NEWTON BOARD OF SELECTMEN
DATE: TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 2015
TIME: 6PM
LOCATION: NEWTON TOWN HALL, 2 TOWN HALL ROAD
PUBLIC MEETING
- Call to Order, Roll Call Vote
Chairman Donovan called the meeting to order at 6:16pm. In attendance were Selectmen Robert S. Donovan, Jr., Chairman, James L. Doggett, Vice Chairman, Lisa L. Gonyer, Town Administrator Nancy J. Wrigley and Office Manager Mary B. Winglass. The meeting was audio taped; draft minutes were transcribed and typed by Office Manager Winglass.
Selectman Lawrence B. Foote was not in attendance; Selectman Matthew A. Burrill arrived at approximately 7:12pm.
Chairman Donovan moved to go into Nonpublic Session under RSA 91-A:3 II (c) - Deeding; (a) - Transfer Station; (b) & (c) - Fire Department; (d) - 8 Merrimac Road. Second by Doggett with a roll call vote: Donovan - aye, Doggett - aye, Gonyer - aye.
Vice Chairman Doggett moved to close the Non-Public Meeting at 7:38 pm.~ Second by Selectman Gonyer with a unanimous roll call vote to keep all matters confidential until in the opinion of the majority of the members the circumstances no longer apply with the exception for the decision to deed two properties.~ Donovan - aye, Doggett – aye, Burrill – aye, Gonyer – aye.
- Pledge of Allegiance
- Introduction of Guests
- Approval of Minutes (Review prior to meeting)
- Selectmen’s Public and Nonpublic Meeting minutes dated May 11, 2015 and May 19, 2015
Doggett moved to accept the Selectmen’s Public and Nonpublic Meeting minutes dated May 11, 2015 and May 19, 2015 as amended. Second by Burrill with a unanimous vote.
- Fire Department Education Policy under Standard Operating Procedures
Fire Chief John Alcaidinho was present to discuss a new Education Policy prepared for the Fire Department. This policy is part of the Standard Operating Procedures, Administrative section which clearly outlines the objective and requirements for formal education as approved by the Fire Chief.
Burrill moved to accept the Fire Department Education policy as amended. Second by Doggett with a unanimous vote.
- Fire Department Attendance under Dept Rules & Regulations
Chief Alcaidinho presented a proposed Attendance Policy which is new to the department under the Department Rules & Regulations. The Board agreed to two revisions to the second to last paragraph, last sentence as follows: If at any point, an active department member is mathematically unable to make or meet their required attendance percentages for that year, he or she shall may be terminated at the discretion of the Fire Chief in accordance with Departmental policy and procedures.
Chief Alcaidinho explained that he is holding a meeting this Sunday for the members of the department who will receive a copy and sign for the two new policies. Those that are unable to attend will meet with the Chief individually.
Chief Alcaidinho added that at an Officers meeting they felt this attendance policy is required and is based upon years of service to determine the number of calls they are required to attend. A discussion took place that a lot of members work during the day and if they are at work and not able to attend calls would that be held against them. Chief responded that there are only three members that have not met this requirement therefore it does not affect those that work full time. Attendance includes fire/rescue calls and drills.
Chief Alcaidinho added that he plans on meeting with the Board of Selectmen for new hires at their next meeting.
Burrill moved to accept the updated Fire Department Attendance Policy and ask to amend the last sentence, second to last paragraph to read “he or she shall may be terminated at the discretion of the Fire Chief” in accordance with Departmental policy and procedures.. Second by Doggett. Gonyer asked how the on call works; Chief explained that they are 24/7 first shift, second shift or third shift. The call goes out to everyone via text or page and if a structure fire then there is an automatic mutual aid. Motion passed with a unanimous vote.
- Sign to Transfer Title on Tanker 4
Fire Chief Alcaidinho explained that any day the town will receive the bond and the invoice for the down payment on Tanker 5. The other item that needs to be addressed is to sign the title on Tanker 4 transferring ownership to Pierce Manufacturing. Pierce asked not to write in the new owner for they are not sure which division will take ownership; just sign and date the title for now.
Doggett moved to sign the title and mail to Pierce manufacturing with no name listed on the transfer of ownership. Donovan will sign as Chairman, Board of Selectmen. Second by Burrill. Pierce will come and take possession of the truck; Doggett added to make sure we take the plates off the truck. Motion passed with a unanimous vote.
- Cont review of repairs at Central Fire Station
Fire Chief Alcaidinho referenced the documentation from Mike Vignale, Town Engineer who prepared an approximate construction estimate to repair the Fire Department driveway. Chief Alcaidinho reviewed Vignale’s findings and recommendation and after speaking with Road Agent Mike Pivero the catch basin cannot be removed but may need to be replaced. The driveway cannot be repaired for the sub base was never designed for the length of time/use. We have a few months to get this work done before we have the new truck.
A discussion took place on how to fund this repair for it is clear that it needs to be done. Chief referenced another big ticket item that needs to be done this year, a new heating system at the Central Fire Station. If we look at a propane heater then we could remove the oil burner room and the tanker will fit on a more solid ground. This may allow us to wait until the next fiscal budget to get the driveway done.
Chief added that he is trying to move trucks around and his recommendation would be to look at the heating system now. Chief stated that he will know by the next meeting if we take out the oil room will we be able to swap the trucks around and make it work. Also he will look into the best time of year to get the work done on the driveway. Also the front step at the Central Fire Station needs to be fixed as soon as possible.
Doggett added that it is still a good idea to get a bid list of work for the RFP for the driveway work from the Town Engineer. Town Administrator added that the roof on Central Fire Station needs some work which became apparent when shoveling off the roof this past winter.
Chief added that at some point the town is going to have to make the decision on what to do with this property prior to winter. Donovan asked the Chief if he can get a member of the Fire Department to take a look at the roof, if not he will come by and check on it.
Doggett thanked the Chief for keeping the Board aware of the situation in a timely manner.
- Cont review of PTO for Permanent Part Time Employees
Selectman Burrill talked about how he worked on the spreadsheet for part time employees benefits (PTO) but to compare to other towns is difficult for we are the only town that has PTO for part time employees. Burrill suggested that before we review this item as a Board to first discuss it at the District Area Meeting scheduled for June 22nd with Kingston, Fremont and the School Board. The Board agreed to hold off from making any decision until they have had a chance to discuss it with the surrounding towns and the School Board. This item has been tabled until the Board’s first meeting in July.
- Invitation to Bid: Hazardous Waste Day
Burrill read the Invitation to Bid legal notice as follows:
The Board of Selectmen is soliciting bids for Newton’s “Hazardous Waste Day” at the Newton Transfer Station/Recycling Center, 4 Dugway Road, Newton NH 03858. Bid to include: Proposed Crew, Set-up Fee, Minimum Price Newton would have to spend on event, Energy and Security Recovery Fee, List of what will be accepted, Transportation and Disposal Costs, an estimate of total cost for the event (1 day, Town size 4,600). This will be a one-day event to be scheduled for a weekend in September/October 2015. All bids must include proof of insurance.
Sealed Bids marked “2015 Hazardous Waste Day” are to be returned to the Selectmen’s Office, Newton Town Hall, P.O. Box 378, Newton NH 03858, by 4:00 PM on Tuesday, July 7, 2015 to be opened at a Selectmen’s Meeting that evening. If there are any questions, please call the Selectmen’s Office at (603) 382-4405 ext. 10. The Selectmen reserve the right to reject any or all bids; also the right to negotiate for the best arrangement for the Town of Newton.
Chairman Donovan announced that the Transfer Station vouchers have expired for this year.
- Response letter from U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte: Cadillac Tax
Selectman Gonyer read a response letter from U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte regarding the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act’s (PPACA, Public Law 111-148) “Cadillac Tax. Selectman Burrill personally thanked Senator Ayotte for responding.
- Announcements
- Other Business, Sign Manifests, Requisitions, Abatements, Tax Credits, Correspondence and Appointments
Correspondence from Fire Department
Building at 21 Highland Street will be used by the Fire Department for training until June 21st or an agreed upon date. Fitzgerald Companies donated the building for training purposes and the Chief is working on the details for a live burn which is planned for the last Sunday of the month. The Chief will reach out to surrounding communities to be included in this planned burn.
The Board talked about coordinating with the Police Department to block off the road since Highland and Chase Road are major thoroughfares on Sundays. Notice will be sent out to the residents on the website that live training will take place over the next few weeks by rescue personnel.
Doggett moved to sign the Payroll Manifest dated 06/05/2015 for the pay period 5/17 - 5/30. Second by Gonyer with a unanimous vote.
Doggett moved to pay the Vendor Manifest dated 05/29/2015 in the amount of $49,133.82. Second by Gonyer with a unanimous vote.
Doggett moved to pay the Vendor Manifest dated 06/02/2015 in the amount of $304,891.53. Second by Gonyer with a unanimous vote.
Doggett moved to sign a Forest Fire Report/Bill for training in Brentwood in the amount of $49.19. Second by Burrill with a unanimous vote.
Doggett moved to sign a Forest Fire Report/Bill for brush fire on Gale Village Road in the amount of $435.50. Second by Burrill with a unanimous vote.
Doggett moved to sign letters to Whispering Pines Campground, Country Pond Campground and the Newton Learning Center regarding the use of the Town Beach and the amended Town Parks and Recreation Ordinance. Second by Gonyer with a unanimous vote.
Doggett moved to sign a letter approving payment to the Cable Revolving Account in the amount of $12,667.78 from cable revenues received in the first quarter of 2015. Second by Gonyer with a unanimous vote.
Doggett moved to sign a letter to establish a Capital Reserve Fund for the purpose of Engineering and Renovation of the land and buildings located at 8 Merrimac Road, Map 12-6-11 and to deposit the revenue generated from rental fees at this location. The Board is requesting the Trustees to deposit the first monthly rental check in the amount of $850.00 in to this newly established Capital Reserve Fund. Second by Burrill with a unanimous vote.
Doggett moved to sign a thank you letter to William H. Thomas, (Ret) Master Sergeant, United States Army for honoring the town as the Grand Marshal for Newton’s Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony on May 25, 2015. Second by Donovan. Donovan asked to send a thank you letter to Road Agent Mike Pivero and the Recreation Commission for all their work to make it a successful parade this year. Motion passed with a unanimous vote.
Doggett moved to sign a letter authorizing the Treasurer to open a new bank account to hold a security deposit for 8 Merrimac Road. Second by Gonyer with a unanimous vote.
Doggett moved to sign the following abatements:
Abatement for Map 5-4-1 in the amount of $205.88
Abatement for Map 8-2-12-11 in the amount of $442.28
Abatement for Map 4-3-1 in the amount of $642.86
Abatement for Map 4-6-3-15 in the amount of $248.68
Abatement for Map 7-3-28-11 in the amount of $129.19
Abatement for Map 2-4-32 in the amount of $670.97
Second by Gonyer with a unanimous vote.
Doggett moved to sign the 2015 - 1st half credit abatement for Map 6-9-23 Elderly Credit & Assessment Adjustment in the amount of $1,175 . Second by Gonyer with a unanimous vote.
Selectman Gonyer announced that the Sanborn Regional High School Softmore class will be going to the Busch Farm over the next couple of weeks for pollination and planting of wild flowers. The Conservation Commission approved this event but the office has not received the permit with the dates. Gonyer will forward the contact information to the Selectmen’s Office.
Selectman Burrill recommended to the Board of Selectmen for all members to attend a joint meeting with Fremont, Kingston and the School Board on June 22nd at 6:30pm at the Newton Town Hall. Burrill already received confirmation from Kingston; Fremont and Sanborn School Board will let us know later this week. The plan is to have a quorum of all Board of Selectmen from each community. The Sanborn School Board will send representatives. An agenda will be posted and minutes taken by Office Manager Winglass. The Board all agreed and asked to have cable tape the meeting if possible. Each board will be asked to give their top three issues they are currently facing for this meeting.
Newton will put on the agenda, part time employee benefits. The Board’s homework for the next meeting is to come up with two other items for the agenda.
Donovan moved to adjourn at 8:54pm Second by Gonyer with a unanimous vote.
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