TOWN OF STARK, NH
Select Board Meeting Minutes
DRAFT
Wednesday, April 17, 2024
6 PM
Stark Town Office
Call to Order
Select Board Chairman, Glen Wiggin, called the meeting to order at 6 pm.
Persons Present for All or Part of the Entire Meeting
Select Board Members: Glenn Wiggin, Lisa Demers, Crystal Pelletier; Office Manager, Patty Peel
Dennis Lunn, Stephan Gilman, Crystol Lavalee, Jack Pepau, Jay Beaton, Jim Hickey, Elaine Monahan, Rodney Monahan, Dan Demers, Bob Gale, Kelly Butler
Glenn Wiggin announced to those present that meetings were being recorded.
Read and approve minutes from previous meetings— April 3, 2024
Lisa Demers made note of a change in the draft minutes that were posted on the Town of Stark website. The change falls under “Old Business” regarding the Transfer Station fence. The draft did not restate the original motion in entirety nor was the date of the minutes, September 5, 2023, stated correctly. The minutes of April 3, 2024, being signed by the Select Board, are correct.
Glenn Wiggin made a motion to waive reading of the minutes, 2nd by Crystal Pelletier. Motion passed unanimously.
Sign the Following:
- Select Board signed checks & Manifest 16 $21,690.85
- Select Board signed Quitclaim Deed from TOS to Sharon Smart, Ashley R. Prince-Miles, Julia Prince for Thompson Road property.
- Select Board signed Treasurer’s Reports: General Fund Feb -Mar 2024 & Heritage Account—Jan-Mar 2024
- Select Board signed Office Manager Monthly Reconciliation Reports: Jan-Mar 2024 for General Fund and Heritage Account.
- Select Board signed three pistol permits.
- Select Board signed Intent to Excavate Map/Lot 408-109.
- Select Board signed Library Memorandum of Understanding with Northumberland.
- Select Board signed an elderly exemption application.
- Select Board signed a letter to PSNH requesting information needed by our assessors.
Kelly Butler—JLMC
Kelly Butler read and submitted a written complaint to the Select Board stating that her Right to Know had been violated by the JLMC because the public was not notified of the March 21, 2024 meeting and the meeting minutes were not posted within 5 days following the meeting as required by RSA 91-A. Lisa Demers will investigate; Glenn Wiggin stated that the Select Board would want to hear what the JLMC Chairman has to say in response to the complaint. The Select Board will revisit this complaint at the May 1, 2024, meeting.
Department Reports
- Transfer Station Permit by Notification
- Stephan Gilman and Lisa Demers reported that things are moving along with the Permit by Notification. Lisa Demers will meet with Patty Peel to get information needed on abutters to the Transfer Station.
- Lisa Demers asked the Select Board about filling in ruts at the Percy Landfill; it is the feeling of the SB that the ground is still too wet to be working at the landfill.
- Cristol Lavallee inquired about the AxisGIS maps on the website; they can be found under the second tab, “Town Government”.
- Stephan Gilman brought to the attention of the SB two bags of trash left outside the gates of the Transfer Station. After looking through the contents, it appears that the bags may have been from spring clean-up at the cemetery. The TS Operator wants to make certain that dumping outside the gates does not become a norm, as it could result in crows wreaking havoc with trash. Glenn Wiggin will investigate this situation.
- Glenn Wiggin shared that the white town truck failed inspection due to a headlight issue that is being worked on.
- Select Board discussed the purchase of flame-retardant chaps for the highway department. Patty Peel will order two pairs of these chaps.
- The Select Board discussed with Assistant Fire Chief, Jack Pepau, the return of the forestry truck to the State Dept. of Natural & Cultural Resources, Division of Forests & Land. Mr. Pepau explained that the forestry truck was returned because they have a new engine that needs money spent on it and the department does not have enough money to spend on both trucks, so the forestry truck was taken back to Concord. Lisa Demers voiced concern that the truck went back and asked about the donated forest fire equipment. Jack explained the donated equipment is still at the station as the Division of Forests & Lands told the SVFD they could keep it. Glenn Wiggin shared that he supported the return of the truck though it should have been approved by the SB. The forestry truck is a 2-wheel drive truck and was not serviceable; the garage is crowded with trucks, and we pay insurance on it. Assistant Chief Pepau agreed that the fire department should have come before the Select Board prior to returning the vehicle. Crystal Pelletier asked how the department decided to return the truck? Jack Pepau responded that the officers made the decision. Crystal Pelletier asked if the forestry truck would have made a difference at prior fires the department responded to. The fire department members present did not agree as to whether it would have made a difference. Asst. Chief Jack Pepau stated that the new engine is not serviceable the way it is now as it does not have ladders, suction hose, or adapters. The suction hose the department has is on the tanker.
- Th MI Box that was located at the fire department has been returned to MI Box.
- Fire Chief, Jack Pepau, has submitted updated SOGs. The Select Board has the SOGs for review; the JLMC will be given a copy for review prior to the May 1, 2024, Select Board meeting. The SOGs will be discussed at the May 1, 2024, meeting.
- Patty presented three written resignations from fire department members. Glenn Wiggin made a motion to accept the resignation of Rick Gonyer, Andrew Peare, and Kacie Evans from the Stark Volunteer Fire Department, 2nd by Crystal Pelletier. Motion Passed Unanimously.
- Stephan submitted a blanket statement for SB to accept everything that belongs to the association as Town property; the SB asked for a dated and signed copy of the statement at the next meeting. Lisa Demers asked if all firefighters should be signing off on blanket list to avoid accepting someone’s personal property as Town property. Jim Hickey clarified that we are talking association property, not fire department property.
- Stephan Gilman presented a list of equipment recently purchased that is not at the station. Jack Pepau clarified that some of the items were returned but not all items. Stephan—lists of items Town purchase for fire dept; we have no idea where property is; Some of that equipment has come in, Charlie had some of it according to Jack; Glenn Wiggin would like the fire fighters reach out to the prior chief to inquire about the whereabouts of the items. Crystal Pelletier would like to start an inventory of all equipment; the SB and the fire fighters present agreed to meet Saturday afternoon to begin said inventory.
- Lisa inquired about a communications issue for fire fighters. Currently the system is down and needs to be reestablished. Stephan Gilman shared the Software through Zellow is being used for communication and is licensed to the Town; the Assistant Chief tried to secure the information on the Software once Chief Nesbitt resigned without success. Stephan needs to work with Profile Technologies to get the phone communications set up. Crystal Pelletier clarified that we have the hardware necessary and just need to work with IT, Profile Technologies, to get the Currently the calls come through the fire fighters’ radios. Crystal Pelletier made a motion to let Stephan Gilman work with Profile Technologies to hook up the communication system to get text messages back out to the fire station, 2nd by Glenn Wiggin. Motion Passed Unanimously.
- Lisa Demers brought up that the Town computer is slow, and she understood that the computer that was brought in was supposed to be part of the fire department’s belonging and would be listed on the fire department inventory. The desk was also donated.
- Jack Pepau asked that Jay Beaton be reinstated to the fire department. Lisa Demers would like to let things settle a bit with the fire department. Crystal Pelletier feels he should be reinstated to the fire department following some clarifications regarding positions and responsibilities. Glenn Wiggin stated that because Jay Beaton quit, he would need to go through the hiring process again.
- Glenn Wiggin stated that the janitor contract is being worked on. Jay can start cleaning any time; the contract will be signed once it is completed.
- Cristol Lavallee asked if the computer from the fire department is the one in 2023 Town Report Fire Chief’s Report that was mentioned as a donated computer? Crystal Pelletier stated that the SB is still looking into that issue. Dan Demers asked for more clarification on the computer issue. Glenn Wiggin stated that the SB is doing their due diligence to sort through the issue.
- Lisa Demers submitted a hiring checklist and a work policy/hiring policy for SB to review.
Old Business
- Social Media Comments
- Crystal Pelletier mentioned that at the last SB meeting the Board talked about putting our meeting minutes out on our website and social media for transparency. We asked the administrator of the Stark Neighborhood page to block any comments. This did not accomplish what was intended as people posted below the minutes. Crystal made a motion to not ask anyone to limit comments on the post we put out on social media unless the administrator feels they need to sensor the posts, 2nd by Glenn Wiggin. Motion Passed Unanimously.
- Personnel & Equipment Billing Rates
- Glenn Wiggin made a motion to use mutual aid rates when billing insurance companies for motor vehicle incidents, 2nd Lisa Demers. Motion Passed Unanimously.
- Library Trustee/Trustee of Trust Funds
- Crystal Pelletier made a motion to nominate Cristol Lavallee as Trustee of Trust Funds, 2nd by Lisa Demers. Motion Passed Unanimously.
New Business
- Ordinance Review
- Christine Lake Ordinance: Lisa Demers—Percy Summer Club owns property, Town no jurisdiction. Crystal Pelletier made a motion to rescind the ordinance “Regarding the Use of the Public Landing at Christine Lake”, 2nd by Glenn Wiggin. Motion passed unanimously.
- Snowmobile Ordinance—-Crystal Pelletier will rewrite and bring back to Select Board for signature.
- Street Numbering Ordinance—Crystal Pelletier will rewrite; the penalties will be removed.
- Septage and Sludge Ordinance—Crystal Pelletier will confer with Marc Brassard, Chair of the Planning Board, and look at the current RSA.
- Hauling over Town Bridges and Highways Ordinance—Crystal Pelletier will review the RSA and update as needed.
- Recycling Ordinance—Stephan Gilman is updating the recycling ordinance and will try to have it ready for the May 1, 2024, meeting.
- Fireworks Ordinance—Glenn Wiggin will investigate State regulation of fireworks and report back to the Select Board.
- Flood Plain Ordinance—Crystal Pelletier will ask the Planning Board to review this ordinance.
- OHRV Ordinance—Crystal Pelletier brought to the SB attention that the ordinance, as revised on September 6, 2023, changed Town roads from allowing access to the trail system to being part of the trail system. The SB agreed that was not the intent. Crystal Pelletier will rewrite and bring it back to the Select Board.
- Road Grading
- Select Board discussed the option for road grading in Town.
- Glenn Wiggin made a motion to let Mason Enterprises come in and start grading roads on his side of Town, Bell Hill, Paris Road, Sullivan Road and will let him know if he can continue after those are completed. Seconded by Lisa Demers. Motion Passed Unanimously.
- Lisa Demers made a motion to rescind this motion, 2nd by Crysal Pelletier. Motion Passed Unanimously.
- Crystal Pelletier made a motion to allow Glenn Wiggin to move forward with the grading of Town roads, ASAP, in the most cost-effective way, 2nd by Lisa Demers. Motion Passed Unanimously.
- Lisa Demers asked if the schedule for Cloutier Construction to complete road reconstruction had been confirmed for May? The Town has no recent confirmation; Lisa will reach out to Albert Cloutier and let him know about the grading.
Other Business
- Ron Lunn submitted a forest fire training bill for approval.
- Ron Lunn submitted an appointment of Jay Beaton as forest fire warden for approval.
- The SB discussed Junk Yard Licensing; the SB will NOT be issuing junk yard permits.
- SB read a letter from Mr. Lonergan recognizing the efforts of firefighters Jay Beaton, Jack Pepau, and Stephan Gilman.
- Lisa Demers submitted a letter addressed to Ray Perkins in response to his request for documents of her personal computer; Patty will forward the letter to Mr. Perkins.
- Jack Pepau asked if we should have an ordinance regarding illegal burns. It was decided that fire permits regulate illegal burns, so no ordinance is necessary.
Non-Public Session
Glenn Wiggin made a motion to go into nonpublic session at 8:43 pm, 2nd by Lisa Demers, Pursuant to RSA RSA 91-A:3, II (a) The dismissal, promotion, or compensation of any public employee or the disciplining of such employee, or the investigation of any charges against him or her, unless the employee affected (1) has a right to a public meeting, and (2) requests that the meeting be open, in which case the request shall be granted. Motion Passed Unanimously.
- Motion to leave nonpublic session and return to public session by Glenn Wiggin, 2nd by Lisa Demers. Public Session reconvened at 9:18 pm.
Adjournment
- Motion to adjourn by Glenn Wiggin, 2nd by Lisa Demers. Motion passed unanimously.
- Meeting adjourned at 9:19 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia S. Peel, Office Manager
__________________________________ __________________________________
Glenn Wiggin, Select Board Chair Date Approved
__________________________________ __________________________________
Lisa Demers, Select Board Member Crystal Pelletier, Select Board Member
*Select Board Meeting May 1, 2024 6 pm Stark Town Hall
*Planning Board Meeting May 8, 2024 6 pm Stark Town Hal
TOWN OF STARK, NH
Select Board Non-Public Session Minutes
DRAFT
Wednesday, April 17, 2024
8:43 PM
Stark Town Office
Members Present: Glenn Wiggin, Lisa Demers, Crystal Pelletier
Motion to enter nonpublic session by Glenn Wiggin, 2nd by Lisa Demers.
Specific Statutory Reason cited as foundation for the nonpublic employee.
RSA 91-A:3, II (a) The dismissal, promotion, or compensation of any public employee or the
disciplining of such employee, or the investigation of any charges against him or her, unless the
employee affected (1) has a right to a public meeting, and (2) requests that the meeting be open,
in which case the request shall be granted.
Roll Call Vote to enter nonpublic session: Glenn Wiggin-Yes, Lisa Demers-Yes, Crystal Pelletier-Yes.
Entered nonpublic session at 8:43 pm
Other persons present during nonpublic session: Patricia Peel, Office Manager
Description of matters discussed and final decisions made:
- Select Board discussed recommendations from Primex regarding a recently filed Workers Comp. claim. Patty Peel will request a work release from the individual involved.
- Glenn Wiggin shared information regarding pending litigation against a Select Board member. It was noted that the SB is not covered by any insurance in nonmonetary cases. Patty Peel will check with Primex to see what they offer for rider policies that would cover Select Board members in such cases.
- Select Board discussed an incident that involved the removal of a computer from the fire station; said computer is currently locked up in the Town vault. The computer was being used for fire department business and it is believed to hold fire department records/information. At this time the computer is password protected by one individual; this same individual donated the computer and/or use of the computer to the SVFD and has requested the computer back. Patty Peel will send the individual a certified letter requesting access to the computer and all Town information.
Note: Under RSA 91-A:3, III. Minutes of proceedings in nonpublic sessions shall be kept and the record of all actions shall be promptly made available for public inspection, except as provided in this section.
Minutes and decisions reached in nonpublic session shall be publicly disclosed within 72 hours of the
meeting, unless, by recorded vote of 2/3 of the members present, it is determined that divulgence of the information likely would affect adversely the reputation of any person other than a member of this
board, or render the proposed action of the board ineffective, or pertain to terrorism. In the event of
such circumstances, information may be withheld until, in the opinion of a majority of members,
the aforesaid circumstances no longer apply.
Motion to leave nonpublic session and return to public session by Glenn Wiggin, seconded by Crystal Pelletier.
Motion Passed Unanimously.
Public Session reconvened at 9:18 pm.
These minutes were recorded by Patricia Peel, Office Manager.
__________________________________ __________________________________
Glenn Wiggin, Select Board Chair Date Approved
__________________________________ __________________________________
Lisa Demers, Select Board Member Crystal Pelletier, Select Board Member