SELECTMEN’S MEETING  MINUTES For AUGUST 6, 2012

The Board of Selectmen met for their weekly meeting 6:30 p.m. at the Campton Town Office.  Present were Selectmen, Charles Cheney, Craig Keeney, and Marsh Morgan.  Selectman Wheeler and Selectman Davis were absent due to conflicts in schedules. The Board signed the manifest and reviewed the bills.  They signed 1 Appointment for full time Police Officer, 1 Application for Reimbursement regarding Forest land, 1 Sign Permit, 1 Driveway Permit, 2 Building Permits and 1 Tax Agreement.

At 6:45 p.m. Chair Keeney called the meeting to order and asked Ann Marie if there were any agenda changes.  Ann Marie indicated that Police Chief Warn and the new Police Officer Carole Ann Lee would not be present this evening.

Chair Keeney then called on Martha Richards and Bob Lamb, candidates for State Office.  Mary explained that she would like “to get back in as a Grafton County Commissioner and explained some of her achievements while previously in office; one being approval of the alternative woodchip bio mass energy for the new County Correction facility.  When elected, she stated she would like to get involved in the needs for aging citizens and a good county wide mental health program.  She did discuss certain issues facing the County regarding the old jail and what to do with the building (she being in favor of demolition); lack of staffing for rehabilitation services; (she feels the need for this service to get inmates successfully back into society).  She also addressed concerns of the Board and the public regarding the Sheriff’s Department.  There were concerns addressed by the Board regarding the County’s employees’ compensation package; namely, incentive payments for “coming to work” and longevity payments.  Martha asked for the Board’s vote of support and then turned to Bob Lamb, who is running for NH Senate District 2, expressing that Bob will be an asset to working on the State Budget.  Bob introduced himself as discovering Campton on a week’s vacation trip many years ago, and of course, now lives in NH.  He explained his military background and 29 years as a financial and management executive.  He explained that he is interested in “moving this State forward”, lessening the financial burdens on municipalities and he is willing to   listen to new ideas, cooperate with others and vote only in the best interests of the people of New Hampshire.  Martha and Bob then thanked the Board for their time.

At 7:05 p.m. Chair Keeney called on Kelly Bolger for an update on the new Town Office Building. Kelly proceeded to explain to the Board that he denied the second pay out due to the lack of submission of Lien releases.  He also indicated that the steel is here, the concrete will soon be back filled and the wall units have been approved.  By the end of the month he feels the walls will be up. He also indicated that he received the revised plumbing plans for the Police Department’s area.  Kelly wanted the Board to know that Leigh Johnston, who is doing the site work, is doing a “great job”.  Kelly stated that Leigh Johnston was even at the site on Saturday getting work completed.  Kelly informed the Board that on the 20^th he will have available the exterior color chart for the Board to review to make some decisions on.

Kelly went on to explain that he and Butch Bain looked at salt sheds in Sanbornton and Plymouth.  They are now going to research a canvas construction as it is the most economical and has a 25-year warranty.  There was discussion about installation of the canvas structure and Chair Keeney mentioned that the Beckett School is looking for community projects and might be a source for assisting with the installation and Selectman Wheeler should be contacted for further information.

Kelly explained that he needed to commence the calculation of the costs for the present Police Department building office space for the Town Clerk/Tax Collector.  It was suggested by Chair Keeney that the sample plan that Kelly has available be forwarded to Hannah Joyce, Town Clerk/Tax Collector and for Hannah and Karen Rienzo, Deputy Town Clerk/Tax Collector to review and make changes.  It was then suggested that a meeting be scheduled to meet with Hannah, Karen, Kelly and Selectman Morgan to go over the plans and make revisions as needed.

Chair Keeney continued the meeting by calling on Fire Chief Tobine.  Appearing with Chief Tobine were Kelly Bolger and  B.G. King, Fire Commissioners and Deputy Fire Chief Ian Halm.  Chief Tobine explained that he needs to have some communication with both Boards regarding the Capital Improvement Project.  He explained that Thornton currently does have a plan; however Ann Marie expressed some concerns with the Town of Thornton’s plan and Chief Tobine explained that he will try to get some answers at his meeting with the Thornton Board on August 8^th.  Chief Tobine did present a suggested plan (for the Board to discuss further), and he felt would allow room for escalating prices.   There was discussion concerning a new ambulance and to use the present ambulance as a backup.  Chief Tobine did express that he applied for a grant for the new ambulance, but would not hear if it was approved or denied until late 2012 or January or February of 2013. Chief Tobine did explain that he was not asking for additional staffing and the grant was strictly for adding to the fleet and if the grant was approved, it would only be approved for an additional ambulance, not replacing the present ambulance for a new ambulance.  Chief Tobine also explained that the utility truck that the Fire Department now owns is a 2003 and has 100,000 miles on it.  He wanted to discuss replacement of this vehicle, and he received a quote of $30,000.00 making a contribution from Campton in the amount of $18,000.00 and Thornton in the amount of $12,000.00.  Chief Tobine explained that the information he presented this evening was all up for discussion; however, he did want to address the Board first.  The Board thanked Chief Tobine for a “heads up” discussion.

Chair Keeney explained that since George Wright was not present as their next appointment, he called on Butch Bain, Road Agent.  Butch explained that he was recently “pulling ditches” on Pulsifer Road with the grader.  He explained that he does not close down the roads while ditching; however, he has appropriate flagging indicating work is in progress.  He indicated that an individual called him and sent him an estimate on work that had to be performed on her son’s vehicle after he drove on Pulsifer Road during the ditching process and claims this work was caused by conditions on Pulsifer Road.  Butch explained that he was the grader operator at the time; however, no investigation was made at the time of the alleged incident.  The Board unanimously agreed that without an investigation at the time of the alleged incident there seemed to be no way to prove liability; and unfortunately, the Town could not assist in the payment of the repairs to the automobile.  Butch will explain the situation to the individual.

Butch also stated that paving bids are out.

Chair Keeney then continued the meeting by calling for a Motion to approve the Minutes and Non Public Minutes of the previous meeting. Selectman Morgan made a Motion to approve the Minutes and the Non Public Minutes as presented.  The Motion was seconded by Selectman Cheney and the Minutes and Non Public Minutes were unanimously approved as presented.

Chair Keeney then called on Ann Marie to review correspondence.  Ann Marie stated that another letter was received from Stanley Freeman in response to Attorney Spector-Morgan’s letter on behalf of the Town.  The Board agreed that Ann Marie forward the recent letter to Attorney Spector-Morgan.

A thank you note was received from the Cheney family for the Town’s memorial donation to Pemi-Baker Hospice in memory of Sidney Cheney.

An e-mail was received from, Jennifer Leonzi, the owner of the Country Cow expressing concern with the anticipated closing of the Blair Bridge and how it will affect her business. She inquired if signage could be placed on Route 93 and Route 3 indicating the restaurant is open.  After discussion, Chair Keeney indicated he would speak with Jennifer and it was also agreed by the Board that a meeting would be scheduled for the public to be updated on the progress of the Blair Bridge Project and the new Town Office Building.  At present, there is no commencement date even scheduled for the Blair Bridge Project.

A Petition for Declaratory Judgment, Injunctive Relief, Fees, Costs and Sanctions has been filed on behalf of Beebe River Family Limited Partnership v. Beebe River Village District (BRVD).  The following was granted to the Petitioner, Beebe River Family Limited Partnership:  $2,040.00 in attorney’s fees, (to be paid from District funds), access to all documents abandoned by the Beebe River Village District, and granted the request to enjoin taxation by the BRVD, in part, until the BRVD has reorganized or dissolved.

A letter was received from Primex regarding their working with the State on an agreement and forming a Board of Trustees; in turn a “Premium Holiday” (through Primex) will be acknowledged offering the Town a $10,000.00 reduction on worker compensation insurance.

An informative letter was received from NH Department of Environmental Services noting a field inspection of the Campton Pond Hydro Dam owned by White Mountain National Forest.

Notification was received from Attorney Spector-Morgan that she filed the Town of Campton’s Motion for Entry of Final Judgment concerning the Town and Beebe River Village District.

A check in the amount of $8,639.70 was received from Time Warner for the franchise fee payment to the Town.

A notice was received regarding a State Election Law Training workshop scheduled in Concord on August 30, 2012, between 1:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. at the State House.  Ann Marie will attend this workshop.

Police Chief Warn forwarded information regarding the Dog Warrant indicating 88 dogs were listed on the Warrant.  Ann Marie indicated that after Janet called all the owners on the list, only one person’s dog was not registered.

An e-mail was received from Selectman Wheeler (which all Board members received) concerning an event at the Owl’s Nest Clubhouse on August 17, 2012, hosting State Senator, Jeanie Forrester, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. Jeanie has been very instrumental in the passage of HB648 which took the power of eminent domain away from Northern Pass and attending countless meetings and gatherings.

Ann Marie indicated that Local Government Center will be meeting with the Board on August 20, 2012 regarding the scope of the wage study, arrive at an overall agreement as to desired results, develop a calendar of events leading to completion of the study, and agree upon the final details relative to the communities to be surveyed and coordinate the steps of the study.

Resident Power information was distributed to the Board and the Board will discuss and vote (when a full Board is present) on whether the Town Office will transfer to Resident Power or whether they will remain with the same utility service.

There being no further correspondence, Chair Keeney continued the meeting with Other  Business – Selectmen’s Input.  Chair Keeney indicated that Karen Rienzo, Deputy Town Clerk/Tax Collector inquired as to whether or not the Board heard from the Attorney General’s Office concerning the Petition recently submitted to the Board regarding the new Town Office Building and a request for a Special Town Meeting to be held.  Chair Keeney indicated that the Board did hear from the Attorney General’s Office and “they were not going to pursue any further”.  Karen then inquired as to whether the Petition was “going to happen without a court order”. Chair Keeney confirmed that under the present circumstances, it was not going to happen.

Chair Keeney declared the meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Eleanor M. Dewey, Office Assistant to Ann Marie Foote, Tow

CAMPTON-THORNTON FIRE DEPARTMENT

FIRE COMMISSIONER’S MEETING MINUTES

JULY 30, 2012

APPROVED

In attendance:

Fire Commissioners present: Kelly Bolger, Jim Demeritt, Niles Downing, B.G. King

Also present: Chief David Tobine, Deputy Chief Ian Halm

 

Meeting called to order 4:00 PM.

Agenda:  CIP

Chief wanted to bring Fire Commissioner’s up-to-date before meeting the Selectmen in Thornton regarding the Capital Improvement Projects for Town of Thornton.  Also, Chief Tobine met with the CIP Committee two weeks ago and needs to have items prepared for their next meeting. The Capital Improvement plan is going out 10 years on their plan.

Chief Tobine believes Engine 2 (’99 Freightliner) should be replaced in 2020.  It was supposed to be on a twenty year replacement and when Mitch did the CIP plan, it was changed to a 22 year plan for engine replacement.

Items discussed:

Jim Demeritt believes we are spending too much on maintenance and a cost analysis should be done.  Chief Tobine thinks $20,000 for a fleet of 11 vehicles isn’t bad.

Chief Tobine thinks 20 years is long enough for a fire apparatus. The problem is technology changes so rapidly we can’t keep up with that.  Chief fears we will lose rotation if Campton doesn’t catch up with a CIP like Thornton.   Campton Fire Commissioners could meet with the Campton Select Board and Chief Tobine to discuss this.

We only have one lease purchase left on the newest engine. Thornton does have their CIP and they have the cash available.  Campton doesn’t have money available.

Ambulance Plan:

The original plan was for 10 years when we bought it.  We are now past year 5 with no exact plan for replacement. If we had a second ambulance that could be the front line and this one could be a back up.  We could then get another five years out of it. The rig can only do so many runs before you start to have mechanical problems when you have to start using mutual aid more.  Niles commented that he thought we had a certain percentage of ambulance income being put aside.  Chief Tobine said that all ambulance income is going back to the general fund; there is no money being put aside.  We are at a catch 22 with this.  We can’t wait until 10 years are up to think about it.

Utility Truck:

It is a 2003 and was purchased used 4 years ago.  We are estimating that mechanically it may have 2 years left.  Currently there are no plans to replace it.  Chief thinks it should be replaced with a crew cab to carry personnel.  Chief estimates $30,000 plus for a ¾ ton. This is used to haul equipment, trailers, hose and personnel back and forth to the scene.

Jim Demeritt inquired what was coming up on CIP:

CIP items – (40% – Thornton’s Share)

2012     $12,064 defibrillator

2013     $11,390 air bottles

2013     $12,480 defibrillator

2014     $11,783 air bottles

2014     $12,896 thermal imaging camera

2015     $163,849 replace Engine 5

2016     $26,400 command vehicle

2017     $200,000 Fire Station

$77,840 ambulance

2018     $0

2019     $0

2020     $82,000 Engine 2 (check figure – should be $182,000)

Ian questioned if $82,000 was going to be enough money on CIP for Engine 2.  That figure should be $182,000.

Jim suggested going to Campton Selectmen and comparing what their plan is.  If Campton doesn’t have the money for a certain year then the Thornton CIP would have to be adjusted by moving the money to a different year or a different item. Include justification when making changes to CIP. Chief’s main objectives are to move an engine up one year to 2020, add in utility vehicle within next couple of years and discuss ambulance.

 

B.G. King inquired about the substation.  Kelly thought perhaps a tour of each facility would be a good idea at some point for FC’s.  Jim would like to meet with Chief Tobine at Thornton FD for a water sample on Tuesday.

Chief inquired about asking for a utility truck. Jim said Thornton buys into capital reserve and they are really receptive to this program.  Jim suggested to trade off on CIP and move things around.  That is the reality of the whole plan.

The bottom line is the payback was quick for the ambulance. Also, ambulance revenue is not always as it seems.  The government changes rates on Medicare and Medicaid quite a bit.  There is a significant elderly population in town.  Kelly mentioned that having two elderly housing facilities in Town can become a burden on services such as Fire and Police Departments.

Projects are coming into both towns such as a 250 unit campground in Thornton and a 400 unit hotel for Campton.  We would have to determine what the impact would be for the Fire Department.  Kelly mentioned applications for traffic study has been turned in for Campton.

 

Discussion followed about adding a Rescue truck to CIP for 2022.  Chief Tobine will discuss on Monday with the Campton Board of Selectmen and Wednesday with the Thornton Board of Selectmen.

The Department has applied for an ambulance under FEMA grant and a separate grant for replacing air packs (approx. $6,000/per unit) which includes spare bottles.  Every year these grants are becoming more competitive.   If approved, it would eliminate something off the CIP.

Meeting Scheduled:

Kelly has arranged for the Campton Fire Commissioners to be on the agenda for August 6^th at 7:15 at the Campton Selectmen’s meeting.

Motion made to adjourn made by Kelly, seconded by Jim. Voted – all in favor.Meeting adjourned at 5:05 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Julie O’Neill

Administrative Assistant

CAMPTON-THORNTON FIRE DEPARTMENT

FIRE COMMISSIONER’S MEETING MINUTES

JULY 9, 2012

APPROVED

 

 

Meeting was called to order @ 4:00 PM.

Fire Commissioners in attendance:  Kelly Bolger, BG King, Niles Downing, Jim Demeritt,

Also present: Chief Tobine

Manifest:  Reviewed and approved by the FC Board.

Old Business:

The minutes of May 14, 2012 meeting were read.  Motion to approve meeting minutes of May 14, 2012 was made by Kelly, and seconded by Niles. Voted 3 to 1 – Jim Demeritt abstained.

The minutes of June 11, 2012 meeting were read. Motion to approve meeting minutes of June 11, 2012 was made by Kelly, and seconded by Niles. Voted 3 to 1 – Jim Demeritt abstained.

The Intergovernmental Agreement was handed out to each Fire Commissioner.

Kelly will meet with Chief Tobine and Paul Hatch of Emergency Management once floor plan of town office is obtained to discuss generator grant.

New Business:

Chief Tobine handed out the Auditors report for Fire Commissioners to review.

Primex announced that it entered into a Risk Pool Practice Agreement with New Hampshire Secretary of State that includes a return of surplus to members this year through Premium Holiday.  CTFD qualifies for the Premium Holiday.  The revised invoice reflects contribution for 1/1/12 – 1/1/13 of $15,883 minus previously paid $11,911.  With the Premium Holiday of ($4,263.07) applied, leaves a credit of ($291.07) to be applied to 2013.

Review of Hardship cases – Six applications totaling $6,010.76

Four applications from one individual and two additional applications.

The one for $152.79 – total bill was in $2,000 range (this bill has been paid except for the $152.79).

Jim Demeritt made a motion to approve Comstar Run 7970 for $152.79.

Niles seconded motion to accept this application. Voted 4-0, passed unanimously.

Hardship Number 232887 for $1,051.63.  They do meet guidelines and proof of income was supplied. Motion by Jim Demeritt to accept hardship, Niles seconded motion.  Voted 4-0, passed unanimously.

Next individual has 4 runs totaling $4,806.34.

Motion by Kelly to go into non public session per RSA 91A:3,II(C).  All voted in favor of non public session beginning at 16:27.  At 16:39 the FC Board came out of non public session.  Motion by Kelly to seal minutes, seconded by Niles. Voted 4-0, passed unanimously.

Motion by Jim to accept 4 hardship applications, seconded by Niles. Voted 4 – 0, passed unanimously.

Discussion continued about our collection rate from billing company (Comstar).  Jim inquired about our rate of collection which is approximately 70%. Are we being aggressive enough with collections?  Chief will follow up with Comstar.

Chief discussed some trouble collecting on ambulance billing at times when insurance information isn’t obtained.  The procedure is for Julie to follow up with the hospital after the run to try and get correct addresses, phone numbers and insurance information.  Chief talked about community insurance available to patients without insurance but that doesn’t cover ambulance billing.

There was an inquiry from architectural design company doing work on covered bridge.  They wanted info on GVW and wheel base so they could try to update bridge so ambulance can use the bridge.

Rescue truck has oil leak from oil pan or gasket and the only way to change pan and/or gasket is to pull the motor or front end.  Estimate from Ford is $2,000-$3,000 to repair and approximately one week out of service.

Chief ordered two beds for rooms in back.  These are coming out of equipment line in budget.

Applied for Grants thru FEMA. Equipment grant we applied for SCBA (airpacks) $179,250.  If received, it is 5% or $8,962.00 which includes spare bottles and is currently in the CIP for (2013 & 2014). Chief went over the specs on bottles for weight and duration: 30 minute bottles and lighter than what we currently have (carbon composite bottle). Our current air packs are 14 years old and considered obsolete at 12 years old.

The second FEMA grant was for a vehicle.  We have applied for an ambulance (4×4 Type I Ford Chassis) – not a walk thru.  The price is $190,000.  We also applied for $71,000 in equipment for the ambulance and $7,200 for driver training.  If driver training is not included in your grant you will not be considered. The total for vehicle grant is $268,200.  If we receive grant our 5% would be $13,410.

Mileage was discussed on current ambulance (approximately 60,000+).

Under the equipment portion of ambulance grant is a defibrillator, a power cot and an auto pulse.  The power cots now have a new hookup that comes out of the back of the ambulance and you hook the stretcher to it, press a button and it hauls the stretcher with patient into the ambulance.  It can hold up to 750 lbs.  This will help with preventing back injuries.

Chief spoke about instituting a new policy for call company pay, not an hourly rate but for a stipend during the week.  Previously it was a 2 hour minimum.  Now we will give a stipend for weekday and weekends but there is no longer a 2 hour minimum. There is money in call company funds to finish the year.  Chief believes it will generate interest for additional EMT’s to sign on. The chief talked about maintaining the level of service we have and importance of a strong call company.

 

We have had some EMS people come in and apply.  We need to get about six EMT’s to join our service in an effort to prevent burnout. Previously we had EMT’s on call approximately 3 times per month.  Now some people are doing about 5 to 6 shifts per month.  Chief hopes the sleeping quarters will be an incentive along with the stipend to add some new people.

Niles inquired about call company pay and when is the last time they had an increase.  He asked if pay study will affect employees if both towns give 5% to town employees and the study is set up for 2% increase for FD employees.

Jim asked about the pay increase study and he asked how it would be administered. Are there certain standards to qualify for increase? Chief replied the review process would determine who was going to receive an increase.

On the full-time side it is different.  B.G. King questioned how the pay raise would work and if there was a performance review?  Chief responded yes.

 

A motion to adjourn was made by Jim, seconded by Kelly. Voted – all in favor. The meeting ended at 5:12 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Julie O’Neill

Administrative Assistant

TOWN OF CAMPTON  PLANNING BOARD MINUTES FOR JUNE 12, 2012

The Planning Board met this date with Charles Brosseau, Chris Kelly, and Marsh Morgan, Ex-Officio. Marsh Morgan will be the acting Chairman, and Chris Kelly will be the actingSecretary for this meeting.

Marsh Morgan opened the meeting at 6:30 PM.

First on the agenda, the minutes for the May 8, 2012 Planning Board meeting.  Chris Kelly

made a motion to approve the minutes for the May 8, 2012 meeting.  Charles Brosseau seconded the motion.  The Planning Board voted in the affirmative, unanimously.

Next on the agenda, the Work Session Notes for the June 5, 2012 Planning Board Work Session.  Chris Kelly made a motion to approve the notes for the Work Session June 5, 2012. Charles Brosseau seconded the motion.  The Planning Board voted in the affirmative, unanimously.

Next on the agenda, Waterville Chamber of Commerce, 12 Vintinner Rd. a Site Plan Review.  Joe Capuzzo is renting a space in the Chamber of Commerce building located at 12 Vintinner Road.  He is opening Swirls soft frozen yogurt and soft serve premium ice cream shop, located in the information center.  The Planning Board did not see any problems with the Site Plan Review.  Charles Brosseau made a motion to approve the Swirls yogurt and ice cream shop, located in the Chamber of Commerce information center.  Chris Kelly seconded the motion.  The Planning Board voted in the affirmative, unanimously.

Next on the agenda, David and Marjorie Haight off Windmill, a Voluntary Merger.

Charles Brosseau made a motion to approve the Voluntary Merger for David and Marjorie Haight.  Chris Kelly seconded the motion.  The Planning Board voted in the affirmative,unanimously. The Planning Board signed the Voluntary Merger for David and Marjorie Haight.

Next on the agenda, an inquiry from Ed Paradise regarding property off Page Rd.  Mr. Paradise owns a seasonal campground in Warren. He is considering purchasing a piece of property off Page Road and putting in a campground, similar to the one he owns in Warren.  The Planning Board went over the criteria for a Site Plan Review, and impact fees for the road.  He said that he is in the preliminary stages, and is having engineers look at the costs involved, before he goes any further.

The Planning Board went over the correspondence and mail.

Respectfully submitted,

May Brosseau, Campton Planning Board