Westmoreland Selectmen's Minutes

April 17, 2008

PRESENT: Marjorie Merena, Russ Austin, Mark Terry, Gary Smith, Gary Hudson, Bob Moore
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Marjorie Merena called the meeting to order at 7:05 PM.

PUBLIC BUSINESS:
Gary Smith came in to discuss upgrading Old County Road beyond the Class 5 part to Class 6.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:
Russ motioned to accept the manifest in the amount of $32,128.45. Marjorie seconded the motion. All in favor so voted.

SELECTMEN'S MINUTES:
Russ motioned to accept the minutes of April 3, Marjorie seconded the motion. All in favor so voted.

NEW BUSINESS:

Discussion of change of Current Use Tax regarding properties not billed.

Mowing for 2008: No current contract could be fond. The Board discussed opening it up for bids. No decision was made.

Zoning Administrator complaint: A letter will be sent to the owner of the auto parts business on Rt.12. The Administrator feels that the owner may be exceeding some of the requirements set forth in his original approval for the business.

A verbal inquiry was received concerning the possible property tax increase if a home were to be renovated in order to care for a sick child. A decision will be given if a formal request is made to the Board.

Request from the Post Office to have their floor cleaned. Bob will call ServPro.

Carlson Barrett sent a letter inviting residents to attend the Memorial Day assembly at the Westmoreland Elementary School, Tuesday, May 27 at 8:15 AM. It will be a half-hour musical event.

Gary Hudson, Road Agent, advised the board that 1/2 of the Highway Department budget has been spent. He is adjusting the work load to reduce spending which will include cutting back on road work on Hurricane Road and Owls Hill Road. Summer work will be mostly brush cutting as funds will need to be saved for winter needs.

* Gary voiced concern about losing Dave Poklemba should Earl Kathan call in sick. Dave works for the Transfer Station on Saturday and has been asked to take classes to become certified in operating the TS. Gary also asked on who's time will Dave take the classes and would Dave have to take "personal days" off from the Highway Department to attend? Gary will come up with a plan for sharing Dave and will present it to the board.

* In regard to the TS: We have a 10-yard container for white goods (refrigerators, stoves, etc.) and could use the 30-yard co-mingle for metal (metal and white goods need to be in containers as they present a danger to the public). Then we could purchase a 40-50 yard container for the co-mingle which will diminish the number of co-mingle hauls. There are also some white goods in need of having freon removed. Marjorie will contact someone to do that. The "what to do with tires" question was asked - Bob will call Rick Cooper in Walpole to find out how big of a pallet we need, how to stack the tires, and whom to call for pick-up.

* We received the final report for the Bessie Smith Bridge. The Bessie Smith Bridge is off the red list. Other bridges were discussed including the one to be replaced this Summer on North River Road. North River Road will have to be closed while the work is done.

* Gary also asked that the odd-ball container at the TS be brought up to the Highway Garage. Marjorie will call Triple-T and have that taken care of.

We received a letter from Russ Martens asking where the road clean-up bags go. Marjorie had asked that aluminum cans be separated from the trash (however this was not done and the bags were put in our compactor).

A letter was received from Greg Heyn asking to be on the Agenda for the May 1 meeting. He is from the DRA and will be conducting a pre-assessment review. Jim Rice will be attending, also.

Invoices signed for Excavated Gravel Tax:
        Cersosimo Industries - Map R1, Lot 19
   Cold River Materials - Map R19, Lot 6

Invoices signed for Timber Tax:
    Family Homestead Industries - Map R14, Lot 57
   Marshall Patmos - Map R19 Lot 15

Intent to Excavate:
     Earle McClening - Map R9, Lot 57

Intent to Cut Timber:
Mark Edington - Map R15, Lot 40
Anson Burt and Wm. Cleary - Map R11, Lot 34
Cersosimo Lumber - Map R2, Lot 17 and Lot 18

OLD BUSINESS:

LETTERS TO BE SIGNED:

The meeting was adjourned at 10:42 pm

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David Putnam, Chair M. Merena for Tina Cutter, Secretary

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Marjorie Merena

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Russ Austin

THESE ARE UNAPPROVED MINUTES. ANY CORRECTIONS WILL BE SHOWN IN THE SELECTMEN'S MINUTES OF May 1, 2008.