LITTLETON BOARD OF SELECTMEN

MEETING MINUTES

DECEMBER 14, 2005

LITTLETON OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM

Present: Chairman Bill Hight, Vice Chairman George Hicks, Selectman Burt Ingerson, Town Manager Jason Hoch, Executive Assistant Cheryl Sargent

CITIZENS’ CONCERNS

A group of concerned citizens attended the meeting to get an update on the Redington Street Bridge closing. They presented a letter from Carol Murray in response to a letter sent by Brien Ward. Ms. Murray’s letter stated the repairs to the bridge could be done for $15,000. Jason stated this was complete news to him as well as to the Selectmen. He referenced the inspection report on the bridge which advised the Town to close off the bridge due to its unsafe condition. The group was concerned with the amount of traffic which is now being diverted to Highland Avenue. They stated that the roads are not adequate to handle this much traffic and it is creating an unsafe situation for both pedestrians as well as drivers. There are also cars parking along the sides of the roads which make passing through even more dangerous. They asked the Board and town Manager what they intend to do about the situation.

Jason stated the Town has looked into the possibility of obtaining a Bailey bridge but that the costs are very high. It would cost approximately $120,000 to remove the existing bridge and another $680,000 for the temporary bridge and to move the water line.

The residents from this area feel there is a serious lack of communication between the Town Officials and residents. They noted they feel that too much attention and money is being spent on main Street while they feel they are treated like second class citizens. The closing of the bridge has also affected many businesses in this area. Bud Foster and Steve Simon both stated that their business is down from what it has been in the past.

Possible solution discussed included putting steel beams within the bridge with a ramp up and ramp down with a 10’ clearance and allow one lane of traffic through at a time. It was noted the rebar is in fairly good shape and it is just a matter of replacing the deck. The Selectmen were told that Steve Austen from Vermont would like to take a look at the bridge. He has repaired several bridges in Vermont. The Selectmen stated that if he can come and look at it at no charge to the Town, he is welcome to do so.

Jason left momentarily to make a call to Carol Murray regarding the letter sent to Brien Ward. He noted specifically that none of the Town Officials were carbon copied on the letter.

When Jason returned he stated he had left a message for Carol Murray to return his call. He had spoken to Bob Barry who told him that it would be put on the schedule for mid-January for another inspection.

Judy Foster asked that any new information be given to her so that she can call the group to keep them updated and informed.

Jason stated that if the bridge can indeed to repaired for $15,000, the Town will pursue it.

Eddy Moore asked if the Selectmen recalled what the situation is with the traffic light at the corner of Meadow and West Main Street. He said that it was his recollection that the Police Chief has the capability of changing the light to flashing in an emergency or inclement weather. He stated when he had asked Cam Brown this, he had stated he could not do it. Burt Ingerson stated that he knows Cam has changed this light in the past, in fact, just within the last couple of weeks. Eddy asked the Selectmen to check into this. He stated in a heavy snow storm it is very difficult for traffic especially truck to make the hill once they have come to a full stop.

Norm McCullock asked if the site plan for the new industrial park on Brook Road have made provisions for sidewalks.

Jason stated he does not specifically know if sidewalks have been included in the plan but will make a note of it

Dick Merrow asked the Board and Town Manager how he should go about getting a warrant article on the ballot regarding the Opera House. Dick stated he feels something has to be done and would like to see if the voters do want to tear down the building.

Chairman Hight stated he feels there are three options the voters have; they can sell the building, renovate the building or tear it down.

Jason told Mr. Merrow that all warrant article petitions must be received by the Town no later than January 10^th. If the warrant article involves borrowing money, the petition would need to be received by the Town no later than January 5^th.

Bernard Chase stated he is concerned with what appears to be a serious lack of communication between the Town Officials and the citizens. He stated the articles he has read in the newspapers has been very disturbing.

Jason noted information is released to the public as soon as it is available. He stated the Town cannot help what is written in the papers and it is fashionable to put a controversial spin on things because this sells papers.

Mr. Chase stated he feels the Selectmen should have Continental or Audley come in to look at the Bridge because this is what they do for a business.

Jason referred to the pedestrian fatality which occurred a few years ago on Main Street. When it came down to litigation he noted the key question became whether or not the Town had received any written notification regarding a potential deficiencies of the crosswalks. He added when the Town received written recommendations from the State advising them to post and barricade the bridge, the Town followed their recommendations in order to avoid any liability.

TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT

Jason noted Taylor McDermott from Lowes will be meeting with the Conservation Commission next week to go over a site change for Lowes. The building location has changed from the original plans. The change will require them to go back before the Zoning Board.

Lighting timers are being worked out at the Police Department. It has taken a few weeks to get everything sorted out.

There are still a couple of air conditioners which need to be pulled out of the Town Building. Jason is trying to round up volunteers to help. Bernard Chase offered to help Jason do this when he is ready. Jason thanked Mr. Chase for the offer of assistance.

Todd McKee has started in the full time fire fighters position which was created at last year’s town meeting.

There is a certified police officer who has been interviewed for the vacant position at the Police Department. It is hope he will be able to start the beginning of the new year.

Jason and Karen Noyes have gathered information of the current health plan which can now be tiered into three different plans according to what the employee needs and wants. The tiered plans will vary in cost.

Selectman Hicks moved to modify the Health Plan to the tiered plan. The motion was seconded by Selectman Ingerson and carried 3-0.

Jason stated the new centrifuge at the Wastewater Treatment plant will be installed in the spring. It will be necessary to borrow $100,000 to pay for it when it is installed. The Town will realize a savings of almost half of what it is currently spending on sludge removal. Eventually the dewatered product will be composted at Schofields. Eddy Moore stated he is not comfortable with the Town borrowing or leasing money for these type of items.

Selectman Ingerson moved to authorize Jason to go ahead with borrowing for the Centrifuge. The motion was seconded by Selectman Hicks and carried 3-0.

Selectman Ingerson moved to approve the minutes of November 30, 2005. The motion was seconded by Selectman Hicks and carried 3-0.

Eddy Moore asked if Jason had prepared a warrant article regarding the parking lot behind AHEAD. Jason stated that he has not done this yet but has not forgotten about it.

The meeting adjourned at 5:40 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Cheryl Sargent

Executive Assistant

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Chairman William R. Hight

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Vice Chairman George O. Hicks

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Selectman Burton E. Ingerson