SELECTMEN’S MEETING MINUTES for DECEMBER 19, 2011
The Board of Selectmen met for their weekly meeting at 6:30 p. m. at the Campton Town Office. Present were, Selectmen, Sharon Davis, Charles Cheney, Craig Keeney and Marsh Morgan. Selectman Charles Wheeler was not present because of a conflict in schedule. The Board signed the manifest and reviewed the bills. They signed 3 Notices of Intent to Cut, and 6 Tax Abatements.
Members of the public who were present at the meeting, but not on the agenda were Heather McLean, Kelly Bolger and Cory Smith.
At 6:45 p.m. Chair Davis called the meeting to order and called on George Wright regarding Northern Pass and a response from the Board of Selectmen pertaining to a previous request by George for the Town to adopt a Rights Based Ordinance. Chair Davis explained to George Wright and Heather McLean (as was spelled out in a response letter addressed to Mr. Wright) that the Board had the Town’s attorney review and give a legal opinion regarding the ordinance in question. Chair Davis further explained that Town Counsel has advised that the Town should absolutely not adopt such an ordinance, as it is illegal. Chair Davis further explained that the Town has no ability to prohibit corporations from purchasing property, to deprive corporations of their constitutional rights, or to deprive corporations of their standing to challenge ordinances. Moreover, to the extent any corporation has eminent domain powers, those powers are granted by the state, and the town has no ability to take them away. Therefore, pursuant to legal advice, the Board cannot consider Mr. Wright’s request for the adoption of the Rights Based Ordinance. Mr. Wright acknowledged the Board’s position; however encouraged the Board to contact their Senators to encourage them to pass House Bill 648 (which was previously discussed with the Board) pertaining to eminent domain issues. Chair Davis thanked Mr. Wright and Heather for all they are doing and to keep up the “good workâ€.
Chair Davis then called for a Motion to approve the Minutes of the last meeting. After one revision made, Selectman Morgan made a Motion to approve the revised Minutes. The Motion was seconded by Selectman Cheney and the revised Minutes were approved.
Chair Davis then acknowledged that Kelly Bolger, Fire Commissioner was present regarding the decision of the Board pertaining to the proposed Fire Station renovations. Chair Davis explained that the Board received a favorable opinion pertaining to their question on “Fair Labor†and were now ready to move forward with approval of the proposed renovations. Selectman Keeney did question if the sub station was reviewed for the possibility of it being used to achieve what the renovations to the Fire House would accomplish.  It was explained that the new renovations proposed for the Fire House would accomplish doubling storage space and additional heated storage space needed for equipment, securing the office area, and bunking facilities, accomplishing all, without expanding the footprint of the building. A Motion was then made by Chair Davis to approve the renovations to the Fire Station and approve the funds being disbursed from the George Durgin Trust to complete the renovation project. The Motion was seconded by Selectman Morgan and with a roll call vote: Selectman Davis – aye, Selectman Morgan – aye, Selectman Cheney – aye, and Selectman Keeney – aye, the renovations and funding source was approved.
Chair Davis indicated that a Petition has been presented to the Town to change the Waterville Estates Village District boundary lines. Ann Marie and Cory Smith explained how this issue came about. An owner of property in the Town of Thornton (in the Waterville Estates Village District) secured permission to build a driveway for the purpose of building a home within the District. However, the owners decided, after clearing began, that they wanted to build their house on a merged lot which is not in the Waterville Estates Village District, but which lot was merged with the initial lot mentioned above. Because Waterville Estates Village District is located in two towns, the towns have to act as a joint board for all select board purposes regarding the WEVD. The first step, therefore, is to have the Campton and Thornton Boards of Selectmen hold a public meeting. Ann Marie will schedule the public meeting with the two Boards. Corey Smith thanked the Board and explained that this was something the District had to do, and acknowledged the burden of time it was placing on the Board.
Chair Davis then called on Ann Marie to review correspondence. Ann Marie indicated that the State of NH DOT sent an estimated notice of State Highway Block Grant Aid that may be available to Campton in the amount of $113,345.10. Ann Marie expressed that last year’s estimate was $122,914.00.
A request for funding was received from HIV/HCV Resource Center and Ann Marie explained that this is a new request this year and she will respond to the organization indicating that the Board is not taking any new non-profit organization appropriation requests this year.
Ann Marie stated that a letter was received from the Campton Village Precinct regarding preparation for their 2012 Budget and disclosure of some issues to be presented to Precinct voters next year that are relevant to the Town of Campton. Ann Marie read the letter to the Board which entailed increasing the fire hydrant rental fees, lighting paid for by the Precinct, which is not located in the Precinct, and issues of responsibility of street lighting. Another issue pertained to Page Hill residents getting the benefit of fire protection at no charge even though they are no longer water customers. It was agreed by the Board that they would need to meet with the Precinct regarding these issues at a future date.
At 7:10 p.m. Chair Davis acknowledged that their next appointment for the evening had arrived so she made a Motion to go into Non Public Session under RSA 91-A:3, II© regarding a tax matter. The Motion was seconded by Selectman Morgan, and with a roll call vote: Selectman Davis – aye, Selectman Morgan – aye, Selectman Cheney – aye and Selectman Keeney – aye, the Board went into Non Public Session. At 7:26 p.m. the Board came out of Non Public Session.
Chair Davis then requested Ann Marie continue with correspondence review. Ann Marie indicated that NH Local Government Center (LGC) sent their proposal for a Pay & Classification Study. The cost of the study is based on the number of employees involved in the study (20) and the Town gets a 10% discount based on the number of lines of service the Town has through LGC so the actual cost will be $225.00 per job position (rather than $250.00 per position). Ann Marie read the Proposal and explained the procedure followed by LGC for the study. It was explained that LGC would meet with the Board of Selectmen first, then the employees and then proceed with Position Description Questionnaires completed by employees. LGC will conduct a pay survey, an analysis of pay data, prepare job descriptions, prepare a compensation plan, recommendations, benefits, report of findings and employee review. LGC will also set a one-day maximum to hear appeals presented by employees. After discussion by the Board, it was agreed that Ann Marie will inquire if LGC would reduce the fee per position if the compensation plan and benefits review were eliminated from the proposal price.
Ann Marie distributed to the Board an amendment to the Personnel Policy on Page 4 under “Work Schedule†which pertains to Performance Evaluations. The Board unanimously approved the amendment to the Personnel Policy Manual, which will be distributed to all employees.
A letter was received from Flynn, Riedel & Young, Inc., Insurance Adjusters addressing approval of payment (by LGC) be made to Dubois & King, Inc. for the engineering fee in the amount of $4,210.47, plus a supplemental fee of $108.15 relating to the storm damage to the Blair Bridge. Ann Marie indicated that the total cost for storm damage was $96,000 and the Town only had to contribute $1,000.00 to that cost.
A booklet was received from Rural Community Assistance Partnership (an equal opportunity provider and employer) regarding “The Basics of Financial Management for Small-community Utilitiesâ€. Ann Marie explained that she had the opportunity to meet with Bob Morency, who visited the office recently and she discussed the issues concerning Beebe River Village District Precinct. Mr. Morency explained that he was willing to continue helping the Beebe River District to get the 2012 budget done on time; however there is only one commissioner. The concern of the Board was the possibility of delays in getting the tax rate set next year. Selectman Cheney suggested a letter be drafted to all residents in Beebe River explaining the issues and consequences if the issues were not resolved. It was agreed by the Board that Town Attorney, Laura Spector draft a letter in this regard to be mailed to all Beebe River District residents.
There being no further correspondence, Chair Davis then called on Ann Marie regarding Other Business – Selectmen’s Input. Ann Marie stated that she met with the Library Trustees concerning their proposed budget. It was explained that the Library’s proposed 2012 budget has increased from 2011. The increase is a reflection of purchasing more books and more programs that involved children participation. Ann Marie also informed the Board that the Trustees have prepared a Handbook regarding the Library and encouraged the Board to review it. Ann Marie also commended the Library Trustees and their staff for all their accomplishments.
Ann Marie indicated that Tim Tyler indicated to her that he would like to have a meeting regarding the Thornton Mall on January 5, 2012, at 6:00 p.m. with the Board present. The Board respectfully declined as they felt that the vote that the Board took to close the Mall was appropriate.
There being no further business, Chair Davis declared the meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Eleanor M. Dewey,
Office Assistant to Ann Marie Foote, Town Administrator