SELECTMEN’S MEETING MINUTES For March 26, 2012
The Board of Selectmen met for their weekly meeting at the Campton Town Office. Present were, Selectmen, Charles Cheney, Sharon Davis, Craig Keeney and Marsh Morgan. Selectman Charles Wheeler was not present due to a conflict in schedule. The Board signed the manifest and reviewed the bills. They signed 1 Purchase Order for the Police Department, 1 Disability Exemption, 1 Veteran’s  Exemption , 5 abatement denials, 1 Report of Appropriation Actually Voted, and 2 Appointments of part time Police Officers.
A member of the public who attended the meeting was Robert (Butch) Bain.
At 6:45 p.m. Chair Keeney called the meeting to order and called on Ann Marie to discuss the Blair Bridge Project. Ann Marie indicated that Sean James had forwarded the draft pre-qualification documents for the Blair Bridge Project (which documents have been provided to the Board and a copy was sent to Matt Moore). After review of the documents, the Board expressed their concerns that the Bath Village Covered Bridge Project was included by Sean James as a joint pre-qualification with Campton’s Blair Bridge Project. Sean James stated in his e-mail, “Since these projects are so similar and will likely involve many of the same contractors, we are conducting a joint pre-qualification.â€Â The Board agreed that Sean James and Matt Moore be invited to the Selectmen’s Meeting on April 2, 2012 to give the Board an opportunity to discuss their concerns and have Sean explain what benefit a “joint pre-qualification†would be to the Town of Campton.
Chair Keeney signed the Shoreland Water Quality Protection Act Permit and Wetlands Permit Applications this evening that have been drafted by Hoyle & Tanner.
Selectman Cheney indicated that he had spoken to Mr. Jorgenson and again confirmed that Mr. Jorgenson is willing to grant an easement to the river regarding the Blair Bridge Project. Ann Marie indicated that she spoke to Mark Nieder, Town Assessor regarding an abatement for loss of business while the Blair Bridge is closed for restoring. Mark indicated that the home business is not treated as a commercial property and any abatement would be very minimal and would not affect his taxes this year because what is there as of April 1st applies. Selectman Davis stated she was in favor of a reasonable easement fee, but not an abatement. Selectman Cheney stated again that Mr. Jorgenson is willing to do the easement and his willingness is not contingent upon his getting an abatement. Selectman Cheney did indicate that Mr. Jorgenson would like to speak to Chair Keeney.
Chair Keeney indicated that there was an addition to the agenda and he called on Kelly Bolger who was the appointment added this evening. Mr. Bolger, Clerk of the Works for the Town Office Building indicated that we are looking at 4 to 5 weeks before any work begins and Conneston Construction, Inc. (CCI), the Contract Manager will be advertising in the local newspapers for contractor bids. Mr. Bolger also indicated that there will be weekly construction meetings held once the work begins. Mr. Bolger expressed that he would like a letter signed by Chair Keeney acknowledging his position as Clerk of the Works; however, he expressed to the Board that they were fully in charge of this project.   There was also some discussion again about the salt shed being removed.
Ann Marie indicated that she drafted a letter for proposals regarding the loan for the new Town Office Building. The Board agreed that the letter should be sent to Laconia Savings Bank, Meredith Village Savings Bank, Northway Bank, Community Guaranty Savings Bank and Woodsville Guaranty Savings Bank. The deadline for a response will be April 9, 2012.
On another note, Kelly Bolger asked permission to retain the old camera system in the Town Office (which has recently been replaced) to be used at the Fire Station. The Board concurred.
Chair Keeney then continued the meeting by calling for a Motion to approve the Minutes and Non Public Minutes of the previous meeting.  After revisions to the regular Minutes, Selectman Davis made a Motion to approve the revised Minutes.  The Motion was seconded by Selectman Morgan and the Minutes were unanimously approved as revised. Selectman Davis then made a Motion to approve the Non Public Minutes as presented. The Motion was seconded by Selectman Morgan and the Non Public Minutes were unanimously approved.
Chair Keeney then called on Ann Marie to review correspondence. Ann Marie indicated that Laura Spector, Town Attorney, inquired if the Board was interested in the Town petitioning the Superior Court to schedule the Beebe River Village District (BRVD) Annual Meeting. After discussion, rather than petition the Superior Court to schedule an Annual Meeting, Selectman Cheney made a Motion to Petition the Superior Court to Order the BRVD to disband. The Motion was seconded by Selectman Morgan, and the Motion was unanimously approved.
Ann Marie indicated that the Town is eligible for State of NH contract benefits through U.S. Cellular and an e-mail was received from U.S. Cellular (Aaron Hammond) explaining the benefits to the Town if the switch was agreed upon.  After discussion, the Board agreed to switch as long as there were no cancellation fees. Ann Marie confirmed that no cancellation fees were mentioned. Selectman Davis made a Motion to switch the cell phone service to U.S. Cellular with State of NH contract benefits. The Motion was seconded by Selectman Morgan and the approval to switch was unanimously approved.
A notice was received from Antioch University regarding a program they are offering to Select Board members for a 4 full day session. Ann Marie read the itinerary to the Board. The registration fee is $100.00 for any interested Selectmen.
Ann Marie indicated that a request was received from SNHS Management Co. (the new elderly housing facility on Owl Street) for a Non Profit property tax exemption. After discussion, the Board agreed that Ann Marie should discuss with Town Assessor, Mark Nieder.
Chair Keeney then called on Butch Bain, Road Agent, to bring the Board up-to-date on the dirt roads due to the extensive mud problems. Butch indicated that Dirt Design will come back (when the weather permits) to put a top dressing on the roads (with the Board’s permission). Butch confirmed that in order to finish the job properly (and with the money that has already been invested) the top dressing is necessary. However, a determination needed to be made on the depth of the dressing. The Board concurred that a 6 inch dressing was needed in light of future grading.  The Board agreed to have Butch get a proposed cost from Dirt Design and the possibility of getting another proposal from another contractor. The Board will then further discuss the budgeting for this cost. The Board also inquired as to what sections of roads were problem areas. Butch indicated that the section of road on Lower Beech Hill (by the Campbell property) was the worst problem area.
Butch Bain indicated that he had some additional items to discuss pertaining to allegations brought against him.  He would like to know who his accusers are. He felt his accusers should be recognized and anyone not identifying themselves should not be considered creditable. There were some other questions concerning where the chains for the grader are and Chair Keeney acknowledged to Butch the individuals who were inquiring. Butch confirmed where the chains were. A letter was also received by the Board (unsigned) concerning allegations pertaining to a Highway Department staff individual and it was the Board’s consensus to not involve Human Resources to pursue the matter without knowing who was presenting the allegations.
Chair Keeney then continued with Other Business – Selectmen’s Input. Selectman Davis mentioned going forward with the wage study. Ann Marie suggested holding off on this matter since there is so much activity going on at present.
Also, Selectman Davis inquired if the Town should seek a proposal for the Bond for the Blair Bridge Project. Selectman Keeney indicated that Matt Moore felt confident that a Bond may not even be needed and didn’t feel the need at this time to get a proposal for the Bond. Selectman Morgan expressed concerns about up-front cash flow monies being needed. The Board was willing to take their chances without getting a proposal at this time even though Selectman Davis mentioned that loan rates seem to be going up.
Chair Keeney indicated that the cameras were completely installed and explained some of the features on how the system is set up. Chair Keeney explained that he had a conversation with Hannah Joyce, Town Clerk/Tax Collector regarding the location of the cameras and her security concerns. J.S. Adams Security System (the installers) met with Hannah and reviewed the positions of the cameras and her concerns about confidentiality issues and it appeared that she was fine with the system. However, Chair Keeney received a call on his cell phone from the State of NH, Department of Safety regarding the system and confidentiality concerns that were expressed to them by Hannah Joyce. Chair Keeney stated that he spoke with Laura Spector, (Town Attorney), the NH State Department of Safety and also Police Chief Warn addressing the matter and some concerns Chair Keeney had through the course of his conversation with Hannah Joyce.  After his discussion with all the parties mentioned, Chair Keeney was assured the camera system was in compliance with confidentiality issues.
Chair Keeney also stated that Hannah Joyce asked if the Board would allow her to have the password to the monitor so that she could view the recorded security information on her computer. The Board unanimously agreed not to release the password.
Lastly, Chair Keeney presented forms drafted by Human Resources to be signed by the Board members and then placed in employees’ files regarding a personnel matter.
There being no further business, Selectman Davis moved to adjourn, seconded by Selectman Morgan, the meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Eleanor M. Dewey
Office Assistant to Ann Marie Foote, Town Administrator