VILLAGE DISTRICT OF EIDELWEISS

Commissioners Meeting             

February 26, 2019

The Board of Commissioners met at 8:00 am on Tuesday, February 26, 2019.  In attendance were Commissioners-Elect Adam Leiser and Kathy Koziell. Also present were Kelly Robitaille (hwy) and residents Paula Doyle, Gloria Aspinall, Jay Buckley and Mike Dolan.  The meeting was filmed for Madison TV by Tim Hughes.                        

At 8:00 am Clerk Nancy Cole swears in the new Commissioners. 

Commissioner Adam Leiser calls the meeting to order.       

1. Agenda

Adam Leiser makes a motion to approve the agenda.  Kathy Koziell seconds.  Motion passed 2-0.   

Kathy Koziell makes a motion to nominate Adam Leiser as Chair.  Adam Leiser seconds.  Motion passed 2-0. 

The action list is reviewed and discussed. 

2. Highway Department Report 

Kelly Robitaille reports the crew is pushing back snowbanks in the District. 

Discussion on the insurance claim for the Terra Star.  Information expected tomorrow from insurance company

Kelly Robitaille reports that carbide edges and plates are needed for the $500 front edge, $550 wing edge, $672 chains.  Total is $1,722 for International 7400. 

Budgets are reviewed for highway repairs and supplies. 

Adam Leiser makes a motion to approve a PO in the amount of $1,722 for the 7400.  Kathy seconds.  Motion passed 2-0. 

The backhoe blower motor has failed.  There is no heat or defrost in the equipment.  Blower motor quote is $575.  Unknown installation cost.  Kelly is looking to see if a local mechanic can handle this.  As the vehicle is a Volvo, only Volvo generally works on this.  Kelly Robitaille will work on arranging this repair.  Mike Dolan asks about a portable heater: not possible.  Adam Leiser makes a motion to approve up to $1,600 for repair of the backhoe. Kathy Koziell seconds.  Motion passed 2-0. 

Grader is discussed.  Parts have been received.  Mechanic will be asked to work on this machine as well.  Discussion on repair cost an additional $900 beyond prior approved allocations is held.  Adam Leiser makes a motion to approve $900 for grader articulation repair.  Kathy Koziell seconds.  Motion passed 2-0.  Chains are discussed for the road grader.  Three sets are needed.  One additional set for $825 will get the crew through the remaining winter.  Adam Leiser makes a motion to approve up to $825 for one set of chains.  Kathy Koziell seconds.  Motion passed 2-0.     

The F-550 check engine light and ABS lights are on.  The strobe light is also out and the sander is currently hard wired.  Discussion on the failure of the new truck bond is held.  Kelly Robitaille will bring the truck for a repair estimate Monday, weather depending. 

Kelly Robitaille discusses possible failure of the F-550 during an ice storm; the crew would be unable to treat roads.  Assistance from Public Works Mutual Aid would come in after the storm.  During a storm, all crews are busy.  Setting up a back-up, possibly with Coleman’s, will be looked into.  Discussion on cost that will be incurred for an established back up.  Pro-actively notifying persons that there may be delays in road treatment is discussed.  Liability that could be incurred should the VDOE not be able to treat roads is discussed.  Discussion on assistance from Madison is outlined.  Having a conversation with Madison Selectmen is held.  Jon Cyr, Madison DPW Director has stated that the Town mechanic is not available to work on VDOE equipment.  Commissioner Kathy Koziell will attend tonight’s Selectmen’s meeting to discuss any possible options. 

Kelly Robitaille outlines the drainage issue in the DPW garage.  This situation needs to be addressed.  NH DES regulations will guide corrective action for this drainage issue. 

Mold is visible in the bathroom downstairs.  Work will be needed on this bathroom.  Discussion on using volunteers for this project is discussed.  A licensed plumber will be needed for the plumbing repair.  Adam Leiser makes a motion to approve up to $1,000 for plumber and materials.  Kathy Koziell seconds.  Discussion on process for the work and need for any volunteers to sign a waiver prior to working.  Motion passed 2-0.  Jay Buckley will work to coordinate this project.         

3. Water

Adam Leiser makes a motion install pressure reducing valve up to $1,000.  Kathy seconds.  Kathy states installation is for already purchased PRV valve.  Motion passed 2-0. 

Establishing the 2019 water rate is discussed.  Calculation is reviewed.  Adam Leiser states water bill will be in range of $482 - $485.  Public is recommended to review the information and submit comments. 

4. Administration

General discussion on 2018 projects.  Siding for Muddy Beach is discussed; this will be held off for now.  Pump House security is discussed.  Kathy Koziell will work on this. 

Ralph Lutjen’s resignation will be requested in writing.   

Adam Leiser discusses appointment for a third Commissioner.  Discussion on prior conversation regarding new management for the District occurs.  Having a third member who has not been a Commissioner before is discussed as wanted. 

Adam Leiser discusses friendship with Kathy Koziell.  Per RSA 91-A-2; a chance, social, or other matter is not a meeting.  Kathy and Adam will be seen together, clarifying that friends can still spend time together. 

Payroll report is reviewed and discussed.  Adam Leiser makes a motion to approve payroll in the amount of $7,782.46.  Kathy Koziell seconds.  Motion passed 2-0. 

Next meeting will be held Thursday at 8 pm in the Chick Room at the library.  Discussion on use of projector at meetings to display agenda and other items, ideas and recommendations are welcome. 

Adam Leiser makes a motion to form a water committee with Larry Leonard, Larry Sodano, Jay Buckley, Adam Leiser, Ian Hayes.  Kathy seconds.  Motion passed 2-0. 

Adam Leiser makes a motion to disband the Asset Management Committee.  Kathy Koziell seconds.  Motion passed 2-0.  A thank you letter will be drafted and signed by the Board. 

Kathy Koziell makes a motion to establish a communications committee. Adam Leiser seconds.  Motion passed 2-0.  Committee members will be Paula Doyle, Mike Dolan, Andrew Harteveldt, Erin LaPlante and Kathy Koziell.   

Kathy Koziell will waive her stipend for this term.  Adam Leiser will waive his stipend and recommends all other executives do the same.   

Adam Leiser makes a motion to publish draft minutes within 24 hours.  Kathy Koziell seconds.  Discussion on restriction of stated time limit.  Adam Leiser amends motion to 48 hours.  Kathy Koziell seconds amendment. Motion, as amended, passed 2-0.

Adam Leiser makes a motion to post approved minutes within 48 hours.  Kathy Koziell seconds.  Motion passed 2-0. 

Adam Leiser makes a motion to post draft agenda’s 12 hours prior to Commissioner’s meetings.  Kathy Koziell seconds.  Motion passed 2-0.       

5.  Accounts Payable

6.  Minutes

Kathy Koziell makes a motion to approve the minutes of February 19.  Adam Leiser seconds.  Motion passed 2-0.  

Adam Leiser makes a motion to post draft minutes of last week with statement of no ability to approve.  Kathy Koziell seconds.  Motion passed 2-0.      

7. Commissioners Reports

Adam Leiser makes a motion to move the VDOE Annual Meeting to the first Saturday in March.  Kathy Koziell seconds.  Motion passed 2-0.  Time will be determined. 

Adam Leiser makes a motion to appropriate up to $500 for changing all locks from Bldgs and Grnds line item. Kathy Koziell seconds. Motion passed 2-0. Nancy Cole to call lock smith today to schedule the changing of the locks. 

Adam Leiser makes a motion to have a meeting to discuss ordinances on March 28. Kathy Koziell seconds.  Motion passed 2-0.
Adam asks if Quick books was purchased? No one knows.
Adam Leiser makes motion to have commissioners use an email Commissioner1@VDOE-NH.ORG, etc to protect against use of personal emails. Kathy Koziell seconds.  Motion passed 2-0.

8. Signature Items  

Adam Leiser makes a motion to send the letter to the EPOA.  Kathy Koziell seconds.  Motion passed 2-0. 

9. Correspondence

Granite State Analytical has sent the first quarter chemical testing results.  All results are within allowed limits. 

NH Municipal Association Legislative bulletin has been received.   

10. Scheduled Appearances

11.  Public Comment  

Jay Buckley congratulates all elected officials.
Jay Buckley asks for acceptance of previous proposals to re-shingle Mailbox roof.

Mike Dolan asks if more mailboxes can be added to cluster boxes at Huttwil.

Gloria Aspinall hopes new board will consider the 24 residents who are on their own wells.

Adam agrees to an abatement type solution and will look into her request. 

12.  Other Business   

At 9:15 am Nancy Cole leaves the meeting. Remaining minutes are taken by Jay Buckley. 

At 9:30 am Adam Leiser makes a motion to adjourn the meeting.  Kathy Koziell seconds.  Motion passed 2-0. 

Respectfully submitted,

Nancy E. Cole, Administrator and Jay Buckley