Office of the Board of Selectmen
2 Town Hall Road, Newton, NH 03858
Tel: 382-4405 ext. 10 * Fax 382-9140
NEWTON BOARD OF SELECTMEN
DATE: TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 2011
TIME: 5:30PM
LOCATION: NEWTON TOWN HALL, 2 TOWN HALL ROAD
PUBLIC MEETING
- Call to Order, Roll Call Vote
Chairman McCarthy called the meeting to order at 5:37pm. In attendance were Chairman Trisha J. McCarthy, Selectman Raymond D. Thayer, Selectman Lawrence B. Foote, Town Administrator Nancy J. Wrigley and Office Manager Mary B. Winglass. The meeting was videotaped; minutes were transcribed and typed by Office Manager Winglass.
- Pledge of Allegiance
- Introduction of Guests
- Approval of Minutes
Scheduled Business:
- John McSorley of McSorley Consultants Re: USPAP Report
Present were John McSorley of John W. McSorley Consulting and Charles Reese, State of NH Property Appraisal Supervisor for the State of New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration.
Chairman McCarthy read a letter from Reese explaining that DRA reviewed the final USPAP Standard 6 report prepared by McSorley. DRA’s review of the report determined that it is compliant with Standard 6 of the current edition of the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) as required by RSA 21-J:14-b,I(c).
McSorley explained the sections of the report, what it is intended to do for the municipal officials, public and the Dept of Revenue as part of the statistical update completed in 2010.
Town Administrator Nancy Wrigley asked McSorley how the town is to respond to a resident that comes in and wants to know why the land value made up the majority of the change that affected property values as part of the statistical update. Wrigley asked which section of the USPAP report refers the reasoning for the reduction to the land valuation as part of the statistical update. McSorley searched the report but could not find a reference to Wrigley’s question; if anyone needs a question answered they need to contact Town Administrator Nancy Wrigley who will then forward questions to McSorley.
Mr. Reese discussed that the Department of Revenue Administration is charged with the responsibility of annually equalizing the local assessed valuation of municipalities throughout the state. The Department conducted a sales-assessment ratio study using market sales which took place in Newton between October 1, 2009 and September 30, 2010 to determine the average level of assessment of land, buildings and manufactured housing as of April 1, 2010.
Based upon the study, the Department determined the median ratio for the land, buildings, and manufactured housing in Newton for Tax Year 2010 to be 101.4. The median ratio is used to adjust for the equalization and falls well in the guidelines based upon the statistical update completed in 2010. Mr. Reese added that the Department has seen the trend with very little variation to the building values due to various events in the country with site values having the most depreciation in value.
Chairman McCarthy explained the sequence of events that conclude this evening. After giving notice to the residents of the town to enter their name into the pool if interested in the old, dilapidated hovercraft behind the Fire Department to be sold for $1, the Board will draw one name from a basket tonight.
The town received a response from six residents who are interested in the hovercraft as follows; Anthony Murphy, Ron Saunders, Charlie Melvin, Sr., Jeffrey Phaneuf, Michael Burt and Jeff Gersbach. Office Manager Winglass contacted all six of the interested residents to inform them of the drawing tonight.
Per the request of Chairman McCarthy, Transfer Station Manager Kevin Jolicoeur drew Ron Saunders name from the basket. The Board signed a Bill of Sale transferring ownership of the 1986 Hovercraft “as is” to Ron Saunders for $1.
Chairman McCarthy motioned that based upon the drawing to transfer the ownership of the 1986 Hovercraft, Hull Identification Number SCC00611f686 to Ron Saunders on April 5, 2011 “as is” for a price of $1. Second by Selectman Foote. Discussion: Selectman Thayer asked when does he need to have it moved; as soon as possible. Vote: Unanimous.
- Letter from the State Fire Marshal Re: Permissible Fireworks
The Board reviewed a letter from the State Fire Marshal’s Office requesting a letter from all towns in New Hampshire advising whether Newton’s legislative body or governing body has voted to allow or prohibit the possession and display of permissible fireworks. The Board reviewed Selectmen’s meeting minutes dated June 19, 2006 when fireworks were last reviewed as part of the proposed noise ordinance. Per RSA 160-C:11 allows for a person who is 21 years of age or older to possess permissible fireworks except in a municipality which has voted to prohibit possession. The Town of Newton has not prohibited possession of permissible fireworks as defined by State Statute.
The Board requested for a response letter to be prepared to the State Fire Marshal’s Office stating that Newton allows permissible fireworks per the State Statute.
- Fire Department Re: Employee merit increase and resignation
Fire Chief Ingalls was present and handed out a proposed certification validation and hourly pay rate calculation for the Fire/EMS personnel. The proposed rates will be used on Fire/EMS incidents and training. Chief Ingalls proposed an hourly rate of $13.00 per hour on all other Fire Departments time such as but not limited to maintenance, temsis, truck shuttle, truck checks, etc.
The Board reviewed an attached certification schedule with rates to include longevity. The longevity in the department comes in at 11.35 years.
The Board addressed how this calculation will affect the matrix and decided that it may take some time but we should be able to incorporate it into the matrix schedule.
Selectman Foote motioned to approve the Fire Department Certification Validation and Hourly Payrate Calculation. Second by Chairman McCarthy. Selectman Foote added that we will work together to put the matrix in place. Probationary periods are usually six months but could be different due to their background coming from another department. The payrates will be effective May 1, 2011. Vote: Unanimous.
The Board then reviewed an email from Chief Ingalls proposing a pay increase for Zakk Castellano from Grade V, step 2 to Grade VIII, step 2 effective March 28, 2011. The Board also accepted a resignation from Jeff Macdonald effective March 15, 2011.
Selectman Foote motioned to approve an increase to move Zackk Castellano from Grade V, step 2 to Grade VIII, step 2 effective date of March 28, 2011. Second by Selectman Thayer. Vote: Unanimous.
- Review of the revised Matrix and Classification Plan
Town Administrator Nancy Wrigley prepared a revised salary classification plan in order to bring it up to date with today’s departments and positions. Due to the recommendation of the town auditors, the Selectmen need to reference the date of the salary classification plan and wage schedule when approving a merit increase for all employees.
The Board then reviewed a matrix schedule showing all town employees with their present wage or salary, grade/step, EIP Education Incentive Plan and effective date. The schedule includes the recent rate changes for the Police Department effective April 3, 2011.
The Board discussed incorporating the Fire Department rate changes into the matrix classification. Town Administrator Wrigley questioned how we will incorporate the Fire Department rates into the matrix schedule before May 1st since she is going on vacation; she will also need to work with the Police Department Office Manager to place the department in the right locations within the matrix classification plan. The Board offered to help work with the Fire Department to incorporate the new rates into the classification plan by May 1st and if we need additional time then the rate change can be made retroactive.
The Board signed three copies of the current matrix per employee working for the town with an effective date as of April 3, 2011.
- Letter from resident Stephen Cushing Re: Transfer Station
Chairman McCarthy read a letter from resident Stephen Cushing applauding the excellent work being done by Transfer Station Manager Kevin Jolicoeur and his staff. McCarthy added that Jolicoeur is doing a great job and we don’t often hear the compliments for his job is sometimes a thankless job. Jolicoeur abides by the town policies and what is recommended by DES and EPA which is not always easy.
- Recreation Commission Re: Hiring for the 2011 Swim Program
Recreation Chairman Pauline Dupuis and Secretary Sue DiMercurio were present. Selectman Foote read a help wanted advertisement for a Swim Coordinator, Lifeguards and Swim Aids that will run in the Carriage Towne News and on the town’s website. DiMercurio and Dupuis stated that the Swim Coordinator will work on hiring the lifeguards; the Recreation Commission will interview for the position of Swim Coordinator.
DiMercurio handed out proposed job descriptions prepared for all three positions for the swim program. The Board will review the job descriptions but all were impressed with the documents as prepared by DiMercurio.
A discussion ensued regarding an emergency phone or panic button at the town beach. It was discussed that the best option would be to have a phone line installed for cell phones do not always have service in that area.
Dupuis discussed the number of hours put in by DiMercurio such as preparing the job descriptions for the swim program, researching, attending meetings and attending to the paperwork. Chairman McCarthy explained the need to keep within the budget restraints and if the salary line item goes over the budgeted amount then the Commission needs to make sure that it is covered by another line item in the budget. The Board offered to hold a work session with the Recreation to review the budget; documentation of hours and job duties will help show the justification for a change in next year’s budget.
Dupuis discussed that in the past the Recreation Commission was able to roll over any remaining balance at the end of the year’s budget into the Recreation revolving account as approved by the Selectmen in 1998. Dupuis spoke with Bookkeeper/Payroll Administrator Kim Hughes who told her that the auditors recommended stopping this practice which was then discontinued.
Dupuis discussed spyware for her computer in order to use it for Recreation purposes. The Recreation Commission approved the purchase of antivirus software.
Selectman Thayer motioned that we approve the purchase of antivirus software not to exceed $50 for Recreation. Second by Selectman Foote. Vote: Unanimous.
Office Manager Winglass asked how the Board would like to handle the hiring of the beach personnel this year. Chairman McCarthy responded to the Recreation Commission that as a new board they need to be careful on what you ask when interviewing and to contact the labor board for guidelines. As the Selectmen are the Governing Body with the authority to hire, the Recreation Commission will interview the applicants and bring in their recommendation to the Board. Selectman Foote added that he recently took an online course through the Local Government Center that may help with the interviewing process.
- Cont review of agreement with Recycling Associates
Transfer Station Manager Kevin Jolicoeur was present.
Jolicoeur discussed the revised paper recycling agreement stipulating the terms of the contract that would not start until the packer has been installed and ready to go. He added that Unitil has been down and they are going to put in another pole five feet from the present pole and will bring in the transformer at no cost to the town. Jolicoeur is working on the cost to bring in an electrician to run electricity from the pole to the packer.
Selectman Foote motioned to approve the revised three year agreement from Recycling Associates. Second by Selectman Thayer. Vote: Unanimous.
- Department of Revenue Administration Re: Median Ratio for Tax Year 2010 to be 101.4
Recreation Commission is accepting applications for Swim Coordinator, Lifeguards and Swim Aids
Invitation to Bid – Ductless Split Air Conditioning System at Town Hall
Chief Building Official Ron LeMere was present and discussed the specifications for the ductless split air condition system at the Town Hall.
- Invitation to Bid – Greenie Park Field Maintenance
- Invitation to Bid – Hazardous Waste Day
- Other Business, Sign Manifests, Requisitions, Abatements, Tax Credits, Correspondence and Appointments
Appointments
Chairman McCarthy motioned to appoint Pauline Dupuis as a member of the Recreation Commission with an effective date of April 15, 2013. Second by Selectman Thayer. Vote: Unanimous.
Selectman Thayer motioned to appoint Mary Marshall as a member of the Stewardship Committee with an expiration date of April 15, 2016. Second by Chairman McCarthy. Vote: Unanimous.
Selectman Foote motioned to appoint Kevin Jolicoeur as a member of the 149-M Solid Waste Committee with an expiration date of April 15, 2012. Second by Chairman McCarthy. Vote: Unanimous
Selectman Foote motioned to appoint Mary Marshall as a member of the 149-M Solid Waste Committee with an expiration date of April 15, 2012. Second by Selectman Thayer. Vote: Unanimous.
Selectman Foote motioned to appoint Jack Kozec as a member of the 149-M Solid Waste Committee with an expiration date of April 15, 2012. Second by Chairman McCarthy. Vote: Unanimous.
Selectman Foote motioned to appoint Kimberly Hughes as a member of the 149-M Solid Waste Committee with an expiration date of April 15, 2012. Second by Chairman McCarthy. Vote: Unanimous.
Selectman Foote motioned to appoint Nancy Wrigley as a member of the 149-M Solid Waste Committee with an expiration date of April 15, 2012. Second by Chairman McCarthy. Vote: Unanimous.
The Board reviewed a memo from Police Chief Streeter regarding a change to his memo dated March 17, 2011 concerning the departments merit increases. Due to the fact that Sabato Larusso has a bachelor’s degree, his rate of pay should be Grade XIII, Step 5. Town Administrator Wrigley added that she made the change on the matrix that was signed by the Board tonight.
Chairman McCarthy motioned for Sabato Larusso to be changed to Grade XIII, step 5 effective April 2, 2011. Second by Selectman Foote. Discussion: This change is due to correcting an error. Vote: Unanimous.
The Board reviewed a requisition from the Recreation Commission to purchase 2 (two) new/used 32 gallon barrels and 6 (six) new 32 gallon barrels to be used at Greenie Park, Town Beach and the boat ramp for a total of $252.00. The Board questioned the need for the additional barrels and who will be responsible to make sure they are emptied. Office Manager Winglass responded that she was told by Dupuis and DiMercurio that Baseball will empty the barrels at Greenie Park, the swim coordinator will make sure the barrels at the beach are emptied on a regular basis. McCarthy replied that the intent is fabulous but the history of the barrels not being tended to have been a past issue. McCarthy added that Matt Muskrat is a Recreation Commission member and works with Baseball and he will be the primary person
responsible for the barrels at Greenie Park. The intent is with more barrels we will have less of a problem with trash overflow.
Selectman Thayer motioned to sign the requisition for the Recreation Commission to purchase the barrels. Second by Selectman Foote. Discussion: Matt Muskrat is the contact for Baseball to make sure they are maintained. Vote: Unanimous.
The Board signed Intent to Cut for 5 Webster Road for Map 001-04-001 and 001-03-001.
Selectman Foote motioned to approve the Notice of Intent to Cut Wood or Timber for Map 001-04-001 and 001-03-001. Second by Selectman Thayer. Vote: Unanimous.
The Board discussed the need to check their availability to attend an Eagle Scout Court of Honor for Corey Bailey on Saturday, May 14, 2011.
The Board approved and signed a Vendor Manifest dated April 4, 2011 for a total of $228,976.58.
- Non-Public Session under RSA 91-A:3 II (c) – Review of 2011 Deed List; (a) and (b) – Transfer Station (a) – Performance Evaluations/Job Descriptions
Chairman McCarthy motioned to go into Non-Public Session at 7:45pm under RSA 91-A:3 II (c) – Review of 2011 Deed List; (a) and (b) – Transfer Station (a) – Performance Evaluations/Job Descriptions. Second by Selectman Thayer. Roll Call Vote: Chairman McCarthy – aye, Selectman Thayer – aye, Selectman Foote – aye. Vote: Unanimous.
Chairman McCarthy motioned to recess the nonpublic meeting at 9:45pm. 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 the following;
To hire John T. Gillow, Jr. as a floater at the Transfer Station effective April 5th at Grade V, step 1, with a six month probation and to work with the Transfer Station Manager until he can work on his own.
To hire Gary Bezemes as a floater at the Transfer Station effective April 5th at Grade V, step 1, with a six month probation pending a background check. The Board discussed that Bezemes can train while waiting for the background check.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Chairman McCarthy motioned to resume the nonpublic session at 5:32pm on Thursday, April 7, 2011. Second by Selectman Foote. Roll Call Vote: Chairman McCarthy –aye, Selectman Thayer – aye, Selectman Foote – aye. Vote: Unanimous.
Chairman McCarthy motioned to close the nonpublic session at 9:17pm. Second by Selectman Thayer. Per a 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.
Chairman McCarthy motioned to adjourn the public meeting. Second by Selectman Thayer. Vote: Unanimous.
Respectfully Submitted,
Mary B. Winglass, Office
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