Littleton Board of
Selectmen-Meeting Minutes-June 23, 2004
LITTLETON BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
JUNE 23, 2004
LITTLETON TOWN OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM
Present: Chairman Burt Ingerson, Selectman George Hicks, Town Manager Jason Hoch, Executive Assistant Cheryl Sargent
Excused: Selectman Bill Hight
Chairman Burt Ingerson opened the Public Hearing at 3:45 pm. as per RSA 31:95b, Section III and RSA 91A:2 to discuss the acceptance and expenditure of unanticipated money from FEMA. He explained the source of the income is from FEMA-Emergency Funds-319-EM-NH in the amount of $9,699.43. Chairman Ingerson noted the income results from an emergency snow storm which occurred in December of 2003 and which was declared a disaster event in January 15, 2004.
Selectman Hicks moved to accept and expend the income from FEMA in the amount of $9,699.43. The motion was seconded by Selectman Ingerson and carried 2-0.
Chairman Ingerson closed the Public Hearing and opened the Selectmen’s Meeting at 4:00 pm.
Fire Chief Paul Lopes presented 2 plans for the Board’s consideration regarding equipment replacement for the Fire Department. Each plan allows for replacement of equipment on a scheduled time table. Paul went through each plan explaining to the Selectmen as he went through them when each piece of equipment would need to be replaced. This will help the Town to plan ahead in keeping the equipment for this department updated on a time table.
Brad Osborne and Dan Metcalf were in to present their proposal for the Littleton Speedway, a racetrack for go-carts. It would consist of a dirt race track with a concession stand and ticket booth. The racetrack would be geared for 12-year olds and up. Old tires will be used to outline the track and these tires will be covered. There will be no more than 10 carts on the track at any given time. The carts will be owned by the business and rented out to customers. Helmets will be provided for riders. The average high speed will be about 15 miles per hour. The contoured driving track will be dirt to make a more diverse track. Noise will be equivalent to a lawn mower motor.
The Selectmen noted that dust may be a problem and advised considering the use of calcium chloride to keep the dust down. Selectmen Ingerson stated he feels this may be a controversial item. But Jason added that the proposed use is an approved use in that particular zone (Riverside Drive is in the C-1 Zone). The applicants will need to obtain a building permit.
Skateboarding was also discussed. It was noted that the Selectmen have tried to get a skateboard park started several times but that it has never transpired. Mr. Osborne and Mr. Metcalf asked for any information the Town might have on file on this item. Jason will get back to them with additional information.
Jason informed the Selectmen the Town Clerk has sent out reminders to anyone who has not licensed their dog. Those not responding to the reminders will be getting civil forfeiture letters to be sent by certified mail. The Town Clerk will need a signed warrant in order to have a local official issue the civil forfeiture notices.
Selectman Hicks moved to approve the warrant and to proceed with the civil forfeiture of unlicensed dogs. The motion was seconded by Selectman Ingerson and carried 2-0.
The St. Rose of Lima Parish have requested permission from the Selectmen to close off the access to Jackson and Clay Street which crosses Hight Street on July 11, 2004 from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. for the duration of their annual parish picnic. This is a yearly request and one which the Selectman have granted in the past.
Selectman Hicks moved to grant the request of St. Rosa of Lima Parish. The motion was seconded by Selectman Ingerson and carried 2-0.
There were only two bidders on the Bishop Street sewer and roadwork project. Low bidder was Virgin Construction of West Franklin, NH. Their base bid was $266,000 with alternates at an additional $41,000 and $34,000.
Selectman Hicks moved to award the bid to Virgin Construction. The motion was seconded by Selectman Ingerson and carried 2-0.
The Laconia Bank has issued a new lease to the Town of Littleton for the lease of the second floor of the Laconia Bank Building. The lease will expire in 2011. The Town will pay $8100/year which amounts to approximately 1/3 of the utility costs of the building. The Town will also plow the back lot of the building which consists of employee parking.
Selectman Hicks moved to authorize Jason Hoch to enter into a lease agreement with Laconia Savings Bank. The motion was seconded by Selectman Ingerson and carried 2-0.
Jason noted the sewer bills will go out the end of this week. Also, real estate taxes money is coming in well.
In the Finance Department, Karen Noyes has been working on an RFP for investment services. The draft document should be ready in a few days.
Carol Coppola spent two days in Littleton assisting Karen with the GASB 34. The Town has made good progress in getting ready to comply with this mandate.
The first phase of reconstruction work on Slate ledge Road has been completed. Paving started today.
The street painting and cross-walks is being done now. It has been delayed due to the temperature.
Dave Sircle is working on a performance and cost comparison on a belt press versus centrifuge process. The information should be ready soon.
Work on the Riverwalk Bridge continues to go well. The roof is being constructed now and the Bridge should be finished within the next two weeks. Jason would like to have a formal ribbon cutting ceremony at a later date to show our appreciation for everyone who has worked toward the bridge’s completion.
Senator Gallus is keeping Jason informed regarding the school funding bill.
Eddy Moore once again asked the Selectmen to repeal the sidewalk hydrant precinct tax. He noted once again, that in his opinion, it is an unfair tax and although voted on as part of the budget, only selected people pay the tax. The Selectmen told Eddy they are still not ready to do away with this tax.
Selectman Hicks moved to approve the minutes of June 9, 2004. The motion was seconded by Selectman Ingerson and carried 2-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Cheryl Sargent
Executive Assistant
_______________________
Chairman Burton E. Ingerson
_______________________
Selectman William R. Hight
_______________________
Selectman George O. Hicks