WESTMORELAND SELECTMEN'S MINUTES

March 19, 2009

PRESENT: Marjorie Merena, Russell Austin, Russell Kotfila, Tina Cutter, Jim Petry, Bruce Cote, Gary Hudson, Scott Talbot, Wink Savard, Tim & Cindy Hatt, Jack Zeller, Dawn Lincoln, and George Laine.

Marjorie Merena called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.

Russell Austin Nominated Marjorie Merena as Chairman of the Board, Russell Kotfila seconded. All in favor, so voted.

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

Jim Petry, with the United States Census, was in to talk about the 2010 Census that starts April 1, 2010.

Bruce Cote brought in an Application for Current Use including a map for our assessor.

Road Agent Gary Hudson was in to ask the Board if he still has the authority to purchase equipment. The Board said that he has. Gary asked about the purchase of a 10-wheeler dump truck in 2010. The Board explained it would be better if he could hold off until 2012 and Gary agreed. Gary also talked about the Insurance that is offered to the Town Employees.

Scott Talbot voiced his concern about possible liability issues if Sean Parent were to continue in his prior role in helping Jim C. with constable work. While this concern is genuine, the issue will now be irrelevant because of action to be taken under New Business.

Wink Savard, Tim & Cindy Hatt attended the meeting to voice their concerns about the ordinance violation on Daggett Hill Road. Russell Austin stated that we have spoken with our town attorney and he has written a letter to the landowner stating the violations. Marjorie Merena is going to contact the town attorney to see if he has received a reply.

NON PUBLIC: Russell Austin Moved to go into a Non-Public Session at 7:25pm, seconded by Marjorie. The Non Public ended at 8:58.

Marjorie Merena moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:05 PM. Seconded by Russell Austin. All in favor, so voted. The meeting will be continued to Monday March 23rd at 10am.

March 23, 2009 Marjorie Merena called the meeting to order at 10:03am

The MS-5 Form was signed by the Selectmen and will be sent to the State.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE: Russell Austin moved to approve the Accounts Payable Manifest for March 19, 2009 in the amount of $34,600.02, Seconded by Russell Kotfila. All in favor, so voted.

SELECTMEN'S MEETING MINUTES of March 5, 2009 were approved and moved by Russell Austin. Seconded by Marjorie Merena. All in favor, so voted.

OLD BUSINESS: 

A  letter was received from Jim Poulette expressing concerns about winter parking along Depot Road. Gary reminded the Board that although the Town plows Depot Road, it is really a State road. A letter will be sent to Jim informing him that the Board will ask the State to erect signs along the road prior to the next winter season.

The Board discussed the increased cost needed to change Dave Poklemba's health insurance from a 2-person coverage to a family plan. The Board unanimously agreed for the Town to cover the additional cost.

The Selectmen received a copy of a letter that was sent by Attorney Sam Bradley to the land owners in violation on the Daggett Hill Property. Marjorie contacted Sam and he is going to file a petition with the courts to serve papers stating that they are in violation of the town ordinances.

NEW BUSINESS:

Letter from CLD Consulting Engineers, Inc. regarding bridges in Town - Russell Kotfila is going to talk with Gary Hudson regarding this.

Letter from William Franzen regarding his 2008 Pistol Permit application - Permit signed by Marjorie. She also signed permits for Scott Gouley and Steven Russo.

Intent to Cut Wood or Timber - Ginger Maxwell Map R9 Lot 20 London Road, signed by the Selectmen.

Letter from Tim Thompson & Deb Stavseth and George & Kimberly Piers - regarding paving Farhill Road: Russ Kotfila will talk to Gary Hudson about possible summer work to improve Farhill Road.

Letter from Jason Simino requesting town's 2009 mowing contract.  Selectmen agreed to have Jason continue the mowing for 1 year.

The Board discussed the term length needed for borrowing the $50,000 for the new highway truck. It was decided that a 2-year loan would be best and JoAnn LaBarre will be notified.

Tina will contact Avitar regarding their Tax Program and the laptop computer needed for Cindi.

Tina will arrange for the new copier in the Board's office. Russ K questioned where the old copier will go. Tina will research what was included in the original quote that was used for the budgeted amount.

The Board has official ended the working relationship of both Jim Cemorelis and Sean Parent as constables for the Town. A letter will be sent to Sean Parent thanking him for his service to the Town. However, since he was only assisting Jim Cemorelis - and since Jim has resigned - Sean's services will not be needed any further either. At this time, the Board is undecided as to what it wishes to do regarding the "Constable Issue."  Until further notice, the Town will not employ a Town Constable.

The Welfare Guidelines presented by Elaine Moore were briefly reviewed and tabled until the next meeting.

Abatement Requests:
Upon advice of our Assessor, the request by Bruce and Cindi Adler was denied.
Upon advice of our Assessor, the request by George Laine was granted.

WARRANTS:

Timber Tax Warrant - George Duke Map R9 Lot 21, 22 River Reynolds Road, Selectmen signed Warrant

Report of Excavated Material Warrant - Map R 19 Lot 6, Cold River Material, Selectmen Signed Warrant.

Russ Kotfila read his letter of resignation from the Trustees of Trust Funds as he is now a Selectman.

Marjorie Merena moved to adjourn the meeting at 11:32 AM. Seconded by Russell Austin. All in favor, so voted

Respectfully submitted, Tina Cutter, Secretary

BOARD OF SELECTMEN

Marjorie Merena, Chair


Russell Austin


Russell Kotfila


THESE ARE UNAPPROVED MINUTES. ANY CORRECTIONS WILL BE SHOWN IN THE SELECTMEN'S MINUTES OF APRIL 2, 2009