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SELECTMEN’S PUBLIC MEETING
August 30, 2010
Chairman McCarthy called the meeting to order at 6:14pm. In attendance were Chairman Trisha J. McCarthy, Selectman Raymond D. Thayer, Selectman Robert S. Donovan, Jr., and Office Manager Mary B. Winglass. Minutes were transcribed and typed by Office Manager Winglass.
- Introduction of Guests
- Old Business
1. Continue review of Police Department Building Issues and Alternative Solution
All Town Departments were invited to this meeting to hear Chief Streeter’s presentation and to give input on this proposal. Many departments were in attendance.
Police Chief Lawrence Streeter showed a power point presentation outlining the legal and operational risk factors the town is currently facing with the poor working conditions at the Police Station. The legal risk factors include poor air quality, building code violation and archived files destroyed, an RSA violation. The common denominator is the square footage and some options were to add another trailer for the two fulltime female employees, wait until next March and ask the voters again for an addition and renovation project, do nothing or seek another alternative. See the August 16, 2010 Selectmen’s Meeting minutes for more details.
Some comments asked regarding this proposal were how to work out the short term and long term agreement regarding the purchase and sales agreement. How to handle the current renters in the building over the long term and the need to receive feedback from Town Counsel, Secretary of State and Department of Revenue Administration. Another comment referenced the need to be able to sell the current Police Station aggressively. The location of the lot and past concerns with the Merrimac Road/Route 108 intersection were discussed as a more political issue versus a practical concern. Health concerns with the present Police Station were discussed in that currently they have unsafe conditions but it has not been labeled as an imminent health hazard; but health concerns for the employees at the Police Station is a concern and we
should look at a temporary solution until receiving voter approval. Another point mentioned was the concern that the trailer at the Police Station has not been issued an occupancy permit.
The overall reaction to Chief Streeter’s proposal was positive from all that were present. The Board decided to set a meeting with Town Counsel as the next step. The option of starting a Building Task Force was discussed to include town officials as well as members of the public.
Chairman McCarthy motioned to continue with pursuing the purchase and sales agreement or whatever is recommended by Town Counsel with the Bearce property. Second by Selectman Donovan. The cost for this consult will be paid out of the legal budget. Vote: Unanimous.
A. Set dates for budget review and department head meeting
The Board set the date for submitting proposed 2011 budgets as October 25, 2010. Some preliminary dates were discussed with department heads for meeting with the Board to review their budgets as follows;
Town Clerk/Tax Collector on November 1, 2010
Road Agent and Bookkeeper/Payroll Administration at the end of December
Building Department on November 15, 2010
B. Hiring a new Cable Operator
Cable Chairman Diane Morin informed the Board that the Cable Committee unanimously recommends the hiring of David Koles as a cable operator at Grade V, step 9, $11.17 per hour. The committee is planning ahead since Cable Operator Tavish Forsyth is entering his senior year and will have less time as a cable operator.
Selectman Thayer motioned to hire David Koles as a Cable Operator at Grade V, step 9, $11.17 per hour effective today. Second by Selectman Donovan. Vote: Unanimous.
V. Announcements
VI. Accept Minutes of Selectmen Meetings
- Selectmen’s Public Meeting minutes of June 7, 2010, June 14, 2010, June 21, 2010, June 24, 2010, June 29, 2010, July 6, 2010, July 12, 2010 and July 19, 2010
Selectman Donovan motioned to accept the public meeting minutes dated June 7, 2010, June 14, 2010, June 21, 2010 and July 6, 2010 as written. Second by Selectman McCarthy. Vote: Unanimous.
Selectman Thayer motioned to accept the public meeting minutes dated June 24, 2010 and June 29, 2010 as written. Second by Chairman McCarthy. Motion passed with Selectman Donovan abstaining for he was not at the meetings.
Selectman Donovan motioned to accept the public meeting minutes dated July 12, 2010 and July 19, 2010 as written. Second by Selectman Thayer. Motion passed with Chairman McCarthy abstaining for she was not at the meetings.
- Selectmen’s Nonpublic Meeting minutes of June 7, 2010, June 21, 2010, July 6, 2010 and July 19, 2010
Selectman Thayer motioned to accept the nonpublic meeting minutes of June 7, 2010, June 21, 2010 and July 6, 2010 as written. Second by Selectman Donovan. Vote: Unanimous.
Selectman Thayer motioned to accept the nonpublic meeting minutes of July 19, 2010 as written. Second by Selectman Donovan. Motion passed with Chairman McCarthy abstaining for she was not at the meeting.
VII. Reports from Department Heads
VIII. Other Business
- Sign Manifests, Requisitions, Abatements, Tax Credits, Correspondence and Appointments
- The Board approved and signed a Welfare Manifest
- The Board approved and signed a completed application with Glacial Energy
- The Board signed a letter to Town Counsel authorizing him to release the letter of credit to First Tennessee minus the balance due the NPREA account of $7,768.32.
- The Board signed a grant award of $30,000 from the Attorney General Department of Justice
- The Board signed the Payroll Manifest dated August 15th – 28th
The Board signed the Vendor Manifest dated August 30, 2010 in the amount of $658,802.53 which includes a payment to the school.
- The Board reviewed the fall/winter meeting schedule and cancelled the November 8th meeting for Chairman McCarthy will not be able to attend
- The Board decided to invite “The Coalition Communities” to the September 20, 2010 Selectmen’s Meeting.
IX. Adjourn
Chairman McCarthy motioned to adjourn at 7:45pm. Second by Selectman Thayer. Vote: Unanimous.
Respectfully Submitted,
Mary B. Winglass, Office Manager
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