SELECTMEN’S PUBLIC HEARING MINUTES
June 20, 2005
Chairman Harding called the public hearing to order at 7:15pm. In attendance were Chairman Norman P. Harding, Selectman Gary F. Nelson, Selectman John P. Ulcickas, Town Administrator Nancy J. Wrigley, Police Chief Lawrence E. Streeter and Fire Chief William Ingalls. Minutes were transcribed and typed by Office Manager, Mary B. Winglass.
This public hearing is being held per RSA 31:95-b to accept and expend the following amounts from the following sources;
· Accept and expend $1,000 donation to the Police/Fire Departments from Merrimac Savings Bank;
· Accept $5,994.78 from the Devito forfeiture and expend $7,500 toward the purchase of a 1985 aluminum step van for a mobile “Incident Command Post”;
· Accept and expend $3,150 grant money from NH Fish & Game (OHRV Patrols);
· Accept and expend $1,718.40 grant money from the Governor’s Highway Safety Agency (DWI Enforcement);
· Accept and expend $1,718.40 grant money from the Governor’s Highway Safety Agency (Speed Enforcement).
Donation from Merrimac Savings Bank and Devito asset forfeiture money
Police Chief Streeter discussed with the Selectmen the $1,000 donation from the Merrimac Savings Bank to the Police and Fire Department and the additional money received from the Devito asset forfeiture of $5994.78. Both of these items need to be accepted under RSA 31:95-b at this public hearing. Police Chief Streeter and Fire Chief Ingalls request to expend the $1,000 donation from the Merrimac Savings Bank and $7,500 from the Devito asset forfeiture account and $2,000 from the Fire Department budget for the purchase of a 1985 aluminum body, step van to be used as a mobile “Incident Command Post”. The total of $10,500 will be used to purchase the used van, install a new motor and will include the painting, decals, counters, awning and other incidentals. In December of 2004, the Board of Selectmen held a
public hearing to accept funds through a Homeland Security Grant for $27,000 to provide the funding for the communications equipment for this command post.
The Selectmen questioned the use of the “Incident Command Post”. Chief Streeter responded that it will serve the town in multiple ways as a command post for purposes such as large incidents, fire scenes, missing children and significant crime scenes. It allows for the operation to take place at the scene without interrupting the day to day operations at the Police Department and Fire Department. This command post will also be an asset to the surrounding communities through mutual aid. Chief Streeter added that the van will be parked at the Central Fire Department.
Selectman Nelson questioned when the van will be ready and if we have looked into the cost to insure something like this for a year. Chief Streeter responded that the van will not be ready for use for four or five months and by that time we will be at the end of the year and will be able to include the cost of the insurance in next year’s budget.
New Hampshire Fish and Game Department grant money for OHRV patrols
Chief Streeter then discussed with the Selectmen the grant money of $3,150 he was able to secure through the NH Fish & Game for OHRV patrols. The grant money will allow the Police Department to provide coverage for a minimum of 4 hours per shift on the Peanut Trail, Boston and Maine Railroad property and adjacent properties per RSA 215-A:23, VIII(f)
Governor’s Highway Safety Agency grant money for DWI Enforcement and Speed Enforcement
Chief Streeter stated that the Police Department has been approved to receive funding from the Governor’s Highway Safety Agency as follows; $1,718.40 for DWI Enforcement and $1,718.40 for speed enforcement. Chief Streeter added that the Highway Safety Committee members are present at the meeting, Chairman Norman Harding, Selectman Gary Nelson, Town Administrator Nancy Wrigley and Chief Streeter. The purpose of the committee is to steer the enforcement efforts of the department as it relates to the awarded monies for DWI and speed enforcement.
Selectman Nelson motioned to accept the $1,000 donation from the Merrimac Savings bank; $5,994.78 forfeiture from the Devito asset forfeiture; $3,150 grant money from NH Fish & Game for OHRV patrols; $1,718.40 grant money from the Governor’s Highway Safety Agency for DWI Enforcement and $1,718.40 grant money from the Governor’s Highway Safety Agency for speed enforcement and to expend $7,500 from the Devito asset forfeiture account and $1,000 donation from Merrimac Savings Bank and $1,718.40 for DWI enforcement and $1,718.40 for speed enforcement and $3,150 for OHRV patrols for a total of $13,581.58. Second for discussion by Chairman Harding. Discussion: There was some confusion on the total dollar amount to be expended. Vote: Unanimous.
Those present at the Public Hearing were not sure if all the items to accept and expend had been included in the motion. Police Chief Streeter apologized to the Board for the confusion of the many funds to be voted upon this evening.
Selectman Nelson motioned to rescind his prior motion in order to make clear all the items listed to be accepted and expended. Chairman Harding seconded. Vote: Unanimous.
Selectman Nelson motioned to accept and expend $1,000 donation to the Police and Fire Department from the Merrimac Savings Bank; accept $5,994.78 from the Devito forfeiture and expend $7,500 from the Devito asset forfeiture account; accept and expend $3,150 grant money from NH Fish and Game for OHRV patrols; accept and expend $1,718.40 grant money from the Governor’s Highway Safety Agency for DWI enforcement and to accept and expend $1,718.40 grant money from the Governor’s Highway Safety Agency for speed enforcement. Second by Chairman Harding. Vote: Unanimous.
Chairman Harding motioned to closed the public hearing at 7:40pm. Second by Selectman Nelson. Vote: Unanimous.
Respectfully Submitted,
Mary B. Winglass
Office Manager
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