TOWN OF WENTWORTH NEW HAMPSHIRE
OFFICE OF THE SELECTMEN

January 16, 2007 Selectmen's Meeting Minutes

Present: John Millican, Palmer Koelb, Randy Morrison and Janet Woolner

Also Present: Ellie Murray, Francis Muzzey, Carol Freidrich, Kevin Kay, Gini Gove, Chip Stata, Linda Brown, Steve Welch and Atty Bernie Waugh

 

John moved to open the meeting at 6:00 pm. This was seconded by Randy and approved.

Steve Welch talked about some of the exterior requirements needed to use the Old Town Hall for voting and Town Meeting. He provided a copy of RSA 658:9 for review. Steve mentioned some of the changes needed: Ramp needs to be a minimum of 36 inches wide (the state would like to see 48 inches). Hand rails should bb round. The balusters need to be replaced and/or moved. The current ¾ inch step up from the ramp to the door can only be ½ inch. There needs to be a 15# pusher to close the door. If the modifications are done, the rules suggest that this handy-cap entrance be the Main Entrance to the building. The parking lot would need to be brought up to level, with no more than a one inch adjustment.

In the building, the stage can’t be used for voting, Steve estimated the number of people the room would accommodate per fire code at approximately 90 to 115 people (includes seating on the stage). There needs to be a phone line, internet access, improved lighting especially in the booths and the building must have an indoor bathroom.

Carol Freidrich said she talked with Terry Knowles in the Attorney General’s Office and we do not need to elect Cemetery Trustees. She further said since the Associations own the Cemetery’s; there is no need to have Trustees. Carol suggested the Town drop the issue. John Millican reviewed RSA 289.6 and believes, as does Francis that the Trustees are required and are to negotiate with the Associations to insure that there is a place for burial. Francis stated the Town owns, by deed, the Village Cemetery, part of the East Side Cemetery, and the Foster Cemetery may be privately owned.

Bernie Waugh, Town Attorney, stated his interpretation of the RSA was that the Town does need Cemetery Trustees. Selectmen agreed to continue the discussion next week.

Bernie provided an update in the meeting on the 2006 Municipal Law changes.

Selectmen signed an Event Application for Wentworth Congregation Church for August 12, 2007, signed Supplemental Tax Warrants for Carpenter M/L 11-05-18 and Morrison M/L 11-05-17.

Palmer read a letter from a candidate rejecting the position of Police Chief.

Selectmen approved the Exemption for the American Legion M/L 13-04-12, 13-04-13 and a partial Exemption for M/L 13-04-08. Selectmen signed an Abatement for DeCotis M/L 08-12-05, and signed a letter to Patrolman Don Jones.

Carol Freidrich later talked about the bridge and possible sidewalk near the ball field on Rte 25 and also supplied literature on state grants. Carol will advise more on the turn from East Side Rd.

Kevin inquired if we could ask the state why they aren’t taking better care of Dorchester Road. He also asked why Wentworth is plowing the state portion of the road.

Palmer moved to approve the January 9, 2007 minutes and the non-public minutes. This was seconded by Randy and approved by John.

John moved to approve the Policy to mail paychecks and payroll stubs effective March 30, 2007. This was seconded by Palmer and approved by Randy.

Palmer moved to go into non-public session at 8:30 pm per RSA 91-A:3 II (b) to discuss the hiring of a public employee. This was seconded by John and approved by Randy. Palmer moved to come out of non-public session at 8:55 pm. This was seconded by Randy and approved by John. Selectmen discussed options available in the search for a Police Chief. No decisions were made.

John moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:00 pm. This was seconded by Palmer and approved.

Respectfully submitted,

Janet E. Woolner
Minutes accepted__________, _________, _________.