Barnstead Selectmen's Meeting Minutes

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SELECTMEN'S OFFICE

Town of Barnstead

P.O. Box 11

Center Barnstead, NH  03225

Minutes

WORK SESSION

Tuesday, July15th, 2008

Present: Chairman Gordon Preston (GP), Vice Chairman David Kerr (DK), Jim Barnard (JB), Phil Grillo (PG), Andy Houle (AH) and Road Agent Chris Carazzo. The work session was called to order at 8:00 a.m.

The Road Agent handed out his summer 2008 agenda and a list of topics he wanted to discuss. GP spoke about the budget crisis and asked Chris to look at him budget to see where he could save money.

GP mentioned that another town got him with a $12,000 surcharge on their paving bid and Chris stated that there are no extra costs in the Pike’s quote, that the contact price is solid. Chris told the Board that Pike was coming tomorrow to do Colbath and Varney Road. GP asked about the water truck and Chris told him that it’s running fine and next year it will need tires. The group discussed diesel costs and it was determined that Karen Montgomery would find out how many gallons were used from July – December of last year.

After reviewing the summer 2008 agenda, GP asked Chris if he had the money in his budget for the projects and Chris said he had everything except the extra cost for gas. JB asked Chris where he thought he could save money and Chris said he had all the culverts in stock so the $20,000 in that line item would not have to be spent. Chris said that there was $16,000 for magnesium that did not have to be spent and $7,000 in the grader repair line that was left. He felt he would need approximately $15,000 for salt, and $20,000 for diesel. The group discussed crack sealing and Chris told them he would not spend a dime on it that it only worked on newer paved roads. DK mentioned that we have some newly paved roads but Chris and AH felt that it wouldn’t hurt to wait a year. (The crack sealing line has $25,000 in it). DK stated that in looking at timeline graphs, doing maintenance each year in the first 1-5 years saves a tremendous amount of money as opposed to waiting for the 5-10 year timeline and redoing it all.

DK mentioned that the culverts need to take top priority that they are inadequate because they are plugged up and he asked Chris if he (Chris) had a copy of the culvert list that DK and Mac Tebbetts created. Chris thought he had a copy, but another one will be provided to him. JB agreed with DK and Chris in that you have to start with a good road base and do proper ditching. GP asked Chris if he was going to be able to get the summer projects done (that were on his list) and Chris said that it would be hard because he’s had to complete the FEMA projects. Chris added that there were only about 15 weeks left before

they would have to get the trucks ready for winter and it was hard because he would have 2 guys on one job, 2 on another and that left him alone.

DK wondered what could be done to reduce the amount of diesel being used and asked how much snow is allowed to accumulate before plowing. Chris said they go out at about one inch. DK asked how long it takes to plow all the road but Chris did not know. GP asked if it was possible to wait until there was four inches of snow before plowing and Chris said no, but they could wait for two inches, however, the roads needed to be treated first. JB commented that NH is traditionally plowed until the roads are clear and Barnstead people expect the same. DK stated that traditionally, people have vote for everything at Town Meeting until this year and that it was going to get a lot worse. Chris questioned why the Board needed the information about the plow routes and DK told him that the Board didn’t need the information, he (Chris) needed the information because Chris is going to have to know how much it costs the town for these things so he can tell if hiring out will be cost effective etc.

AH suggested talking to the community to get a sense of what they were looking for. PG and AH felt they should schedule a public meeting. JB suggested sending out flyers that are questionnaires and having the public fill them out. Karen Montgomery added that people’s names should be on the questionnaire.

At 9:40 PG asked Chris if Jim was back to work and Chris said that he was. PG asked why the previous Board switched the Road Agent’s pay from hourly to salary. DK told him that it was part of the wage study and it was comparable to what other towns did. Chris commented that the past road agents were hourly and he felt he should be. DK stated that he sees Chris’s time cards and asked Chris how much time he was spending working side by side with the other guys. Chris told him that he (Chris) has other stuff he has to do like paperwork etc. GP told Chris that he came in with no managerial experience, had never been a road agent before, etc. and so he was started at the first step on the wage scale for a road agent. JB commented that it was his understanding that regardless of who got the road agent’s job, they would be salaried and that both Bill Welch and Harold Miner were salaried. He added that there are times when workers are going to make more that the salaried department heads (if a lot of overtime is worked) and that was just how it was. JB went on to say that he didn’t see how they could raise Chris’ salary during the middle of the year but it could be addressed in next year’s budget.  Chris felt that it he should have a contract that specified everything including the benefits that were offered. PG stated that he wasn’t opposed to the salaried position but it should reflect the work that has to be done. JB commented that Belmont used to pay the Fire Chief, Police Chief and Road Agent all the same salary.

At 9:55 p.m. Chris told the Board that he needs a functional department and JB asked why he thought it wasn’t functioning. Chris stated that he felt he was still getting “back

doored” non-stop. JB and DK both said that they hadn’t heard anything from the crew. Chris mentioned that comments are getting back to him through mutual friends of his and the crewmembers. Chris added that he’s spoken to the crew about it. JB told him that you can’t do anything about what happens outside of work, that people talk about the Selectmen etc. outside of work. JB asked how the crew is when they are at work and Chris said are okay. JB asked if Chris was letting Jim be the foreman and do supervisory stuff, then added that if Chris wasn’t doing that, then it was Chris’ own fault. JB added that he tries not to micromanage but there are times when the Board has to. JB told Chris that he has spoken with Jim and Jim has no animosity towards Chris and that he’s glad he didn’t get the road agent job. AH asked Chris if he gave Jim supervisory work and Chris said that he did at first but he doesn’t now. Chris told the Board that Jim has turned his cell phone in because Chris spoke to him about the phone bill being twice what Chris’ is due to Jim making so many personal calls.

GP explained that the past road agent, Mac Tebbetts came to the Board and said he would like Jim as the foreman. Chris commented that Mac got to pick so he (Chris) should be able to pick his foreman. GP told him that you don’t just take away a title, that Chris needs to give Jim the supervisory jobs and let him do it. GP added that Chris could then see how Jim does the job. Chris asked for a copy of the supervisor/foreman job description. JB stated that when Mac was out on leave (due to an injury) Jim did a great job as road agent, and that Jim wants to work with Chris. PG mentioned that when newly elected people come in, they change the structure of things but they needed to follow the chain of command. AH told Chris that he needed to give Jim the responsibilities of a foreman before Chris can say that Jim can’t do the job. Chris told the group that he gave him the opportunity to in the beginning but then he came in to the Selectmen saying he didn’t do this and that. Chris said that every week something comes up, that last week he was late and he’s not doing the work. Chris added that Jim was sent up to Coles Ledge Road to fix a washout and ended up building a stonewall. JB said, “Don’t you have jobs that start as something simple and then they snowball”? Chris said that he did. Chris continued relaying different scenarios to the Board and JB asked why he (JB) has the feeling (from Chris) that the best suited place for Jim is the unemployment line. Chris said that was not what he wanted.

JB told Chris that the problem is with both of them (Chris and Jim). JB said that Jim doesn’t feel he’s being utilized as supervisor and Chris doesn’t think he can do the job. JB continued, saying that Jim knows Chris doesn’t want him as foreman and his next thought is that you won’t need him at all. JB added that if Chris doesn’t give Jim the responsibilities of a supervisor and treat him as a foreman, then Chris was just as much at fault. JB said, “I’m not saying you don’t have the right to pick your foreman, but if you already have one and haven’t given him the opportunity to perform or provide him with the training necessary for his job then you’re at fault”. PG told Chris to take the job description and talk with Jim about it. PG added that if the job isn’t being done in 90 days

then Chris can address it but he needs to document everything. Chris said that it stems from him taking Jim off the grader because it’s all Jim wants to do. GP asked how the other person is doing on the grader and Chris said he was fantastic, very meticulous and everyone says he’s doing a great job.

The work session was adjourned at 10:15 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,                                  

Karen Montgomery

Selectmen’s Secretary                                    

SELECTMEN'S OFFICE

Town of Barnstead

P.O. Box 11

Center Barnstead, NH  03225

Minutes

July 15th, 2008

Present: Chairman Gordon Preston (GP), Vice-Chairman David Kerr (DK), James Barnard (JB), Phil Grillo, Andrew Houle (AH) and Town Administrator Paul Skowron (PS).

The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Chairman Gordon Preston. The Board signed the payroll; manifest, the minutes of 6/24/08, 7/1/08 & 7/8/08, and the work session minutes of 6/17/08.

At 6:39 p.m. the meeting was open to public input and Paul Vince of the Fire Dept. Study Committee commented that the notice to fill the two vacant seats on the Fire Dept. Study Committee was not advertised. GP, PG and AH all told him that it was properly advertised for two weeks. GP further added that the Deputy Moderator, Chris Hipkiss was given the authority at Town Meeting to appoint the two new members and he did it by the book. Mr. Vince stated that he did not feel that the two new members recently appointed (Frank Sullivan and Ed Tasker) meet the requirements of the citizen members where they were past Selectmen. GP told him that they checked with the attorney’s at the Local Government Center (LGC) and they said it was okay. JB explained that he had concerns about it too and so was sending a written query (that he would compose) asking for a written response from the LGC. GP told the group that he felt this is adding more aggravation to an already volatile situation and felt it unnecessary. Mr. Vince stated that the majority of the committee would have its vote and that he agreed with GP that they should not make it even more contentious than it already is. JB stated that he spoke with Chris Hipkiss and Chris had said that if anyone else other than Sullivan and Tasker had applied, then those applicants would have gotten the appoint (not Sullivan or Tasker).

At 6:45 p.m. the Board went into Non-Public Session under RSA 91-A: 3 II (b) on a motion by Andy Houle seconded by Phil Grillo, with the following vote recorded, Gordon Preston, yes; David Kerr, yes; Jim Barnard, yes; Phil Grillo, yes; and Andy Houle, yes. The Board came out of Non-Public Session at 6:59 p.m. and on a motion by Andy Houle, seconded by Jim Barnard, the Board unanimously voted to seal the minutes of that meeting.

At 7:00 p.m. Phil Grillo made a motion to hire Stacy Mulcahy as the town’s Animal Control Officer under the terms of the job description that was presented to them by Ms. Mulcahy. Andy Houle seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote.

At 7:02 p.m. the Board went into Non-Public Session under RSA 91-A: 3 II (b) on a motion by Andy Houle seconded by Phil Grillo, with the following vote recorded, Gordon Preston, yes; David Kerr, yes; Jim Barnard, yes; Phil Grillo, yes; and Andy Houle, yes. The Board came out of Non-Public Session at 7:16 p.m. and on a motion by Andy Houle, seconded by Jim Barnard, the Board unanimously voted to seal the minutes of that meeting.

At 7:17 p.m. Phil Grillo made a motion to hire Trisha Locke as Beach Attendant and Andy Houle seconded the motion. It passed with a unanimous vote.

At 7:18 p.m. the Board met with Chief Borgia and Sheriff Craig Wiggin. Sheriff Wiggin spoke at length about the juvenile system and subsequent programs. JB asked if there was still a diversion program for 1st offenders and Sheriff Wiggin said that there was but it was administered through the judge. Chief Borgia asked the Sheriff to speak about traffic enforcements and Wiggin told the Board that they don’t do traffic enforcement, that Franklin’s acting Police Chief got proactive and with a collaborative effort got some results for help with traffic enforcement in Franklin. Wiggin stated that he has 9 fulltime deputies and would love to have more help but they cannot hire any more people. He added that up here in the North Country everyone gets along really good. JB spoke about things when he was a police chief and AH commented that things have changed since JB was a policeman. GP thanked Sheriff Wiggin for coming to meet with the Board.

At 8:43 p.m. the Selectmen met with Fire Rescue George Krause and Mary Reed. Chief Krause presented a check from Alton for forest fire reimbursement but the check was make out to Barnstead Fire Department and he didn’t know if that would be a problem. After consulting with the Treasurer it was determined that the check would be returned to Alton and a new one made out to the Town of Barnstead. Krause next informed the Board that the Forestry Grant that was approved is a matching grant (with the town’s portion of the funds in the budget). He explained that he needs to have the town funds pay for the whole amount and then Barnstead Fire Rescue Inc. would reimburse the Town $2,116.00. GP asked what the grant was for and Krause told him it was for a foam proportioner.

Chief Krause next announced that they are finally back to where they were originally with the Safety Trailer. He explained that the town pays the employee for his time and then gets reimbursed (including what the town pays for FICA, Medicare etc.). JB asked if the reimbursement included gas and Krause said that it did. JB asked if the check was made out to the Town of Barnstead and Krause said BFRI gets the money and then a check is made to the Town of Barnstead from BFRI. JB asked why the check couldn’t be made to the Town of Barnstead and Krause said because there is an additional charge to cover the cost of the maintenance of the trailer. JB was confused and DK told him that Barnstead Fire Rescue Inc. owns the safety trailer, so they make some money on its use. GP further

explained that this arose last year because the budget continuously had a line item for $1,000 and it was supposed to be a wash, but no money ever came back to the Town.

At 7:52 p.m. the Board went into Non-Public Session under RSA 91-A: 3 II (b) on a motion by Andy Houle seconded by Phil Grillo, with the following vote recorded, Gordon Preston, yes; David Kerr, yes; Jim Barnard, yes; Phil Grillo, yes; and Andy Houle, yes. The Board came out of Non-Public Session at 8:00 p.m. and on a motion by Andy Houle, seconded by Jim Barnard, the Board unanimously voted to seal the minutes of that meeting.

Phil Grillo made a motion to hire Nick Stabile at part time Fire Rescue employee under the conditions discussed in non-public session. Andy Houle seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote.

Chief Krause informed the Board that an incident had taken place on Suncook Lake in which a full water rescue was performed by three off duty firefighters. He added that the three individuals were Barnstead residents and he would like to see the Town recognize their efforts. The Board agreed and Chief Krause said that he would provide them with the names of the individuals.

The Board next met with Laura Nicholson and Steve Griggs at 8:11 p.m. Mr. Griggs explained that he got a building permit to build in 2004 and submitted plans to Karl Bahr (the Building Inspector at that time). He said that the Building Inspector said they needed an outside electric box and extra railings, which they did. Griggs said that the Inspector came back out and said they needed the rails to be screwed in and now is saying they need a furnace switch upstairs. Griggs went on to say that the Inspector is holding up their certificate of occupancy (CO) and he (Griggs) is not putting in an upstairs switch. Griggs commented that no one has two furnace switches (1 upstairs and 1 downstairs) and PG said “I do”.

Paul Richardson, Building Inspector was present and told the Board that they changed the laws on emergency switches some time ago and it’s required. Paul told them that Karl did some of the inspections in 2003 and he (Paul) did a final inspection and found violations. Paul informed the Board that when Tim Smith did the fire inspection he missed the emergency switch and signed off on the inspection, but when Paul was there he found it. Paul stated that just because someone missed something, didn’t make it right. PG asked if Griggs moved the switch to the outside would it be okay and Paul said it would. PG asked Griggs if he could get his electrician to move the switch and Griggs commented that he didn’t want Paul to come out and find more things wrong. JB asked how many times Paul had gone out to the property and Paul said twice. Paul said that the last time he was there the handrails were not on so he gave them a temporary CO so they could do the work and he would re-inspect. Paul added that they never called him and have been living there, but

now their insurance company is aware that they don’t have a CO. Paul added that this has happened twice before where people’s building permits have expired and they have had to pay $200.00. Mr. Griggs said he didn’t have any problems with paying the money, it was not an issue. JB asked Paul if there were any other fees and Paul said there were not. Steve Griggs told the Board that he would move the switch and pay the money. AH told Mr. Griggs that as long as he fixed what was on the Inspector’s list of violations, he would get his CO. Paul asked Griggs if the handrails had been turned in and Griggs said that they had. Steve told the group that he would have everything done by Saturday and Paul could inspect it. Paul agreed. GP told the Griggs that they run into these cases a lot where people ignore inspection letters etc. and this is one way the town catches them and can enforce the laws.

Mr. Griggs told the Board his neighbor (in the cul-de-sac) does not use his driveway, that they park in the roadway and he’s seen town highway trucks have to back out because of the vehicles in the way. Griggs said that the Town has an ordinance regarding off street parking but it’s not being enforced. JB told Griggs that the Road Agent was here and that he would call the police if the vehicles were in the way. Griggs said the same neighbor was also filling in a hole with dirt where the town pipe drainage is. Road Agent Carazzo spoke up and said he’s been there and the people are not filling in the culvert, that it is nowhere near the pipe. AH told Griggs that they would enforce the no parking and JB said that they would speak with the police chief.

The Board received letters for a recall on new highway trucks that are being sent back to Key Finance (non-appropriation from Town meeting) at GP said to send the recall letters along with the trucks.

JB told the Board that he some people had spoken with him regarding the website. He said that Cate Kowalski, website moderator would not update the Old Home Day site, would not post information to the site, would no longer forward e-mail to the Old Home Day staff and that she was going to put all the Old Home Day stuff on the Sargent’s home computer so they could manage it. The Sargent’s are this years Chairman and Co-Chairman of the Old Home Day Committee. Cate Kowalski was on the Old Home Day Committee but recently announced that she was unable to remain on the committee. AH explained that he came in last Thursday and informed Karen of the situation and Karen got it up and running. AH stated that the Board should have all the passwords and information necessary to operate the website in case Cate was unable to. JB added that he wanted the Board to think about possible having the website maintained within the Town Hall. It was determined that Cate would be contacted and asked for a copy of the passwords etc. to be stored at the town hall in case of emergency.

Jim Barnard made a motion to authorize the Chairman to sign the letter of representation to the auditor, the MS-5 form and the MacFarland Johnson final design, scope & fee

proposal on behalf of the Board of Selectmen. PG seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote.

Karen Montgomery explained to the Board that the Health Officer term expires in August, 2008 and the State has sent new forms. The Selectmen nominate a health officer; send the forms to the State and the State appoints the person to the position. She added that the current Health Officer, Tom Normandin will schedule an appointment with Board before his term expires to discuss his possible renewal.

The Board will schedule a work session on Tuesday morning, July 29, 2008 from 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. for the town hall employees. The group will meet in the town hall.

The Selectmen will meet with their Department of Revenue representative, Jamie Dow on Tuesday evening, July 22, 2008 at 5:00 p.m. to review unanticipated revenues, the overall budget process and setting the tax rate.

Both AH and PG expressed a desire to attend NIMS 700, and ICS 100, & 200 classes. Karen Montgomery will make the arrangements.

DK brought to the Board’s attention two culverts on Shackford Corner Road that stick up above the road and have been this way for quite some time. He was concerned that the Road Agent wasn’t addressing these in his list of summer activities for the Highway Dept.

Road Agent Carazzo informed the Board that he had removed the decals from the two new highway trucks that were being returned as well as removing the radios.

On a motion by Phil Grillo, seconded by Andy Houle and receiving a unanimous vote, the meeting was adjourned at 9:05 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,                                   

Karen Montgomery

Selectmen’s Secretary                                     

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SELECTMEN'S OFFICE

Town of Barnstead

P.O. Box 11

Center Barnstead, NH  03225

Work Session Minutes

July 8th, 2008

Present: Chairman Gordon Preston (GP), Vice-Chairman David Kerr (DK), James Barnard (JB), Phil Grillo (PG), and Andrew Houle (AH). Also present; Police Chief Ken Borgia, Sgt. Joe McDowell, Patrolman Frank Grow and Chaplain Brian Gower.

The meeting was called to order at 8:00 a.m. by Chairman Gordon Preston. GP explained the dilemmas facing the budget (gas & oil prices etc.) and asked Chief Borgia to look at his budget to see where he could make cutbacks. GP added that we are not the only town in this predicament and that several cities have made considerable cuts already.

Chief Borgia informed the Board that he stands the chance of losing ½ his personnel due to head hunting in State and that there is an extremely low pool of applicants. Borgia commented that it is more expensive to find and hire people than it is to keep people.

Sgt. McDowell told the Board that three years ago he was hired at $34,000 base pay (the job he left was $55,000 base pay) and was assured he would get raises. He said that for the last two years he has been told things would get better but they haven’t. McDowell told the group that he needs to move on and that our pay matrix does not keep up with the other towns. McDowell went on to say that he has issues at home and that Laconia wants him. He added that he and the Chief do prosecuting, supervisory jobs, detective work, plus all the other duties and that they need more help. McDowell added that his base pay qualifies him for Homes for Habitat; the other offices qualify for WIC, Food Stamps and Heat Assistance. He stated that the officers aren’t inoculated for rabies etc. and that where he came from they had a separate animal control officer. McDowell further stated that he could not afford to live in Barnstead based on his pay. Karen Montgomery commented that the Selectmen had the Town Administrator review the wage scale and he found the beginning pay to be a little low but the ending steps in the scale were fine.

Chief Borgia spoke about all the past officers who had left. GP told them that realistically we are facing an unprecedented financial dilemma, not just in Barnstead, but all of the country and they needed to look at cut backs. Borgia mentioned the tax rate is $18.40 per thousand, stating that only a ¼ of that goes to the town services (the school gets the majority). DK asked McDowell why he couldn’t afford to live in Barnstead and McDowell said because of the tax rate and his pay. DK said, “Exactly – so when the pay rates increase that makes the taxes go up for all the residents!” JB asked McDowell where he currently lives and McDowell said, “Gilford”. JB said, “And you can’t afford to live in Barnstead?”  JB added that Frank Grow (police officer) moved here because he wanted to live in town and work here.

Officer Frank Grow commented that people ask him why he hasn’t gotten something done and it’s because he’s got investigations on his desk, he’s doing shifts, handling dog calls etc. He added that he would rather pay more in taxes to be safe than not have enough police personnel. DK mentioned the elderly with fixed incomes that cannot afford increases in their taxes. DK stated that he has asked for statistics from the police department but all Borgia has provided is total number of calls, which is not enough information to constitute hiring more people. Chief Borgia stated that the numbers are raw data and doesn’t include the work involved in doing investigations. DK told him he was well aware of what’s involved as he (DK) did prosecutions and investigations for the postal service for 30 years.

JB commented that Sgt. McDowell gave the impression that he was doing all the investigations and Borgia told JB that both he and McDowell do investigations. JB asked if Borgia has any of the officers doing investigations and Borgia said he did not. JB spoke about the public’s perception and related a recent incident where the police cruiser(s) were at the White Buffalo for over an hour at time and that it wasn’t the first time this has been seen. Chief Borgia explained that it could be the officer’s first break that he’s had all day. JB told him that there are a thousand explanations for these things, but it’s what the public perceives by seeing this repeatedly. JB stated that Borgia could change the allocation of personnel and that Sgt. McDowell should be telling the officer what needs to be done (including paperwork) so he (McDowell) can do the things he needs to do. Borgia stated that they had two new officers that did things differently in the towns that they came from and had to learn to do things the new way (which takes time). JB commented that if they were that slow to pick up these things then maybe someone should be looking at that. JB added that he realized things were different today, and that training is also different but was upset that community policing has gone out the window. Borgia responded that they are in reactive mode not proactive mode and JB agreed with him but told him that they need to be proactive. JB stated that he agreed the wages needed to be looked at but that no amount of money would change the officer’s attitudes and that Borgia needed to do this. JB added that people (public) are not receiving the respect they deserve from the police. A brief conversation ensued about the number of complaints the Selectmen’s Office has received regarding the police.

PG commented that JB had prior police experience and DK has similar background with the postal service but he (PG) has no experience in this field. PG added that kids are different today and wondered how the Board is going to do what they need to do to keep the police officers here plus do what the town needs. PG felt they should address those issues and said that he could care less about statistics or numbers. Chief Borgia mentioned that he had proposed bringing Sgt. McDowell up to a salary level a year ago and added that you shouldn’t have employees making more than the higher level officers. JB interjected saying that it happened to him all the time and that’s how it is when you are salaried. AH commented that his employees all make more than he does. JB said, “So

you want Sgt. McDowell to get a salary comparable to what he earns now with overtime ($49,000) and you’re saying he’s still going to do all the overtime hours and extra work”? AH asked if McDowell would accept that and McDowell said he would. GP interjected saying that they needed to see what the department heads would be able to cut back on in their budgets. Borgia went on to say that McDowell has earned $32,000 this year so far and by giving him a salary of $49,000 (plus) the town would save potentially $25,000 with overtime. JB interjected saying that Borgia has other police officers that work for him that probably want more money also. JB commented that Borgia told them a decision was being made on what the actual number of hours are for one week at the police academy and wondered if that had been decided yet. Borgia told him it had not. PG stated that the priority is the rising costs of fuel, heating oil etc. and asked Borgia if he could still stay within his budget if they increase McDowell wages. Borgia stated that money was a moot point because they couldn’t fill the 7th position. PG said, “So you’re saying that because the 7th officer wasn’t hired, you have $30,000 extra in your budget?” and Borgia said, “No, we’ve used much of that in overtime costs”. PG suggested submitting the request in his budget next year.

JB commented that Borgia had another officer present and felt it wasn’t fair to raise just McDowell’s pay. Borgia stated that this was just a stepping stone. Borgia asked if the Board was willing to go along with his request and JB said that the Board would discuss it and vote on it. GP told them to bear in mind that all the other departments would now want pay adjustments. JB said he knew that, but they were starting here (with McDowell) and would do the rest later. GP wondered why, realistically this change to salaried would appeal to McDowell, where this proposal did not go in McDowell’s benefit. GP added that McDowell would be doing the same amount of work for less money (no overtime pay). McDowell commented that once they get more people, it will be less work on him and JB told him he did not believe that. JB went on to say that perhaps the problem is in the allocation of how work is currently being done. Borgia explained that they have an under experienced staff now, as they lost a lot of experience with the past officers that have left.

JB asked what days the police department has double officers on and Borgia told him Friday and Saturday night shifts, then Tuesday and Thursday because of court. Borgia added that the part time officer covers the 7:00 p.m. – 3:00 a.m. shift. A brief conversation ensued regarding available help from the Sheriff’s Department.

PG said, “So down the road the salary is okay with you because you could also have extra personnel down the road, but it’s also a real possibility that additional personnel might be voted down”. Borgia stated that he took a $10,000 pay cut when he started here and that he lost a two week vacation. A brief discussion ensued regarding past officer that have left and exit interviews.

At 9:20 the group discussed doing town wide employee evaluations and looking at merit raises. Chief Borgia asked that the Board look at the employee personnel policy and how vacation is accrued. He was opposed to the current setup, where you are hired with zero days and earn ½ day per month (which equals 6 days vacation time in 1 year). AH commented that any company you work for usually has one week’s vacation after one year. Borgia asked that they also look the holiday pay. JB mentioned that people leaving for other jobs will continue to happen (as it always has in the past) and that they need to hire people who want to be here because they have an interest in the town. Borgia said that he would like to have civilian clerical help but stated that he knew it wouldn’t happen this year. JB told him that he knew DK had already asked, but would Borgia please get some numbers for them regarding his need for more clerical staff. Borgia stated that he should not have to give the Board numbers to prove that he needs more help.

The group next discussed the juvenile system. DK showed the Chief the Concord Monitor where Franklin brought in the Sheriff’s Dept. to do traffic control and it cost Franklin nothing. DK wondered if this was something that Barnstead might be able to do. Chief Borgia stated that he would check into it. JB asked if it would help any if the Selectmen made the call but Borgia felt that it would be better if he (Borgia) called.

AH suggested the Selectmen discuss McDowell’s pay at their meeting that evening in non-public session and the Board agreed.

On a motion by Phil Grillo, seconded by Andy Houle and receiving a unanimous vote, the work session was adjourned at 10:15 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,                                   

Karen Montgomery

Selectmen’s Secretary                                     

Minutes - July 8, 2008

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Minutes - July 1, 2008


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PUBLIC HEARING

Town of Barnstead

June 24th, 2008

Present:  Chairman  Gordon Preston, David Kerr, James Barnard, Philip Grillo,

Andrew Houle.

Chairman Preston opened the public hearing at 6:55 p.m. regarding the State of

NH, Dam Bureau’s drawdown of the Suncook River for Milfoil treatment.

The article regarding the hearing appeared in the Concord Monitor on June 13, 2008 and was also posted in the Center Post Office and the Town Hall. Chairman Preston read aloud the notice.  

Jim Gallagher of the State Dam Bureau was asked to comment. Ed Neister provided a brief description of the milfoil procedure.

The hearing was open to public input at 7:05 p.m. There were 7 people in attendance in addition to the 5 Selectmen.

The treatment for milfoil will be July 2nd or with all storms July 22.

Mr. Stout to lower river a couple of feet so that treatment can be done especially through the broads.  Silt is the #1 issue where milfoil is growing. Crooked run has accumulated about 24” of silt, and about 30” muck to the broads. The last treatment was to eradicate milfoil and 3years later plants exploded again.

The hearing was closed to public input at 7:23 p.m.

Andrew Houle made a motion to approve the drawdown and treatment. Philip Grillo

Seconded the motion and it received a unanimous vote (5-0).

The public hearing was closed at 7:25 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Eleanor Drew

Acting Recording Secretary

SELECTMEN'S OFFICE

Town of Barnstead

P.O. Box 11

Center Barnstead, NH  03225

Minutes

REGULAR MEETING

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Present: Chairman Gordon Preston (GP), David Kerr (DK), James Barnard (JB), Philip Grillo (PG) and Andrew Houle (AH).

The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m. GP stated Town Clerk/Tax Collector Cindy Treadwell’s computer failed, the mother board was totaled. Jon Rich from Cybertron said he could replace by Friday 6/27.Karen Montgomery had told Cindy that money could be taken from the Computer Expendable Trust. PG voted to approve the 1300.00 for the computer and 200.00 installation fee for Cybertron to replace.  AH seconded.

JB & DK had a brief discussion re: Pennichuck, PUC, and Rinaldi letter.

The Board held the Milfoil Public Hearing at 7:00 p.m.

Cate Kowalski and Scott Sainsbury came in re: website—explaining cancellation and billing. They host the town website. They will get things worked out and running and as far as the billing is concerned that will wait until Karen is back from vacation.

JB will be attending the monthly meeting for Fire Dept. the 1st Monday in July.

There was some discussion on the bill.  PG, AH and JB said to pay it. They will

be following through on the insurance issue.

John Petschauer did not have an appointment but discussed with the Board the

Beach area common land on Narrows Road near his property.  He wants the town to change to all 15 owners and have this showing on each property card. He is no longer president of the association and does not want to be responsible for notifying everyone when there is an issue. PG discussed the cost to a person to send notices and the additional work to the Planning Board Secretary when there is an issue. John was asked to submit a letter saying he was no longer president of the association.

DK spoke briefly to Bill Haynes re: oil testing of roads.

GP spoke of heating oil contract. The increase will be $3.85 per gallon. The Board agreed to go with Fred Fuller along with the school.  This may put us over

budget for ’08. All departments will be advised to economize.

AH made a motion seconded by PG for Carol Locke to be liaison with Karen Montgomery for 911 communication changes.                                                                                                                                                        

At 9:00 p.m. the Board went into Non-Public Session under RSA 91-A: 3 II (c) on a motion by Andy Houle seconded by Jim Barnard, with the following vote recorded, Gordon Preston, yes; David Kerr, yes; Jim Barnard, yes; Phil Grillo, yes; and Andy Houle, yes. The Board came out of Non-Public Session at 10:25 p.m. and on a motion by Phil Grillo, seconded by Andy Houle, the Board unanimously voted to seal the minutes of that meeting

The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,                           

Eleanor Drew

Acting Secretary                                                  

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SELECTMEN'S OFFICE

Town of Barnstead

P.O. Box 11

Center Barnstead, NH  03225

Minutes

WORK SESSION

Tuesday, June17th, 2008

Present: Chairman Gordon Preston (GP), Vice Chairman David Kerr (DK), Jim Barnard (JB), Phil Grillo (PG), Andy Houle (AH) and Fire Rescue Chief Krause. The work session was called to order at 8:03 a.m.

Chief Krause handed out the call statistics for April and May, 2008. He next read aloud the mission statement of the Barnstead Fire Rescue and spoke about the scope of services as stated in the report prepared by Municipal Resources Inc. in 1995. DK asked if this was adopted by the Town and Krause told him the report was presented to the town at town meeting. GP commented that in the area of providing the highest possible service there were limits that the town of Barnstead could do. Krause stated that the moral ethical responsibility is to respond if a call comes in. He added that they work within the level of training that has been provided and that they train as best they can with the money that is allocated. Krause went on to comment about the obligations/participations in mutual aid and Haz Mat. PG asked if there was anything that Barnstead does not respond to and Krause told him there was not. Krause further commented that there are a lot of remote areas that put limits on rescue efforts.

JB asked if there was a statute requirement for the amount of hours of training for fire rescue (like the police) and Krause told him there was not, once you pass the certification level. PG asked if everyone that was required to be certified was in fact certified and Krause told him that the majority are (two are not). Krause told the group that the 1st year you are required to be firefighter 1 or 1st responder level, adding that there are other levels for the ambulance too. GP asked what the time limit was to get certified and Krause stated that you have one year from date of hire but the Chief has the ability to give more than one year under certain circumstances. He added that everyone is certified to the minimum requirements of the state. GP asked about CDL Licenses and Krause said that anyone driving must be 21 years old and possess a CL-B with air. Krause added that they don’t require physicals or medical cards.

The next issue was regarding housing. Chief Krause felt that the town would be better served with three stations due to ISO requirements that want a 5 mile radius for emergency responses. Krause felt Peachum/No. Barnstead Road would be the best location and that they needed a fulltime operations center. The group discussed the two existing fire stations and the housing/building violations issue. GP suggested having people work 8 hour shifts to eliminate employees from staying overnight but Krause stated that no one wanted to work 8 hour shifts. AH stated that he was looking at a grant

tied in with Homeland Security for a public safety building for police and fire. DK commented that all the town buildings have the same violations that are just as in need as the fire stations (Kerr added that the fire stations are not owned by the Town, they are privately owned by Barnstead Fire Rescue Inc.). GP told the group that they needed to step back and see what is practical that the town can provide. PG stated that everyone knows that sooner or later the town will own the fire buildings and wanted to solve the issue now. AH said that Nick Rott had already made the agreement to reimburse the town for construction to the fire station building if the town doesn’t buy the building. Krause felt that Station #2 would be the easiest one to make the changes to because it wouldn’t require structural changes. JB asked if Krause had a figure in mind and he said last years figure was $80,000. GP commented that if the fire rescue employees are housed in an addition/modular all the violations go away. Krause added that next year’s budget must include a new roof and energy efficient windows, which could be $125,000. He added that the maintenance line would be greater than it was in the past. GP and JB agreed that it would be feasible to do a temporary fix with a modular.

The next issue was cisterns and the easements to them. Chief Krause felt that cisterns should continue to be built and that it helped with the ISO rating. Our current rating is Class 8B and should be lower. The town currently has cisterns on Beauty Hill, Wes Locke Road, Tom Berry Road, Bow Mills Road, Bartons Lumber, Halfmoon Bay, No. Barnstead Road and at the two fire stations (80 locations were evaluated for cisterns). DK asked if towns around us were rated at Class 8B and Chief Krause told him that Gilmanton is a 6 (a better rating) and so was Pittsfield (because of Pennichuck Water).

The next issue was regarding the current wage matrix and call pay versus fulltime employee pay. Krause was concerned that the wage scale showed levels of firefighting and ambulance experience grouped together but yet there were employees that may have just ambulance experience or firefighters that had no emt training. Karen Montgomery explained that originally, all fulltime fire rescue employees had to possess both basic firefighting and emt, so that they could respond to either fire or rescue calls. She added that if they were going to change that and have shifts where just emt’s were on duty then the townspeople would have to be notified because town meeting voted for a 24/7 fire rescue department. The group discussed adding several lines to the pay matrix to accommodate for the different positions/levels in fire rescue and it was determined that Krause would work on it.

AH had a previous engagement and left the meeting at 10:00 a.m.

At 10:15 p.m. the Board went into Non-Public Session under RSA 91-A: 3 II (a) on a motion by David Kerr seconded by Phil Grillo, with the following vote recorded, Gordon Preston, yes; David Kerr, yes; Jim Barnard, yes; and Phil Grillo, yes. The Board came out of Non-Public Session at 10:40 p.m. and on a motion by Jim Barnard, seconded by Dave

Kerr, the Board unanimously voted to seal the minutes of that meeting. GP had a previous engagement and had to leave the meeting at 10:25 a.m.

Chief Krause asked that the current Board of Selectmen review some of the past policies of the previous Board. Krause mentioned that the first policy was that all training had to be approved by the Board of Selectmen. Krause asked that the issue of swaps be revisited as well. A brief discussion followed with no decisions made. Chief Krause was asked to bring in policies that he wanted changed.

At 10:50 a.m. Chief Krause spoke about a replacement ambulance for the 2003 town owned ambulance. Krause explained that the Barnstead Fire Rescue Inc. (BFRI) purchased a 2nd ambulance in 1994 for a backup. He stated that the 2003 ambulance would be up for replacement in 2009, but is suggesting that the town keep the 2003 one and replace the BFRI owned ambulance with a new one. PG asked if both ambulances would then be owned by the town and Krause told him they would. DK asked if other towns have reserve ambulances and Krause told him yes, that most towns have two ambulances. Karen Montgomery mentioned that the Capital Reserve for rescue vehicles and equipment has a zero balance with no money having been put in it for several years. It was determined that an appointment should be set up to discuss the issue. DK asked when the next fire engine replacement is scheduled for and Krause told him it was 2010. Karen Montgomery stated that the Capital Reserve only had $45,000 left in it because of the purchase of the Heavy Rescue vehicle in 2007. Krause told the group that the new fire engine would cost about $400,000. PG commented that they started this meeting talking about the scope of services for the Fire Rescue Dept. but they need to look at the big picture and decide what they need for equipment etc., before making decisions on big purchases.

Chief Krause mentioned that all federal grants now require that all people involved in Emergency Management must complete the NIMS training. Krause added that this meant all the Selectmen (they are the emergency management directors), all EMS personnel, office staff, police, highway etc. GP told him that the Board was looking at assigning the Emergency Management Director position to someone other than the Selectmen.

Chief Krause next spoke about the ComStar ambulance billing with concerns that the town had written off $29,000. Karen Montgomery reminded him that the Selectmen voted a few years ago to write off outstanding bills of patients from Barnstead (after insurance, Medicare etc. had paid their share) because the people of Barnstead were already paying for 24/7 coverage through their taxes every year.

Lastly, Chief Krause spoke about Old Home Day, confirming that he would staff the second ambulance for the event, staff three fire rescue employees in a boat for the boat race event (approximately 2 hours) and staff the fire engine with five people for the

fireworks (from the start of the fireworks to the end of them). He added that there would be additional personnel helping the police department with traffic because the police was unable to fully staff the event. Chief Krause told the group that this is the 100th anniversary of the fire department.

The work session was adjourned at 11:15 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,                                  

Karen Montgomery

Selectmen’s Secretary                                     

SELECTMEN'S OFFICE

Town of Barnstead

P.O. Box 11

Center Barnstead, NH  03225

Minutes

June 17th, 2008

Present: Chairman Gordon Preston (GP), Vice-Chairman David Kerr (DK), James Barnard (JB), Phil Grillo, and Andrew Houle (AH. The Town Administrator Paul Skowron (PS) was unable to attend.

The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Chairman Gordon Preston. The Board signed the payroll; manifest, the minutes of 6/10/08, (2) abatement, (1) intent to cut, the lifeline screening list, a letter to T. Mosher and a letter to J. Northam.

At 6:37 p.m. the meeting was open to public input and Gail Darrell made a statement to the Board (particularly PG) that she is not using the water ordinance to prevent Sanco from coming in. Her concern was in other States where companies are sited for electricity, the Governor has changed the rules on what they allow for burning. Gail stated that she called Greg True and asked to meet with him. She told the Board that we all have worked well in the past (including Planning Board) and she wouldn’t do anything to jeopardize that. She reminded the Board that per the Constitution, all authority is vested in the people of this State, not the Governor, not Dept. of Environmental Services but the people collectively. Public input was closed at 6:46 p.m.

JB mentioned that the Board had received two memos from Chief Borgia asking to meet with the Selectmen on June 24. It was determined that they could not meet on that evening and a work session will be scheduled.

Phil Grillo made a motion to have the Chairman sign the LifeLine Screening checklist on behalf of the Board. Andy Houle seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote.  Phil Grillo made a motion to have the Chairman sign the Public Service Pole Agreement on behalf of the Board. Jim Barnard seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote.

The Department Head meeting began at 6:55 p.m. with the Road Agent, Chris Carazzo. The Selectmen asked Chris about a letter they received regarding tree removal on Tamworth Trail. Chris felt there was no need to take down the trees and he will speak with the property owners. Andy Houle made a motion to accept the Pike paving prices for Colbath and Varney Roads. Phil Grillo seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote. JB mentioned that the Board received a letter from S. Speikers regarding a culvert complaint and Chris said that he has told her he’ll get to it as soon as he can.

Chris informed the Board that there is approximately 800 yards of gravel (around $7600) needed to complete the FEMA flood projects. Chris said that they have the riprap that is necessary but he needs about 40 feet of culvert pipe on Rand Road about $200.00). Chris told the Board he would like to buy 200 feet of 12” culvert to have on hand. GP mentioned that we don’t use small pipe anymore and Chris told him that in areas he has to replace in kind (12”) otherwise he would have to redo the whole road, ditch etc. and change the culverts further down. DK asked if Nutter Lane was on the list of culvert replacement and Chris said that it was, but it was at the bottom of the list.

Chris said that Pennichuck needed to be contacted because they have not replaced all the water pipes on the end of Varney Road that is scheduled to be paved. Chris next informed the Board that they worked on the grader, fixing 5 leaks themselves but 2 would have to be done by specialists. He told the Selectmen that the brake job would be big bucks and GP asked for an estimate. Chris told him that he was getting a price from a local person and would compare it against the CAT price. Chris felt that the Town must get rid of vehicles once they are seven years old regardless of their condition. AH stated that he found out from his workshop with LGC that driveway permits are handled by the Planning Board unless they give the authority to the Road Agent. DK told him that it was given to the Road Agent many years ago. He group had a brief discussion about driveway culverts and the responsibility of the property owner.

Chris asked the Board if he could purchase the pole saw, stating that the ones he priced at “Larry’s” only went to 9 feet and the pole saw he wants will go 16 feet. JB asked if he could get an extension for the 9 footer and Chris said he could not. Chris added that the bid he got for the 16 footer had a 10% discount with it and that he had $8000 in his tool line in his budget. DK commented that the diesel line in Chris’ budget was already over expended by a large amount and they still had 6 more months to go. He added that if the Highway Dept. was going to now do all the trees, he would like a list of the roads that needed to have tree work. DK stated that the priority was the ditching and asked if they weren’t going to ditch now. Chris told him the trees have to be limbed and should be done at the same time the ditching is done. DK wondered how expensive it would be to hire out the tree work and concerned that the Highway Dept. won’t have enough time to do the projects they are supposed to be doing. Andy Houle made a motion to allow the purchase of the pole saw and Phil Grillo seconded it. The motion passed with the following vote; Gordon Preston, abstained; David Kerr, no; Jim Barnard, yes; Phil Grillo, yes and Andy Houle, yes. JB cautioned Chris that he keeps coming in saying he needs this or that but he has a bottom line and the budget is a disaster. JB added that the spending has to slow down and that the other department heads would get the same speech.

Chris stated that he knew they were in a crisis with the budget but the phones ringing nonstop for calcium chloride on the dirt roads for dust control. GP told him that dust is annoying, but it’s not critical. Chris mentioned that the budget line item for calcium was

$16,000 but he would only need about $5,000. After a brief exchange, DK made a motion to allow the Road Agent to spend $5,000 on calcium chloride. Phil Grillo seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote. Chris next asked for shelving for the trailer body he purchased (to store equipment in) and AH told him he had all kinds of rough cut lumber at his house that Chris could have. Chris said he got the memo about having to come in to the Board for purchases over $500.00. GP told him he would need to fill out a purchase order.

Chris Carazzo spoke on behalf of the Parks & Rec and the Board asked him to go through the applications for beach attendants and to give his recommendations to the Board.

Karen Montgomery told the Board Mike Rinaldi, Locke Lake Board of Directors, called her concerned about Pennichuck’s proposed water rate increase. The Board had reviewed the Pennichuck proposal (brought in by Bruce Grey) as well. Mr. Rinaldi asked if the Selectmen could send a letter to the Public Utilities Commission regarding their future budgets and tax impacts. Karen printed out the minutes of the public meetings with representatives of Pennichuck (2005 and 2006) so Mr. Rinaldi could take those as well. The Board approved sending a letter to the PUC and to Pennichuck as well.

At 8:05 p.m. the Selectmen met with Ron Fitzpatrick, Bruce Marriott and Rick Simoneau, Library Trustees. Ron told the Board that he appreciated the Library employees being able to get paid through the Town’s payroll system, but that the Library employees were not town employees. Ron added that the Library would be keeping its own personnel records as well. Jeannie Terry joined the group and explained that the Dept. of Labor specifically told her and the Selectmen that the Library employees are town employees. A lengthy discussion ensued and it was determined that the Library Trustees would contact Cynthia Flynn of the Dept. of Labor. It was also discovered that the Library should be reimbursing the town for all the FICA, Medicare etc. that the town pays on the library employees.

The Board next conversed about the possibilities and expenses of having a 1000 gallon tank at the Highway Garage. GP stated that they would look into the idea.

At 9:00 p.m. GP told the group that the Local Government Center (LGC) has notified them that the cost to insure all BFRI equipment and buildings would be $6,700. It was noted that BFRI has a figure of $27,500 for insurance and the savings to insure through LGC would be fantastic. JB spoke about concerns that BFRI had about losing the ability to make the decisions about their equipment and buildings if they are damaged. It was pointed out that the town leases all BFRI’s equipment and buildings through the contract and that the town could insure them at a much cheaper rate. JB stated that both the town and BFRI could not insure the same stuff, that you could only have 1 policy on a building. AH told the Board that Nick Rott had stated that if LGC didn’t let BFRI insure through them, then he (Nick) would work with the Town. JB suggested getting a legal document

that satisfies the mortgage company regarding the payee. Mary Reed told the Board that Nick was getting an answer from his mortgage company and she would ask him tomorrow night. It was cautioned that time is running out, which was why the Selectmen began this process at the beginning of the year.

DK announced that the Safety Committee had met (Highway Dept. and Fire Rescue did not attend). The police spoke about their driveway not being plowed and sanded and it was determined that it would be done immediately after the Town Hall parking lot is done. It was noted that that is how it was always done in the past. The police also asked about leveling in the back of the police station and Chris Carazzo will look into it. Chris told the Board that Chief Borgia asked him to remove the kennels because State law says they can’t be there. AH commented that Borgia told them the kennels were fine and the new animal control officer was going to utilize them. The Board will look into the matter. DK mentioned that the steps into the front of the Town Hall (by Planning Board office) needed some work and there was a problem with the flooring in the police station squad room.

The group talked about the emergency road signs and Chris said that he and the Fire Rescue were all set with regular signs, but the police chief wanted collapsible ones. It was determined that the request for the signs would go in next years budget requests. GP announced that even without going through every line item in the budget they were going to be in a mess come this winter and he wanted to put a freeze on hiring. AH stated that he spoke with Chief Borgia and Borgia said that he was not going to look at filling the 7th position. DK mentioned that there isn’t a 7th position, it’s never been approved. Chris Carazzo commented that he had one position open on highway and thought it was supposed to be filled within the next few weeks. JB corrected Chris and told him that the Selectmen had said they would wait towards winter to fill that position. Mary Reed asked if the freeze would include part-time per diem people that they hire to fill the full-time shifts because she had one that was awaiting a background check. The Board said the freeze would not affect the part-time per diem and Mary asked if it would pertain to the call members. GP told her that before they bring on any new members, Chief Krause was going to provide the Board with a current list to show who is inactive and can be removed. Mary Reed stated that the Chief had asked her to go through the list and she was working on that presently.

The Board decided that they would not work on the budget that evening, but rather set aside the entire evening of the 24th of June (after the public hearing) to be set aside for that purpose.

At 9:45 p.m. the Board went into Non-Public Session under RSA 91-A: 3 II (c) on a motion by Andy Houle seconded by Jim Barnard, with the following vote recorded, Gordon Preston, yes; David Kerr, yes; Jim Barnard, yes; and Phil Grillo, yes. The Board

came out of Non-Public Session at 10:02 p.m. and on a motion by Phil Grillo, seconded by Andy Houle, the Board unanimously voted to seal the minutes of that meeting

On a motion by Andy Houle, seconded by Phil Grillo and receiving a unanimous vote, the meeting was adjourned at 10:05 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,                                   

Karen Montgomery

Selectmen’s Secretary                                    

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SELECTMEN'S OFFICE

Town of Barnstead

P.O. Box 11

Center Barnstead, NH  03225

Minutes

June 10th, 2008

Present: Chairman Gordon Preston (GP), Vice-Chairman David Kerr (DK), James Barnard (JB), Phil Grillo, and Andrew Houle (AH) (8:30 p.m.). Town Administrator Paul Skowron (PS) was also in attendance.

The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Chairman Gordon Preston. The Board signed the payroll; manifest, the minutes of 6/3/08, (1) abatement, a timber tax levy, a land use change tax, an intent to cut, (2) site plan applications and a letter to FEMA regarding Welch Road Bridge.

At 6:35 p.m. the Board went into Non-Public Session under RSA 91-A: 3 II (b) on a motion by Dave Kerr seconded by Phil Grillo, with the following vote recorded, Gordon Preston, yes; David Kerr, yes; Jim Barnard, yes; and Phil Grillo, yes. The Board came out of Non-Public Session at 7:07 p.m. and on a motion by Jim Barnard, seconded by Phil Grillo, the Board unanimously voted to seal the minutes of that meeting.

Phil Grillo made a motion to hire Tyler Glidden as a police officer as of August, 2008 (the exact date to be announced). Jim Barnard seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote. Mr. Glidden will attend the police academy in August to become certified.

At 7:09 p.m. the Board went into Non-Public Session under RSA 91-A: 3 II (c) on a motion by Phil Grillo seconded by Dave Kerr, with the following vote recorded, Gordon Preston, yes; David Kerr, yes; Jim Barnard, yes; and Phil Grillo, yes. The Board came out of Non-Public Session at 7:30 p.m. and on a motion by Jim Barnard, seconded by Dave Kerr, the Board unanimously voted to seal the minutes of that meeting

Town Administrator Paul Skowron had a previous commitment and left the meeting.

At 7:32 p.m. the Board met with Hal Ridgeway (FEMA representative), Nancy Mayville (Municipal Highway Engineer, NHDOT) and Tom Kendrick (PE MacFarland Johnson Inc) to discuss Welch Road Bridge. Hal, Tom, DK and JB viewed the site earlier that day. Tom explained that the engineering study is done and the State has reviewed it. Nancy told the group that the State has approved it. Tom mentioned that the Town is sending out a letter asking for a one year extension due to permit constraints. Hal stated that he would submit the request for additional money from FEMA to Region 1 by the end of the week and they would notify us. Hal explained that basically, FEMA replaces bridges in kind, but he has the State’s letter requiring different standards (bigger span and changes to the

approach) so FEMA should approve it. Nancy explained to the group that FEMA pays 75% of the bridge, State Emergency Management will pay 12 ½ % and the Dept. of Transportation will pay 80% of the remaining balance. DK asked about new bridge projects and Nancy told him it would be 2014 because the State is that far out. She explained that the town can send in an application for a preliminary estimate and the State would send someone out to do the bridge replacement cost estimate at no obligation. She added that when the town submits an actual bridge replacement application then you are committing and saying that you’ll pay half of the costs up front. She said that if it’s a 2014 project, the town could put ‘x’ amount in capital reserve each year to be prepared. DK explained that it was Hannah Nutter Bridge and was on the red list. Nancy told the group that some abutment work could be done in the meantime. DK asked what an “E2” bridge rating meant and she told him it means the bridge can carry a legal load (she will send the information).

At 8:20 p.m. Chairman Preston opened the meeting to public input. Gail Darrell reminded the Board that Tom Linzey would be speaking at the Library from 4-5:30 p.m. tomorrow.

The Board approved the use of the Town Hall by Lifeline Screening for September 17, 2008. Karen Montgomery informed the Board that the Local Government Center had called to report that there was an overall savings of 15% on the health/dental insurance if the 5 towns joins together to enable them to be in a different rating category (over 100 employees). JB mentioned that he had spoken with a Selectwoman from Strafford who was interested in joining the Suncook Valley Regional Town Association. Karen relayed to the Board the LGC Attorney’s comments regarding crosswalks and the liabilities. Karen told the Board that Eleanor Drew will be available to take the minutes on June 24, 2008 as both she (Karen) and the Town Administrator will not be available that day.

Dave Kerr made a motion to have the town pay for the deputy town clerk/tax collector’s notary stamp. Phil Grillo seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote.

The Board reviewed a letter from Laura Nicholson regarding her certificate of occupancy. After reviewing the Building Inspector’s comments, she will be sent a letter stating that she must complete the requirements of the Inspector.

The Selectmen reviewed an e-mail from the Local Government Center (LGC) denying Barnstead Fire Rescue Inc.’s (BFRI) request to become a member of LGC. LGC’s conclusion, based upon the court decision and the lease agreement the town has with BFRI was that BFRI is a private entity that leases two buildings and some equipment to the town (LGC does not offer insurance to private entities).DK told the group that now they (Selectmen) can go forward with insuring BFRI’s buildings and equipment through LGC as they originally offered. He added that the lease between the Town and BFRI allows LGC to insure everything at a cost of just over $6,000 thus saving the town $21,000 in insurance costs. JB asked for a copy of the letter from LGC to give to the Fire

Dept. Study Committee and to BFRI. Karen Montgomery mentioned that time is running short as BFRI’s insurance runs out June 30, 2008 and LGC needed to get an answer as soon as possible.

At 8:50 p.m. AH stated that he would prefer to attend a workshop for the NIMS training as opposed to taking the course online. Karen Montgomery will attend to the details.

Karen informed the Selectmen that they had received a letter from the State Dam Bureau allowing the drawdown of Suncook River for milfoil treatment and that they would have to have a public meeting on it. Karen has scheduled the public meeting for Tuesday, June 24, 2008, at 7:00 p.m. in which Ed Neister, Jim Fougere and Jim Gallagher of the Dam Bureau will be present. Karen told the Board that Jim Gallagher has confirmed the boat ramp at the Parade Dam is a state ramp.

The Board discussed oil prices and a memo from Peter Roche (SAU). The only bidder on the combined oil amounts for Pittsfield and Barnstead was Fred Fuller at $3.875 per gallon. The quote is good until June 16, 2008. GP is researching other suppliers.

Karen Montgomery told the Board that she spoke with an LGC Attorney regarding the two properties (one parcel belonging to BFRI and one parcel belonging to the Center Barnstead Christian Church) that were deemed by the State Property Appraisal Division to be no longer eligible for exempt status. The Selectman cannot make a property exempt they can only grant an abatement if it meets the criteria. Both the Church and BFRI were given these small nonconforming parcels as gifts and both organizations have stated that they would consider selling the parcels. It was suggested that abutting property owners be contacted.

The NH Motor Transport Association is sending material for the Board’s review regarding alcohol and drug testing programs. The Selectmen were reminded of their work session with Chief Krause on Tuesday morning, June 17, 2008.

On a motion by Jim Barnard, seconded by Phil Grillo and receiving a unanimous vote, the meeting was adjourned at 9:10 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,                                   

Karen Montgomery

Selectmen’s Secretary                                     

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SELECTMEN'S OFFICE

Town of Barnstead

P.O. Box 11

Center Barnstead, NH  03225

Minutes

June 3rd, 2008

Present: Chairman Gordon Preston (GP), Vice-Chairman David Kerr (DK), James Barnard (JB), Phil Grillo, and Andrew Houle (AH). Town Administrator Paul Skowron (PS) was also in attendance.

The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Chairman Gordon Preston. The Board signed the payroll, manifest, the minutes of 5/27/08, (2) abatements, a Fuel Distribution User Agreement, a pyrotechnic display permit, the tax collectors warrant and a letter to Local Government Center.

The meeting was opened to public input at 6:31 p.m. Jeffrey Godfrey (of North Barnstead Road) informed the Board that his abutter was bulldozing and hauling gravel and was encroaching upon his (Godfrey’s) septic. Mr. Godfrey stated that he thought the man was building as well and didn’t have any permits. GP provided the new Board Members with some history about the property in question. AH and PG felt the Selectmen should send out a cease & desist notice but GP explained that you have to have grounds (violations) to send one. GP asked if they could insist on a survey and Dave Murley told them that if it’s a non-conforming lot they have to if the person applies for a building permit. It was mentioned that the landowner was supposed to go before the Zoning Board last year and that the landowner stated he had a survey done, but the landowner cancelled his Zoning meeting. JB asked Mr. Godfrey if he (Godfrey) had his land surveyed and Godfrey told him he had not.

At 6:41 p.m. Building Inspector Paul Richardson told the Board that he went to the property last Tuesday and that the property owner has poured a c-shaped footing, possibly for a shed but that it was under 250 square foot and therefore didn’t need a permit. PG felt that he didn’t meet set-back requirements but Mr. Murley stated that there are no set-back requirements for buildings under 250 square feet. Mr. Godfrey further informed the Board that the owner has doubled the size of his driveway. GP looked at the property file but was unable to find the driveway permit. Paul Richardson told the group that the small structure is not allowed to have plumbing and that the owner did put more rebar in like he might be going to extend the building. Paul informed the Board that anytime Mr. Godfrey has called and left a complaint on his phone, he (Paul) has checked into it. The Board asked Paul to go up on Thursday and look at the property. Andy Houle made a motion to send the property owner (Robert Young) a letter regarding the recent activity asking him to meet with the Selectmen and to bring all documents pertaining to the property. Phil Grillo seconded the motion and it received a unanimous vote.

At 7:00 p.m. Bruce Shearer spoke about having a Farmer’s Market in Barnstead at the corner of Routes 28 & 126. The Board informed him that the property belongs to the State and it would be illegal to use it. JB suggested he speak with the owner of J J Goodwins, or Mickey Locke’s property or even the new owners of the Catholic Church. Shearer encouraged the Board to support this effort.

David Brown brought in one of many signs that have been posted around the dirt/Class 6 roads that have “N.E.T.R.A.” on them and wondered if the Board knew what they were for. He was told that it is a yearly on/off road dirt bike event put on by New England Trail Riders Association and that they do it for a good cause. JB explained that the bikes and riders must meet all requirements for licensing etc. and they must follow all the rules of the road. JB will check with the Police Chief and suggested that Mr. Brown contact Fish & Game for more information.

At 7:15 p.m. the Board met with Nick Rott, President of the Barnstead Fire Rescue Inc. to discuss a piece of property in Locke Lake Colony that was given to them. The State Dept. of Revenue is saying that the property does not meet the requirements to be an exempt piece of land and that it will be taxes. Nick stated that his attorney told him the State can flag it but the Selectman can waive it. Nick added that their (BFRI’s) options would be either to sell it or pay taxes on it. JB commented that he had had a discussion with Nick about it and it might be feasible for BFRI to offer it for sale to an abutter of the property. It was determined that Karen would contact the Local Government Center Legal Council to see what, if anything, the Board could. Karen explained that the Church also had a piece of land given to them that would now be taxed and a letter had been sent to them as well. The Church is looking into selling the property.

At 7:30 p.m. Nick asked if there was anything from the last Fire Study Committee meeting that they needed to discuss and JB informed him that the letter to the Local Government Center (LGC) asking if BFRI could become a member was being sent out tomorrow. Upon Nick’s request and the Board’s consent, Karen made a copy for Nick. Nick asked that LGC be contacted to expedite the finding as the insurance must be renewed July 1, 2009. Karen mentioned that if LGC denies the request, they still had the option of insuring everything anyway through LGC because the Town leases everything from BFRI. Karen added that LGC had already given them a figure of just over $6,000 for the year, which was a tremendous savings of $14,000.

Nick next asked about the maintenance on the fire station for the fulltime staff, wondering if there was anything they could do to make it easier on the Fire Chief. Nick mentioned that in the past the town has been reluctant to money into the fire stations because they are not owned by the town, but rather by BFRI. Nick wondered if BFRI put something in writing stating that when the building sells (if it didn’t go to the Town) then BFRI would reimburse the town for the money it put into the building to fix it for fulltime staff to stay there. GP informed him it would have to be in next year’s budget and Nick

said that he knew that, but he was just throwing out a grenade. AH commented that he was looking into a Homeland Security Grant for a police and fire complex. PG added that we are currently in violation (inadequate housing) for the fire station but that the people may vote it down again next year. AH felt that if the terms were written into the warrant it might help the article to pass. DK told Nick he appreciated him coming to them with this, and thanked Nick for moving ahead.

Phil Grillo made a motion to have the Chairman sign the Dept. of Transportation Fuel System Agreement on behalf of the Board of Selectmen. Jim Barnard seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote. At 7:45 p.m. Dave Murley asked if the Selectmen would be attending the Planning Board meeting on Thursday evening and expressed concern over a possible lack of a quorum. Murley asked if anyone knew why a publicly noticed meeting could not be continued to a later date. Paul Skowron asked if it was a planning board meeting and Murley said it was. Skowron informed him they could recess until a later date but the date, time and location must be specified. Skowron added that the Planning Board would not adjourn, just recess. Murley informed the Board that if Sanco did not get approval for the next 15 meg generator on Thursday, then they would be moving their business elsewhere. Murley asked the Board for their permission to use the Town Hall next Tuesday evening if they had to recess the Planning Board meeting on Thursday. The Board approved the request.

Karen Montgomery informed the Board that a FEMA representative would be coming next Tuesday to review the Welch Road Bridge file with Tom Kendrick of MacFarland Johnson and any Selectmen that wanted to attend. Karen added that the FEMA rep, Tom Kendrick and Nancy Mayville (DOT) will be meeting Tuesday evening with the Selectmen for further discussion.

At 7:58 p.m. Mr. & Mrs. Schaff (with their two children and 6 neighbors) met with the Selectmen regarding the Lamberts of Dow Lane. Mrs. Schaff handed out copies detailing the history of the property from the time they (Schaff’s) bought it to now. Mrs. Schaff gave a lengthy synopsis of the harassment and problems they (and the neighbors) have been having with the Lamberts. According to the Schaffs and the neighbors, the Lambert property contains a lot of junk The Schaffs explained that the harassment borders but does not cross over to criminal and that they have contacted the police, but they can’t do anything. The police suggested they make an appointment with the Selectmen. Mrs. Schaff told the Board that they put up their fence because of this harassment and that they didn’t realize they needed a permit. She stated that they would be in to get a permit but the Lamberts have installed a 20 foot pole with a huge light on it facing in the Schaff ‘s (and neighbors yards), not the Lamberts yard. She wondered if there was any ordinance against this and the Board checked with Paul Richardson. Paul told them there wasn’t any RSA about it and that our zoning ordinance didn’t address lighting either. DK asked if the Schaffs had an attorney and they stated they did, but it was costly.

GP asked if the Lambert’s were in violation of Locke Lake laws and Mrs. Schaff said they were. Mrs. Schaff continued, saying that she contacted the administrator and the matter will be going before the Board. Tom Normandin stated that he’s on the Board in Locke Lake and they are adding lighting to the by-laws. Karen Montgomery was asked to contact LGC legal department to see if there was anything else that could be done. JB told the group that unfortunately it was a civil matter and their recourse would be with a lawyer through the court system. Mrs. Schaff added that the Lamberts have three ATV’s that they run constantly on a track in their (Lambert’s) backyard. DK asked her if she has called the police about that and she said that she didn’t want to call them for every thing because she didn’t want to be a nuisance. JB suggested that all the neighbors put their complaints in writing to the police. Mr. Schaff commented that he felt the harassment is totally directed to his wife as she is there all day home schooling the children and he is gone to work all day. He said the harassing slows down in the evenings and weekends when he is there. He added that the neighbors are watching out for his wife and children when he is gone. GP told the group that they would find out what, if any, action the Selectman could take.

At 8:45 p.m. the Board went into Non-Public Session under RSA 91-A: 3 II (c) on a motion by Andy Houle seconded by Phil Grillo, with the following vote recorded, Gordon Preston, yes; David Kerr, yes; Jim Barnard, yes; Andrew Houle, yes and Phil Grillo, yes. The Board came out of Non-Public Session at 8:52 p.m. and on a motion by Andy Houle, seconded by Phil Grillo, the Board unanimously voted to seal the minutes of that meeting.

At 8:53 p.m. the Board went into Non-Public Session under RSA 91-A: 3 II (c) on a motion by Phil Grillo seconded by Dave Kerr, with the following vote recorded, Gordon Preston, yes; David Kerr, yes; Jim Barnard, yes; Andrew Houle, yes and Phil Grillo, yes. The Board came out of Non-Public Session at 9:21 p.m. and on a motion by Andy Houle, seconded by Phil Grillo, the Board unanimously voted to seal the minutes of that meeting

At 9:25 p.m. the Board discussed the wage scale and JB gave an explanation on part time certified officers versus fulltime certified officers. It was stated that all form of promotions, demotions, changes in status from full time to part time etc. must be signed by the Selectmen. A memo will be sent to the department heads detailing this. GP asked PS how he was doing at getting answers from the department heads and he stated that he had not completed the memo regarding the personnel records yet. JB asked him to send it as soon as possible to notify them that Jeannie is the keeper of the records and all originals will be kept here.

Karen Montgomery informed the Board that in speaking to the Emergency Management representative, all work from the April 2007 flood must be completed by October 2008 in order for us to get the remainder of our money. The State has estimated that Barnstead’s portion (12 ½ % plus additional FEMA money) is around $92,000. Karen notified the

Road Agent that he would need to calculate how much is left to fix on the roads and how soon it can be completed. The Road Agent will have figures for the Board at their next meeting.

DK expressed his anger with the invoice for $1,300 to letter the Highway Trucks. He told the Board that he specifically told Chris Carazzo to get stencils. PG mentioned that Chris had also approached him about the lettering and PG told him he had to go before the Board first. JB commented that not only did Carazzo not listen, he spent a lot of money they don’t have in the budget. DK said that there is also a bill for the 10-wheeler and that they’ve sun $5,000 into that. He added that it’s a lot of money to spend without asking the Selectmen about it. DK also told the group that the Highway is rebuilding the bucket on the loader and that it was rebuilt when Mac was there. DK felt that a lot of money was being spent without checking on the Highway equipment records first. GP stated that the Board had previously sent out a memo with a $500 limit on non-emergency items and then the department heads had to come before the Board. DK stated that there was more, that there was an invoice for $584.00 for a pole pruner from someplace in Wolfeboro that also wanted our federal id number. DK added that there were several bills that came in that did not make this week’s manifest; culverts for $6,000, Sanels over $600, 2 more tires for the loader – over $1,000, and $687 worth of bug spray (2-3 year supply) with a $35.00 shipping charge. It was determined that PS would speak with Chris Carazzo about budget spending and that he cannot buy 2-3 years worth at a time. PS will also compose a new memo addressing a $500 limit on purchasing.

The Board discussed the return of the new Highway Trucks and a letter will be sent to Dave Karpel (Key Government Finance) detailing the amount of pro-rata credit that is due the Town. Andy Houle made a motion to send Mr. Karpel the letter and Dave Kerr seconded the motion. It passed with a unanimous vote.

JB mentioned that the owner of the building of the Parade Post Office had sent in a letter asking permission to put in a crosswalk at that location. The owner has been instructed by the postal service that he must stripe parking space lines and he felt that where a lot of people park on the church side (due to the small number of parking spaces at the post office) there should be a crosswalk. It was determined that Karen would look into the matter before the Board proceeds. The elementary school will be contacted to see if they possess a line striper.

Karen Montgomery explained to the Board that she had contacted the State Dept. of Transportation regarding the two pine trees that block motorists view when they are at the stop sign on Parade Road and trying to turn onto Route 126. The problem is that the trees block the view of traffic turning off Route 28 onto Route 126. Karen told the Board that she spoke with Steve Ireland of District 6 who stated that the rules of the State is that it has to be two intersecting State roads and because the site problem is from a town road (Parade Road) the State will not take the trees down. Steve said that if the trees are within

75 feet of the right-of-way from the double yellow line then the State owns and the town would need to ask permission to take the trees down. Steve also said that if they are not within the r-o-w on Route 28 then we do not need to follow the r-o-w limits for Route 126 and all we need to do is get the landowners permission to remove the trees. Karen informed the Board that the landowner was Jim Kidder. JB asked the Board for their permission to have the trees cut down if Jim Kidder gave them his approval. The Board unanimously agreed.

Karen Montgomery mentioned to the Board that there was a resident interested in becoming the Emergency Management Director. A brief discussion ensued and the Board felt they should not be the EMD’s, that it should be a separate person (not the fire chief or the police chief). The Board will continue the discussion next week.

Karen told the Selectmen that she spoke with Julie Chase regarding the NIMS classes that are required. The Board felt that they would like to take the classes online and Karen will e-mail the sites link to them. The required classes; Nims 700, 100 and 200 must be completed by the Selectmen and certain office personnel before any future grants will be available to them.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,                                   

Karen Montgomery

Selectmen’s Secretary                                     

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SELECTMEN'S OFFICE

Town of Barnstead

P.O. Box 11

Center Barnstead, NH  03225

Minutes

May 27th, 2008

Present: Chairman Gordon Preston (GP) (6:55 p.m.), Vice-Chairman David Kerr (DK), James Barnard (JB), Phil Grillo, and Andrew Houle (AH). Town Administrator Paul Skowron (PS) was also in attendance.

The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Chairman Gordon Preston. The Board signed the payroll, manifest, the minutes of 5/20/08, (1) abatement, (4) forest fire bills and a letter to the Russell’s.

The meeting was opened to public input at 6:37 p.m. Fran and Paula Vardaro, of Locke Lake Colony asked the Board what the Town’s obligation is if Locke Lake should dissolve. It was explained that the Town has no obligation; that they should go to the Locke Lake Board of Directors and find out what the covenants say. DK stated that the Selectmen should not offer advice in this matter where Locke Lake is a legally established separate entity.

Road Agent Chris Carazzo told the Board he was very disappointed that they had not chose the person he wanted to fill a vacancy in the Highway Dept.

At 6:45 p.m. Bruce Geleas met with the Board of Selectmen regarding his property on Varney Road. (Geleas had met with the Board previously in March, 2008, stating that his foundation had failed and he was told it was a matter between him and his builder). Geleas stated that he went back to his builder, that the builder met with the building inspector and got the ok to backfill. GP commented that Geleas had gotten a special permit to put in the foundation between September –December of 2004 (before Jan. 1, 2005), but the requirements are that it must be covered and heated. GP asked Geleas if his contractor told him to backfill and heat the foundation and Geleas stated that he was the general contractor. PG asked Geleas is he heated the foundation and Geleas said that he did not, that he hired Gray to do the cement work. Geleas added that Gray never finished the job, didn’t backfill anything and walked out. GP asked Geleas what type of contract he had with Gray to do the foundation and Geleas stated that he didn’t have a contract. Geleas told the Board that he has paid out $9,000 to fix this problem and still has a foundation that is failed. Geleas added that he had spoken with an attorney but didn’t want to have to take any action. PG asked Geleas what he wanted the Board to do and Geleas stated that the paper from the Building Inspector said that his foundation was inspected and passed. A lengthy heated discussion ensued and JB told Geleas to relax. JB explained to Geleas that he (Geleas) was the general contractor, that it was his responsibility to make sure things were done right and that this issue is a civil matter

between him and Gray. JB added that Geleas should not look to blame the Selectmen and that just because the paper (permit) said it was ok to backfill doesn’t mean that the Building Inspector inspected the foundation. Geleas interjected that his foundation passed inspection and AH told Geleas that the paper doesn’t say that the foundation passed. At 6:55 p.m. Paul Richardson, Building Inspector was called in and he (Paul) told the Board that the foundation was inspected but the footings were not, that nobody ever called for an inspection on the footings. Paul added that he was driving by one day and saw them filling in so he stopped to see what they were doing. Paul told the Board that Gray (who had been out of State) saw the article in the Baysider from when Geleas met with the Board in March and called him to tell him (Paul) that Geleas was the general contractor. Geleas asked why someone didn’t stop him if he had not done what he was supposed to (in calling for inspections) and why he was allowed to put his house on the foundation. AH asked Geleas how you would inspect something that already backfilled and covered and Geleas stated that it should have been dug up. JB again told Geleas that he (Geleas) was the general contractor and was responsible. Paul told Geleas that he sent him an inspection report that stated no footing inspection was called for. Geleas said that he never received the report and that Paul had given him the okay to backfill. Paul pulled a copy out of the folder showing Geleas that it stated there was no footing called for. PG asked if Geleas had called Gray and Geleas stated that Gray won’t talk to him. Bruce Geleas commented that there wasn’t any rebar in the foundation either.

GP reminded the Board that Mr. Geleas had indicated that he (Geleas) had spoken to an attorney. Geleas said that he did not want to end up in a legal battle and wanted to try to settle this. Paul asked him if he (Geleas) thought that it was built on bad soil (the house is on the lake front of Varney Road). PG reiterated that if Paul had been called for a footing inspection then he would have gone forward but Geleas had not backfilled and heated the foundation which then caused a chain of events to take place. Geleas stated that Gray told him “after the fact” that he (Geleas) was supposed to backfill etc. and that he (Geleas) has no contract with Gray. PG mentioned that Geleas should have made Gray cover and heat it. AH added that it’s all “he said, she said” but comes back to the fact that Geleas was the general contractor and he (Geleas) hired the people to do the work. Geleas asked Paul if he met with Geleas’ excavator operator Dave M(?) in December and Paul stated that he spoke with Dave at the property site but it was already covered (backfilled) and he (Paul) didn’t bring a shovel with him to uncover the area. BG stated that Dave had dug down to the clay and again Paul asked if perhaps it was bad soil. BG stated that he was a little confused, that apparently he wasn’t a good builder and that he hired shoddy people. Geleas added, “So, I was supposed to handle everything” and both JB & PG said that yes, it was up to him to see that everything had been done properly.

Paul Richardson commented to the Board that this has happened a couple times, where people go ahead and backfill without calling for inspections. Paul said that in the past he’s had people did up a couple places so he can look at the foundation but he can’t

inspect the whole foundation under those circumstances. The Board felt that in the future the people will be made to uncover the whole thing or else they will not get a Certificate of Occupancy. Bruce Geleas commented about the electrical in his house and Paul told him that he (Geleas) did his own plumbing too and Paul had told him he wasn’t supposed to do that either. Geleas told the Board that he was looking at getting a reduction in his assessment to help fray some of his costs, but that he hadn’t submitted his application yet. Karen Montgomery told the Board that Mr. Geleas was supposed to have submitted the abatement immediately after the meeting in March. Geleas told the Selectmen that he was going to but then received a letter from the Selectmen and he didn’t know if he was suppose to still submit it. The Board told him the abatement would be looked at and Geleas asked about the process. Karen explained that the assessor, Rod Wood would look at the abatement tomorrow, make a decision based upon the facts and submit it to the Selectmen for their signatures. Geleas commented that the assessor had already been out to look at the property and said that the foundation was bad. Karen told the group that the assessor does not have the ability to determine if the foundation is good or bad and that Mr. Wood did not make that statement. Mr. Geleas thanked the Board for their time.

At 7:33 p.m. the Lamberts of Dow Lane met with the Board regarding their neighbors’ fence on the corner of Peachum Road and Dow Lane. Mrs. Lambert stated that fence poles are 10 feet high with a six foot stockade fence and then two feet of lattice on top of that. She said that part of the lattice is missing and it looks horrible. The Lamberts asked if the neighbors needed a permit for a fence. It was explained that the town does not have a specific ordinance for fences and therefore must go by the National Building Code that was adopted. The National Building Code states that a fence over six feet high requires a permit. GP asked if the fence obstructed the roadway and was told that it did not. Planning Board Chairman Dave Murley referred to the RSA regarding privacy, nuisance fences but Karen Montgomery explained to the group that the Board cannot make the determination whether or not the fence is a nuisance fence and there it is a civil matter between the two neighbors. She added that all civil matters go through the court system. It was determined that Dave Murley and Paul Richardson would compose a letter to send to the owners of the fence with a copy to the Selectmen.

At 7:55 p.m. the Board met with Road Agent, Chris Carazzo. Chris asked if the Selectmen were going to adopt a 12 month probation period instead of the 90 day as is stated in the personnel policy. Phil Grillo made a motion to change the existing personnel policy from 90 days to a 12 month probation period for all employees. Dave Kerr seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote. Chris told the Board that the Highway Department is in their prime season and he needed to have all 5 positions filled. PG asked how many people Chris currently had and Chris said that he had three, but was budgeted for five. PG commented that if Chris was already budgeted for five he should be able to get five. Both GP and DK told him the budget was already blown for the year with the diesel account already over expended by $2,000 and that they weren’t even halfway

through the year yet. GP added that the price of gas is higher than what was budgeted for as well as oil heating prices. Chris told the group that the guy he wanted to hire was the cheapest and yet most versatile, that he could just put this guy on a route and let him go on his own. Chris added that the guy also had grader experience. JB stated that he thought the Board was going to wait at least a month before filling the fifth position. JB asked if the person they decided on hiring for the fourth position had been contacted and Town Administrator Paul Skowron explained that after he had notified Chris of the Board’s decision, Chris wanted to come before the Board. Skowron added that because of that, nothing was done to institute the hiring process. JB told the group that all the points Chris had brought up tonight had been discussed by the Board and they (the Selectmen) had made their decision. Chris commented that there was no application filled out by the person that got the job and JB interjected that there was one because he had seen it but now it appears to be missing. DK asked that Paul Skowron contact the person the Board chose to hire and it was determined that both Paul and Chris would do it tomorrow.

At 8:25 p.m. the Board went into Non-Public Session under RSA 91-A: 3 II (a) on a motion by Andy Houle seconded by Phil Grillo, with the following vote recorded, Gordon Preston, yes; David Kerr, yes; Jim Barnard, yes; Andrew Houle, yes and Phil Grillo, yes. The Board came out of Non-Public Session at 9:18 p.m. and on a motion by Andy Houle, seconded by Dave Kerr, the Board unanimously voted to seal the minutes of that meeting.

Karen Montgomery informed the Board that Marissa of the Local Government Center (LGC) called her to see if they (LGC) could go forward with adding the BFRI’s vehicles and buildings to the Towns insurance. Karen told the Board that she explained to Marissa the BFRI still wanted to be named an instrumentality of the Town. Karen told Marissa that the Board had explored the “instrumentality” issue but based on their Attorney’s advice BFRI did not meet the requirements to be an instrument of the Town so she (Karen) wasn’t sure where they stood. Marissa informed Karen that she was going to put the whole thing on hold and before going any further she would need a letter from the Selectmen asking that BFRI’s vehicles and buildings be added. JB handed out a draft letter that he had composed to Richard Dwyer of LGC and asked the Board to review it. JB explained that what he had done was to take the word “instrumentality” out of the letter and simply ask LGC to reinstate BFRI as a separate entity (as they were approved for in 2004). This was BFRI could obtain insurance directly through LGC and deal with them personally. JB added that the Fire Dept. Study Committee said to send the letter and maybe it would save the town some money. Karen Montgomery explained that just having the current contract with BFRI (because we lease all their buildings and equipment) enables us to have insurance through LGC at a huge savings. GP mentioned that the only sticking point to it was just that the Parade Building that had a mortgage on it but he thought it could be worked out.

DK commented that BFRI was accepted in 2004 under the assumption that they were becoming a municipal department. DK asked if this letter was asking for a separate policy for BFRI and JB said that it was not, that it was just asking LGC to accept them again. DK pointed out that in paragraph two of the letter it stated that BFRI was the policyholder. Karen explained to the Board that when BFRI was participating in the LGC insurance, they were allowed to insure all the vehicles (both the Town’s and BFRI’s) to retain the policies and to contact LGC directly. PG stated that BFRI has to be told that the Town will hold all the policies and records and will be responsible for the insurance. Ah, PG and JB all felt that the letter should be sent on good faith and let LGC decide whether BFRI could participate. JB made a motion that the Selectmen agree with the letter as written and that a complete copy of the court’s decision be attached and sent to Richard Dwyer at LGC. Phil Grillo seconded the motion. DK commented that since it was being rushed through, he wanted to add something. The group discussed paragraph 5 and DK asked that if the court found BFRI not to be a private fire company, then what were they? DK wanted to add that BFRI is a leasing company that provides billing services to the Town. JB told him that the sentence is just meant to relay that BFRI is not a private fire company. PG suggested removing the word “modifying” and put in the word “reverse”. JB commented that if you change one word, then it could change the whole intention of the letter. After a brief discussion JB reminded the Board that the motion was still on the table. AH, JB, PG and GP agreed to send the letter. It was mentioned that the letter needed to be on Selectmen letterhead and JB stated that he was unable to e-mail the document to the Town. PG offered to take it home, scan it and e-mail it so Karen could add the letterhead and have it ready to be signed by next Tuesday.

The Board reviewed the e-mail from Peter Roche (SAU) notifying them that the only bidder was Fred Fuller and the price of heating oil would be $3.87 per gallon. GP informed the Board that he would inquire from Mr. Barraford what his price was.

JB asked if there was any news on from the police regarding the Dudley’s ongoing dog complaint. Paul Skowron told him there was nothing and the Board determined that they would see if the Town Clerk could do a dog warrant up immediately if the dog was still unlicensed. Paul Skowron will get an update from the police chief on the issue.

DK suggested that they ask the Building Committee to come in and see where they are going with the space needs. He added that he would like to get a proposal ready for town meeting to make the Town Hall (meeting room) into office space as something must be done soon. PG stated that he had spoken with Mark Fraser and will ask him to come in. GP cautioned that if they move forward with this, the school would have to be contacted immediately because the voting would have to take place there. DK mentioned that in some towns, the voting takes place in the fire stations, adding that we lease the fire buildings. AH suggested that he speak with his brother (a master builder) about putting

on an addition but GP told him that this is not the building to try to put an addition on. JB mentioned that he would like to see AH check into a grant for a public safety building.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:55 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,                                   

Karen Montgomery

Selectmen’s Secretary                                     

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SELECTMEN'S OFFICE

Town of Barnstead

P.O. Box 11

Center Barnstead, NH  03225

Minutes

May 20th, 2008

Present: Chairman Gordon Preston (GP) (6:55 p.m.), Vice-Chairman David Kerr (DK), James Barnard (JB), Phil Grillo, and Andrew Houle (AH). Town Administrator Paul Skowron (PS) was also in attendance.

The meeting was called to order at 6:35 p.m. by Vice Chairman David Kerr. The Board signed the payroll, manifest, the minutes of 5/6/08, a site plan application, three abatements and a State Surplus (White’s Farm) renewal application.

The meeting was opened to public input at 6:36 p.m. and Ewart Balcolm asked for the Highway Departments support in putting up (and taking down) the flags on the telephone poles. DK mentioned that he and Jim C. put the flags up. The Road Agent said that he didn’t have a problem with it. Mr. Balcolm spoke about the veterans and was happy to hear that the Highway would assist in the flags as they have done in the past.

Gail Darrell told the group that she attended the public hearing for Sanco (they are purchasing Timco) and had some concerns that the site application went through so quickly. The group had a brief discussion but it was noted that the Selectmen do not call the shots on this; it’s the Planning and Zoning Boards. It was stated that the Planning Board would do all that required of them and AH added that Sanco must follow all local, State and Federal regulations regarding air quality. Gail asked the Board to look at the whole plan that Sanco had in mind and to be sure they understood it. Bill Evans commented that once they (the Planning Board) gets beyond this first stage things will slow down and the Board would study it in more depth.

The Department Head meeting began at 7:00 p.m. with Fire Rescue Chief Krause. Krause asked if the Selectmen had prepared the letter he requested that needed to be sent with the Public Safety Officer’s Benefit Application (behalf of Stephen Jones). JB explained that there was a question regarding the terminology of the request. JB said Krause’s request was that we were a volunteer fire department, which we are not, we are a call department. Krause explained that under the IRS regulations there are only two types of fire people – volunteer and career. He added that if a person wasn’t a career firefighter then everything else falls under volunteer. GP stated that the reality is that we pay our call people an hourly wage – they are not volunteers. AH recalled that the Selectmen also asked who the claimant was and Krause told them he had given them that information as well (it was Stephen Jones’ sister). GP asked if the Town was filing the form and PG said “No, the claimant is”. Krause told the group that this is a program which Congress enacted to protect families when there is a line of duty death. Krause stated that he needs a statement

Signed by the Selectman (and notarized) that says Barnstead Fire Rescue is the Fire Rescue Department of the Town of Barnstead providing services. Phil Grillo made a motion to send the letter and Andy Houle seconded the motion. DK said to Chief Krause, “So, there’s no in-between, you’re either a volunteer or a career?” and Krause said that was right. The motion passed with a unanimous vote.

Chief Krause asked about probationary members and GP asked him about any non-active members that could be removed. JB mentioned that his department was still missing paperwork for the Labor Board. Treasurer Jeannie Terry stated that it was three I-9’s and PG told the Chief he needed to straighten that out immediately.  Krause asked about his request for a pay rate adjustment for two employees that received their firefighter certifications and he was told the request was being processed. Krause next asked about firefighters that respond to forest fires who get paid by the State rate which is different than what their hourly rate of pay is. Krause felt that it was in violation of federal law and Karen Montgomery explained that this came about when the accountant discovered that the Town should be paying the firefighters through the payroll system (and not with a 1099) for forest fires, so the proper taxes are withheld. She told the Board that she had spoken with the State Labor Board, the Fed’s and Attorney Costanzo and the Town is not in violation. Attorn