TOWN OF WENTWORTH NEW HAMPSHIRE
OFFICE OF THE SELECTMEN

January 3, 2008 Meeting Minutes

Present: Palmer Koelb, John Millican, Randy Morrison and Debbie Koelb Also Present: Carol Friedrich, Gini Gove, Acting Chief Kevin Kay, Kenyon Karl, Ellie Murray, Carl and Mary Saras, Cale Weeks, and William Melanson

 

John moved to open the meeting at 5:32 pm. This was seconded by Palmer and approved.

Bobby Cass talked about repairs to his broken truck. Wants Andy Moglia to do a half-day of welding to the backhoe, and the Selectmen gave their permission for Bobby to contact Andy. Bobby brought in Cale Weeks to speak with the Selectmen about a possible part-time job with the Highway Department on a Work Release Program while still in high school. The Selectmen authorized Bobby to hire Cale once all the paperwork is complete. Cale will take Warren Davis’ place in the one-ton truck. After a 90-day probationary period, a pay raise will be entertained. Cale will be working towards his CDL with Bobby’s help.

John brought up the issue of Bobby’s visibility in the Selectmen’s meetings and wants Bobby here for the first meeting of each month. Grading of the roads needs improvement. Large rocks are left on many of the town roads. Bobby has told his men to pick up the rocks as they follow with the rake and will keep a closer watch on them to make sure this is done. Road speed of the plow trucks during town plowing was also discussed. John also questioned Bobby about his use of overtime for the week ending December 21. Palmer asked Bobby about the sander and the Cohen Steel bill. Hazard Mitigation Team Plan ideas were discussed – For example, there are culverts around town that wash out every year. John asked Bobby to make up a list of problems around town in the event that FEMA might help out financially. Randy asked for an update on the Highway Department’s budget, which he will get to us.

The Selectmen reviewed the Homeland Security Grant Program letter with Kevin Kay. The Selectmen and Treasurer signed the letter. Jeff Ames’ signature is needed and he will be called. Deadline for the Grant request for a base radio at the Fire Department is December 19, 2007.

The Selectmen signed a letter to have Scott Anderson complete the ramp at the old Town Hall.

The Event Application was signed for the King Lumber Christmas party on December 21 at the old Town Hall. The fee was waived.

The Intent to Cut for Patrick O’Donnell was signed (M/L# 01-02-15) and for Noel King (M/L# 05-07-08). A septic design was signed and stamped (Godfrey, M/L# 05-07-09).

Pemi-Baker Home Health & Hospice requested a donation. Deb will call them and NH-VT Visiting Nurses Association and find out how many calls they each receive from Wentworth residents.

The Selectmen still need to work on a Safety Committee Handbook. Debbie will speak to Janet about this.

The Selectmen talked about combining the Selectmen’s Meeting Room and Administrative Assistant’s office. The Selectmen will discuss options with Janet upon her return from medical leave.

Palmer mentioned that the gates should be locked at Riverside Park and Hamilton Field for the winter. Both John and Randy agreed. A combination lock will be placed on both gates.

Carl and Sandy Salas came in to talk about the Wetlands Permit obtained for the property on Beech Hill Road (M/L# 05-01-04). The driveway permit was reviewed and signed by the Selectmen. Permission has been given by the present owners to allow the Salas’s to proceed with a driveway and wetlands permit. There was some issue with road access to the property, but the Salas’ are “good to go”.

Randy moved to go into non-public session at 7:15 pm per RSA 91-A:3, II (c) to discuss matters which if discussed in public would likely affect adversely the reputation of a person. This was seconded by John and approved. John moved to come out of non-public session at 7:52 pm. This was seconded by Randy and approved.

John moved to approve the Minutes and Non-public Minutes for December 4, 2007, as well as the Minutes for the Special Meeting of the Fair Hearing Board of November 29, 2007. This was seconded by Palmer and approved.

Carol Friedrich thanked residents for attending the final meeting relating to the planned Grafton County Jail. Carol would still like to see costs lowered, voiced her concerns including uses of alternate energy sources, and asked for letters to support a reduction in jail costs. Palmer will write a letter from the Selectmen. Palmer noted that he and Randy visited the current Grafton County Jail last week to prepare them for the meeting in Bristol and agreed that it was a very informative tour.

John moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:59 pm. This was seconded by Palmer and approved.

Respectfully submitted,

Deborah E. Koelb
Minutes accepted by__________, _________, _________.