Langdon Selectboard

Langdon Selectboard Unapproved Meeting Minutes March 29, 2010

Present: Jay Grant, Ron Batchelder, Betty Whipple, Jennifer Doyle

Old Business: The minutes from the board’s March 22nd meeting were corrected to show that Selectman Batchelder had already spoken to Chip Wood.

Business: Line Item Budgets, Inventory Stickers, Town Hall, Flags, Merrell Property, Dennett Property, Executive Sessions, Signage, Financial and Investment Policies, Smoke Detectors, Perambulation of Boundaries, Young’s Electric Proposal, Ex Officio Appointments, Animal Control Officer, NHDOT, Shared Transfer Station

Line Item Budgets: The board is still awaiting budgets from the police department and the cemetery trustees.

Inventory Stickers: The board voted unanimously to order a roll of Mylar, numerically sequenced inventory stickers. There was also a brief discussion about purchasing an inexpensive digital camera for purposes of recording inventory and also for times when pictures are needed for permit applications. Road Agent Todd Porter said he would be willing to donate his Nikon CoolPix L4 camera to the town since it is a spare.

Town Hall: The town is waiting for G.F. Stetson to repair the slates on the town hall roof.

Flags: The order for the flag is to be placed.

Merrell Property: The board is waiting for responses from the attorney and LGC regarding Dana Merrell’s current use penalty.

Dennett Property: It was noted that all parties are waiting for DES to issue the wetlands permit so the repair work to the culvert can proceed. Selectman Grant recapped his meeting with NRCS engineer Ed Hansalik and the Fuzzy Brothers. He said that during the discussion of the work to be done it was determined that it may be possible to install a larger culvert, something that was not initially anticipated. In preparation, the town supplied the engineer and contractor with copies of the property map and with a copy of Joanna Dennett’s deed. This was done in order to clear up questions regarding boundaries.

Executive Sessions: The board voted unanimously to hold two executive sessions. The first session was to discuss police-related matters. The second session was held to discuss personnel issues. The minutes from both sessions were sealed.

Signage: The posts have been made for five of the signs. Selectman Grant said he purchased mounting hardware for the same. The signage will be installed once the posts have been set. Langdon already has the go-ahead from NH DOT to move forward on the project. Selectman Batchelder commented that the town needs to remember to contact Dig Safe. Selectman Grant responded, saying he thinks that the company only needs to be called in when digging is going to be done with machinery versus digging by hand. All of the sites for the proposed signage were previously marked with stakes.

Financial and Investment Policies: No action has yet been taken on the development of policies.

Smoke Detectors: Between 1984-86 smoke detectors were not required. However, if the town plans to move forward with the installation of such devices, then, per Fire Chief Greg Chaffee, the town will have to conform to NFPA 72:2010. Chief Chaffee said the town would have to follow the code to the letter, but that doing so will be expensive. The board agreed to wait to make a decision on how best to proceed and until the NFPA code can be reviewed. Several years ago, initial pricing of alarm systems showed that a system may cost upward of $23,000.

Perambulation of Boundaries: Bill Lawrence is in possession of a number if old maps and deeds, and has said he is interested in helping the board to walk the town boundaries. Mr. Lawrence has also said that he would be willing to act as a coordinator with the other towns bordering Langdon so that the process is as streamlined as possible. It was noted that, per the law, boundaries are supposed to be walked every seven years.

Young’s Electric Proposal: Selectman Grant reviewed a proposal for the installation of an exit sign for the records room and additional lighting for the rear stairwell. Selectman Batchelder suggested that the lights for the stairwell be put on motion sensors, which would eliminate the possibility of the lights inadvertently being left on. The board agreed to find out from Young’s Electric what the cost of such switches would be, and ask Peter Young to requite the job unless he is able to install the motion switches on the same job for the $450 quoted.

Ex Officio Appointments: Selectman Batchelder will serve on the Heritage Commission. Selectman Whipple will serve on the ZBA. Selectman Grant will stay with the Planning Board.

Animal Control Officer: Police Chief Ray L’Abbe informed the board that Jesse Moore will be serving as the town’s animal control officer, beginning next week.

NHDOT: DOT will be in Langdon later in the week to review the crumbling bank on 12A and to make a determination on what, if anything, should be done at the location. Several years ago DOT traffic engineers reviewed the location of the stop sign on 12A where it meets the north end of Village Road. It was determined that removal of the sign to the end of Village Road would constitute a safety hazard for all traffic turning left off of 12A. A request to DOT to install more “Stop Ahead” signage along 12A to warn motorists of the sign was agreed to and will proceed in the near future. The discussion turned to the intersection of Cheshire Turnpike, 12A and the FMRHS road. All agreed that the location needs to be addressed, either with lines painted on the road or the installation of a large stop sign or a blinking light. There is concern that someone will be killed at that intersection because it is so poorly marked.

Shared Transfer Station: When the Langdon and Alstead boards met, all parties discussed how Langdon will maintain equity for equipment used at the shared transfer station facility. All parties agreed that Langdon will allow Alstead to use the compactor owned by Langdon, but that Langdon will retain ownership of the equipment. Although Alstead will handle routine maintenance on the compactor, Langdon will be responsible for repairs should anything break.

The board members also discussed the fees Langdon pays for the shared facility. In the future, the towns will discuss such matters well in advance of budget hearings so that better planning can be implemented. It was noted also that Alstead will be working on a more formal contract between the two towns. Should the partnership between the two towns fail, the Langdon will get its compactor and container back.

It was noted that Alstead presented its budget and accounted for the tipping fees paid. The board said it was very clearly explained why the increase in Langdon’s costs came about. It was also explained that using Langdon’s compactor to crush cardboard will hopefully reduce the number of loads of refuse being hauled.

The meeting adjourned at 9:25 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Jennifer Doyle Recorder