SelectBoard Minutes - May 12, 2009



Vershire Selectboard Minutes
From May 12, 2009
Unapproved

In attendance: Vern Stone, Rita French, Marc McKee, Dani Sweet, Gene Craft, Lonna LaLonde, Debra Kingsbury, Steve Ward, Bill Baylis, Rob Benson, Jean McDonald, and Neal Hochstedler.

Vern called the meeting to order at 7:10pm.
Gene presented the board with a budget print out from the new N.E.M.R.C. program. Gene explained the NEMRC program was extremely proficient and was going to be a great asset for the town. The original cost for the software was $9500, but the training costs associated with installation of the software were not included in the original budget. The total costs with training are just under $13,000.

Gene asked the board to sign a new set of loan papers for the purchase of the new John Deere backhoe, because the bank had made a spelling error in the originals. Rita and Vern signed the loan papers.

Lonna LaLonde was present, on behalf of herself and Stephen Farnsworth, to ask the board questions regarding the Ayers road. Lonna stated she and Stephen owned property on the Ayers road, and asked the board if there were any plans, by the town to straighten the corner in the road in front of her property. Vern responded yes, the town would like to change the sharp corner in question, because it makes it very difficult for the town crew to plow in the winter. However this project would cost the town a lot of money and it was not on the top of the town's priority list to do so. Lonna asked if the board had explored grants or stimulus monies available for such projects. Vern said, even if a grant was available, the town would still be responsible for a matching sum, and we didn't have the money to make changes to the Ayers road at this time. Rita also stated the Ayers road was not a main road in town, therefore would not get top priority. Lonna expressed to the board she felt the situation with the sharp corner, in location to her lawn, was "dangerous", and she would like to see the town move the road back to its original location. The board agreed that the corner had potential to be a dangerous
situation with people traveling at high speeds, however could not afford to move the road at this time. Vern also stated an original verbal agreement had been reached by previous owners of the property, giving permission to the town for relocation of the road, out of the swampy area, to its present location.

Rob Benson was present to report on the softball field bids that were received. The board suggested the original plans to improve the field (however nice) were a little extravagant at the present time. Rob suggested using volunteer labor and equipment, and scaling back the project to include new gravel on the base paths, and the purchase of new bases. The board agreed this would still make great improvements to the field for use, without spending a lot of money. The board thanked Rob and Steve for coordinating and volunteering their equipment and time toward this effort.

Jean McDonald was present to ask the board if there were plans for a Vershire day parade this year. There was discussion about the timing of the fourth this year; it falls on a Saturday, which means a lot of area competition for parade participants. The board suggested waiting until 2010 for a parade, but urged anyone willing, to start work on it this year. There was discussion about changing the times of events planned for Vershire Day, because there had been complaints about the span of time between activities. Suggestions for changing times of activities were tossed around, and Vern said he would discuss possible changes further with Jean at a fire department meeting, to get their input as well.

Bill Baylis asked the board if they had an official response in regards to his presentation of the Strafford zoning ordinance he presented to them at a previous meeting. Bill said he would be happy to take a response from the selectboard and present it to the planning board at their next meeting. The board concurred they like portions of the ordinance, but they didn't have an official position at this time. They would like the opportunity to discuss it further with Trevor Star from the Agency of Natural Resources, to see if monies are available to towns to help with the cost of enforcement of said ordinances.
Bill also expressed to the board that with the approach of Memorial Day he thought it would be appropriate to replace our flags, because the present ones were in such bad shape. The board agreed, and Vern stated that Nate Pero had new flags for towns, and he was also able to dispose of old flags appropriately. The board asked Bill if he would be responsible for handling the situation; Bill graciously accepted, and the board thanked him for his efforts.

Neal was present to report to the board that the circulator pump at the town center building broke; therefore there had been no hot water available in the building. Neal contacted Roger Carpenter, who came and replaced the old pump with a new one. Neal estimated Roger's bill to be in the $450 dollar range. Neal also stated since the installation of the new circulator pump, it had been running constantly, which shouldn't be happening. Vern thought the wiring probably had to be altered; he would assess the situation and proceed accordingly.

Rita moved to re-key the town center building outside doors; Marc seconded; all were in favor and the motion passed.

The new job description for the town center maintenance position was approved by the board, and will be posted at three locations around town, and in the Vershare newsletter.

Dani will contact M&M graphics and have a sign made for the town center property stating the town's position on alcoholic and tobacco use on town center grounds. Dani will also post a job opening for the road crew in the Valley News and the Times Argus.

Rita moved to approve the minutes from last meeting; Marc seconded; all were in favor and the motion passed.

The selectboard signed orders, and then retired to executive session at 9:13pm.