Chichester Board of Selectmen
SELECTMEN’S MINUTES
May 8, 2007
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Colbert, Selectman DeBold, Selectman MacCleery and Administrator Lisa Stevens.
Chairman Colbert opened the meeting at 7:00pm.
SUBJECT: Department Heads
PRESENT: Patrick Clarke; Police Chief, Dave Paveglio; Building Inspector; David Kenneally, Road Agent; John Martell, Emergency Management Director; Gil Vien, Fire Chief
FD – The Chief and Deputy Chief have driven the military truck. It runs good. The muffler will need to be re-located. Strong arms are needed to steer it. It is not going to be a winter truck; it is capable to shuttle water in small situations. The Chief feels the department will be able to get the truck in service for under an additional $500.00. This is still under the approved amount from impact fees. At this point the department is considering keeping both the dodge and the military truck. Both trucks will be utilized.
The Shaw field is not going to get burned this year. The weather conditions are not right and the field has already greened up.
The department has completed a large portion of the inventory. They still have not located all of the used radios.
The amended Computer Policy addresses the department’s concern regarding confidential software.
Deputy Chief Uitts has picked up the old library computers.
HYW – The Road Agent submitted the State Road Inventory update for the Board to sign. Mr. Kenneally and Mr. Martell attended a meeting held by FEMA to inform communities of the status of the Nor’Easter storm damage assessments. The FEMA paperwork is ongoing. As a result of the additional software needed to complete the FEMA paperwork, the computer at the shed finally crashed. A new one has been ordered. This expense along with the digital camera purchase will be included in the FEMA paperwork. The damage to the retaining wall at Thunder Bridge will be handled through a division of FEMA that handles historical sites. The Town’s engineer has looked at the site and estimated the damage to repair both retaining walls to be $13,000.00. Mr. Baas will need
to claim his property damage with FEMA personally.
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Clean up from the Nor’Easter continues with spots left to clean up on Horse Corner Road. The department hopes to begin repairs on Swiggey Brook Road next week. Grading has been done on some of the major dirt roads around town. The highway department assisted with the post replacements at Carpenter Park. Some finish work remains and should be taken care of this week.
Selectman DeBold has contacted the Chichester Youth Association president to reiterate the need for all groups utilizing the park, to comply with the parking regulations. No Parking Signs will need to be posted on Carpenter Road as well.
The town should be notified by DES within thirty days regarding the wetland permits for the reconstruction on Center Road.
EMD – Mr. Martell added one further update regarding the outcome when meeting with FEMA. FEMA hopes to address the problem areas better this year. Mr. Martell has updated Mr. Baas on procedures for him to follow through with for his property damage.
PD – Pat informed the Selectman that representatives from the State’s E-911 will begin their updating work in town starting next week.
The Loss Prevention representative from the Local Government Center has informed Pat that all officers on the department will need to complete a defensive driving course within the next three years.
The disposition of the explorer was discussed. The auctioneer in Pittsfield has advised Patrick that the minimum bid of $5,000 is too high. The transmission problem would need to be disclosed as well it having been a police vehicle. Pat has obtained prices for the cost of a replacement transmission new; $1,800 or used; $900. This cost should be taken into consideration and deducted from the book value. Pat believes a more realistic price range to be $2,000-$3,000. The Board will take this under advisement and discuss further options.
Damage to the homeowner’s fence on Route 28 that was struck by the cruiser last fall has been repaired.
The construction on Route 4 is scheduled to begin mid May. One to two detail officers will be needed each day. Some days may be as many as six. The police chief is the point of contact and responsible for getting the coverage needed.
The Chief has individuals in need of completing community service requirements. He would like to spruce up the area surrounding the Safety Building sign.
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The Chief has issued a challenge to the fire department for a Police versus Fire softball game on Old Home Day.
BI – There are three issued and unused permits that will be available to the next applicants on the waiting list as of May 15, 2007. Mr. Paveglio has notified those next on the list.
Mr. Paveglio has provided the office with the section from the ICC Building Code Manual regarding unsafe buildings. Establishment of procedure is needed to address this matter. A courtesy letter from the town or building inspector requesting the homeowner take the initiative to correct the deficiency without the town having to step in will be the first step.
SUBJECT: Budget Committee- candidate interest to be appointed
PRESENT: Mike Paveglio
The Selectmen have met with Mr. Paveglio previously to discuss Mike’s interest in becoming a member of the budget committee. The meeting this evening was to discuss the Board’s concerns over recommending this appointment.
Motion Chairman Colbert, second Selectman MacCleery to enter into non-public session at 8:00pm, pursuant to RSA 91-A:3, II ( c ), in which matters which discussed in public would likely affect adversely the reputation of any person. The Chairman called for the vote. DeBold – yes; MacCleery – yes; Colbert – yes. All three were in favor. Motion carries.
The Board returned to public session at 8:20pm. No decision was made during non-public session.
Motion Chairman Colbert, second Selectman MacCleery to seal the minutes of the non-public session for a period of ten (10) years. The Chairman called for the vote. DeBold – yes; MacCleery – yes; Colbert – yes. All were in favor. Motion carries.
SUBJECT: Forestry Vehicle update
PRESENT: Stephen Stock
Mr. Stock reported that the military vehicle is back in town. Mr. Stock is seeking direction and decision from the Board on how to continue to get this vehicle in to service for the town. It is his understanding that the Forest Fire Warden should be the one responsible for equipping and outfitting the forestry vehicles.
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Mr. Stock feels he has run into roadblocks from the Fire Chief. Mr. Stock has read minutes from the officers meeting (of which he was not able to attend) that was held on April 23, in which the military vehicle was discussed and the officers were not in favor of using the military vehicle citing safety reasons. These concerns were again expressed to the Board of Selectmen by the Fire Chief during a department heads meeting on April 24. Mr. Stock then received a phone call from Chief Vien requesting to be informed of the truck’s whereabouts. Chief Vien informed Mr. Stock that he as Fire Chief is responsible for all the equipment in the station. Further, any major repairs on that vehicle would have to be handled from the fire department’s budget.
Mr. Stock asked the Selectmen who is in charge of the truck and what direction to go with the military vehicle. Steve has consulted the Forest Fire Warden’s manual which stated in the administrative rules that the warden is in charge of all forestry vehicles.
Chairman Colbert asked Mr. Stock if he felt that the use of the forestry vehicle was in jeopardy with Gil in charge. Mr. Stock responded yes.
The Board of Selectmen has left the decision up to the fire department as to which vehicles they wish to retain.
Mr. Stock also discussed the fact that this vehicle was included in the Capital Improvement Program under the forestry department. Its intent was for forestry but it could serve a dual purpose for in-town fire calls.
A Do Not Use sign was posted on the military vehicle by the Fire Chief. The question was raised as to whether or not a statute governed which staff (forestry or fire department) uses and runs which vehicles. The Chief posted that notice so that non-qualified people did not get in the vehicle and try to drive it. Fire department policy is any qualified member of the fire department may drive any fire apparatus in the station. The fire department budget has always maintained, housed, insured and fueled the entire fleet of vehicles. No piece of apparatus should be driven until it is fully serviceable. Mr. Stock was brought up to speed on the fact that earlier in the evening the Chief had discussed with the Selectmen, the departments decision to keep both the dodge truck and the military vehicle.
Mr. Stock went on to explain that typically the Warden determines how to equip a piece of forestry apparatus, ultimately the responsibility lies with the Warden. Steve has researched safety issues for this type of vehicle and only found two accidents in the last nine years. One was attributed to drive error; the other was an equipment malfunction. There are at least twenty-two other vehicles of this type in service in fire departments throughout New Hampshire. Steve is not opposed to driver training.
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Chairman Colbert hopes the decisions for this truck can be handled jointly between the Warden and the Chief.
Selectman DeBold asked Mr. Stock why he missed the officers meeting on the 23rd of April. Mr. Stock was not able to attend due to his work schedule. Selectmen DeBold stated this sounded like a difference of opinion between the Warden and the Fire Chief and encouraged them to work this out.
Mr. Stocks final comment was having water available for the woods is a good thing.
SUBJECT: Police Department – Personnel Matter
PRESENT: Police Chief Patrick Clarke
Motion Chairman Colbert, second Selectman DeBold to enter into non-public session at 9:00pm, pursuant to RSA 91-A:3, II (a) the dismissal, promotion or compensation of any public employee or the disciplining of such employee, or the investigation of any charges against him. The Chairman called for the vote. DeBold – yes; MacCleery – yes; Colbert – yes. All were in favor. Motion carries.
The Board returned to public session at 9:30pm. Motion Selectman MacCleery and second by Selectman DeBold to seal the minutes of the non-public session for a period of twenty-five (25) years. The Chairman called for the vote. DeBold – yes; MacCleery – yes; Colbert – yes. All were in favor. Motion carries.
SUBJECT: Fire Department Personnel Directive
PRESENT: Stephen Stock – Fire Captain
Mr. Stock requested the Board enter into non-public session to discuss the letter he received earlier this evening from the Fire Chief.
Motion Chairman Colbert and second by Selectman MacCleery to enter into non-public session at 9:35pm, pursuant to RSA 91-A: 3, II (c) in which matters discussed in public would likely adversely affect the reputation of any person. The Chairman called for the vote. DeBold – yes; MacCleery – yes; Colbert – yes. All were in favor. Motion carries.
The Selectmen returned to public session at 10:30pm. Motion Selectman DeBold and second by Selectman MacCleery to seal the minutes of the non-public session for a period of ten (10) years. The Chairman called for the vote. DeBold – yes; MacCleery – yes; Colbert – yes. All were in favor. Motion carries.
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GENERAL BUSINESS/BOARD DISCUSSION:
The Board directed Lisa to send a memo to those departments involved with the office centralization and schedule a time for discussion with them next week.
The property tax levy for first issue bills was signed in the amount of $2,748,350.00.
Selectman MacCleery opened the roof repair bids. Two bids were received. One bid did not cover the entire scope of the project. Selectman DeBold made the motion to accept the bid from Falardeau & Gosselin Builders of Sanbornton, NH, which encompassed the full scope of the repair project, in the amount of $9,800.00, contingent upon a favorable references check and suitable insurance coverage. Chairman Colbert seconded the motion. All were in favor. Motion carries.
Selectman MacCleery informed the other Board members about a phone call he received inquiring whether or not junkyards are allowed in town.
Selectman MacCleery discussed a phone call he received from Mr. Art Ellis regarding his concern over a letter received from the Selectmen’s office pertaining to the upcoming deadline for the submission of Report of Cuts for any 2006 logging operation.
Lisa explained this was a customary procedure recommended by the Department of Revenue and something she has routinely done in her profession. A courtesy reminder letter was sent to all loggers and all property owners that had filed an Intent to Cut with the town.
Correspondence from Mr. Adams relative to the new business operating as a bakery on Route 28 was reviewed by the Board.
The remainder of the mail and e-mail was reviewed briefly with no direction or follow up discussed at this time.
The Board discussed Mr. Stock’s request for the Board to meet with the Fire Chief regarding his letter. Lisa was directed to schedule a meeting between the Board and the Fire Chief for Thursday evening at 5:00pm.
Accounts payable and payroll were signed.
The Board approved the minutes of May 1, 2007 as corrected; page 5, first paragraph, insert after Mr. Baas and….; the wording - and a public hearing will not be necessary because the town was noticed for the 2006 town warrant and the lot line adjustment was approved at the 2006 town meeting. She ….
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Being no further business, the Chairman adjourned the meeting at 11:30PM.
APPROVED AS CORRECTED 5/15/2007
Respectfully submitted,
Lisa Stevens
Administrator
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David Colbert, Chairman
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Richard DeBold
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Stephen MacCleery
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