WESTMORELAND SELECTMEN'S MINUTES

December 6, 2007

PRESENT: David Putnam, Wesley Staples, Marjorie Merena, Larry Cushing, Francis and Arlene Gauthier, Richard Schmidt, Gary Hudson, Jim Merritt and Tina Cutter

David Putnam called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

Larry Cushing of 63 Aldrich Road was in to speak to the Board of Selectmen for two reasons. The first was to talk to the Selectmen about his dog. Larry explained that he received a $25 fine because a neighbor complained that his dog was barking. Larry thought he should have at least been contacted about this matter first hand or have received a warning before a fine was issued. Larry also stated that he doesn't let his dog bark and that there are other neighbors who allow their dogs to bark a lot. David Putnam said he would talk to the Constable. The second issue was to inquire about the use of his neighbor's property as a Retirement Home. Larry believes that he should have been notified of this use as he is an abutter. Larry stated that he's never been notified or received any notices of public hearings and would like the Selectmen to look into this matter to see if the proper steps were taken. Wes Staples said he would contact the Zoning Board.

Dick Schmidt attended the Selectmen’s meeting because he saw that the town may be interested in a setback thermostat and Dick was interested in assisting as his retirement job is energy consulting. Dick brought in a setback thermostat and told the Selectmen that the cost for this thermostat was $50. He volunteered to install it. Dick also volunteered to do a full energy audit for the Town Hall. David Putnam moved to approve purchasing the thermostat, have Dick install it, and conduct an energy audit. Seconded by Marjorie Merena. All in favor so voted.

Francis & Arlene Gauthier attend the Selectmen's meeting to see if their land use change tax bill was ready. Tina explained that she is working on the forms and when they are complete the Selectmen will need to sign at their next meeting on Dec. 20, 2007 then they will be submitted to Cindy and she will bill them.

David Putnam moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:15pm to go into a Non Public Session. Seconded by Wesley Staples. All in favor, so voted.

NON PUBLIC                                                                                                              

David Putnam moved to Seal and adjourn the Non Public meeting at 7:53 pm to go back to the Public Session. Seconded by Wesley Staples. All in favor, so voted.

Jim Merritt came to look over the space in the Town Hall basement where we need storage space prepared for important and historic records. Measurements were taken and out needs discussed. Jim will prepare ballpark estimates for both the storage area and the expansion of our office for the budget.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:
Wesley Staples moved to approve the Accounts Payable Manifest in the amount of $392,960.59 Seconded by David Putnam. All in favor, so voted.

SELECTMEN'S MEETING MINUTES of November 15, 2007 were approved and moved by Wesley Staples. Seconded by Marjorie Merena. All in favor, so voted.

NEW BUSINESS:

The Selectmen received a proposal from the Westmoreland Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department regarding their annual stipend. The Selectmen agree to pay them the stipend as budgeted $250.00 per member. David Putnam approved the stipend budgeted and Wesley Staples seconded. All in favor so voted. The Selectmen discussed future stipends and would like to attend the next Fire and Rescue Department meeting.

Tina received and e-mail from the Cheshire County Commissioner's Office regarding a prescription drug discount card that is available for all county residents. For more information and card pick up locations please contact Commissioner’s office 33 West St., second floor; CVS; residents can call 352-8215 or toll free 1-877-321-2652 or visit www.caremark.com/naco for assistance with the program.       

David Putnam moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:30 PM. Seconded by Marjorie Merena. All in favor, so voted.

Respectfully submitted, Tina Cutter, Secretary
BOARD OF SELECTMEN

David Putnam, Chair                        

Wesley Staples

Marjorie Merena

THESE ARE UNAPPROVED MINUTES. ANY CORRECTIONS WILL BE SHOWN IN THE SELECTMEN'S MINUTES OF DECEMBER 20, 2007