Barnstead Selectmen's Meeting Minutes

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SELECTMEN'S OFFICE

Town of Barnstead

P.O. Box 11

Center Barnstead, NH  03225

Minutes

April 1st, 2008

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

The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. The Board signed the payroll, manifest, the minutes of 3/25/08, the MS-2, the Aquatic Control Milfoil Payment, the BCEP Committee Appointments and letters to; Local Government Center, Paula Vardaro, Jen Corriea, Supervisors of the Checklist, Integrity Plus, Mac Tebbetts, and Barnstead Fire Rescue Inc.

JO stated that the draft food pantry guidelines and draft welfare guidelines were okay by him and asked if the Board could take them up first instead of at 8:00 p.m. when they were scheduled. Chairman Preston told him that they could not because the new welfare officer, Elaine Swinford was coming in at 8:00 p.m. JO questioned DK calling the Barnstead Country Store to get a balance on the food pantry credit and DK told him he (DK) did not call the store. JO asked if any of the Selectmen had and each one told him they had not called the store.

JO announced that effective April 30, 2008 he is resigned his position on the Board of Selectmen. He told the Board that he would like to keep the food pantry and if not, he would go public with it. JO referred to Elaine Swinford’s letter that suggested a combination food pantry/thrift store and JO said that it could not happen downstairs. GP explained that it was just an idea that Elaine had presented to the Board, that the entire thing would move out of the basement (because it isn’t ADA compliant) and be run by another group, possibly the senior citizens. JO read aloud a few lines from Elaine’s letter where Elaine had stated that she had given this a lot of consideration after hearing from Jack how ill he is. JO said that he wasn’t ill. GP told JO that the Board all had copies of the letter and that it was given to all of them over a week ago. 

JO then told the Board that he was on the defensive because when he (JO) was in the hospital the Selectmen had to take over welfare for a bit and a man has threatened to take JO and the Board to court. GP told JO that they could discuss it in non-public. JO went on to say that they could pull the file and see this man didn’t claim other assets that he had. JO added that at this point he didn’t care. JO stated that he would have, in writing, his official resignation and that he wouldn’t be talked out of it. He went on to say that he was sorry he ran for his 2nd term and that he didn’t see any part of this Board helping the town, himself included. JO said that he will walk away with his head held high and that

he wouldn’t sign the manifest tonight because the check he requested for $500.00 to the Barnstead Country Store had been pulled from out without anyone asking him.

DK said that the only thing he had pulled was an invoice for the purchase of a pager. JB, DK and AH all agreed that they wanted an answer for the purchase before they would pay it.

JO told the group that he had 1 or 2 more things and then he was leaving. He said that he hoped the RSA would be adhered to in replacing him, that he loved this Town and wished he could have done more. He liked the idea of having a committee that looked at brining business to the town. He commented that there have been tremendous savings with the food pantry and that he would continue to work with the Juvenile Restoration program. He went on to say that he’s saved the town a lot of money with the lawn mowing, etc. JO said he felt that Harry Ackerly should get paid but he didn’t know how much they should pay him. DK explained that Karen Montgomery had already spoken to the Selectmen about it, after being approached by Harry and that Harry is being paid.

At 6:45 p.m. the Selectmen moved to the Town Hall to better accommodate the public. JO announced again that he was resigning, effective April 30, 2008 for personal and health reasons. JO left the meeting at 6:48 p.m.

The meeting was opened to public input and Joyce Parsons told the Board that she was irate when she goes to Town Meeting and vote in something and it’s not followed through. She stated that the police budget is $390,000 and yet we have no policemen. She went on to say that she drives Rte. 28 every morning and evening and in the last three weeks there have been several people driving to endanger. She said that two State Troopers patrol the road but they need to be there early in the am and after 6 pm – that 10-2 didn’t cut it. She asked the Board why they hired this person (the Chief) if they didn’t think he could the police department. She stated that she wanted police protection. GP explained that the police force is down an officer currently and the Chief is trying to find someone. AH said that he was the police liaison and that the police department is hiring to bring it up to 7 officers and that was what he had instructed the Chief to do. GP gave a word of caution that the town meeting had cut way back on a lot of things including the highway trucks and that this year is going to be extremely tight.

Joyce said that she was very upset with the roads, that 18” culverts were put (not 24”) and if the Selectmen didn’t have confidence with the department heads they should not hire them. AH commented that it was not their purpose to micromanage. DK asked where the smaller culvert was put that she referred to and Joyce said it was on Colony Drive. After a brief discussion, it was determined that they would get more information on the subject.

Joyce then told the Board that she went to the police station at 5:45 p.m. (after work) only to find the door locked and a sign that said non-emergencies are handled from 9am – 4 pm. Joyce explained that her issue was a non-emergency, but that she works every day and so would either have to take time off to get there before 4 pm or go into work late. GP asked her if she had called them and she said that she had not. JB asked if there was an officer in the office when she had stopped at 5:45 p.m. and Joyce thought that there was as she could hear voices inside. Ken Thoroughgood commented that the police won’t answer the door even if they are there. Brett Tiede added, “Have you listened to the mess at the police department, - it’s a joke for what we’re paying”. Brett told the Board that he had a very serious incident last night and explained that last Monday Brett’s neighbor S. Carson had windows broken out of his camper and vehicles in the sand pit, (the State trail is nearby). The incident was reported to the police but when Brett asked the officer about it, they said they didn’t know anything about a report. Brett said that he called Fish & Game and had them put up gates and close the snowmobile trail last Monday.

Brett stated that last night snowmobiles were out riding down at the sand pit (off the State trails) and they were checking out the campers, trailers equipment etc. in the sand pit. Brett said the he and another person followed the snowmobilers tracks to Barnstead Parade and got the numbers off them”. He added that 1 snowmobile was not there and they later found out that it was up in the ball field (on Rte 126) broken down.

Brett told the Board that he noticed a truck and snowmobile trailer backing onto the ball fields on Rte. 126 to load the snowmobile and stopped to question them. The driver used profanity and didn’t care that they were on private property. Ken Thoroughgood (who lives across from the ball fields) called the police but they never came. Brett stated that the people left and he followed the truck and snowmobile trailer, with no working lights, down Route 126, through town traveling at 70 miles per hour and the police car goes by them headed towards the ball field. Brett told the Board that the police officer never even stopped them for speeding, or for not having proper lights. Brett then turned around at the intersection of Rte. 126 & 28 after watching which way the truck headed, and saw the police cruiser at the police station. The officer on duty stated that she had just been up to the ball field but nobody was there. Brett said that she went in to the office but came back out and had locked her keys in the cruiser.

Brett went on to say that today he had called the police department, got no response, called Belknap County Dispatch, heard dispatch call the police officer to have them contact Brett and no one has called him. Brett added that he has spoken to Fish & Game again and they want to know what Brett finds out because they have gotten similar complaints in the past. Ken asked if the Selectmen are hiring competent officers. JB asked if any officer had gotten back to either Ken or Brett and they said, “No”.

Brett stated that if he was a Selectman they (the police officers) would be gone, that he has had enough and that his blood pressure is so high. He added that we have serious problems over there (at the police department) and that we’re going to have lawsuits. Brett further stated that if this was a hostage thing to force the town to hire more officers then it was a problem. JB told him that he would see these issues get addressed. Brett told the Board that he has talked to the landowners that abut his property and they are thinking of shutting down the snowmobile trail (it’s a major trail - #17). Brett added again that according to Fish & Game Barnstead police hasn’t contacted them. Brett said that nothings being done and it bother him that every time he comes through this town the cruiser is at the White Buffalo. He added that maybe they should move their office there and that he never sees the police on the back roads. AH told him that we only have 3-4 officers and Brett told him that was no excuse – that we use to have one policeman that took care of this whole town. Brett stated that he wants answers and he reminded the Selectmen that they appoint the Chief and it the Chief is not doing what the Selectmen tell him then the Selectmen need to get rid of him. GP told Brett that he needed to have a paper trail and to document everything in writing. Brett told him that it was in writing by the secretary taking the minutes of this meeting, but that he would also put in a formal complaint to this office tomorrow and hopefully the Selectmen will get it. Brett also added that to be treated like a second class citizen who has lived here all his life is not right. AH told Brett that no one should be treated alike a second class citizen. Brett said that both he and Ken Thoroughgood were and GP asked for a complaint from Ken as well.

At 7:30 Bruce Geleas met with the Board and related his experience with the police department, saying that he was part of the burglary ring that happened back in August 2007. Geleas said that he had given the police a report of the burglary and he needed a copy of the police report for his insurance company but he can’t get any information from the police department. He said that he called, left a message and waited 2 weeks and never got a call back. Geleas said that when he finally did talk with someone and explained that his insurance company needed the report to prove that Geleas was broken into, the police said they didn’t have his report. The police had his father’s report (who lives next to Geleas) and his neighbor’s report (who lives on the other side). Geleas went on to say that he saw a guy walking around with his (Geleas’) clothes on and the police say that can’t prove anything just because he has Geleas’ clothes on. Mr. Geleas wondered why the police didn’t take fingerprints. He explained to the Board that some of the stuff that was stolen from his house were tools that he uses in his trade. Geleas added that six months later, he was still begging for the police report. Geleas told the Board that he lives in Boston, traveled 2 hours up here in March to a “Barney Fife” officer that tells him he can’t get a copy of the police report. Geleas further stated that he spoke with the Chief, the Sergeant and the most arrogant Sergeant at Belknap County. He added that the police recovered and have his video camcorder, tapes of his kid’s birthdays, parties etc., over $5000 in tools and equipment and he can’t get them because he’s told it’s an

ongoing investigation. Phil Grillo stated that in December of 2007 the Chief had said that it was the last of the burglaries that he was clearing up. DK commented that he had heard from another citizen that went through a similar situation and it was the same story – “no information available, still under investigation” etc. JB, AH and DK all stated that they would find out whatever they could for him.

Bruce Geleas told the Board that after he had been at the police department and flipped out because they were giving him such a runaround, an officer pulled his tazer on him and told him to leave. Geleas added that the officer said that he would put in a request to the Judge to release Geleas’s stuff but that it could take four months. DK commented that if the case wasn’t closed, the Chief couldn’t release the evidence. GP commented that the Chief told the Selectmen everything was completed regarding the burglaries and that the people involved had already gone to court.

At 7:20 p.m. Jeannie Terry told the Selectmen that the Highway Crew removed the snow from the sidewalk on Maple Street, which was nice, but that the granite and sidewalk is all scraped and gouged from the loader. She commented that they had waited so long for the sidewalk, it’s the only one in Town and now it’s too bad to have it look like that.

Phil Grillo mentioned that he had asked the Board back in October for a policy from the Selectmen regarding property owners that donate land for a cistern. GP told him that cisterns fall under the Planning Board and the Planning Board has a policy. Phil asked if DK was still meeting with Nick Rott regarding Barnstead Fire Rescue Inc. and DK said he was.

At 7:30 Bruce Geleas explained to the Board that his foundation was put in and passed inspection but had rebar missing, no lolly columns etc. Geleas said that now he’s put a pre-fab house on the foundation and is having problems with the foundation cracking etc. Geleas said that he went to his builder but the builder said to go to the Building Inspector. Building Inspector Paul Richardson was present and read from the International Building Code that says the permit holder shall call for inspections. Paul stated that he never got called for a footing inspection, that he was driving by the property in December and saw people working at the property. Paul said that on 12/29/07 a guy called for an inspection on drains and while he (Paul) was there he looked at the footings but most of the foundation was covered up and he couldn’t inspect it. Mr. Geleas passed out pictures of the footings for the Selectmen to review. Paul asked who the builder was and Geleas said that it was D. Gray. Paul told the Board that Gray never called him for an inspection.

Paul explained that Geleas had gotten a special permit to put in the foundation, well, etc. in the fall of the year before the building permit is issued. Geleas told the Board that when he asked Gray why the lolly columns didn’t hold up, Gray said that Geleas needed to cover the foundation to protect it through the winter and that his (Gray’s) job was to

call for inspections. It was pointed out that the special permit states that the foundation etc. must be covered for the winter. Paul stated that he was only a part-time inspector not a full-time one. Paul added that the contractor should have gotten the inspections. Mr. Geleas asked why Paul approved the foundation and gave him a certificate of occupancy and Paul pointed out that Geleas’s permit doesn’t say that Paul approved it (the foundation). Geleas commented that when he got ready to build the house he thought he was smart. He added that he thought when he got the special permit for the foundation, septic, etc. that it was to build a house but ended up having to wait for three years because of the moratorium.

GP told Mr. Geleas that when he came and in for a building permit, he go a whole packet that defined everything, including the special permit. GP added that either he (Geleas) or his agent was supposed to call for inspections. Geleas commented that he did call and it passed. Paul interjected that it didn’t pass, and read aloud that the permit stated “didn’t call for inspection” for the foundation. JB commented that Geleas has a foundation that wasn’t done properly and it’s probably to late now, but where did Geleas think the Town was at fault. Geleas told him that he (Geleas) has a foundation that is falling apart, that he’s already put $9,000 into the front part to try and save it and now it looks like he will have to put in another foundation. Geleas added that Gray told him it passed, but yet Gray won’t give Geleas any paperwork. Geleas further commented that it’s cost him his life savings and almost his marriage. GP asked where Mr. Gray stood on this and Geleas said that Gray won’t call him back. Geleas said that Gray tells him (Geleas) that it’s his (Geleas’) fault because he (Geleas) didn’t cover the foundation through the winter.

Paul told the Board that Geleas called Paul for an electrical service inspection and that was when Geleas told him that all this damage had happened. Paul asked Geleas why Geleas hadn’t called him when the damages first started happening. AH told Geleas he needed to get the paperwork from Gray and Geleas said that Gray wouldn’t give it to him. AH told Geleas that that’s where Geleas needed to get an attorney to go after Gray. JB said that the point is that Gray is telling Geleas the foundation passed, the Building Inspector is saying it didn’t ( or that he didn’t inspect it) and Gray didn’t call for any inspections. JB stated that he felt Geleas’ frustration, but if Gray didn’t give Geleas any paperwork to prove anything, then it would make him question it. Geleas said that he would agree with that statement but that he still has a house on a foundation that isn’t any good and wanted an abatement. Karen Montgomery explained the process and Mr. Geleas obtained a form from the Selectmen’s Office. JB told Mr. Geleas that it’s a civil issue between Geleas and Gray. Mr. Geleas stated that his attorney told him (Geleas) that it’s deeper than that. JB commented that he would think an attorney would say that. JB went on to say that Geleas has a responsibility as the property owner. Paul asked if Geleas gave Gray a foundation drawing and Geleas said that he did. Paul asked if Gray had built the foundation to the specification of the drawings and Geleas said that he did not. JB asked

if Geleas had a copy of the drawings and Geleas said that he did not, that he had given it to Gray. GP, JB and DK all commented that that was not the Selectmen’s fault.

Paul told the Board that he can check the reinforcing on foundations if they call him and that he could only take pictures but he can’t measure everything etc., that it’s not his job. Paul added that he has seen a lot of Gray’s work and he does good work. Bruce Geleas stated that he has an occupancy permit and JB asked the Building Inspector if he (Geleas) had one. Paul said he did, because Geleas told Paul that he had fixed the problem. Geleas stated that he told Paul he had fixed the problem and Paul said that Geleas had told him it cost $4,000. Geleas said that he had reinforced the front of his house but now there were other problems. Paul commented that the foundation may move on unsettled sand and that when he was there for the service inspection he found a small ¼” crack but couldn’t find any breakage on front. Geleas told the Board that he can’t sell it because he would have to disclose the problems with the foundation and no one would buy it. JB told him that all the Board could do is make a decision and let him know. Mr. Geleas said that the assessor had been to his property regarding the bad foundation. Karen Montgomery explained that the assessor cannot determine if a foundation is good or bad and asked Geleas to read aloud the assessor’s comments on his property card. The assessor had put “correct heat, adjust condition for foundation issues”. Mr. Geleas thanked the Board for their time and commented that he had a big problem on his hands.

At 8:20 p.m. the Selectmen met with Mike Kowalski regarding the warrant article that passed authorizing the Selectmen to appoint a committee to research the potential for creation of a town owned development company, the purpose of which is to support, nurture and assist existing and new businesses to develop their businesses in Barnstead, with the assistance from new and existing Town resources, with the town and its tax base reaping the benefits from a tax positive environment. Mike told the Board that it’s a two part process, one to attract business and second to assist businesses from within. JB commented that our largest employer is the school and the majority of the others are in-home businesses or the local stores. GP commented that the Board has been trying to get businesses here for years and Mike stated that this was different. He added that if he had brought this idea forward two years ago, he would have been shot.

Mike explained that the first thing you have to do is to have one person to head this he added that it wouldn’t be him) but that he would sit on the committee. JB commented that this wouldn’t be a private entity thing then, it would be owned by the town and Mike agreed. JB asked who should sit on the committee and Mike felt it should be business owners. GP felt there should be a member of the Planning Board on the committee and AH offered to be the Selectman on the committee. Elaine Swinford asked if Mike had contacted the Belknap County Economic Development Council and he told her he was on the council. He further explained that BCEDC will support the town’s endeavors but they don’t bring in businesses. Peter James asked if we were leaning towards a municipally

owned industrial park and Mike said that it could be. Peter added that we are a bedroom community and have been discuss this issue for 35 years. GP mentioned that the town owns 18 acres (Rogers property). Mike suggested no more that 6 people on the committee, “or else it won’t go anywhere”. Mike told the group that he knows two banks that want to come here and DK asked why they would want to. Mike asked DK why he was asking that question and wondered if DK supported this endeavor. DK stated that he was just asking questions. GP commented that they have three people for the committee now and Mike would come up with three businesses that were interested. GP further suggested that the group meet on a separate night to discuss this.

At 8:45 p.m. Elaine Swinford, Welfare Director, informed the Board that she had spoken with the American Legion Auxiliary about them operating the food pantry. Elaine will also speak with the senior citizens to see if they are interested as well. She has spoken with the owners of Bosco Bell about using one of the spaces there. JB asked Elaine why she would like to see it moved and she said it was the liability where the current location of the food pantry doesn’t meet ADA compliance and the stairs are a nightmare. Elaine will also speak with Pastor Newman about his food pantry and to Pastor Gower as well. JB commented that whatever happens, it must be self-sufficient and Elaine agreed. JB asked the Board if they were in agreement that the food pantry should be moved from the basement of the Town Hall and the Board was in agreement. Elaine asked for a deadline JB made a motion that the food pantry should not be in the Town Hall basement. AH seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote. Elaine asked if the refrigerators could go with the food pantry and AH told her that he donated one and a church donated the other. The Board agreed that they should go wherever the food pantry goes. GP asked if there should be a deadline on food pantry and it was determined that the deadline would be June 1, 2008. JB made a motion that the Welfare Director be in charge and be the keeper of the food pantry as long as it remains under the auspices of the Town’s ID# here in the Town Hall. AH seconded the motion and it received a unanimous vote. GP asked Elaine if it was true that she could get meat at 17 cents per pound in Manchester and Elaine said it was. It was also mentioned that as long as the food pantry is under the town and receiving money, public hearings must be held.

Elaine informed the Board that Randy from the Concord office for CAP had done an inspection of the food pantry and had a couple suggestions. The group reviewed the Food Pantry Guidelines and DK made a motion to sign the guidelines as amended. AH seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote.

At 9:11 p.m. Elaine and the Selectmen reviewed the draft welfare guidelines and made a few changes. JB made a motion to accept the Welfare Guidelines with the amendments. AH seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote. Paul Skowron, Town Administrator asked if the motion included the two small changes that were suggested by Rick Bates of MRI and the Selectmen said that it did.

At 10:06 p.m. the Board went into Non-Public Session under RSA 91-A: 3 II (c) on a motion by Andy Houle seconded by Jim Barnard, with the following vote recorded, Gordon Preston, yes; David Kerr, yes; Jim Barnard, yes; and Andrew Houle, yes. The Board came out of Non-Public Session at 10:26 p.m. and on a motion by David Kerr, seconded by Andrew Houle, the Board unanimously voted to seal the minutes of that meeting.

The Board discussed legal issues and reviewed miscellaneous correspondence.

The Selectmen discussed Mr. Tiede’s complaint from earlier that evening and JB felt that the Board should instruct the Chief to get an answer for Mr. Tiede and Mr. Thoroughgood. JB added that if the Chief isn’t responding to the people’s complaints and requests then he’s not doing his job. GP mentioned that the Chief has told the Board in the past that if a case is under investigation then he (the Chief) cannot discuss it. It was determined that the Town Administrator would contact Chief Borgia to resolve the issue.

AH informed the Board that Chief Borgia asked him to be the police liaison. GP, JB and DK all responded with a “No” and told him that there isn’t any liaisons to any departments. AH told the Board that was why he asked them about it, because he was new and didn’t know all the ropes.

DK pointed out to the Board that the diesel line in the budget was down to 16%. DK also mentioned that he had gotten the forms from the State to collect the tax portion reimbursement. DK further mentioned that the State pumps in Pittsfield will be closing and the closest ones for Barnstead will be in Alton.

The meeting was adjourned at 11:05 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,                                   

Karen Montgomery

Selectmen’s Secretary                                     

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SELECTMEN'S OFFICE

Town of Barnstead

P.O. Box 11

Center Barnstead, NH  03225

Minutes

March 25th, 2008

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

The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. The Board signed the payroll, manifest, the minutes of 3/18/08, 1 veteran’s credit, a quitclaim deed, Highway Trucks final lease paperwork and the Aquatic Control Milfoil application.

David Kerr made a motion that the Chairman sign the final lease paperwork on the Highway Trucks on behalf of the Board of Selectmen. Jim Barnard seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote of 4-0 (John O’Neil was not in the room).

At 6:35 p.m. Chief Borgia and Mike Lavalle of Certified Computer Solutions met with the Board regarding the purchasing of computer equipment for the Police Department. Chief Borgia handed out a list of the proposed equipment (3 workstations, 1 server and 1 laptop). JB asked what operating system the PD used and Mr. Lavalle said it was Windows 2003, adding that the PD software is not certified for Vista. The PD also uses NIBRS (required) and IMC for databases. Lavalle added that the new version of IMC will not run on the PD’s existing equipment. JB questioned the cost of the laptop versus the workstation and Lavalle told him that the laptop was more expensive, but it could be taken home etc. JB asked what they plan on doing with the hard drives and Chief Borgia said that one is being scrubbed, one will be used for investigative information only and the other one will be for other information. AH asked about the warranties on the new equipment and Lavalle told him it would be a standard warranty for 3 years including all parts and labor. GP asked about the Windows Operating system that will not be supported after June and Lavalle corrected him, explaining that the Windows XP will not be sold after June but support will continue for 10 years.

Andy Houle made a motion to allow Chief Borgia to purchase the computer equipment as listed on the handout. John O’Neil seconded the motion. GP stated that he wanted to hear from Paul Landry. Paul Landry told the group that the police have computer needs that have to be addressed however, they are in a tight spot and if he was in the Selectmen’s seat, he would say go ahead. Peter James commented that he understood the need for the police computers, but was concerned that there weren’t proposals from other vendors. JB asked if the Board had a policy and DK explained that they were working on a procurement policy. Chief Borgia stated that they asked for 3 proposals, got 1 from

Lavalle, 1 from Dell and the 3rd company never responded. The vote was taken on the motion for the computers and it passed with a unanimous vote.

Dave Murley asked to be on the Computer Committee, as well as Paul Landry, and Peter James. Karen Montgomery asked to be on the committee representing the Town Offices and suggested that each department have representative as well. Mike Lavalle stated that he would offer input to the committee and Karen Montgomery told the group that the “IT” person for the Town Offices computers, Jon Rich is also going to offer input.

At 653p.m. the Board went into Non-Public Session under RSA 91-A: 3 II (a) on a motion by Andy Houle seconded by John O’Neil, with the following vote recorded, Gordon Preston yes; Dave Kerr, yes; James Barnard, yes; Andy Houle, yes; and John O’Neil, yes. The Board came out of Non-Public Session at 10:25 p.m. and on a motion by Dave Kerr, seconded by Andy Houle, the Board unanimously voted to seal the minutes of that meeting.

Mary Reed brought over the information regarding the number of ambulance runs and related costs for the Board to use in determining the ComStar rates. Selectman O’Neil left the meeting for the evening.

At 10:30 p.m. the Board met with Elaine Swinford for a discussion on the Food Pantry and Welfare Guidelines. JB felt the Welfare Officer should be in charge of running the food pantry for control purposes. Elaine commented that the food pantry we have should not be in the basement of the Town Hall. She added that John O’Neil had fallen on the steps going down to the food pantry, that he has vertigo and should not be on the steps. Karen Montgomery passed out copies of a letter from Elaine to the Board Members proposing that the food pantry be removed from the Town Hall basement (which doesn’t meet any ADA requirements), relocated to a different location, run by the seniors (who would have their own tax id #) and incorporate it with a thrift shop as well. Elaine felt that the food pantry was not part of welfare and JB commented that it should be. AH stated that JO’s purpose of starting the food pantry was to save the town money. It was explained that the church in South Barnstead on Route 126 has a food pantry that was always utilized in the past and that the Town had never spent large sums of money on food. GP commented that the theory was that by giving food to those in need it would allow them to take that money and put towards bills.

JB questioned the request in the weekly manifest from JO asking that a check in the amount of $500.00 be issued to the Barnstead Country Store BCS) from the Food Pantry account. GP explained that JO uses BCS and Danis because they give him their cost plus 3% and JO wanted to help the local stores. GP further explained that JO sends the check to the store(s) then places an order for food as needed. JB wondered if it would be better

handled by writing a voucher with restrictions to recipients and have the recipients go to the store. Then the store can send the town receipts on what was bought etc. Elaine asked what was being purchased at the stores that couldn’t be obtained from the USDA food that JO currently gets. Karen Montgomery explained that it’s mostly meats like boneless pork chops, skinless boneless chicken breasts, hamburger and hotdogs. Elaine informed the Selectmen that through the program in Manchester the town can purchase all meats at .17 cents per pound. AH stated that he supported Elaine’s suggestions for the food pantry. GP commented that Elaine’s proposal was a huge commitment to get it off the ground. Elaine told the group that she would work diligently to get it going and that she felt the seniors would want this. JB stated that there were two simple issues; the Selectmen needed to decide if the food pantry should be run by the welfare officer, and if the food pantry should be in the basement of the Town Hall.

Chairman Preston suggested that out of courtesy for JO, who has put a lot of work into the food pantry, the Board should wait until he was present for the discussion/decisions. AH agreed that they should not make any decisions, that Elaine had made some good suggestions to the Board and if she can get the seniors to do it, it can be brought before the Selectmen. JB had a couple questions for the Welfare Officer (Elaine) regarding a payment in the weekly manifest and she explained the issue. Karen Montgomery told the Board that Elaine has put in a lot of work organizing the files, reviewing the draft guidelines and will be attending the monthly welfare meetings (of the Welfare Association). The Board commended her on her work and Elaine stated that it’s a requirement for her to know the job. JB wondered if they should closed the food pantry until the Board makes a decision and DK felt that it should just be left alone until next Tuesday evening.

Andy Houle made a motion to have the Chairman sign the Aquatic Control Agreement for the Milfoil program (to DES) on behalf of the Selectmen. Jim Barnard seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote.

At 11:25 p.m. the Board went into Non-Public Session under RSA 91-A: 3 II (a) on a motion by Andy Houle seconded by Jim Barnard, with the following vote recorded, Gordon Preston, yes; David Kerr, yes; Jim Barnard, yes; and Andrew Houle, yes. The Board came out of Non-Public Session at 11:50 p.m. and on a motion by David Kerr, seconded by Andrew Houle, the Board unanimously voted to seal the minutes of that meeting.

The Board discussed legal issues and reviewed miscellaneous correspondence.

JB mentioned that Barnstead Fire Rescue Inc.(BFRI) had requested their 1st quarter appropriation. Karen Montgomery explained to the Board that Local Government Center (LGC) has reviewed the contract (between the Town and BFRI) and has determined that the contract itself constitutes a lease which means that the vehicles and buildings owned by BFRI will be insured through LGC. Karen further explained that this means a great savings for the Town, but the Budget Committee took the $10,000 figure from the Selectmen’s insurance line and moved it to the Fire Departments insurance line. The Fire Departments insurance line is $27,500, but now can be greatly reduced, which means the appropriation amount will be lower as well. Karen went on to say that the Town gave BFRI $10,000 last year towards insuring their vehicles and the current BFRI insurance contract runs from July 2007 through June 2008. This will lower the dollar amount needed for insurance because the Town’s insurance runs Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, so BFRI’s buildings and vehicles will only have to be insured for six months instead of twelve. The Board was pleased with the notion of saving the Town money and it was decided to pay the full amount of the 1st quarter appropriation for the Fire Department while they are waiting for actual figures from LGC. BFRI will be sent a letter with their check explaining the insurance changes.

The Board will send a letter to the new owner of Bob Press’ house on Beauty Hill regarding the water level of the pond being so high that it is eroding the roadway.

The meeting was adjourned at 12:05 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,                                   

Karen Montgomery

Selectmen’s Secretary                                     

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SELECTMEN'S OFFICE

Town of Barnstead

P.O. Box 11

Center Barnstead, NH  03225

Minutes

March 18th, 2008

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

Vice-Chairman O’Neil called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. The Board signed the payroll, manifest, the minutes of 3/11/08, 1 veteran’s credit, 1 elderly exemption, 4 old home day committee appointments, Key Bank requisition. The Board relocated to the Town Hall for the next portion of their meeting.

Vice-Chairman O’Neil opened the meeting to public input at 6:38 p.m. Ed Tasker congratulated Andrew Houle and James Barnard on their election success. JO thanked Mr. Tasker for his years of service to the town. Peter James asked the Board to look at the needs of the Town before spending the $16,000 that passed at town meeting, on computers for the police department. The group discussed the having one server and network for the entire town departments. Chief Krause pointed out that each department operates on different software with no common file sharing and wondered what the benefit of connectivity would be. After a lengthy discussion Paul Landry and Peter James volunteered to be on the Municipal Computer Committee. JB and AH suggested scheduling all non-public sessions either first or last on the agenda and the Board agreed to try to maintain that consistency. Phil Grillo announced that he has been designated at Chairman of the Capital Improvements Plan and would be scheduling meetings with the Selectmen.

At 7:05 p.m. the Board went into Non-Public Session under RSA 91-A: 3 II (a) on a motion by Gordon Preston seconded by Dave Kerr, with the following vote recorded, John O’Neil, yes; Gordon Preston yes; Dave Kerr, yes; Andrew Houle, yes; and James Barnard, yes. The Board came out of Non-Public Session at 7:40 p.m. and on a motion by Gordon Preston, seconded by Dave Kerr, the Board unanimously voted to seal the minutes of that meeting.

At 7:40 p.m. the Board met with the newly elected Road Agent, Chris Carazzo and congratulated him on his election success. JO announced that the Board had determined the Road Agent’s position would be salaried instead of hourly, beginning at $40,060.00 with a step increase of 3% July 1, 2008. JO asked Mr. Carazzo when his first day of work was and he said it was Monday, March 17, 2008. Mr. Carazzo mentioned that in the prior budget the past Road Agent was paid an hourly rate with 100 hours of overtime figured in. GP explained that the Board cannot limit the number of overtime hours and that it was

not a good idea for a department head to determine his own overtime. JO added that Chief Borgia was a salaried employee. Ed Tasker asked if it was appropriate to ask what the Grade and Step would be. AH said he thought it was Grade 23 Step 3 and that it took into account the 100 hours of overtime. JO asked Chris Carazzo if that was agreeable to him and Chris stated that yes, it was. Chris told the Selectmen that Karen Gosse is coming to the garage to put numbers on all the vehicles and equipment. GP suggested that Chris give the existing crew broad terms of his goals for the highway department. Chris updated the Board on the status of the highway vehicles and the rebuilding of existing broken down vehicles. JB mentioned that Chris had called him about a transmission. JB told Chris that he didn’t want to micromanage but if he has a question in the future Chris needs to come before the full board for an answer. JO further explained that if it is an emergency that cannot wait until a Tuesday night meeting, that he should call Karen Montgomery to have her poll the Board.

AH suggested the full Board take a tour of the Highway Garage. GP reminded the group that if 3 or more meet and discuss anything pertaining to Selectmen business it has to be posted as a meeting. AH stated that he did not want to micromanage but he felt it was okay for Chris to make decisions that saved the town money. AH added that that was why he and Jim (Barnard) got elected, because the people were sick of seeing money spent needlessly. DK wanted the Board to be careful before they do anymore cannibalization of these vehicles. He was concerned with the amount of time that the highway crew is spending doing mechanical work and felt that the town should mechanic’s doing the work. Chris commented that all new vehicles are going to computers. Chris asked the Board about the personnel policy and will meet with them next Tuesday evening.

The new members of the Board will review the draft welfare guidelines and be prepared to discuss it next week. JO introduced Elaine Swinford as the new Welfare Director, commenting that she has a lot of knowledge and picks up fast. JO added that when he took the position the guidelines were from 1995 (and still are) and that he had no training from the previous Director. JB and AH both thanked JO for the time he has put into the Welfare and Food Pantry. Elaine told the Board that she would like to start letting people know what is available to them for help through the county agencies. Elaine commented that she will work with Eleanor Drew (past and present welfare secretary) and that Eleanor has been supportive.

At 8:15 p.m. Chief Krause announced that he would need a full staff of 15 people on duty for the School District meeting on Saturday, March 22, 2008 as the school expects a large crowd and will open 4 rooms besides the gym. Mr. Krause stated that this would be due to the fire alarm having to be deactivated. JO asked if Krause had documentation from the State Fire Marshall that this would be necessary. GP didn’t feel there would be that large of a crowd and asked Krause if he would downscale the Fire Rescue force if the number of people is lower. Krause stated that he would. JB told the group that he has attended

town meetings with large crowds and if the Fire Chief says it necessary then the Board should do it. AH agreed with JB. JO said that he agreed to it if it was required but also felt if the Fire Rescue force was not needed that they should be relieved so as not to incur additional expenses for the town. Krause informed the Selectmen that the School Board has only speculated on the number of people but he has to be prepared. JO suggested sending a memo to the police chief but Krause told the group that the police chief had already contacted Krause about the event. Bruce Grey commented that traditionally the school meeting has less people in attendance. Chris Carazzo told the Selectmen that the School Board had contacted him asking if the Highway could push the snow back to provide more parking for the School Meeting. JB asked who their contractor was as he felt that person should be taking care of the problem. DK thought that perhaps the school’s snow plowing contractor would not have a loader (which is what would be required) and that was why they asked the Highway Dept. for help. It was determined that the Board did not need a vote on it, that the situation was in the Road Agent’s hands.

Chief Krause informed the Board that he had requested two new call members be hired and that it was never approved. JO asked how many members they had and Chief Krause said that it was about 35. JO asked if the new members would also be members of Barnstead Fire Rescue Inc. and Krause said that it would be up to them. JO stated that he didn’t remember seeing the paperwork. GP told the group that he remembered the request, but the Board was looking at the number of call firefighters and the qualifications (as a whole) before brining on any new people. Krause explained that these were probationary people (one just turned 18 years of age and still in school), that they had no training but they are allowed to work for 12 months before having to pass tests. Krause added that he is able to give them an additional 12 months before they have to pass tests if necessary. JO commented that they should not make any decisions tonight. DK told the group that he remembered the Board wanted to look at the number of call people already on the call list and the cost of gear etc. for each new person that is hired. Krause stated that there was no cost for gear because it was all paid for with a grant. DK stated that he wanted to know what we have for an active force first, before bringing on new people and JO agreed with him. Krause said that when Barnstead Fire Rescue was established in 1996, it was with a call force of 60 members. AH asked about the pay rate and Krause stated that pay would be a non-public issue. Chief Krause explained that one of the people he was bringing on just turned 18 years but had been a Junior firefighter for one year. This person was still a student at Prospect Mountain. GP asked him if he (Krause) had all the gear for this person and Krause stated that gear was not his issue that he (Krause) just wanted to get this person on workers comp. Krause went on to say that the second person he wanted to bring on is over 18 but also not certified. He added that this person doesn’t do active firefighting but does do active EMS (not anything that requires certification though). Gordon Preston made a motion to allow Chief Krause to add on the two people to Fire Rescue. Andrew Houle seconded the motion. DK explained that the basis for the workers compensation is the number of people and that he wanted to go over

the list first. DK told the Board that there is one person on the employee call list that lives on the Cape. Krause told him that when the person first moved to the Cape he thought the person was going to move back. Krause went on to say that this person would be removed. Krause also stated that Treasurer Terry had given him a list of employee call people and Krause was reviewing it for changes. AH wondered if you could remove a person from the workers comp without taking him off the roster and Krause said he would have to look into it. JB asked if there was a limit to the number of people you can have on workers comp and DK said that there wasn’t a limit but the dollar amount the town pays is based on the number of people on workers comp. JO stated that there was a motion on the follow and it passed with the following vote; Gordon Preston, yes; John O’Neil, yes; Jim Barnard, yes; Andrew Houle, yes; and Dave Kerr, no. Karen Montgomery reminded Chief Krause that all necessary paperwork must be in to the Treasurer before the people can start work.

At 8:50 p.m. the following committee/board/appointments were filled;

On a motion by Jim Barnard seconded by David Kerr and receiving a unanimous vote, Gordon Preston was elected Chairman of the Board of Selectmen. On a motion by John O’Neil, seconded by Jim Barnard and receiving a unanimous vote, David Kerr was elected Vice Chairman.

BCEP- Andrew Houle, Conservation- John O’Neil, Budget Committee – Dave Kerr, Zoning Board – Gordon Preston, Fire Wards – Jim Barnard, Planning Board – Dave Kerr, Planning Board Alternate – Andrew Houle, Safety Administrator – David Kerr, Fire Dept. Study Committee – Jim Barnard, Grant Research – Andrew Houle, TAC Committee – David Kerr, Suncook Valley Regional Town Association – Gordon Preston.

JO asked about having a drill to test out our emergency management plan of action. Chief Krause felt it was something that should be done. JO asked that it be put on next week’s agenda but Krause stated that he would not be available on that date.

AH told the group that he knew of some people in town that could write grants. John O’Neil made a motion that Andy Houle pursue the grant writer and if he finds someone that he will bring that person in before the Board of Selectmen. Jim Barnard seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote.

Jim Barnard suggested that the Selectmen look into finding an Emergency Management Director and not have it be the Board of Selectmen. The group had a brief discussion regarding the issue with no decisions made. Both JB and AH would like to be signed up for the Antioch Selectmen’s workshop. The Board will review the new Food Pantry guidelines and be prepared to discuss them at the next meeting, along with the new Welfare guidelines. JO left the meeting at 9:25 p.m.

Jim Barnard made a motion to have Chairman Preston sign the request for payment fro Key Bank to E W Sleeper per the obligation for the highway trucks. Andrew Houle seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote.

The Board will send a letter of support to the Lakes Region Planning Commission regarding the Route 28 Safety Audit and the Ten Year Plan regarding improvements to Route 28.

At 10:25 p.m. the Board went into Non-Public Session under RSA 91-A: 3 II (e) on a motion by Gordon Preston seconded by Dave Kerr, with the following vote recorded, Gordon Preston, yes; David Kerr, yes; Jim Barnard, yes; and Andrew Houle, yes. The Board came out of Non-Public Session at 10:45 p.m. and on a motion by David Kerr, seconded by Andrew Houle, the Board unanimously voted to seal the minutes of that meeting.

The Board discussed legal issues and reviewed miscellaneous correspondence.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:47 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,                                   

Karen Montgomery

Selectmen’s Secretary                                     

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SELECTMEN'S OFFICE

Town of Barnstead

P.O. Box 11

Center Barnstead, NH  03225

Minutes

March 11th, 2008

Present: Chairman Frank Sullivan (FS) (7:05 p.m.), Vice-Chairman John O’Neil (JO), David Kerr (DK), Gordon Preston (GP) and Edward Tasker (ET) (7:05 p.m.). Town Administrator Paul Skowron (PS) was also in attendance.

Vice-Chairman O’Neil called the meeting to order at 6:40 p.m. The Board signed the payroll, manifest, the minutes of 3/4/08, six abatements, one current use land change warrant and the 2008 Milfoil Treatment agreement.

At 6:45 p.m. the Board went into Non-Public Session under RSA 91-A: 3 II (c) on a motion by Gordon Preston seconded by Dave Kerr, with the following vote recorded, John O’Neil, yes; Gordon Preston yes; Dave Kerr, yes.. The Board came out of Non-Public Session at 6:58 p.m. and on a motion by Gordon Preston, seconded by Dave Kerr, the Board unanimously voted to seal the minutes of that meeting.

Gordon Preston made a motion to allow Chief Borgia to give a conditional offer of hire to a potential police officer. Dave Kerr seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote. Gordon Preston made a motion to allow Lee Hirtle to go to an armories course to become the armorer for the Barnstead Police department at the cost of $150.00 from the police budget. Dave Kerr seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote.

At 7:00 p.m. the meeting was opened to public input. Gail Darrell asked it the Selectmen would allow Barnstead to be a friend of the court in the Pennsylvania sludge case. GP stated that he didn’t see any harm in it, JO agreed, DK wanted no part of it and ET was concerned with joining the Pa. case. Chairman Sullivan asked for a vote and Barnstead will be a friend of the court with the following vote; Chairman Sullivan, yes; John O’Neil, yes; Dave Kerr, no; Gordon Preston, yes; and Ed Tasker, no.

At 7:15 p.m. Gordon Preston made a motion to have the Chairman sign all documents in the signature file requiring the Chairman’s signature. John O’Neil seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote.

Mark Fraser of the Municipal Building Committee pointed out that the bond amount for the Municipal Building was $21,000 less than the final figure. After a brief discussion, it was determined that there were two contingencies in the municipal building budget where the difference could be made up. At 7:20 p.m. the results of the voting were read.

Town Administrator Paul Skowron (PS) informed the Board that they had been given copies of the draft report from Municipal Resource Inc. (MRI) on the internal control audit for their review. Karen Montgomery pointed out that there were several errors in the draft (the town has a personnel policy, a master plan, a capital improvements plan etc.). These errors will be corrected by MRI. PS also provided the Board with his evaluation regarding employee benefits/salary package. PS stated that he was working on the vehicle policy for the town.

Dave Kerr will obtain a lock bar for one of the file cabinets in the Town Hall so the assessor can utilize it. The Highway Dept. will be notified that they should be sanding behind the police department. PS informed the Board that Chief Borgia will send a list of the safety grants he’s applying for before March 31, 2008. Karen Montgomery informed the Board that they still had a pending issue regarding Chief Krause’s request to hire more members. Karen reminded the Board that the Board had asked PS to work with Chief Krause to develop a set of standards for call members. PS told the Selectmen that he had had a conversation with Chief Krause but was unable to ascertain who is in charge when Krause is at work or out of town. Nothing further has been worked on.

At 8:05 p.m. the Board discussed the food pantry guidelines and JO informed the Board that he would post the USDA guidelines downstairs in the food pantry and also in the Town Hall (where recipients fill out the forms and wait for their food). JO told the Board that he has one volunteer who also qualifies for food from the pantry and wondered if it could be amended. Chairman Sullivan told him that if the guidelines say “no volunteers will be recipients of food” then it’s “no”. Karen Montgomery reminded the group that they need to determine who will run the food pantry. It was decided that the Board would have that discussion at next week’s meeting with the new Welfare Officer.

Ed Tasker stated to the group that he hopes this Board continues to act professionally, accept legal advice and not have special interests. He added that he hoped the people coming on board would take as much pride and interest in their jobs as he has.

Dave Kerr gave an update on the Highway Trucks. The group discussed the issues and the possibility of town meeting voting down the next lease payment. The Selectmen spent the remainder of the evening preparing for Saturday’s town meeting. The Moderator, Bill Gosse, joined the group at 8:56 p.m.

At 9:10 p.m. the Board went into Non-Public Session under RSA 91-A: 3 II (c) on a motion by Gordon Preston seconded by Dave Kerr, with the following vote recorded, Francis Sullivan, yes’ John O’Neil, yes; Gordon Preston yes; Dave Kerr, yes; and Edward Tasker, yes. The Board came out of Non-Public Session at 9:16 p.m. and on a motion by Gordon Preston, seconded by John O’Neil, the Board unanimously voted to seal the minutes of that meeting.

The Board discussed legal issues and reviewed miscellaneous correspondence.

A memo will be sent to the Highway Department to stop dumping anymore snow or materials on the Parade Grounds as it belongs to the church and they have never asked or received permission to use it. The Highway Dept. will also be instructed to clean up the area in the spring.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:20 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,                                   

Karen Montgomery

Selectmen’s Secretary                                     

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SELECTMEN'S OFFICE

Town of Barnstead

P.O. Box 11

Center Barnstead, NH  03225

Minutes

March 4th, 2008

Present: Chairman Frank Sullivan (FS), Vice-Chairman John O’Neil (JO), David Kerr (DK), Gordon Preston (GP) and Edward Tasker (ET) (6:50 p.m.). Town Administrator Paul Skowron (PS) was also in attendance.

Chairman Sullivan called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. The Board signed the payroll, manifest, the minutes of 2/26/08, appointment forms for the Old Home Day Committee, a letter to Richard Niolet, an intent to excavate and a veteran’s credit.

The meeting was opened up to public input and Gail Darrell asked if the Board would approve the request to be a “Friend of the Court” on the sludge case in Pennsylvania. Chairman Sullivan explained that they needed to review the attorney’s comments and asked her to give them a week to respond. Phil Grillo told the Board that the AA group had found the Town Hall a mess when they opened up on Sunday evening. The Board will find out who met before then and address that group.

Karen Montgomery informed the Board that she had spoken with the Director, John Dionne of the Reach the Beach Relay Race. According to Mr. Dionne, there were computer problems last year which resulted in them using the prior years information; thus the quiet zone was not enforced, the port-o-lets were not placed behind the elementary school, minimizing the noise, and the request should come to the Selectmen’s Office not the police department. He assured the Board that those steps would be adhered to this year. Karen also explained to the Board that she had suggested the racers use JJ Goodwin’s or Bosco Bell but according to Dionne, they don’t use JJ’s anymore because it’s not big enough. After a brief discussion, John O’Neil made a motion for Chairman Sullivan to sign the permit on behalf of the Board of Selectmen. Dave Kerr seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote. A letter will be sent to Mr. Dionne detailing the expectations of the Board and copies will go to the Principal and Police Chief. The Police Chief will also be instructed to have the officer covering the detail enforce the “quiet zone”.

The Board discussed the new highway trucks, with DK reporting that an E.W. Sleeper representative was here and made some adjustments to the trucks. It was determined that Liberty International would be contacted and a meeting set up. FS contacted Roscoe Tasker and they will meet at the Highway Garage on this Thursday at 4:00 p.m. with Jim Doucette.

JO informed the Board that he would not sign the manifest because the food pantry money request he had submitted was not processed. JO read aloud his request to accounting which asked for all funds in the food pantry account to be put in a check to the Barnstead Country Store (BCS). JO told the Board that this is standard practice for him, that he takes the money from the food pantry and disburses it between Danis and BCS. JO added that the money is held as a credit by the stores and as purchases are made it is deducted. FS explained that Treasurer Jeannie Terry should be paying out on invoice only. JO stated that he has always done it this way and felt like giving up the food pantry. FS went on to say that now that the food pantry comes under the town (using the Town’s id#) the money falls under the Treasurer, as she is the custodial money holder. Karen Montgomery added that Eleanor Drew had pulled the request because she (Eleanor) didn’t think JO realized how much money was in the account, especially with his letters in the Suncook Sun saying the food pantry needed money. JO stated that he knew how much money was in the account and looking at the printout thought it was $600. Karen showed him that he was looking at the wrong figure and the account actually had over $2500 with $250 more that had just come in yesterday. JO commented that his letters to the Sun say the food pantry can always use donations.

JO told the group that he uses the local stores because he gets products at 3% above cost and he likes to help out local businesses. (He explained that the owners of Danis Supermarket live here in Barnstead). DK commented that for $600 you could go to Sam’s Club and get a lot more for the money. JO suggested DK do the shopping and DK expressed concern that their was such a great need, especially with all the food the pantry currently gets from USDA/Community Action. JO told the group that if the town takes over the food pantry, then he would start charging for his gas mileage at whatever the standard mileage rate is. DK tried to explain that he just felt it would be cheaper at a larger store. FS stated that he felt the local stores were giving them the most for their money and that he supported using local businesses. GP expressed concerns with removing large amount of money like the $2500 and giving it to the country store. He added that if we keep it, at least we get some interest off it. ET arrived late and FS explained that JO wanted to take $600 and give to the BCS as a credit. ET told him that he would abstain from the discussion as he came in late. DK asked why we didn’t prepay Maxfield’s or Sanels or any of the other vendors because that is what JO is doing with the food pantry money. DK added it is customary to pay upon invoice. GP added that any other entity (especially municipalities) gets invoices and pays on invoices. GP was concerned with keeping track of the balances etc. FS told the group that JO gives Jeannie receipts from the store when food is bought.

FS suggested setting a limit of $500 to be on account at any store. JO commented that he only orders what he needs. DK felt that they should look at getting the most for their money. JO felt that it behooves the town to use local businesses and DK asked why JO wasn’t using the White Buffalo, especially where they were struggling. JO told him that

the White Buffalo wouldn’t help him out, that they sell at retail prices only. JO added that he (the owner) shut JO right down and doesn’t have the room to order extra food. FS suggested that JO do a comparison of prices from the different stores. JO said that he spoke with the manager at Hannaford (in Alton) and was told that JO must buy in bulk from them (cases). JO added that Hannaford would not let him buy meat from them as he needed it. JO informed the Board again that if he had to go to Concord to buy food he would charge for mileage. GP made a motion that the Board limits the decrease of money from the food pantry to $500, the maximum amount a store can have on account. JO seconded the motion and it passed with the following vote; Frank Sullivan, yes; John O’Neil, yes; Dave Kerr, abstained; Gordon Preston, yes; and Edward Tasker, abstained.

Jo stated that he would not submit the request he had originally put in but would wait a week and submit a new one.

At 7:03 p.m. the Board went into Non-Public Session under RSA 91-A: 3 II (c) on a motion by Gordon Preston seconded by John O’Neil, with the following vote recorded, Francis Sullivan, yes’ John O’Neil, yes; Gordon Preston yes; Dave Kerr, yes; and Edward Tasker, yes. The Board came out of Non-Public Session at 7:42 p.m. and on a motion by Gordon Preston, seconded by Ed Tasker, the Board unanimously voted to seal the minutes of that meeting.

At 7:45 p.m. the Board went into Non-Public Session under RSA 91-A: 3 II (c) on a motion by John O’Neil seconded by Gordon Preston, with the following vote recorded, Francis Sullivan, yes’ John O’Neil, yes; Gordon Preston yes; Dave Kerr, yes; and Edward Tasker, yes. The Board came out of Non-Public Session at 7:58 p.m. and on a motion by Gordon Preston, seconded by John O’Neil, the Board unanimously voted to seal the minutes of that meeting.

At 7:59 p.m. JO told the Board that he had reviewed the Town Administrators’ suggestions regarding the food pantry guidelines and that he was perfectly happy with it. GP told the Board that he had a discussion with Peter James about a small business owner that approached the Barnstead Planning Board about setting up his business here but then ended up going to Pittsfield because Pittsfield held special meetings etc. and got approval for him within 60 days. Both James and Preston were concerned with this, especially where Barnstead needed the business. DK (Selectmen’s Rep. on Planning Board) told the group that the person had come before the Planning Board for one meeting but then never came back. A discussion followed and FS commented that a business would be crazy to come to Barnstead because of our large building code and how costly it is for sprinklers etc.

DK real aloud a letter in the Suncook Sun from Andy Houle which stated that the Selectmen agreed to sign a building contract for the New Town Hall without approval from the people of Barnstead. DK clarified that the Board signed an amended contract

with North Branch (the company that was selected through a bid process for the design and construction plans and specifications for a municipal building per the warrant article that passed at the 2007 Town Meeting allocating $260,000 for this purpose). The townspeople will decide on whether or not a municipal building is built at the 2008 town meeting.

The Town of Barnstead has been awarded a base station radio for their Emergency Operations Center which must be permanently installed in the EOC (Selectmen’s Office). The base stations were a grant for those towns that had operation centers in locations other than their fire departments or police stations.

Representative Janet Allen will be contacted and asked for her support in passing House Bill 1332 regarding Weights & Measures which will rectify an issue at the BCEP facility.

ET made a motion to send a card of condolence to the family of Representative Michael Whalley. JO seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote.

The Board reviewed a complaint from Wayne Hall regarding the police department and a memo will be sent to the police chief.

ET made a motion to change the current Road Agent job description wording to reflect that the Road Agent works under the “direction” of the Selectmen per the RSA’s. DJ seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote.

The Board will send letters to the Highway Department employees dispelling their concerns regarding rumors of them being replaced if a new Road Agent should be elected. A brief discussion ensued with the Board reiterating that they are the hiring and firing authorities. ET commented that he felt this year’s Town Report was the best one ever and he hoped it was considered for an award at the annual convention. The Board will postpone any decisions regarding ambulance rates versus Medicare rates until next week if they receive the information requested from Fire Rescue employee Mary Reed. JO made a motion to table the ambulance rate discussion until the week after next and that no appointments are scheduled next Tuesday so the Board can prepare for the Saturday portion of town meeting. FS pointed out that the Board had scheduled Gail Darrell earlier for a meeting next week. JO revised the motion so that no other appointments would be scheduled after Gail’s and ET seconded the motion. It passed with a unanimous vote.

FS asked that a memo be sent to the Highway Foreman asking that one person from that department be selected to attend the upcoming Flagger Training. JO informed the Board that the $2900 check that went out last week for a welfare issue is being returned and the town will be credited that amount.

KM reported to the Chairman that she had looked through the Personnel Policy and it doesn’t have a specific section on background checks. Town Administrator Paul Skowron informed the Board that they can just state that it common practice of the town to conduct background checks on all employees/volunteers etc. The Selectmen confirmed that it is the common practice of the town. JO wondered if the people that come to him through the juvenile restoration program that are under 16 to do volunteer work would be required to have background checks done. Both FS and PS agreed that under 16 would not be required but everyone else would. FS wondered if the personnel policy should list the steps of the hiring process and Karen Montgomery told him that it is outlined generally in the policy already. Karen added that the Treasurer continues to have problems with new hires getting in the proper paperwork before starting work. Jeannie Terry was asked to join the group and explained that 2 new hires still didn’t have all the required paperwork in, even though the department heads are instructed not to let them begin work until the paperwork is complete. JO stated that the Board should direct the department heads to have the paperwork in. Jeannie told the Board that when she addresses the issue with the department heads, it’s like a big joke to them. FS asked what department(s) the 2 new hires were and she told him they were both police department. FS instructed the Town Administrator (PS) to handle the situation and PS told the Board that he and Jeannie would compile a list of necessary items that must be completed before work is to begin. FS wondered if a policy should be created regarding this and ET told him that you didn’t need a policy, that it was a directive from the Selectmen to the Department Head.

JO told the group that he had no questions or qualms about the food pantry policy, that he approved of it 100% and thanked PS for also completing the welfare guidelines draft. PS said that if it was okay, he would make copies for each of the Board Members to review where they will be the ones to approve it or not.

DK referred to a letter from Dave Murley, Planning Board Chairman, regarding a $40 expenditure that Murley paid out of his pocket, but which occurred after Mr. Murley was instructed that the budget was frozen. Mr. Murley’s letter stated that he spoke with the Town Administrator (PS) about this and that PS had approved it. When FS asked PS if he had approved the expenditure PS informed the Board that he had read Murley’s letter and remembers the discussion briefly but he (PS) didn’t recall any decisions being made. JO suggested just paying Murley the $40 and be done with it, but FS disagreed, stating that regardless of the amount, Murley was informed that the budget was frozen and did not have the approval of the Board for the expenditure. JO commented that a big issue shouldn’t be made of it and DK pointed out that Murley himself was making a big deal of it because he had carbon copied the Baysider reporters. FS reiterated that he knew it was only $40 but that wasn’t the issue. He added that department heads had come before the Board for emergency expenditure requests after the budget was frozen and they were dealt with individually by the Board.

ET informed the Board that when the Sleeper reps were here in Barnstead, they watched the new truck’s sanding operations and changed the control speed inside the trucks. They also replaced the control panel which improved the problem but did not totally fix it.

Karen Montgomery mentioned to the Selectmen that the personnel policies should be updated now that we had a Town Administrator. PS will go over the existing personnel policies and make suggested changes/updates. JO left the meeting for the evening.

At 9:06 p.m. the Board went into Non-Public Session under RSA 91-A: 3 II (a) on a motion by Francis Sullivan, seconded by Gordon Preston, with the following vote recorded, Francis Sullivan, yes; Gordon Preston yes; Dave Kerr, yes; and Edward Tasker, yes. The Board came out of Non-Public Session at 9:30 p.m. and on a motion by Gordon Preston, seconded by Ed Tasker, the Board unanimously voted to seal the minutes of that meeting.

The Board discussed legal issues and reviewed miscellaneous correspondence.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:01 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,                                   

Karen Montgomery

Selectmen’s Secretary                                     

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SELECTMEN'S OFFICE

Town of Barnstead

P.O. Box 11

Center Barnstead, NH  03225

Minutes

February 26th, 2008

Present: Vice-Chairman John O’Neil (JO), David Kerr (DK), Gordon Preston (GP) and Edward Tasker (ET). Francis Sullivan and Town Administrator Paul Skowron (PS) were unable to attend.

Vice-Chairman O’Neil called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. The Board signed the payroll, manifest, the minutes of 2/12/08, 2/19/08, 3 abatement forms, the DES Milfoil grant and the BCEDC Incorporator Nomination Form.

At 6:33 p.m. the Board went into Non-Public Session under RSA 91-A: 3 II (c) on a motion by Gordon Preston seconded by David Kerr, with the following vote recorded, John O’Neil, yes; Gordon Preston yes; Dave Kerr, yes; and Edward Tasker, yes. The Board came out of Non-Public Session at 7:01 p.m. and on a motion by Gordon Preston, seconded by Ed Tasker, the Board unanimously voted to seal the minutes of that meeting.

At 7:05 p.m. Catherine Kowalski presented an invoice for website services and explained that she didn’t know she had to submit her invoices (for2007) by December 31, 2007. She thought she had until the March 2008 town meeting to submit them.

At 7:10 p.m. it was determined that the Board would table the food pantry discussion until next week in the absence of the Town Administrator and Chairman Sullivan. JO informed the Board that he was changing the food pantry so that it would only be open twice a month. Karen Montgomery reminded JO that he hadn’t handed in any reports from the food pantry for the last four weeks. JO stated that he had them downstairs.

DK asked about the nomination of Incorporator to the Belknap County Economic Development Council (BCEDC) and GP explained that there was not a lot of activity for the role. Karen Montgomery further explained that they meet once a year. JO commented about the need for businesses in Barnstead and advertising of local businesses on the website.

Ed Tasker made a motion to have Chairman Sullivan sign the $50,000 DES Milfoil grant on behalf of the Board. David Kerr seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote. Ed Tasker made a motion to have Chairman Sullivan sign the BCEDC Incorporator Nomination Form nominating Michael Kowalski to the role. Gordon Preston seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote.

GP told the Board that the tower truck responded to a call on Shackford Corner Road but they were unable to get it in the driveway and therefore had to close Shackford Corner Road for a period of time.

The Board discussed a letter from John Dionne, Reach the Beach Relay Course Director, requesting permission to allow runners to stop off in Barnstead at the Elementary School during the early morning hours of September 13th, 2008. The relay has been allowed for the past several years, but there have been complaints of noise, etc. from residents on Maple Street even though the race designates the area as a quiet zone. The Board determined that it would send a letter to the School Board suggesting a different location be utilized and a letter to Mr. Dionne as well.

The Board received a request from Girl Scout Troop 180 to sell their cookies at Town Meeting on Saturday. The Troop was instructed to contact the school for permission. The Board discussed the Local Government Center and New Hampshire Public Radio’s (NHPR) development of an interactive map on the NHPR website where citizens can go to find the date, time and location of the town meeting as well as preview a few warrant articles. It was mentioned that our entire warrant and information regarding the town meeting is already on our website.

It was reported that the piano bench in the Town Hall got broken sometime between Saturday morning and Monday morning and the stage is being used even though signs are posted to stay off the stage. It was noted that there have been problems in the past and that some groups do not clean up after using the hall. The Board discussed the issue and letters will be sent to the various groups explaining that we may have to start charging for the usage and/or possibly restrict it usage.

DK informed the Board that E W Sleeper Co. had come out to monitor the sanding operations of the new highway trucks. Some adjustments have been made but speed is still an issue and Sleeper will continue to work with us on the problems.

The Board discussed the ambulance rates versus Medicare rates and decided to table the issue until next week when Mary Reed will have more information for them. The Selectmen reviewed the salt, sand and overtime budget accounts to date to see where we stand. ET commented that Meredith had expended 70% of their salt and overtime budgets already.

DK questioned the payroll showing that the on-call shifts were being filled by an officer that lives in Chester. All Selectmen agreed that it was there understanding the on-call shifts were to be filled by officers in Barnstead. The Board will have the Town Administrator speak with Chief Borgia about the issue.

The Board discussed legal issues and reviewed miscellaneous correspondence.

At 8:25 p.m. the Board went into Non-Public Session under RSA 91-A: 3 II (c) on a motion by Gordon Preston seconded by Ed Tasker, with the following vote recorded, John O’Neil, yes; Gordon Preston yes; Dave Kerr, yes; and Edward Tasker, yes. The Board came out of Non-Public Session at 8:50 p.m. and on a motion by Gordon Preston, seconded by Ed Tasker, the Board unanimously voted to seal the minutes of that meeting.

The Board will meet with the Town Administrator next Tuesday evening from 6:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The Board discussed who would be available at the Tuesday portion of Town Meeting at it was determined that GP would be here from 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., JO from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. and DK from 2:00 p.m. – the end of the Selectmen’s meeting. ET mentioned that where he is on the ballot and running he would be mostly outside campaigning.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:52 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,                                   

Karen Montgomery

Selectmen’s Secretary                                     

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SELECTMEN'S OFFICE

Town of Barnstead

P.O. Box 11

Center Barnstead, NH  03225

Minutes

February 19th, 2008

Present: Chairman Frank Sullivan (FS), John O’Neil (JO), David Kerr (DK), Gordon Preston (GP) and Edward Tasker (ET). Town Administrator Paul Skowron (PS) was also in attendance.

Chairman Sullivan called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. The Board signed the payroll, manifest, 3 appointment forms for Parks & Rec, the 2008 warrant, a site plan review, 2 veteran’s credit applications, and 2 letters.

Karen Montgomery informed the Board that Chief Borgia would be unable to attend the department head meeting this evening. Chief Krause and Mac Tebbetts were both unable to attend as well.

Chairman Sullivan opened the meeting to public input at 6:39 p.m. Mark Fraser, of the Municipal Building Committee presented the revised contract with North Branch, explaining that the original contract did not have the GMP in because no one knew what it was at that time. ET asked who owns the building plans and Mark Fraser told him that we do. ET asked what if someone came forward and said they could do the building for under $200 per square foot. Mark Fraser told him that you would seriously have to look to see what was being provided to us for that amount. Mark added that he would definitely question it. ET asked if Barnstead had an “out” in the contract between now and town meeting (other than the article being voted down at town meeting) and Mark told him they did not. Mark added that he would be very wary this late in the stage of someone coming forward and further wondered if the person was bondable or had the necessary skills. JO commented that with the current plan (contract) almost every “t’ was crossed and Mark agreed. GP expressed concern that the public’s minds are set at the 2.8 million figure quoted last year. Mark told the Board that the committee is addressing this adding that last year’s figure was a “guestimate”. JO asked if Mark was happy with North Branch and Mark told him that he absolutely was, that North Branch is a top rated company and to change course now would be more costly. FS stated that we needed to stay with North Branch and that the committee had done a tremendous job. Mark added that the towns’ people did vote for the $260,000 to go forward with building/plan design. DK informed the group that if it looks like they were wavering at all especially with the press here, it would not be good. He went on to say that they had a person come in last week raising questions (that should have been posed to the Building Committee) but that he (DK) was very satisfied with North Branch. FS felt that the Board needed to have concrete plans for the usage of the Town Hall if the municipal building does pass. JO commented that the Board had already discussed the Historical Society, Parks & Rec and

the Elderly using it. DK told the group that the Town Hall was an expensive building especially to heat. FS suggested giving this office space to the SAU. At 7:02 p.m. Gordon Preston made a motion to have the Chairman sign the North Branch amended contract on behalf of the Board of Selectmen. John O’Neil seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote.

Brett Tiede asked the Selectmen if they had a complete inventory list of the Highway Department here in the Selectmen’s Office. FS told him that we have the list from the insurance company and Karen Montgomery confirmed that the list contains insurable items, but not a complete inventory of everything in the garage. Mr. Tiede informed the Board that he knew there were things that should be up at the garage that weren’t. He added that when he was Selectman, they had a complete inventory list. FS told him the Board could ask for one. Brett next asked about the new trucks and requested a copy of the lease. Karen Montgomery will provide one for him tomorrow. FS informed the group that the town voted to purchase two 6-wheel trucks and the Board formed a committee that developed specifications. FS said that later the committee made some changes to the specs. Somewhere after the committee completed the new specs and the Road Agent ordered the trucks the new specs got lost and he (FS) thinks we ended up with the original specs, not the modified ones. When Liberty International saw the specs, they informed the Road Agent that they couldn’t put the specified rear-end on the truck. FS told the group that Roscoe Tasker and Shawn Mulcahy (truck committee members) are supposed to test the trucks.

GP commented that the spreaders were another issue. FS stated that the committee recommended a standard body and the Road Agent wanted a different kind. FS went on to say that before the Board signed the lease, the Board asked the committee if they would okay the specs and they did. GP felt that they should get the people who built it (E W Sleeper) out here to look at it. JO made a motion to have the Chairman sign the invoice for the new trucks but it was explained that they were holding off on it until this was straightened out. The motion was tabled. The Board determined that both Liberty International and E W Sleeper would be requested to send a technician or salesman out to go through all the features of the truck. ET commented that he spent some time with Foreman Jim Doucette who showed him a bunch of things that were wrong with the trucks and that it’s not operator error. JO stated that he felt they should be careful about using names with the elections coming up but FS told him that unfortunately, the public has a right to know and if there’s a problem with the trucks, they needed to get it straightened out. ET suggested that any service checks done on the vehicles should include someone from the Selectmen’s office. He added that he’s not unhappy with the crew, they were washing the trucks down yesterday after using them, just as the Board had requested, but he (ET) felt the Board should be aware of things.

At 7:27 p.m. Phil Grillo mentioned that they (Planning Board) still hadn’t received the Selectmen’s proposal on cisterns. GP and DK both said that it‘s the Planning Board and Fire Wards responsibility. FS explained that the Planning Board was looking for a general policy in the event someone wants to donate land for one. The Selectmen will look into the issue.

Selectman O’Neil informed the Board that he called the Road Agent and had him come sand and plow the road. O’Neil went on to say his road is a private road and he knows it may not be right, but he is disabled and there is another disabled person on the road. O’Neil said that yesterday he couldn’t get out and it costs him $150 to have the road done. He asked if the Board could make a motion to have the Town do his road. FS told him that the Town cannot plow a private road but he (FS) thought they might be able to have a policy where they could do it if it was a true emergency. ET added if someone was ailing and the ambulance had to get through the road could be cleared. Cindy O’Neil asked if there was anything they could do to have the road maintained by the Town. ET told her there was, that the road would have to be brought up to Class 5 standards (at the owner’s / or occupants on the road) and then put a warrant article on the warrant to be voted on at Town Meeting. A lengthy discussion followed regarding Bow Mills Road and the cistern on the road. JO commented that he wasn’t asking for any special consideration, it was just a one time thing. It was reiterated that the town cannot do any maintenance on a private road. DK mentioned that the NFPA doesn’t give a standard for cisterns; it only gives an example of what New Boston did. Phil Grillo suggested bringing it back to the Planning Board.

Town Administrator Paul Skowron (PS) informed the Board that he was working on a comparable benefits analysis. PS added that he and JO had discussed welfare guidelines and he was finishing up on those.

At 7:45 p.m. the Selectmen discussed the new Medicare rates for ambulance calls and Mary Reed said she had spoken to Chief Krause who suggested raising the town’s rates. Karen Montgomery informed the Board that she had spoken with Chief Krause as well and concurred with Mary Reed. Karen pointed out that in 2006 the Board had chosen to use Medicare’s rates but that the new rates were even lower than those of 2006. A brief discussion ensued and DK asked if we knew exactly how much an ambulance run costs. Mary Reed stated that the information wouldn’t be easily obtained and DK told her not to start a project on it just yet. ET suggested that it get tabled for one week and FS concurred. JO asked if Mary could figure out how much it costs roughly and again Mary said she could work on it. DK suggested just taking the information that they have on hand such as mileage and figure in the simple costs (mileage for the year, maintenance for the year, depreciation, etc.) Mary stated that she could come up with something simple.

At 8:00 p.m. the Board went into Non-Public Session under RSA 91-A: 3 II (c) on a motion by Gordon Preston seconded by John O’Neil, with the following vote recorded, Francis Sullivan, yes; John O’Neil, yes; Gordon Preston yes; Dave Kerr, yes; and Edward Tasker, yes. The Board came out of Non-Public Session at 9:10 p.m. and on a motion by Ed Tasker, seconded by Gordon Preston, the Board unanimously voted to seal the minutes of that meeting.

John O’Neil made a motion to unseal the minutes of two non-public sessions for the Town Administrator, Paul Skowron to review. Ed Tasker seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote.

A motion was made by Ed Tasker seconded by Gordon Preston to reseal the minutes of those two non-public sessions after Paul Skowron reviewed them. The motion passed with a unanimous vote.

ET mentioned that the Highway crew would like boxes to hold chains etc., for each of the trucks. ET said that Hank had brought in copies of the request and gave it to the Road Agent but that it hadn’t gone any further. The matter will be looked into.

Karen Montgomery informed the Board that she had spoken with Mike Kowalski (per the Selectmen’s request) to see if he would be interested in the Belknap County Economic Development Council (BCEDC) “Incorporator” nomination. Mr. Kowalski wanted to know if he would be reimbursed mileage and if meals would be paid for. Karen Montgomery told the Board that she contacted BCEDC and the position only requires one annual meeting at which they serve a luncheon. The Board commented that this was a volunteer position and they do not pay for mileage or lunches.

The Board discussed legal issues and reviewed miscellaneous correspondence.

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

Respectfully submitted,                                   

Karen Montgomery

Selectmen’s Secretary                                     

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SELECTMEN'S OFFICE

Town of Barnstead

P.O. Box 11

Center Barnstead, NH  03225

Minutes

February 12th, 2008

Present: Chairman Frank Sullivan (FS) David Kerr (DK), Gordon Preston (GP) and Edward Tasker (ET). John O’Neil was unable to attend the meeting. Town Administrator Paul Skowron (PS) was also in attendance.

Chairman Sullivan called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. The Board signed the payroll, manifest, the 2008 Warrant and a Land Use Change Form.

The Board met with Carol Coppola of Municipal Resources Inc. for a pre-audit discussion on welfare. GP asked about the steps involved when helping someone that needs assistance and Ms. Coppola told him that you always recommend them to the Community Action Program in Laconia (which provides fuel assistance, electrical assistance, food stamps etc.). Ms. Coppola added that you must look at each individual circumstance to see if they qualify and you go by your town’s welfare guidelines. She went on to say that most towns use the State guidelines as a basis and then the Selectmen and Welfare Officer determine what the town will pay. She said that housing is usually part of what you would typically pay, but fuel is not. Ms. Coppola stated that you need to verify all the applicants’ income and make sure they are looking for work etc., as direct assistance is only meant to be a very temporary aide. She emphasized again that you need to follow your guidelines.

PS explained that the Selectmen had asked him to update the welfare guidelines (which haven’t been updated since 1995) and that he was putting in more sideboards because the current ones are hazy. He added that the new guidelines will provide more clarity and the necessities in a listed prioritized order. FS asked him how he would prioritize and PS told him that from his prospective the 1st priority would be housing assistance (mortgage, rent) and that we would establish a limit that the town would pay. PS told the group that the applicant would fill out a sheet listing income versus expenses, the guidelines define what expenses you would or would not allow and the bottom line determines if they qualify and what the qualify for. He added that fuel should only be an occasional purchase if absolutely necessary. PS said the only issue that’s a bit more complicated is medications. GP stated he had found that there are all kinds of assistance for prescription medication (Medication Bridge etc.). GP added that he wanted to make sure our guidelines are current and being followed. GP also stated that the food pantry needed to have policies and/or guidelines so that it people aren’t just backing up with a truck and filling up. He felt there has to be more accountability and reporting. PS agreed with him and ET added that this is direct assistance for people in hard times, not the gravy train. PS concurred with ET as well as the rest of the Board.

Phil Grillo asked if the Board had talked with the current welfare officer about this and ET told him that this was not the appropriate time for that discussion. Mr. Grillo commented that he thought Mr. O’Neil should be here. FS explained to Grillo that this was a pre-audit conversation, that every department gets audited and now they were auditing the welfare office. FS added that they were not headhunting, they just want everything upfront. Mr. Grillo stated that he agreed with the audit and having everything upfront. Secretary Karen Montgomery further explained to Mr. Grillo that Mr. O’Neil is aware of the upcoming audit and that he was scheduled to be there tonight, but had called in sick.

DK told the group that his concern is over the files themselves, that he (DK) expected to have detailed files. Ms. Coppola told the group that the Welfare Association has highly experienced welfare people and a large network that can help local towns. DK also expressed concern over record retention and Ms. Coppola told him it was in the State guidelines. She went on to say that we should have pamphlets or some kind of handout available for people which list all the telephone numbers, addresses etc. of where they can get assistance (Laconia, CAP etc.). DK asked when the audit is scheduled and Ms. Coppola told him Rick Bates would be back next week and he would schedule it. FS asked how long it would take start to finish and Ms. Coppola said about ten days. FS asked when the other audit would be ready (internal control audit done by MRI) and Ms. Coppola said that they were working on it. Ms. Coppola left at 7:00 p.m.

At 7:02 p.m. the Board went into Non-Public Session under RSA 91-A: 3 II (b) on a motion by Gordon Preston seconded by Ed Tasker, with the following vote recorded, Francis Sullivan, yes; Gordon Preston yes; Dave Kerr, yes; and Edward Tasker, yes. The Board came out of Non-Public Session at 7:28 p.m. and on a motion by Dave Kerr, seconded by Edward Tasker, the Board unanimously voted to seal the minutes of that meeting.

Gordon Preston made a motion to hire Robert Kelly Jr. as full time police officer at Grade 14, Step 7, $18.06 per hour. Ed Tasker seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote.

PS handed the Board his report on comparable wages for the police department and FS told him that they would look over the report, but would like PS to factor in the benefits the Town of Barnstead offers. PS commented that it could take some time, that he was concentrating on the Welfare guidelines, as they take precedence. Chairman Sullivan concurred. FS asked if PS was meeting a lot of people yet and PS said, “not really”. DK asked if he was getting a lot of calls from the departments and PS told him that Mac has called. PS stated that Krause called recently regarding a suction device that broke on the ambulance and had to be replaced, costing between $500-$700 and PS okayed it. PS added that he has been interfacing but that he would wait until after town meeting and

then see if he should do more with the department heads. PS informed the Board that regarding the comparable wage scale for the police, he found that we are in range although a bit soft on the entry side. ET stated that he was very happy to hear we are within range. DK wondered if there was anything they should do this year and PS felt that they should, sometime between Town Meeting and September 1, 2008. ET commented that he thought their window to change something was smaller that PS’s time frame, but he didn’t think it would take PS until March 15 to complete the comparison with benefits and then it could be raised at town meeting. Karen Montgomery told the Board that the Budget Committee commented that they did not want to see one department’s wages change without the entire town looked at.

FS asked PS to work with Chief Borgia to come up with a policy to cover the on-call officers. ET questioned DK about the Budget Committee’s vote not to recommend the withdrawal of funds from the Capital Reserve to fix the grader at the public hearing on the Town’s budget on Monday evening. The Budget Committee however brought the article back up at the School budget public hearing on Thursday and voted to recommend the warrant article. ET wondered if the Budget Committee could vote on a town warrant article at a school public hearing where it wasn’t properly noticed. Karen Montgomery will contact the Dept. or Revenue Administration. GP commented that the vote for the grader was done before the Budget Committee went into the school public hearing. DK told the Board that the Budget Committee voted down the elementary school addition and the teachers’ contract.

DK informed the Board that the FWD (truck) at the Highway Garage was “caput” and it’s not the rear axle. GP & FS both felt that they did not want to put anymore money into it.

FS asked Karen Montgomery to send a letter to the Attorney General’s office to see if he had received a copy of the report from the State Fire Marshal regarding the inspections on the Parade and Center Fire Stations.

At 8:15 p.m. Mike Kowalski met with the Board to discuss several concerns he had with the proposed municipal building. He felt that the construction build/design costs were too high and asked for copies of the plans and the contract. ET told him he shouldn’t have waited until the final hour to come forth, that Kowalski could have been involved sooner. Kowalski stated that he if he had sat on the committee, then he wouldn’t have been able to bid on the project. Kowalski said that he didn’t get asked to bid on it.

DK brought to the Board’s attention that the diesel invoice from the Country Store did not have receipts attached to it. A memo will go out to the Road Agent asking for receipts and a letter will be sent to the Country Store.

The Board unanimously agreed in favor of the BCEP changing their hours on Thursday to 11:00 am – 7:00 p.m.

Karen Montgomery will contact Mike Kowalski to see if he would be interested in becoming the Belknap County Economic Development Incorporator for the Town of Barnstead.

The Board discussed legal issues and reviewed miscellaneous correspondence.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,                                   

Karen Montgomery

Selectmen’s Secretary                                     

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SELECTMEN'S OFFICE

Town of Barnstead

P.O. Box 11

Center Barnstead, NH  03225

Minutes

February 5th, 2008

Present: Chairman Frank Sullivan (7:15 p.m.), John O’Neil, David Kerr, Gordon Preston and Edward Tasker.

Vice Chairman O’Neil called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. The Board signed the payroll, manifest, minutes of 1/29/08, and an added tax warrant.

The meeting was opened to public input at 6:32 and Gail Darrell wondered if the Board had gotten an answer from Attorney Puffer relative to the definition of “friend of the court”. Karen Montgomery informed the group that she was waiting his answer.

Building, Planning, Zoning Secretary, Paula Vardaro asked for a clarification on a memo she had received regarding mileage. The memo explained that Treasurer Terry is assigned the duty of making bank deposits daily and going to the post office. The memo asked that Paula utilize Ms. Terry whenever possible. Selectman O’Neil asked how many times a day Paula goes to the post office and Paula explained that it was not daily, but just for posting notices for meetings (up to 4 times a month). Paula also explained that the mileage slip she had submitted previously was for several months’ worth of trips. Selectman Tasker stated that the Board had misunderstood the slip that was submitted.

Treasurer Jeannie Terry informed the group that she had picked up the Suncook Sun and took offense at John O’Neil’s letter in it. Ms. Terry stated that the ladies in the office were not looking for more work as they currently process the checks for the food pantry, and write thank you letters to people. Ms. Terry added that if it isn’t appreciated, the girls in the office do not have to do it anymore. Selectman/Welfare Officer O’Neil suggested they have a non-public session to discuss the matter further, stating that he didn’t mean to offend anyone. Selectmen Kerr told O’Neil that he (O’Neil) did offend other people (in his letter). O’Neil stated that it should be a non-public discussion but Kerr told him it was not non-public, that it was a public matter, especially where it was written in the paper. O’Neil told the group that he was not very happy with what happened when he was in the hospital. Chairman Sullivan told O’Neil it was not a witch hunt but that the town had found out the food pantry was set up using the Town’s ID#. Ms. Terry added that the women in the office only tried to help him.

Doug Darrell told the Board that he had a chance to view the new Heavy Rescue truck and thought it was very nice.

Selectmen O’Neil stated that Police Chief Ken Borgia was present to discuss the three positions that are open at the police department (Curran, Estes and York). Chief Borgia informed him that the statement was incorrect, that the new hire Stacey Selak had filled one position, so there were only two positions open. O’Neil asked if Borgia was looking for more money and Borgia stated that he had spoken with the Town Administrator and was just looking to place the prospective hires in different places on the existing scale. Town Administrator Paul Skowron told the Board that he would like to have a couple minutes in non-public session to discuss hiring and wages.

At 6:39 p.m. the Board went into Non-Public Session under RSA 91-A: 3 II (b) on a motion by Dave Kerr seconded by Gordon Preston, with the following vote recorded, John O’Neil, yes; Gordon Preston yes; Dave Kerr, yes; and Edward Tasker, yes. The Board came out of Non-Public Session at 7:00 p.m. and on a motion by Dave Kerr, seconded by Edward Tasker, the Board unanimously voted to seal the minutes of that meeting.

The Board relocated to the Town Hall to hold the public hearing on the proposed Municipal Building. Selectman O’Neil was not feeling well and left for the evening. The Board’s regular meeting resumed at 8:45 p.m. in the Selectmen’s Office.

At 8:47 p.m. the Board went into Non-Public Session under RSA 91-A: 3 II (b) on a motion by Dave Kerr seconded by Gordon Preston, with the following vote recorded, Chairman Francis Sullivan, yes; Gordon Preston yes; Dave Kerr, yes; and Edward Tasker, yes. The Board came out of Non-Public Session at 9:00 p.m. and on a motion by Gordon Preston, seconded by Edward Tasker, the Board unanimously voted to seal the minutes of that meeting.

Town Administrator Paul Skowron informed the Board that he had spoken with Chief Borgia about increasing his part-time staff, adding that Borgia was about one-half of what he should be for part-timers. Chief Borgia shared with the Board that he has been invited to a job fair next week where there will be part time officers in attendance that he (Borgia) can reach out to. Skowron added that he wasn’t suggesting new officers or recruits that are certified, just fully certified officers that want to work part time.

Chief Borgia announced to the Board that he could fix the suggested on-call stipend now but couldn’t fix the two open positions right now. He recommended an hourly pay and Paul Skowron told the Board that there were limited communities that have on-call and that it was about $10.00 per hour. Selectman Tasker asked if that changed when the individual is called out and Borgia said that the pay would go to overtime status (if the individual has 40 hours in already for the week). Chairman Sullivan stated that he would settle for $10.00 per hour but Selectman Kerr told the group that the Chief himself had suggested a rate of $5.00 per hour. Borgia told the Board that he would look at the shifts

to see when the “down time” occurs. Borgia added that it would only be necessary for the next two or three weeks which is how long it would take for him to get the two new officers ready. Gordon Preston made a motion to give Chief Borgia the authority to offer $10.00 per hour for on-call shifts, on-call shifts determined by the Chief. Dave Kerr seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote.

Ed Tasker made a motion to authorize the Chief of Police to offer two candidates a “conditional offer of hire” for police officer positions at Grade 14, Step 4 and Grade 14 Step 7. Gordon Preston seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote.

Mark Fraser, Municipal Building Committee Chairman, suggested having handouts for the proposed building at Town Meeting. Selectman Tasker further suggested articles in the Baysider and Suncook Sun.

At 9:20 p.m. Paul Skowron announced that they had received a proposal from Municipal Resource Inc. to do an audit for the Welfare Department. Paul informed the Board that Selectman/Welfare Officer John O’Neil had given him the proposed revisions for the welfare guidelines and that he (Paul) was comparing the current ones to the Local Government Center’s suggested guidelines. Mr. Skowron left at 9:25 p.m.

Secretary Karen Montgomery told the Board that Sel