SELECTMEN
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
MONDAY, MAY 9, 2005
Chairman Donald Lane called a regularly scheduled business meeting of the Board of Selectmen to order at 5:30 PM on Monday, May 9, 2005.
Present:
Donald K. Lane, Chairman
Lloyd A. Holmes, Selectman
Louise M. Carr, Selectman
Clarke Kidder, Selectman
Peter M. Russell, Selectman
Edward J. Wojnowski, Town Administrator
Nancy E. Skeldon, Executive Secretary
I. ADMINISTRATIVE
The Board approved the following:
Vendor Disbursement and Payroll Manifests
Building/Use Permit
-Melissa Scala (Michael Gardreau); Map 222, Lot 022.02; Install In ground Pool; Permit #05-36
-Bruce Isabelle (Larry Hilton); Map 220, Lot 024; Addition; Permit #05-37
-Charles Thoits; Map 221, Lot 017; Renovations; Permit #05-38
-Kendall Temper; Map 224, Lot 034.2; Renovations: Permit #05-39
-Ernst & Joyce Bewersdorf; Map 236, Lot 053; Porch Addition; Permit #05-40
-Family Motor Coach Assn.; Map 101, Lot 052; Temp Sign Application; Permit #05-41
For Review – Selectmen’s Notes and Correspondence
For Signature – Abatements
Land Use Change Tax Lien Releases
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The Board reviewed the minutes of the May 9, 2005 Public Meeting. Selectman Russell made a motion to accept the minutes of the May 9, 2005 Public Meeting, seconded by Selectman Kidder. Vote 5-0.
The Board reviewed the minutes of the May 9, 2005 Non-Public Meeting. Selectman Carr made a motion to accept the minutes of the May 9, 2005 Non-Public Meeting, seconded by Selectman Russell. Vote 5-0.
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May 9, 2005
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III. PUBLIC APPOINTMENTS
Gerry Youngman, Hopkinton Rotary
Chairman Lane introduced Gerry Youngman, incoming president of the Hopkinton Rotary. Gerry explained to the Board that the Rotary would like to work with the Board on projects around the town that the Rotary could get involved with. He reviewed the list that Chairman Lane had sent him. Discussion followed. Gerry thanked the Board for all of the good suggestions and will keep in touch with the Board regarding future projects. The Board thanked Gerry for coming in.
Richard Wright, Chief Coordinator, Capital Area Fire Mutual Aid Compact
Selectman Russell introduced Richard Wright, Chief Coordinator, Capital Area Fire Mutual Aid Compact to the Board. Selectman Russell asked Chief Wright to meet with the Board regarding the need for a full time Fire Chief. Chairman Lane explained to Chief Wright that the Town defeated the creation of the position for the past two years at Town Meeting. Chairman Lane also explained that the Fire Department has been running very well as it is for the past few years. Chief Wright explained to the Board that he does have experience in this area. He stated that Hopkinton is a growing community and that he has seen more towns in the area looking for a full time Fire Chief. Chief Wright stated that the process is time consuming. He presented the Board with a sample Fire Chief job
requirements, the selection process that was followed and a Fire Chief job description. Chief Wright encouraged the Board that if and when they decided to hire a full time fire chief that they select a committee to handle the process. Discussion followed. Chairman Lane thanked Chief Wright for coming to the Board and bringing them all the useful information. Chief Wright thanked the Board for having him.
IV. OLD BUSINESS
Kearsarge Avenue Sewer Extension
Chairman Lane reviewed with the Board the fact that the Sewer Committee met and recommended denial of the request for an extension of the sewer line on Kearsarge Avenue. Resident Holly Dubrieul was in attendance representing the neighbors on Kearsarge Avenue. Chairman Lane informed the Board that the Planning Board would have to review the Sewer Committee denial. The property owner would have to bear the cost of the extension if it was done. Chairman Lane suggested that Holly Dubreiul and the neighbors on Kearsarge Avenue go to the Planning Board meeting tomorrow night and inform the Planning Board of their concerns.
Update on Finding for Kimball Pond
Town Administrator Wojnowski updated the Board regarding the funding for the repairs at Kimball Pond. The Town Administrator spoke with the Office of Emergency Management regarding Federal monies and reported the status of that request. Selectman Russell made a motion that the Board of Selectmen send a letter to the Budget Committee regarding the Kimball Pond Dam Breach and requesting that the Budget Committee approve the town’s expenditure of up to $200,000 for repair of the Kimball Pond Dam, seconded by Selectman Carr. Vote 5-0 in favor. Selectman Russell made a motion to accept the proposal from Volmer Associates, seconded by Selectman Carr. Vote 5-0 in favor.
School Facility Advisory Committee Representation
Chairman Lane has spoken with Dick Ayers, School Superintendent regarding meetings between the Board of Selectman and Board of Education. Dick will inform Peter Russell, Selectmen’s representative
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May 9, 2005
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to the School Board regarding what is happening at meetings and dates and times of any meetings that Peter is interested in attending. Selectman Carr spoke with Marshall Rowe and he expressed an interest in a meeting with Selectman Russell and Larry Donahue to discuss the needs from a town’s point of view for future planning purposes.
Contoocook Village Improvements
Town Administrator Wojnowski reported that the bridge is being worked on regarding the repair of the sidewalk and rebar. Public Works Superintendent Hermie Blanchette has been in touch with the state concerning the repair. Selectman Russell asked if anyone is taking care of the planting of flowers in the village. Town Administrator Wojnowski will contact Don Houston to see what process has been made in this area. Selectman Russell suggested that the town consider approaching local landscapers and see if they’re interested in an “adopt a corner” type program as seen in other cities and towns around the state. Town Administrator Wojnowski will send a letter to local landscapers inviting them to a Selectmen’s meeting to discuss the program.
Selectman Carr would like to work with Public Works Superintendent, Hermie Blanchette regarding projects for the village. Chairman Lane asked that Selectman Carr bring a list of items to the Board for their review prior to the meeting.
V. NEW BUSINESS
Draft Agreement for Use of Blood Field and George’s Park
The Board reviewed the agreement for the use of Blood Field and George’s Park. Selectman Holmes made a motion to accept the proposed agreement between the Town of Hopkinton and the Tooky Mens Softball League for Field Lighting, seconded by Selectman Kidder. Vote 5-0 in favor.
Restructure/Revitalize Houston Park Facility Committee
The Board discussed the restructure/revitalization of the Houston Park Facility Committee. Discussion followed. Chairman Lane requested that Town Administrator Wojnowski send a letter to all committee members thanking them for their service to the committee. Selectman Kidder made a motion to restructure the Houston Park Facility Committee after the Selectmen have re-examined the charge, seconded by Selectman Holmes. Vote 5-0 in favor. Selectman Kidder asked that he be included in the committee meetings.
VI. OTHER BUSINESS
Town Administrator Wojnowski reviewed the request from Steve Clough requesting an increase in sewer charge. The recommendation was a rate increase of $10.00 on the minimum sewer charge per six-month period, from $90.00 to $100.00, to become effective on the October 2005 billing and a rate increase of $.0006/gal, from $.0047/gal to $.0053/gal, on the sewer rate charged on usage above the minimum allowance. The request is due to increased costs in operating the sewer system. The committee recommends that this increase become effective on the April 2006 billing period. Selectman Russell made a motion to approve the request from Steve Clough for an increase in the sewer charge, seconded by Selectman Kidder. Vote 5-0 in favor. The Town Administrator will set up a Public Hearing to be held
June 6, 2005.
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Town Administrator Wojnowski discussed the letter that the Town received from Sandra Rourke, DRA regarding the review of warrant articles and action taken at Town Meeting.
Town Administrator Wojnowski contacted College Pro in regards to the painting of Columbia Hall.
Sean Siff no longer works for College Pro. The Board will bring up the topic with John Lavigne next
week to see what he wants to do regarding this matter considering the Hopkinton Community Center requested that the Board approve the painting.
Town Administrator Wojnowski received an email from Don Lane requesting that he contact Dennis Weir regarding the disposition of the burned out building on his property. Town Administrator will contact Mr. Weir to find out the status of the burned out building.
Town Administrator Wojnowski gave the Board a copy of the Memorial Day schedule of events.
Town Administrator Wojnowski received a fax from Health Trust regarding an increase in health premiums which was 7.1%.
Town Administrator Wojnowski gave the Board two letters regarding Bio Energy for their review.
Town Administrator Wojnowski informed the Board that Sandi Heino will be in next week for the signing the lease. The Board requested that the lease be a one year automatic renewal lease.
Selectman Carr questioned Town Administrator Wojnowski regarding the reviews of Drew LeMay and Steve Clough. Town Administrator Wojnowski will contact Drew and Steve Clough’s review should be done by Hermie Blanchette, Superintendent of Public Works.
Selectman Carr requested that the following items be put on a future agenda:
-telephone pole tax
-signing of warrant
-signing of Executive Secretary Job Description
-landfill – Invite our representative Richard Coen to a meeting to explain what is being done.
Look at the whole issue and invite Steve Clough and Marc Morgan, Recycling Committee, in to
discuss the matter.
Selectman Russell also discussed the space needs for the town hall. Modular offices might be the answer. They are inexpensive, easy and you can remove them when more permanent changes are made. The Board requested that Town Administrator Wojnowski meet with Don Houston regarding this matter and to work on a building layout.
Selectman Kidder brought up the summer schedule for Selectmen’s meetings and requested that the Board consider setting a summer schedule.
There being no further business, motion by Selectman Holmes, seconded by Selectman Russell to adjourn the meeting. Vote 5-0 in favor of the motion. The meeting adjourned at 8:35 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy E. Skeldon
Executive Secretary
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