Present: Marj Roy, Town Administrator; Chuck Keyser, Select Board Chair; Dave Blinn and Bill Keyser, Select Board Members
Also present: Todd Goings
Road Agent Report
Chuck Keyser stated that Road Agent John Thompson would not be present tonight due to scheduling conflicts. However, Thompson spoke to Roy earlier and he reported that there is nothing new to add tonight from his report at the last Select Board meeting. Currently, the Highway Department continues to provide winter road maintenance throughout the Town.
Department of Environmental Services (DES) Deficiency Letter

Roy read the letter from DES indicating brush cutting is needed around the Highland Lake dam area. Roy explained that typically the Dam Bureau inspects this dam every two years. In the past, the Select Board and Roy have gone out to visit the site with a DES representative. The Board discussed and agreed the vegetation maintenance is part of the Highway Department’s responsibility.
Roy will send a letter to the homeowner letting them know this will take place and that the State has a 15’ right of way.
Town Administrator Report
Roy reported that Lois Magenau retired as of January 3. The job opening is posted, and there have been several applicants. Roy indicated that as soon as the proposed budget is finalized and the warrants are approved for Town Meeting, the interview process will commence.
Roy will be highlighting Town Policies starting in the Beacon’s March issue.
Other Business
Todd Goings expressed his interest in running for Select Board. Todd questioned the Board as to what their feelings and duties are as a Select Board member.
Chuck Keyser responded by telling Goings some of the Select Board duties include interviewing new staff, eliminating positions, dealing with tax issues, and property tax deeding, along with legal issues. 

Chuck noted he requested the Board to meet on Mondays at noon time for a short meeting to keep him up to date on what is going on in town. It is convenient for him because he runs his small business, and at noontime he comes into town and can stop at Town Hall to check on things. 

Chuck said this will probably change after Town Meeting because he cannot take four to six hours a month away from his business.
Dave Blinn responded by saying that the Board all works together to help each other. If something comes up and someone can’t take care of it, that whomever is around can and will do what is necessary. They all jump in when it’s needed. All Board members have different schedules and commitments, so they need to work together.
Roy commented that one of the most important things a Select Board member needs to remember is to be careful not to have illegal meetings. Two members of the same Board talking about Town business cannot happen.
Goings asked if the Select Board is covered legally for decisions and what they put their signature on. The Board and Roy agreed that the Select Board members are covered for the decisions and signatures. The Town has an attorney to rely on for questions that need answering and to keep things proper and in check.
Chuck went on to say the Select Board reviews and signs Intents to Cut and the manifest, which are legally covered. The last few years there has been a lot of legal issues including White Oak Pit, the Transfer Station, and multiple private property issues.
Dave Blinn said that there is a lot to learn and something to study all the time.
2020 Budget
The Board reviewed the proposed budget and discussed these particular items:
The Board discussed the Shirley Street Project needs to be moved to the Special Project Line as previously agreed. Roy will change that in the morning.
The Highland Lake dam brush cutting should be covered under the regular labor line and not as a Special Project.
Forest Fire cell phone is not needed and is removed from the budget.
Naughton will be hauling the Town’s solid waste at a more cost-effective price than is currently being paid. Roy has not received a contract yet but expects to receive one.
The Board agreed there are no further changes to the budget and will send it to the Budget Committee.