Page 3 Town of Plymouth Minutes from the January 11, 2016 Select Board Meeting
Town of Plymouth
Select Board Meeting Minutes
Plymouth Town Hall
Plymouth, NH 03264
January 11, 2016
Members Present: Mr. Mike Conklin Chairperson, Mr. Neil McIver, Mr. John Randlett, and Mr. Bill Bolton
Members Absent: Mr. Mike Ahern
Others Present: Mr. Paul Freitas
6:00 pm. Mr. Mike Conklin called the meeting to order and Mr. John Randlett led in the Pledge of Allegiance.
o Approval of Minutes:
v Minutes of December 14, 2015 Budget Work Session
· Mr. John Randlett made a motion to approve the minutes; seconded by Mr. McIver. All in favor.
v Minutes of December 14, 2015 Regular Meeting
· Mr. Bolton made a motion to approve the minutes; seconded by Mr. McIver. All in favor.
v Minutes of December 14, 2015 Non-Public Work Session
· Mr. McIver made a motion to approve the minutes; seconded by Mr. Randlett. All in favor.
v Minutes of December 21, 2015 Budget Work Session
· Mr. Bolton made a motion to approve the minutes; seconded by Mr. Randlett. All in favor.
v Minutes of January 4, 2016 Budget Committee/Bond Work Session
· Mr. McIver made a motion to approve the minutes; seconded by Mr. Bolton. All in favor.
Announcements:
The following announcements were made:
· The Select Board will meet on the following dates:
o Regular meetings – 6:00PM: Monday, January 25, 2016 with the 1st Budget Public Hearing at 6:15PM and February 8, 2016
o 2nd Budget Public Hearing if needed Thursday, February 4, 2016 at 6:00PM and Petitioned Warrant Articles will be read.
All of the above meetings will be held in the Town Hall, unless otherwise posted
· Weather observations for the month of December are available in the Town Hall.
· Citizens wishing to be listed on the Select Board’s Agenda should notify the Town Hall before 12:00 PM the Friday before the scheduled meeting.
· Town Offices will be closed Monday, January 18th, 2016 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. day.
Chairman’s Comments:
Appointments:
· Mr. Conklin read a request from Eugene Thurston to be appointed as a member of the Plymouth Planning Board. Mr. Thurston approached the Board and introduced himself. Mr. McIver made a motion to approve the appointment; seconded by Mr. Randlett. All in favor.
Updates and Recommendations:
Correspondence:
· Mr. Conklin read a letter from Mr. LaMoreaux, regarding shutting off a street light near his home (attached). Mr. LaMoreaux explained the reasoning behind turning this light off. After a brief discussion the Board decided to table this until more information is obtained.
Personnel:
Visitors:
6:15 PM PUBLIC HEARING:
Pursuant to NH RSA 33 to address the following: To discuss a Bond Article that will appear in the 2016 Town Warrant. The Bond Article seeks authorization for the Select Board to pursue a two million dollar ($2,000,000) bond for the purpose of work to be completed to public facilities, for the construction, reconstruction, alteration, and enlargement or purchase of public buildings, for other public works or improvements of a permanent nature for the purchase of departmental equipment of a lasting character. This bond shall not include funds to provide for the payment of expenses for current maintenance and operation except as otherwise specifically provided by law.
· Mr. Conklin directed the audience’s attention to a brochure that was created to summarize what each department would like to accomplish if this Bond is approved (attached). It is the belief of the Board that now would be a good time to pursue some of the improvements that need to be done. He went on to say that Paul Freitas, Kathy Lowe, and Anne Abear have spent many hours working on this. Each Department Head approached the Board and spoke to items that were listed in the brochure and answered questions. Mr. Freitas spoke on behalf of the needs of the Town Hall, as well as some of the miscellaneous items listed in the brochure. It was explained by Mr. Freitas that the Bond or loan would be at a fixed rate (roughly 2.5% presently) for a period of 10 years and will offset the Budget so the Town will be able accomplish many of the items as outlined, without causing an increase to the Town’s portion of the tax rate.
· Bill Houle spoke in favor of the Bond. He feels that the money should be used for long term infrastructure, which the Town desperately needs.
· Val Scarborough stressed that the Town can’t stay level funded forever. The infrastructure needs attention in Town. This loan will allow the Town to address issues that have been placed on the back burner. She spoke in favor of the Bond as well.
· Frank Miller stated that he believes that it is the right time to reinvest in the Town. He supports the Bond also.
· Bill Houle inquired if the Fire Department was going to add another station or add an addition to the back of the existing building. He was told not at this time. He also inquired about bathroom facilities at Fox Park. It was explained that the Commission was satisfied with the use of porta johns.
· Mr. Conklin asked if there were any other comments. Bill Houle stated that the Selectmen tend to speak very softly, he and other audience members have noticed that the microphones don’t seem to amplify what is being said by the Selectmen at the table, to the people in the room. Hopefully the sound equipment will be upgraded and the Selectmen will make a conscious effort to speak up.
With no other comments, Mr. Conklin closed the Public Hearing.
Adjourn: 7:56 PM
With no other Agenda items, Mr. Bolton made a motion; seconded by Mr. McIver to adjourn the meeting. All in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Dawn Roach