Approved March 8, 2005

Minutes of the Middlesex Select Board
Meeting of February 8, 2005

Present: Mary Alexander, Bill Callnan, Walter Kelly, Mary Just Skinner, Peter Hood, Cindy Carlson, Beth Holtzman, Alisa Darmstadt.

Meeting called to order at 7:05 p.m.

The Rumney Playground Committee made a Safety Presentation because of a 2003 audit that had been done. Material was presented to the Board with a summary of goals, approach, activities & equipment, overall design, key improvements, repairs, new equipment and funding. There have been some repairs made and some items have been removed from the playground. The Committee is looking for funding through grants and in-kind contributions of town equipment. A site plan showing how the area would be divided into 4 areas with an age group focus for each one was reviewed. There are some concerns about recess rotation of grades and they are trying to incorporate multiple activities in both sides of the school.

The best estimate of cost is a range of $30,000 to $60,000. They are not looking to purchase a central structure from a supply company, but would rather purchase some ready made and constructing some with community support. The School Board is in support of the project and there has been discussion of a community playground vs. a school playground.

There may be an issue with the power lines, which currently go through the playground. Under the grant terms, there cannot be power lines going through the playground. Washington Electric has been contacted and provided an estimate of up to $15,000 to move the lines. They may be upgrading the lines in the near future, so it may not be a concern. A survey of town residents will be sent out to seeking feedback on the town’s needs and priorities.

The Board was in general support of the project but asked that the survey be completed and results submitted to the Board. Also, the in-kind contribution of town equipment would have to be at a limited degree. There was a question on a deadline for expending the funds if the grant was received, it is the understanding of the committee that they would have 1-year.

Other Business
Motion: Bill moves the minutes of January 25, 2005 with an amendment to adjust the wording of the motion to approve an article to pay by bond over 10 years for the fire truck. Mary Just Skinner seconds, motion carries.

The Board has received a Motion to Show Cause in connection with Linda E. Simpson. The motion was read and reviewed. A court date of March 22, 2005 has been set and Peter will attend the hearing. Ms. Simpson has not complied with the order to date. Peter Hood signed the motion.

The Town Building Feasibility Study Report was distributed and reviewed. Some one other than John Rahill is to be present at Town Meeting. The list of names on the committee was adjusted. 

The Board finalized the draft of the Select Board Report and dedication to Gary.

It was decided to defer Act 68 Work Sheet until another meeting.

The Town Road and Bridge Standards was reviewed as presented by Gary Lamell, Road Commissioner. Gary has recommended that the Town adopt the standards and that if they are adopted that an additional 10% funding can be received on grants.

Motion: Mary Alexander moves to accept the Town Road and Bridge Standards as recommended by Gary Lamell, Road Commissioner. Bill seconds, motion carries.

Motion: Mary Just Skinner moves to submit the Paving Grant for Town Highway #2, Shady Rill in the amount of $128,875 with a town match of $25,775. Bill seconds, motion carries.

The Board is asked if they would have any land available for the use of Frisbee Golf. It would take approximately 25 acres. There is not this amount of land available at the recreation field.

The Board discusses the terms of office for Town Clerk and Delinquent Tax Collector. The following items were discussed: There was no warning of the item on the Board’s agenda, so there was no time for research and discussion. The Town Attorney has since been consulted and he recommends that a change in term be treated as a significant change. A 3-year term would attract good candidates to run for the position. The state statutes do not provide for recall of elected officials unless stated in a charter. 

Motion: Mary Alexander moves to amend the Town Meeting Warning to delete Article 6, and renumber the remaining articles. Mary Just Skinner seconds, motion carries.

There was discussion by the committee doing the feasibility study if test sites should be drilled on the former Morse property. Dexter Lefavour can do the test sites. The Board agrees that this should be done, Walter will ask Dexter.

The Fast Squad has obtained a grant in the amount of $10,000. Proof of payment has to be received in order for the town to receive the funding. A check will be issued, but not submitted until the grant money is received.



Correspondence

Black River Design, maps that are to accompany the Feasibility Study.

Meeting adjourns at 9:40 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Cindy Carlson
Executive Assistant to
The Middlesex Select Board