CAMPTON-THORNTON FIRE DEPARTMENT

FIRE COMMISSIONER’S MEETING MINUTES for  JUNE 11, 2012

Meeting was called to order @ 16:00 hours.

In attendance: Lou Klotz, Kelly Bolger, Chief Tobine, Deputy Halm

Members of the public: Ron Reynolds

Manifest reviewed and approved by the Board.

Old Business:

Minutes of May 14^th meeting were read. A revision to the wording under Emergency Operations Center was made.  Strike the words “at the fire house” and replace with “at the Campton Town Office”.  A motion was made by Kelly and seconded by Lou to approve the minutes of May 14^th meeting with change. Approved unanimously.

Chief spoke about the grant application for a generator for the Campton Town Office. Chief met with Paul Hatch, Emergency Management Representative, and Kelly Bolger to discuss what was needed in the grant.  Kelly will get a floor plan to review and then we will apply.  Kelly has a meeting with architect in Manchester at 10:00 tomorrow.  He will get answers and a floor plan.

New Business:

Chief Tobine informed the Board he did get Juvenile Fire Setter Specialist I certification and took the Juvenile Fire Setter II Program at the Fire Academy last weekend.  He now has his Juvenile Fire Setter Specialist II certification.  Chief Tobine is interested in pursuing a program to recognize juvenile fire setting in the community.  He believes there is a need in our community and will pursue funding for implementing such a program.

Lou questioned why the electric bill @ Station 3 was 4x last year at this time.  Chief reviewed the bill for the Campton substation.  Chief will look into possibilities of why this bill may have increased in May.

Kelly invited Ron Reynolds to the meeting to get some ideas about a web site for Fire Department. Chief and staff would like to participate in creating a web site for the department.  Ron thought having a tier off the town websites could be problematic.  The Department currently has an extension off the Town websites with fire laws on it. Chief Tobine would like to have an actual link from the Town websites to Fire Department site so that we could add or delete information on a daily basis.

Ron reported his background of how he got into creating web sites.  He feels that he has skills to assist the FD in building a no frills website.  Chief Tobine inquired about the fees for a host.  It would be around $100/year for an off-site host and the nice thing is that information can be stored on it.

The domain name usually ends with .org or .com (CTfiredept.com) and has a yearly licensing fee around $100.  There is an organization that maintains the domain names.  Not sure how volunteer fire departments fit in but once these two things are figured out then it is a matter of what information is wanted on the website.

Ron asked if it is going to be a clearing house for information for the professional, volunteer staff, as well as the community. Chief Tobine stated he would like the site to be able to be accessed by community members and fire department members but we would like to put things such as fire class danger on because that changes daily. We would like to change that each morning so everyone would know if we were issuing fire permits.  We are in a pilot program with the State now about issuing permits online and if that goes through we will be doing them online. We would like to put out Incident stats on site, list department members and general information.  Lou Klotz asked if we currently use any forms that people come in for that we could put on website.  Chief responded he would like to put some knowledge based items on site for people to reference such as woodstove installation requirements.  Ron mentioned we could scan pamphlets and download them to the site.

The Fire Department would like to get information out about our fire prevention program and the explorer program. Deputy Halm inquired if it was easy to have a password protected section for us to use for schedules and department announcements. Ron said for in-house sensitive information that can be designed so only department staff can access that.

Lou asked if we could have links to click on to get a fire permit, get educational documents, a background section separate (password protected) so we could do on line communication. As far as fancy graphics, there are enough pictures available.

Lou inquired what the process is of building a website.  Do you start out with the host right away or do it on your own computer first. Ron said you need to decide what you want to communicate and structure it.  The Bog used software called Dreamweaver and typically he adds info to his computer and uses FTP (file transfer program) and clicks on host.  It ends up with 2 pages and you drag and drop from home page and open program and drag and drop it in. Ron thought it is easier than email.

Ron would be happy to work with some in-house people that would be interested in working on project as he is not knowledgeable on the working of a FD.  Lou asked Ron if he had the time to invest in this project and he said he does.

Ron has been working for two years with May at Campton Town Office to put tax maps into a digital format and add the fire cisterns.  They put down where the fire stations are so they can put that on the tax map.

The FD will look for a host. Julie will check with Mozy and Chief will check with LRMFA.  Ron thought there may be people who specialize in Fire Departments sites. Ron will check to see if anyone is using the name Campton-Thornton Fire Rescue as a web name.

Lou made a motion to move forward with construction of the web site and Kelly seconded motion.

The Board thanked Ron for attending and providing information.

Chief’s Report:

Need to discuss proposal for worker’s compensation insurance.  Chief Tobine said the FD has been with this company for over 20 years.  Both Lou and Chairman Kelly were in agreement to sign off on worker’s compensation insurance.

 

Motion to approve proposal for Primex Worker’s Compensation as submitted on March 20, 2012 (quote is dated March 20th) seconded by Lou.

 

Chief Tobine discussed FEMA grant process with Tammie for Thornton.  She said when it was developed the Select Boards talked quite a bit about it and if it is a 2 step grant (meaning you can apply and if awarded you can accept or deny grant), then we don’t need to ask the Town’s permission to apply.  However, if it is a grant that you apply for and you are accepting because you have applied, then Chief needs to go to the Select board first.

We intend to apply for equipment and possibly an ambulance this year. The application period opened on the June 11^th and closes on July 6^th.

 

Hardship applications: Six totaling $ 6010.75. Chief asked if we need one more board member to make the decision. Kelly inquired on opinions – Chief had requested additional info.  Only one that Chief did not request additional information on and that bill is for $152.79 (they paid major portion of bill already).  The additional info is attached to each application. Do you want to review today or wait till next month for additional board members?  Lou inquired about ramifications of waiting. Chief said they will just get another bill. Lou’s recommendation is to bring these back @ next month’s meeting. Kelly agrees with Lou to wait until next month.

 

Ambulance income from previous month after deductions = Campton (58%) $5249.57; Thornton (38%) 3,439.37;  Ellsworth (4%) 362.04; Totaling $9,050.98.

 

Chief will get another board member to sign manifest as we usually have three members sign off.

 

Lou made a motion to adjourn, Kelly seconded.

Meeting adjourned @ 17:10.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Julie O’Neill

 

SELECTMEN’S MEETING MINUTES FOR  JUNE 25, 2012

The Board of Selectmen met for their weekly meeting at 6:30 p. m. at the Campton Historical Society.  Present were Selectmen, Charles Cheney, Craig Keeney, Charles Wheeler, Sharon Davis and Marsh Morgan.  The Board signed the manifest and reviewed the bills.  They signed 2 Building Permits, 1 Sign Permit, 1 Tax Agreement and 3 granted abatements.

Members of the public who attended this meeting were:  Sandra Morgan, Gregory P. Jencks, Kathryn Joyce, George Wright, Chris Kelly, Karen and Gerry Rienzo, Robert and Angela Bain, Mary Durgin, David Bartholomew, Paula Kelly, Suzanne Silvesteri, John Whitney, Priscilla Whitney, Ann Verow, Ron Crowe, Christine Cavacchi, George Cavacchi, Richard Giehl, May and Charles Brosseau, Carolyn Hill, Alan Hill, Wink Van Knowe, D. Robitalle, Trudy Cote, Sally Moulton, Cliff and Judy Barber, Ted Hammond, Eric & Debbie Johnson, Dan Bergeron, Pam and Mark Troiano, Linda Dupere, Martha Hulsman Roseanne Woodard and Robert Pulsifer.

At 6:45 p.m. Chair Keeney called the meeting to order and called on Ann Marie to review correspondence.  A letter was received from Southern New Hampshire Services, Inc. regarding the elderly housing property on Owl Street.  They are seeking a payment in lieu of taxes in the amount of $7,752.00 based on rental income potential.

A thank you note was received from Pemi-Baker Home Health for the donation presented by the Town in memory of Sidney Cheney.

Ann Marie indicated that the Temporary Construction Easement Deed has been signed by Mr. Quinn for the Blair Bridge Project.  Also a letter has been received from the Department of the Army, New England District, and Corps of Engineers stating that a Department of the Army permit will not be required for the proposed work for the Blair Bridge Project.  Ann Marie informed the Board that Sean James will be meeting with the Board on July 9, 2012.   Ann Marie also indicated that she received notice from NH DOT that the reimbursement request for preliminary design costs in the amount of $87,830.63 will be directly sent to the Town within three weeks.

A copy of a letter was received from the NH Department of Resources and Economic Development, Division of Forests and Lands congratulating Fire Chief Tobine on his re-appointment as Forest Fire Warden.

The annual Trustee’s Accounting has been received from Charter Trust Company regarding the George Durgin Trust as the Town is listed as a receiver of funds.

A copy of a letter was received from Six Flags Mobile Home Park thanking the Police Department for changing their “lives in a positive way” and expressing that they now have their neighborhood back due to a recent drug bust.

Butch Bain received a check from P.K.’s Salvage to present to the Town for some scrap iron in the amount of $378.80.

There being no further correspondence, Chair Keeney then called for a Motion to approve the Minutes of Meeting of June 11, 2012.  Selectman Morgan made a Motion to approve the Minutes as presented. The Motion was seconded by Selectman Cheney, and the Minutes were unanimously approved as written.

At 7:00 p.m. Chair Keeney then informed the public that the purpose of the forum this evening is to let the public know “where they are at with the new Municipal Building and that Selectman Sharon Davis will do the presentation and after the presentation the forum will be opened for questions and comments from the public.

Selectman Davis began the presentation of the Reallocation of office space by following a prepared presentation packet which was distributed to all members of the public to follow as she spoke. Selectman Davis reviewed the Building Committee Study and thanked the Building Committee for all their work and acknowledged the members at this meeting.  Selectman Davis continued the presentation by reviewing Department sizes.  The Departments being the Selectmen’s office, Town Clerk/Tax Collector’s Office, Police Department, Town Road Department and Fire Department.  It was explained that the Road Department building is adequate for the future; however, a new salt storage facility needs to be erected. The Fire Department has recently had interior rehab done, which has extended facility adequacy for future needs.  The present Police Department has 720 square feet – not including the basement.  The building has truss construction – none of the walls are weight bearing (all walls can be easily moved.  The basement is dry and adequate.  The building has a new heating and air conditioning system.  It has a secured service window and its own alarm system.  Selectman Davis continued by explaining that the space originally planned for the Town Clerk/ Tax Collector’s Office at the new facility amounted to 1,366 square feet, use of one-half of the vault and would have combined use of work area and kitchen area with Selectmen’s Office. Selectmen Davis explained that the Police Department needs more room to accommodate 10+ at a time.   An interview room and booking and detention area is needed.  Currently anyone in custody has “full run” of the building.  In the current facility, children cannot be protected with certain specific guarantees as required by law, which results in violations of sight/sound.  Selectman Davis then proceeded to discuss the needs of the Town Clerk/Tax Collector’s Office.  Those needs being:  an adequate space for 3 employees and equipment; dry and adequate storage area; security service window; and alarm system. In conclusion, the reallocation of office space was based on the following:

• The space requirements of the Town Clerk/Tax Collector’s Office can more than adequately be accommodated by the present Police Facility
• The new space originally planned for the Town Clerk/Tax Collector’s Office, will adequately accommodate the Police Department needs and bring the department into compliance
• Town communications can easily be tied through conduits
• By taking this action, the Town will save anywhere from $500,000 to $1,000,000+ costs for future expansions/construction
• Fulfill the goal to have all Town departments on one campus

 

Chair Keeney then asked each Board member to speak to express their reasons for the reallocation of office space.  The general consensus of the entire Board was:  to save dollars and cents; avoid borrowing more money for another construction project to keep the tax rate from increasing; avoid having to rent a space for the Police Department to avoid “out of compliance” issues.  All Board members expressed that it all made sense when Kelley Bolger, Clerk of the Works, presented the idea to the Board for their consideration. The Board members further expressed that the present Police Department would be an ideal facility for the Town Clerk/Tax Collector’s Office because it would fulfill security concerns voiced by the Town Clerk/Tax Collector, the facility is dry and adequate for storage space, and the building has its own alarm system.  All Board members expressed the huge cost savings that will solve present and future costs burdens facing the Town.

Chair Keeney then opened the forum up to the public to discuss.  Chair Keeney called on Pam Troiano who inquired how these changes will hit the budget with additional expenses and where is the money coming from to pay for the renovations of the Police Department.  Chair Keeney explained that the new municipal building project is $100,000 under budget; however, this money cannot be used for renovations to the Police Department (acknowledged by Town Attorney), but the anticipated $15,000 to $20,000, which is needed for the renovation, will be paid for through the George Durgin Trust fund account.  Ann Marie also confirmed that there is actually $55,000 available in the George Durgin Trust fund at the present time.  Also, it was confirmed that through conduit the present computer server will service all three departments.

Chair Keeney then called on Judy Barber who was concerned about Police compliance issues and wanted to know how that is being handled at the present time.  Chief Warn explained that at present he calls on other Police Departments for use of space when needed.

John Whitney was recognized by Chair Keeney to speak and he stated that the statutes state that the Town Clerk’s responsibility is to “safe guard Town records”.  He voiced that he did not feel the basement of the present Police Department was a correct environment for record storage since a large sum of money has already been spent preserving records.  Mr. Whitney also expressed that he felt the Board was treating the Town Clerk like she is a Town employee and he stated, “The Town Clerk is not your employee”.  It was stated that a vault would be built as part of the renovation of the building.

Chair Keeney then called on Cliff Barber (a Building Committee member) who explained that some people in Town are accusing the Building Committee of making the reallocation of office space changes.  He expressed that that there were two issues here. One being, the process used to come to the reallocation decision was not transparent and felt the Building Committee should have been informed so when questions were presented to them they would be well versed on the reallocation rather than not having any information.  Mr. Barber expressed that he felt the process has been “flawed”. The other issue, of course, is being the actual decision itself. He expressed concern about growth for the two departments and inquired on the bank loan rate which was confirmed at the lowest rate the Town has ever received at a percentage rate of 2.28%.  Mr. Barber did acknowledge the savings and acknowledged he was in favor of the decision; however, he wanted to express his concerns with the process by which the determination was made and he felt there seems to be a “trust issue” now caused from the “flaw” in the process.

Selectman Morgan was recognized to speak by Chair Keeney.  Selectman Morgan indicated that he didn’t realize the Board had to report back to the Building Committee.  Selectman Morgan also indicated that the growth rate anticipated is for 20 years as there seemed to be a discrepancy in the growth rate amount.  Selectman Davis confirmed the 20 year growth rate and stated that the Board was grateful for the Building Committee getting the Town to the present state regarding the new municipal building; however, the Building Committee’s job has now been completed.  Selectman Davis also commented on that fact that the time frame that the Board was working under was very short and they did the best they could with the time they had to inform all necessary individuals.

Chair Keeney called on Dick Giehl who expressed, from the standpoint of his position as Moderator, he was concerned about “voters’ intent” which the voters voted on at Town Meeting and has now been revised.  He stated he has a call into the Attorney General’s Office for comment on this issue and he was told he would hear back from the Attorney General’s Office on June 28^th.

Chair Keeney also recognized George Cavicchi who expressed that he didn’t understand how 5 Selectman could change what the voters voted on without another public vote.

Chair Keeney then called on Gerry Rienzo who also expressed that the plans voted on at Town Meeting have been changed and he expressed concern as to “how do we know what we are voting on?”, as the Article presented at Town Meeting did not designate these changes.

Chair Keeney recognized Linda Dupere who stated it is a “no brainer” after considering the cost savings factor and she thanked the Board for seeing this savings before thousands of dollars were spent.

Greg Jencks was recognized by Chair Keeney to speak and he expressed that the Board is voted in by the public with the anticipation to do a good job for the Town and he is sorry that the Board is being “beat up this evening” because he feels the Board is doing an excellent job.

Chair Keeney then called on Charles Brosseau who also felt that the Board is doing a good job and commended the Board on making the decision to save the Town money.

Chair Keeney called on Robert Pulsifer who expressed that the intent of the public was what was presented at Town Meeting and when it was changed it was not fully disclosed to the public.  He also expressed that for this reason he was ashamed of the Board and that “they know better”.

Chris Kelly was recognized by Chair Keeney and he thanked the Board for saving the Town money and supports the Board in their decision, especially with the anticipated growth rate.

Chair Keeney then called on Police Chief Warn who explained that Kelley Bolger was not able to attend this meeting due to a family emergency, but Chief Warn expressed that he wanted to point out that Kelley is not the “bad guy” and is working extremely hard for the Town.  Chief Warn explained that this whole idea came forward when he asked Kelley (as Clerk of the Works) if there would be a room available at the new Municipal facility that could accommodate the Police Department when needed.  It was then that the needs of the Police Department and  the floor plan of the new Building was reviewed by Kelley for the possibility for changes and the costs that would be anticipated.  After review, Kelley presented the information that he had gathered to the Board to either disregard or to consider.  Chief Warn explained that he did not know about the Board’s decision until very recently.  Chief Warn expressed that there was no conspiracy going on here even though his officers have been approached by the public on this issue.  Chief Warn then gave a little history on the present Police Department Building indicating that the building is strong and safe.  Chief Warn also added that his staff will continue to do a good job for the Town wherever the Town decides to house the Department.

Chair Keeney recognized George Wright who inquired if the new plans will be available to the public and if so, when.  Chair Keeney indicated that as soon as the Board receives the plans they would be available to the public.

Chair Keeney called on Karen Rienzo who confirmed that sometimes there are up to 12 people in line in the Town Clerk/Tax Collector’s Office.  She also expressed her concern and was upset about having to leave the building while waiting on a customer to go outside to get to the entrance of the basement to reach the vault.  There was then discussion concerning the entranceway to the basement being changed so that access could be reached inside.

At 8:00 p.m. Chair Keeney declared the public forum and Selectmen’s Meeting adjourned.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Eleanor M. Dewey,

Office Assistant to Ann Marie Foote, Town Administrator

 

Campton Conservation Commission  Meeting minutes For May 9, 2012; 7:30pm

 

Members present:  Jane Kellogg, Jules Doner, Lea Stewart, Tammy Wooster

Others present: Audrey Eisenhauer, from the Margaret and H.J. Rey Center

 

1)      Minutes:

Jane suggested that we have a copy of past meeting minutes to reference at our meetings Tammy said she would create a minutes notebook which we will keep in the CC filing cabinet.

Jane made a motion to accept the April meeting minutes. Lea seconded the motion and all were in favor.

2)      Rey Center Nature Nights Program:

Jane explained a recent development in the new Rey Center Nature Nights program to the group. She was contacted by Ann Marie who said that the Select Board read our minutes and had concerns over the recent CC vote to make a $500 expenditure in support of the program. Jane attended the May 30th Select Board meeting and explained the specifics of the program to the board. The Select Board were in favor of the program but consensus was that they did not think the CC should make a $500 expenditure to a non-profit organization and that they themselves have avoided making these types of expenditures especially in the current economic climate.

The group maintains that this is an appropriate Conservation Fund expenditure, particularly since it is an educational project to be implemented by professionals and made available to Campton residents for free. NH Conservation commissions regularly make expenditures for these types of educational programs. Additionally, the expenditure amounts to less than 1 % of the current Conservation Fund balance. Discussion turned to possible alternative funding sources.  In light of the fact that there is an imminent timeline and the CC has made a commitment of support to the Rey Center, all agreed that the project should move forward as planned, but with an alternate funding plan.

Jules made a motion that given the Select Boards recommendation, the CC will try to secure sponsorships to help fund the Nature Nights program. Additionally, if sponsorships fall short of the $500 committed to the Rey Center, the CC will contribute the remaining amount from the Conservation Fund. In the meantime, the CC will seek advice from the Local Government center to verify and support our belief that this is a legitimate expenditure. Jane seconded the motion and all were in favor. A list of potential sponsors was generated and CC member assignments were made. All agreed that sponsorships should be paid directly to the Rey Center, and sponsors will be told that their donations will be tax deductible. Audrey confirmed that any money collected throughout the 8 week program from non-resident suggested donations will go back into the Conservation Fund. A June 1^st deadline was set to secure sponsors so that they can be acknowledged in any promotional materials.

 

3)      Bog Pond Outreach letter:

On April 25^th, the CC held a work session to begin an outreach effort to Bog Pond area landowners. Since Jules was unable to make the work session, Jane brought him up to date on the project and explained that we are targeting Bog Pond area landowners to begin a conversation and get a feel for what their conservation thoughts might be.  Bog Pond was chosen as an area of focus since it was identified as having a high conservation value by the NH Fish & Game’s Wildlife Action Plan. At the work session tax maps were consulted and a list of landowner names was generated. Since the work session, Lea has created a landowner database and Tammy drafted a letter and questionnaire which was circulated before tonight’s meeting. All reviewed the letter and made edits.  Lea will research pricing for photocopying the questionnaire on cardstock, and Jane will work on creating a new CC letterhead. Tammy will finalize and circulate the letter and we will address the letters for sending at our next work session on May 23^rd, 7pm at Jane’s house. Once the letter is finalized, a copy will be given to Ann Marie to share with the SelectBoard.

4)      Planning Board Update:
Jane recently attended a Planning Board work session to learn more about the proposed hotel/conference center/indoor water park project. Jane reported that the project is quite extensive and is being developed by Apollo Global Management which recently purchased Gray Wolf Resorts. The project as proposed will have its own sewer complex, water tank and possibly underground parking. Tom Mullen is assisting the developer in working through the state and local permit system. Jane said that she was under the impression that the businesses within the resort such as restaurants may not be open to the general public. Nothing was decided at the work session, but rather it was learned that the project location would straddle two zoning types, resort residential and commercial. The project will have to adhere to whichever zoning type that has the more stringent requirements, and various impact studies have been requested. Jane requested that environmental impact studies also be completed.

5)      Mail:

Two Forestry Notifications were opened and filed.

6)      FYI:

1. Water Conference:  

Tammy attended the 2012 DES Drinking Water Source Protection conference on May 5^th, courtesy of her employer. She learned about the prevalence of arsenic in NH groundwater which is reported as being present in 20% of private wells. The newest research suggests that the current safe drinking water standard needs to be lowered. Tammy also learned of a newly emerging contaminant called 1,4 Dioxane which is showing up in NH groundwater and is a known carcinogen. The contaminant forms as an impurity in the manufacturing of many personal care products and will likely be regulated in the near future.

1. Saving Special Places Conference:
   

Jane attended this conference and came away with resources that we can we can potentially use in our landowner outreach efforts. The new NH Wetlands Mapper can be used for conservation planning around wetlands. Jane also attended a Local Fundraising for Conservation projects session, where she learned of ways to secure more money for large conservation projects to supplement Conservation funds.

1. PRLAC

Jane reported that Lisa Morin from the Belknap County Conservation District spoke at the last PRLAC meeting about a new outreach campaign.  The Upper Merrimac Watershed was recently identified as 4^th in the state at risk from changes due to development, and landowners along the river are being targeted for outreach. An informational meeting and supper will be held at the Jellystone Campground in Ashland on June 21^st.  Jane suggested that we all share this information with known Pemi River landowners.

Before the meeting was adjourned, Jules asked whether we should be considering dismantling the PCP Blanchard House.  All agreed this is something to plan for at some point, but maybe after the pumpkin patch project is complete, since the project may spur other ideas for use of the building.

Meeting adjourned: 0920 pm

Next meeting June 13^th, 2012 7:30pm

 

Respectfully submitted,

Tammy Wooster