SELECTMEN’S MEETING MINUTES
May 5, 2008
Call to Order
Chairman Donovan called the meeting to order at 5:59pm. In attendance were Chairman Robert S. Donovan, Jr., Selectman Trisha J. McCarthy, Selectman Raymond D. Thayer, Town Administrator Nancy J. Wrigley and Office Manager Mary B. Winglass. The meeting was audio and video taped and the minutes were transcribed and typed by Winglass.
Chairman Donovan motioned to go into Nonpublic Session under RSA 91-A:3 II (e) – Litigation; (c) – Building Department; (a) – Employee Evaluations. Second by Selectman Thayer. Roll Call Vote: Chairman Donovan – yes; Selectman McCarthy – yes; Selectman Thayer – yes. Vote: Unanimous.
Chairman Donovan motioned to recess the meeting until after the public meeting. Second by Selectman McCarthy. 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 that the Board accepted a new permit fee schedule presented by the Chief Building Inspector and the town will receive 10% of the fees from the Building Department.
Introduction of Guests
Old Business
· Outstanding Action Items
1. Best Management Practice for handling of the Police Detail Special Revolving Account – The Board reviewed a memo from Town Administrator Wrigley regarding expenditures from the revolving account. Per Jeanne Samms at the Dept. of Revenue Administration, as long as the Board can justify the expenditures being paid from this account and that they are in fact for expenses caused by the special details such as gas, tires, oil changes, mechanical work etc. then there should not be a problem. The Board concurred and asked for this item to be removed from the action item list.
2. Town Hall Office hours – Selectman Thayer stated that he feels that we should leave the hours as is for he has received no complaints and he asked that we remove this item from the action item list. Chairman Donovan and Selectman McCarthy agreed.
3. Updated Personnel Policies and Procedures - An updated draft copy was given to the Board for their review at the April 21st Selectmen’s meeting. Town Administrator Wrigley stated that she is working on a Jury Duty Policy and Military Leave Policy and she plans to have something for the next meeting. The Board decided to leave this item on the action item list until the policies have been completed.
4. Employee Performance Evaluation Form – Town Administrator prepared and gave documents to the Board for their review at the April 21st Selectmen’s meeting. Town Administrator stated that she is looking at sample evaluation forms from other towns but she has not come up with a final form for the Boards consideration. Chairman Donovan stated that what he wanted to change on the evaluation form is for the last page to show the employee history relating to last review and raise. TA, Wrigley responded that the Board did discuss at the last meeting to look at other forms used by other towns because the one we are using now is not being used correctly. Selectman McCarthy added that the form is hard to use for when you look at what was written the previous year the information is very repetitive due to the questions listed on the form. Selectman Thayer stated that the Board will look at some evaluations prepared by other department’s tonight in nonpublic and he feels that they
are good. TA, Wrigley stated that she will prepare something for the next meeting for the Boards consideration.
5. Update on cable equipment to fix the audio/video on channel 20 – Andrew Morse stated that he met with Great Northern Video for an hour and a half and discussed the present and future needs of the town. Andrew stated that he is looking at a ten year plan which will coincide with the Comcast contract that expires in six years which will give us the time to negotiate a new contract and then allow for time to prepare another ten year plan. Andrew stated that unfortunately he has not yet received their proposal outlining the equipment currently being used and the new equipment purchase which will include tutorials and a manual to operate the equipment. Andrew stated
that it will be expensive and we have the money in the special cable fund and he asked how the Board would like to him to request funding and if it needs to be done by requisition. Chairman Donovan asked if he received other proposals for this work. Andrew responded that he contacted three companies and only one responded which was Great Northern Video. Chairman Donovan asked if we have anything in writing that we contacted three companies. Andrew responded that it was all done by phone. Andrew added that he is not looking for the Board to make any decisions tonight only to ask the Board on how we are to approach the requisition process. TA, Wrigley asked if we know what we want to purchase so we can advertise using the bid process. Andrew responded that we will not know until we have the proposal and that the equipment will be very precise and he has done some price comparison on the web. Selectmen McCarthy asked if
Comcast would give us a bid on the equipment. Andrew responded that he feels that is a whole different ball game for they usually do not get involved beyond the funding to the town. Chairman Donovan discussed receiving the specification on this upgrade and then we can maybe ask other towns who they use and contact information. Andrew responded that is what he expected to do. The Board discussed the importance of trying to contact others and to document their response and/or that you received no response. Andrew asked if it is the Board’s intention to go out for sealed bids; Chairman Donovan responded “yes”.
6. Cable Committee Operators – advertisement is on the website. Chairman Donovan stated that the town is looking for an operator to film per month; two Selectmen’s Meetings and one Planning Board meeting. Anyone interested, please contact the Selectmen’s meeting and the applicant must be sixteen years or older. TA, Wrigley stated that tomorrow she has a scheduled meeting with Superintendent Keith Pfiefer on the grant for the sidewalks and she will discuss options available to get the word out at the High School. Office Manager Winglass informed the Board that this position was announced at the High School in the past and we received two calls but
no one followed up with a written request for this position. Winglass added that both applicants inquired about the hourly wage due to the minimal hours for this position. TA, Wrigley discussed that she prepared information in a memo for the Board to consider paying Andrew a stipend for his work on the cable committee due to the fact that Selectman Thayer stated that he did not feel it is fair not to compensate Andrew for his time. TA, Wrigley contacted the Dept of Labor and they suggested Compensatory Time as a consideration however he would have to be paid his current rate of pay and he would have to cut his hours back at the Transfer Station. Hours can accumulate as compensatory time at time and one half for actual time worked and he could use it for paid time off. The Board decided to review the materials and to discuss it at the next meeting.
7. Parking at Municipal buildings/Snow Parking Ban – Chief Streeter is working on the ordinance and reviewing whether we need to hold a Public Hearing. Chairman Donovan will speak with Chief Streeter about the written ordinance.
8. LGC – requesting legal funds for potential litigation against the NH Retirement System. Chairman Donovan stated that the town received another letter from Local Government Center (LGC) asking for the town to approve a contribution to the Litigation Fund of $197.45. Office Manager Winglass informed the Board that she included in their meeting packet Legislative Bulletin #20 which states that the Senate Committee passed a “watered-down retirement fix”. Chairman Donovan stated that if we agree to give LGC the funding then they may come back and say they need more; maybe we need to wait and hear the outcome before we make a decision on the funding.
Winglass added that the funding is short money but by contributing now will show support with LGC’s position. Selectman McCarthy concurred that the fewer the municipalities pay in support of LGC’s possible lawsuit against the State on the state retirement issue will show that there is not much support from the State to the Senate and the House.
Office Manager Winglass asked if the Board would like to set a date to have Representative Kim Casey attend a Selectmen’s Meeting to discuss the NH Retirement and School Funding. Chairman Donovan stated that he feels we are still in a wait and see until we know what the State finalizes on these issues. Selectman Thayer questioned why we would not want to hear their input before the Senate votes and added that he spoke with Representative Mary Allen and she would like to attend the meeting as well. The Board agreed to invite Rep Kim Casey, Rep Mary Allen and Senator Maggie Hassan to the May 19th Selectmen’s Meeting starting at 7pm to discuss the legislative action taking place in regards to the NH Retirement and School Funding.
9. Update on the status of Twombly Drive – Town Administrator prepared a letter per the request of the Board. TA, Wrigley informed the Board that she reprinted the letter with today’s date for the Board to sign. The Board agreed to remove this item from the outstanding action item list.
10. Capital Improvement Program – Chairman Donovan to contact another vendor for a price on windows, to look into pricing for portable air conditioners and thermostat fan for the furnace room. Chairman Donovan stated that he received two prices for the replacement windows; to replace all the windows with standard vinyl windows the price is $6,766; to replace all the windows with a traditional older look vinyl window is $9,032. Chairman Donovan stated that with installation the cost is approximately $400 per window and to include this cost in the capital improvement plan for Town Hall.
Selectman Thayer asked about the air conditioners. Chairman Donovan responded that the portable air conditioners are $600 each for the largest size. Selectman McCarthy questioned how many do we need and can we put them permanently in the wall. Chairman Donovan responded that he is not in favor of putting them in the wall for many times they leak in the wall and damage the structure. Chairman Donovan explained that the reason why he was looking at portable air conditioners is due to security reasons. TA, Wrigley responded that we need to move forward with a decision for the warm weather is just around the corner.
Chairman Donovan motioned to spend the money to purchase four air conditioners for the Town Hall building at Home Depot with the max price to be $600 each for portable air conditioner units with the option of a fifth air conditioner, if needed. Second by Selectman McCarthy. Discussion: The fifth optional air conditioner would be for the Planning Board if needed. Vote: Unanimous.
Chairman Donovan stated that he will help with the installation and it was decided that it would probably be best to have them delivered to the Town Hall. Chairman Donovan will check on the size of the units for each office at the Town Hall, once he measures the square footage of each office.
Chairman Donovan gave Selectman Thayer prices for upgrades to the Town Hall for the capital improvement program TA, Wrigley is to give Selectman Thayer the prices for the insulation and for the second phase for the sprinkler system so they are added to the capital improvement program to be submitted to the Planning Board.
TA, Wrigley asked to discuss the disrepair of the front stairs of the Town Hall and the need to move forward with this repair. Chairman Donovan stated that he will work on the bid specifications with the Building Department.
11. IT Consultant
Present was Sylvania Maddock, IT Computer Consultant for the Town of Newton.
Sylvania Maddock asked to speak with the Board regarding their decision to go out to bid for an IT Consultant. Sylvania stated that she has been with the town for a number of years and that she has brought value and continuity to the Town. Sylvania stated that as far as continuity; she has been with the town for over 20 years when the town started out with one computer and developed a software program to print the tax bills and since then the town has grown and now we have approximately ten systems maintained within the offices at Town Hall. Sylvania stated that she has never come before the Board in the past and yet decided that this would be a great opportunity to speak with the Board.
Sylvania added that the town systems are working as it should and she has done a lot for the town such as being on call for hardware crashes, maintaining the fire wall, upgrading the network, recently created a VPM communication link with the Department of Motor Vehicles for the Tax Collector. Sylvania stated that the town needs to have someone on call to trouble shoot and she feels that she brings a lot to the table and knows every system and software program used at the Town Hall. Sylvania added that if the Board is looking to go out to bid then they will need someone to advise them on the bid specifications and it will be difficult to put out to bid for every small thing that happens with the systems at Town Hall and it will be hard to bid on all the system maintenance that she oversees. For example, Sylvania stated that
she has been working with the assessing and tax collector software purchased from Avitar Associates some years ago and saves the Town money by not requiring Avitar to come down to troubleshoot software related problems. Sylvania stated that she has worked with the town to balance the try and true technology with the ever changing new technology. Sylvania talked about a recent issue with the Planning Board using Vista and she was able to fix the problem and now it is just a work in progress.
Sylvania asked the Board if they had any questions and/or anything the Board would like her to do differently then what she has been doing. Sylvania discussed her value with the town by making sure all is working and the value of maintaining the towns systems at approximately $5,000 per year. Sylvania stated that she has a great rapport working with Avitar Associates and the town employees.
Sylvania added that she works well with the town employees by establishing their trust to take care of any problems as they occur. Going forward, Sylvania asked that if there are any questions or issues with her work that she receives a phone call rather than things happening without her knowledge so that she can defend her position.
Selectman McCarthy asked Sylvania if she does any work for any other departments such as the Police, Fire or Library. Sylvania responded that she has worked with the prior Police Chief to install the IMC network and the current Police Chief brought in his own consultant when he was hired. Sylvania added that she ordered a system for the Fire Department and worked to get it up and running at no cost to the town.
Chairman Donovan stated that the reason why we decided to go out to bid for a IT Consultant is the same reason why the town went out to bid for a new Attorney and Engineering services for the Planning Board for it is important for the town to make sure we are seeing what services are available and at what cost. Chairman Donovan added that there are no problems that he is aware of it is just every so often we need to go out to bid. Sylvania responded that she makes no money from the purchase of hardware/software; it is just her time and it is hard to estimate her time for troubleshooting can amount to a variety of issues which can go smoothly or in some cases it take longer. Sylvania discussed her concern with multiple people working on the towns systems for they may compromise the network systems in place and they will need
to educate themselves on the town’s systems which will cost the town additional funding this year. Sylvania thanked the Board for their time.
12. Highway Department Issues
A. Sand/Salt Storage
Present was Road Agent Mike Pivero
Mike Pivero stated that he received an updated lot line delineation and Selectman McCarthy stated that she was told that the lot that we are looking to place the sand/salt shed is not part of the water shed management project and since we are not installing bathrooms or running water in the shed that it will not impact the Department of Environmental Services in any way for it is a separate lot. Pivero asked if we have confirmed that it is a separate lot. Selectman McCarthy responded “yes” that it is a separate lot.
Selectman McCarthy then discussed that she spoke again with Jeanne Samms from the Department of Revenue Administration and she reiterated that per RSA 32:11 allows the town to expend funds for an emergency situation. Selectman McCarthy stated that at the last meeting when this item was discussed she told Mike that the expenditures must come out of the sand/salt line item when in fact it can come out of any line item under the Highway Budget. Jeanne Samms told Selectman McCarthy that this is absolutely an emergency situation and we do not have to hold a special town meeting.
Selectman McCarthy added that when the town writes the hardship letter for this emergency situation, per RSA 32:11 that the Commissioner of Revenue Administration and/or the Commissioner of Education may accept and approve an application after the expenditure if it is caused by an expenditure for an unexpected emergency. It was reiterated by Jeanne Samms that this is an unexpected emergency and we do not have the funds and we have to move the sand/salt storage therefore this request would be approved. Selectman McCarthy questioned Jeanne if we are to fill out this request ahead of time and she was told no that this is an unexpected emergency situation so the town can expend the money and send in a letter for the funds from the “fund balance” to cover this emergency expenditure.
Selectman McCarthy then stated that she spoke with Jeanne Samms, DRA about the culvert repairs on Pond Street and since this is also an emergency we can include this repair for fire trucks and emergency vehicles cannot use this road with the metal plate; the town’s bid is approximately $18,000 to complete the repairs and Jeanne responded, absolutely it would apply as an emergency expenditure as long as there are funds in the “fund balance” then we are okay. We will need to itemize the emergency and explain the situation in our letter to the Commissioner of Revenue Administration.
Selectman McCarthy informed Mike Pivero that she spoke with two different wetlands specialist and she was told that we do not need to worry about the setbacks for it does not apply for we are building a shed not a building with bathrooms or running water. Pivero stated that we are still going to have a plan on file for the shed which shows the wetland delineation.
B. Road System Improvement Fund
Selectman McCarthy stated that she asked Jeanne Samms, DRA about the warrant article in place with approximately $77,000 for road systems improvement fund and if we can use the funds this year due to the fact that the warrant articles does not specify the Selectmen as agents to expend from this fund. Jeanne Samms told Selectman McCarthy that we absolutely cannot spend the funds this year and the Board will have to put a warrant article on the 2009 ballot to designate the Selectmen and/or the Road Agent as the agents on this fund.
13. NHSPCA Impoundment Contract – 2008.
The Board reviewed a memo from Chief Streeter which outlined the contract specifications.
Chairman Donovan motioned to sign the 2008 town contract with the SPCA. Second by Selectman Thayer. Vote: Unanimous.
14. Recreation Commission Re: Clean up and repairs at the Town Beach and Greenie Park. Chairman Donovan will check with the Recreation Commission at their next scheduled meeting. Chairman Donovan stated that he did speak with the Recreation Commission about his concern with using inmates from the Rockingham County Correctional to clean the Town Park and Beach and he informed the Commission about Selectman Thayer’s idea about using Family Mediation as an alternate. The Commission asked if Selectman Thayer would contact Family Mediation to find out the specifics of their program and to have Recreation Commission member Gary Nelson contact the Rockingham County
Correctional to find out their availability and program specifications. Selectman McCarthy stated that Gary Nelson has offered to supervise the inmates as long as it takes place on a Monday or Tuesday. The Board discussed that the contract with the jail requires the town to feed the inmates and supervisors. Chairman Donovan added that the Recreation Commission plans on speaking with Newton Baseball and to make each team responsible to clean up and remove the trash after each baseball game.
New Business
A. 2008 Appointments
Chairman Donovan motioned to appoint Alicia Raddatz as a member of the Conservation Commission with a term to expire on April 15, 2009. Second by Selectman Thayer. Vote: Unanimous.
Chairman Donovan motioned to appoint Patricia G. Wonson as a member of the Conservation Commission with a term expiration of April 15, 2010. Second by Selectman McCarthy. Vote: Unanimous.
Chairman Donovan motioned to appoint Kimberly Lowther as a Alternate member of the Conservation Commission with a term expiration of April 15, 2009. Second by Selectman Thayer. Vote: Unanimous.
B. Transfer Station Re: Concrete pad repairs
Present was Transfer Station Manager Andrew Morse
Andrew stated that we have an emergency for the concrete pad at the Transfer Station needs to be repaired. Andrew added that every time the trucks come in to pickup up a haul you have to tip it into the hopper and this will not work for long.
Andrew gave the Selectmen two proposals to repair the damaged concrete pad from the following companies;
Eastern Seaboard Concrete Construction, Inc., Newton, NH for a total of $5,100.00
Executive Forms Inc, Newton, NH for a total of $4,990.00
After the Board reviewed the two proposals they decided to have the Building Department compare the proposals for there are different measurements quoted and to ask for their professional opinion and recommendation. Andrew stated that he is looking to have this work done in about a month for he needs to prepare the area to shut down the hopper while the work is being done.
The Board asked for this item to be placed on the outstanding action item list with the intent of reviewing the Building Department’s recommendation at the May 19th Selectmen’s meeting.
C. Signs on Town properties
Present was Road Agent Mike Pivero
Mike Pivero stated that last week we had an issue with a resident putting up a yard sale sign and he was told that any signs around town need to come down and the Road Crew has been doing just that. Pivero asked the Board on what to do; all he needs is his marching orders on this subject.
Chairman Donovan explained that we have had a issue in the past with people putting yard sale signs up on telephone poles. Pivero stated that he does not discriminate for he was told all signs need to be taken down. Chairman Donovan explained that the Board contacted Verizon in 2006 and they were told that Verizon will not enforce signs on the telephone poles for they do not have the resources to have their personnel come out and remove the signs for they have thousands of poles in the State of NH and they cannot patrol them all. Chairman Donovan stated that the reason why this issue came up is due to many posting signs on the poles and not taking them down and they were cluttered and looked awful.
Office Manager Winglass discussed that she reviewed the minutes from 2006 when this was discussed and the Board never designated a town official to enforce the postings on poles; the Board only agreed to have the Road Crew take down the signs and if the town received complaints then we would inform them of the permitting process through Verizon.
Chairman Donovan motioned to continue to take down all signs off telephone poles and to give the Road Agent the authority to regulate it until otherwise told not too and if anyone would like to receive permission to place a sign on a telephone pole then to contact Verizon. Second by Selectman McCarthy. Vote: Unanimous.
Mike Pivero then asked to take it to the next step to discuss other signs placed along the side of the roads. Signs placed along side of town roads, state roads and islands owned by the town were discussed and Town Administrator Wrigley stated that the town has no ordinance in place. Selectman McCarthy stated that she is only aware of the regulation of not putting political signs on town owned property.
Town Administrator Wrigley stated that back in 2006 when the Board discussed it, then Chief Building Official Mike DiBartolomeo offered that he would be willing to work with the Technical Review Committee on this ordinance but that never happened. Chairman Donovan discussed that in Methuen they have a yard sale ordinance that requires them to complete a permit to include the address and date of the yard sale and it has no permit fee and if the sign is left beyond the time frame then you paid a fine. Selectman McCarthy added that she is aware of a town that tried to come up with putting something in place to regulate where signs can and cannot be placed on their property and the town was sued that it was against the rights of the constitutional amendment relating to freedom of speech. Selectman McCarthy asked Mike if
his question relates to placing signs along the edge of the roadway. Pivero responded that a good rule of thumb is three feet off the edge of the property and he does not want to pick and choose what can and what cannot be done and it needs to be clearly defined. Mike added that he told the Road Crew that all signs are to be taken down for that is what he was told and what he is being told now is that is not the case for it only applies to telephone poles. The Board asked that we check with other towns to find out their regulations in place for signs. Pivero cautioned against writing an ordinance requiring a permit and then how is the Road Crew to know when the permit expires and in fact this could turn into something simple that becomes very confusing and he is afraid that we are heading down that slippery path. Chairman Donovan replied that the sign would have to show the permit expiration and with the date of the yard sale on the sign will prompt
the Road Crew to take a second look.
The Board decided to put this on as an action item and to check with the Town of Hampstead for Chairman Donovan stated that he thinks they have an ordinance relating to this subject.
D. Memo from Planning Board Re: Zoning Ordinances/Regulations
Chairman Donovan read a memo from the Planning Board asking for any input from the Board of Selectmen regarding areas of the zoning ordinances or regulations that need to be strengthened or enhanced. Selectman Thayer will inform the Planning Board at their next meeting that a current issue has to do with regulating signs and the Board is working on a sign ordinance and to ask them if they have any input for regulating signs on town property. TA, Wrigley questioned regulating livestock relating to manure management. Selectman McCarthy added that the Conservation Commission is working on preparing a regulation for set backs for corals and paddock areas and drainage into the wetlands in relation to manure runoff. Office Manager Winglass questioned a possible town regulation for those that live around the pond to help
protect Country Pond. Selectman McCarthy responded that this area is regulated by the State and she is working with the Wilders Grove Association by giving the residents information on possible pollutants such as fertilizer, pesticides, septic systems and by not washing cars in their driveways in order to eliminate any runoff into the pond. Selectman McCarthy added that the State has the Shoreline Protection Act that basically does not allow you to do anything and as of April 1st new regulations were put in place that are even stricter than before.
E. Memo from Planning Board Re: Air & Noise Invoice
Chairman Donovan read a memo from the Planning Board regarding a invoice from Frank Kuhn’s of Air & Noise Compliance for document review and preparation, court preparation and court testimony in support of the Newton Planning Board in the Sara Realty, LLC v. Town of Newton Planning Board Docket No. 07-E-0203.
TA, Wrigley informed the Board that all litigation is paid out of the town’s legal line item in the budget and the Planning Board would use their legal line item for legal opinions but not for law suits filed against the town.
Chairman Donovan motioned to pay legal fees brought on by the Planning Board for the Air & Noise invoice dated April 27, 2008 for a price of $3,531.60. Second by Selectman McCarthy. Discussion: Payable to Air & Noise Compliance of Plaistow, New Hampshire. Vote: Chairman Donovan – yes; Selectman McCarthy – yes; Selectman Thayer abstained. Motion passed.
Announcements
· Free Manure Management Workshop on Saturday May 17th at 11am at the Newton Town Hall
Selectman McCarthy stated that this workshop is for anyone with any animals such as goats, horses and or chickens for the management of manure. Selectman McCarthy added that New England Recycling will be here to conduct this workshop and will give residents ways to sell the manure and other ways to manage manure. The workshop is from 11am to 1pm.
· Low and Moderate Income Homeowners Tax Relief Forms available at the Town Hall
Chairman Donovan announced that the forms are available at the Town Hall. Office Manager Winglass stated that this tax relief is for low and moderate income homeowners to apply to receive a portion back of the State Education tax from the prior year. Applicants must own a homestead subject to the state education property tax; reside in such homestead on April 1st of the year for which the claim for relief is made; have a total household income of $20,000 or less if a single person or $40,000 or less if married or head of a NH household.
· Chairman Donovan announced that the Town Hall Selectmen’s Office will be closed this Wednesday, May 7, 2008 due to training. The Town Clerk/Tax Collector’s Office will be available for resident stickers and printing of assessing cards.
· Selectman Thayer announced that he spoke with Cemetery Trustee Bill Landry and the trustees recently purchased new signs for the Willow Grove Cemetery and Highland Cemetery. The signs are white with black lettering to keep the same theme of the other signs in town.
· Chairman Donovan announced that on May 26th at 2pm will be the Newton Memorial Day parade starting at the Newton Junction Fire Station to Willow Cemetery with the final route to be determined by the Recreation Commission.
Accept Minutes of Selectmen Meetings
· Selectmen’s Public Meeting minutes of April 21, 2008
Chairman Donovan motioned to accept the Selectmen’s Public Meeting minutes of April 21, 2008 as written. Second by Selectman McCarthy. Vote: Unanimous.
· Selectmen’s Nonpublic Meeting minutes of April 7, 2008 and April 21, 2008
Chairman Donovan motioned to accept the Selectmen’s Nonpublic Meeting minutes of April 7, 2007 and April 21, 2008 as written. Second by Selectman Thayer. Vote: Unanimous.
Reports from Department Heads
· Selectman McCarthy stated that the Conservation Commission is working at the Busch Farm and they plan to hold the bio-monitoring day on the same day as the Family Fall Fun Fair in September.
· TA, Wrigley announced that she is meeting with NHDOT John Corrigan and School Superintendent Keith Pfeifer at the Memorial School on Tuesday, May 6, 2008 regarding the Safe Bicycling and Walking to School Grant Funding.
Review of Action Items
Adjourn
Chairman Donovan motioned to resume the nonpublic meeting. Second by Selectman Thayer. Roll Call Vote: Chairman Donovan – yes; Selectman McCarthy – yes; Selectman Thayer – yes. Vote: Unanimous.
Chairman Donovan motioned to close the nonpublic meeting at 10:24pm. Second by Selectman Thayer. 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 that the Board approved a 2.5% merit increase for the Town Welfare Agent Tina O’Rourke and the Board signed the Settlement Agreement between the Town of Newton v. Mazzaglia Family Trust.
Chairman Donovan motioned to adjourn the public meeting at 10:25pm. Second by Selectman Thayer. Vote: Unanimous.
Respectfully Submitted,
Mary B. Winglass, Office Manager
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