SELECTMEN’S MEETING MINUTES for OCTOBER 17, 2011
The Board of Selectmen met for their weekly meeting at 6:00 p. m. at the Campton Town Office. Present were, Selectmen, Sharon Davis, Charles Wheeler, Charles Cheney and Marsh Morgan. Selectman Keeney was not present due to a conflict in schedule. The Board signed the manifest and reviewed the bills. They signed 1Building Permit, 1 approval for deeding 2008 unpaid property taxes, 1 Close Out Agreement with Community Development Finance Authority, 1 representation letter to Plodzik & Sanderson and an appointment for a full time Police Officer.
At 6:30 p.m. Chair Davis called the meeting to order and made a Motion to go into Non Public Session under RSA 91-A, 11© regarding tax matters. The Motion was seconded by Selectman Wheeler, and with a roll call vote: Selectman Morgan – aye, Selectman Davis – aye, Selectman Wheeler – aye, and Selectman Cheney – aye, the Board went into Non public Session.  The Board came out of Non Public Session at 7:10 p.m.
Chair Davis then called on the Conservation Commission (CC) as the next appointment for the evening. Those present representing the CC were: Melissa Greenwalt-Yelle, Jane Kellogg, Jessica Halm and Tamara Wooster. Jessica Halm proceeded to explain that they were here this evening to clarify their goal to move forward with Warrant Article RSA 36-A:4-a which was tabled at the last Town Meeting. This Warrant Article pertained to conservation fund expenditures made to “qualified organizations†which would allow the CC to share in the owners’ costs in obtaining Conservation Easements. The CC’s ultimate goal was to bring the article to the voters at the 2012 Town Meeting with the Board’s support. The Board addressed their concerns and the CC explained the benefits to the Town and that it would give incentive to property owners to participate in obtaining Conservation Easements. As was explained by Jane Kellogg, many owners might want to participate; however might be land rich, but not necessarily wealthy enough to bear the costs of obtaining a Conservation Easement. This Warrant Article, if passed, would assist in the costs to the property owner. Chair Davis suggested that the CC present the Article to the public at Town Meeting just as they did this evening, as she believed the public could relate to Jane Kellogg’s scenario presented this evening.  Chair Davis also suggested that the CC place this information in the Town Report. The Board unanimously agreed that the CC should move forward with a Public Hearing and suggested a date in late January 2012.
Regarding another issue, Ann Marie presented a copy of an e-mail to the CC pertaining to a request to remove a large tree on the Campton Town Forest property that abuts Red Sleigh, which request was received by the newly-elected President of the Red Sleigh Condominium Association.
Chair Davis then proceeded with the opening of the winter plowing bids (for the next 3 years). The following is a list of the bids:
Section B: Robert “Butch†Burhoe, Sr., $65.00 per hour. Equipment: 2003 Ford F550 1 ½ Ton dump truck, power stroke diesel, 9 foot Fisher Plow and town sander
Section J: Deven S. McIver, $55.00 per hour. Equipment: 1 Ton truck and sander
Section I: Jeff Hebda (Evergreen Acres Landscaping, $70.00 per hour. Equipment: Ford F-550 Super Duty Dump Truck, 1 ½ Ton dual wheel, all-wheel drive, power stroke diesel with heavy duty deep lug tires and ice chains and LED safety lighting. Plow is an expandable 11’6†heavy-duty commercial/municipal road plow. 2.5 cu. yard sander included on truck  Ford F-350 1 ton dual wheel, power stroke diesel, all-wheel drive with deep lug tires and ice chains. A 9’6†commercial grade snowplow with heavy-duty cutting edges. Truck includes new 3.5 cu. yard capacity sander, LED safety lighting.
Section C: Alan Mann’s Home Improvements, $70.00 per hour year one; $72.50, year two; $75.00 per hour year 3. Equipment: 2008 Ford 550 dump with 9’ plow (GVW 18,800 lb.), Highway Super P sander – 3 yd. Capacity.
Section D: Allard Trucking, Russell Allard, $65.00 per hour. Equipment: 1997 Ford F350 dump, 7.31diesel, 11.000 GVW, live hydraulics, front 9’ frink plow with power curl, side 8’ hydraulic wing, 8’ hydraulic sander, 3.5 yds.
Section D: Joseph Downing, Sr., $73.97 per hour. Equipment: 1 Ford F-550 truck with 9’6†Fisher extreme V plow, 1 2.5 CY stainless steel electric spreader with variable controls.
The Board discussed and agreed that the fuel adjustment policy would no longer be in existence. The Board then agreed to a $2.50 per year increase to each subcontractor’s bid for the next three years and agreed to the specified bids for the next three years as stated in Alan Mann’s Home Improvements’ bid for $70.00, 1st year, $72.50 2nd year and $75.00 3rd year. Chair Davis made a Motion to accept the following bids: Robert “Butch: Burhoe, Sr., Deven S. McIver, Jeff Hebda (Evergreen Acres Landscaping), and Allard Trucking (Russell Allard) to reflect the $2.50 per year increase and to accept Allan Mann’s Home Improvement bid as specifically stated for the three-year period. The Motion was seconded by Selectman Wheeler and the bids were approved as specified above. The Town Plow Policy was signed by the Board and copies distributed to the subcontractors.
Chair Davis then called on Kelly Bolger of the Building Committee. Mr. Bolger informed the Board that he and Chair Davis met with the architect, Dennis Mires, P.A. to discuss modifying the building to keep costs down, but still keep quality and needs met. Some items discussed to reduce the cost were: copula construction; high energy efficient propane boiler (rather than GEO-thermal); double pane windows as opposed to triple pane; alternate siding and the fact that because of the size of the building, (including meeting space) would fit the criteria for applying for certain grants. Mr. Bolger explained the proposal letter from Dennis B. Mires, P.A. pertaining to the charges for the specified adjustments to be made to the plans, which totaled $14,900.00. Mr. Bolger and Chair Davis expressed that the price was reasonably quoted for the revisions and attendance at 2 Building Committee meetings and 1 Town Meeting. Mr. Bolger also mentioned that contractors, at the present time, are also affected by the economy and are more approachable to curb costs in construction in order to get the job.   At this point, Mr. Bolger asked the Board what direction they would like to go in. The Board, after discussion agreed to go forward. Selectman Wheeler made a Motion to proceed with Dennis Mires, P.A.’s proposal in the amount of $14,900.00. The Motion was seconded by Selectman Morgan, and the proposal was unanimously approved with Chair Davis abstaining.
Chair Davis then called for approval of the Minutes of the previous meeting and Non Public Minutes. After one revision made by Selectman Davis to the Minutes, Selectman Wheeler made a Motion to approve the Minutes as revised and Non Public Minutes as written. The Motion was seconded by Selectman Morgan, and the revised Minutes were unanimously approved and the Non Public Minutes were unanimously approved as written. The Minutes of the Work Session were tabled for next week, as there were several revisions to be made that were presented by Chair Davis.
Chair Davis then called on Ann Marie to review correspondence. Ann Marie informed the Board that Lisa Ash informed her that a grant was received for Parks and Rec. for 35 back packs (stuffed with school supplies) for Campton low income students which was provided through Citizen Bank and Division of Families and Youth.
Ann Marie explained that the MS-1 would be prepared shortly as no other extensions will be given. She explained that she finally received the utility rates and explained problems in getting information from the State regarding the length of State Highways in Campton. Ann Marie informed the Board that she actually went out and drove the State Highways in order to get this information because it was not forthcoming from the State as quickly as she needed it.
A notification letter was received from the Local Government Center indicating they made payment in the amount of $31,165.00 to 3-G Construction for the repairs to the Blair Bridge that related to storm damage.
The DOT has sent notice that the Bureau of Environment has reviewed the Scope of Work and Fee Proposal for Final Design and Bid Phase Services prepared by Hoyle, Tanner & Associates, Inc. and find that it requires clarification and/or attention to specific items, which Ann Marie read to the Board. Also, Matt Moore provided a 2-week update provided by Sean James, P.E. pertaining to their progress on the Blair Bridge Project, which was also read to the Board.
A thank you letter was received from Voices Against Violence for the Town’s $2,000.00 apportionment and also a thank you note was received from the Campton Public Library for the Board support.
Ann Marie indicated that the DOT now has a set fixed price for diesel fuel of $3.265 per gallon.
A letter was received from Chuck Corliss, Dam Safety Engineer, Dam Bureau, NHDES explaining that an investigation is being performed regarding the impacts that took place along the Mad River during Hurricane Irene. Selectman Cheney indicated that he understood that after the investigation the State would meet with the Towns involved to discuss the results of the investigation.
Campton Old Home Day Committee sent a thank you letter for the success of the Campton Old Home Day.
Tom and Mary McGlauflin sent a notice informing the Board of their services for Public Auctions for tax deeded real estate.
Ann Marie indicated that the recent Driveway Permit in question on Perch Pond was reviewed and Selectman Keeney also viewed the property, and it was discovered that a Driveway Permit was already issued on 11/4/05; however, the Board agreed, due to slope issues, that they give authority to Charles Brosseau, Compliance Officer to make follow-up visits after the driveways have been completed and his additional trip be reflected in the fee. It was agreed by the Board that Charlie Brosseau definitely make a second trip out to the Perch Pond property when this driveway is completed. Charlie will be coming in next week to discuss driveway inspection procedures.
Also, Ann Marie indicated that she has the TAN documents from Northway Bank for signing this evening.
Ann Marie also indicated that Police Chief Warn met with her and provided a Memo to the Board indicating that the Town of Plymouth will no longer allow the Campton Police Department (and other Towns) accessibility to their facility to book prisoners, but an effective date was not given. Ann Marie will inquire on the date.
The Board is anticipating that Police Chief Warn will find a way to resolve this issue without the necessity of having to construct a building.
The Board further discussed issues concerning the Thornton “Mall†and the possible closing of it. There was continued discussion again on traffic problems, created added expenses incurred for operation of the “Mall†and also some public defense in favor of the “Mallâ€. After considering all views, a Motion was made by Selectman Wheeler to “shut down†the Thornton “Mallâ€. The Motion was seconded by Selectman Morgan, and it was unanimously agreed to close the Thornton “Mallâ€.
There being no further correspondence, Chair Davis continued with Other Business – Selectmen’s Input. Chair Davis informed the Board that she attended the NH DOT Cultural Resources Committee (CRC) meeting on October 13th. She indicated that the makeup of the majority of committee members has changed, and therefore, is causing more delays. With that in mind, the CRC requested another 2 weeks to review the matter regarding the Blair Bridge Project. Chair Davis emphasized to the CRC that the Town is facing issues of possibly having to close the bridge and concerns about funding still being available. Chair Davis explained that she stressed to the CRC how important it was that this review be completed in the two week period extension. Chair Davis also had a chance to discuss with Nancy Mayville’s replacement all the numerous delays and again the concerns of the Town at present if this project doesn’t start moving forward soon.
Chair Davis questioned as to whether a schedule has been established for budget discussion. Ann Marie indicated that she would be meeting with Chief Warn regarding evaluations and setting salary ranges for the Human Resources Committee to review and then the Board. With this in mind, the Board can start budget discussions on November 7th.
Chair Davis called on Selectman Cheney who inquired about Gordon Chesley coming before the Planning Board about his food wagon at the Great American Ski Shop on NH Route 49. Ann Marie indicated that Mr. Chesley had come into the office and spoke with May Brosseau. May, in turn, had spoken to Stuart Pitts, Planning Board Chairman, and he had approved Mr. Chesley’s request as it was only going to be for a short period (2 weeks), to get ride of excess food he had due to not being able to attend some additional fairs because of surgery his wife recent received.
Chair Davis then called on Selectman Wheeler who presented a check in the amount of $1,595.00 to the Campton Corner Food Pantry from the Whoot and Holler event. Ann Marie thanked him for their generous donations.
Ann Marie indicated to the Board that an “economic abatement†might be forthcoming before the Board as Commerford, Neider, Perkins indicated they have been approached by a business property owner.
There being no further business, Chair Davis declared the meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Eleanor M. Dewey,
Office Assistant to Ann Marie Foote, Town Administrator