Westmoreland Selectmens' Minutes
PRESENT: David Putnam, Marjorie Merena,
Russ Austin, Jim Cemorelis, Dick Cate,
George Laine
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Dave Putnam called the meeting to order at
PUBLIC BUSINESS:
Jim Cemorelis came in to update the selectmen on police matters. Shawn is in his 2nd week at the police academy - paying his own way. Jim explained to Russ what had been discussed with the selectmen last Winter - that we approved a part-timer with approval at Town Meeting. (Although residents at Town Meeting were not pleased with the perceived performance of Constable Cemorelis' and the constable's budget was cut, there was no specific vote to eliminate the part-time position). Jim is "OK" with the budget cut and said it wasn't about the money. He would split his funds with Shawn to offer 24/7 on call coverage. The part-time officer issue will be readdressed with the new board. Jim stated that although very few residents will have a fire emergency, we wouldn't think of having a one-man fire department and on the fire department, one member does not make all calls. The police should be the same - one person should not be expected to make all calls. Those who don't believe we need police availability are more likely than not, people who have no issues that need attention.
We are not interested in the Ford Explorer the Keene Police are selling. Jim was adamant about the Sentinel article being "totally bogus". Although Jim made his e-mail address and cell number available on George Duke's "Westmorelander" e-mail tabloid, only one call was received (approving more coverage). The selectmen received a cc of an anonymous letter sent to Jim.
On police matters
and the town, Jim mentioned that a second registered sex offender (registered
with the State) is in town. Jim does research on the web to keep tabs on this
resident. Russ asked for an idea of what else Jim does for the town. Since the
beginning of '08, on behalf of the Town, Jim has monitored sex offenders, done
background checks on pistol permit applicants, run plates on vehicles that have
been subject to traffic complaints (talked to offender to resolve issue), dealt
with bad checks (situations that are civil in nature bur could escalate to a
felony), keeps tabs on restraining orders; Jim also has access to information
on-line through the Keene Police. The constable does not deal with domestic
confrontation as that is appropriate for the State Police. The constable uses
his own vehicle which is not insured for damage incurred while on town
business. He works without any town supplied equipment. This discussion will
continue at our next meeting.
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:
Dave motioned to accept the manifest in the amount of $6952.30 The invoice from
Waste Management for $1382.60 is being held until the tires and any other WM
stuff is removed from our Transfer Station and we have an invoice from WM for
the purchase of the compactor and converter as agreed on. Marjorie seconded the
motion seconded. All in favor so voted.
SELECTMEN'S MINUTES:
Dave motioned to accept the minutes of
Dave motioned to accept the minutes of
NEW BUSINESS:
Intent to cut wood/timber:
Robert Borofsky
- R2, Lot 13
Thomas and Rita-Marie McCannon - R2, Lot
9
Wm. and Linda Schreiber - R13, Lot 24 and R7,
Lot 13
Marjorie made a motion to reappoint Gary Hudson to the position of Road Agent.
Dave seconded the motion. All in favor so voted.
The condition of the shed (rotted door) at the transfer station was discussed
briefly.
OLD BUSINESS:
Bob Moore received a quote from Dan Shelley, Sherwin Williams, for flooring for the town hall kitchen. Marjorie will get a quote from Monadnock Flooring.
Arthur Sharkey abatement - The board agreed to abate funds and interest accrued
as the records were not revised after the land
and house were merged and the assessment for land was not deleted.
TIMBER WARRANTS:
John Zeller - R8, Lots 5 & 7
Wm. Faulkner - R19, Lot 8
Arthur Cooley - R5, Lot 1
CURRENT USE:
Shook, Dewey, Bakalar, Keith - tabled to
Old Business next meeting.
LETTERS:
Dr. John Mills - Zoning approval was granted for use
of the apartment above the garage by immediate family member only.
Cedar Log Homes - to limit cars on property to 25, (not 40)
as per zoning agreement.
Letter from Town Attorney regarding the
Dave motioned to adjourn the meeting at 8:53 pm. Marjorie seconded the motion.
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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 Selectmens' MINUTES OF