2010

                                     

The Thornton Board of Selectmen met and held a meeting on Wednesday,

July 28, 2010, 9:00 AM at the Thornton Town Hall.

Board Members present:  Roy Sabourn, Chairman, Tim Tyler, Vice Chairman,

Gloria Kimball, David Joyce and Butch Burbank.

Staff present: Administrator, Tammie Beaulieu

                          Board Secretary, Marianne Peabody

Public in attendance: See attached sign in sheet.

Chairman Sabourn opened the meeting at 9:00 AM.

Vice Chairman Tyler led the Board and public present with the Salute to Flag.

Employee Meeting 2010 Wage Study

Thornton Employees attended a mandatory meeting called by the Board of Selectmen to hear and discuss details relative to the 2010 Wage Study presented by Mr. Barry Cox, and Alisa Clary of LGC. Mr. Cox explained the purpose of the study and the mechanism applied to each position in reaching respective labor grades. The study provides a rational reason why a job falls under the labor grade assigned to that position.

Mr. Cox submitted to the Board of Selectmen copies of amendments made to the police section regarding labor grades between full and part time officers and incorporated a corporal’s position into the study. Police Chief Parent is satisfied with the amendment.

Chairman Sabourn informed the employees that the main purpose for this study is to treat everyone fairly and equitable.

A motion was made and seconded to accept the new police department wage study amendments. VOTED 5-0

Board Members informed employees that if they have any concerns relative to their job descriptions or labor grade that now it the time to bring it to the attention of the Board of Selectmen and Mr. Barry Cox, LGC, and this is the time to file an appeal with the local government center.

Part time Police Officer Gridley informed the Board of Selectmen that there are occasions when a part time officer comes to new employment from retirement and has years of training. He feels that such an officer should be started at a higher labor grade. It was explained that such an occurrence would likely be allowed so that the chief could place that part-time officer on a higher step to compensate for their experience.

The Board of Selectmen thanked Mr. Barry Cox and Alisa Clary for attending.

A motion was made and seconded to adopt the Town of Thornton Wage Plan as presented. The wage plan will be implemented for budget year 2011.

VOTED 5-0.

Public Forum

Beverly Chappell brought a tape recorder to the meeting and positioned it in front of the Chairman.

 

Beverly Chappell submitted to the Board an Administration Dissolution regarding TNT Professional Event Services, LLC. Manchester NH. Beverly informed the Board that TNT Security has been hired by the Benton’s for security at the Boogie & Blues Festival. Beverly questions if the hiring of the security is valid.

The Board of Selectmen will look into this further with Police Chief Parent.

Beverly questioned the Selectmen if a camp map was submitted with the Boggie & Blues Application?

Lee Freeman – Informed the Board of Selectmen that he condemns the practice of attacks against neighbors, and if you are going to cast stones all of your own business should be in order. He questioned the Chappell’s current use status and file. Mr. Freeman submitted research he has done relative to the Chappell’s current use file to Administrator Beaulieu.

Fran Wenderboe – Running for State Senate

Fran Wenderboe introduced herself to the Board of Selectmen and informed them that she is running for State Senate District (2). Fran Wenderboe outlined her personal and political background and her future plans for her district if elected.

Murray Movitz & John Bolster – Judges Rd.

Mr. Murray Movitz and John Bolster informed the Board they have attempted to contact an engineering firm and have not been successful. They are requesting the Town to contact an engineering firm for a road study for Judges Rd.

Their concerns are with sections of poor road conditions on Judges Rd. Other property owners along Judges Road submitted letters informing the Selectmen that they are not in favor of hiring an engineering firm to determine repairs and construction to be done on the road. The Board of Selectmen read these letters to the public present and gave copies to Mr. Movitz and Mr. Bolster. The Board of Selectmen informed Mr. Movitz and Mr. Bolster there is a scheduled an onsite visit to look at the road conditions on August 18, 2010 @ 9:30 AM. The Board of Selectmen suggested that a petitioned warrant article could be submitted relative to the engineering study they are proposing.

Gary Zielinski – abatements & appeals Mr. Zielinski explained to the Board the history of his abatement applications and what the fair market value of his house was when he purchased. Mr. Zielinski has suggested that the Selectmen accept his settlement offer as or it will leave him with no other alternative but to continue with his appeal to the Board of Land and Tax Appeals. The Board of Selectmen informed Mr. Zielinski they have to rely on their assessing firms judgments and they would not accept his settlement offer.

Jeanie Forrester-Running for State Senate –Jeanie Forrester introduced herself to the Board of Selectmen and informed them she is running for the State Senate District (2). Jeanie Forrester outlined her personal and political background and her future plans for her district if elected.

William Goddard –Building Permit for Mr. Provast 17-10-02

Mr. Goddard & Mr. Provast would like the Board of Selectmen to approve a building permit they are ready to submit. The ZBA has granted a variance for the construction of a garage conditioned upon a new septic system approved by the DES. Mr. Goddard brought with him the septic approval number he had down-loaded from the DES website. Mr. Goddard was informed by Health Officer Marianne Peabody that the number alone is not sufficient. The file requires the original copy of the actual permit and a signed copy of the septic plan showing the location of the septic system approved by DES. The water source was discussed and the records are not clear as to where the current water supply is coming from to service the new septic system. A new dug well or an off lot well? Mr. Goddard and Provost will supply this information.

Paul Hatch & Jane Hubbard –Thornton’s Emergency Management Director and grant to update Hazard Mitigation Plan.

Paul Hatch introduced Jane Hubbard to the Board. Jane informed the Board she is available to work with the Town to update the hazard mitigation plan. FEMA has approved  a $5,000.00 grant to update the plan. Jane explained the update process while emphasizing the import ants of public input. After more discussion.

A motion was made and seconded to accept the proposal from Hubbard Consulting to update the Thornton Hazard Mitigation Plan. Voted 5-0.

Paul Hatch informed the Board that he needs to be provided with an after hour contact persons telephone number. In the event of an emergency. The position of Emergency Manger was discussed. Mr. Hatch will get back to the Board with salary amounts other towns are paying for this position.

At 11:15 AM Selectmen broke for a brief recess.

At 11:30 AM Selectmen were back in session.

Action Folder

June 30, 2010 Selectmen Meeting Minutes. –A motion was made and seconded to accept as amended. Voted 5-0.

Elderly exemption-The Selectmen reviewed a draft letter from Town Counsel addressed to Attorney John Boyle, Attorney for the property owner requesting the exemption. The Board of Selectmen agree to send the letter.

Special Event Checklist – Wedding Corey Swartz, 32 Highland Pointe Dr. A letter was submitted relative to parking from Police Chief Parent.  Chief Parent has recommended limiting parking to the right hand side of Highland Pointe Dr. Motion was made and seconded to inform Mr. Swartz that his wedding is not considered a special event. Police Chief Parent’s recommendations will be mailed to Mr. Swartz. Voted 5-0.

Avitar new tax maps –The Board of Selectmen will review the new maps with Road Agent Dubey.

Transfer Station Contacts –were reviewed and after detailed discussion.

A motion was made and seconded to accept Cem Serves proposal and to begin coming to compliance with the State.  Voted 5-0.

A letter will be drafted to share with the Town of Campton and Town of Ellsworth regarding the executive decision made by the Selectmen to remain with Cem Serve.

Board of Selectmen items for discussion

Selectman Sabourn –There is still water runoff draining onto the Gore Rd from the Barron Mt. Subdivision when rain events occur. There is a 100ft stretch of silt along the Gore Rd during rain events. He is recommending a shallow water bar be constructed to keep the silt off the roadway.

Selectwoman Kimball- Nothing to report.

Selectman Joyce –Expressed his concern with some of the construction that he has seen in town and has been called on to re-build. He feels that there is a need to correct this problem.

Selectman Tyler –Nothing to report.

Selectmen Burbank –Would like to see all Town ordinances and regulations enforced.

Town Administrator presents

 

Benton & Chappel CU with Avitia

Ethics Policy- local govements center Attorney Sanderson

Copy of road warrants for site visit.

Tom Dubey desk work Dr. Note

Employees barbecue –

Coveredbridge wetlands packet. Tyler Philips volunteering his time.

David HiIlard funeral

 

Signature Folder

Investment Policy –A motion was made and seconded to accept and approve the Town of Thornton Investment Policy as amended. Voted 5-0 Signed.

Town of Thornton Delegation of Deposit Authority by Town Treasurer,

Sue Dumont –A motion was made and seconded to allow the delegation of deposit authority to Town Clerk/Tax Collector, Deputy Town Clerk/Tax Collector,

Thornton Transfer Station Manager and Town Administrator with Northway Bank Voted 5-0. Signed.

2010 State of NH Dept. of Revenue application for reimbursement to towns –White Mountain National Forest.

Annual State of NH Financial Report (MS-5) –Administrator Beaulieu informed the Board that John Carpender will assist.

Abatement Application – Robert Whitehouse, Knight Rd. PID16-04-15.

Abatement Application – Giuliano Trust, Welch View Dr. PID 17-13-3-02

Building Permit – Donald C. Reid, 75 Lumber Dr.PID10-16-03-02 Small Windmill.

Manifest –It was brought to the attention of the Board that the Town Clerk/Tax Collector budget is over expended for 2010. The Town Clerk has requested to attend a training conference. The Board of Selectmen have approved for the Tax Collector to attend for 2 days and 1 night.

A motion was made and seconded to approve the vender manifest from the proposed amount of $149,267.00 to $148,472.16.  Voted 3-0 Selectmen Sabourn and Joyce abstained.

A motion was made and seconded to accept the payroll manifest for the amount of $18,123.01 Voted 3-0 Selectmen Sabourn and Joyce abstained.

Other Business

The Board of Selectmen have called a joint meeting with the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Adjustment to be held on Monday, August 23, 2010 @ 5:30PM

The Selectmen will hold a public hearing to adopt proposed events checklist, application and regulations. The hearing will be held on August 23, 2010, 7:00 PM at the Town Hall.

A motion was made and seconded to waive the $1.00 a page fee from the town’s  adopted Fee Schedule list.

The Board of Selectmen scheduled road site visits to be held on August 18, 2010, beginning at 9:00 AM at the Town Hall then to the following road locations:

9:30 – Judges Road, Day Drive, Hidden Acres Road, Jacobs Lane & Joshua Lane.

Road Agent Dubey has been asked to attend.

Public Forum

Jim Demeritt is concerned with recent repairs of a ditch line on Mill Brook Rd. The ditch has created hazardous conditions. A truck almost rolled over when it drove into it. Jim Demeritt is recommending rip rap where corners are deep with 6 “ minus and silt paper.

Jim Demeritt has informed the Board the road crew is the best it has been since the old original crew. George Cheney has gone out of his way to do things right.

This meeting adjourned at 4:45PM. Next scheduled meeting to be held on Wednesday, August 11, 2010, 5:00 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,

Marianne Peabody

Board Secretary

Posting Date: 08/03/10