SELECTMEN’S MEETING
September 5, 2006
Call to Order
Chairman Nelson called the meeting to order at 6:10pm. In attendance were Chairman Gary F. Nelson, Selectman John P. Ulcickas, Selectman Robert S. Donovan, Jr., Town Administrator Nancy J. Wrigley and Office Manager Mary B. Winglass. Minutes were transcribed and typed by Office Manager Mary B. Winglass.
Chairman Nelson motioned to go into non-public session under RSA 91-A:3 II (b) - Police Department and Road Crew. Second by Selectman Donovan. Roll Call Vote: Chairman Nelson – yes, Selectman Ulcickas – yes, Selectman Donovan - yes. Vote: Unanimous.
Chairman Nelson motioned to close the non-public session at 6:55pm. Second by Selectman Ulcickas. Per unanimous roll call vote, the minutes of the meeting will remain confidential until in the opinion of the majority of the members, the circumstances no longer apply except to announce the hiring of Mark Sayer as a part time Police Officer at Grade X, step 2, $11.70 per hour effective August 28, 2006 and Harry E. Castle as a Laborer for the Road Crew at Grade IV, step 8, $10.13 per hour effective September 4, 2006 with a probationary period of six months.
Introduction of Guests
Old Business
A. Maintenance to Town Buildings
1. Utilizing sheriffs’ program detainees
The Board discussed that they sent a letter to the Rockingham County Department of Corrections at the beginning of June informing them that the town is very interested in participating in the Project Community Phase II which consists of a work force of Sentenced inmates to perform various projects to town owned properties such as painting many areas at the Town Hall. Presently we have not heard back from the Department of Corrections. Selectman Ulcickas stated that maybe we sent the request out too late. The Board requested that the office staff contact the Department of Corrections by telephone to find out the status of our request and if in fact we were too late this year, then we can use this list for next year’s request.
2. Painting of the interior of the Town Hall
The Board discussed the numerous painting projects at the Town Hall to include the Selectmen’s Office, Planning Board, front steps and porch and the upstairs hall. Chairman Nelson stated that he would like to have the hall painted before the elections but we will wait to see what the Department of Corrections have to say regarding the towns request. See above for more information.
3. Work space needs at the Town Hall
Chairman Nelson discussed that he would like to have a place for the three Selectmen to have a work place while at the Town Hall. Right now he feels like he is always in somebody’s way. The Board tabled this item until the first meeting in October.
B. Reports from department heads and yearly reviews
Chairman Nelson stated that he would like the Board to consider requesting a quarterly report from all departments, commissions and committees in order to keep the Selectmen up to date on what issues that they may be facing as well as any concerns they may have. The Board agreed to request a quarterly report at the end of each quarter; a memo will go out to all departments.
C. Continued discussion of accepting anti-freeze at the Transfer Station
At the August 21, 2006, the Board motioned to start accepting anti-freeze at the Transfer Station on a trial basis; the program was to start on September 9th. After the Board made this decision, the Board reviewed the town’s ordinance that pertains to Town owned properties and #7 states “The disposal of chemicals or petroleum products in the disposal area is unlawful, except for used motor oil which may be left in sealed containers, no larger than 1-gallon translucent containers.” The Board then directed TA, Nancy Wrigley to contact R.W. Gillespie to get their thoughts on accepting anti-freeze and the possible impact with storing it at the Transfer Station.
TA, Nancy Wrigley contacted R.W. Gillespie & Associates, Cynthia A. Thayer, Chief Geo-hydrologist stated to Nancy that she feels the town would be taking a risk, however if the Board really wanted to put this program in place then they would come up with a plan for the town to follow. The town would have to get permission from the State before implementing an anti-freeze program.
Chairman Nelson motioned to rescind his motion of August 21, 2006 to start accepting anti-freeze on a trial basis at the Transfer Station. Second by Selectman Ulcickas. Vote: Unanimous.
Andrew Morse, Transfer Station Manager discussed with the Board the possibility of holding a household hazardous waste day next year. The Board agreed to allow Mr. Morse to get an idea of the cost to run a household hazardous waste day.
New Business
A. Lease of a postage machine for the Town Hall
Chairman Nelson discussed the need to commit to the 21st century and lease a postage machine for the Town Hall. Chairman Nelson stated that he has heard from the Planning Board and the Tax Collector the need to lease a machine, especially since it is a big hassle to request a check each time they need to send out a large mailing. It was discussed that the Planning Board would still need to go to the Post Office to mail out the certified, return receipt mailings.
Office Manager Mary Winglass discussed the need to keep good accounting records with this machine, especially since the NPREA account as well as the town budget account will be paying into the purchase of postage. A discussion ensued regarding the problems that we have with the accounting of the NPREA account.
The Board decided to table this issue until we can get more information on the cost of the machine and the operation on handling the accounting of the system.
B. Appointments for Ballot Clerks
Chairman Nelson motioned to appoint Mary Marshall as Inspector of Elections for a term of 2 years with an expiration date of September 5, 2008. Second by Selectman Donovan. Vote: Unanimous.
C. Greenie Park vandalism
Chairman Nelson announced that two weeks ago someone damaged the dugout again. The Board discussed their concern with the vandalism taking place at Greenie Park. Chairman Nelson stated that the Police Department has been very accommodating with patrolling the area during key hours of the day and night.
Police Chief Streeter handed out a huge packet to each Selectman giving dates and times of Police log entries to include patrols initiated and calls initiated starting January 2005 to present. Chief Streeter stated that this statistical analysis includes a total of 612 days and the report includes 512 log entries. Chief Streeter stated that what he sees initially is a design flaw with placing the skateboard park too close to the kiddy playground area and the baseball area. Secondly, the skateboard park has not been maintained, no money or time has been dedicated to the area, therefore it leaves the kids a feeling of entitlement.
Chairman Nelson talked about renovating Greenie Park; specifically with the placement of the skateboard area. A discussion continued on possibly removing the vegetation near the road in order to help deter the vandalism. It was discussed that we need to consider the neighbors for we would not want to alienate them as they have been our best allies informing the Police when they notice any suspicious activity.
At this time, the Police Department will continue to patrol the area after school and in the evenings. Selectman Donovan discussed possibly putting a chain across the entrance after dusk. Chief Streeter responded that the chain usually keeps out the Fire and Police Department, not the kids as many walk there from other areas.
Selectman Donovan is to bring a copy of the statistical analysis report prepared by Police Chief Streeter to the next Recreation Commission meeting to get their opinion on what ideas they may have to help stop the vandalism at Greenie Park.
D. Discussion of expanding the Town Hall hours
Chairman Nelson stated that he asked for this discussion to be placed on the agenda for he has received some complaints that the Town Hall is not open on Fridays and he wanted to start some dialogue. The Board reviewed minutes from 2002 when the hours were last changed; the hours were then increased to 32 hours per week open to the public.
A discussion ensued with a comment from Chairman Nelson stating that the town is growing and we need to look into being open for 40 hours per week next year. TA, Nancy Wrigley stated that with being open on Fridays would take away the staff “down time” to get things done and residents can now renew a vehicle registration anytime on-line using e-reg. The Board requested that everyone take this issue under consideration.
E. Docstar Data Retention System
Chairman Nelson discussed his frustration with the Docstar Data retention system sitting and not being used; we either need to start using it or sell it! The Board discussed creating a work station where other departments would have access to it and the staff would need to be trained on how to use it. The Board tabled this discussion until the next Selectmen’s meeting scheduled for Sept. 18, 2006.
F. Trucking on Whittier Street from Highland Street to Pond Street
Selectman Donovan requested that this item to be placed on the agenda for he is concerned with the amount of trucks that use Whittier Street from Highland Street to Pond Street as a cut thru route and the road is not wide enough. A tractor trailer has tried to turn around and it has become a dangerous situation with many children living in the area.
Road Agent Frank Gibbs was present and discussed that no thru trucking would not allow oil trucks and others access to this area. Mr. Gibbs recommended that the Selectmen institute a weight limit of 10,000 lbs. It was noted that there is a no thru trucking posted on Maple Avenue however trucks still use this road. Police Chief Streeter stated that whatever the Board wanted to do he would enforce it but he recommends that we do not create an ordinance, just put up the signs and vote on it as a safety concern. The Board discussed sending a letter to any companies in the area that may be using that route informing them of the safety concerns and the new restriction.
The Board decided to research this item to be discussed at the next Selectmen’s meeting.
G. First Baptist Church requests permission for temporary accommodations
The Board received a letter of request from the First Baptist Church to allow a recreational camper to be used as a temporary residence not to exceed 90 days.
Selectman Ulcickas responded that the Board should let the Building Inspector handle this request for it falls under his jurisdiction. Building Inspector Mike DiBartolomeo discussed that currently you have an existing commercial use in a residential zone and to encourage this type of use is not encouraged. Mike informed the Board that he has already spoken with Mr. Cheney and told him that this use would not be allowed. The Church could then appeal the administrative decision with the Board of Appeals.
The Board decided to send the First Baptist Church a letter from the Board of Selectmen informing them of the Building Inspector’s recommendation and to file an appeal with the Board of Appeals and to include a copy of the Building Inspector’s written recommendation.
Mr. DiBartolomeo informed the Board that during the past few months, Assistant Building Inspector Ron Lemere conducted a construction inspection of the property and found that many items failed to meet the minimum standards and the parsonage had multiple code deficiencies and is non habitable in its present condition.
Later in the evening, Lois Storey, Nancy Cheney and Krista Kelleher arrived to speak with the Selectmen about their request. Since the Building Inspector, Mike DiBartolomeo had already left, the Selectmen explained to the lady’s the need to apply to appeal the Administrative decision made by the Building Inspector.
Nancy Cheney informed the Selectmen that the First Baptist Church has worked with the town to help them when in need i.e. used the Christian education room one year for the First Grade class, Red Cross drive and collected money for the Red Cross. Ms. Cheney asked for the law that states that you cannot have a pop-up tent trailer in the yard for company to use since many currently do this in town.
Chairman Nelson explained to Ms. Cheney that the Church requested occupancy to use a pop-up tent trailer as a temporary residence. In order to get occupancy, they would need to request to appeal the administrative decision made by the Building Inspector.
Transfer Station Safety Inspection
Mr. Mike DiBartolomeo discussed that he went out to conduct a safety inspection at the Transfer Station with Transfer Station Manager Andrew Morse. This inspection was set up to help Andrew, as the new Manager, to understand his new post and to conduct a walk thru for a fresh start, better to catch any problems now before someone gets hurt. The inspection found six issues.
1. 2” Underground separated at meter docket. Mr. DiBartolomeo stated that the item will not cost an enormous amount of money but it is more of a scheduling issue.
2. Disconnects required at hydraulic pumps. Mr. DiBartolomeo stated that at the bare minimum you need a safety switch and there should be a lock out/tag out policy.
3. 7-day clock timer not working. Timer clock not working requires that the employees must physically go over and turn off the lights at the end of each shift. Mr. Morse added that when it is dark, returning to your car is not easy.
4. Overhead cord at trailer damaged. Mr. Morse removed the overhead cord.
5. Recycle shed needs receptacle outlets
6. Split circuit feed for sheds (heat)
7. Add headers at recycle shed before it snows. Roof is already starting to sag and therefore a real possibility of it giving way under a snow load.
Mr. DiBartolomeo talked about hiring an electrician, there are a couple of them in town that are very good and who would take care of all the wiring concerns. The Board asked Mike if he would help put something together for the next Selectmen’s meeting; Mike responded yes. Mr. Morse stated that the shed needs some work, it especially needs 2x4’s for a carrying beam.
Announcements
· State Primary Election is Tuesday, September 12, 2006 held at the Town Hall from 8am to 8pm
Accept Minutes of Selectmen Meetings
· Selectmen’s Public and Non-Public Meeting minutes of August 21, 2006
Chairman Nelson motioned to accept the Public meeting minutes of August 21, 2006 as written. Second by Selectman Donovan. Vote: Unanimous.
Chairman Nelson motioned to accept the Non-Public meeting minutes of August 21, 2006 as written. Second by Selectman Donovan. Vote: Unanimous.
Reports from Department Heads
· Update from Safety Complex Building Committee
· 2006 Arboviral Illness Surveillance, Prevention and Response Plan
Chairman Nelson announced that Town Administrator Nancy Wrigley and Health Officer Bob Leverone attended a meeting held by the State last Thursday. The Town of Newton has had a mosquito control program in place since 2002 and this year the state has been approved to help with financial assistance. Mr. Leverone is in the process of securing the matching grant funds for spraying; the first step is to prepare a 2006 Arboviral Illness Surveillance, Prevention and Response Plan, which Mr. Leverone has completed and has been approved by the State. Chairman Nelson stated that now it is just a wait and see for the results of the testing of the mosquito pools. Residents need to remember, prevention, prevention, prevention is most important. Dragon Mosquito gave an estimate of $3,600 for roadside spraying for a total of
62 miles in town, if the Board chose to do so. Chairman Nelson stated that we are still waiting for more information before making a decision.
Andrew Morse Transfer Station Manager
Mr. Morse asked the Selectmen if it would be alright if he locked the chain to the Fire Pond road next to the Transfer Station. The Board agreed but requested that the chain to be covered with pvc piping and painted fluorescent orange but to first get the approval from Fire Chief Bill Ingalls.
Review of Action Items
Adjourn
Chairman Nelson motioned to adjourn at 8:50pm. Second by Selectman Ulcickas. Vote: Unanimous.
Respectfully Submitted,
Mary B. Winglass
Office Manager
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