Minutes
Selectmen’s Workshop
December 15, 2005
8:30 AM Chair Netishen opened the meeting.
Members: Bill Netishen, Mary Bonser, Peter Bock and Town Administrator Charles A. Brown.
The meeting was recessed until 9:05 AM for the Board to have a phone conversation with counsel.
Guests: Phil English and Heidi Seaverns.
The Board covered overall changes in the Police budget for postage, office supplies, cruiser and DARE. There was some discussion about the SUV and a cruiser. It was suggested that the SUV could be a warrant article. Mr. Bock feels a warrant article may be a possibility so the voters can decide. Mr. Netishen feels the Board should make this decision. Chief English feels his request is reasonable. This is a vehicle that will have a more specialized, sporadic use than regular cruisers and not need to be replaced for 6-8 years. It would be an addition to the fleet. Mr. Bock will support the warrant article option and let the community decide. He asked about usage of the SUV. It will be used in bad weather and for services off the regular roads.
The Board will revisit the issue of this being a possible warrant article if the 2006 warrant is not too overwhelming.
Concerning performance bonuses for this year, Mr. Bock explained that the Chief should provide justification for 1 person, maybe 2 that have performed over and above their normal standard. The Board tried to explain the process again. Mr. Bock explained that it was not the intension to do an across the board merit increase.
The Chief asked if the Board had considered his last salary request. The Board said his request for $70,000 was discussed and denied.
Next the Chief informed the Board that the County prosecutor costs of $9,845 may go up, but is not certain at this time. The new court schedule is on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month, which will further disrupt the department schedule.
He has a new hire prospect that is a certified part time police officer. Mr. Netishen asked if there would be an agreement regarding length of employment if the Town pays for him/her to go through the police academy. The answer was no. The salary starts at $32,000 and will be increased after graduation from the academy.
Concerning the Conservation Commission budget, Mr. Netishen feels that $475.00 should be cut. Mr. Brown will call Sam and ask for more justification for the equipment line including a camera.
The next issue was regarding the Town Report, a proposed dedication was discussed and the Board’s report of the Selectmen.
The Avitar contract was reviewed. Page 1 was OK, page 2 the number of meetings was discussed, On page 3, the 2nd paragraph covers notices such as door hangings. Mr. Brown will ask Avitar about leaving notices on property that has been reviewed except for vacant land. It was asked if this should be added to the contract agreement. Mr. Brown will follow-up on this.
Motion: Bonser, second Bock to renew the Avitar contract for one year at a cost of $50,650.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
The Board then addressed 2 letters that the Board received. One came from Christopher Mills and the other came from Chris Reagan. Mr. Bock recused himself from comment in this regard. Mr. Brown gave the Board draft responses for the Board’s review. After some changes, the Board asked Mr. Brown to edit and send the letters in their behalf.
Ms. Bonser asked for a review of the PLAC letters and she read them. The letters were OK’d by the Board.
It was stated that the Building Committee has no charter. Ms. Bonser feels that this should be done to assist the committee in conducting their business. Mr. Netishen explained the process the committee has used.
Mr. Netishen and Ms. Bonser disagree concerning non-public meetings between the Building Committee and the School Board. Much discussion followed. Mr. Brown advised that a charter should state that any non-public business must be relayed to the Board as they oversee the committee and have the final decision. Regarding the new proposed land for the fire department building, Ms. Bonser feels that the fire department should provide their opinion on this site. Mr. Netishen asked Mr. Brown to review minutes regarding the charge of the existing Building Committee. Much discussion continued regarding the proper use of RSA 91-A. This will be followed up by Mr. Brown and he will report to the Board. There needs to be a warrant article by the school to sell land to town
for $1.00 and a warrant article by the Town to buy the property. Mr. Netishen stated the Building Committee would provide a plan and recommendation for action by the Town in 2006.
Ms. Bonser reviewed some items covered regarding new zoning regulations. The proposed septic issue generated much discussion.
Ms. Bonser wished to discuss the possible appeal of the Planning Board decision to Superior Court. She feels that Save Our Groundwater is of the opinion that the Town is not responding properly to this matter. She asked if the Town should appeal the matter regarding Mr. Caron’s statement and ask the court to verify what the Planning Board was allowed to consider. Mr. Netishen feels the Town has gone to the extent it could and may have gone over and above what was requested. An additional appeal is spinning our wheels.
Motion: Bonser to appeal the Planning Board action of November 16, 2005.
No second was made.
12:30 PM Having no further discussion before the Board,
Motion: Netishen, second Bonser to adjourn.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Respectfully Submitted,
Charles A. Brown
Town Administrator
Approved as edited, 1/9/06
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