Town of Antrim – Board of Selectmen
Meeting Minutes
December 15, 2008
The meeting was called to order at 5:06 p.m. by Chairman of the Board of Selectmen Michael Genest in the Little Town Hall at the Antrim Town Hall.
Members Present: Michael Genest, Steven Schacht and Gordon Webber.
Staff Present: Neal Cass (Town Administrator).
Media Present: Michael Pon- The Villager.
1. Approval of Minutes
VOTE: Selectman Webber moved that the minutes of the December 8, 2008 meeting be accepted as printed. Selectman Schacht seconded the motion. There being no further discussion, Chairman Genest called for the vote. All members voted in favor and the Chairman declared the motion carried.
2. Introduction of new police officers.
Police Chief Scott Lester introduced Officer Ryan Storro of Antrim, and his family. Officer Storro is completing his first month with the department. Chief Lester then introduced Brain Lord who was then sworn-in as the newest full-time officer by Town Clerk Donna Hanson. Officer Lord lives in Nelson and is part-time certified. He will be attending the full-time academy in April.
3. Appointment with Bradley Houseworth, Town Planner.
The Board thanked Mr. Houseworth for the job he has done while in Antrim. He stated that it is important to find the right person for the position and it should be filled sooner rather than later. Planning Board Chair Andrew Robblee, who was present on another matter, concurred with that assessment. After discussion, the Board requested the Town Administrator contact retired Town Planner Paul Vasques and offer him a position as Interim Town Planner for up to 25 hours per week. The intent is to advertise the permanent position after the first of the year.
4. Appointment with Police Chief Scott Lester.
Chief Lester shared with the Board his concern over the space in the police department which is causing safety issues and making it hard to carry out the work of the department. He has reviewed possibilities and has determined that building a new separate police station on the land where the fire department is located would be the best option. After discussion, the Board asked him to sketch out a plan and meet with the Board at its next meeting on December 29.
5. Appointment with Fire Chief Mike Beauchamp and Deputy Chief Marshall Gale.
Chief Beauchamp said that the fire department has been doing well during the on-going emergency. Many hours were put in by firefighters. After discussion, the Town Administrator will contact Terry Schnare to determine if the barricades on his subdivision on Route 202 can be moved back to allow fire department access to the fire pond. Chief Beauchamp also informed the Board that he will not request a new tanker this year because of the hard economic times. Selectmen agreed with the recommendation of the Chief that Sherry Miller be appointed as Deputy Fire Chief for the ambulance.
6. Selectmen discussed the Recreation Land Capital Reserve Fund. Selectman Webber
will discuss with the Parks and Recreation Commission the possibility of removing some of the funds from that fund to help defray taxes.
7. Chairman Genest reported that the committee looking at a youth diversion program
will meet on Wednesday night.
8. The Board discussed the North Main Street Bridge project and the difference between
a municipally managed project and a contractor managed project. The Board will be meeting with the contractor and engineer at their next meeting to review the project and proposed change order.
There being no further business, the Board decided by consensus to adjourn at 7:12 p.m. The next meeting will be Monday, December 15, 2008 at 5:00 p.m.
Recorder: Neal A. Cass
Date: December 22, 2008
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