TOWN OF STETSON

SELECTMEN’S MINUTES

Date: NOVEMBER 13, 2019

TIME: 6:00 p.m.


I. OPEN MEETING

Brenda Clark opened the meeting by leading the Pledge of Allegiance.


  1. ROLL CALL

Brenda Clark, Millard Butler, Charles Leighton, Leslie Merrill, and Danny Withee were present.


  1. MINUTES OF THE MEETING


  1. Approve October 9, 2019 Meeting Minutes

Upon motion by Millard Butler, seconded by Brenda Clark, it was voted by Millard Butler, Brenda Clark and Leslie Merrill to approve. (Charles Leighton and Danny Withee were not present at this meeting.


2. Approve October 23, 2019 Meeting Minutes

Upon motion by Danny Withee, seconded by Charles Leighton, it was Danny Withee, Charles Leighton, Brenda Clark and Leslie Merrill to approve. (Millard Butler was not present at this meeting.


Levant’s Town Manager (Scott Pullen) and Fire Chief (Eric Strout) were present to discuss Fire and Ambulance Coverage for the Town of Stetson with a Contract to assure what both Towns would be looking for.

Mr. Pullen explained the cost of the coverage would be in the $40,000 range and would receive the same increases as the town of Levant if an increase was needed.

Mr. Pullen also informed the Board and the Residents that as far as home-owners insurance increases, that is based on the ISO. Mr. Strout also expressed that presently the Town of Levant is responding only to

Life threatening situations and fires, not things like downed trees. The amount of coverage that Levant is presently providing for Stetson is affecting the Fire Department budget of Levant.

Leslie Merrill stated the Town has been discussing this issue and debating it for over a year, and something needs to done to address the concerns before us (the board).

Brent Dorman requested the Board try to sell this program and quide the residents. Levant is 7 miles from the Town’s front door and would allow us to unify and create a strong Department for both Levant and Stetson.

Also noted was that a change like this would have to be done at a Special Town Meeting or the Annual Town Meeting.


C. QUIT CLAIM DEEDS

None.


D. WARRANT

1. Advantage Payroll Warrant # 10

Upon motion by Brenda Clark, seconded by Leslie Merrill, it was unanimously voted to approve Payroll Warrant #10.


  1. Expenditures # 11

Upon motion by Brenda Clark, seconded by Millard Butler, it was unanimously voted to approve AP Warrant #11.


E. BOARD OF ASSESSORS

Upon motion by Charles Leighton, seconded by Millard Butler, it was unanimously voted to approve 1 abatement and 2 supplementals for Baker.



II. OLD BUSINESS


  1. . Road funds discussion

Consensus of the Board was to have a few Public Hearings and a potential Special Town Meeting to allow time to get the opinions of the residents. A low interest loan will be a major part of those Public hearings.

The Board directed Joe Gray to hire who he needed to get the figures to allow accurate information for the meetings.


  1. Freedom of Access Request for Information

Upon motion by Millard Butler, seconded by Charles Leighton, it was unanimously voted to implement the Freedom of Access Request for Information Policy.


3. Lawn Mowing Contract. The Board will review the dates of the contract and be assured to put a notice in the Rolling Thunder as the dates that flowers will be picked up. Diane also informed the Board that Mr. Higgins

has been spoken to and he did not remove any brackets from the tops of stones, only deteriated flowers.


4. Suppression System Diane reported that the cost of a suppression system to allow the stove top to be used is estimated at a cost of $1,500 to $1,800 from Fire Safe Equipment, they will also take over the maintainance and care of the fire Extinguishers.



III. NEW BUSINESS


1. Enforcement Discussion for 309 East Newport Road

See Code Enforcement below (legal letters approved)


III. COMMITTEE REPORTS

A. ANIMAL CONTROL Danielle Withee again presented the idea of a backup/second Animal Control Officer. Concerns of the Board were the funding for a second and for her to talk to Noel and to see how he would feel.

B. APPEALS BOARD Nothing.

C. CEMETERY The removal of head stone brackets were missing, and the office spoke with the Lawn Care provider and he did not remove anything like that.

D. CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER The Board supported legal funds for the CEO to contact the town attorney to send letters to 394 Village Road and to the former Tasker Property.

E. E911 Nothing.

F. EDUCATION Rhonda Spearing was present and requested the Board give some input on the “Future Search Process” for the direction of the school and education in general.

She asked where the Town expected to be in 10 to 15 years and what would make people want to move here. Consensus of the Board was where to go for a good education for less money to keep the taxes and burden of the residents down.

George Hockstadter also requested history classes on our country.

G. EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS COMMITTEE Nothing.

H. EMT/RESCUE Nothing.

I. FIRE DEPARTMENT

J. MEETINGHOUSE The Board approved the upgrade of the automatic start for the generator for an estimated amount of $1,500

K. PARKS & RECREATION Upon motion by Brenda Clark, seconded by Millard Butler, it was unanimously voted to approve Corey and Bethany Leighton for Parks and Rec Directors. Corey reported that the Basketball program at the Union church will be up and running again,

and they would like to put in an ice rink.

L. PLANNING BOARD Nothing.

M. PLUMBING INSPECTOR Nothing.

N. RECYCLING & SOLID WASTE COLLECTION Nothing.

O. ROAD COMMISSIONER Joe Gray was present and reported nothing new. Diane and the Board thanked him for the commitment to have the parking lot ready for Elections and how nice the Memorial Stone and benches look.

P. STATE LEGISLATIVE CORRESPONDANCE Nothing.

Q. TREASURER Nothing.

R. WELFARE DIRECTOR Nothing.

S. OTHER

Diane questioned the time of the next Selectmen’s Meeting the Eve of Thanksgiving. Consensus of the Board was to meet at 10:00 AM on the 27th of November.

IV. TRAINING

None.


  1. PUBLIC COMMENTS

Rita Alby requested to be involved with the planting of flowers by the Memorial Stone.

Jody Lyford questioned the amount of surplus that has been sold from the building. Diane informed that it is minimal. A few filing cabinets and the mats (approved by Brenda Clark).

George Hockstadter questioned the need of disbanding the Fire Department. George feels we are a Town of $1,100 families and should have the man power to operate our own Department.

Larry Gary questioned again about the status of the property on the Langley Road. Millard responded that when the survey is complete and it has been presented to the Board we will look at the best way to deal with the concerns and

issues that have been brought to the attention of the Board. Danny Withee stated the Town should not be maintaining that road anyway.


  1. SELECTMEN COMMENTS

Leslie Merrill questioned the status of the tape recorder for the meetings. Diane explained that the ones with the mini cassettes are around $300 and not easy to find. Diane questioned spending that amount. Consensus of the Board was to spend the funds.


  1. EXECUTIVE SESSION

None.


  1. ADJOURNMENT

Upon motion by Millard Butler, seconded by Leslie Merrill to adjourn the meeting at 7:55 p.m.


__________________________________Brenda Clark


__________________________________Millard Butler


__________________________________Charles Leighton


__________________________________Leslie Merrill


__________________________________Danny Withee


Minutes are recorded by; Diane Lacadie


Diane Lacadie