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Selectmen Minutes 08/11/2009
Chichester Board of Selectmen
Minutes of Meeting
August 11, 2009

Members present:  Chairman Stephen MacCleery Sr., Jeffrey Jordan, Richard DeBold, Nancy Tanner, Town Administrator, and Jamie Pike, Administrative Assistant.

Others Present:  Jim Plunkett, Allen Mayville, Donna Chagnon, Barbara Frangione, and Bette Bogdan.

Chairman MacCleery opened the meeting at 7:01PM.

Mr. Plunkett submitted the applications that were received for the full-time position in the highway department.

Non-public session
Present: Jim Plunkett, Road Agent

Pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (b), a motion was made by Mr. MacCleery and seconded by Mr. Jordan to enter into non-public session regarding the hiring of an employee.  A roll call vote was taken:  MacCleery ñ Yea, Jordan ñYea, DeBold ñ Yea.  Motion passes.

Pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 III, a motion was made by Mr. MacCleery and seconded by Mr. DeBold to seal the minutes of the non-public session for a period of five years.  A roll call vote was taken:  MacCleery ñ Yea, Jordan ñ Yea, DeBold ñ Yea.  Motion passes.

Pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II, a motion was made by Mr. MacCleery and seconded by Mr. Jordan to exit the non-public session at 8:00pm.  A roll call vote was taken:  MacCleery ñ Yea, Jordan ñ Yea, DeBold ñ Yea.  Motion passes.

General Business

  • Mr. Plunkett submitted $126.70 received for recycling scrap metal.
  • Mr. Mayville asked about the amount of gravel allegedly taken from the highway shed.  Mr. Mayville also questioned about the Town Shed being secured from public access, he believes that as a taxpayer he has a right to inspect the area.  Mr. Mayville alleged improper care of the chipper and the disposal of items that were worthy of repair.  It was stated that approximately 5 tons of material was taken from the highway shed.  It appeared to have been hand loaded.  Mr. DeBold explained that he believes it is proper to secure the area, as it would also be inappropriate for someone to walk through the Town Hall and inspect the property.  Mr. Jordan feels it is appropriated for people to be able to inspect the property during operating hours.  Mr. MacCleery is in agreement with this last statement.
Regarding the dump body from the plow truck being disposed of, documentation was provided to the selectmen detailing the costs of repair versus the costs of replacement.  In regards to the allegation that the chipper is being improperly stored in the salt shed on top of the remaining salt causing corrosion damage, this concern shall be brought to the department head.  Mr. MacCleery stated that anyone having concerns is welcome to bring such forward to the Board, and any allegations would be brought forward to the appropriate department head.


Mr. Mayville expressed concern about the excessive repairs that have been made at the cause of operator error.  Also it was reported by Mr. Mayville that a truck leaving the highway shed heading to Kelleyís Corner Road was improperly loaded and spilled an amount of gravel on Route 28.  On the particular day, Mr. Mayville approached an employee and followed up with the Road Agent whom was very belligerent to Mr. Mayville.

Ms. Bogdan expressed concerns over the road maintenance that was performed in Loudon on Ricker Road and Pleasant Street.  This maintenance included cold-patching and/or roadside mowing.  Mr. MacCleery expressed that if anyone is working near a Town Line they should know the limits of the townís borders.

Regarding the securing of the highway shed, there was concern about the access to the site by fire and police.  It was the consensus of the Board that the area of the Town Shed be left unsecured during daytime operating hours.

  • A motion was made by Mr. MacCleery and seconded by Mr. DeBold to approve a Raffle Application received from the Epsom-Chichester Lyons Club for Old Home Day.  Motion passes.
  • Mr. Jordan reported that he has removed the animal remains from the property located at 47 King Road.  Mr. MacCleery thanked Mr. Jordan for his efforts.
  • Mr. DeBold reported that he received a response from Mr. Terry Gagnon of the Weathervane concerning the lighting issues.  Mr. Gagnon stated that the light has been adjusted repeatedly.  Mr. DeBold shall follow-up with the complainant to see if the issue has been resolved.  If the adjustments that have been made are unsatisfactory, Mr. Gagnon would like to meet at the site with the Board to determine appropriate action.
  • Ms. Frangione discussed moving the Supervisorís filing cabinets upstairs.  Mr. Pike shall make arrangement with the Road Agent to use the loader to move the cabinets to the upper hall.
  • Mr. MacCleery administered the oath of office for the Conservation Commission to Mr. Jordan.
  • Mr. MacCleery nominated Richard Millette to be appointed as a full voting member of the ZBA.  Mr. Millette has held a great attendance record, and has often been appointed to a voting position during meetings due to absences.  A motion was made by Mr. MacCleery and seconded by Mr. DeBold to appoint Mr. Millette to a voting position of the ZBA to fill the vacancy of Dr. Meehan.  Motion passes.
  • Mr. MacCleery brought forward prior concerns about policies for the use of the Grange.  It was previously questioned about having a custodian onsite during the event.  It is also requested that a security deposit of $100 over and above the rental fee be collected.  A motion was made by Mr. DeBold and seconded by Mr. MacCleery to amend the Grange Hall Use policy to include the requirement of a $100 deposit.  Motion passes.
  • There was also discussion regarding a no smoking policy for users of the Grange Hall.  

Health Officer
Ms. Chagnon asked the Board if there has been a decision made concerning the appointment of the Health Officer.  Each of the Board members has reviewed the pertinent RSAís concerning the duties and responsibilities of the Health Officer.  Ms. Chagnon asked the Board what they are looking for as a Health Officer so far as a direction of action of either proactive or reactive.  Ms. Chagnon feels the RSAís are very vague.  Following the review of the pertinent RSAís, Mr. MacCleery desires to discuss with the remaining Board members the direction preferred.  Ms. Bogdan shared information with the Board regarding a two-tiered Health Officer program.  There previously had been legislation introduced to require that certain credentials be required to be eligible.  Ms. Chagnon expressed her concern that the Town should be looking to the future versus looking at immediate needs.  Mr. MacCleery also proposed a supplemental position of a Public Health Liason.  With regards to the appointment of the Health Officer, Mr. MacCleery explained that the Board would follow the pertinent RSAís with respect to duties and responsibilities.  Mr. DeBold feels there are two very good candidates for the position and that Ms. Bogdan has some great ideas and is ready to hit the ground running.  Mr. DeBold also has reservations concerning the extent to which Ms. Bogdan would like to take the duties of the position.

Mr. DeBold expressed concerns regarding language that was used by Ms. Bogdan in recent e-mails with regard to the integrity and ethics of public officials.  Mr. DeBold read these e-mails for the audience.  (A copy shall be attached to these minutes as part of the record.)  Heated debate ensued between Mr. DeBold and Ms. Bogdan about her personal perceptions and generally accepted perceptions of local government officials.  Mr. DeBold reiterated that he has concerns about appointing Ms. Bogdan as he perceives Ms. Bogdan has a stereotypical perception regarding the ethics and integrity of local government and it officials.

Mr. Jordan shall speak with Louise Hannan at the Dept of Health and Humans Services regarding the recommended direction of a local Health Officer and report back to the Board the discussion.

Ferman Easement
The Board reviewed the Deed Restriction submitted by Ms. Ferman that is proposed to substitute a Conservation Easement that was previously discussed.  Mr. Pike informed the Board that the restriction was acceptable to NHDES and that the Conservation Commission had reviewed the restriction and was agreeable to its language.  The restriction still reserves use of the pond for fire protection purposes.  The Board requested that Town Counsel review the Deed Restriction and determine if it is as enforceable as a Conservation Easement.

The minutes of August 4, 2009 were approved as written.

Payroll and Accounts Payable were approved in the amount of $269,046.57.

Being no further business, a motion was made by Mr. MacCleery and seconded by Mr. Jordan to adjourn the meeting at 9:24pm.  Motion passes.

Respectfully submitted,


                                                                        Not yet Approved.
Jamie A Pike




____________________________    ___________________________     __________________________
Stephen MacCleery, Sr., Chairman        Jeffrey Jordan                          Richard DeBold