Barnstead Selectmen's Meeting Minutes                        Archives

| March 3 | March 10 | March 17 | March 24 | March 31 |
| April 7 | April 14 | April 21 | April 28 |

| May 5 | May 12 |

 

SELECTMEN'S OFFICE

Town of Barnstead

P.O. Box 11

Center Barnstead, NH  03225

Minutes

May 12th, 2009

Present: Chairman David Kerr (GP), Vice Chairman James Barnard (JB), Phil Grillo (PG), Andy Houle (AH) and Gordon Preston (GP).

Chairman David Kerr opened the meeting at 6:30 p.m. and the Board signed the payroll, manifest, a hazard mitigation application, a yield tax warrant, 4 timber tax levies and a letter to the Ctr. Barnstead Christian Church.

GP made a motion to have the Chairman sign the Hazard Mitigation Application and PG second the motion. It passed with a unanimous vote.

The Board met with Police Chief Ken Borgia and K read the list of items to be discussed, beginning with the monthly shift schedules. Chief Borgia stated that the information changes almost daily and creates undue hardship on the department to produce. He added that the Board receives that information on the time cards. Borgia also felt by producing the schedule it would create hazards for the officers and their families if everyone knows who’s working what shift etc. The Board quickly reminded Borgia that the information is for their office only and is not posted anywhere. Following up on Chief Borgia’s reference that the County Attorney agrees with Borgia (that the information is not necessary for the Selectmen to have), JB commented that the County Attorney cannot tell Borgia or the Selectmen what they (the Selectmen) can ask for. JB stated that the Board just wants an “anticipated schedule” for the department but also showing what officers are in court and when.

JB asked the Chief about witness fees and Borgia explained that if the officer is off-duty and goes to court, he signs up for the witness fee and the check is sent here (to general fund). When asked if the officer is paid overtime Borgia stated that he is and that it comes back to general fund. JB did not feel that it was supposed to be done that way and Borgia stated that it was explained to him that it was okay to do it that way. JB asked how much the officer is paid for witness fees and Borgia said that it was $30.00 plus mileage.

AH asked about the information regarding the need for a prosecutor and Chief Borgia told him the problem is that both he and Sgt. McDowell were in court yesterday and today (and are both on the day shift) so he was unable to work on that. Borgia did inform the Selectmen that so far this year, they have done 500 hours in prosecutions. Borgia went on to say that the 1st & 3rd Thursday of the month are arraignments and that juvenile trials are locked in by statute. He felt the rates quoted by the prosecutor that is interested in working for Barnstead is fantastic. PG asked if the crime had increased and Borgia said that in the last 4-5 weeks they’ve had 12 cases of sexual offenders. JB asked if it was one offender and multiple crimes or multiple offenders and Borgia stated that it was both. Borgia mentioned that it’s now combined in one bureau, so instead of five different agencies being involved, one person is assigned and talks to the people involved.

GP asked if Chief Borgia kept the Principal informed and Borgia stated that he meets weekly with the Vice Principal, but doesn’t know what the he (VP) passes on. PG asked about break-ins and Borgia said that 7 have been reported since last week, but he couldn’t really say it signifies an increase as they always experience more this time of year. Ken added that he would still be the backup prosecutor and would still do Superior Court and Grand Jury. The group discussed sharing a prosecutor but Borgia mentioned that it was different for each county. Borgia added that the prosecutor interested in working for Barnstead is also an attorney.

PG mentioned that the crime overtime line item in the budget is getting down and Borgia told him that by this time last year it was gone. PG asked if Borgia had any remedies and Borgia stated that they were doing everything they could not to incur overtime but one person was out on light duty. DK asked about a vehicle idle policy and JB explained that the Board is asking each department head to create a policy for the Board’s review. DK commented that the State Police have policies in place. Borgia suggested that they insulate the garage at the police station, adding that the cars are warm, they get shut off, they ice up and the garage is freezing. JB suggested running a vent from the inside of the building to the garage and Borgia told him they had tried that, but it did nothing.

The next issue was flooring and Chief Borgia stated that their cleaner wants the thinner flooring. DK asked why they wouldn’t go with commercial tile, explaining that the thin flooring comes in one big sheet and he had concerns about one small area wearing out. AH said that you could replace areas with the thin flooring and PG commented that it (the thin flooring) will last so long that no one will be around when it gets worn out. AH asked about the doors and Borgia told him that they are coming in this week. DK asked about marking the unmarked police vehicle and Borgia told him he had no intentions of marking it and that there wasn’t any money to do so. JB mentioned that the grant for the vehicle was $9,000 and Borgia stated that they applied for $9,000 but only got $3,500. JB asked how much it would cost to mark the vehicle and Borgia said it would be between $800 - $1200, not installed. Borgia added that he had already expressed his concerns about wanting an unmarked vehicle and did not want to get into it again. Borgia asked why the Board took affront to it and Ah stated that he didn’t. PG commented that he didn’t either and suggested they vote on it. A brief exchange occurred regarding marked vehicles vs. unmarked with no decisions made.

DK pointed out that there was yet another invoice/bill from NorthEast Tire and he asked Borgia why he was still using vendors outside of this area. Borgia explained that the vehicle broke down at court, that there was a steering problem. DK commented that this invoice was just tires and a filter and he asked again why local vendors aren’t being used. Borgia told him that NorthEast offers the best price, to which DK and JB both stated that it wasn’t the best price. Borgia stated that he has issues with other vendors and DK asked him what the issues were, pointing out that the policy says they will use local businesses, but a lot of the auto repair is done out of town. JB stated that if no one enforces the policies, then they have no policies, and you lose standards. He asked Borgia if he agreed and Borgia stated that he did. JB added that the Board needs to enforce their policies. GP commented that they need to stay with local vendors unless of course, if the local price is three times higher than an out of town vendor. JB stated that there are some pieces of heavy equipment that the Town owns, that can’t be fixed locally, but otherwise the departments would use local vendors. JB added that the Board understands that if the cruiser breaks down in Laconia etc., other vendors might have to be used.

PG told the group that he had a concern with asking the Chief what the issues are with vendors because he did not think it would be good to have local vendors read about this in the minutes. PG suggested that they discuss any serious issues separately. AH stated that the work should go out to bid with the exact information listed as to what needs to be done, so Borgia can get prices to compare. JB added that the Board could send out the bids, that the Chief Borgia has enough to do. The group next discussed the proposed alterations at the police station and Borgia stated that the plan is not to make more rooms, but to utilize what’s there. Borgia stated that the receptionist’s office will be moved to the back because the tempered glass is not safe and the paperwork that Meri does is confidential, not to mention that there is no climate control in the existing area. JB mentioned that there was no money available and Borgia told him that they are just doing small stuff that the officers can do themselves.

DK stated that he felt hiring a prosecutor was a good idea and JB agreed. DK asked what the prosecutor would need for space (office, etc.) and Borgia said that it would be minimal and they could use the patrol room. JB mentioned the Board’s meeting with the police employees and that a separate meeting would be scheduled for department heads. PG asked if he (Borgia) needed anything from the Board and Borgia stated that he had a laundry list. DK asked Borgia to provide the Board with a list of his topics before the meeting so they could be prepared. The Board will contact the prosecutor and schedule a meeting.

At 7:35 p.m. the meeting was opened to public input and Fire Chief Krause informed the Board that the 2003 ambulance needed brakes, pads, rotors (all around), 1 caliper, upper ball joints and tires for the front. Krause estimated the costs at approximately $3,000. JB explained the Board request for an idle policy and thanked him for submitting his employee work schedule for the month of May. JB informed the Board that he had received an e-mail from Chief Krause and asked Krause to comment on it. Chief Krause explained that the e-mail was regarding the rescue service and how they are looking at the revenue side for calls that are not actual rescue mutual aid. GP stated that e-mails should be sent here to the Selectmen’s office (to the secretary) and not sent to an individual Selectman. GP asked Krause if he hands out fines to people for burning without permits and Krause told him that he (Krause) can’t fine them, that it’s the Selectmen who do that.  

At 7:55 p.m. Road Agent Chris Carazzo commented that the low bidder for the sand and gravel is Angelini (the vendor they had been using). JB asked Chris if he liked the newly established bid process and Chris stated that he did. Chris added that they were cleaning up behind the shed so they could have an area to stockpile material in case it was needed on a weekend. JB asked if the grader was all fixed and Chris told him it needs tires and cutting edges. GP explained that Chris had asked him to talk to the 5 town group (Suncook Valley group) about bidding collectively for cutting edges etc. in order to get the best prices. DK asked Chris how much it costs us to deliver sand/gravel and Chris stated that it was $2.00 per yard; adding that it was a figure the vendors came up with. JB asked Chris if he knew which way he was going to go with (delivered or undelivered) and Chris told him that he was going to do the sand delivered and the gravel as needed. Chris told the Board that he will utilize the area that the Town purchased from Steve Byers, adding that he spoke with an abutter who showed him where the pins were and even after removing a few trees, there will still be a 40 foot buffer of trees.

JB made a motion to accept Angelini’s bid for sand & gravel per the advertised specifications and AH seconded the motion. It passed with a unanimous vote. Chris told the Board that they might need erosion stone (6-12”) and that he would call around for figures. JB told Chris to let the Selectmen know and Chris said that he would, unless it’s an emergency. DK reminded him that our procurement policy clearly address emergencies. JB asked Chris to create and submit an idle policy. Chris gave the Board 4 proposals for paving as follows; CLD $69.85 per ton and $120 per ton for handwork swales, Continental $80.00 per ton and $125 per ton for swales, Advanced $70.00 per ton (all inclusive) and Pike $77.50 per ton, reserving the right to add a $3,000 mobilization charge. Chris stated that he would like to go with Advanced and DK asked if he had seen any of their work. Chris said that he spoke with Brocks and Concord Sand & Gravel, and they both said Advanced does reputable work. Chris stated that his second choice was Pike. PG made a motion to accept the proposal from Advanced and AH seconded the motion. It passed with a unanimous vote. DK commented that he thought the intent was to get quotes to include the culverts that have to be replaced and then paved over.

GP asked Chris for the list of road names that will need headers installed. The group talked about areas that were damaged and had FEMA funds set aside. Chris stated that he had spoken to the abutters on Strickland Road and they agreed to let him clear stone wall to stone wall. GP asked if everyone agreed to let Chris get bids on Strickland Road and DK said that the FEMA repairs did basically the whole road. Chris stated that there were just some small areas in between that needed to be completed and the Board asked him to put together the bid language for sealed bids for the Selectmen to see. Karen Montgomery asked if Strickland Road could be submitted as a Hazard Mitigation Project, but Chris said that it had to be done as soon as possible and couldn’t wait.

The group next discussed the Board’s request for a project list and summer plan from the Road Agent. Chris asked for clarification of the request and GP reminded him that on candidate’s night, Chris’ statement to the public was that the Highway Dept. needed a plan. PG mentioned that the Selectmen didn’t have a plan and DK told him that that’s what this request does – it shows the plans from each department, so the Board knows what they need to plan for. Chris told the Board that by the next two months they would see the vehicle maintenance printout – that it’s in the computer on an excel spread sheet. AH stated that he would like to see a wish list as well of what projects Chris would like to complete (with the costs attached). JB told Chris that he doesn’t micromanage, but that it’s the Selectmen’s job to know what each department is doing and what their plan is.  Chris stated that there isn’t any money in the budget for a salt shed but the State is passing a law that salt has to be under cover and protected or else fines will be handed out. DK mentioned that in 2015 changes will be coming regarding street signs and that there should be some federal money available.

At 9:30 p.m. JB read aloud a letter to the Selectmen from Bill Gosse regarding public officials and sealed bids. The Board deferred any action until next week.

At 9:50 p.m. GP announced that the $500,000 Block Grant had been approved but a contract needs to be sent to the town, which needs to go before the town’s attorney. It was determined that GP would drop off a copy at the attorney’s office once he receives it.

The Board discussed legal issues and reviewed miscellaneous correspondence.

At 10:00 p.m. GP made a motion to institute the cash receipts policy (with a change to the current date). JB seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote. DK mentioned that the police policy procedures allow for petty cash and JB stated that the new cash receipts policy overrules the police policy. JB made a motion to accept the ethics policy upon approval from the town’s attorney. PG seconded the motion, but AH stated that he would rather wait for the attorney’s comments first. JB rescinded his motion.

JB announced that he was given flags from Mary Knirsch that had been used in the Town’s 200 year celebration (1976) and would turn them over to the Historical Society. Karen Montgomery informed the Board that the cease & desist was still in effect for Robert Young of North Barnstead Road. After a brief discussion, it was determined that the Library Trustees would be scheduled to meet with the Selectmen.

The meeting was adjourned at 11:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,                                   

Karen Montgomery

Selectmen’s Secretary                                     

|Top of Page  

SELECTMEN'S OFFICE

Town of Barnstead

P.O. Box 11

Center Barnstead, NH  03225

Minutes

May 5th, 2009

Present: Chairman David Kerr (GP), Vice Chairman James Barnard (JB), Phil Grillo (PG), Andy Houle (AH) and Gordon Preston (GP).

Chairman David Kerr opened the meeting at 6:30 p.m. and the Board signed the payroll, manifest, the minutes of 4/28/09, the PSNH Pole Attachment Application, 1 abatement and a memo to Chief Borgia.

The Chairman opened the sealed bids for the 2009-2010 sand & gravel and read them aloud. Bids were received from Angelini, Earth, Philmore, Concord Sand & Gravel and Ralph Goodwin. (A complete breakdown is attached to these minutes). Chairman Kerr announced that the procedure will be to forward the results to the Highway Road Agent who was not present and the Board will await his input before announcing the bid award(s). A brief discussion ensued with Jim Locke regarding measuring of materials etc. and Jim thanked the Board for following their bid policy.

At 6:55 p.m. the Chairman opened the meeting to public input and Gail Darrell announced that the “job board” is complete. She received permission to hang the Board outside the Town Hall and she will manage the board. Gail also received permission to use the Town Hall on Friday, May 30, 2009.

JB made a motion to have the Chairman sign the PSNH Pole Attachment Application and GP second the motion. It passed with a unanimous vote.

The Board relocated to the Town Hall, where they met with Kerry Mucher, Wynette Degroot and Paul Sanderson of Local Government Center (LGC) to discuss Park & Rec Committees, Old Home Day Committees etc. Paula Vardaro, Rick Simoneau, Bill Kriete and Judy Chase were in attendance. Paul Sanderson, Staff Attorney at LGC explained the duties of the committees (posting meetings, keeping minutes, “right to know” law etc.). He added that all the money collected is kept by the Treasurer and requests for check to be cut must be in writing with copies of invoices etc. Paul stated that all monies left in the revolving fund stays there and does not lapse, as Town budget funds do. The group discussed money collection, policies, special events, and the revolving fund. The LGC representatives suggested that the Parks & Rec Committee create their own separate policies to cover things that the Town’s policies do not. All policies must be approved by the Board of Selectmen.

It was stated that if the program or individual event is not high risk, then there is no need for special events insurance. Paul told the group they should never ask people/volunteers to supervise or do things they do not know how to do or are not trained to do. He added that coaches should be trained in first aid & CPR, and coaches should have attended a training program to be a coach. Paul told the group that this is a standard across the State and that you don’t have a person who doesn’t know how to play baseball be a baseball coach etc. Paul also stated that one of the biggest risks is children being transported by private vehicles.

The group spoke briefly about the town beaches and that we are not required to have Life Guards but the area must be posted with proper signage with enforceable rules. Wynette informed the group that the next Town & City magazine contains an article about town beaches and that she would come out to a meeting if the Board wanted. The Board thanked the LGC representatives and committees members for attending.

At 9:00 p.m. the Selectmen gave permission for the Legion to borrow three tables from the Town Hall for a gathering at the Legion Hall after Mr. Berry’s funeral service.

The Board reviewed a memo from the Building Inspector regarding his findings after inspecting a property at 266 Parade Road. The property appears to be a junkyard (non-licensed) and the Selectmen agreed to send the owner a letter to meet with them.

JB made a motion to accept the request from resident William Evans to purchase a town-owned piece of property in Locke Lake Colony at Map 45 Lot 73.6 (a non-conforming lot) to be combined with his existing lot. The motion was seconded by PG and Karen Montgomery explained the procedure. The motion passed with a unanimous vote.

The Board read aloud an e-mail from the FEMA representative for the ice storm (Dec. 2008) stating that the damage to the generator at the Fire Station (1) was not eligible for reimbursement funding. The Board also reviewed the insurance claim regarding the water damage at the Oscar Foss Library and asked Karen Montgomery to contact the Librarian or Trustees to see what their plan was for the repairs. The Selectmen voiced concerns that where the Library was a town owned building, the Selectmen had the responsibility of getting the repairs done.

At 9:15 p.m. PG told the group that he had spoken with a Dept. of Transportation representative about giving us the State owned land behind the Highway Garage and in exchange we (the town) would take over the Bridge in the Parade. PG told the Board that the State only wanted to give the town a small strip behind the Garage, not the whole piece. GP and Karen Montgomery informed the group that that was the same deal the State has been offering for many years. There was a brief discussion regarding the condition of the bridge and PG commented that Chris Carazzo felt there would be 5 years of aggregate in the small strip of land.

Karen Montgomery informed the Board that the balance of the FEMA monies were just over $167,000 including the 2008 ice storm and that the Treasurer would put the money in a separate account. She added that there was remaining work (culverts, paving, debris removal and ditching) that had to be completed from various disasters and that the Road Agent was suppose to give the Selectmen a list of what still needed to be done. After a brief discussion regarding other requests for information from the Road Agent (that had not been forthcoming) the Selectmen asked that a memo be sent to the Road Agent asking for the following information; a list of culverts to be replaced, a full plan for the summer (projected), with projects prioritized, remaining FEMA projects to be completed and a list of where he would like headers built. The Selectmen also determined that the information be due by May 19, 2009 – giving Chris two weeks to complete.

The Selectmen asked that the Building Inspector go forward with purchasing magnetic signs for his vehicle to reflect that he is Code Enforcer. The Board reviewed a letter from Dave’s Septic offering to provide service to Barnstead and it was brought to the Board’s attention that the LGC attorney, when reviewing the town’s bid process, informed them that per the RSA, elected officials, when contracting or charging the Town for private services, must do so by sealed bid, if the amount is over $200.

A memo will be sent to the Police Chief , listing the following topics of discussion for next weeks meeting; vehicle maintenance locations, police employee work schedule, idle policy, unmarked vehicle, flooring, replacing the doors at the police station, donation of paint for the police station, building interior changes. Also, a meeting was scheduled with the police department employees for May 20, from 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (not a mandatory meeting).

The Board discussed legal issues and reviewed miscellaneous correspondence.

The Selectmen determined that a letter should be sent to the Center Barnstead Christian Church asking that they proceed with the removal of the Parsonage septic system from town property to the backyard area of the parsonage.

The Board briefly discussed the unmarked police vehicle and whether it should be marked or not. AH told the Board that he had met with Chief Borgia for two hours last week. Chief Borgia is putting a crime log in the newspaper weekly (which started last week). AH asked Borgia for a report showing the number of cases our department has for prosecution. JB commented that the Board has two conflicting letters from Chief Borgia – one that says we don’t need a prosecutor and a more recent one that says we do. JB added the Borgia says the police are in court alot, but yet the Board doesn’t have that information because Borgia wouldn’t give them a work schedule for his department. JB mentioned witness fees and the Chief will be asked for that information as well. GP told the Board that he has served on several Boards and that it’s far better to have the department heads come before the full Board rather that having one Board Member going to the department head singularly.

GP announced that the next Suncook Valley Organization group meeting was in Epsom at 7:00 p.m. AH asked about having the 5 towns create a common garage with a full-time mechanic and GP will bring it to the committee.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:35 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,                                   

Karen Montgomery

Selectmen’s Secretary                                     

|Top of Page  

SELECTMEN'S OFFICE

Town of Barnstead

P.O. Box 11

Center Barnstead, NH  03225

Minutes

April 28th, 2009

Present: Chairman David Kerr (GP), Vice Chairman James Barnard (JB), Phil Grillo (PG), Andy Houle (AH) and Gordon Preston (GP).

Chairman David Kerr opened the meeting at 6:30 p.m. and the Board signed the payroll, manifest, the minutes of 4/14/09 & 4/21/09, the assessing contract, 1 gravel tax warrant, the Welch Road Bridge Contract Amendment, 1 raffle permit and a FEMA exit interview form.

The Board met with Cate Kowalski who informed the Board that she had the website all set to switch over and the only issue was with the town calendar. It was determined that that the switch to the new server would take place June 1, 2009.

The Selectmen next met with Emergency Management Director John Blair to discuss the Capital Area Public Health Network planned exercise scheduled for 5/16/09 in which they will simulate an anthrax outbreak. John explained that the exercise was for our area which included Pittsfield, Barnstead, Chichester, Epsom and Northwood. Assistant Director Steve Byers will be attending and volunteers from the Police, Fire-Rescue and Highway Dept. are needed. John further explained that it was a paid event and was asking for the Selectmen’s support. Fire Chief Rusty Krause voiced concerns about his budget, asking that the event not be reflected in his payroll budget as it was 100% reimbursed by FEMA. The Board fully supported the event and John will call Karen Montgomery to let her know how many Barnstead employees will be attending. Krause stated that he would be taking one ambulance and John informed the Selectmen that no fire engines were required. When John mentioned that gas/mileage was not reimbursed for the event, the Selectmen asked that people car pool.

JB made a motion to have the Chairman sign the McFarland Johnson Welch Road Bridge amendment (due to the Stimulus Recovery), which was seconded by PG and passed with a unanimous vote. GP made a motion to have the Chairman sign the FEMA ice storm closeout form, which PG seconded and passed with a unanimous vote.

At 7:30 p.m. the Board met with Bruce Shearer and Carolyn Lank. DK explained to Bruce that he was given until 4/15/09 to get a building permit and Building Inspector Paul Richardson explained that Bruce has paid him about ½ the money so far. Bruce told the Board that he just didn’t have the full amount and is paying as he can. Paul informed the Selectmen that Bruce gave him a tour of the building and there are a lot of problems with it. Paul stated that ½ of it is like a greenhouse with a stream running under the stairs on one side but the bigger problem is that the roof is sloped and it doesn’t meet the 7’ minimum ceiling height. Bruce commented that it was built with the idea to heat easily for older people which included lower ceilings. JB told him that the code requirements had to be enforced. Paul added that he didn’t think the building could be brought into compliance without being town down and rebuilt. DK explained that the Town adopted the building code and Paul stated that he can’t waive anything that doesn’t meet life safety codes. Bill Evans commented that it was much more complicated because the building permit itself will cost 1 ½ times of a regular permit (here’s a 50% charge for people who build without getting a permit), Bruce would have to pay the impact fee and Bruce would also have to go to DES to get a statement that his type of septic is approved. Bill Evans felt that it should have a time limit placed on it and Bruce stated that he had made diligent effort. DK asked Bruce if he had a plan of the septic and Bruce stated that he did, that it’s a geo (grey water) system.

Bill Evans told the group that if Bruce objects to the changes, Paul can deny the permit and then Bruce can go through the appeals process, probably at Superior Court. Bruce stated that he knows he should bring it up to code but that the Building Inspector told him there are houses in town don’t have certificates of occupancies (CO) and they should be made to come into compliance too. PG stated that any complaints that they receive will be handled in the same manner. DK mentioned that a lot of houses were built before the codes were adopted or certificates of occupancies were required. Bruce asked the Board if anyone had looked into Bill Gosse’s house, as he did not have a certificate of occupancy and PG told Bruce the Board hadn’t received a complaint or violation on him. Bill Evans suggested wondered about issuing a 30 day temporary CO after Bruce submits all the paperwork and then keep renewing it as long as progress is being made. DK cautioned that a temporary permit is issued under specific conditions and that Bruce has a lot of work to do on the house. It was determined that Bruce Shearer would have until 7/31/09 to get all the permits and have them paid for.

At 8:06 Paul Richardson told the Board that he did a site visit per their request to the property on the corner of Meredith Lane and Walker Road. Paul explained that the modular home was severely damaged in the tornado (unsuitable for living) and the homeowner was still struggling with the insurance company. The RV is a temporary arrangement and is hooked up to the existing septic system. Paul informed the Selectmen that he would stop in and follow up with the property owner. Paul also informed the Board that Marc Jordan had received his approval from the State for the operation of the septic. Paul next told the Board that he visited the Robert Young site on North Barnstead Road and that Mr. Young is not building a 2nd story as reported by the neighbor. Paul added that the stakes (from land survey) will be placed on the property tomorrow.

At 8:15 p.m. the Board met with Scott Ward, of Exit Realty in Pittsfield, on behalf of the Center Barnstead Christian Church, representing the deacons of the church. Scott explained that the parsonage (#90 South Barnstead Road) is a narrow lot and that the side yard that the parsonage has used for the last 20 years is actually on the old “Rogers” property, now owned by the Town. Scott stated that the church found out about it about 2 years ago and just let “sleeping dogs lie” but the septic system (which is actually on the town property) is failing. Scott added that Gosse septic has been pumping it regularly but it needs to be replaced and the church would like to ask the town for a lot line adjustment to replace the septic where it is. Scott added that the garden, fence and possibly the deck on the rear of the parsonage is all on town property. The group reviewed the plans of the property and JB asked if a chamber system would work. Bill Evans, formerly of the State of NH – Dept. of Environmental Services and now Barnstead Health Officer, stated that a chamber system would work. Bill Evans mentioned that the Church may want to look into adverse possession and Scott stated that the Church felt the 1st course of action should be asking for a lot line adjustment. Scott added that neither the Pastor nor the Church wanted to come across in a negative way and that at some point the property may become taxable property for the Town. JB commented that he didn’t think that was likely.

PG asked if they needed a whole new system and Scott stated that they did and that they had looked at all the options. He added that a chamber system would not work because it wouldn’t be 75 feet from the existing well (which is in the front of the house). JB mentioned that there was enough room to put the system behind the house where it would be 75’ feet from the well and the leachfield would be out back as well. Scott told the group that while it might be possible, it would have to be pumped up to the leachfield and that all the piping is in the opposite direction. DK mentioned that the town property was for future development and where there wasn’t any definite plans for that area, they would want to make sure they retained enough land to meet setbacks etc. Scott stated that the Church has just been able to come up with enough money to replace in-kind, in the same location (which is why they hadn’t come before the Board sooner), but they don’t have the money for a pump-up system. The Board asked that Scott have the church look into installing a pump-up system in the back. Bill Evans suggested giving them 30 days to have the site evaluated by a designer to see if the system could go in the backyard and if it can’t then he suggested they look at adverse possession. PG wondered if an easement could be considered and it was determined that the Selectmen would get a legal opinion on the matter. Mr. Ward thanked the Board for their time and left at 8:45 p.m.

GP enlightened the Board on a meeting he attended regarding the Community Block Grant, where the town’s application has been accepted and is awaiting approval of the Governor’s council. PG made a motion that GP attend a required workshop for the Block Grant on behalf of the town. JB seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote. Jen Boulanger will be contacted regarding proposals for grant administrators.

DK told the Board that he was part of a group that had looked at intersections along Route 28 in town for safety projects for the Dept. of Transportation and felt they needed turnoff lanes. He added that they needed to get on board for signage and enforce the sign regulations. DK stated that the Road Agent, Chris Carazzo is aware of the new standards and that they’ll have to budget for it next year.

Upon receiving a complaint, the Board asked Paul Richardson, Code Enforcer to look at the Davis property on Parade Road. After a brief discussion it was determined that the Selectmen will meet with police employees (without the department head) and then schedule a separate meeting with the department heads. The next department on the list is the police department. It was brought to the Board’s attention that the police department is not using the prefix code before dialing in State long distance telephone numbers, thus being charged 10 cents per minutes as opposed to 3 cents per minute through MCI. A memo will be sent to Chief Borgia, as they have 4 phone lines at the police station. The Board further discussed the number of cellphones the police department has and It was determined that the memo would also mention that personal calls are not allowed. JB commented that when he was Chief, Union Telephone gave him a discount and he asked that it be looked into.

The group next discussed dry hydrants and the Board will ask Chief Krause if they are being cleaned out and utilized. Karen Montgomery informed the Board that the wording for the Capital Reserve account for cisterns was simply that the money be used to install fire cisterns throughout the town and that if town meeting voted to install one the Trustees of the Trust Funds would release that money regardless of a Selectmen’s policy on cisterns. The group had a brief discussion on cisterns and agreed that they needed to see a copy of the list of proposed locations for cisterns that the Fire Dept. has in their possession. DK questioned another invoice for North East Tire in Belmont, again wondering why work was being taken out of town when the policy is to utilize local businesses. JB and DK both verbalized that the Selectmen’s requests are being violated and the Board needed to look at taking action.

The Board discussed legal issues and reviewed miscellaneous correspondence.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:35 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,                                   

Karen Montgomery

Selectmen’s Secretary                                     

|Top of Page  

SELECTMEN'S OFFICE

Town of Barnstead

P.O. Box 11

Center Barnstead, NH  03225

Minutes

April 21st, 2009

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

Chairman David Kerr opened the meeting at 6:30 p.m. and the Board signed the payroll, manifest, the minutes of 4/7/09, the assessing contract, 1 veteran’s exemption, 1 abatement and 1 intent to cut wood form.

The Board met with Cate Kowalski to update various pages on the website. As the Beautification Committee has disbanded, she will display the need for volunteers on that site. The Fire Dept. Study Committee page will be removed as they have also dissolved. After a brief discussion regarding their displeasure with the current server company (Alpine Web), JB made a motion to switch server companies from Alpine Web to Go Daddy. AH seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote. Cate explained that the new server company is less expensive and she will set it up to take over May 1.

Elaine Swinford informed the Board that she had gotten a call from the Boyscouts about the can collection trailer. She said that with it sitting behind the Center Fire Station, no one is putting cans in it and wondered if it could be moved back to the front of the fire station. A discussion ensued about the problems in the past with the trailer not being emptied/maintained and cans/garbage falling out in the parking lot. JB asked if it could be moved to the town-owned bus parking lot but AH felt the cans would be stolen there. Karen Montgomery suggested parking it at the Parade Fire Station and Elaine will mention it to scouts. It was determined to give the scouts one last chance and allow the trailer to be parked here at the Center Fire Station.

At 6:50 p.m. AH made a motion that the Barnstead flag be flown at half mast in remembrance of National Awareness Day of the Holocaust and PG seconded the motion. DK suggested they research it first, to see if it could be done and Bill Evans commented that there is legislature regarding the flags. Elaine Swinford, a Legislative Representative, stated that she would speak to the Legislative Services people about it and AH amended his motion pending on legal interpretation.

Three members of Wes Locke Road met with the Board at 6:55 p.m. thanking the Road Agent for fixing the road, but wondering when it would be receiving a permanent fix, complete with ditching, new culverts and paving. Chairman Kerr explained that the Road Agent had submitted a proposal which came to $40,000 but that it was not in the budget for this year. Kerr added that one problem with the road is that Red Oak Road (a private road) drains down onto the towns road and that this is illegal. Kerr added that until the private road is fixed, the town cannot keep fixing their road only to have it washed out by Red Oak wash off. The residents commented that their association, which collects dues from the residents, uses the dues money to pay for plowing etc, but it’s very minimal and they could not afford to pave their road. When asked if the town could take over the private road, it was explained that the road would have to be brought up to Class 5 standards and pass town meeting vote. When asked how they could get the road on the list to be fixed, DK stated that they have started the process and have done the right thing by coming in. The residents wanted to speak with the Road Agent and were instructed that they could either call the Road Agent themselves, or if they wanted a meeting with him at a Selectmen’s meeting, they could call Karen Montgomery and schedule an appointment.

The Board went into Non-Public Session under RSA 91-A: 3 II (d) at 7:15 p.m. on a motion by Phil Grillo seconded by Jim Barnard with the following vote recorded, David Kerr, yes; Jim Barnard, yes; Phil Grillo, yes; Andy Houle, yes; and Gordon Preston, yes. The Board came out of Non-Public Session at 7:30 p.m. and on a motion by Andy Houle, seconded by Phil Grillo, the Board unanimously voted to seal the minutes of that meeting.

The Selectmen next met with Nick Rott, President of Barnstead Fire Rescue Inc. (BFRI) who was responding to the Selectmen’s letter asking about the ownership of a Diamond Reo Tanker. Nick stated that the vehicle is not a BFRI truck nor is it on the list of BFRI property. Nick relayed the history that he knew about it, stating that it is a 1963 and the Center Fire Dept. allowed Timco, who refurbished the truck, to keep it at the Timco property in case of fire. Nick thought that sometime around 1994 the Fire Dept. decided to let Timco have the vehicle. The Board explained that the vehicle was given back to the Town and driven up to the Highway Garage when Timco sold (which is where it’s been sitting for five years). JB explained that the Board just wanted to find out about the truck so they could make a decision on it. Nick stated that he will research it further and get back to them. JB asked Nick if he was ready to schedule an appointment to meet with the Selectmen regarding the contract but Nick did not have a set date yet. Nick did however inform the Board that he had a list of names of BFRI members that wanted to sit on the “award program” committee and the “fire chief” committee. JB asked how many people were interested and Nick said he had five names for the awards committee. JB commented that they wanted BFRI to be part of the committee, but they didn’t know how big the committee would be just yet and DK concurred.

GP made a motion to have the Chairman sign the Purvis Assessing contract and JB seconded the motion. It passed with a unanimous vote. After a brief discussion regarding ambulance billing rates, in which Karen Montgomery informed the Board that Chief Krause was in favor of a 30% increase, JB made a motion to have the Chairman sign the ambulance rate sheet with a 30% increase. The motion was seconded by GP and passed with a unanimous vote.

The group next discussed the repairs at the police department and reviewed two proposals for various projects. DK commented that Chief Borgia had already been approved to have the two doors installed as long as the work did not exceed $500.00 per door. JB stated that he still didn’t know why they couldn’t use the extra doors that are at the fire station. The group reviewed one flooring sample and will have DK bring in the sample so they can compare the two. JB had several questions regarding the project involving making the front room (with the picture window) into two offices and wondered why the police secretary, Meri Hirtle’s office was in the back room. DK clarified that it always was in the front room, where you enter the building but recently had been moved to the back room. JB wondered what sense it made to move the receptionist into a back room away from the entrance. DK mentioned that the next project was to do with the air conditioning mounting and JB informed him there were three existing cutouts already in the building. It was determined that AH would look at the police building and let the Board know what he finds. It was further determined that the Chief could proceed with the two doors but wait on the flooring.

At 8:10 the group reviewed the grant procedures memo that had been created and upon a motion by GP to accept the grant procedure guidelines, seconded by AH, the motion passed with a unanimous vote. DK mentioned that the UNH T2 correspondence had information regarding crack sealing and felt it would be of interest to the Road Agent. A brief conversation followed regarding the Gilford Fire Dept. noting that they have a much larger population (and vastly larger number in the summer) but yet do not have as much equipment as Barnstead. The Board reviewed the statistics listed in the Rural Hitch Magazine for the number of ambulance calls, noting that Barnstead had three times as many as other towns. A brief discussion ensued regarding mutual aid calls in other towns.

JB told the Board that Treasurer Jeannie Terry had reviewed the cash receipts policy and liked the one from Bow. It was determined that the work session on policies would be rescheduled for next week and JB left the meeting at 8:45 p.m.

PG asked that the Selectmen look into creating a policy regarding the cisterns that are put in by the Town with Capital Reserve monies. PG explained that the Planning Board has resolved the issue of the cistern description as it pertains to the subdivision regulations. The attorney will be asked about the authority of the Selectmen to create a policy on cisterns.

At 9:00 p.m. the Board discussed the scheduling of the Fire Rescue and the Police Department. It was noted that the Fire Rescue 24/7 coverage is by the fulltime people, thus incurring a lot of overtime and having the Selectmen wonder why shifts aren’t being filled with part time staff. The scheduling at the police department left the Board questioning why both supervisors (Chief Borgia and Sgt. McDowell) are both scheduled together on shifts. It was commented that there appeared to be a lot of overstaffing and that the supervisors should be split up on shifts.

In reviewing Chief Borgia’s request for a prosecutor, it was pointed out that the Selectmen still have not received any written data depicting the amount of time spent on different jobs. GP stated that he would like to see all the court time depicted on the officer’s time cards. AH suggested asking Borgia to meet with the Selectmen and ask him for the information. DK commented that he did not want to have to chase Chief Borgia or any department head for information. PG felt that if the Board was seriously looking into hiring a part time prosecutor then the Chief had to have information/statistics/data to back it up. AH volunteered to speak with Chief Borgia about coming in next Tuesday evening and to have him bring the information in regarding their court time, the number of officers that are in court for prosecutions etc. and where the person would work at.

The Board went into Non-Public Session under RSA 91-A: 3 II (c) at 9:26 p.m. on a motion by Phil Grillo seconded by Andy Houle with the following vote recorded, David Kerr, yes; Phil Grillo, yes; Andy Houle, yes; and Gordon Preston, yes. The Board came out of Non-Public Session at 9:50 p.m. and on a motion by Andy Houle, seconded by Phil Grillo, the Board unanimously voted to seal the minutes of that meeting.

The Board discussed legal issues and reviewed miscellaneous correspondence.

Following a brief conversation on department meetings, the police chief will be asked if the employees of that department want to meet with the Selectmen for a work session. It was determined that the meeting would not be mandatory and if any non-scheduled employees wanted to attend it would be a non-paid event.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,                                   

Karen Montgomery

Selectmen’s Secretary                                     

|Top of Page  

SELECTMEN'S OFFICE

Town of Barnstead

P.O. Box 11

Center Barnstead, NH  03225

Minutes

April 14th, 2009

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

Chairman David Kerr opened the meeting at 6:30 p.m. and the Board signed the payroll, manifest, the minutes of 3/31/09, Old Home Day committee appointments, 1 Elderly Exemption, 1 Current Use Application, a memo regarding grants, the TAN loan application and two BCEP appointments.

The Board met with Police Chief Ken Borgia at 6:30 p.m. DK asked if the forfeiture monies the town was receiving from a drug bust was due to the sale of a vehicle and Borgia told him it was cash that was seized. DK explained that the Treasurer will set up an account for the money, the paperwork is kept here and the Selectmen direct the Treasurer to release the funds. Borgia stated that the money can only be spent for law enforcement use and JB said he thought it could only be used for drug related programs. Borgia told him it had to tie into drug programs but read aloud a list of possible uses. Jim Barnard made a motion to sign the drug forfeiture account form and Andy Houle seconded the motion, which passed with a unanimous vote.

The Chairman opened the meeting to public input and Gail Darrell told the Board they were thinking of starting a town-wide job list where people could trade/barter jobs or work in lieu of paying. The Baysider will put something in print and instruct interested parties to contact Gail. Gail informed the Board that two towns in Maine passed our water ordinance and Gilmanton was looking at passing it next year.

PG, referring to a memo in the signature file, commented that the Board should discuss things first before memos are written up. DK explained that in Chief Borgia’s letter to the Board last week, Borgia had asked for guidance and procedures when looking at grants, so DK wrote up basic procedures. DK went on to say that the memo was a draft and he had asked Karen Montgomery to type it up so it was legible for the Board to read.

JB made a motion that the Chairman signs the TAN loan application forms, which was seconded by AH and passed with a unanimous vote.

The Board went into Non-Public Session under RSA 91-A: 3 II (a) at 6:50 p.m. on a motion by Gordon Preston seconded by Jim Barnard with the following vote recorded, David Kerr, yes; Jim Barnard, yes; Phil Grillo, yes; Andy Houle, yes; and Gordon Preston, yes. The Board came out of Non-Public Session at 7:10 p.m. and on a motion by James Barnard, seconded by Andy Houle, the Board unanimously voted to seal the minutes of that meeting.

JB made a motion to send a memo out immediately to all department heads to curtail any spending for the next four weeks. AH seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote. The Treasurer will let the Board know as soon as the TAN loan is approved.

At 7:12 p.m. the Board met with Owain Harris, who explained that he owned property on Hannah Nutter Road has a building permit, a septic system and was asking if he could place his RV on the property for the summer while they build their house. DK mentioned that our files only showed a “Construction Approval” for the septic, but no “Operation Approval” and Mr. Harris to him that they are scheduling DES to inspect it and that it will be ready/approved by the time they start staying in the RV. Mr. Harris added that the RV, (32 feet long) that they bought off Craig’s list, is being delivered to the property but they wouldn’t be living there until June 1, 2009. GP asked where Harris currently was living and Harris told him in Barrington, NH. DK explained that before a temporary permit is issued for them to live in the RV, the septic must be approved for operation by the State and Mr. Harris agreed. DK asked how long they planned to be in the RV and Harris stated that they hope to have the house done by October. It was determined that Mr. Harris would come back in for the temporary permit after the septic is approved and that the RV could be delivered to the property. PG suggested that they let the police know the RV will be on the property so they can keep an eye on it.

The Board went into Non-Public Session under RSA 91-A: 3 II (d) at 7:25 p.m. on a motion by Andy Houle seconded by Jim Barnard with the following vote recorded, David Kerr, yes; Jim Barnard, yes; Phil Grillo, yes; Andy Houle, yes; and Gordon Preston, yes. The Board came out of Non-Public Session at 8:00 p.m. and on a motion by James Barnard, seconded by Andy Houle, the Board unanimously voted to seal the minutes of that meeting.

At 8:10 p.m. the Board discussed the use of Town credit cards with some of the members questioning whether they should even be allowed. Karen Montgomery suggested that they obtain a list from each department of any existing cards and a memo will be sent out. JB commented that he had reviewed the draft credit card policies and felt they should tentatively accept the Goffstown policy but change the limit to $250.00. The Board will review the policy and be prepared next week. JB informed the Board that the Treasurer is reviewing the cash receipts policies and will let them know for next week’s meeting which one she would like to adopt. The Board reviewed our current purchasing policy and unanimously agreed that is was okay as written.

The Selectmen reviewed the Wes Locke Road estimate from the Road Agent and discussed the draft copies of bids for sand and gravel. PG made a motion to accept the bid procedures for sand and crush gravel, which was seconded by AH and passed with a unanimous vote.

The Board went into Non-Public Session under RSA 91-A: 3 II (d) at 8:50 p.m. on a motion by Andy Houle seconded by Phil Grillo with the following vote recorded, David Kerr, yes; Jim Barnard, yes; Phil Grillo, yes; Andy Houle, yes; and Gordon Preston, yes. The Board came out of Non-Public Session at 8:56 p.m. and on a motion by James Barnard, seconded by Andy Houle, the Board unanimously voted to seal the minutes of that meeting.

The Board instructed Karen Montgomery to send a memo to Chief Krause to clarify that the recent request for a monthly schedule for his department was for the fulltime/part-time staff and not the call people. Karen informed the Board that Chief Krause had requested a meeting with the Selectmen on a Saturday for a work session and that he would need between 2-3 hours. The Board stated that they could not meet on Saturdays and instructed Karen to contact Krause and ask what day during the week would be good for him. The Board further requested that Krause present them with a list of topics (with complete details) that he wanted to discuss so that they may be prepared.

The Selectmen asked that a memo be sent to the Road Agent instructing him that the entire Highway Crew attend the Mountain of Demonstration at Gunstock and then return to work for the remainder of the day. The Board reviewed the junkyard inspection findings of the Dept. of Environmental Services for the Paul Davis property. A motion was made by JB that no permit is issued by the town until Mr. Davis complies with DES. The motion was seconded by AH and passed with a unanimous vote.

The Board discussed legal issues and reviewed miscellaneous correspondence. The Board will check with the Building Inspector to see if Bruce Shearer has applied for his building permit as was agreed upon.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,                                   

Karen Montgomery

Selectmen’s Secretary                                     

|Top of Page  

SELECTMEN'S OFFICE

Town of Barnstead

P.O. Box 11

Center Barnstead, NH  03225

Minutes

April 7th, 2009

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

Chairman David Kerr opened the meeting at 6:30 p.m. and the Board signed the payroll, manifest, 2 gravel tax levy warrants, 1 intent to cut, 2 abatements, 2 site plan applications 1 elderly exemption forms, a preliminary bridge estimate request to DOT for Hannah Nutter Bridge, a hazard mitigation application for Damsite Road and 3 memos.

Treasurer Jeannie Terry met with the Board to discuss a request from Parks & Rec for a money transfer. A discussion ensued regarding proper procedures of payments from both the Selectmen’s budget and the Parks & Rec’s revolving fund and a call will be made to Peg Simoneau.

Karen Montgomery told the Board that Fire Chief Krause had asked her to relay to the Board that he was looking for approval to have a hand-written check drawn up for a training class that was scheduled for the next day for two employees. Krause stated that it was a required class and the two attendees were Dan Confer and Mary Reed. JB made a motion to pay for the training and that a handwritten check be cut. PG seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote.

At 6:37 Chairman Kerr opened the meeting to public input and several residents of Wes Locke Road gave complaints of the muddy conditions, stating that it was almost impassable. The residents explained that they had spoken with the Road Agent and that he has been doing temporary fixes but the road lacks culverts and ditches. The group state that they wanted to see something done for next year to alleviate the problems. The Board will ask the Road Agent to prepare a plan to fix the problems and to also do any immediate repairs to keep the road passable. PG mentioned that the Town has 80 miles of dirt roads and the recent disasters (floods, tornados, ice storms) delays the scheduled repairs. The group asked when they could expect to hear something and DK told them he would ask for the Road Agents plan for next week. JB thanked the group for coming in.

AH made a motion to have the Chairman sign the Hazard Mitigation Grant for Damsite Road. JB seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote. JB asked that the Road Agent be contacted to look at the Parade Road drainage issue.

At 7:00 p.m. Brad Olmstead met with the Board and explained that as part of his Eagle Scout project, he was replacing the bleachers at the baseball field on Route 126 in May and was requesting a waiver to the BCEP facility for the discarded materials. AH made a motion to give Brad a waiver, which was seconded by PG and passed with a unanimous vote. DK asked Brad if there were any more scouts that needed projects as the Beautification Committee was disbanded and the town would need someone to care for the flowers/landscaping at the Town Hall, Parade triangle and Route 28 triangle. Brad told the Board he would bring it up at the next scout meeting. JB asked the Baysider reporter if she would submit it as well. The Board wished Brad well.

At 7:08 Health Officer Bill Evans told the Board that Health & Human Services has put out plans for West Nile and EEE epidemics. At 7:15 p.m. Nathan Locke met with the Board to discuss his delinquent taxes, informing them that he would have taxes caught up soon, but needed a little time. The Board reminded him that he had not cleaned up the pile of trash from last year as they had instructed him to do. Nathan told the Selectmen that he has started clearing it up but he has no work and it costs $25 a truck load to haul away. It was determined that the matter would be tabled for two weeks to give Nathan time to remove all the trash before they would make a decision on the taxes. JB asked about the signs at the corner of Rte 28 and North Barnstead Road and Nathan told him that the Blueberry sign (which is supposed to be removed every fall) is not his. Bill Evans commented that the Blueberry sign is a big detriment to traffic pulling out from North Barnstead Road and Nathan told the group that he would pull the sign tomorrow.

The Board went into Non-Public Session under RSA 91-A: 3 II (d) at 7:35 p.m. on a motion by Gordon Preston seconded by Andy Houle with the following vote recorded, David Kerr, yes; Jim Barnard, yes; Phil Grillo, yes; Andy Houle, yes; and Gordon Preston, yes. The Board came out of Non-Public Session at 7:44 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 Board went into Non-Public Session under RSA 91-A: 3 II (d) at 7:45 p.m. on a motion by Jim Barnard seconded by Andy Houle with the following vote recorded, David Kerr, yes; Jim Barnard, yes; Phil Grillo, yes; Andy Houle, yes; and Gordon Preston, yes. The Board came out of Non-Public Session at 8:00 p.m. and on a motion by Phil Grillo, seconded by Andy Houle, the Board unanimously voted to seal the minutes of that meeting.

JB spoke to the Board about the performance evaluation workshop he attended in Rochester and about the public works mutual aid program. DK asked the Board if they wanted to take any action on the letter from Chief Borgia last week regarding grants. GP cautioned the Board about the COPS grant, where it requires the town to hire and keep a new person. JB made a motion to table the issue but PG pointed out that Town Meeting voted down adding any more policemen to the department so that grant would not be sought after. AH mentioned that Borgia has other grants he (AH) was looking into. PG commented that Chief Borgia also sent over information on a prosecutor for Barnstead, but there wasn’t anything budgeted this year for it. PG informed the Board that he asked Borgia to provide a breakdown on the costs of our department doing their own prosecuting compared to hiring a part-time prosecutor. GP stated that the Board has no idea how much time is even being spent in court. JB questioned why 2-3 officers are up at the school each morning during child drop-off hours when one is all that’s necessary.

At 8:17 p.m. Chairman Kerr explained to the Board that he had reviewed the Energy Audit and felt that some of the estimated usage amounts were inflated. The Board felt they should look into other options before going forward with Atlantic Energy.

The Board reviewed the 1st quarter appropriation request from Barnstead Fire Rescue Inc. and determined that Chief Krause would be asked to provide a breakdown on the figure so that it is reflected on each appropriate line item in the budget. The group next discussed easements for cisterns and Karen Montgomery informed the Board that we have a document prepared by the attorney for cistern easements. PG spoke to the Selectmen about an ordinance for box trailers and relayed that a resident has several on his property and the owner may be renting them out. Karen mentioned that the RSA’s spell out what ordinances the Selectmen can create/enforce and what it under the jurisdiction of the Planning Board.

Karen Montgomery spoke with the Board about the drug forfeiture money that the town will be receiving explaining that the RSA’s clearly state that the Treasurer (Jeannie Terry) holds the funds, which will be accounted for separately, but that the Treasurer can only pay out upon order of the Board of Selectmen. The Police Chief and Selectmen need to decide what the money will be used for (per the legal requirements). The Chief had given Jeannie an application to be filled out for the funds to be deposited in our account and had requested that the form be given back to the police department. The Board agreed that all paperwork is to remain here at the Selectmen’s Office as they are responsible for all auditing and compliance audits. A meeting will be scheduled with Chief Borgia to go over this next week.

DK mentioned that police vehicle repairs are still being done in Belmont and that our procurement policy specifies that they will make every effort to use local businesses. DK read aloud the work that was done, pointing out that it was stuff that could have been done at any local shop. JB stated that the work should be done here and they needed to keep the mileage down on the vehicles. He added that people were constantly going over the $500 spending limit without getting permission from the Board first and that the department heads should be getting written up for not following policy. AH commented that the town should look at having a fulltime mechanic and DK told the group that he’s been asking for a long time to have maintenance records on each vehicle to show how much time/cost is spent on repairs. JB mentioned that they’d have to have a place to do the work and GP informed the group that the 5 town Suncook Valley Committee is looking into sharing costs and this might be something 2 towns that abut could share.

The group next discussed bids for sand, gravel, grading, excavation etc. and it was mentioned that Jim Locke had been in again commenting that the Town was still trucking from Angelini and wondering when the ad for bidding would be done. It was determined that the group would review various policies that had been given to them and be prepared the next week to discuss them.

At 9:11 p.m. PG informed the Board that a couple Town Hall employee’s had suggested having a meeting with the Selectmen on the Wednesday that the Town Hall is closed. It was determined that a meeting would be scheduled for April 15, 2009 from 10:30 a.m. – noon. JB reminded the group that they need to schedule meetings with the department heads as well.

Elaine Swinford, Legislative Representative for Barnstead was present, and the Board agreed that they wanted her to vote that the Rooms & Meals revenue sharing (and other revenues) would remain in the town and not be taken away as proposed by the Governor’s budget.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:28 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,                                   

Karen Montgomery

Selectmen’s Secretary                                     

|Top of Page  

SELECTMEN'S OFFICE

Town of Barnstead

P.O. Box 11

Center Barnstead, NH  03225

Minutes

March 31st, 2009

Present: Chairman Gordon Preston (GP), David Kerr (DK), Jim Barnard (JB), Phil Grillo (PG) and Andy Houle (AH).

Chairman Gordon Preston opened the meeting at 6:35 p.m. and the Board signed the payroll, manifest, the minutes of 3/17/09 & 3/24/09, 6 abatements, 3 intent to excavate forms, the Enpro Tank Certification and the 2009 MS-2 form.

Chairman David Kerr opened the meeting at 6:30 p.m. GP made a motion to have the Chairman sign the Enpro Certification regarding the diesel storage tank at the Highway Garage. PG seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote. AH informed the Board that the Road Agent had asked about filling Tim Smith’s position. DK told him they are holding Tim’s position, but could have someone temporary on an as-needed basis. JB mentioned that Eric Corliss is already a seasonal part-time employee for Highway Dept. and should be utilized as such. The Board had a brief discussion regarding an invoice for grading by Roscoe Tasker.

At 6:40 p.m. the Chairman opened the meeting up to public input and Jim Locke, of Earth, told the Board he was present last fall and was told that the Town would go out to bid on winter sand, gravel etc. and that a purchasing policy would be in place in 2009. He added that on Election Day (in March) he asked Chris Carazzo (Road Agent) if the town needed any materials and Chris had told him they did not. Jim added that the town trucks were hauling from Angelini’s pit then and are still hauling now. DK stated that this was very upsetting news to him because they do have a procurement policy, but the Board was told by Carazzo that he’d have a bid policy in place and apparently hasn’t done that. DK added that he had spoken to Carazzo and Carazzo mentioned there was an availability issue with Earth. Jim told the Board that that was bull, that Carazzo has his cell phone number and Jim has told Carazzo that someone can be at the pit and ready when he needs them. Jim added that the only issue would be if Carazzo expected someone to be ready and available 24/7. PG told the group that last week Carazzo had shown him some bid forms from different towns so he was working on it. Jim said that he was told there was a policy, which he hasn’t seen and Carazzo is saying he’s doing a bid policy but it isn’t done yet, and he (Jim) just wanted to make sure the Board is aware of this. A copy of the Town’s procurement policy was given to Jim.

JB asked if they had heavy equipment (graders, excavators etc.) and Jim stated that they did and could provide quotes on equipment with drivers. GP asked if wheeled excavators can do the ditches and Jim told them that the one with the bucket that swings will do a much better job. JB asked Jim to provide the Board with written rates for grader with driver, loader with operator, truck with driver and prices for a flagger as well. Jim mentioned that Alton has a good policy with specifications and PG commented that Carazzo would be requiring state specifications. Jim cautioned them to be careful that State specs 3” allow rocks and a lot of Road Agents want it finer than that depending on the job. Brian White commented that what Carazzo is putting down is screened bank run and Jim stated that that was not the same a crushed. JB mentioned that he thought the sand was all bought last for this year and wondered why we were buying. DK asked Jim if he had screened bank run and Jim said that he did, adding that his pit is the same area as Angellini’s pit and that they make specific dirt for each job depending upon the requirements (which is why they need to know the specs). DK told Jim that he would be kept posted and that he was embarrassed that even though they have a procurement policy, it wasn’t being followed.

At 7:00 p.m. Brian White (of Coles Ledge Road) informed the Board that he got a demolition permit from the Building Inspector to remove an in-law building but with mud-season and the roads posted he has been unable to do so. Brian added that there’s no power to the building, that it’s all been unhooked, but he needed an extension in order to get it out of there. The permit date expiration was as of 4/1/09. JB asked if June was okay and Brian said it was. Brian told the Board that Carol Locke had told him any building remaining on a property as of April 1, 2009 would be taxed for the year. Brian asked the Board if they would waive the building assessment for the 2009 year and JB made a motion to give Brian White an extension on the demolition until June 1, 2009 and that it not be taxed for the 2009 year. AH seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote.

The Chairman noted that Steve Costa (the 7:00 p.m. appointment) had rescheduled his meeting for next week. The Board approved an extension for Peter Farrell on his intent to cut. At 7:20 p.m. the Building Inspector met with the Board to give them copies of some letters he had sent and discussed sign violations. A representative from the NH Dam Bureau will meet with the Board to discuss the dams in town.

AH made a motion to allow the Road Agent to bring the water truck to the Timco property. PG seconded the motion and it passed with the following vote; DK, yes; JB, abstained; PG, yes; AH, yes; and GP, yes.

JB informed the Board that Nick Rott, President of Barnstead Fire Rescue Inc. (BFRI) will be scheduling an appointment with the Selectmen in April to discuss the pending contract. JB stated that he would like to see it taken in steps and not approved until it’s all done and the attorney’s have checked it over. JB added that the letter from the Selectmen’s attorney regarding the proposed contract is confidential and cannot be shared. DK stated that they should move forward with the fulltime fire chief position and JB suggested that the committee include one Selectman, one BFRI member, the current fire chief and then members of the public that live in Barnstead. JB added that the new chief should live in town and PG told him that you can’t require that. After a brief discussion, it was determined that the Board pursue establishing a committee. The Selectmen discussed the insurance issue (buildings and vehicles), noting that the Town budgeted for insuring all BFRI’s property and BFRI also budgeted for it as well. Nick Rott will be asked about this when he meets with the Board in April.

The Board reviewed miscellaneous correspondence and discussed legal issues.

After reviewing the delinquencies of a lease agreement the Selectmen unanimously agreed that they would proceed with the steps outline in the agreement for nonpayment and a certified letter will be sent immediately.

Karen Montgomery informed the Board that she had spoken with Tom Kendrick of MacFarland Johnson regarding his firm looking at Hannah Nutter Bridge. Mr. Kendrick stated that the Dept. of Transportation allows towns to use the same firm for other projects without having to go through the bidding process as long as it’s within 3 years of the current project.

The meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote at 8:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,                                   

Karen Montgomery

Selectmen’s Secretary                                     

|Top of Page  

SELECTMEN'S OFFICE

Town of Barnstead

P.O. Box 11

Center Barnstead, NH  03225

Minutes

March 24th, 2009

Present: Chairman Gordon Preston (GP), David Kerr (DK), Jim Barnard (JB), Phil Grillo (PG) and Andy Houle (AH).

Chairman Gordon Preston opened the meeting at 6:35 p.m. and the Board signed the payroll, manifest, the minutes of 3/10/09, 1 current use application, 2 yield tax warrants, a letter to David Brown and a letter to MacFarland Johnson.

Chairman David Kerr opened the meeting at 6:30 p.m. and met with Chief Borgia. The Board had forgotten to make a couple of motions pertaining to the police department last week, so Andy Houle made the first motion to hire part-time officer Edwin Pitman as a fulltime officer to fill the vacant sixth officer position. Phil Grillo seconded the motion and JB asked about the town’s policy requiring officers to live in or so many miles from town. Chief Borgia told him that he had never heard of such a policy. JB asked where Mr. Pitman would be living and Borgia told him it he lives in Concord but was buying a house in Northwood near Coe-Brown. DK commented that the new personnel policy (October 2004) would supercede any prior policies. JB stated that having officers “on call” that live in Concord (and take the cruiser) is not saving the town any money, plus they are that much further away. Chief Borgia said that he agreed. JB reiterated that they needed officers that lived in town and DK suggested doing a policy. JB felt that the Chief ought to do the policy, if he agreed with the Board and that JB did not want to usurp the Chief’s authority. DK called for a vote on the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote.

Chief Borgia next explained that the police station has been experiencing brown outs up to 6 times a day that cause the computer backup units to come on.  He added that PSNH had checked it out and put a new wire outside, so it was an in-house problem. A brief discussion ensued, with Borgia saying that it started approximately a month ago and it was determined that Borgia would call electrician Pat Heffernan to check it out. Borgia added that they can also hear other conversations when using the telephones. JB asked if the PD was being charged for calls they weren’t making and Borgia said they were not. JB asked if Borgia goes over the phone bills and Borgia stated that he did.  Borgia next informed the Board that they had received drug asset forfeiture money, that he had talked with Treasurer Jeannie Terry and that a separate account would be created. JB mentioned that the money can only be spent on specific things and that Borgia would have to get the Board’s permission to spend it. Borgia stated that he has the authority to spend without the Board’s approval and the matter will be looked into.

Chief Borgia told the Board that he has applied for an underage drinking grant in the amount of $4,000. GP asked if there were any matching funds involved and Borgia told him there were not, that it’s 100% paid. Borgia also stated that he and Officer Grow had attended a training workshop on police grants and before he started the process he wanted to see if the Board agreed. JB asked if it was to hire new people and Borgia told him the funds could be for new people or to put officers back to work that are unemployed. JB asked that the Board be sent all the literature on theses grants for them to look at before anything is determined and the Board agreed.

Chief Borgia next stated that he had received two estimates on work to be done at the police station and referred to a safety meeting conducted by a representative of the Local Government Center two years ago. JB told him the Board had authorized him to change the doors. Borgia told the Board that he had received funds for the K9 grant vehicle, which he had given to Jeannie and was requesting a check from the town to purchase the vehicle. JB said, “So you’ll mark it up with police lettering etc.” and Borgia told him that it would be an unmarked vehicle, that there wasn’t any money to mark it up. He added that the K9 officer (Kelley) would have Borgia’s vehicle because all the donated equipment for the dog would fit that car and Borgia would have the unmarked vehicle. JB stated that the K9 vehicle is the one that’s supposed to be bought with the grant money. Borgia said that he had spoken with the Board of Directors for the K9 grant and as long as one vehicle was purchased, any car can be used for the dog car. PG commented that the full Board sat through the presentation where this was mentioned. JB said, “So, there’s no money to mark up the car” and Borgia said that there was not, but that  lights are being put on it at no cost. DK said that it was their understanding that it would be a marked vehicle and JB said that he asked that question at the meeting and was told yes. AH said that he recalled JB asking the question and someone answering that it was marked for K9 use and being donated. JB asked who does the marking and Borgia told him that it was a sign shop in Tilton. JB instructed Borgia to let him know how much it was going to cost and AH asked that he get a quote. Borgia told the Board that the problem was that a local man has been holding the vehicle they want to purchase for two months now and they need to move on it.

DK asked why the Chief needed an unmarked vehicle, especially where he (Borgia) mostly commutes from home (Belmont) with it. Borgia told the group that the PD hasn’t been able to have an unmarked vehicle and that he uses it for more than just commuting, that he takes it to court etc. DK reminded him again that he (Borgia) had told the Board they would have the car for 4 years and Borgia said yes. JB asked what vehicle they were buying and Borgia told him it was a 1999 Blazer, 4x4 with low mileage and the Blue Book price was $4,000 but they were getting it for $3,000. AH asked why some of the Board had a problem with the PD having an unmarked vehicle and DK told him that if a “covert operation” in a small town happens, then the police can lease an unmarked vehicle for that event. JB added that everyone in town will know the PD has an unmarked vehicle within two weeks of it being purchased, so the purpose is useless.

PG made a motion that Chief Borgia purchase a vehicle per the K9 grant and AH seconded the motion. JB commented that the town caught a lot of flack in the past for having an unmarked vehicle. DK called for the vote and it passed with the following vote; DK, yes; JB, abstained; PG, yes; AH, yes; and GP, yes.

DK asked why the police vehicles didn’t have their maintenance done in town and Borgia told him that for oil changes he can get them done for a price with free tire rotations that nobody in town can match. JB mentioned that places usually only charge $10 per vehicle to rotate tires and Borgia told him that some places charge $10 per tire. DK mentioned an invoice the Board received last week where three different vehicles were taken to Laconia Tire in one day (3 trips – 3 vehicles) and Borgia stated that he had already addressed that issue and it would not happen again.

DK next asked him about the purchase of a new blackberry phone and Borgia told him it was obtained at a very low price with features that he needs for his job. DK mentioned that it the cost was $179.00 and Borgia said it was for two of them, but they were $34.00 each. DK showed Borgia the invoice copy for $136.00 and Borgia said it was cost for 4 phones. PG asked about the Alton prosecutor looking to pick up more work and JB asked Borgia to find out how much money it would be. JB asked who did the juvenile cases here and Borgia stated that he did. Borgia left the meeting at 7:09 p.m.

Chairman Kerr opened up the meeting to public input at 7:10 p.m. GP explained that he had asked Sue Conrad to speak to the Board to clarify her statement at Town Meeting. Sue stated that she asked for clarification and that the 3% raises in the Selectmen’s budget would stand. PG told the group that he had started all this because he was concerned and wanted to do the right thing, so he asked Paul Landry, Budget Committee Chairman to attend the meeting as well. JB read aloud the draft minutes of Town Meeting where the Budget Committee’s budget figure was on the floor, then raised up to the Selectmen’s budget figure minus the town administrator salary, health and dental amounts. JB said,” The $36,000 plus that was put back in was to put the money back in the budget that the Budget Committee had cut from the Selectmen’s budget” and JB asked Paul Landry if that was what he understood to happen. Paul Landry stated that yes that was correct. JB said, “Simply put, the money goes back in where you cut it from the Selectmen’s budget, right”? Paul said that it was. AH commented that the way the whole thing ended, the people passed the Selectmen’s budget minus the town administrator. Paul said that he agreed, in a manner or speaking. He added that whatever they increased in the highway budget they did so by taking decreases elsewhere in the highway budget of the same amount and however the Selectmen allocate that is up to them. The Board thanked Sue and Paul for attending the meeting.

At 7:32 p.m. Bruce Shearer and Terry Locke met with the Board. GP read aloud the Code Enforcer, Building Inspector, Paul Richardson’s letter detailing violations with the duplex property. GP asked how many apartments there were and Bruce told him it was a duplex. Paul Richardson showed Bruce a diagram, explaining that Building “B” was the duplex and Building “C” cannot be used for rentals, etc. it’s just an outbuilding. Paul told Bruce that he couldn’t just take a building and make apartments out of it. Bruce stated that it’s not apartments, it’s a shared household. Paul told the Board that he spoke with a “Mike” who is living on the property in a section Mike referred to as his apartment and that it was not certified. Paul said that the other part of this building (where Mike was) has to be for storage only as there’s no fire protection in between and cannot be living space. Bruce stated that the prior Building Inspector, Karl Bahr, had approved of that section, that it was an apartment but Bruce had taken out the kitchen and now it’s just one large room. Paul reiterated that Bruce cannot make apartments in these buildings and Bruce told him that he wasn’t, that they were empty now and they are not renting anymore.

Bruce explained that to him, it’s always been one house, that they build it as such and then they made it into different apartments, but there isn’t any issues now because there are no more tenants. Bruce added that he had evicted the people Paul spoke about and then went on to say that they are now doing a farm school as we were headed for very hard times. DK asked again if anyone was living in any apartments and Bruce told him, “No, only Terry Locke, who lives in the building”. JB asked him if he was going to keep it that way and Bruce told him no, that as a farm school he might have students etc. there. PG asked Bruce if he was going to go to the Planning Board for site approval and Bruce said that he didn’t know. Bruce added that the RSA’s for farming are different.

PG mentioned that the issue also exists with the house next door that Bruce is living in. Paul Richardson explained that he got a call from Bruce asking for a 911 number and when Paul checked into it, he found that there was never any permits taken out. PG told Bruce that when he came before the Board a month or so ago to discuss this issue with the Board, JB had commented that Bruce was opening up a can of worms, but at that point it was too late. DK added that once something is brought before the Board, they have to act on it. JB apologized to Bruce and stated that the Board had to proceed with checking out the violation. Bruce told the group that it wasn’t any secret, that everyone knew he was living there, that the assessor had picked it up and he (Bruce) got a tax bill every year. Paul Richardson clarified, saying that the assessing record shows a building permit for a garage, but what was built was a greenhouse. Bruce stated that that was not what he had applied for. PG asked Bruce if he was the property owner and Bruce said that he was. PG told him he has to get permits before he does anything and that he (Bruce) was well aware of that.

DK wanted to clarify that building number “373” is a duplex and asked Paul if there was any problems with that. Paul told him there was not, as long as it is not rented out as several apartments – it’s a two family dwelling. DK next asked what Bruce needed for building number “367” and Paul said that he needed a building permit. Bill Evans suggested that the Board give him a timeframe to complete the paperwork and if he doesn’t comply, have him evicted. Bill added that if he failed to get a permit in the first place, then the penalty would also apply. There was a brief discussion regarding septic systems and Bill said that it would be discussed with Dick DeSave from the State. DK told Bruce to deal with Paul Richardson and that Paul would tell him what he needed to do. Paul asked Bruce if he had an artesian well and Bruce stated that he did. DK asked if it could be resolved by the end of June, Bruce asked in what way (solved) and DK said “getting a permit”. Bruce told the group that he would apply for a permit that evening. JB suggested giving Bruce until April 15, 2009 to have the permit in and Bruce accepted that date.

Bruce told the Board that he is going to do a farm school, that he wants to put a four season greenhouse in and he wanted to know how close to the road he could build it. PG told him he would have to have a site plan and go before the Planning Board. Terry Locke asked if a greenhouse was a temporary structure. DK told them to check with the Building Inspector and if Bruce was going to have a farm stand etc. then it would be considered a business and he should check with the Planning Board. Bruce commented that the rules are different for farms. Bruce and Terry thanked the Board and left for the evening.

Paul Richardson informed the Board of a property owner that was putting in an illegal apartment in the attached garage. Paul had gone there a couple times with no luck and will send out a cease & desist. The group discussed code violations for road signs and Paul will send a letter to 57 North Barnstead Road regarding the strawberry & blueberry signs. Bill Evans suggested limiting the time when signs can be up and Paul told him that he had a list for the Planning Board. At 8:05 Paul told the Selectmen that he had gone up to inspect Robert Young’s property and that it was okay, that nothing had changed.

The Board discussed the roads (now posted with weight limits) and having drivers issue bonds. They will look at some policies from other towns and prepare for next year’s season.

AH made a motion to have the Chairman sign a form pertaining to the Gray property. PG seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote. GP made a motion to have the Chairman sign the BCEDC Incorporator nomination form for Mike Kowalaksi. PG seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote. JB suggested having the department heads develop an idle policy for their vehicles and submit it to the Board for their review. After a brief discussion, it was determined that a memo would be sent requesting the policy. AH made a motion that Police Officer Frank Grow be promoted to the existing vacant position of Corporal (no pay increase) as discussed at last weeks meeting. PG seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote.

JB informed the Board that he brought back the Boston Post Cane that was previously held by Mary Knirsch. It was determined that the next recipient, Marion Hendersen, would be contacted. Karen Montgomery explained that the original Cane was kept here in the vault and that several years ago the Selectmen had purchased two replica canes, which is what actually gets handed out. JB mentioned that the replicas needed to be engraved with “Barnstead” and the Board gave their permission to have him pursue this. The Board gave their permission for Road Agent Chris Carazzo to contact Jim Fegley to perform a couple minor repairs to the boiler at the Highway Garage.

JB announced that he would attend the Employee Performance Evaluations workshop in Rochester on behalf of the Board. The Board spoke briefly about the Welch Road Bridge and DK wondered if MacFarland-Johnson could look at the Hannah Nutter Bridge. The Selectmen gave their approval for Steve Costa to begin the cage construction in the basement for record storing. They will also ask him to give us a proposal on fixing the windows in the basement as well.

Treasurer Jeannie Terry informed the Board that she had contacted the Northway Bank and could apply for a TAN Loan at 2.5%. Ms. Terry asked about the fingerprinting of new employees/volunteers etc. and the Board determined that per the RSA’s our police department would perform the function. A memo will be sent to Chief Borgia informing him of this.

At 9:00 p.m. JB told the Selectmen that he accompanied two Dept. of Environmental Service (DES) Reps on a junkyard site inspection at Paul Davis’. JB informed the Board that there were a lot of violations that were noted and the DES officials will send a copy of the report to them. JB further suggested that after they review the report, the Board should decide if they may need to suspend Mr. Davis’ license until he comes into compliance. Karen Montgomery told the Selectmen that when it was discovered that Mr. Davis wasn’t “grandfathered” from having the town issue a license (with approval from the Zoning Board) and that the town needed to do this, she spoke with legal council who suggested that Mr. Davis be informed that he would have to meet these requirements for next year’s application. Karen also spoke with DES officials regarding this issue and they were in agreement that notification and compliance would be appropriate for next year. When DES officials were told that Davis’ junkyard predates Planning and Zoning, they responded by saying that the property is grandfathered but the licensing and compliance is not. It was mentioned that the Board had signed Mr. Davis’ state application and the letter had already gone out. DK suggested that the Board wait until they get the report from DES before taking any further action.

GP announced that they were able to lock in oil prices at $1.89 with Fuller Oil from Sept. 2009 through June 2010 and that he had found out that the school had been offered this price, so he immediately sought the same for the Town. GP added that Mr. Barraford had called the SAU with a better price than the $1.89 but they did not respond back to him in time and so lost out on it.

Chairman Kerr told the Board that he would like to have each department head put, in writing, quantifiable goals for the year and that he would like reinstate monthly meetings (with department heads only) where the dept. heads give the Selectmen a monthly report and then meet with the dept. heads after the Board has reviewed the reports.

The Selectmen discussed the need for various policies and will start next week on a credit card policy, a bid policy and drug testing policy.

At 9:25 p.m. the Board went through the 2009 budget and determined the figures for each line item, per town meeting vote.

At 10:09 p.m. PG asked about establishing the committee for a fulltime fire chief and JB stated that he would like to go to Fire Standards & Training and find out the criteria etc. involved. GP mentioned that they want to look for a Fire Chief that also has EMT experience and JB added that he’d like to see the person live in town. DK commented that the search cannot be limited to people in town. GP reiterated that the emphasis should be on EMT/ambulance as 95% of our calls are ambulance and felt that they needed to shift to emergency needs as priority with fire experience. JB felt that after the Board gets the information they need they should sit with the part time Fire Chief and one member of BFRI to discuss the position.

The Board approved the request to go forward with the energy audit project, reviewed miscellaneous correspondence and discussed legal issues.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:20 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,                                   

Karen Montgomery

Selectmen’s Secretary                                     

|Top of Page  

SELECTMEN'S OFFICE

Town of Barnstead

P.O. Box 11

Center Barnstead, NH  03225

Minutes

March 17th, 2009

Present: Chairman Gordon Preston (GP), David Kerr (DK), Phil Grillo (PG) and Andy Houle (AH). Jim Barnard (JB) joined the meeting at 7:45 p.m.

Chairman Gordon Preston opened the meeting at 6:35 p.m. and the Board signed the payroll, manifest, the minutes of 3/3/09 and a quitclaim deed for Melanie Horohov.

The Board went into Non-Public Session under RSA 91-A: 3 II (a) at 6:30 p.m. on a motion by Andy Houle seconded by Dave Kerr with the following vote recorded, Gordon Preston, yes; David Kerr, yes; Phil Grillo, yes; and Andy Houle, yes. The Board came out of Non-Public Session at 6:43 p.m. and on a motion by Andy Houle, seconded by Phil Grillo, the Board unanimously voted to seal the minutes of that meeting.

Chief Borgia asked when the Selectmen would be approving the budget and instituting the raises and they told him they were starting on the budget that evening, with the raises probably taking effect next week. Borgia informed the Board that the police website that has been in place for several years has been funded privately but it cannot continue in that manner and to make payments require a credit card. PG asked why the police department couldn’t use the town’s website and Borgia told him it was being done internally. The Board instructed him to contact Cate Kowalski, website moderator and see if it could be done through the town’s website. GP mentioned concerns with the use of credit cards.

Chief Borgia next addressed a memo from the Selectmen asking about the invoice for belonging to the Association of Chiefs of Police (ACP) and the necessity of it. Borgia explained that it provides him with access to case law all over the country. GP asked if he could do without it, given the economy and Borgia said that he could not, that it also provides grant information as well. GP asked what the difference was between the ACP and the NH Society of Police Chiefs that Borgia also pays to belong to. Borgia told him he would rather not get into that issue. GP asked the Board if they could wait for JB’s input (as he was a former police chief) and Borgia asked what was wrong with the reason he gave the Board. GP stated that as long as Borgia felt there was an absolute value to the Town to belong to both organizations and he couldn’t live without either, then it would be approved. AH commented that the Chief had already told the Board that he needed both and JB hasn’t been a police officer for 14 years. PG agreed with AH, adding that a lot of things have changed in the police department since JB was a chief. Borgia told the Board that he would rather give up the NH organization and DK said, “Okay, we’ll drop it then”. Borgia added that he had already forgone the association for the department and he has saved $100 there. Chief Borgia next asked about finishing the replacement of the doors at the police department that had been approved last year and changing the reception area by closing the existing one and cutting in wall for the new area (the lowest bid was $3,297, which included some of the money previously designated to fix the doors). Borgia mentioned that the a/c units have never been installed as they were supposed to be and where the work (without the door cost) is less than $3000 it would not require bids, per our policy. DK corrected Borgia, stating that the policy says under $3,000 would not require sealed bids, but would however require bids. AH said, “So, you need $2200” and DK commented that Borgia was looking to take it out of the maintenance line which is supposed to cover repairs to all town buildings. GP asked if the police secretary, Meri Hirtle had worked out the terms of submitting cash/checks to the Treasurer, Jeannie Terry and Borgia said they had.

The Selectmen relocated to the Town Hall to conduct the public hearing regarding the Community Development Block Grant and returned at 7:55 p.m. to wrap up the rest of the meeting.

PG made a motion that Gordon Preston continue on as Chairman and AH seconded the motion. GP thanked his fellow Selectmen but politely refused the position and PG withdrew his motion. GP made a motion that Dave Kerr take over as Chairman and JB seconded the motion which passed with a unanimous vote. PG made a motion to have GP take the vice-chair position and GP stated that he would like to see one of the new Selectmen take that role. PG withdrew his motion. PG made a motion that JB become the Vice-Chair, which was seconded by GP and received a unanimous vote. The following committee/board/appointments were determined;

BCEP Selectmen’s Rep.                                       -             ANDY HOULE

(last Thurs. of month – 7 pm BCEP)

Conservation Committee Alternate                        -             GORDON PRESTON

(1st Wed. month – 7:30 pm Town Hall)

Budget Comm. Selectmen’s Rep.                          -             DAVID KERR

Alternate:

Zoning Board Selectmen’s Rep.                            -             GORDON PRESTON

(3rd Mon. month – 7 pm Town Hall)

Fire Wards Selectmen’s Rep.                                -             JIM BARNARD

Planning Board Selectmen’s Rep.                          -             PHIL GRILLO

(1st & 3rd Thurs. month – 7 pm TH)

Alternate:                                                          -             DAVID KERR

Safety Administrator                                            -             DAVID KERR

(4 meetings required)

Grant Research                                                   -             ANDY HOULE

TAC Committee                                                   -             DAVID KERR

Suncook Valley Committee                                   -             GORDON PRESTON

Barnstead Dev. Group                                          -             ANDY HOULE

GP respectfully turned the meeting over to the new Chairman, David Kerr, who stated that his goal is to have a 2 hour meeting on Tuesday evenings, to follow the agenda and to limit public input (so it isn’t being used as a way to circumvent having a scheduled appointment). DK added that he would also like to see the return of monthly department meetings.

The Board next discussed the operating budget total that was passed at town meeting but there was confusion regarding the issue. Karen Montgomery informed the Board that she had printed out new budgets for each member, which showed the areas of increases that were specifically voted on (Parks & Rec, the Grader line and the Summer Magnesium line) and then they would have to decide on the remainder of the money. A brief discussion ensued and past Selectman, Ed Tasker told the Board not to get hung-up on whose budget figure had passed, that once the dollar amount is voted on, it’s the Selectmen’s responsibility of how to spend the money. It was determined that the Board would review their budgets and be prepared for this at the next meeting.

Under new business, it was noted that the Dept. of Revenue (DRA) had notified several towns about a change in the utility values. DRA’s letter stated that the values should have been lower back in September 08, when the tax rate was set and that they will assist in any abatements that this may cause. Karen Montgomery also explained that it changes the entire value of the town as well for the MS-1, whose numbers are also used in setting the tax rate. Karen added that she had placed a call to DRA and was waiting to hear if their “assistance in helping towns with the abatements” was of a monetary value.

DK had attended a workshop regarding the government stimulus and the Welch Road Bridge project. He explained that without the stimulus the Town’s cost is approximately $50,000 but with the stimulus, even though there is an increase in the construction cost (due to the requirement of an overseer) the bottom line is that our cost would be reduced by $22,000. JB asked if local contractors could be used and DK told him that the project would go out to bid, but anyone can bid. GP felt that if it cuts the town’s cost then they should go forward. After a brief discussion, GP made a motion to pursue the stimulus for the Welch Road Bridge project. PG seconded the motion and it received a unanimous vote.

Karen Montgomery told the Board that a representative from Sprint/Nextel (who currently handles our Fire/Rescue & Highway service) had made an appointment for next week. The police department has Verizon, but the Selectmen would like to see what savings might be available if they go with one service.

JB read aloud a question they had received from resident David Brown regarding the town giving permission for ATV’s on Class 6 roadways. After a brief dialogue, it was determined that no roads have been approved for use by ATV’s in Town. A letter will be sent to Mr. Brown informing him of this. The Board next reviewed a letter from resident Bob Emory complimenting the Highway Department on their work and JB made a motion to put the letter in Chris Carazzo’s file. The motion was seconded by PG and received a unanimous vote.

At 8:57 p.m. DK mentioned that they had received a letter from Dave’s Septic Service asking that they be allowed to send a proposal for the towns port-o-lets. JB reiterated that he prefers the use of local vendors and a member of the public, Alan Glassman, asked if a policy could be put in place stating that the town sanctions local bidders. DK explained to him that the current procurement policy allows for the Board’s discretion. DK updated JB on Chief Borgia’s request for construction at the police station and JB stated that he was not in favor. DK mentioned that the money to do the doors with came from last year’s budget and was not in this year’s figures. PG & AH felt that where the Board had authorized $500 per door last year it should be allowed this year. It was determined that a memo would be sent to Chief Borgia that the other two doors can be done at no more than $500 per door. DK informed the Board that Chris Carazzo had some maintenance request that was in last years’ budget as well (at the Highway Garage) that never got accomplished due to the budget freeze from the disasters. Chris told the group that it would be no more than $1,000 to fix the windows, put in insulation and fix the overhead door. It was determined that Chris would get some prices for the Board before they approved the work.

At 9:15 p.m. the group discussed posting the roads and requiring bonds, with an description of how it was done in the past. Chris told the Board that he had spent the day driving the roads checking on trucks that were over the limit. The Board voiced their concerns about Chris doing this, saying that it’s the police that should be watching for it and enforcing it. Chris stated that he had asked the police to watch for it. It was determined that being so late in the season, samples from other towns of their policies would be sought and the group could establish something for next year. DK asked about a waste oil heater and wondered if there was enough waste oil to fuel it. Chris told the Board that he had brought a grant before them last year, but they would have to accept waste oil from town residents and wondered about monitoring it etc. The Board will look into the matter further.

Karen Montgomery informed the Board that they had received an invitation to attend a meeting at the Alton Town Hall on Monday, March 30, 2009 for a discussion on the improvements to Route 28.

The Board went into Non-Public Session under RSA 91-A: 3 II (a) at 9:32 p.m. 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 9:40 p.m. and on a motion by Phil Grillo, seconded by Andy Houle, the Board unanimously voted to seal the minutes of that meeting.

Karen Montgomery updated the Selectmen on the Welch Road Bridge project and they reviewed the right-of-way plans. Letters will be sent to the abutters (Lester Huckins and Sylvia Pope) inviting them to a Selectmen’s meeting to discuss the project.

DK spoke with the Board regarding an invoice for Northeast Tire Service in Laconia where a Barnstead cruiser was serviced, then later that day another cruiser was taken up and serviced and then later on a third cruiser was taken up and serviced. DK & GP voiced concern over having an officer gone all day making these trips back and forth and the extra gas, mileage etc. AH, PG and JB all agreed that the work should be done locally, in town. The Board will ask Chief Borgia about the incident.

The Selectmen reviewed miscellaneous correspondence and discussed legal issues.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,                                   

Karen Montgomery

Selectmen’s Secretary                                     

|Top of Page  

SELECTMEN'S OFFICE

Town of Barnstead

P.O. Box 11

Center Barnstead, NH  03225

Minutes

March 10th, 2009

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

Chairman Gordon Preston opened the meeting at 6:35 p.m. and the Board signed the payroll, manifest, 1 junk dealer renewal, 1 abatement application, 2 veteran’s tax credit applications and 1 intent to excavate form. JB made a motion to have the Chairman sign the Paul Davis’ junk dealer renewal. AH seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote on the condition that the Dept. of Environmental Services representative gives their approval when they perform a follow-up re-inspection within the next two weeks. Upon reviewing bills in the manifest it was mentioned that the police department added another Blackberry phone and the Board will ask for an explanation.

Cate Kowalski, website coordinator, informed the Board that she was unhappy with the current server host – Alpine Web and found a new host (Go Daddy) that would be less expensive. She felt that even though we had paid the yearly bill for Alpine Web, it would be pro-rated and not cost the town anything extra to switch.

Nick Rott, President of Barnstead Fire Rescue Inc. (BFRI) met with the Board and reviewed proposed changes to the agreement dated March 10, 2009. PG commented that the agreement goes away when the terms are met and nothing else would be added. Nick mentioned the possibility that if all terms weren’t met, it would extend longer than next year. GP was concerned that it would be a multi-year contract and JB firmly replied that it isn’t a contract and that they would meet the terms by March 2010 and the agreement would go away. JB added that he still did not want to see #8 (award program) as part of the agreement. Nick informed the Board that he had presented the Selectmen’s changes to the BFRI membership last evening and when the members had questions that he could not answer, he called the Selectmen. Nick added that three Selectmen (JB, PG, & AH) came to the BFRI meeting and after that came up with a proposed draft.

JB stated that he understood Nick was being dragged in three directions and Nick commented that no one likes change. Nick asked about the hiring of a fulltime Fire Chief and JB stated that the Board already said BFRI would be involved in that. JB added that they have a year to find a fulltime Chief if the warrant article passes. JB mentioned that he was going to speak to the issue at Saturday’s Town Meeting to explain it all to the people and Nick told him to be careful of how much information he gives out. Nick added that the group discussed the benefits of a fulltime chief and savings overall and the dates that the appropriation would end, agreeing that March 31, 2010 would be the best date. Nick told the Selectmen that he wanted things to stay positive at Town Meeting, but he’s heard comments and read things in the paper that the Selectmen have said. JB reminded Nick that a lot of the stuff that’s in the paper is reported from the public sessions that have taken place in the Selectmen’s Office when meeting with Nick.

Nick next explained that the Length of Service Award Program (#8 in the agreement), had been changed to reflect an awards program determined by a committee of various members/people. GP stated that the Board would agree to an award (plaque/trophy) after so many years of service but they did not support the creation of a type of pension plan for call/volunteers. When asked about the formation of a committee, Nick said that it could be 1 Selectman, 1 representative from BFRI and 3 outside people. Nick added that the committee might come back with a finding that the awards program is not feasible. DK brought to everyone’s attention that #8 – awards program was written as “the Town will provide” and JB suggested that it be changed to “the Town may provide”, GP commented that it didn’t belong in the agreement at all.

Nick informed the Board that BRFI would probably have to get rid of the Locke Lake Colony piece of property they own. He went on to say that BFRI might turn into a Fireman’s Association and as such, they buy something and donate it to the Fire Dept. Nick added that this has nothing to do with BFRI’s membership, that it’s clearly for the Fire side. JB suggested that the agreement should be sent to each group’s respective attorneys. The conversation went back to the award program and Nick told the Board that for example, he has 30 years for the Town (volunteer) and if the Town decides to pass an award program, it would start from 2010 and the past years would be forgotten. Nick added that if it starts in 2010 and he volunteers for 10 more years, if the Town decides that the award is a watch after 5 years and a shirt or plaque after 10 years, then that’s what it is.

GP mentioned that as a municipal Fire Department, it will always need call people and it’s getting harder to recruit people so the award program would be aimed for future retention. PG said that he agreed to going forward with a committee to look at this. AH stated that he was for it as well and thanked Nick for changing #8 from a monetary-pension type program to an award program that may be a watch or shirt etc. AH added that the new language in #8 does not say it has to be a monetary award, agreeing that the committee should have 1 Selectman, 1 BFRI rep., and 3 people non-affiliated, non-related to the fire department.

JB noted that the agreement didn’t have an ending date and Nick explained that they would check off each item on the agreement as it was completed and when it was all done the agreement would be gone, but it could take more than a year. JB looked down through it and felt it could be accomplished in one year, or by Town Meeting 2010. Nick said that it wasn’t to tie the Selectmen’s hands or lock them into hiring a fulltime Chief, but in the event that the Selectmen don’t find a candidate, it keeps the agreement in place. Both DK and PG stated that Local Government Center provides individuals to do the interviewing process. Nick said, “So we have an agreement” and JB told him, “As Eileen Murley stated, there is no agreement until it’s signed”. Nick told the Board that if they can agree that this is it, then at Town Meeting they can say they both sides agree. JB asked Nick if changing the date that everything gets turned over from December 30, 2010 to March 31, 2010 was going to be a problem and Nick said he didn’t think so. AH reiterated that it was not a final document until the signatures were on it and JB added that it still had to go before the attorneys. JB commented that Eileen Murley had asked him last night what the Selectmen (Town) was going to compensate them (BFRI) with. Both JB & DK told Nick that they wanted the language at the end of the agreement “There may be other stipulations proposed as we move forward” removed. JB stated that he would not sign an agreement with something like that in it. Nick told him that it was put in based on BFRI’s legal council’s review and advice and it BFRI’s council says okay, it will be removed.

JB went back to #8 – the award program and wondered who would be on the program and how far back it would go; adding that Peter James (with many years of service) got a sweatshirt and plaque. DK asked if the Board was going forward with an amendment to the fire department warrant article to address the funding portion and JB said that the funding would be a separate article next year, as it doesn’t require a year to take place but would happen immediately upon passage of the warrant article. Nick left at 7:53 p.m.

The Board received the results from that day’s voting and congratulated the respective candidates.

The Board went into Non-Public Session under RSA 91-A: 3 II (b) at 7:59 p.m. 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 8:13 p.m. and on a motion by Andy Houle, seconded by Jim Barnard, the Board unanimously voted to seal the minutes of that meeting.

The Selectmen reviewed miscellaneous correspondence and discussed legal issues.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,                                   

Karen Montgomery

Selectmen’s Secretary                                     

|Top of Page  

SELECTMEN'S OFFICE

Town of Barnstead

P.O. Box 11

Center Barnstead, NH  03225

Minutes

March 3rd, 2009

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

Chairman Gordon Preston opened the meeting at 6:30 p.m. and the Board signed the payroll, manifest, the minutes of 2/24/09, a grant closeout form for 2005, 8 abatement applications, 2 timber tax levies, 4 veteran’s credit applications and 1 intent to cut form. PG made a motion to have the Chairman sign the 2 audit requirement forms and the Antonia Design spill prevention plan. AH seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote.

At public input, Steve Costa gave the Board a proposal for a wire cage around the shelving in the basement of the Town Hall for a storage area. JB spoke to the Board regarding the proposal for the Town Hall Emergency Management generator that John Blair had dropped off earlier. PG asked what the date was that the Selectmen first started talks/negotiations with Barnstead Fire Rescue Inc. on the contract and he was told it was 11/11/08.

Chris Carazzo distributed handouts regarding the storage tank at the Highway Garage and stated that he received two proposals for the concrete work; Lank $3590 and Cookinham $5720. JB asked why it couldn’t stay where it was and Chris told him that with the fueling pad, fence and berm that are required it would block off too much of the area. Chris told the group that the proposals include all the pads etc. based on the plans. Chris added that he is within the budgeted amount (they put $7,000 in the 2009 budget) and if they went with a keyed system he would be $1,000 over at the most. Bill Evans mentioned that there is a fee of $600 - $1000 for personnel to sign off on the project, which is a requirement as well. Chris stated that Lanks proposal will be less if they wait until April to pour because it currently contained extra costs for pouring in the winter. DK commented that he would like to have the key system for security and accountability. JB stated that he wanted to stay within their figure. GP asked for a consensus and the Board agreed to go forward but AH cautioned that there can’t be any spending until after Town Meeting.

The group discussed the truck damaged in the ice storm and Chris said that he had a copy of the appraisal (from insurance company) but hadn’t had it fixed yet. JB reiterated that from January until March town meeting, no spending should be taking place except for the necessities, adding that the Selectmen should receive a call from Chris for approval before any such expenditures. It was agreed that the Chairman of the Board should be called. DK asked about the grader and Chris told him it was going out tomorrow to wing back the high snow banks. Chris stated that he would probably be the one driving it. DK asked if everything with the engine had been done and Chris said that it had, adding that the original proposal was for $30,000 more than what town meeting approved, which would have completely fixed the grader. Chris added that the grader has a plow and wing on it, which is the first time in 7 years. Chris asked that a transfer of $2600 occur between two of his accounts, stating that the amount was charged to the wrong account and the Board approved the request.

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 Phil Grillo, seconded by Andy Houle, the Board unanimously voted to seal the minutes of that meeting.

GP spoke about working with the Belknap County Economic Dev. Committee and applying for a block grant through the town. AH made a motion to start the process and send the required reports requested by BCEDC. PG seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote. Karen Montgomery informed the Board that DOT had contacted her to say that the State’s price for fuel is a fixed price at $2.65 and does not change with the market. DK told the group that he would like to initiate Mobil cards after explaining the literature he had obtained about that type of system. It was stated that the price of fuel at the local pumps is only $2.09 gallon, plus the towns vehicles have to drive to Alton if they use the State pumps. JB reminded the Board that he had brought the same idea before them for after speaking to the Bosco Bell owner. DK stated that with the Mobil cards there is a $10 fee per billing period and JB felt that it would just create a lot more paperwork. AH mentioned that we already had an account at the Country Store and felt that we should just open on at Bosco Bell. GP expressed concern about being able to monitor the vehicles that use the account etc. DK felt that the cards would be monitored by the department head to assure accountability. GP suggested that six cards would be appropriate (4 for police, 1 for highway, 1 for fire/rescue). The Board will look into the Mobil cards further.

The Board asked that a memo be sent to the police department requesting they contact the Road Agent to have a barrel of salt/sand available at the police station so the walkways etc. can be treated by whoever is on duty. The Board approved requests by the Old Home Day Committee regarding the website, and a memo will be sent to Catherine Kowalski. The Selectmen had a brief discussion on dry hydrants.

Treasurer Jeannie Terry met with the Board and was asked if monies were coming over from the police department per the memo. Jeannie reported that they were not and the Board asked that a memo be sent directly to Chief Borgia regarding this issue. It was also reported that there had not been any response to a previous memo regarding a check from the Humane Society. The Board expressed their displeasure at having their requests ignored. DK informed the group that on Saturday he noticed the town’s dumpster behind the police station was overflowing and upon inspection found household garbage and several pieces of trash addressed to Pastor Brian Gower. After a brief discussion, it was determined that a letter would be sent to Mr. Gower and to the department heads reminding them that the town dumpsters are for the department refuse only.

The Board discussed legal issues and reviewed miscellaneous correspondence, then went over the areas of the budget that a designated Selectman would speak to.

At 9:30 p.m. the Board met with Nick Rott, President of Barnstead Fire Rescue Inc. (BFRI) and Nick announced that next Monday the membership would be meeting. PG told the group that he had a discussion with Dave Murley, who eluded to the fact that if the Selectmen didn’t have an agreement with BFRI then they couldn’t go before town meeting. GP interceded, stating that after meeting with the insurance representative about the Length of Service Award Program (LOSAP) the Board agreed that such a program did not belong in the contract and that it was something the town should vote on. JB spoke about paying for the BFRI building (the mortgage is about $100,000) and stated that the Selectmen would ask for the money next year. Nick thought it was a lot of money and wondered if they should ask for $50,000 this year and then $50,000 the year after. GP stated that they would have to raise the money next year and suggested bonding. Nick reminded the group that they would still have to pay BFRI the first quarter appropriation (Jan.-Mar. 2010) if the mortgage payoff was March 2010. It was also stated that ¼ of the fire dept. budget is paid by that first quarter appropriation. Nick stated that there wasn’t any problem if the Board wanted to make the payment March 2010 instead of December 31, 2009 as long as the mortgage got paid off. JB commented that both he and Nick agreed that the LOSAP did not belong in the Selectmen/BFRI agreement. Nick added that the once the mortgage is paid, the town would have to contact PSNH etc. to have everything changed over to the towns name.

JB said that he was going to address the issue at town meeting this year. DK stated that bonding was the way to go. PG stated that the mortgage issue was resolved, and wondered if Nick anticipated any problems with the membership by removing the LOSAP from the agreement. Nick stated that he would bring it to the members as they were the ones that asked him to move it forward. DK added that if the chief brought it forward again, it would have to go out to bid if it was approved. GP told the group that the Selectmen cannot commit the town to anything long term. JB asked Nick to let the Selectmen know what the membership said and Nick agreed.

Nick next told the Board that the warrant article in the 2009 warrant does not address the funding issue. JB stated that he had brought this issue up before to the Selectmen and wondered if the financing could be addressed in the 2009 warrant article. Karen Montgomery informed the Board that the attorney felt an amendment could be added to it. Nick told the Board the proposed agreement had an error, that in paragraph 5 where BFRI will change it’s name and reorganize; the RSA should be 154:1-a not 154:1-b. Nick also said that his council pointed out that on page 2, #9 it says the “Town opts” and it should be the “Selectmen opt”. JB told Nick to tell the members that the Board isn’t opposed to some type of award program, but not what is being offered, as it appears to be a pension plan. JB added that such a program would be open to all employees. DK asked if the Chief/BFRI plans to go forward with the roof repairs and Nick shrugged. DK then said, “So, no lease”? Nick told the Board that about a week after town meeting is done he goes to Chief Krause and asks what Krause budgeted for etc., because he has bills coming in that he will need to get paid.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:25 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,                                   

Karen Montgomery

Selectmen’s Secretary