Work Session
September 8, 2014
Present were: Mayor Grenier, Councilors Otis, Remillard, Benski, Morgan Allain, Higbee, Rozek, Nelson and Theberge
Others present included City Manager Jim Wheeler, Fire Chief Randall Trull, and Community Development Director Pamela Laflamme
Monday Meeting Policy
Mayor Grenier explained that in past years there was friction between boards/commissions and the City Council. Some boards held meetings on Mondays to preclude Council members from attending. The Council set a policy that has been in effect for many years that no other board would meet on Mondays.
The ZBA has members that can only serve on Monday. They voted to meet on Friday night; however that would be an impediment to having the public attend a meeting as well as an added strain on staff. Mayor Grenier suggested that the second or fourth Mondays of the month would be available to boards for meetings.
Councilor Theberge confirmed that the meetings would be held in the auditorium. Councilor Benski moved to amend the Council Policy to allow Monday meetings on the second or fourth Monday of the month with the prior approval of the Council with the policy to be reassessed yearly; Councilor Rozek seconded and the motion carried.
Councilor Rozek moved to allow the ZBA to meet on the second or fourth Monday of the month; Councilor Nelson seconded and the motion carried.
Fire Department Vacancy
Mr. Wheeler stated that there will be a vacancy at the Fire Department. Chief Trull reported that he received a letter of resignation on Sept 3 from an outstanding employee. He is seeking to fill the position as soon as possible to maintain a four man shift. Councilor Remillard confirmed that this is a budgeted position. Councilor Rozek moved with a second from Councilor Morgan-Allain to authorize the City Manager and Fire Chief to hire a firefighter.
Councilor Theberge suggested that the Council as a whole, go to the Fire Department to get a feeling for what they have to go through. Councilor Morgan Allain asked how long will take to hire and Chief Trull stated that there are four in the on call department that are qualified. There will be a gap of one month or so before the new person is on board. The Council voted unanimously to approve the motion.
At 6:45 p.m. Councilor Rozek moved with a second from Councilor Higbee to go into non-meeting per RSA 91-A: 2, I.(c) Legal Consultation. So moved, the motion carried unanimously by roll call vote of the Council.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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