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 SELECTMEN'S OFFICE

Town of Barnstead

P.O. Box 11

Center Barnstead, NH 03225

Minutes

October 25th, 2011

Present: Chairman Robert LaRoche (RL) Vice-Chairman David Kerr (DK), Priscilla Tiede (PT), Francis Vardaro (FV) and Karen Montgomery (Recording Secretary). Katherine Grillo (KG) was unable to attend. 

Chairman LaRoche opened the meeting at 6:30 p.m. and following the Pledge of Allegiance the Board signed the payroll, manifest, the minutes of 10/18/11 and the Cartographics Contract.

Karen Montgomery presented the Board with the updated results of the Town Hall Roof proposals, explaining that per the Selectmen’s request, she had contacted Kerry Clairmont to bid the job without the cost of the dumpster and use the BCEP dumpster (so his proposal would be equivalent to R. Downing’s proposal). The ending results were: Timberline shingles - R. Downing $17,930 and K. Clairmont $17,218. For IKO Cambridge shingles – R. Downing $17,930 and K. Clairmont $17,318.

RL told the group that where the Board had said they’d give consideration to local contractors and stay in Town he felt they should go with Downing’s proposal. FV stated that he didn't’t see any problem with staying in Town either. PT asked if there were any extra fees for dumping the shingles at the BCEP and FV (the Selectmen’s Representative on the BCEP) stated that there were not. DK disagreed, stating that there were 5 bidders in all and 1 of those bidders was told that if they used a BCEP dumpster it wouldn’t cost the Town anything. DK felt that it was unfair to the other 4 bidders who had submitted their proposals in good faith thinking they had to include those costs. DK added that it makes a sham out of our bidding process when an advantage is given to one bidder and he felt it was wrong. RL told him that the Board hadn’t done wrong, they just had 1 person who found out that BCEP would provide a dumpster without cost. He added that this person was not told about BCEP. PT stated that she agreed with DK and that if they went with the higher bidder, they could run into trouble. DK read aloud the minutes from last week’s meeting and FV told the Board that when he was doing his own roof, he took the shingles to BCEP, and was told it wouldn’t cost the town. FV stated that he didn't’t speak to Downing and hadn’t spoken to him in months.

RL stated that they could give the job to whoever they wanted and that last time Clairmont got the bid for the salt shed. He added that he preferred the local bidder. DK said that he would like to see the local bidder have the job too but the Board had a process in place. PT told the group that the bid process was new to her and they (the Board) had already had 1 bad experience this year with a bidding outcome.

Further debate ensued with RL and FV in favor of Downing’s proposal and DK and PT against. RL thought the Chairman could break the tie and Karen explained that typically (in the past) the Chairman would not vote unless it was to break a tie, but that was up to the Board and the individual. RL stated that this Board did not vote that way and Karen explained that RL could not vote to break the tie if he had already voted (which created the tie).  FV made a motion to table the proposal decision until next week and RL seconded the motion. PT stated that according to Roberts Rules the Chairman cannot second the motion and both DK and RL told her they do not follow Roberts Rules (of Procedure). The following vote was taken; RL, yes; DK, no; PT, no; and FV, yes. The motion failed. DK suggested putting the project out to bid again and after a brief discussion, it was determined that Karen Montgomery would contact the 5 bidders to submit new bids removing the dumpster costs.

At 6:50 p.m. the meeting was opened to public input and Jane Byers told the group that she wanted to clarify her questions last week regarding the unsealed non-public minutes and make sure everyone understood that it was towards the whole Board and not against DK (as the paper led people to believe). DK added that the paper also printed that he resigned, which was not true. Jeannie Terry informed the Board that the Historical Society printed a calendar with pictures of the local barns and asked it the books could be sold at the Town Hall. The Board approved the request. Jim Barnard thanked the Board for their letter of support to keep the Barnstead Parade Post Office open. He commented that with the Parade Office closing, the Board should address the parking issues that will occur at the Center Post Office. Jim asked if the Board would send a letter to the State asking for no parking signs to be erected on Route 126 and the Board agreed.

At 7:00 p.m. the Board met with Police Chief Ken Borgia to review his proposed 2012 budget which included 5 full time officer positions (including himself), 3 part-time officers and a proposed part-time prosecutor. PT asked how many hours a prosecutor would free up for the Chief and Borgia stated that he didn't’t have a certain number of hours, but it would free up 2-3 days per week for him. DK asked if they could use a prosecutor from another town and Borgia stated that he met with the person Alton uses. He added that Gilmanton would be the next closest or Belmont, but he had spoken with Belmont and it was not an option. The line items causing debate were the Sergeant’s salary showing an increase of 24% and the other officers and Chief with a 10.5% increase. Chief Borgia stated that the Sgt.’s increase would put him in line with Gilmanton. RL asked why the Sgt. wasn’t getting a 10.5% raise and Borgia stated that there was only a dollar difference between the pay rates of the Sgt. and the other officers which caused a disparity.

DK asked how many digital cameras the police had and Borgia said there was 1 in each car, but he’d like to have the newer technology. The group next discussed new cruisers and the Chief stated that he recommended 3 but the Selectmen would have to determine that. The Chief proposed new software and computer upgrades equivalent to the Sheriff’s proposal. DK asked what the gain in software was for the department and he explained that their current software (Microsoft) keeps inventories but the IMC admin software will do that. Other proposed software modules include imaging and mobile communication from the cruiser to the server so officers can do almost everything from their vehicles. DK commented that they currently get the information from dispatch and Borgia told him the information is by date of birth not by image. DK asked if the proposed budget reflected an additional taser and Borgia said that it did. DK asked how many the department had and Borgia stated they had 5, but they needed to phase out the old and bring in new ones. DK questioned the request for 2 new hand guns, wondering how many the department had and Borgia said they had 9. PT asked the Board if the gun goes out for servicing once it’s been discharged and Borgia told her that was only in a crime scene incident and it’s taken by the AG to be studied. RL asked if that had ever happened and Borgia said that it had not.

RL told the group that one complaint he had gotten from the officers was that they needed more training and suggested that perhaps that was why the left. Under other items; Borgia stated that the well has been contaminated for some time which is why they buy water. He also was requesting replacements for the bulletproof vests. RL asked how old the vests were and Borgia stated they were 5 years old and you can only use them for 5 years. DK told the group that it would be nice to be able to support the police budget but there are not any statistics available. DK added that he’s been requesting statistics for 5 years and Borgia stated that he didn't’t them. DK commented that the Sheriff has the statistics, which determined the number of officers needed.

Chief Borgia inquired about the department credit cards and was told that when the Treasurer returned, she would be opening the accounts. In other business, Chief Borgia submitted the resumes of two candidates, one for a full time position and one for a part time position. RL asked if either of the candidates would have to attend school (training) and Borgia stated that they both are already certified. Borgia explained that he needed to get an approval on a pay rate before he could give a conditional offer of hire. FV asked the Chief what he would recommend and the Chief said that he would recommend going with the increase that he proposed for next year’s budget. DK commented that there wasn’t any funding in this year’s budget for the increases and Borgia told him that he (DK) says that every year. DK told Borgia that everyone got a 2% raise this year. RL asked why the Board couldn't’t give the raise this year to the police and PT told him that you can’t give a raise to 1 department without giving it to others. She added that the town has an existing wage scale. PT asked if this candidate would be going to the Sheriff’s Department, if he gets hired for the full time position and Borgia told not necessarily. PT asked the Chief if he had considered the steps and wage scale when proposing increases and he told her that he had not, that he went by the salary study that he had presented a couple months ago. PT suggested that offering the figures that we are paying now and RL asked the Chief if those figures would bring in someone. Chief Borgia stated that he thought it would.

RL told the group that they needed to work with the budget and pay rates and get it worked out. He added that they didn’t have to give it (raises) to each department. PT made a motion to offer a pay rate of $19.54 per hour to the full time applicant and $16.37 per hour to the part time applicant. FV seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote. Chief Borgia asked for a meeting on November 8, 2011 to have the Selectmen meet with the proposed prosecutor and Karen Montgomery will confirm the time tomorrow. Chief Borgia mentioned a concern regarding the short term disability and life insurance programs. PT explained that the participation would be optional but the two programs are a combined package (you can’t take one without the other). FV was concerned where the Board had voted to change the policy a few weeks ago, but it wasn’t going to take effect until January 1.  A discussion ensued and it was determined that the attorney should be contacted. The Police Chief left at 8:45 p.m.

Road Agent Chris Carazzo commented that the life insurance/short term disability programs were great policies and protects the employees’ job while providing income if someone is out. Carazzo informed the Board that he was removing all inventory from the storage area at the Timco property due to the impending auction and that there were 2 storage trailers in good condition that he could purchase to store everything. RL asked if Carazzo had the money in his budget and Carazzo stated that he did. PT asked if the 2 trailers would hold all the equipment and Chris said it would. DK made a motion to authorize the Road Agent to buy the 2 subject trailers for $2,000. RL seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote. DK asked if they could be registered and Chris said they could, with a little work.

The group next discussed the Lesnyk easement and Chris told the Board that he is not taking any more land; he is only working within the area that was given in the easement. It was determined that Chris would tell the Selectmen what needed to be done and they would send a letter to Lesnyk informing him of the work. At 9:05 p.m. the Board briefly discussed a policy for employees who wished to donate their sick time to another employee in need and it was agreed that they would continue the discussion next week. Karen informed the Board that stamps were going up one cent at the beginning of the year. The Board reviewed the increases to the health and dental plans and the workers comp plan through LGC. McFarland Johnson had sent the engineering study for the Hannah Nutter Bridge, which will also be reviewed by the Department of Transportation.

DK relayed his conversation with the accountant to the Board regarding banking fees and electronic deposits. Karen informed the Board of the delay in the setting of the tax rate due to questions the Department of Education had regarding the report from the SAU. DK voiced concerns that the Board had signed off on a part invoice for the Fire Rescue in the amount of $1658 and no one asked any questions. DK added that they had a procurement policy with a limit of $500 and anything over that is supposed to have 3 proposals. He was also concerned with the ambulance going to Lakes Region Apparatus for repairs and stated that ambulance #2 is the primary ambulance now because ambulance #1 has been out of service for some time. DK wondered why the repairs were not kept local as the parts are Ford parts and not a unique ambulance part. RL stated that he was checking on that.  DK told the group that at budget time the Board would have to look at what the priorities are.

Chris Carazzo informed the Board that the salt shed only needed the floor to be paved and a small part on the door. RL asked if Clairmont was doing the paving and Chris told him that Clairmont did the framing and the paving was a different company. Chris told the group that he would have to start hauling in sand.

The Board reviewed miscellaneous correspondence and legal matters.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:23 p.m. on a motion by PT, seconded by FV and receiving a unanimous vote.

Respectfully submitted by Karen Montgomery, Selectmen’s Admin. Assistant

Approved by the Board of Selectmen:

Robert LaRoche, Chairman                                     David Kerr, Vice Chairman

  Not present                 

Katherine Grillo                          Priscilla Tiede                     Francis Vardaro

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                                                     Selectmen's Office

Town of Barnstead

P.O. Box 11

Center Barnstead, NH 03225

Minutes

October 18th, 2011

Present: Vice-Chairman David Kerr (DK), Priscilla Tiede (PT), Francis Vardaro (FV) and Karen Montgomery (Recording Secretary). Robert LaRoche (RL) and Katherine Grillo (KG) were unable to attend. 

Vice Chairman Kerr opened the meeting at 6:30 p.m. and following the Pledge of Allegiance the Board signed the payroll, manifest, and the minutes of 10/11/11.

The Board met with Mike Lesnyk of 65 Narrows Road to discuss the slope and maintenance easement that Mr. Lesnyk had given to the Town. One issue of concern to the Road Agent was the telephone poles Lesnyk had placed near the road which interferes with plowing. Lesnyk stated that the poles, which were 1 foot off the road, were not stuck far in the ground, and were not permanent. He told the Board that they serve two purposes as they protect the plants he had put in for ground cover and to keep traffic off that area (as cars tend to drive on it due to the curve in the roadway). Mr. Lesnyk agreed to remove the poles but told the Board that he was not giving up any more land to the Town. The second area of concern was that Lesnyk had filled in the ditch with plants and greenery. Lesnyk stated that there wasn’t any drainage issues on his side of the road, but suggested the town remove a large boulder down below his house. DK explained that some ditching may be necessary to keep water off the road and installing a culvert at the driveway. Lesnyk stated that he did not want any ditching as it only forms a mass of water and eats away at the roadway, plus he did not want his flowers dug up. DK told him that things could be done with the ditch like planting grass that would stop erosion. Mr. Lesnyk left at 6:55 p.m.

At 7:00 p.m. the Board met with Bruce Shearer and Carolyn Namaste of 369 Peachum Road to discuss the existing building and septic issues. Bruce told the Board Members that the status on the septic system hasn’t changed from 18 months ago when the Building Inspector and Dept. of Environmental Services (DES) official Doug Smith visited the property. He stated that he knows he’s in violation as he has pressurized water in the house but does not have a septic system. Bruce explained his gray water system, adding that DES does not want to go forward with that type of new innovative systems. Bruce said that he could either take out the pressurized water or challenge the State with the new system but that the Town would be involved. FV asked where the water comes from and Bruce said it was an artesian well. FV asked what waste goes in the gray water system and Bruce told him it was dish water and bath water. FV asked about the other waste and Bruce told him they have a composting toilet, that they process human waste by heating it to kill pathogens and then it sits for 3-4 years before it’s applied to the base of fruit trees. Carolyn told the group that it is not waste it is a resource, that is all biodegradable. Bruce stated that he had no intention of making any changes until DES makes a decision. DK read aloud an e-mail from Doug Smith (Nov. 2, 2010) which stated that Shearer needed to submit a plan for the septic. FV asked if Shearer would let people come up and look at what was in place and Bruce stated that his gray water pipes come down from upstairs in the shop and it’s an embarrassment. He went on to say that it would take a couple days to clean. Bruce stated that he would call Doug Smith, explain the system to him and draw up some plans to show him. DK asked that Bruce contact DES this week and let Karen Montgomery know what the outcome is. Bruce stated that he would call DES tomorrow but added that the bottleneck is that even though DES knows the (gray water) system works, they know that the law doesn’t accept this type of system. DK asked if the Building Inspector could accompany the DES official and both Bruce and Carolyn said that would be okay. Bruce told the Board that he didn’t want a bunch of people there (Health Officer, Selectmen etc. as last time). He also told the Board that it was a nice meeting tonight, having just the 3 Select Members to talk to.

The next topic was the house and Bruce stated that he knew he was in violation on the ceiling height but he was looking ahead when he built it to save on heating costs. He said that the low ceiling was designed that way and that when it was 30 degrees outside, it was 60 degrees in the greenhouse. Bruce stated that he had gotten a building permit (after the fact) and there were violations. Carolyn told the group that when Bruce had to raise the roof (on the other house) he (Bruce) lost his sight, and that thankfully he could see now, but it was very stressful. She stated that they have always paid their taxes but felt that everyone needed to start thinking ahead for what’s good for the environment. She added that it would be nice to get through these issues in a positive way and that they wanted to do what was right. Bruce and Carolyn left at 7:38 p.m.

The Board reviewed the roof proposals results and the two lowest bidders were Clairmont and Downing. Karen told the Board that RL had informed her to let the Board know that his vote was in favor of Rusty Downing’s proposal. During a review of Downing’s proposal, DK noted that there wasn’t any charge for a dumpster as BCEP was supplying one. FV stated that he had spoken with BCEP who said that if the Selectmen gave them 1 week notice, they would supply the dumpster and take the shingles. DK noted that Clairmont’s proposal included charges for a dumpster but didn’t distinguish the exact cost and he apparently wasn’t aware of the BCEP deal. It was determined that Karen would ask Clairmont for the cost of the dumpster so that the two bids (which were extremely close in costs) would be “apples to apples”. FV suggested that they check to see if both proposals had the same amount of square footage figured and DK pointed out that both proposals state that the whole roof will be done.

At 7:58 p.m. under New Business: The Board reviewed two new operating guidelines provided by the Fire Rescue Chief , the Dept. of Transportations fuel prices, FEMA flood & mitigation services and the Terminix contract for powder post beetles. PT made a motion to terminate the Terminix contract, which was seconded by FV and passed with a unanimous vote. The Board commended Jim Doucette, Highway Dept. for his achievement in obtaining a Road Scholar Level I. After a review of a proposal to seal Province Road Bridge (as mentioned by the Road Agent last week), PT made a motion to accept Bryan Locke’s proposal in the amount of $3,196. FV seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote.

Karen Montgomery informed the Board that after speaking with the Municipal Bond Bank officials, a bond could include several different items/projects all in one bond. It was suggested that the Department Heads be contacted for their input. A call will be made to MetroCast informing them that the areas they would like to discuss for the meeting scheduled on November 1, 2011(regarding the renewal of the contract) is lowering the price of hookup or the number of houses (density) required to build new cable, phone services, videotaping of meeting and equipment and a 5 year contract (instead of 10 years).

The Board will discuss an advertisement for the Animal Control Officer position next week. The group reviewed the proposed change to the personnel policy regarding the Life Insurance and Disability and it was decided that the old language should remain but be striked through so employees can see the changes. Karen updated the Board on the FEMA meeting, announcing that the Town is eligible for approximately $13,000 in reimbursement for Hurricane Irene damages. The group briefly discussed health insurance and the current buyout program. FV asked if he could move forward with the project of utilizing the prisoners to re-do the Town Hall floor and cabinets. FV felt it would cost roughly $650 for materials and 1 sander. Karen informed the group that RL had said he was concerned with the odor (from the polyuerathane) and PT agreed. PT suggested that with the conflicting schedules of the use of the Town Hall they should wait until January.

FV mentioned that the boiler inspector had made note of the boiler needing a low water cutoff, with a cost of $250 each and it was suggested that it be scheduled for next year. The Board determined that they would discuss a possible sick bank donation policy next week. Upon reviewing the expenses, DK noted that a lot of spending this year has been onetime expenses that should lower the costs next year.

The Board reviewed miscellaneous correspondence and legal matters.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:08 p.m. on a motion by PT, seconded by FV and receiving a unanimous vote.

Respectfully submitted by Karen Montgomery, Selectmen’s Admin. Assistant

Approved by the Board of Selectmen:

              Not present                                                                                          

Robert LaRoche, Chairman                                                             David Kerr, Vice Chairman

  Not present                 

Katherine Grillo                                   Priscilla Tiede                                   Francis Vardaro

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SELECTMEN'S OFFICE

Town of Barnstead

P.O. Box 11

Center Barnstead, NH 03225

 Minutes

October 11th, 2011

Present: Chairman Robert LaRoche (RL), Vice-Chairman David Kerr (DK), Priscilla Tiede (PT), Francis Vardaro (FV) and Karen Montgomery (Recording Secretary). Katherine Grillo (KG) was unable to attend. 

Chairman LaRoche opened the meeting at 6:30 p.m. and following the Pledge of Allegiance the Board signed the payroll, manifest, and the minutes of 10/4/11. RL thanked DK for requesting copies of MetroCast contracts from other towns. There was a question regarding a gift certificate for $200 from Parks & Rec and it was determined that Patty Yoder would contact Judy Chase (Parks & Rec Chair) for more information. Karen Montgomery informed the Board that Mike Lesnyk and Bruce Shearer had made appointments for next week.

The meeting was opened to public input at 6:34 p.m. and Jane Byers asked about non-public, unsealed minutes that were on the website. DK explained that he had asked that they be unsealed because, as an official, the content was not a matter that met the requirements of a non-public session. PT added that a lot of people had questions about why DK was not the Chairman any longer and those minutes explained it. Jane wondered if the comments on the non-public unsealed minutes (such as good ole’ boy network and not wanting it to look like there were issues with the Board) would be misconstrued by people.

Jane next inquired if there was any more information on the police proposal and RL stated that the Police Committee would be bringing in a report for the Board of the pros and cons. Jane asked if there was still a rush to get it passed and RL said that it they would get it ready for Town Meeting. RL stated that the whole thing came about when Jim Barnard asked if the Selectmen would be making the decision and voting on it and RL had told him that according to the RSA’s the Board had the right to. RL told Jane that he had no intention of voting on the police proposal (as a Board) if the people did not want it. Jane asked if the Board felt more public hearings should be held and FV told her they were waiting for the Committee to say whether they are for or against it and would be seeking the attorney advice. Jane commented that a “Committee” was supposed to be unbiased and just present the facts. FV told her that the Committee will report on both sides (pros & cons) and even if the Committee says that they should go with the Sheriff’s proposal, the Board still needs to bring it before the people. Jane wondered if obtaining legal advice at this point and spending money on it was too far in advance and FV said that they can get the information early so that they know what they have to do legally. PT suggested that Jane attend the Police Committee meetings (which are open to the public) or forward her questions to the Board and they would get them to the Committee.

The Select Board met with Barnstead Police Officer David Scott regarding the Animal Control Officer (ACO) vacancy which he had been appointed to per vote of the Selectmen. David told the group that he had 2 years of experience (in Alton) as the ACO and while he is glad to help out in the interim, he wanted the Board to understand that as soon as he passes the test and becomes a fulltime certified police officer, he does not wish to be the ACO. RL confirmed that David was going to help out with the ACO in the meantime and David stated that he would, as long as the Board was looking for an ACO to fill the position. David told the group that while the Town has an ACO ordinance, it does not have a program and he presented the Board with literature regarding animal control programs; offering to assist the Town in developing a program. The group discussed kennels at the police department and David explained that there are a lot more regulations now on kennels.

David informed the Board that where he is limited to 1300 hours as a part-time certified officer, he cannot put on a uniform or act in the capacity of a police officer when he is responding to animal calls. David offered to compile an ACO book / program for the new ACO person (and Town), which he felt he could accomplish in a couple of weeks, if the Board was willing to pay him 15-20 hours per week. The Board approved and agreed that it would come out of the ACO line item in the budget. David pointed out that animals must be included in the evacuation plan and Karen Montgomery relayed that animals were addressed in the Emergency Shelter agreement.

At 6:55 p.m. under New Business: The Board reviewed the Fire Rescue Incident and Maintenance Reports with DK noting that the number of incidents are down a bit. After a brief discussion, it was determined that an appointment will be scheduled to meet with the Peregrine Energy representatives regarding the study results.

At 7:00 p.m. the Chairman opened the Town Hall Roof Proposal and announced that the ridge vents were to be deducted.  The results were as follows; Kerry Clairmont: $17,818 (no ridge vent), R. Downing: $18,543 for Marquis 30 year, $18,340 for Timberline, $18,141 for and $18,340 for Cambridge (all prices quoted with ridge vent). Mr. Downing also submitted a separate price for just the ridge vent which was not disclosed but will be deducted. Kevin O’Sullivan: $22,350 with ridge vent, Mike Gardner: $24,564 with ridge vent and Construction Services Inc.: $24,800 without ridge vent. Mike Gardner was present and told the Board that even reducing his proposal for the ridge vent wouldn’t make that much difference. The company submitting the proposal with the ridge vent price included will be contacted and asked to submit a cost for the ridge vent that would be removed from the proposal. Mike Gardner pointed out that the shingles the specifications called for are hard to get and will take 3-4 weeks for delivery. Karen Montgomery will review the proposals and create a spreadsheet for the Board to vote on next week.

At 7:15 p.m. the Select Board compared the quotes of the Standard Insurance Company versus the Local Government Center (LGC) for Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment and Short Term Disability. After reviewing the cost savings, PT made a motion to change to LGC, option #1, which was seconded by DK and passed with a unanimous vote. FV asked if you had to take the life insurance to get the disability and PT verified that if you do not take the disability you do not get the life insurance. (Disability is paid by the employee; life insurance is paid by the Town). FV asked if the 75% participation is still in effect and it was verified that it was. The Board determined that participation would not be mandatory for employees that qualify and PT made a motion to remove the word “mandatory” from page 33 of the Personnel Policy under the Life Insurance section and the Short Term Disability section so that it reads that Life and Short Term is a combined package. DK seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote.

Karen Montgomery presented copies of the 2012 Police budget and RL told the group that he has asked the Chief to submit another budget using the Sheriff’s proposal figures. Jane Byers asked if those would be available to the public and DK stated that it was public information but was in draft form. RL said that he didn’t have a problem with that. The Board reviewed a request from Fire Rescue Chief Tetreault and DK moved to authorize the Fire Rescue Chief to spend up to $250 to supplement the donated refreshments for the Housing Ceremony to recognize and celebrate the arrival of the new ambulance. FV seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote. The event will be open to the public.

The Board went into Non-Public Session under RSA 91-A: 3 II (c) at 7:26 p.m. on a motion by PT, seconded by DK with the following vote recorded, Robert LaRoche, yes; David Kerr, yes; Priscilla Tiede, yes; and Francis Vardaro, yes.  The Board came out of Non-Public Session at 7:30 p.m. and on a motion by PT, seconded by DK, the Board unanimously voted to seal the minutes of that meeting.

PT made a motion to allow a conditional offer of hire to Robert Panit pending background checks, for part time per diem employment as Firefighter Paramedic at the rate of $16.37 per hour. FV seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote.

DK asked if the Board would agree to meet with the MetroCast representatives to discuss the contract and the proposed changes that the Board would like to see. The Board agreed and Karen will schedule an appointment. Karen Montgomery informed the Board that a request had been brought to her attention regarding employees donating annual leave to other employees that are in need. Karen handed out a draft “Leave Bank” policy and Leave Donation form (courtesy of the Local Government Center) for the Board’s review. After a brief discussion in favor of considering the request, PT made a motion to have the Board investigate a Leave Donation Bank and Policy for the purpose of donating time to another employee in need. DK seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote.

At 7:35 p.m. the Board worked on the Selectmen’s portion of the 2012 budget. PT asked if department heads give employee raises and Karen told her they do not, the Selectmen determine all raises. PT asked if the Select Board did give a raise would it be across the board or in steps and Karen stated that it would. It was mentioned that department heads may come to the Board asking for step increases if there is a justifiable need.

RL left the meeting at 7:52 p.m. and the Board continued to work on the 2012 budget until 8:50 p.m. The Board (DK, PT & FV) unanimously agreed that a Town Administrator’s position would be included and that it would be presented as a separate warrant article. The group discussed purchasing a water cooler as opposed to the current rentals for Town Hall, Police and Highway Departments. A brief discussion ensued regarding the Barnstead Business Development Group 2012 budget request of $935. FV stated that he did not know what the money is spent on. Karen told the Board that the Town currently supplies Mike Kowalski with printer paper and ink jet cartridges, as he uses him home computer for the Group’s work.  The group next discussed the insurance buyout plan and it was determined that Patty Yoder would research the options.

The Board reviewed miscellaneous correspondence and legal matters.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:51 p.m. on a motion by PT, seconded by FV and receiving a unanimous vote.

Respectfully submitted by Karen Montgomery, Selectmen’s Admin. Assistant

Approved by the Board of Selectmen:

Robert LaRoche, Chairman                                                               

David Kerr, Vice Chairman

Not present                 

Katherine Grillo                                    

Priscilla Tiede                                   

Francis Vardaro

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SELECTMEN'S OFFICE

Town of Barnstead

P.O. Box 11

Center Barnstead, NH 03225

 Minutes

October 4th, 2011

Present: Chairman Robert LaRoche (RL), Vice-Chairman David Kerr (DK), Priscilla Tiede (PT) (7:40 pm), and Francis Vardaro (FV). Katherine Grillo (KG) was unable to attend. 

Chairman LaRoche opened the meeting at 6:30 p.m. and following the Pledge of Allegiance the Board signed the payroll, manifest, the minutes of 9/27/11, and the MS-5 (2010) Financial Statement. DK made a motion for the Chairman to sign the MS-4 Estimated Revenue Report and FV seconded the motion which passed with a unanimous vote (3-0).

At 6:39 p.m. Police Sgt. Joseph McDowell, met with the Board regarding a dog issue between two families (the Wilson’s and Ms. Smith – W. Wesson). Ms. Smith, who was issued a fine for her dog biting the Wilson’s dog, was unable to be present and Mr. Wesson spoke on her behalf. After hearing both sides and the police reports, the Wilsons stated that they did not wish to pursue the fines, but just wanted Smith’s dog to stay in her own yard. The Smith/Wesson’s have installed an electric fence on the property. The Board deliberated and reduced the fine to $50.00.

At 7:05 p.m. the Board met with Gordon Preston, Bill Haynes, Paul Vince and Mark Tetreault of the Regional Police Committee. Gordon relayed that a couple major issues came out of the public hearings and the most prevalent was that any changes to the police department should go before the voters at Town Meeting. The next concern was an “apples for apples” comparison to the Sheriff’s proposal and then the turnover within the police department. Gordon explained that in talking with neighboring towns, those towns do not have a large turnover.

Bill Haynes stated that he had supported the 24/7 coverage way back, but knew now that we do not need 24/7. He said that they had never gotten any figures before from the Sheriff, but now having that information it does not support the 6 fulltime positions and 3 part-time positions. Bill went on to say that the people in town have been under the impression that we’ve had 24/7 coverage and no one realized that we’ve not had that right along. Bill told the Board that they have to find out why so many people are leaving; adding that they probably wouldn’t have to dig too deep. Fire Chief Tetreault echoed Bill’s comments adding that a change of uniforms would not fix the problem. Tetreault pointed out that no one will want to work for Barnstead when it’s unknown whether their job will be there if the Sheriff’s proposal is passed in March.

Gordon reiterated that when he was a Selectman, they asked for the number of calls etc. but never got the information and now that they have it, it shows that 4 fulltime officers are what’s needed. RL told the group that the Police Chief gets a report every month of the number of calls; adding that it was no big secret. RL told the Committee he was hoping they would have a report of the pros and cons; as they needed to figure out what to budget for. Bill Haynes told him to present 2 police budgets; 1 as a regular budget and the other would be the Sheriff’s proposal. Bill, who supported going to Town Meeting with the issue, added that the Committee would have a report of the pros and cons and they should be able to answer 90% of the questions. RL stated that he felt the majority of the public wanted it to go before Town Meeting vote and so they would submit the 2 budgets.

DK asked if the Committee had ever gotten any prosecution data and GP stated that they had not. DK told the group that he has been asking for that information for years. Bill Haynes told him that the Sheriff has that information and should be able to provide how much time might be needed for prosecutions. The conversation turned towards vehicles, with Gordon pointing out that the majority of vehicle time is not chasing cars, its sitting idle. Bill Haynes commented that cruisers should be assigned to one person and not have multiple drivers. He stated that he does inspections (State police cruisers), that every person who does not keep the vehicles clean etc. needs to be held responsible and accountable. He told the group that there is a breakdown of leadership (at police department); adding that you do not see the Fire Equipment like that. Bill went on to say that if people are allowed to take cruisers home, then there needs to be a policy and the Board needs to stick to it and uphold it. Bill stated that the Budget Committee has been looking for that each year but haven’t gotten it.

RL cautioned that we did not have a pool of men like the Sheriff’s Department does and Chief Tetreault pointed out that with 4 full timers and 2 to 3 part-timers we can get all the coverage we need. FV asked Sgt. McDowell how many officers he felt was needed and the Sgt. stated that with 4 fulltime people (160 hours) only 1 shift remained vacant for 24/7 coverage (168 hours), which could be filled by part-time. McDowell stated that the core group would be 4 fulltime personnel but would need a minimum of 3 part-time; adding that they needed someone to do detective work. FV asked if having 5 fulltime people would cover everything so that way the Board could show people it would take care of the town for 2 years. McDowell stated that with 5 full timers you would have that extra person but suggested doing what Gilmanton does and “farm out” adult prosecutions but keep the juvenile. RL told the group that they’d need another person because there’s so many juvenile prosecutions and McDowell corrected him, stating that they have very few juvenile cases. McDowell stated that you could then use the 5th person as Detective and fill-in.

RL agreed adding that where we don’t have a lot of fill-ins like the Sheriff’s Department and DK told him that the Sheriff doesn’t have a lot of extra people – they are serving papers. Bill Haynes told the group that the Sheriff has overtime money in his budget and DK stated that they could do the same thing (with overtime in their budget). Haynes stated that the Sheriff had said he had detectives and Chief Tetreault asked if we get to use his (the Sheriff’s) anyway. Haynes explained that we do, as we are a Town over 3,000. PT joined the group at 7:40 p.m.

The discussion next turned to computers and Sgt. McDowell and Bill Haynes spoke about the benefits of removable laptops in the cruisers. Haynes stated that for $39.95 you can go through Verizon which sends all the information to the computers in the State buildings and that you can do everything from the cruisers, including booking. Bill Haynes told the group that the real issue was the IMC police software, which is very expensive and felt that Barnstead did not need all the software that’s available. Sgt. McDowell commented that the police department doesn’t run the real IMC, (they don’t run dispatch, as the county does our dispatch) but they did have IMC record. He added that they really only needed one other piece of IMC and Haynes again stated that the Board needed to find out what the police actually need.

RL said that he was hearing that the police budget should reflect 5 fulltime, 3 part-time, a prosecutor and the admin assistant. Haynes cautioned that by adding a 5th person, a prosecutor and 3 part-time, the police budget would be more than $100,000 more than the Sheriff’s proposal. PT told the group that if this was a normal budget year for the police, the Chief would not be submitting a budget that was asking for 4 new cruisers, or new computers. RL felt that the police budget should show that as that is what the Sheriff’s budget reflects. Bill Haynes said that he would not include all 4 cruisers, but do 1 a year with a lease and show out the costs along with the replacement program. PT commented that the town is in difficulty (with police coverage) but that they were not drowning. She added that they didn’t need to compare to what the Sheriff’s department can afford but instead to just budget for what is needed. DK asked Sgt. McDowell if he was concerned with the car he (McDowell) currently drives and McDowell told the Board that it has over 100,000 miles but that it okay. He added that car #6 is the one with the problems but that was because it was not bought as a police package vehicle.

Gordon advised the Board to check with the attorney, as he felt that a warrant article would be needed to disband the police department. He added that if the Board signed a contract with the Sheriff’s department and not all the officers wanted to go, then the Town would be in trouble, as you can only remove for just cause. RL told the group that the part-time personnel is not included under the RSA’s and the only problem would be if a fulltime officer did not want to go. Chief Tetreault commented that the Sheriff fluctuates back & forth on how many officers he will take. RL stated that he had spoken with the town’s attorney who is going to get back to him on this. PT asked that the Board Members e-mails be given to the Town’s attorney so that he (the attorney) can send the same information to each one of them. PT asked if the police budget was in yet and Karen stated that it was not. PT commented that RL had told them last week that the Chief had his budget done and RL stated that it wasn’t done because Chief Borgia did not know how he was to budget it.

Alan Glassman (Committee member) joined the group at 8:00 p.m. and a brief discussion ensued regarding the computers again. DK asked if a massive upgrade was in order and Haynes commented that the police department needed another IMC module. DK felt that the computers were one area that needed to be looked at for regionalizing and Haynes said that he didn’t know why the County couldn’t allow towns to tie in to their IMC and use it. Gordon told the group that the Committee would get the lists and report to the Select Board.

At 8:10 p.m. Fire Chief Tetreault informed the Board that the electrical usage at the Parade Station needs to be looked at as the building is obviously being used more. Tetreault stated that a big exhaust fan had been running when no one was there, so he was going to look at an automatic timing unit for that.

At 8:20 the Board met with Road Agent Chris Carazzo to review his 2012 budget requests. The group discussed paving projects, sub-contracting, equipment and vehicle replacement and bridge work. Chris explained that the State trucks were pushing 200,000 miles and are starting to show fatigue but they are not costing a lot for repairs.  The trucks were purchased for $5,500 each and the cost now is 6,500. PT asked about the excavator rental and the group discussed leasing purchases. Chris told the group that the bridge needed some guard rails work and that he had the rail. DK mentioned the street sign replacements which take effect in 2013.

At 9:07 p.m. Chris informed the Board that they have had some issues with fuel being stolen at the Highway Garage and proposed installing 3 gates for security. The group discussed the recent burglaries of scrap metal etc. and Chris stated that they did an inventory on pipes and some of those were gone as well. Chris said that the quotes were between $3,000-4,000 for everything and the Board agreed that they should not wait on this. PT made a motion to use the Building Maintenance and Repair line item to allow the Road Agent to get the gates for the Highway Garage property. DK seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote.

Carazzo asked (and received) the Board’s approval on the purchase of a belt for the sander ($1,600) and explained that it was in his budget, but he had just received the memo from the Board on reduced spending. The group next discussed a lease/purchase for a new grader at $32,500 for 60 months. Chris told the Board that the pavement at the police station, Town Hall and Center Fire Station is falling apart and needed to be redone. Chris will obtain some prices for the project. DK suggested obtaining a bond to bring the pavement throughout Town back on track; adding that this would be the best time as interest rates are low. The group discussed bonding several items such as vehicle purchase and paving together. DK asked if the Board wanted Chris to develop some figures for the roads that would have to be done and the Board unanimously agreed that he should. Chris reported that the culverts were completed on Colbath Road and that all the papers were signed.

In reviewing the Town’s financial statements, DK commented that the Old Home Day Committee had $22,000 in its separate account. Karen informed the Board that Jim Fegley of Carnic Heating & Plumbing cleaned the boilers and spoke with the Fire Chief about the boiler at the Center Station. FV asked if Chief Borgia was on vacation and Karen stated that she had not been informed of such. DK commented that the personnel policy states that department heads must notify the Board when they are on vacation and also let the Board know who is in charge while they were gone. RL stated that he didn’t think Borgia was on vacation, that he thought he (Borgia) was gone to New York for a couple days. DK reiterated the policy.

Karen Montgomery told the Board that Stacey Mulcahy had resigned as Animal Control Officer (ACO) and Sgt. McDowell had suggested Officer David Scott, who was a certified ACO, to fill in. PT made a motion for David Scott to fill in as ACO, as needed, at his regular rate of pay. FV seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote. PT made a motion to have the Chairman sign the MS-1 (valuation of the town) on behalf of the Board and FV seconded the motion, which passed with a unanimous vote. Karen Montgomery relayed to the Board that two people who refereed on Parks & Rec had not had background checks performed and RL stated that he would speak with Judy Chase about the matter.

The Board reviewed miscellaneous correspondence and legal matters.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:00 p.m. on a motion by FV, seconded by PT and receiving a unanimous vote.

Respectfully submitted by Karen Montgomery, Selectmen’s Admin. Assistant

Approved by the Board of Selectmen:

Robert LaRoche, Chairman                                                               

David Kerr, Vice Chairman

Katherine Grillo                                   

Priscilla Tiede                                   

Francis Vardaro

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SELECTMEN'S OFFICE

Town of Barnstead

P.O. Box 11

Center Barnstead, NH 03225

Minutes

September 27th, 2011

Present: Chairman Robert LaRoche (RL), Vice-Chairman David Kerr (DK), Katherine Grillo (KG), Priscilla Tiede (PT), and Francis Vardaro (FV).

Chairman LaRoche opened the meeting at 6:30 p.m. and following the Pledge of Allegiance the Board signed the payroll, manifest, the minutes of 9/20/11, and a letter to a property owner regarding an easement. PT made a motion for the Chairman to sign the ComStar agreement and KG seconded the motion which passed with a unanimous vote.  

At 6:33 p.m. Frank Bliss of Meredith Lane met with the Board to express concerns about liens placed on property by the Locke Lake Colony when people do not pay their dues. He stated that he gets nothing from the (Locke Lake) Association. Bliss wondered how many people had liens from Locke Lake and RL explained that even though Locke Lake follows the same laws of the Town, as a private entity they have their own additional set of by-laws. Bliss stated that he was meeting with the Locke Lake administrator tomorrow but wanted the Select Board’s input. PT explained that Locke Lake started out as an “over 55 community” but changed and added that it is not the only association in town. Bliss next voiced concern that people who live on the non-town maintained roads are assessed less and yet those private (non-town) roads are in better condition than the town roads. FV asked if Bliss attend the annual meeting, suggesting that this would be the way to vote down the dues and make changes etc. Bliss thanked the Board and stated that he would go door to door if necessary.

The Board next discussed the requirements of the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) regarding an employee who did not wish to take FMLA leave. RL stated that in the past when he worked for the County, you didn’t have to use vacation time when on FMLA. KG explained that this is federal and state law, but questioned mandating an employee to take FMLA. Karen Montgomery told the Board that if an employee has an event that qualifies as FMLA, then they must go out on FMLA. Karen explained the necessity of tracking all FMLA time, as it only allows for a certain number of days per year per employee, and the FMLA documents authorize a medical release from the doctor to return to work. FV informed the Board that there was another employee who would be taking FMLA, but who had an issue of using vacation time. PT stated that per the policy, all accrued, unused paid time off is required to be used and explained that the Town’s sick time and vacation time is not only separate, it accrues differently. (Sick time is only ½ a day per month for fulltime employees and vacation is earned starting at ½ day per month up to 1 ½ days per month depending on the length of service).

DK commented on the importance of keeping track of the FMLA time. RL stated that he wished he had known about all this sooner so that he had time to check it out. PT told him that they (the Board) have hired the people in the (Selectmen’s) office to research this information and know the laws, yet RL does not believe what the office staff tells him. PT went on to say that this particular situation was because someone did not want to do what is supposed to be done. PT wondered why this was so difficult, adding that if her boss told her that this is how it is, then she would do it. RL commented that he didn’t think it was fair to make people use their vacation time with FMLA and PT stated that life isn’t always fair, but this was the law. PT went on to say that Patty Yoder is the benefits person and employees should be going to her if they have questions. PT pointed out that our personnel policy even states that employees are supposed to go to her, but yet it isn’t being enforced. RL told the group that they could vote on sending the memo to the employee in question and PT said that it didn’t need to be voted on, it could just be signed.

Under New Business: Karen informed the group that the Fire Rescue Chief had locked in a propane price of $2.298 per gallon and that he had spoken with ComStar, our ambulance billing company, who reduced the charges (to the Town) from 7% down to 5%. FV told the group that at the workshop he recently attended, the speaker complimented our Fire Rescue Chief, saying that he was one of the best grant writers. The Board reviewed an e-mail regarding boiler inspections and DK will forward the registration form that has to be filled out.

At 7:15 p.m. the Board met with Dan Ward, Superintendent, Belknap County Department of Corrections, to discuss a work release inmate program. Ward explained that the city approves the inmates that will be working and contacts the local police department with the information. He stated that sex offenders are not part of this program. Ward told the Board that the liability is on the County, not the Town and inmates are not put into situations where they could get hurt. Ward relayed several projects that were recently done, both in Town and in neighboring towns. DK asked if a supervisor is sent with the crew and Ward told him they can if it’s necessary. The work day is 7 am – 3 pm, as the inmates have to be back by 4 pm. The Board presented Mr. Ward with a list of projects which include the Town Hall floor, painting the police department, fixing the handicap ramp at the police station, painting the kitchen at the Highway Garage, painting the Town Hall stage, applying polyurethane to the Town Hall kitchen cabinets and removing the carpet in the Town Hall Offices. The group agreed that the Town Hall (wood) floor would be the first project and Mr. Ward explained that the town would be responsible to obtain the equipment and materials needed to sand and polyurethane the floor. Ward suggested having a couple projects ready to go so crews could be working on 2 different things at once.

At 7:50 p.m. the Board determined that they would inquire into the renewal policy for the Standard Insurance Company before proceeding. The Board reviewed the letter from Pinard Waste and agreed to change the dumpster pickups to every other week. The Town Clerk/Tax Collector spoke to the Board with concerns of the recent break-ins in neighboring towns.

At 8:03 p.m. RL told the group that Karen Montgomery had given the Regional Police Committee a spreadsheet and stated that he felt Karen should let the Board know before she distributes any documents. Karen explained to the Board that Gordon Preston and other members of the Police Committee had asked for an ‘apples to apples’ comparison of the police department budget versus the Sheriff’s proposal, using 4 fulltime officers. PT asked if it was public information and Karen stated that it was. DK suggested that Karen show the Board the document and Karen made copies for all members. Karen told the group that she didn’t feel there was an issue with giving the Committee the document, as they were appointed by the Select Board and requested it. PT commented that the public had asked for that information at the public hearing as well.

FV stated that some of the figures were skewed and Karen stated that she used the same budget figures that the Sheriff had, but reduced the fulltime line to 4 officers and removed the part-time personnel. Karen added that RL had gotten a copy of this yesterday and at that time Karen told him there was no way to compare exact “apples to apples” as the Sheriff’s proposal did not list every detail. RL commented that the computer upgrade for the police department wasn’t included in the comparison and Karen told him that the town has a Computer Expendable Trust Fund for upgrades etc. so that was money that didn’t have to be raised. PT and DK felt that it was a good comparison.  RL stated that they didn’t know what the police would need for 2012 and KG commented that it would need to pass at Town Meeting. RL told the group that the money (savings) is nothing; it’s the safety of the public that’s important.

RL told the group that one officer had passed his test and the other one goes this week for his. KG commented that they needed to start working on the budget and it was scheduled for next week. Elaine Swinford told the Board that the Welfare budget figures would remain the same as last year. RL stated that the Police Chief had his budget done and it was down. KG said that if the Chief had his 2012 figures done, couldn’t Karen put them in the computer so they would have them for the public hearing (tomorrow night). Karen stated that if the Chief gave her the figures, she could easily have it prepared. FV commented that the police would have to list computer costs, vehicle costs, uniforms, etc. and all the stuff they want for next year. FV asked RL if he had spoken to the attorney about having to take the regional police proposal to town meeting and RL stated that the Board can make that decision under RSA 53:A. PT cautioned the group that if they vote it in (before town meeting) then town meeting could vote it out. PT asked how you would dissolve the police department if the Selectmen voted in the Sheriff’s proposal and RL stated that you could have a problem if all the fulltime officers didn’t go to the Sheriff’s department because police officers can only be released for “cause”.

Elaine Swinford mentioned that if the police department was created by a warrant, then you would need to dissolve it by warrant. The group briefly discussed preparations for the public hearing.

At 8:30 p.m. Alan Glassman met with the Board to discuss the proposed Consortium Agreement with 10 other towns regarding the MetroCast renewal contract. Alan told the Board that in speaking with Karen, she had pointed out that it was a 4 year contract and a 2/3 majority vote (of the Consortium) was needed to pass changes etc. Alan asked how long the town could extend the current contract (which expired in June) and Karen told him that it can be extended indefinitely. DK again pointed out that the Consortium Agreement doesn’t provide for attorneys to negotiate each town’s contract, it only allows for legal advice on the renewal process. Karen told the group that the Town’s Attorney is very familiar with the MetroCast contract and that all contracts are on file at the Secretary of State’s Office. The group discussed the pros and cons of the proposed agreement and RL stated that he would go with the town’s attorney for renewing the contract. Alan told the Board that he saw no reason to go with the Consortium and PT agreed.

KG made a motion to stay with the Town Attorney Mark Puffer for the purpose of renewing the MetroCast contract and not join the Consortium. PT seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote. KG asked Alan to relay to the Regional Police Committee that the spreadsheet of “apples to apples” comparison was for the Committee only and RL added that it is not a handout for the public. A brief discussion ensued regarding budget surplus and the tax base.

The Board reviewed miscellaneous correspondence and legal matters.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:58 p.m. on a motion by PT, seconded by KG and receiving a unanimous vote.

Respectfully submitted by Karen Montgomery, Selectmen’s Admin. Assistant

Approved by the Board of Selectmen:                                                                                                               

Robert LaRoche, Chairman                                                               

David Kerr, Vice Chairman

Katherine Grillo                                    

Priscilla Tiede                                

Francis Vardaro

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SELECTMEN'S OFFICE

Town of Barnstead

P.O. Box 11

Center Barnstead, NH 03225

Minutes

September 20th, 2011

Present: Chairman Robert LaRoche (RL), Vice-Chairman David Kerr (DK), Katherine Grillo (KG), Priscilla Tiede (PT), and Francis Vardaro (FV).

Chairman LaRoche opened the meeting at 6:30 p.m. and following the Pledge of Allegiance the Board signed the payroll, manifest, the minutes of 9/13/11, 1 timber tax levy and a memo to the department heads regarding procedures on over-expending line items.

The Board met with Road Agent Chris Carazzo to discuss right-of-way issues with two properties. Michael Lesnyk, of Narrows Road and Jeffrey Igneri of Dam Site Road will receive letters from the Board requesting a meeting with them.

Under New Business: The Board reviewed a letter from the Lakes Region Planning Commission (LRPC) asking for two Barnstead nominations for representatives to sit on a Suncook River Nomination Committee and will forward names to LRPC. The Board next reviewed the current bereavement policy and it was determined that the Labor Board would be contacted for clarification regarding the wording of the policy. PT inquired about an invoice for insuring the new highway truck and ambulance.

The Board went into Non-Public Session under RSA 91-A: 3 II (a) at 6:52 p.m. on a motion by PT, seconded by KG with the following vote recorded, David Kerr, yes; Robert LaRoche, yes; Katherine Grillo, yes; Priscilla Tiede, yes; and Francis Vardaro, yes.  The Board came out of Non-Public Session at 7:10 p.m.

After a brief discussion regarding the tape retention of the Selectmen’s meetings, FV made a motion to retain the tapes for 6 months, KG seconded the motion and it passed with the following vote; RL, yes; DK, no; KG, yes; PT, no and FV, yes. PT had expressed concerns with the cost for purchasing 24 tapes to meet this purpose. Karen Montgomery had suggested using the same retention schedules as the other Boards do. DK has informed the group that the Prospect Mountain High School adopted reusing the tapes after the minutes are approved. Karen told the Board that according to legal advice, the tapes are public record until the minutes are approved, then the minutes are the official documents and the tapes can be reused. FV felt that they should be kept especially with the police regionalizing thing. DK asked what would happen to the tape after 6 months and KG made a motion to reuse the tapes after 6 months. The motion was seconded by FV and passed with the following vote; RL, yes; DK, no; KG, yes; PT, yes; and FV, yes.

Karen relayed to the Board that the Fire Chief was contacting vendors to secure the lowest propane prices. RL conveyed to the Board the discussion he had with the Town’s attorney regarding the regionalization of police forces. KG asked about the animal control officer and Karen stated that that position was under the Animal Control section of the budget, not under the police budget.

At 7:38 p.m. the group reviewed the proposed rates for Life and Accidental Death Insurance and will certify the figures. The Board next discussed the removal of the carpet in the Town Hall and types of flooring that could be installed.

The Board reviewed miscellaneous correspondence and legal matters.

At 8:30 p.m. Alan Glassman met with the Board to discuss the possibility of Barnstead entering into an agreement with the 10 town consortium to jointly go through the process of renewing the MetroCast agreements. Alan reported that any towns wanting to join must do so by the 29th of September, and that the attorney fees of $9,000 would be split, resulting in approximately a $750 charge per town. He asked if the Town’s attorney should review the agreement and RL stated that 3 other towns had their attorney’s look at it and to have each attorney renegotiate a new contract (with MetroCast) by themselves, would cost $2,000. PT asked what the Town’s attorney would charge and Karen mentioned that he was familiar with these contracts and had been involved in the last contract. Alan asked what the objective of the Board was and RL said that he didn’t want to go with the same terms as the last contract, he wanted a 5 year contract (instead of 10 years). KG asked what the benefit was, of joining the consortium in this agreement and RL felt that there was strength in numbers.

Alan asked if anyone had posed the changes to MetroCast when they were here for the public hearing and DK told him they had not. DK stated that he felt the next step would be to meet with MetroCast and tell them what the Board was looking for in changes. Alan agreed; adding that at first the consortium agreement seemed like a good idea but he wasn’t sure now. DK explained that he attended a meeting of the consortium regarding the proposed agreement and it was stated in the agreement that the attorneys do not do the negotiations; that they only assist in helping towns meet the requirements (such as public hearings, notices etc) leading up to renegotiating and renewing. Alan read from the proposed agreement that stated “the attorney does other ala carte services” and told the group that the towns would have to pay for anything other than the initial services. The group felt that the Town’s Attorney would be less than the $750 to join in the agreement. Alan suggested getting a copy of a new draft proposal from MetroCast and having Karen go through it before sending it to the Town’s Attorney. RL stated that he had attended a consortium meeting, filling in for Alan, and that he would take Alan’s recommendation whether or not to sign the agreement. It was determined that Alan would meet with the Board next Tuesday evening for a decision.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:52 p.m. on a motion by FV, seconded by KG and receiving a unanimous vote.

Respectfully submitted by Karen Montgomery, Selectmen’s Admin. Assistant

Approved by the Board of Selectmen:                                                  

Robert LaRoche, Chairman                                                                         

David Kerr, Vice Chairman

Katherine Grillo                                  

Priscilla Tiede                                              

Francis Vardaro

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SELECTMEN'S OFFICE

Town of Barnstead

P.O. Box 11

Center Barnstead, NH 03225

Minutes

September 13th, 2011

Present: Chairman Robert LaRoche (RL), Vice-Chairman David Kerr (DK), Katherine Grillo (KG), Priscilla Tiede (PT), and Francis Vardaro (FV).

Chairman LaRoche opened the meeting at 6:30 p.m. and following the Pledge of Allegiance the Board signed the payroll, manifest, the minutes of 9/6/11, 1 yield tax warrant, 1 veteran’s exemption, 3 Zoning Board appointments, several letters and memos. The Board determined there would not be a doomage charge on the yield tax warrant. PT made a motion for the Chairman to sign the title application for the new highway dump truck on behalf of the Board. FV seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote. RL stated that he wanted to hold off signing the letter regarding over-expenditures as he wants to make sure he understands what the Selectmen are supposed to do.

At 6:35 p.m. the meeting was opened to public input and Eileen Murley, Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) Chairman, inquired into the appointments of the 3 new members and was told the Board had approved the request and new members just needed to be sworn in. Eileen next inquired about the memo that was sent to the Board regarding the Town’s website not being updated and asking that the Planning, Zoning and Building Inspector’s secretary, Paula Vardaro, manage the website. Karen further explained that the Board had agreed that Patty Yoder, (Selectmen’s Office Accountant) would manage the site, as she has extensive computer knowledge and could do this within her 40 hour position. RL stated that while the Board did agree that Patty could manage the site, they did not vote on Patty being the website manager. RL felt that Patty could do one part of the site and Paula could do the Planning, Zoning and Building Inspector area and FV agreed. Eileen stated that that would serve the needs of the office. Karen informed the Board that the website software had 1 license which was housed on the computer in the Selectmen’s Office and that the prior website coordinator felt that 1 person could easily manage it.

Eileen agreed that one person could probably manage it, but stated that several (Planning & Zoning) forms and data on the website had not been updated for months, which was detrimental to that office. PT commented that the prior website coordinator would have been responsible for that and wondered why the information hadn’t gotten to the prior coordinator before now.  Karen Montgomery asked if she could provide Eileen with some background regarding the change to the website, as Eileen obviously did not have all the information. Karen explained that the prior Website Coordinator (who housed the site at her home) had resigned, giving the Town a two day notice in which to transfer all the software and site information over to the Selectmen’s Office, which was accomplished by Cybertron, the town’s hardware/data management group.  The computer tower in the Selectmen’s Office was being upgraded so Cybertron is graciously updating the website (free of charge) until the new tower is installed. Karen explained that the secretary, Paula, was aware of this and asked to forward updates that she needed posted to the site. Karen stated that the only data received from Paula was Planning and Zoning minutes and there has not been any mention of forms or ordinances being out of date. PT asked Eileen if she knew what needed to be updated and Eileen stated that she did not have that information. PT told the Board that they needed to see if the site management would work with one person maintaining it and that they had already offered it to Patty. RL asked if the Board wanted one or two people to handle it and FV thought they should have the two. PT again pointed out that they had already told Patty she would be doing this.

FV suggested finding out how much separate licenses would cost and DK felt additional costs were not in the budget. RL started to make a motion and PT asked if the Chairman was supposed to make motions. DK told the group that typically, the Chairman does not make motions. FV commented that Patty had worked some overtime in the past and was concerned if she could manage the site within her 40 hours. PT asked again to let Patty try it until the end of the year and then look at what is needed for next year. FV made a motion that the website be operated by Patty Yoder and Paula Vardaro to service the website. DK told the group that he was not in favor of adding additional hours to anyone when Patty could do the work within her 40 hour position. RL seconded the motion and it passed with the following vote; RL, yes; DK, no; KG, yes; PT, no and FV, yes. Karen Montgomery asked if the Planning, Zoning, Building website work would be able to be done within Paula’s normal hours and FV stated that yes, it would be within her scheduled hours.

At 6:53 p.m. the Road Agent, Chris Carazzo presented the Board with three proposals for ditching the Province Road (Bosco Bell Road) and RL opened and read aloud the following; Lank Excavating - $14,600, R W Tasker - $16,800, and Brassaw Excavation - $13,700. Carazzo stated that he had met with all three, adding that the Town would do the seeding and silt fence. KG asked if there were any culverts being done and Chris told her that there was only 1 culvert, which would be moved back if it was salvageable. Based upon the Road Agent’s suggestion, PT made a motion to accept Brassaw’s proposal. The motion was seconded by KG and passed with a unanimous vote. Carazzo asked that the Board address two additional issues next week of an easement at Lesnyk’s property and a property on DamSite that had built a stonewall in the Town’s right-of-way.

At 7:00 p.m. the group discussed the Joslyn property (culvert and drainage issue) on Colbath and Carazzo stated that when the whole hill (Colbath Road) had been lost in the flood, (including the culverts), the prior Road Agent had replaced the driveway culverts on the road when they rebuilt it, except for the Joslyn’s. Carazzo commented that Joslyn had altered his driveway and thus still had an issue with water drainage. RL told the group that he had spoken with both Carazzo and the property owner and Carazzo was willing to replace the culvert. RL added that he told the property owner that if they replaced it, it is not something the town would do again as it was the property owners responsibility. PT made a motion to fix the culvert that should have been done when the road was rebuilt. Carazzo asked that a clause be added that the property owner could not alter his driveway, that the Town is making an exception and the owner would also be responsible for the culvert from here on out. The Board agreed to the additional clause and the motion was seconded by FV, which passed with the following vote; RL, yes; DK, no; KG, yes; PT, yes; and FV, yes. DK told the group that he voted no because they have told others that they are responsible for their own driveway culverts and had to fix them. DK added that he felt sorry for this property owner (Joslyn), but Joslyn should have come in when the other culvert were being fixed on the road (after the flood).

RL informed the Board that he would review the MetroCast Consortium information with Alan Glassman and they would be prepared to discuss it next week.

At 7:07 p.m. Stuart Thompson, Highway Safety Engineer and William Oldenburg, Administrator, Bureau of Highway Design, both of the Department of Transportation met with the Selectmen to provide the Board with an overview of the Rural Signing Project. The project entails the State reviewing the Town’s roads, indicating where signs would be needed, replacing old signs with new ones, and placing them appropriately (police details would not be required). The old signs are returned to the Town, and the new signs (which carry a warranty on the reflectivity) then become the responsibility of the Town. The signs would be ready next year, and a municipal agreement would have to be signed. The State will send the Board a list of what is being proposed first. Mr. Thompson explained that the Board would review the handout of materials (including a road map) and cross off any roads that are private. KG commented that we have a lot of back roads and some people may be offended by too much signage. DK asked if stop signs were included and Mr. Thompson stated they would not, but signage such as “stop ahead” or “intersection ahead” would be.  He added that some of the signs are required and some are optional. The full Board agreed to go forward with the project and an agreement will be prepared.

At 7:30 p.m. the Board met with Gordon Preston, Fire Rescue Chief Mark Tetreault, Paul Vince and Alan Glassman of the Regional Police Committee. Also attending were Sheriff Wiggin, Deb Shackett, Administrative Assistant, Glen Wharem, Finance, and Police Chief Ken Borgia. Gordon Preston explained that they hadn’t received the quotes on the health insurance but felt the Committee could present the economics of the proposal. Paul Vince told the group that the draft agreement had some changes, mostly based upon the County’s collective bargaining agreement. Paul added that the town would need to determine what would happen with accrued leave that any police officers had, as that would be an administrative decision. Sheriff Wiggin told the group that the County’s personnel policy doesn’t allow for new people to bring over accrued time, that they would have to start from scratch. KG referred to the Town’s personnel policy stating that the town allows for pay outs of vacation time with a 2 week written notice. KG asked if they would be considered to have resigned and Deb Shackett stated that it would be in everyone’s best interest to eliminate the positions, not resignation. Preston commented on the amount of money invested in the police department, such as $12,000 in firearms, 4 vehicles, etc. Chief Tetreault explained that if the Sheriff takes the newest police vehicle, then 3 new vehicles would be leased.

The Committee felt that there was a significant economic benefit to the Town and that the police presence would be equal to or better than what we have had. RL asked about a time period and Preston stated that the best option would be a four year contract with the option to get out if needed. Sheriff Wiggin explained that his original proposal had changed slightly, as the costs of retirement, health insurance, gas etc. had some increases. He also included in the new proposal, the cost of adding one more officer, which came to $80,000 with benefits. Wiggin stated that he would recommend the Chief’s car going with him to the Sheriff’s Department and that at the county, each person had a particular car. RL asked what the overall savings would be and Glen Wharem stated that it would be $140,000 projected for 2012 and upwards from there. PT asked about the police office personnel and the Sheriff told her that the position would be eliminated as well as the other officer positions. RL felt that it if it was good for the Town and they had $140,000 extra, perhaps they could take half of that amount and put it in a Capital Reserve in case the proposal did not work out. Sheriff Wiggin commented that they had discussed the disbursement of excess savings and Deb Shackett stated that they would have to look at that to see if there was a legal way to return money to the Town. Alan Glassman reported that Lakes Region Public Access was videotaping the public hearing tomorrow evening and on the 28th. RL told the group that due to his inadequacies as a new Chairman, he was asking Bill Gosse (as Town Moderator and past Selectman) to run the public hearing. Gordon Preston commented that the Selectmen were hosting the meeting and needed to open it, following the proper legal sequence and then turn it over to the Committee or the Sheriff. Glassman mentioned the importance of an explanation of how regionalizing began. Preston commented that it has been being discussed for over the past three years with prior Select Boards.

KG told the group that the question on her mind is the upcoming budget (2012) and she had questions as to whether it had to go to Town Meeting or not. Preston pointed out that it would be a good idea to get Town Meeting approval, as it is a four year contract and the Budget Committee would vote on it as well. RL stated that RSA 53:A gives the Board the authority to make decision and not to have to turn it back to the people for Town Meeting vote. RL added that he felt they would have a general idea of what the people wanted from the public hearings. PT felt that if they had two public hearings and had enough input then the Board should advertise the meeting of when they would be voting on this. Deb Shackett suggested that the Board invite comment in between the two public hearings as well. DK commented that they would also have to deal with dissolving the police department and RL stated that they would have to get legal advice. Glassman suggested developing and presenting two budgets; one if the Sheriff’s proposal was accepted and one if it wasn’t. DK asked about increases in subsequent years and the Sheriff stated that they would have to project for that, as some costs are beyond their control. Glenn Wharem told the group that the proposal reflected the projected increases for 2012 but not any further.

DK asked the Sheriff how many Barnstead police officers would be going and the Sheriff stated that there were 2 for now, the Chief and the Sgt. DK asked if the County had Veteran’s preference and the Sheriff stated that he did (Deb Shackett added that the County does not). DK asked if the County would have the projected costs for all 4 years of the proposed contract and Glen stated that they could have some; adding that there are labor agreements involved as well.  Wharem added that the County’s goal is not to make revenue, it is to provide what’s needed at a flat cost. The Sheriff stated that they would bring the figures for 4 fulltime police officers and for 5 fulltime police officers. PT commented that 4 officers were what had been determined to be sufficient and then if they needed additional help, it would be there (from the County’s resources). Chief Tetreault told the group that the 5th officer (and related costs) came from having 24/7 “boots on ground” coverage if the people wanted that. Sheriff Wiggin told Tetreault that for 24/7 coverage it would take 6 people, not 5. Glassman commented that the Town has had only 4 officers for a very long time and the Town has been fine.  FV said that once the people see they are offering the same or better coverage, the people would go for it. Paul Vince told the Board that he would e-mail the proposed draft contract (with changes) to them that evening and send a copy to Karen at the Selectmen’s Office. The Sheriff informed the group that he would be bringing copies of the proposal, along with a question and answer handout for the meeting tomorrow evening. He added that he would e-mail it to the Selectmen’s Office as well. PT and the Board thanked the Committee members for all their hard work.

The Board reviewed miscellaneous correspondence and legal matters.

At 8:30 p.m. the Board agreed that due to the confusion with Nutter Circle and Nutter Lane, Nutter Lane should be changed to Marshall Lane and the property owners will be informed.

PT addressed the group, stating that she had an issue with the discussion and vote earlier that evening on Patty Yoder and Paula Vardaro doing the Town website. PT stated that if she were voting on a highway issue she would recuse herself where her husband and son work for the Highway Department. She told FV that he also had stated he would recuse himself from issues but yet had voted on the website issue which involved his wife. PT said that she also heard Bob ask FV if that would be alright with Paula (for Paula to do part of the website) and FV told RL that it would. PT stated that she did not want to see issues arise with FV not recusing himself and RL said that PT was right. PT added that she didn’t think FV should have voted.

The Board agreed that Dan Ward, Superintendant, Department of Corrections, should be scheduled for an appointment to discuss the list of projects they prepared. The projects so far were; paint the inside of the police department, stain the handicap ramp at the police station, sand & polyurethane the Town Hall floor, and paint the kitchen at the Highway Garage. PT mentioned that she was speaking with the elementary school to see if some of the kids could paint a mural on one of the walls at the police station.

The Board agreed to discuss the proposals from Standard Insurance and the Local Government Center next week. It was also determined that the draft agreement be sent to Town’s Attorney after the public hearings and to get legal input going forward. KG commented on issues regarding cars at the school and the dangers of kids being dropped off/picked up. She questioned why drivers aren’t being warned or ticketed.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:04 p.m. on a motion by PT, seconded by DK and receiving a unanimous vote.

Respectfully submitted by Karen Montgomery, Selectmen’s Admin. Assistant

Approved by the Board of Selectmen:

Robert LaRoche, Chairman                                                    

David Kerr, Vice Chairman                   

Katherine Grillo                              

Priscilla Tiede                          

Francis Vardaro

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SELECTMEN'S OFFICE

Town of Barnstead

P.O. Box 11

Center Barnstead, NH 03225

Minutes

September 6th, 2011

Present: Chairman Robert LaRoche (RL), Vice-Chairman David Kerr (DK), Katherine Grillo (KG) – 6:45 pm, Priscilla Tiede (PT) – 8:00 pm, and Francis Vardaro (FV).

Chairman LaRoche opened the meeting at 6:30 p.m. and following the Pledge of Allegiance the Board signed the payroll, manifest, the minutes of 8/30/11, several letters and memos.

The meeting was opened to public input and Lewis and Glenn Joslyn of 160 Colbath Road expressed frustration with drainage issues that had been pending for over a year. Glenn presented remnants of his driveway culvert, stating that the culvert is 17 feet from the center line of the road and he felt that it was the Town’s issue. It was determined that RL would perform a site visit with the Road Agent the next day.

Jeff Crary of Narrows Road stated he was confused over a rumor he heard and decided to come straight to the Board for clarification. Jeff said he heard that DK, who used to be the Chairman of the Board, was no longer Chairman and wanted to know if it was true and if so, why. DK stated that it was true and that the Board expressed a lack of confidence and voted to change Chairmanship. Jeff asked why the Board felt that DK was incompetent and RL told him that it was not that DK was incompetent, it was that there was a lack of trust. RL went on to say that some things had happened that they were not at liberty to discuss and some of the Board felt a lack of confidence and the vote was 4-1. DK clarified that the Board requested a non-public meeting on a different issue and during the course of the non-public a member changed the discussion to DK and the Chairmanship. DK added that he questioned whether the Chairman discussion met the requirements of a non-public session and stated that he would like the minutes unsealed.

DK made a motion to unseal the minutes of the non-public session of  August 23, 2011 and FV seconded the motion, which passed with the following vote; RL, yes; DK, yes; and FV, yes. RL asked DK if he had a problem discussing the issue and DK stated that he did not. RL explained to Jeff Crary that a problem arose with an invoice that a Select Member submitted for mileage reimbursement. RL stated that he didn’t see a problem with the invoice as he (RL) does not take his mileage expenses. RL went on to say that the invoice was submitted the week before the manifest was signed by the Board and the information (about the invoice) got out before the Board had even signed the manifest. RL added that DK did not sign that particular manifest and the next thing they knew, Bruce Grey came in raising h--- about it and the Board told him that they had approved it for the Selectmen to pay it.

DK stated that he took exception to that – that there was no official record of Selectmen approving it and that it was not discussed at an official meeting. RL continued, saying that the Board felt the only way the information (about the invoice) could have gotten out was for DK to have done it. (KG arrived at 6:45 p.m.). Jeff Crary asked if the manifest was a public record and RL stated that it was. Jeff asked if the Board was hiding something and RL said that they were not. DK told Jeff that he stated to the Board that he did not give the information to Bruce Grey. Jeff commented that Bruce Grey was a member of the Budget Committee. RL told Jeff that he questioned Grey’s (or anyone’s right) to be able to come in, look through and get a copy of an invoice from the manifest as some of the information is sensitive. Jeff said, “So it was just a big mix-up and you voted lack of confidence”?  Jeff stated that he questioned the judgment of the Board and KG told him it was okay, that he had a right to question. DK stated again that he had told the Board at that meeting that he did not give the information to Bruce Grey.

KG told Jeff that the Select Board has the right to ask the Chairman to step down and Jeff told her that he was not questioning the Board’s right. RL stated that the Chair is nothing more than someone running the meeting and because of what happened they asked him (DK) to step down. KG commented that there were other circumstances, that she is not at liberty to discuss, that took place. Jeff told her that as a public official and resident, they (the public) have a right to know. KG told him that some issues are non-public. Jeff again stated that he was not questioning the right (of the Board) to change Chair’s he just wanted to find out why. RL told Jeff that he (RL) had said as much as he could and Jeff commented that they were all in this together and as a resident, he had a right to know. RL told Jeff not to take him out of context and Jeff told RL that he (RL) had said there was more than 1 reason that DK was asked to step down. RL responded, “No, basically it was just that one reason”.

Jeff asked KG to clarify her comment that there were also personal reasons (for DK to be asked to step down) and KG told Jeff that to be an effective Board, they need to trust each other. She stated that there was no one else that could have given information out, so that caused her to feel there was no trust. She added that when you do something like that (give out the information) it’s only to instigate trouble and so the other members did not feel safe. Jeff told the group that he has known DK a long time, that DK has many years of service to the Town and he (Jeff) was shocked by this action. RL told Jeff that it was okay for him to be shocked, that there were also some people who aren’t shocked. RL read aloud an excerpt regarding how other towns define “Chairman”.  KG told Jeff that she had nominated Mr. Kerr to be the Chairman at the beginning of the year. Jeff told the group that he would come to the Town Hall and get a copy of the minutes that had been unsealed. RL told Jeff that he was sorry if he hadn’t been clear. KG apologized for being late and explained that she had school registrations.

Under New Business: The group reviewed the preliminary damage assessment report from Hurricane Irene and the press release from Prospect Mountain High School regarding issues with their fire system. The police station will have a free emergency power assessment conducted by the US Army Corp of Engineers, as that building does not have a generator. The group next discussed departments over-expending line items and items being charged to the wrong account lines. Karen Montgomery explained that Patty (accounting personnel) was seeking clarification of procedure in handling these issues. It was determined that Patty would contact the department head and question items billed to the wrong lines and if any issues arise then she would bring it to the Board. DK explained that allowing lines to be over-expended (rather than transferring money from other lines) stood out on the reports and the Board and Budget Committee could determine from the detail of the account the justification of the amount.

RL informed the group that Charles Schmidt, of the Department of Transportation called him today and Mr. Schmidt is passing the information on which will go through an internal review. RL stated that the State should be back in touch within a couple of weeks. DK asked if RL was thinking of taking a trade (the State owned land abutting the Highway Garage) for the Dam in the Parade and RL stated that it depended upon what the State is offering. RL added that he was just looking to see if it was up for grabs. DK reminded the group that there are abutment issues with the bridge and the dam (in the Parade) and they’d want an engineer to look at as it could be extremely costly. RL stated that he had spoken to Bill Gosse about this (as it had been discussed many years ago) and Bill told him that the swap was just for bridge maintenance. Jeff Crary asked what we would want the 27 acre State-owned parcel for and RL told him that if the Town needed a safety complex (Fire and Police) it would be the perfect area. RL added that he didn’t know why the original offer for the swap ever got dropped and felt that a Selectman just hadn’t followed up on it back then.

The Board met with Elaine Swinford, Welfare Officer, at 7:30 p.m. to discuss her budget and reported that while her budget is up from last year at this time, she still has 30% left. She said that the majority of the welfare money went for rent, but the Welfare Guidelines have a maximum limit on rent expenses and they stay within that amount. She went on to say that the biggest area is Locke Lake as property owners rent their places and don’t do complete background checks on people. Elaine added that they don’t pay for tires, cars, batteries, etc., like the Welfare Officer before her, with the new updated guidelines. KG asked about fuel assistance and Elaine told her that the County fuel assistance program has opened up early and has the funding. KG commented that it seemed like they lost a lot of kids (at the elementary school) moving out of town and Elaine stated that that was due to the foreclosures in town and Locke Lake houses that are rented from September to June. Elaine reported that the Town was recovering funds from the properties that had assistance liens placed on them.

RL asked if Elaine paid for gas and she explained that she gives out gas vouchers only if there’s a legitimate need. DK told the group that before the guidelines were updated (when Elaine came on board) things were very lax in that department. Elaine also informed the Board that in 2009 they added language to the guidelines that doesn’t allow for prescriptions for narcotics. Elaine stated that the Welfare Department gave out 39 cords of wood last year (collected from the tornado) which saved the Town on heating costs. The group next discussed Belknap County inmates helping out with the wood and RL stated that he would contact Dan Ward, Superintendant, Department of Corrections. Elaine then spoke briefly on RSA 165:19 – Liability of Support, where it’s the families responsibility, if any family is available, to assist people in need before it’s the Town’s responsibility. KG inquired about Pittsfield’s Welfare Officer and Elaine explained that it is a hired position in Pittsfield and the person makes a whole lot more money than Elaine (who is elected). Elaine also stated that Pittsfield has a lot more work where they have a lot of apartments and housing complexes. Elaine told the group that there are very few Towns with elected Welfare Officials now. At the end of the meeting RL stated that they’d probably meet with Elaine again in a couple months. Elaine stated that it was an open department to the extent that the Board sees and approves the expenditures each week (with the names & addresses blacked out as they are confidential).  RL commented that the information was not confidential to him (as Selectman) and Elaine told him it is confidential to her. RL stated that he would check on it because he thought the Selectmen could see that information. Elaine told him that they could not, that this issue had come up before and the only time the Selectmen would see any files etc., is if she is incapacitated and the Board had to take over for her.

Road Agent Chris Carazzo joined the group and RL relayed the Joslyn’s culvert issue to him. Chris stated that this has been an on-going issue, that the culvert is their driveway culvert and the water drainage is their issue as well. Chris relayed events from the flood a few years ago that took out the hill.

Under Old Business: RL is working on the policy for the Business Development Group and he will also be speaking with Alan Glassman regarding the MetroCast consortium agreement. Some suggested projects for the Department of Corrections inmates are moving the wood for Welfare, painting the Town buildings and redoing the wood floor of the Town Hall.

PT arrived at 8:00 p.m. and asked Elaine Swinford how many years she had been doing the job of Welfare Officer. Elaine stated that this was her 4th year. PT asked if Elaine saw more younger or older people needing assistance and Elaine said that it was pretty well spread across the board. PT asked if her budget was solid and Elaine stated that it was, even though she may not turn back as much money as she did last year.

RL stated that he would like to have the minutes of the Selectmen’s meetings recorded. Karen provided the Board with information regarding retention, requests for copies of tapes etc. FV made a motion to tape the minutes of the meetings starting next week and KG seconded the motion which passed with the following vote; RL, yes; DK, no; KG, yes; PT, no; and FV, yes. RL next stated that where he was new at being the Chairman and expected a large crowd for the public hearings on the Regional Policing proposal, he wanted to ask Bill Gosse (as Moderator) to conduct the meeting. Elaine Swinford asked why they wouldn’t let the Chairman of the Police Committee conduct the meeting (as he is a prior Selectman and is familiar with the procedure) and RL stated that he wanted Bill Gosse.

Karen Montgomery gave the Board the findings of the Town Hall roof from Fab Cusson, Building Inspector and after a brief review, it was determined that the entire roof should be replaced as it’s over 25 years old. An ad will be placed in the Baysider and Suncook Sun for proposals.

The Board reviewed miscellaneous correspondence and legal matters. Regarding Brian White’s letter, RL stated that Sgt. McDowell who is handling the robbery case, has been out on bereavement leave so RL has not been able to discuss the matter with him. PT said that she spoke with Chief Borgia regarding the Selectmen’s upcoming meeting with the Regional Police Committee and he asked to be informed of these meetings beforehand.

Karen informed the Board that the Suncook Valley Regional Town Association is looking at obtaining pricing for diesel consumption. The Board asked that a discussion take place next week regarding the changing of names for Nutter Lane as there is confusion with 9-1-1 between Nutter Lane and Nutter Circle.

At 8:30 p.m. Chris Carazzo told the Board that the property owner at 51 DamSite Road had a landscaper build a stonewall in the Town’s right-of-way, even though Chris has told him prior to building it that he could not have the wall there. PT asked if pictures had been taken and Chris said that he could take some, but felt that a letter should come from the Board.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:35 p.m. on a motion by FV, seconded by KG and receiving a unanimous vote.

Respectfully submitted by Karen Montgomery, Selectmen’s Admin. Assistant

Approved by the Board of Selectmen:                                                                         Robert LaRoche, Chairman                                                            

David Kerr, Vice Chairman

Katherine Grillo                                 

Priscilla Tiede                                  

Francis Vardaro

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Selectmen's Office

Town of Barnstead

P.O. Box 11

Center Barnstead, NH 03225

Minutes

August 30th, 2011

Present: Chairman Robert LaRoche (RL), Vice-Chairman David Kerr (DK), Priscilla Tiede (PT), and Francis Vardaro (FV).  Katherine Grillo was unable to attend.

Chairman LaRoche opened the meeting at 6:30 p.m. and following the Pledge of Allegiance the Board signed the payroll, manifest, the minutes of 8/23/11, a gravel tax levy, vehicle title reassignments and several letters. DK made a motion to have the Chairman sign the Waste Management contract on behalf of the Board. PT seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote. FV made a motion to have the DK sign the Liberty Truck documents on behalf of the Board. RL seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote. FV made a motion for the Chairman to sign the auditor’s representation letter which was seconded by PT and passed with a unanimous vote.

RL reported that he and Alan Glassman would review the documentation from the Consortium regarding the MetroCast contract as a decision has to be made by September 29.  DK informed the group that the Building Inspector met with Mr. Hague and the shoreline issue has been resolved.

At 6:51 p.m. the meeting was opened to public comment and Gordon Preston complimented the Road Crew, explaining that in the past the roads always washed out in the rain, but due to the ditching and culvert replacement, the roads held up beautifully and are first class. He added that there is great savings in the long run as it was very expensive to repair each time before.

Gordon next spoke on behalf of the Regional Police Committee, asking the Select Board to hold public hearings. The group discussed the proposal from the Sheriff and Gordon shared concerns with having a large amount for overtime; fearing that it would just get spent. He also expressed frustration at not being able to obtain information about the actual number of calls the Barnstead police go out on, adding that there are weeks with little or no activity here. It was determined that the Regional Committee and Sheriff would meet with the Select Board on Tuesday evening, September 13th, and then two public hearings would be held on Sept.14th and the 28th. Advertising will be in the Concord Monitor, Baysider and Suncook Sun as well as local postings. Gordon informed the group that Committee Member Paul Vince was making some changes to the draft contract and it will be faxed or e-mailed to the Board. DK asked what time period they were looking at and Gordon stated that a 4 year contract would be best for financial reasons. He added that the first year would need to be strictly monitored by a tactical committee of some sort.

The group briefly discussed the recent tropical storm and the importance of having direct contact with liaisons from the power companies. DK commented that Road Agent Carazzo is also looking for assistance from Fire Rescue in the future and has requested hot sticks.

The Select Board determined that the department heads would have their 2012 budget requests submitted by Sept. 30 and Chairman LaRoche stated that they would be asked for level-funding.  It was also decided that the car control program held at the N E Speedway, through the Local Government Center, was proactive and any employees that could benefit from it should be allowed to go.

The Board met with Building Inspector Fab Cusson who reported that had worked with Interim Building Inspector Bob Flanders that day and would continue to do so for a couple weeks. Fab stated that, as previously discussed, his hours are pretty flexible, so he would like to give out his cell phone number to people and schedule them as they call. RL commented that Paula (Building, Planning & ZBA secretary) could schedule for him but Fab told the Board that his concern with having Paula do scheduling, is that if he’s not available, he would have to call and reschedule. FV asked about scheduling specific times for Fab at the office and Fab explained that it was difficult with his job. Fab added that it was better for everyone if he scheduled his own appointments and he would be more flexible keeping his own schedule. Both DK & PT stated that they like Fab’s idea. RL commented that he’d put the responsibility on Fab to let Paula know and to keep a paper trail. Fab stated that he would and that he carries a checklist and all the paperwork with him.

Fab also told the Board that he could change the recording on the phone so people call his cell and he could get the messages. Karen Montgomery explained that the phone system has the capability for Fab to call in for any messages. FV told Fab that he could try it but he thought Fab might end up having some office hours and Fab told the Board he could start holding some hours on Tuesday evenings. Karen stated that the prior Building Inspector had Tuesday evening hours which worked out well, as he was available for the Selectmen’s meetings if they should have questions. DK asked Fab how he would handle calls and Fab explained that he would try to bundle inspections, adding that he is in Locke Lake frequently. DK instructed Fab to keep in mind that he works for the Select Board and that over the years there has been unnecessary aggravation with Planning Board and Health Officer issues whereby they got the Building Inspector involved. Fab stated that he understood that he works for the Selectmen and he was to come to them. DK added that any requests or issues from Planning, Zoning or Health Officer needed to come to the Selectmen first. Fab asked who he should contact if something should arise and PT stated that it would be Karen, as she can call the Selectmen if necessary.

The Board reviewed a letter from Brian White regarding material that was stolen from his property (and several others as well) expressing frustration with the lack of response from the police. RL stated that he would look into the matter. PT asked if the septic issue with the parsonage had been resolved and RL said that initially the septic had a pipe that broke but they fixed it. DK asked if the septic was out back and RL said that it was, that it runs along side of the house to the back. RL added that the new survey showed that the parsonage had additional footage and DK mentioned that the original surveyor is looking at the new plan.

Karen Montgomery informed the group that the Local Government Center is hosting a work session on volunteers and are producing volunteer forms for the towns to use. Patty Yoder, Benefits Coordinator will attend. DK mentioned that the Dept. of Transportation will hold public hearings regarding the 10 year plan and both he & RL will attend on October 3, in Concord. Karen told the Board that the Town Hall roof leaked in the lobby and Town Clerk’s office during the hurricane /tropical storm. She suggested having the new Building Inspector, Fab Cusson, look at it and prepare a list of specifications so they can request proposals and the Board approved.

PT made a motion to allow the purchase of a new fire proof cabinet for the property records in the Selectmen’s Office. The motion was seconded by FV and passed with a unanimous vote. The Board reviewed and approved a new sign to be made by Karen Gosse for Narrows Road Beach. The group also approved a request by the Zoning Board Chairman to advertise for 1 new member and 2 alternates. RL & FV performed a site visit to Vail Road and felt they should proceed with the Cease & Desist. Karen informed the group that Dan Ward Sr., Superintendent of the Belknap County Department of Corrections stopped in the office to discuss projects that could be done with supervised inmates. The Board will prepare a list of projects for discussion next week.

The Board reviewed miscellaneous correspondence and legal matters. A discussion on the meeting with representatives from the Standard Insurance Company will be added to next week’s agenda.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:25 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by Karen Montgomery, Selectmen’s Admin. Assistant

Approved by the Board of Selectmen:                                                                                                      

David Kerr, Chairman                                                                      

Robert LaRoche, Vice Chairman

Katherine Grillo                         

Priscilla Tiede                               

Francis Vardaro

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TOWN OF BARNSTEAD

NON PUBLIC SESSION – UNSEALED (9/6/11)

MINUTES: August 23, 2011

Present: Chairman Dave Kerr (DK), Robert LaRoche (RL), Katherine Grillo (KG), Priscilla Tiede (PT) and Francis Vardaro (FV). 

At 8:00 p.m. RL announced that the background check had come back on Fab Cusson and FV suggested giving Interim Inspector Bob Flanders a 2 week notice during which time Fab could work with him. The Board approved the suggestion and Karen will contact both parties.

At 8:06 p.m. KG told the group that she had given some thought to the debacle that occurred last week with Bruce Grey and that she had to speak to the Board about it. She stated that she was uncomfortable with DK, that she didn’t trust him; that she didn’t think the information was given out properly and felt that it was done to be hostile. She went on to say that they need to feel that the Chair is working with them and asked the Board to consider asking DK to step down as Chairman. She added that she tried to be honest but she was upset & confused and didn’t know how the Board could work together like this.

PT stated that she felt it was a personal attack on KG and it should have been discussed with the Board first. FV said that he felt anything that goes on with the Board if there are any objections, should be brought up and discussed. He added that everyone makes mistakes but they all need to work together. DK told the group that he would like to see more communication in the “whole” Board’s presence rather than outside the office. KG stated that she was sorry she nominated DK for Chairman, particularly now that this “travel issue” came up. DK commented that the travel issue wasn’t discussed with him before it was submitted, as it was with the other members and FV & RL said that it had been brought up when DK was there. DK told them that he was not present at any such discussion and PT told the group that it wasn’t brought up in front of her either, that KG had spoken with her alone. KG said that she asked the other Selectmen if it was acceptable to submit and PT stated that it was not brought up at the meeting that night. FV felt that when Bruce Grey made a copy of the invoice, the Board should have been notified and PT stated that Mary Corliss may not have known what to do as she is filling in for Jeannie. RL commented that they needed a Chairman that everyone could work together with and he didn’t think that they were working to the benefit of the Town. DK told the group that if it was the wish of the Board, so be it. PT said that they should discuss who would become Chair as she felt it should be RL. RL stated that with his health situation he would rather see FV be the Chair and he (RL) would be the Vice Chair. PT said that, in all honesty, she would not support FV as Chair as he has a wife and son who work for this town and he just came on board. PT added that she would support KG as Chair. KG suggested that RL Chair and FV Co-Chair and PT stated that she has a hard time with the “good ole boy” thing, as RL & FV spend a lot of time together and the 2 of them come to the meetings with decisions already made. She added that she has a hard

time with this. FV told her that he was just learning and a lot of the time he does go out with RL to look at things.

KG wondered how they would fix this and PT told the group that they would want to show a united front especially at Town Meeting. Karen Montgomery asked to speak, saying that she had to be honest, that a change now would not show a united front and asked the Board if they could just work together, possibly laying some ground rules from here on out, but leaving DK as the Chair until the March elections. She added that if DK had been included when calls were made to the other Select Members regarding the travel expenses then perhaps none of this would have happened. Karen went on to say that the whole office knew of the invoice (for travel expenses) and some had even commented about it. Karen asked the Board if they knew for a fact that it was DK that had said anything or if anyone had even bothered to ask him. DK stated to the group that he did not take the information to Bruce Grey and that he did not know Bruce was going to come to the meeting and say the things he did.

RL suggested that they set up what facilitates a Chairman and if the Chair just facilitates the meeting. He added that if something comes up and Karen has to call the Board, it should be the Chairman first then down the line. DK commented that he didn’t think it was much more than that that they had been getting (from him). KG said that she was sorry she accused DK and that she felt that it was fair to submit for travel expenses, especially when RL very kindly told her he would not take his expenses. KG told the group that the time share commitment happened before Phil had died and that it would be done this year. KG added that she would like to go with RL and re-evaluate the role of Chairman. RL stated that he wouldn’t mind taking it if they made rules for the Chair. PT said that her problem with it was that now there would be a new Chair and it makes the Board looks indecisive. She added that she didn’t want the public to look at the Board as having issues.

PT made a motion to come out of Non-Public Session at 8:29 p.m. and it was seconded by FV. The motion passed on the following vote: Dave Kerr, yes; Robert LaRoche, yes; Kathy Grillo, yes; Priscilla Tiede, yes; and Francis Vardaro, yes.

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

August 23^rd, 2011

Present: Chairman David Kerr (DK), Vice-Chairman Robert LaRoche (RL), Katherine Grillo (KG), Priscilla Tiede (PT), and Francis Vardaro (FV).  

Chairman Kerr opened the meeting at 6:30 p.m. and following the Pledge of Allegiance the Board signed the payroll, manifest, the minutes of 8/16/11, and several letters. RL made a motion to have the Chairman sign a NH Electric Co-Op pole plan on behalf of the Board. FV seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote. RL made a motion to have the Chairman sign the MS-1 Extension request form on behalf of the Board. FV seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote.

The auditor’s representation letter was not signed, as RL wanted to review it. RL made a motion to accept the annual contract with Generator Connection in the amount of $190 per year. PT seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote. After reviewing a proposal, RL made a motion to accept the All States Asphalt agreement for a 3,000 gallon skid tank and bulk storage tank at no cost with a commitment to purchase 12,000 gallons of calcium chloride at 87 cents per gallon.

At 6:45 p.m. the Board met with Health Officer Bill Evans to discuss his continuation of the position. Bill stated that while he enjoyed most of the job, his wife is retiring. He added that not much goes on during the winter and suggested having the Deputy Health Office or Building Inspector handle those months. It was agreed that they would go through one winter cycle to see how it would work. PT made a motion to nominate Bill Evans as Health Officer. RL seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote. Tom Normandin will be contacted to see if he will remain as Deputy Health Officer. Bill updated the Board on three properties that had pending issues and then left at 7:04 p.m.

The group determined they would hold payment on an invoice for the Fire Department website until they had more information. The Board decided there would be no change to the parking ordinance, so a public hearing will be scheduled for a change to the noise ordinance. The Select Members approved the Deputy Treasurers request to have the next Tuesday off. DK announced that the auditors review is positive and was glad to see significant progress made on the accounting end.

RL informed the group that he had attended the MetroCast Consortium meeting and that the group is suggesting a 5 year contract (as opposed to the current 10 year one). He stated that the big issue is the number of houses required per mile in order to build new cable. RL stated that the consortium felt the cost for the attorney would be around $900 - $1000 per town. DK suggested that the Select Board have MetroCast come in and see what they can give the Town before spending any money. RL stated that the Consortium needs notice by September 27^th, if Barnstead is joining them.

There was no one in attendance from the public.

The Board reviewed a letter from the Tilton Selectmen (to the NH Dept. of Transportation) regarding the State’s cutbacks of winter services on State Roads. Road Agent Chris Carazzo told the group that the State will allow for more accumulations before plowing, they will change some of the plow times and they are cutting back on the number of plow contractors as well. Chris expressed concerns as this will affect his department.

In other matters, the Board reviewed monetary requests from Belknap County agencies for the 2012 budget and time-line information on the Suncook River Management program. The Board agreed that they would move forward with a cease & desist notice but would also have FV, RL and Chris Carazzo review the Vail Road property. Karen Montgomery handed out copies of the RSA’s as they pertain to over-expenditures in the budget for a discussion next week.

The Board went into Non-Public Session under RSA 91-A: 3 II (c) at 7:58 p.m. on a motion by PT, seconded by FV with the following vote recorded, David Kerr, yes; Robert LaRoche, yes; Katherine Grillo, yes; Priscilla Tiede, yes; and Francis Vardaro, yes.  The Board came out of Non-Public Session at 8:29 p.m. and on a motion by PT, seconded by FV, the Board unanimously voted to seal the minutes.

KG asked why the Chairman had not directed the group to go into a non-public session last week when Bruce Grey (Budget Committee Member) brought up the issue of KG’s submission of mileage reimbursement from Maine. DK told her that he did not know Bruce was going to do what he did and added that he didn’t think discussion on expenditures were a non-public matter. KG asked to poll the Board to see whether they agreed that she should be able to claim her travel expenses and PT and RL both agreed that she should be able to. FV stated that it was told to him this was done in the past and if the new Select Members aren’t told that it’s not supposed to be done, then they (new members) think its okay. DK stated that he was not aware that it was done in the past. RL stated that Jim Barnard did it and DK told him that Jim did not get travel expenses to attend Selectmen’s meetings. KG stated that Jim told her he put in for everything including his miles back and forth from here. KG added that all the Town Hall office personnel put in for mileage to the post office and both DK and Karen Montgomery informed her that most all the office personnel does not charge for post office trips, there’s only one person who does. KG said that she did not put in for travel to workshops and DK informed her that those expenses are appropriate.

At 8:36 p.m. KG nominated RL for Chairman, Board of Selectmen and FV seconded the motion. DK commented that it had been mentioned previously that non-public matters have gotten out to people, that he hadn’t disclosed anything non-public but alluded to a non-public session with RL that he felt should have been public. DK added that for all his many faults, he always had the town’s best interest first and felt his background of federal investigator with the United States Post Office was an asset. RL asked if DK was referring to his background and RL stated that his criminal record of 25-30 years ago was not something he had hidden, that he had discussed it openly with other people. The vote was taken and passed with the following recorded; David Kerr, abstained; Robert LaRoche, yes; Katherine Grillo, yes; Priscilla Tiede, yes; and Francis Vardaro, yes. 

RL stated that he hoped DK would help him and added that he would like it put into the minutes that the Chairman’s job is only to facilitate the meeting. RL also stated that the setting of the agenda is done by all Select Members. PT suggested that DK be the Vice-Chairman and RL said he would agree. DK commented that he really did run the job (as Selectman) to have good government for the Town. PT nominated DK for Vice Chairman and RL seconded the motion, which passed with the following vote; David Kerr, abstained; Robert LaRoche, yes; Katherine Grillo, yes; Priscilla Tiede, yes; and Francis Vardaro, yes.

KG commented that they are 5 different people, each of whom brings something different to the table and all with different talents but that it needs to blend and it’s important to respect one another. She stated that she didn’t know if she would be here next year. RL stated that he didn’t want credit; that he volunteered for a lot of things but that he didn’t know how long he would be here either. PT said that she felt the lack of people attending the Selectmen’s meeting was a good thing because it showed that people trusted them. RL added that he was going to write a letter to the paper telling people they are meeting in the Town Hall. PT offered to deliver internal paperwork to Meri Hirtle at the police department.

The Board reviewed miscellaneous correspondence and legal matters.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:47 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by Karen Montgomery, Selectmen’s Admin. Assistant

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SELECTMEN'S OFFICE

Town of Barnstead

P.O. Box 11

Center Barnstead, NH 03225

Minutes

August 16^th, 2011

Present: Chairman David Kerr (DK), Vice-Chairman Robert LaRoche (RL), Katherine Grillo (KG), Priscilla Tiede (PT), and Francis Vardaro (FV).  

Chairman Kerr opened the meeting at 6:30 p.m. and following the Pledge of Allegiance the Board signed the payroll, manifest, the minutes of 8/9/11, a cease & desist notice, a letter to the Historical Society and a memo to the Fire Chief regarding the NH Retirement System for call firefighters. RL made a motion to have the Chairman sign the Irving Oil application and the Clairmont proposal acceptance on behalf of the Board. KG seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote.

The meeting was opened to public input at 6:35 p.m. and Budget Committee member Bruce Grey stated that he was disturbed by an invoice in the manifest submitted by a Select Member for reimbursement for mileage from Maine to attend Selectmen’s meetings. Grey said that there is an expense line for the Select Board but it was meant for workshops etc. and not intended for this type of expense. KG asked how Grey knew about the invoice and Grey showed the group that he had a copy of the invoice. KG explained that she does not put in for workshop attendance etc. and that her 2^nd residence is in Maine and gas prices have risen. KG added that she has an obligation to be at the 2^nd residence as she has a lease. She told the group that last year there was a Selectman who exceeded their expense account and the Board voted to take it from another line. KG went on to say that last year she had been told that she could take the expense for extra meetings. RL stated that he attends numerous meetings and has not taken any of his expenses.

DK told the group that the point had been made and felt they should move on. Bruce Grey told the Board that the expense line in the budget is $2500 cumulative, not $500 per each Select Member. He went on to say that the Budget Committee (and Town vote) took it away 2 years ago, that she had made a commitment which included travel (as a Select Member) and that he could not support this. KG told Grey that she did not plan on her having her husband dropping dead and leaving her with 1 income and a 4 year lease (in Maine). She added that financial issues arose that she had to take care of and that she doesn’t usually air these things in a public forum. RL asked Grey what authority he had to come in, look at the manifest and make copies and Grey told him that he was a Budget Committee member and that it was public information. DK restated that the manifest is public. KG stated that she took this personally, because the Budget Committee didn’t catch it last year and that Grey must have been told that the invoice was in the manifest.

Paul Landry, Budget Committee Chairman told KG that, with all due respect to her late husband, she ran for the office of Selectman months after his passing and took on the obligations of that position. He added that one of those obligations is attending the Selectmen’s meetings. RL commented that he understood that but he wasn’t taking his expenses in order to let KG be able to get gas reimbursement. RL added that they weren’t trying to go behind anyone’s back. PT also stated that she doesn’t take any money for expenses and that she supported KG because she knew it was a financial strain on her. Landry asked if PT & RL were saying that this was approved ahead of time and PT stated that KG had spoken to her about it. RL also stated that KG had spoken to him and KG told the group that it was approved by 3 Selectmen. DK commented that he wasn’t spoken to about this.

Paul Landry commented that he would like to provide some history and proceeded to tell the group that 3 years ago the Committee recommended to remove the expense line because it was treated as a stipend with no accountability, then Gordon Preston (Selectman at the time) documented his miles to workshops and legitimate expenses, so the Committee put the funds back in the budget with the understanding that it would be documented. Landry told KG that she was right about the mileage last year, that the Committee apparently didn’t look close enough at the expenditure detail. Landry added, as a side note, that they also put the funds back in the expense line for the School Board and the School Board never used 1 penny of it. Landry also stated that there is a School Board member who travels from Wells, Maine in the summer, but they do not submit expenses. KG said that the School Board member’s commute is every other week, where hers is every week.

At 6:48 the Board met with Dave Jeffers, Regional Planning Commissioner and Jackie Coburn from the Dept. of Environmental Services (DES), who thanked the Board for their letter of support and nomination for the Suncook River to be designated as part of the watershed management program.  Ms. Coburn distributed handouts and gave a presentation on the Suncook River Management program, explaining that the nomination has been submitted to DES and if chosen, a local advisory committee will be formed. She told the group that there are currently 18 designated rivers and 132 communities participating. DK asked if the 2 lakes in the middle of the river watershed would be included and Ms. Coburn stated that they would. DK commented that the only other restriction (other than Shoreland protection) is hazard waste facilities. Ms. Coburn explained that people can still do development including installing septic systems. She added that this program does not overrule local control or authority in enforcement. KG asked about milfoil and Ms. Coburn stated that the program would not stop anything that the community was doing for milfoil. Ms. Coburn informed the group that toxic algae was found on Halfmoon Lake, stating that DES notifies the Health Officer. Dave Jeffers told the Board that they were looking for a couple people from each community to work on this and DK gave Jeffers the contact information to a local group, “Friends of the Suncook River”. PT asked if each town had its own corridor plan and Jeffers explained that it’s 1 plan, 1 corridor.

At 7:22 p.m. the Board met with Dave Carney and Keith Fleming of Narrows Road regarding issues with the Town Beach area at Map 32 Lot 11-1. The property owners stated that the signage (beach rules) was unreadable and reported underage drinking, vandalism, littering, jumping off the bridge etc. and were asking for enforcement. Mr. Fleming told the Board that he reported a serious incident to the police but they never got back to him. PT asked if Mr. Fleming had called the police just once and Fleming told the Board that he actually drove to the police station and gave them the license plate number of the vehicle but never even got a call back and nothing was ever done. Fleming added that the teenagers involved were not from Barnstead. KG commented that the kids could be arrested for some of the behavior that Carney and Fleming reported even without any signs posted. DK informed the property owners that they would have new signs put up and have the police patrol and enforce. It was also mentioned that the area needed to have swim lines put up as well.

At 7:45 p.m. John Savage, call firefighter and President of the Barnstead Firefighters Association, along with 2 other members and Deputy Fire Chief, Shawn Mulcahy, met with the Select Board. Mr. Savage presented brochures of the off-road vehicle ($13199) and trailer ($4000) for the Barnstead Fire Rescue that they would like to purchase and was seeking approval from the Select Board. The funding would include a $5000 donation that was given to the town, a donation from Globe Fire Suits of $5,000 and the remaining funds from the Firefighters Association and the vehicle would be donated to the town. DK reminded the Board that they had given prior approval to use the $5000 donation for this purpose. Mr. Savage told the group that most communities have this type of equipment. DK asked if it had a roll cage and dump body and was told it did. RL made a motion to accept the donation of the Kubota off-road vehicle and trailer and KG seconded the motion, which passed with a unanimous vote. It was determined that the town would make a check out directly to the company that the vehicle was being purchased.

The Select Board next discussed the rates for police special details and after a brief discussion PT made a motion to increase the detail rates to $58 per hour. FV seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote. DK informed the Board of the procedures that the State Police follow for details including shutting off the car and being outside the vehicle. FV & RL stated that they would check with the State Police. The group next reviewed the current noise ordinance and after a brief discussion the Board agreed to add limitations on noise before 7 am and after 11 pm on weekends and holidays. Karen Montgomery informed the Board that they would need to hold a public hearing prior to enactment. The group will review the draft police agreement from Paul Vince of the Regional Police Committee. RL passed out a draft volunteer form which will be sent to the Local Government Center for approval.

At 8:15 p.m. the Board reviewed a letter from the Health Officer regarding offensive matter on a property on Dalton Drive. The group also reviewed documentation from the IRS submitted by Elaine Swinford depicting the Barnstead Thrift Shop and Food Pantry’s tax exempt authorization since 2008. PT made a motion to send a letter along with a copy of the Thrift Shop and Food Pantry information to the people who had written to the Board with concerns about their donations to that organization. FV seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote. It was suggested that a department head appointment be scheduled for the Welfare Officer, Elaine Swinford to meet with the Board.

FV inquired as to who would be updating the Town’s website and DK stated that he had spoken to Carol Locke (as approved by the Board) who suggested that perhaps Patty Yoder might be interested as she has more computer experience in that area. DK announced that Patty Yoder has agreed to take on the duties. Karen Montgomery informed the group that she had received a quote from Cybertron for a new tower for the internet computer, which had been scheduled for replacement this year. PT made a motion to update the internet tower and RL seconded the motion which passed with a unanimous vote.

It 8:25 p.m. the Select Board approved a request from Deputy Treasurer Mary Corliss to void the list of old checks that were no longer valid. A meeting with the representatives from Standard Insurance Company will be posted for Tuesday, August 30, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. DK announced that the AA group that uses the Town Hall on Sunday evenings, had purchased all the new tables in the past and would like to purchase something else for the Hall. It was determined that a new coffee maker would be welcomed. The Barnstead Business Group will create a draft Expendable Trust Policy denoting the limitations/requirements for expending monies. The draft will be reviewed by the Select Board and attorney before approving.

RL asked for a discussion on KG’s invoice that was submitted for mileage reimbursement. KG told the group that she was quizzical about how Bruce Grey found out about it and got a copy of it. Karen Montgomery informed the Board that Bruce Grey had approached her in the lobby, asking to see the invoice that was submitted for mileage reimbursement from Maine. Karen told Bruce that the Select Board has an expense line in the budget. Bruce asked for a copy and Karen directed him to the personnel in charge of the documents. KG commented that she had discussed submitting the invoice with some members of the Board that were available at the time. She added that she would return the money. PT said that what concerned her was that it got out to the public. KG stated that she brought caring and compassion to the table but now she felt suspicious which was too bad because there are good people in this town. RL stated that he didn’t see anything wrong with submitting the invoice. KG expressed that she was very angry about this, that she felt sneaky stuff was going on, that non-public information was getting out to the public and that she would not be slandered. She added that she would be speaking with her attorney.

The Board approved Gunnar Stohlberg’s proposal to scrape and repaint the door in the Selectmen’s Office. RL told the group that he had also asked Gunnar to make a wooden trash receptacle that could be chained to a tree to prevent animals etc. from tipping it over. RL said that it would cost around $100 plus materials. The group next approved a memo to be sent to the police chief asking that he include patrols for the Narrows Road Town Beach area. The wage scale review and a discussion regarding over expenditures of line items were tabled until next week.

The Board reviewed miscellaneous correspondence and legal matters.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by Karen Montgomery, Selectmen’s Admin. Assistant

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SELECTMEN'S OFFICE

Town of Barnstead

P.O. Box 11

Center Barnstead, NH 03225

Minutes

August 9^th, 2011

Present: David Kerr (DK), Robert LaRoche (RL), Katherine Grillo (KG), Priscilla Tiede (PT), and Francis Vardaro (FV).  

Chairman Kerr opened the meeting at 6:30 p.m. and following the Pledge of Allegiance the Board signed the payroll, manifest, the minutes of 8/2/11, and miscellaneous letters.

The Board met with Police Chief Ken Borgia to discuss police coverage for the Town now that they were down to 3 fulltime officers and 2 part-time. RL suggested putting in an ad for certified officers and Borgia told him it would cost $250 for one ad for one Sunday. KG stated that last week the issue was that if they had the Sheriff’s Department come in to help, our officers would get upset because the officers from the Sheriff’s Department make a higher wage that ours. RL reiterated that we had to start somewhere and FV added that we need to protect the town and people. KG suggested offering the overtime to the existing officers, advertize the jobs and utilize the Sheriff’s Department. Borgia told the group that there would not be an immediate solution, that it takes upwards of a year to have someone fully trained and RL told him that we have the time.

PT commented that even with an ad (for fulltime and part-time officers) we would still have to use the Sheriff’s Department. FV asked the Chief what he thought they should do and Borgia told the group that they should be speaking with the Sheriff about this. KG told him that the regional policing proposal (from the Sheriff) isn’t going to be resolved right away. KG asked Sgt. Joseph McDowell how he felt about this and the Sgt. stated that he welcomes the overtime, as they don’t get a lot of it. He added that he would strongly suggest bringing on more part-time officers as there’s no overlap now. FV asked if Borgia was seeking permission to bring in the Sheriff’s Department and Borgia told him that he is already doing that. DK asked how many hours the part-time certified officer had left for the year and Borgia stated that it wasn’t many, only double digits. It was determined that Chief Borgia would place ads in two newspapers for certified officers.

Chief Borgia handed out a pay scale comparison of police officer wages that he had done and RL commented that they needed to address this issue. DK handed out a different pay scale comparison that accountant Patty Yoder had prepared for the Board and the two comparisons will be reviewed.

At 6:45 p.m. the meeting was opened up to public comment and Kevin and Denise Christiansen relayed their frustration over animal control, explaining that a neighbor’s dog had come on their property killing 5 chickens and a duck. The Christiansen’s told the group that the same dog had killed 6 chickens last May (2010) and because it’s been longer than a year in between the occurrences, it’s treated as a first offense according to the animal control ordinance. RL asked if the fowl just disappeared and Kevin told him that they had witnessed the dog in the act. The Christiansen’s stated that they were upset because the Animal Control Officer (ACO) had not returned their call and didn’t appear to keep records. Chief Borgia verified that the ACO’s records are not on file at the police department. DK commented that there is an RSA cited in the animal control ordinance that allows for reimbursement to the owners of animals that are killed by a dog. Chief Borgia stated that he couldn’t comment, as this was an open investigation, and Denise Christiansen told the Chief that they were told by an officer that it was done and not an open investigation. Kevin Christiansen said that if the ACO gets paid, then all incidents should be recorded and kept on file at the police station. RL stated that he was not familiar with the process. PT said that the ACO’s invoices are in the manifest, but that it didn’t list names. Kevin commented that if names weren’t listed, you couldn’t keep track properly.

KG asked how the police department interfaces with the ACO and Borgia stated that he would have to look at it. Borgia added that the ACO has her reports and the police have theirs, but the two do not meld. Denise relayed to the Board that her and Kevin have foster children and the duck (that was killed by the dog) was a foster child’s favorite animal. She added that the child is devastated and she is thankful that he did not see it, but moreover, she is fearful that if anyone had tried to stop the dog, that the dog would have turned on them. RL suggested that the Board review the ACO and police procedures regarding animal control.

At 7:00 p.m. the Board met with Fire Rescue Chief Mark Tetreault for a bi-monthly department meeting. PT thanked the Chief for providing documentation prior to the meeting of all the topics to be discussed. The Chief gave an update on the air tanks, then spoke about the Timco property, informing the Board that an owner (Mark Smith) is cooperating with Interim Building Inspector Bob Flanders and that Bob wants the new Building Inspector to become involved. Chief Tetreault told the group that the Assistance to Fire Fighters grant is open and he would be looking for a new 2500 gallon tanker and possibly a rigid hull rescue boat. The current boat is 12-13 years old and DK commented that they could sell it and it’s the Town’s piece of equipment.

At 7:10 p.m. Chief Tetreault asked the Board to consider allowing department heads to have a credit card with a $500 limit because they can purchase items on line for a lot less, but it requires a credit card. RL made a motion to authorize the department heads to have a credit card for this purpose with a $500 limit and KG seconded the motion, which passed with a unanimous vote. Tetreault next stated that he received a letter from Concord Hospital regarding a device for the ambulance that does CPR automatically. Tetreault explained that Concord Hospital provides ½ the cost and by doing fund raisers, the equipment could be free. DK felt that it was worth pursuing. KG asked about the Safer Grant and Tetreault stated that it was not pursued as it was for firefighters that had been laid off and there wasn’t a lot of money to hire new firefighters. DK inquired about a physical program and Tetreault stated that he was pursuing that and that currently the department sends ½ the career staff yearly for physicals. The group reviewed the Fire Rescue operations manual, noting a typo. The Chief stated that until the retirement system increases get figured out, all overtime within the department has to be approved by him. Tetreault next asked if it would be prudent to have architectural plans done for a new fire station, should land become available and DK asked if this would be a 3^rd station. Tetreault stated that it would not, that they could get rid of the Center Station and DK reminded the group that the Town had just spent $20,000 on a new roof for the building. Tetreault stated that the building could be used for a lot of things.

The Board went into Non-Public Session under RSA 91-A: 3 II (c) at 7:30 p.m. on a motion by KG, seconded by FV with the following vote recorded, David Kerr, yes; Robert LaRoche, yes; Katherine Grillo, yes; Priscilla Tiede, yes; and Francis Vardaro, yes.  The Board came out of Non-Public Session at 8:21 p.m. and on a motion by RL, seconded by KG, the Board unanimously voted to seal the minutes.

At 8:21 p.m. RL made a motion authorizing the Chairman, as obligor, to sign the contract with Municipal Leasing Credit Corporation, on behalf of the Board of Select Members, resolving that a real need exists for the acquisition of a 2012 International 7400 SFA 4x4 Dump Truck and a 2012 Ford F450 4x4 Ambulance with Defibrillator and the Governing Body approves the acquisition. FV seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote.

RL questioned the purchase of a vacuum cleaner and supplies and DK explained that it was for the Town Hall. RL said he thought the cleaning person provided all their own things and was told that the old vacuum cleaner had failed and Jeannie had been using her own from home. DK added that several weeks ago the Board agreed that a vacuum cleaner and supplies would be purchased for the Town Hall. RL stated that he did not remember that discussion and PT stated that she did. RL next stated that someone had asked him about Karen’s daughter doing the cleaning at the Town Hall (while Jeannie was out on leave) and wondered if it was okay for her to do that with the Labor Board etc. DK stated that it was and that the Board had approved this request previously. Karen informed the Board that she would open the building and be here while the cleaning was done.

The group next reviewed a draft form for volunteers and the Board will peruse it for next week. It was suggested that a line be inserted asking if the volunteer has any special talents. The Board also reviewed the hydrology study results which calls for a different size culvert for the Holmes Road Bridge. The Board approved the letter to abutters of town-owned property and agreed that it would be sent to single lots only. They will retain all contiguous properties of 2 or more lots. DK commented on accountant Patty Yoder’s letter to the Board pointing out that certain department heads are overdrawn on some of the budget lines and are booking items to different lines to avoid over-expending. DK informed the group that departments cannot over-expend, that it needs to stay in the correct line and that it’s the Board’s prerogative to transfer money.

The group discussed a letter from the Historical Society asking that the Board not make any changes to the Town Hall’s curtain and stage and asked that the building be preserved as it is part of the Town’s history. PT stated that a lot of townspeople are very concerned about losing this piece of history. KG asked FV if the plan he submitted last week for the changes to the bathrooms affected the stage or curtain and FV said that it did. FV said that he met with the Historical Society and told them about the bathroom plans. The Board will not make any changes at this point that affect the stage or curtain. DK asked if the Board was prepared to sign the agreement with Irving for oil as the supplier for heating needs at $3.20 gallon. Karen explained that several SAU’s and towns pooled their usage together and went out to bid for the best prices. FV asked if it could wait a week and have Karen call Rymes, Irving, etc. for their prices. Karen announced that the emergency generator was installed and tested and that Irving would be delivering the propane tanks on Monday. She invited the Select Board to the final testing on Wednesday.

Karen informed the Board that the Road Agent has an issue with the existing ordinance regarding the police enforcing no parking in the right-of-way. Karen said that the LGC attorney suggested adding “no overnight parking” and RL stated that he had spent a lot of time looking into this.  It was determined that there would be no decision that evening and the group would also discuss the special detail rates next week.  

RL left the meeting at 8:40 p.m. The Board asked that a cease & desist notice be sent to the Vail’s where they have refused two letters of invitation to meet with the Select Members to discuss some issues with the property. PT reported to the group that after reviewing the time-keeping system in place at the police department with Meri Hirtle, she felt their system is much more detailed and will explain it all to Treasurer Terry. FV stated that the Business Development Group may be meeting next week. The group next discussed attracting new businesses and DK stated that an impediment is with the large building code. DK told the members that the current building moratorium will be ending and he suggested that Planning Board Chair, Dave Murley contact the Town Attorney to see about suspending it. RL will be attending the meeting of the Metrocast Consortium and DK explained that the broadcasting of Select Board meetings is not part of what the consortium is proposing in the agreement with other towns. FV stated that his concern with the cable is the number of people required per mile in order to build new areas.

The Board approved contacting Gunnar Stohlberg to scrape and repaint the door off the Selectmen’s Office. The group decided to put off changes to the noise ordinance until next week and it was suggested that they just needed to add some permissible hours to the existing one. The Fire Chief and members of the Fire Association will be scheduled to meet with the Board next week to discuss the purchase of a 4-wheeler all-terrain type vehicle.  The Fire Chief has asked that a $5,000 donation to the town be used towards the purchase of this piece of equipment and the Fire Association will donate the rest of the money.

The Board reviewed miscellaneous correspondence and legal matters.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:07 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by Karen Montgomery, Selectmen’s Admin. Assistant

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SELECTMEN'S OFFICE

Town of Barnstead

P.O. Box 11

Center Barnstead, NH 03225

Minutes

July 26^th, 2011

Present: David Kerr (DK), Robert LaRoche (RL), Katherine Grillo (KG), Priscilla Tiede (PT), and Francis Vardaro (FV).  

Chairman Kerr opened the meeting at 6:35 p.m. and following the Pledge of Allegiance the Board signed the payroll, manifest, the minutes of 7/12/11, an intent to excavate form, a veteran’s credit, and a letter to Lakes Region Planning Commission. An invoice from the NH Retirement System for call firefighters was removed from the manifest for additional information as this has never been presented before and was not in the budget or the personnel policies.

The Chairman opened the proposals for the construction of a salt shed at the Highway Garage and read aloud the results as follows; Mike Brown $66,763; Kerry Clairmont $54,680; Rusty Downing $56,705; Gryphon Mhor Construction $72,547; J2 Custom Homes $58,900; E. Lindbloom Construction $81,955; and Wilco Construction $72,180. The Chairman also opened proposals for the materials for the salt shed and read aloud as follows; A&B Lumber $50,558.21; Barton’s Lumber $44,168.22; Gilford Home Center $42,955.02; Loudon Building Supply $44,610.18; and Middleton Building Supply $56,677.75. A proposal for stain only was submitted by Maxfields Hardware in the amount of $1,103.60 for 40 gallons ($2,207.20 for 80 gallons). The Road Agent will be provided copies of all proposals to review and will meet with the Board next week.

PT made a motion to accept a proposal from Mike Stockman in the amount of $475.00 for tree removal in the cemetery on Peachum Road. The motion was seconded by KG and passed with a unanimous vote. PT made a motion to accept the grant agreement in the amount of $6,666.66 to update their Local Hazard Mitigation Plan.  The State’s share is $5,000 (75%) and the Town’s share is $1,666.66 (25%). KG seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote.

RL stated that in the minutes of July 12 (while he was on vacation) the Board was told that the Miche Corp. engineer would charge $500 to come before the Select Board to explain the hydrology study and asked to go on record that he did not want to do business with a company that charged for explanations. RL inquired about the decision to increase the police special duty fee without consulting the department head and DK explained that the increase was due to the increase in the retirement rates and gas prices. Chief Borgia told the Board that the increase from $55 to $65.50 puts Barnstead at the second highest town in the area for rates, therefore making Barnstead less marketable. KG asked how often Barnstead police do special duty details in other towns and Borgia said occasionally, adding that other towns would not ask us because our rates were too high. RL suggested finding a middle ground to include the increased costs but not to have the rate so high. PT asked if companies requiring special details in Barnstead would use other police departments for those details and Borgia told her no, that all calls for details here in Barnstead go through him and if Barnstead didn’t have anyone available then another town would be used. DK asked what the cost per hour is for the use of the cruiser and Borgia stated that he just used the figure of $4.00 per hour as an average (gas price). DK asked what the vehicle maintenance cost was, as that should be included and Borgia did not have a figure. It was suggested that the Board find out if other towns were increasing their rates due to the retirement increases. RL made a motion to leave the police special duty rate at $55 per hour and revisit the issue next week. The motion was seconded by KG and passed with the following vote; David Kerr, no; Robert LaRoche, yes; Katherine Grillo, yes; Priscilla Tiede, yes; and Francis Vardaro, yes. 

Chief Borgia inquired about signs at Valley Dam and was informed that they had been ordered. Borgia next discussed the police computer system, stating that there were problems with the current one. Borgia explained that he had gotten a proposal from Mainstay Technical and had provided a copy to FV. Copies will be provided for next week. DK mentioned that the County Commissioners had stated that a part-time county juvenile officer had been hired to ease the burden on small towns and asked how much help this would provide to Barnstead. Borgia stated that he hadn’t received anything about this yet so he didn’t know how or if it would work. The group next discussed utilizing inmates for painting and minor labor. RL asked Borgia to provide a list of jobs that could be done at the police department by the inmates and Borgia said that he would. DK asked for a list of arrests and department information and Borgia mentioned that there was an increase in underage drinking. RL asked if Barnstead was still the highest in sex crimes and Borgia said that he hadn’t done a recent check but they weren’t doing as many interviews as they had been. Borgia added that there was an increase in court appearances (14 next week). Chief Borgia stated that he would resubmit his list of goals.

The Board went into Non-Public Session under RSA 91-A: 3 II (b) at 7:31 p.m. on a motion by PT, seconded by FV with the following vote recorded, David Kerr, yes; Robert LaRoche, yes; Katherine Grillo, yes; Priscilla Tiede, yes; and Francis Vardaro, yes.  The Board came out of Non-Public Session at 7:58 p.m. and on a motion by PT, seconded by FV, the Board unanimously voted to seal the minutes.

At 8:00 p.m. the meeting was opened to public input and Alan Glassman provided the group with a brief update on the Regional Police Committee. Alan informed the group that he had told DK about a meeting of the consortium group (made up of several towns in Lakes Region) regarding the renewal contract with MetroCast Cable. Alan added that in speaking with FV, FV had said that Alan should attend the meeting. DK explained that these towns are entering into an inter-municipal agreement in order to negotiate a more advantageous cable contract. Copies of the agreement were distributed for next weeks’ meeting and DK added that legal fees would be shared between the municipalities.

At 8:20 p.m. the Board discussed the emergency generator for the Town Hall and it was agreed that a separate propane tank would be installed for the generator’s exclusive use.

The Board went into Non-Public Session under RSA 91-A: 3 II (b) at 8:26 p.m. on a motion by RL, seconded by FV with the following vote recorded, David Kerr, yes; Robert LaRoche, yes; Priscilla Tiede, yes; and Francis Vardaro, yes. (KG was not present at the time of the motion). The Board came out of Non-Public Session at 9:30 p.m. and on a motion by RL, seconded by FV, the Board unanimously voted to seal the minutes.

RL made a motion to accept the resignation of Officer Peter Llewellyn, which was seconded by FV and passed with a unanimous vote.

At 9:30 p.m. DK informed the Board that the Fire Rescue Chief had submitted a request for $3200 for air packs for the new ambulance. After a brief discussion it was determined that the Board needed further information. DK mentioned that invoices had just been received for new mattresses, an air conditioner and other items.

The Board reviewed miscellaneous correspondence and legal matters. At 9:30 p.m. RL told the group that the Center Barnstead Christian Church had paid $1500 to have a survey done on the parsonage and the findings of the surveyor were that the lot is 69 feet not 60 feet. A plan is being submitted for review. PT inquired about the letter from the Alton Parks & Rec regarding Barnstead’s Park & Rec’s non-payment of a program. Karen informed the group that the issue had been resolved.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by Karen Montgomery, Selectmen’s Admin. Assistant

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SELECTMEN'S OFFICE

Town of Barnstead

P.O. Box 11

Center Barnstead, NH 03225

Minutes

July 12^th, 2011

Present: David Kerr (DK), Katherine Grillo (KG), Priscilla Tiede (PT), and Francis Vardaro (FV).  Robert LaRoche (RL) was unable to attend.

Chairman Kerr opened the meeting at 6:35 p.m. and following the Pledge of Allegiance the Board signed the payroll, manifest, the minutes of 7/5/11, and a letter to the Miche Corp. FV made a motion to have the Chairman sign the Generator Connection proposal for the generator for the Town Hall’s EOC (emergency operations center) and KG seconded it, which passed with a unanimous vote. PT made a motion to have the Chairman sign the fireworks permit for Camp Fatima and FV seconded it, which passed with a unanimous vote.

At 6:47 pm the Board met with Belknap County Commissioners Ed Philpot, Alida Milham, John Thomas, Steve Nedeau, Deb Shackett, County Administrator, Norman O’Neil, HR Director and Sheriff Wiggin. Mr. Philpot announced that the County has hired a part-time juvenile prosecutor which will alleviate some of the excessive amount of time local police officers spend in court. Other areas that the County is looking at include; corrections, dispatch services, remote drug testing to reduce the jail population, regionalization for health & welfare officers, and solid waste. DK suggested regionalization of specialized road equipment such as graders etc. The Commissioners are optimistic about the County Sheriffs’ proposal to have Barnstead’s police department become part of the County. DK explained to the group that a Committee has been formed to study all areas of such a transition such as future vehicle replacements, staffing, benefits, and other costs as the Sheriff’s proposal pertained to only the first year. The group discussed diversion programs, educating both parents and children, increased tuition costs to UNH and community colleges and the County inmate work program. The County group left at 7:40 p.m.

At 7:50 p.m. the Board met with Dan Conger regarding his reinstatement to fulltime status and DK explained that the Board had been waiting for documentation which did arrive in June, but was remiss in voting on the change. PT made a motion to reinstate Dan Conger to fulltime status as of July 1, 2011. KG seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote. Dan requested his health and dental benefits to start on August 1, 2011 and his retirement to begin with this weeks’ payroll.

At 8:05 p.m. the Board met with Road Agent Chris Carazzo for a bi-monthly department head meeting. The group discussed a bill from Parks & Rec for 3 wooden picnic tables (made of unfinished lumber) and Chris informed the Board that last year Parks & Rec had bought 3 new metal tables with plastic coating because the wooden tables had been burned, carved into etc. Chris added that the unfinished wooden benches are a nightmare with splinters and catching on bathing suits. He felt that where the metal tables were purchased specifically for the beach area they should be put there, not the wooden ones.

It was suggested that one of the wooden benches could be placed at the Town Hall for the use of the personnel there.

The group next reviewed the salt shed construction proposal and the salt shed materials list proposal. Chris stated that he would distribute the proposals to 5 or 6 local interested parties and 3 or 4 outside companies. FV suggested he include a couple of large companies and it was further agreed that the proposals would be posted on the Town Hall bulletin board and at the post office. KG made a motion to accept the proposals for the salt shed and materials and PT seconded it, which passed with a unanimous vote. Chris informed the group that he had spoken with Miche Corp. about the hydrology study and to have the engineer attend a Selectmen’s meeting would cost $500. Chris provided an explanation of the study and project to replace the Holmes Road Bridge. PT made a motion to accept the Miche Corp. hydrology study and have Chris go forward with the project. The motion was seconded by KG and passed with a unanimous vote.

Chris told the group that the Parade Road project (which was not earmarked for this year but due to the condition had to be done) was complete and the crew was working on Pitman Road where 2 culverts had collapsed and needed replacing. Chris stated that they were tracking the culverts. Chris said that Brindle Pond Road will be complete except for the area that was submitted for Hazard Mitigation, but he didn’t know if all of North Barnstead would get done. Chris informed the Board that he had checked out the culvert on Parade Road that Kurt Tiede had brought before the Selectmen last week and it goes across private property and sewer lines. Chris stated that he would be able to ditch it for now so there isn’t any standing water and do some more investigating. Chris told the group that the town did not mark the area for dig safe and he does not know who did.

DK relayed an incident on Parade Road to the Board where a private company had solicited the paving of a driveway at 393 Parade Road and damaged the new pavement on Parade Road. DK has the name of the company and they will be contacted. Chris presented an invoice for erosion stone and after a brief discussion, KG made a motion to allow the Road Agent to purchase the stone up to $2300.00 from Allenstown Aggregate. FV seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote. The next issue was regarding the 1974 water truck that needed a lot of maintenance to get inspected. Chris explained that the tires and rims are a special type which Sullivan Tire could get but would be very costly to fix (approx. $5000). He told the Board that he orders approximately 15,000 gallons of liquid calcium chloride (for the dirt roads) each year and he has received an offer from IMUS (of Canada) that if the town purchases the chloride from them for the next 3 years they will lease to the town a skid tank (which will fit in the back of our existing truck) and a 6,000 gallon storage tank (for the chloride) at the cost of $1 per year. PT asked if any other towns were using this company and Chris stated that the State does. Chris added that the town would not have to start purchasing the chloride until next year. It was determined that the town attorney would review the agreement before any decisions are made and that an escape clause and purchasing clause would be added. FV asked if they could sell the old water truck and Chris stated that they would either sell it or scrap it.

At 9:15 p.m. the group discussed ongoing issues with Vail Road at the Vail property and it was determined that a letter would be sent to Mr. Vail asking him to come before the Board. Chris left at 9:22 p.m.

The Board discussed the list of deeded properties from the Tax Collector and DK informed the group that he had visited each sight. KG made a motion to accept the deeded properties and PT seconded the motion which passed with a unanimous vote. DK next told the group that a complaint had been made about a property (which began as a noise complaint) but has come to light that it appears to be violating the shoreland protection act and the Building Inspector has suggested sending the owner a letter noting the issue and instructing them to contact the Building Inspector. DK passed around a complaint form that he had printed from the DES website for the Board to review. The Board had a brief discussion regarding correspondence from a resident regarding our noise ordinance and surrounding towns will be contacted for their ordinances.

PT made a motion to allow Rosina Montgomery to do the cleaning of the Town Hall during the period of time that Jeannie Terry is out on leave. KG seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote.

The Board reviewed miscellaneous correspondence and legal matters. A brief discussion ensued regarding the disability and life insurance programs and the representative from the insurance company will be meeting with the Board to discuss the policy that has been in place for a very long time. Karen Montgomery informed the Board that due to the exorbitant increase to the town for the employee’s retirement portion, the Treasurer was asked to review the costs for police officers doing special details and it was discovered that the special detail rate should increase from $55.00 per hour to $65.50 per hour. This will cover the increase of the retirement/admin costs and allow for $20.00 per hour for the vehicle. The Board approved the increase and a memo will be sent to the police chief.

Karen Montgomery mentioned that before other renovations are done on the Town Hall, the bathroom is in violation for handicap accessibility and should be taken care of first. FV informed the Board that he was having Paul Richardson prepare a plan for making the bathroom handicap accessible. At 10:00 p.m. the Board discussed a letter from a resident with a complaint about the Barnstead Food Pantry. The Board will ask the Food Pantry to list on it’s posters/notices that it is not a Town Pantry, but rather a private entity.

Karen informed the Board that the financing company had contacted her denying credit for the purchase of the new highway truck and ambulance due to the non-appropriation of 2 highway trucks in the past which were sent back. DK mentioned that this action, which had been taken by town meeting vote, has caused financing companies to deny the town and will stay on their records for at least 3 years. The Board agreed that other financing companies will be pursued.

The Board unanimously agreed that they would not meet next Tuesday evening, but would be available throughout the day and evening to sign the payroll, manifest and other documents.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:18 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by Karen Montgomery, Selectmen’s Admin. Assistant

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SELECTMEN'S OFFICE

Town of Barnstead

P.O. Box 11

Center Barnstead, NH 03225

Minutes

July 5^th, 2011

Present: David Kerr (DK), Robert LaRoche (RL), Priscilla Tiede (PT), and Francis Vardaro (FV).  Katherine Grillo (KG) was unable to attend.

Chairman Kerr opened the meeting at 6:30 p.m. and following the Pledge of Allegiance the Board signed the payroll, manifest, the minutes of 6/28/11, 1 abatement, a letter to K. Treadwell regarding mowing and thank you letters to local vendors for the flower/plant donations. RL made a motion to have the Chairman sign the payroll deduction change forms and PT seconded it, which passed with a unanimous vote. PT commented that there was a question regarding a police officer’s timecard with respect to overtime. DK explained that the timecard is filled out incorrectly to the extent that the card depicts the overtime on the wrong day.  PT had a question regarding swaps and the Chairman explained the current process.

RL questioned the payroll change forms, as they pertained to cost increases in the short term disability deductions. RL stated that he didn’t think the Town could make it mandatory for eligible employees to have to take both the life insurance (which the Town pays 100% for) and the short term disability (which the employee pays for). Karen Montgomery explained that the Benefits Coordinator, Patty Yoder, had contacted the company and found that this is the policy that has been in place a very long time. Karen told the group that the Board has the option to meet with a representative and change the policy but there could be cost increases to alter the current arrangement. FV asked if the Board could change it so that anyone new or anyone not currently enrolled would not have to take the insurances and Karen stated that it would not be fair to the other employees as it was mandatory for them. Karen added that the Benefits Coordinator had discovered that there were two current eligible permanent part-time employees who had not been enrolled in the program and are required to do so. RL stated that he wanted to withdraw his motion to sign the payroll change forms and PT pointed out that the Board could not do that. She added that the payroll deductions changes for the disability program were based directly upon the number of hours the employees work. Karen Montgomery was asked to schedule an appointment with the insurance representative.

At 6:50 p.m. the meeting was opened to public input and Gordon Preston expressed frustration with the Board’s original decision to hold the number of Regional Police Study Committee members to only four, as the last two scheduled meetings had to be cancelled because two of the members could not attend. Gordon stated that having five members would eliminate this problem and asked the Board to appoint Paul Vince to the committee. PT made a motion to accept Gordon Preston’s recommendation to add Paul Vince to the Regional Police Study Committee. FV seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote. PT asked if a lot of community members attend the meetings and Gordon stated that the first meeting was well attended but the other two were cancelled. The public is encouraged to attend the meetings which are posted at the Center Post Office and at the Town Hall (both indoors and out).

Kurt Tiede asked the Board if the culvert at 181 Parade Road is on the list to be repaired or replaced as it is constantly plugged and the water backs up, causing a wetland area. DK stated that there were two culverts outlined with Dig Safe markings to be repaired or replaced, but didn’t know if that was the one Kurt was referring to. DK added that the paving on Parade Road was complete, which did not include that particular area but the plan was to do all the culverts on the road. It was determined that the Road Agent would be contacted.

At 6:55 p.m. Maureen Fitzpatrick of South Shore Drive told the Board that a house or cottage on South Shore is being raised and they have permits, but the excessive noise from the machinery is unbearable. Maureen stated that they start at 6 am and work until 10 pm at night, all during the July 4^th weekend when people were having cookouts etc. Maureen told the Board that she called the police but was told Barnstead did not have a noise ordinance. RL stated that they could ask the workers to do the work from 8 am to 5 pm and DK pointed out that resident could do that but the Selectmen could not. A brief discussion ensued and the Town Attorney will be consulted about an ordinance.

At 7:02 p.m. the Old Home Day Committee met with the Select Board and Chairperson Peg Sweeney handed out program booklets and provided a brief overview of this year’s events. The theme for this year is antique/classic vehicles. DK asked about municipal services and Peg explained that they have coordinated with the Police Chief and Fire Rescue Chief.  The Board thanked the Committee members for their hard work.

At 7:15 p.m. the Board reviewed the status of the budget at the six month stage. Road Agent Chris Carazzo joined the group and explained that the culvert at 181 Parade Road has several issues involved with it, including septic lines that needed to be investigated further before anything is done to it. Chris added that the 181 Parade Road culvert was not one of the two designated Dig Safe culverts for repair. Chris next informed the group that the hand radios for the beach attendants could not be programmed to the police and that cell phones were the best option. DK told the group that there was only one beach attendant who did not currently have a cell phone but was getting one. Chris suggested installing an emergency call box. RL asked if the bids for the salt shed framing were ready and Chris stated that he would be delivering them to Karen tomorrow for review.

The Board next discussed the notification from the NH Retirement System regarding major increases to the Town and a 2% increase to the employees, effective July 1, 2011. Karen reported that she had compiled a spreadsheet showing an extra $32,731 cost to the town for the remaining 6 months of this year. Karen added that this information was not available before now and was not budgeted for in the 2011 budget. On a lighter note, Karen mentioned that an e-mail from Public Service Company announced that the rates as of July 1, 2011 had decreased by 1.6% for the Town’s classification. The group next briefly discussed the deeded properties and as no one had viewed them, action was postponed until next week.

At 7:57 p.m. the group reviewed the two proposals for the hydrology study on the Holmes Road Bridge. Chris Carazzo provided information regarding the size of the bridge, and the size of the opening. RL commented that the representative from the company should come before the Select Board to explain everything and that it should not come from the Road Agent. Chris told RL that it was his (Chris’s) job to research it and bring the information back to the Board. The Chairman read aloud the two proposals as follows; Miche Corp. $1,290.00 and McFarland Johnson $5,560. PT made a motion to accept the Miche Corp. proposal for $1,290.00. FV seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote.

The Board reviewed a proposal for the cemetery mowing (located behind the Town Hall). A brief discussion ensued regarding the care and maintenance of the town cemetery and the cemetery trust funds.  RL made a motion to accept Keith Treadwell’s proposal of $200 to mow the center cemetery and FV seconded the motion which passed with a unanimous vote. Karen informed the Board that in an attempt to reduce some spending, the Fire Rescue Chief has instructed the fulltime staff that there is to be no overtime incurred unless approved by him first.

DK announced to the Board that Emergency Management Director Shawn Mulcahy had dropped off a proposal from The Generator Connection for the purchase, installation, wiring and testing of a “New England Edition” 12 KW standby generator with a concrete pad for $8,600.00.  The emergency generator is a Homeland Security and Emergency Management grant. RL made a motion to accept the proposal from The Generator Connection for $8,600 and to authorize the down payment of $1,500.00. The motion was seconded by FV and it passed with a unanimous vote.

DK asked if the Development Group had met again and both FV & RL stated they had not. It was mentioned that the policy for the expendable trust for the Development Group had still not been created. PT informed the Board that she was planning on getting to the police station to resolve the time card issue and that she would also mention the submission of the department schedules. DK asked if the Center Barnstead Christian Church Parsonage had gotten their septic plans yet and RL stated that he hadn’t spoken with them but that they were having a survey done.

The Board reviewed miscellaneous correspondence and legal matters.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:35 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by Karen Montgomery, Selectmen’s Admin. Assistant

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SELECTMEN'S OFFICE

Town of Barnstead

P.O. Box 11

Center Barnstead, NH 03225

Minutes

June 28^th, 2011

Present: David Kerr (DK), Robert LaRoche (RL), Katherine Grillo (KG), Priscilla Tiede (PT), and Francis Vardaro (FV).  

Chairman Kerr opened the meeting at 6:30 p.m. and following the Pledge of Allegiance the Board signed the payroll, manifest, the minutes of 6/21/11, 1 abatement, and 1 elderly exemption. DK explained to the group that the letter to the Lakes Region Planning Commission requesting a Water Quality Grant was for the Suncook River. DK added that there was no cost to the Town and that Gilmanton also supported this Rivers Management Protection Program.  PT made a motion to have the Chairman sign the Municipal Leasing Corp. ambulance and highway truck financing application. RL seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote.

The Select Board reviewed the status of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for Lakes Region Pellet Company and after a brief discussion, KG motioned to withdraw the CDBG for the Lakes Region Pellet Company. PT seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote. PT made a motion to allow the Chairman to sign the CDBG withdrawal request letter, which was seconded by KG and passed with a unanimous vote.

At 6:50 p.m. the meeting was opened to public input and seeing as there were no public attendees, the public portion was closed. Karen Montgomery relayed to the Board that resident John Starkey had stopped by the office with concerns regarding the flags. The Highway crew will be asked to keep an eye on them. The Board reviewed a hydrology study from Miche Corp. and the Road Agent will contact them seeking a price for the study. Karen Montgomery pointed out issues arising with the proposed sick days for permanent part-time employees (1 in January, 1 in April, 1 in July and 1 in October) and it was agreed that the accrual would be 1/3 day per month. A brief discussion followed regarding life insurance and short term disability benefits and it was determined that the company would be contacted regarding the current policy. The Board will take home copies of the MetroCast contract to review for next week.

At 7:30 p.m. the Board reviewed Keith Treadwell’s proposal to mow the Town’s property on North Barnstead Road and the Park & Rec area. After a brief discussion, RL made a motion to accept Treadwell’s proposal of an additional ten dollars ($10.00) for the Parks & Rec area and one hundred dollars ($100.00) for the first mowing, weed whacking of the North Barnstead property. KG seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote. PT made a motion to have Karen Gosse make two signs for Valley Dam and FV seconded the motion, which passed with a unanimous vote.

RL informed the group that the Business Development Group is working with Gordon Preston and others to get the “Welcome to Barnstead” granite sign erected. RL asked Karen Montgomery if she had changed her hours and Karen explained that her part-time schedule has always been flexible. She stated that every summer, when school is out she comes in about an hour earlier in the morning and that this was nothing out of the ordinary. RL felt that Karen should have come to the Board about this but the rest of the Board was fine with it. A discussion ensued regarding the office area and the need for a Town Administrator.

At 8:08 p.m. the Select Board met with Judy Chase, Chairman of the Parks & Rec Department and went into Non-Public Session under RSA 91-A: 3 II (b) at 8:10 p.m. on a motion by PT, seconded by KG with the following vote recorded, David Kerr, yes; Robert LaRoche, yes; Katherine Grillo, yes; Priscilla Tiede, yes; and Francis Vardaro, yes.  The Board came out of Non-Public Session at 8:20 p.m. and on a motion by PT, seconded by KG, the Board unanimously voted to seal the minutes.

PT made a motion to hire the four applicants for beach attendants per the recommendation of the Parks & Rec Chairman, as discussed in non-public session. KG seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote. The group discussed the possibility of radios for the beach attendants as there was an issue with cell phone service at the White Oak Road location. Judy reported that three new picnic tables were needed for the beach area as well and questioned trash pickup. It was determined that Judy would speak with the Road Agent. Judy next asked if they could have a designated smoking area at the beach and the Board agreed. Judy also reported that the biggest issue at the beach is with non-residents wanting to use the facility.

The group reviewed the proposed energy audit for the Center Fire Station and PT pointed out that the building has to actually use the number of hours listed (which appeared to be overstated) to receive the savings. DK added that the projected pay back (if we used that many hours) would be 1.7 years but it could be 3-4 years. The Board felt that the Fire Chief should be asked if he wanted to proceed with the energy audit. PT informed the group that she went to the police station today to review the time card reporting but the secretary, Meri Hirtle was away on vacation. PT asked if employees are supposed to report vacations and absences to the Selectmen’s Office, adding that she felt they should. Karen stated that the department head approves them, then usually informs the Selectmen’s Office, especially if it results in the office being closed. Karen added that the office had not received any notice of  Meri’s vacation. At 8:47 p.m. RL informed the Board that he needed to leave for the evening.

Karen Montgomery told the group that they still were not receiving shift schedules for the police department even though the Treasurer had asked for them. The Board will sign a memo next week requesting the information.

Under Old Business; the group discussed building permits for above ground pools and DK informed the Board that he had spoken with the Building Inspector. In reviewing the international building codes, pools of 42” depth (inflatable or storable) are not pools by definition and therefore do not need permits. DK explained that the pool Inspector Flanders charged a permit fee for was an older pool that had a depth greater than the 42”. KG commented that they would need to look at each case as it comes before them and the Board agreed.

Treasurer Jeannie Terry told the Board that they had located one of the radios used by previous beach attendants and would need to check the battery. PT mentioned that the radio would have to connect to the police. KG informed the group that she would be going up to the beach for the summer and it was determined that DK (Planning Board alternate) would alternate meeting attendance.

PT made a motion to have the Chairman sign the Miche Hydrology transmittal sheet indicating that they received the study for their use and that it was not a commitment. FV seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote.

The Board went into Non-Public Session under RSA 91-A: 3 II (b) at 9:10 p.m. on a motion by PT, seconded by KG with the following vote recorded, David Kerr, yes; Katherine Grillo, yes; Priscilla Tiede, yes; and Francis Vardaro, yes.  The Board came out of Non-Public Session at 9:20 p.m. and on a motion by PT, seconded by FV, the Board unanimously voted to seal the minutes.

The Board reviewed miscellaneous correspondence and legal matters.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:23 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by Karen Montgomery, Selectmen’s Admin. Assistant

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SELECTMEN'S OFFICE

Town of Barnstead

P.O. Box 11

Center Barnstead, NH 03225

Minutes

June 21^st, 2011

Present: David Kerr (DK), Robert LaRoche (RL), Katherine Grillo (KG), Priscilla Tiede (PT), and Francis Vardaro (FV).  

Chairman Kerr opened the meeting at 6:30 p.m. and following the Pledge of Allegiance the Board signed the payroll, manifest, the minutes of 6/7/11, 1 abatement, 1 raffle permit, the inventory form letter, tax deferrals, letters to Highway job applicants, letter to salt shed foundation bidders and a letter to the Library Trustees.

The Board reviewed a letter from a resident regarding taxes and they will be contacted regarding possible eligibility for elderly exemption and/or tax deferral. Road Agent Carazzo presented the Board with an agreement form from S.W. Cole Engineering for construction materials testing of the salt shed foundation and after reviewing the form, RL made a motion to accept the agreement and have the Chairman sign on behalf of the Board. The motion was seconded by KG and passed with a unanimous vote.

he group next discussed the personnel policy and PT proposed a change to allow for sick time for permanent part-time employees. DK stated that any changes that could affect the budget should be introduced next year. A brief discussion ensued and PT figured the monetary effect on the budget would be $1,241.08. FV commented that it would not cost extra, as the payroll for the permanent part-timers is already figured in the budget. PT made a motion to add to the personnel policy that the Town will provide 4 days of sick leave to permanent part-time employees per year, one day in January, one day in April, one day in July and one day in October. KG seconded the motion adding that it would commence on July of this year, thereby giving 2 days of sick to the permanent part-time employees for 2011. The motion passed with the following vote; David Kerr, no; Robert LaRoche, yes; Katherine Grillo, yes; Priscilla Tiede, yes; and Francis Vardaro, yes.

DK asked if there were other proposed changes to the policy and PT said that they had approved 3 days bereavement for permanent part-timers at last weeks’ meeting. Karen Montgomery informed the group that she had added language to the permanent part-time bereavement to specify that bereavement would only pertain to those days that the employee is normally scheduled to work. The Board agreed and PT made a motion to accept the personnel policy and approve the revisions as of 6/21/11. KG seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote.

The Board went into Non-Public Session under RSA 91-A: 3 II (b) at 7:35 p.m. on a motion by RL, seconded by KG with the following vote recorded, David Kerr, yes; Robert LaRoche, yes; Katherine Grillo, yes; Priscilla Tiede, yes; and Francis Vardaro, yes.  The Board came out of Non-Public Session at 7:45 p.m. and on a motion by PT, seconded by KG, the Board unanimously voted to seal the minutes.

The Board went into Non-Public Session under RSA 91-A: 3 II (b) at 7:46 p.m. on a motion by RL, seconded by PT with the following vote recorded, David Kerr, yes; Robert LaRoche, yes; Katherine Grillo, yes; Priscilla Tiede, yes; and Francis Vardaro, yes.  The Board came out of Non-Public Session at 7:56 p.m. and on a motion by RL, seconded by KG, the Board unanimously voted to seal the minutes.

DK informed the group of the meeting with the Verizon representative, Fire Rescue Chief, Road Agent and Patty Yoder regarding the consolidation of the phone services being utilized by the different departments. Verizon is currently used by the Police Department and Fire Rescue and Highway use Nextel. Verizon will send a proposal and offered a free two week trial period of two phones (for Highway and Fire Rescue). RL made a motion to accept the trial period offer and it was seconded by FV, which passed with a unanimous vote.

Under New Business: At 8:03 p.m. the group reviewed a request by Locke Lake for $6,000 as passed at Town Meeting for Milfoil treatment. PT made a motion to withdraw the $6,000 from the Milfoil account for Locke Lake Colony’s milfoil treatment. RL seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote.

PT asked the Board for further discussion on the permit and inspections for above-ground swimming pools, per the International Building Code. KG and FV relayed that inflatable pools can be purchased for around $99 and are outlet ready, so to charge a fee seemed unreasonable. FV wondered about enforcing and DK stated that he would look into the codes for next week. RL mentioned that he would check to see what other towns do.

The Board went into Non-Public Session under RSA 91-A: 3 II (b) at 8:12 p.m. on a motion by PT, seconded by FV with the following vote recorded, David Kerr, yes; Robert LaRoche, yes; Katherine Grillo, yes; Priscilla Tiede, yes; and Francis Vardaro, yes.  The Board came out of Non-Public Session at 8:45 p.m. and on a motion by PT, seconded by FV, the Board unanimously voted to seal the minutes.

PT made a motion to give Dana Frenette a conditional offer of hire for the temporary part-time highway department position at $13.31 per hour, Grade 4 Step 5, dependent upon drug testing and a background check.

The Board went into Non-Public Session under RSA 91-A: 3 II (b) at 8:52 p.m. on a motion by KG, seconded by FV with the following vote recorded, David Kerr, yes; Robert LaRoche, yes; Katherine Grillo, yes; Priscilla Tiede, yes; and Francis Vardaro, yes.  The Board came out of Non-Public Session at 9:03 p.m. and on a motion by PT, seconded by KG, the Board unanimously voted to seal the minutes.

Under Old Business: DK asked if the septic plans for the Parsonage had been done yet and RL stated that the Parsonage was having a survey done.

The Board reviewed miscellaneous correspondence and legal matters.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:16 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by Karen Montgomery, Selectmen’s Admin. Assistant

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SELECTMEN'S OFFICE

Town of Barnstead

P.O. Box 11

Center Barnstead, NH 03225

Minutes

June 14th, 2011

Present: David Kerr (DK), Robert LaRoche (RL), Katherine Grillo (KG), Priscilla Tiede (PT), and Francis Vardaro (FV).  

Chairman Kerr opened the meeting at 6:30 p.m. and following the Pledge of Allegiance the Board signed the payroll, manifest, the minutes of 6/7/11, 1 timber tax levy, 1 current use affidavit, 1 raffle permit, and Old Home Day appointment, a letter to Elaine Page and a letter to the Standard Insurance Company. RL made a motion to have the Chairman sign the salt contract with International Salt at $61.83 per ton and FV seconded it, which passed with a unanimous vote. PT made a motion to sign the MetroCast extension and RL seconded the motion, which passed with a unanimous vote.

The Board reviewed a letter from the Library regarding repairs to the heating/air conditioning unit. The Selectmen held the scheduled public hearing on the MetroCast contract at 6:58 p.m. and returned to their regular meeting at 7:48 p.m.

Under New Business: The Board did not take any action regarding the hydrology study as Miche Company had not submitted their proposal. The Board reviewed a letter from the Library Trustees stating that their budget included the 2% raise for their employees from January 1, 2011 and requested a retroactive payment as such. DK informed the group that he spoke with Paul Landry, Budget Committee Chairman who concurred that the intention was for the Library and Town employees to have a 2% raise from March 13, 2011 through December 31, 2011. Review of the Budget Committee minutes and Town Meeting minutes failed to show specifically that the Library’s raise was as of March 13 and not January 1.  RL commented that it would be nice if the Trustees sat with their employees and explain that the raise should be from March especially with the tough economical times. As the Library employees are under the Library Trustees, KG made a motion that the Board will instruct the Treasurer to pay the Library employees in accordance to the request of the Library Trustees. RL seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote.

At 8:07 p.m. the Board, Road Agent Chris Carazzo and Mike Kowalski discussed the concrete bids that were submitted last week. Kowalski, who felt that J T Locke’s bid was not lower than his, e-mailed the Board with his findings. Chris explained that Paul Richardson had drafted a set of plans without columns and Kowalski had created the specifications sheet. Chris stated that he had crossed off some things on the specs sheet that he didn’t want and all 5 bidders got copies the same information. Chris then called all 5 bidders and asked them to include sonar tubes, which they all did. Mike told the Board that Chris did call him, and he listed the sonar tubes and the seal coating separately. Mike felt that Locke’s bid did not include the sonar tubes, as it was not listed separately and Chris told the group that he verified with Locke that Locke’s bid price did include the tubes. DK pointed out that Mike’s bid stated that, “heavy equipment, setting forms and placing concrete would be done by the town” and asked if the town was expected to do this. Mike said that it was not, that he had the means to place, set, and strip forms and his intention was that the site has to be leveled, with the grade set etc., by the town. Chris stated that Mike’s bid did not include a pump truck and Mike said that it was not in the specs. Chris pointed out that he called all bidders and asked for it, and that all other bidders had included it. Mike confirmed that Chris had called and asked for the other stuff verbally but that it had not been specified in writing. Chris stated that you could not drop concrete more than 10 feet without a pump truck and Mike argued, stating that a rubber material could be used instead. Chris commented that he had consulted with a foundation person that had 40 years of experience and Mike stated that he (Mike) was certified in ACI and methods of placement.

A very lengthy discussion ensued, with the bids being re-reviewed. Mike felt that he was still lower bidder and asked that they re-bid the job. Chris objected and informed the group that Locke was low bidder and should get the job as his included both the sonar tubes and the seal coat. Mike informed the group that he would now have to consult legal counsel. RL told the group he felt this process had been done sloppily and in the future would like to see a general contractor handle this. Chris told the group that it would have cost the town a lot of money for a general contractor and that for a project like this, it wasn’t necessary. PT stated that Chris is the elected official and department head and that they should go with his choice. RL wanted to discuss the matter without Mike or Chris present and both PT & DK stated that they could not do this as it was a public matter.

DK asked for a motion but there was hesitation and PT informed the group that she would be abstaining where her husband and son worked for the Highway Department. FV asked what would happen if there wasn’t any motion made and Chris pointed out that the hole had already been dug at the Highway Garage and they needed to get this done. FV made a motion that where they have a Road Agent who has given his advice on the project, the Board should vote on it. KG seconded the motion and it passed with the following vote; DK, yes;  RL, yes; KG, yes; PT, abstain; and FV, yes. KG made a motion to accept the Road Agent’s decision to accept J T Locke’s bid as low bidder. FV seconded the motion and it passed with the following vote; DK, yes;  RL, yes; KG, yes; PT, abstain; and FV, yes.

Chris told the Board that a Request for Proposals (RFP) was being created for the next step of the salt shed project which listed all the specifications in writing. DK suggested that in the future the Board should ask for references from the bidders.

The Board went into Non-Public Session under RSA 91-A: 3 II (b) at 9:18 p.m. on a motion by PT, seconded by KG with the following vote recorded, David Kerr, yes; Robert LaRoche, yes; Katherine Grillo, yes; Priscilla Tiede, yes; and Francis Vardaro, yes.  The Board came out of Non-Public Session at 9:36 p.m. and on a motion by KG, seconded by PT, the Board unanimously voted to seal the minutes.

Road Agent Carazzo informed the Board that a portion of Parade Road would be closed to local traffic only for a day or two while the highway department is working on it. The Board approved the Treasurer to handwrite a check for J T Locke per his bid. Karen Montgomery informed the Board that Key Government Financing is declining to offer financing due to the non-appropriation of the town for the two highway trucks that were returned.

Under Old Business: PT will meet with Meri Hirtle of the Police Department to discuss time cards as soon as school is out. RL stated that the septic plans for the parsonage should be coming soon.

The Board reviewed miscellaneous correspondence and legal matters.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:48 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by Karen Montgomery, Selectmen’s Admin. Assistant