SELECTMEN’S MEETING  MINUTES FOR APRIL 23, 2012

The Board of Selectmen met for their weekly meeting at 6:30 p. m. at the Campton Town Office.  Present were Selectmen, Charles Wheeler, Charles Cheney, Craig Keeney, Marsh Morgan and Sharon Davis. The Board signed the manifest and reviewed the bills.  They signed 3 Building Permits and 1 letter to Hannah Joyce, Town Clerk/Tax Collector.

Two members of the public who were present at the meeting, but were not on the agenda were Gregory Jencks and B.G. King.

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 the addition of letters from interested candidates for the Fire Commissioner position and possibly the appointment of a candidate this evening.

Chair Keeney then called on Kelly Bolger who proceeded to update the Board on the new Town Office Building Project.  Kelly distributed a Preliminary Time Line received from Dennis Mires, P.A., the Architects which tentatively schedules releasing documents for bidding to Conneston Contractors, Inc. (CCI) for 4/27/12; receive bids by 5/16/12; starting construction by 5/28/13 and construction complete by 1/30/12.  Kelly also presented an offer of proposal from Dennis Mires, P.A. for their office to provide comprehensive construction administration services through the construction of the project.  The proposal fee for such services is $16,000.00.  Selectman Davis explained that Kelly was able to reduce this figure from $22,500.00 as he felt 2 site visits per month would be sufficient rather than 4.  It was also noted that additional site/civil fees in the amount of $1,500.00 and $300.00 for septic filing fee would bring the total proposal from Dennis Mires, P.A. to $17,800.00.  The additional fees are to update the septic design to current rules and filing with the NH Department of Environmental Services.   Chair Keeney then called for a Motion and Selectman Morgan made the Motion to accept the proposal from Dennis Mires, P.A. in the amount of $17,800.00 and also for the Board to authorize Selectman Sharon Davis, as Vice Chair of the Board of Selectmen to sign the proposal on behalf of the Board.  The Motion was seconded by Selectman Wheeler and the Motion was unanimously approved.

Kelley Bolger stated that he would like CCI to come in to speak with the Board after all bids are in and the Board agreed to set the date for May 21, 2012, or May 23, 2012 if the 21^st date could not be met.  Kelly also indicated that any interested contractors who would like to place bids should be referred directly to CCI.  The Board then thanked Kelly.

Chair Keeney then proceeded with discussion concerning the removal of the old salt shed.  After discussion, it was agreed that a notice be placed in the newspaper for bids to remove the knee wall, foundation and entire structure of the salt shed, to be completed by May 18, 2012.  It was also agreed that the proposals would be due by May 4, 2012.

Chair Keeney then commenced discussion regarding the policy for removal of fill from road projects.  After discussion, the consensus of the Board was to keep the same policy which is presently in effect.  The policy followed presently is that Butch contacts property owners in the area (close to the site work – to save on hauling cost) to inquire if anyone is interested in the fill and the Board felt this was a fair approach. Selectman Cheney did inquire as to how Butch Bain handles any possible liability issues (before they might arise) when delivering the fill material to property owners.

Chair Keeney then called on Ann Marie regarding candidates for the Fire Commissioner position.  She indicated there were 3 candidates:  Paul Blondin, Will Lambert and B.G. King.  B.G. King was present at this meeting and Chair Keeney called on Ms. King to speak to the Board this evening.  Ms. King introduced herself by stating that she has already worked with Chief Tobine dealing with hazardous situations and she had been in to speak with Kelly Bolger and Chief Tobine regarding the position.  She explained that although she has worked with budgets and understands budgets, she is better at operations and has worked for the past 20 years for NH Electric Co-op and has a great deal of training/experience in safety procedures and regulations and feels she would be an asset to the Fire Department.

It was noted that Paul Blondin and Will Lambert were on vacation this week and therefore, did not have the opportunity to come in to speak to the Board.  After discussion, the Board explained to B.G. King that they felt that she is very well qualified; however, to be fair to the other candidates, they felt that Paul Blondin and Will Lambert should have the opportunity to meet with the Selectmen on Monday night.  At this point, B.G. King thanked the Board for their time.

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 made by Selectman Davis to the regular Minutes, Selectman Morgan made a Motion to approve the revised Minutes and to approve the Non Public Minutes as presented.  The Motion was seconded by Selectman Wheeler and the revised Minutes and Non Public Minutes as presented were unanimously approved.

Chair Keeney then called on Kelly Bolger who requested the Board go into Non Public Session.  A Motion was then made by Selectman Davis for the Board to go into Non Public Session under RSA 91-A: 3ll(c) regarding a personnel matter.  The Motion was seconded by Selectman Morgan, and with a roll call vote:  Selectman Morgan – aye, Selectman Davis – aye, Selectman Wheeler – aye, Selectman Cheney – aye, and Selectman Keeney – aye the Board went into Non Public Session.   At 7:18 p.m. the Board came out of Non Public Session and the Minutes were sealed.

Chair Keeney then called on Ann Marie to review correspondence.  Ann Marie indicated that Jane Kellogg, of the Conservation Commission responded by e-mail regarding the Margaret & H.A. Rey Center and the proposed sponsorship of the Campton Conservation Commission to a family nature exploration program.  After discussion, the Board agreed to invite Jane Kellogg in to speak to the Board and instructed Ann Marie to request (by e-mail to Jane Kellogg) that the Conservation Commission wait to expend funds for the proposed sponsorship until Jane has the opportunity to speak with the Board.

Ann Marie indicated that notice of pre-qualifications was received regarding the Blair Bridge Project and all the changes had been made.  Matt Moore reviewed the pre-qualifications and he has approved the notice.  Chair Keeney then made a Motion to accept the Pre-qualifications as revised, the Motion was seconded by Selectman Davis, and the Pre-qualifications were unanimously approved.

Ann Marie indicated that the Final Design and Bid Phase Engineering Services document has been approved by Matt Moore.  Selectman Morgan then made a Motion to authorized Chairman Craig Keeney to sign the Final Design and Bid Phase Engineering Services document on the Board’s behalf.  The Motion was seconded by Selectman Wheeler and the Motion was unanimously approved.

Ann Marie indicated that Tammie Beaulieu, Thornton Town Administrator forwarded a copy of a three-year contract with Emery and Garrett for the monitoring, sampling and reporting of the Campton/Thornton Landfill.

Ann Marie stated that Companion Life Dental has sent notice of the group dental insurance rates increasing 7%, becoming effective 7/1/12. The Board of Selectmen agreed to stay with Companion Life Dental. Ann Marie informed the Board that R.J. Dragon is now running some quotes for health insurance.

Ann Marie indicated that an e-mail was received from Laura Spector-Morgan concerning Beebe River District.  It was explained that Mr. Robert Welch is not in favor of dissolving the Beebe River District and he is intervening.  Laura Spector-Morgan inquired if the Board would agree to her filing an objection to Mr. Welch’s intervention.  The Board agreed.

Ann Marie indicated that Mr. Thomas Wagner, of the U.S. Forest Service forwarded a letter regarding the decision of the Forest Service to change the use of the Campton Group Campground to day use rather than overnight camping.  It was agreed that a letter of objection to the decision should be forwarded to Mr. Wagner.  Also, the Board would like to invite the Forest Service and the Thornton Board of Selectmen (or their representative) to come in to discuss this matter.  The Board agreed that the invitation would be for 5/7/12.

The Board also confirmed their approval for Ann Marie to draft a letter for the Board to sign congratulating Adam White on becoming an Eagle Scout.

Chair Keeney then called on Butch Bain, Road Agent who requested the Board go into Non Public Session.  Chair Keeney then moved for a Motion to go into Non public Session under RSA 91-A: 3(c) regarding a personnel matter.  The Motion was seconded by Selectman Morgan and with a roll call vote:  Selectman Morgan – aye, Selectman Wheeler – aye, Selectman Davis – aye, Selectman Cheney – aye, and Selectmen Keeney – aye, the Board went into Non Public Session at 7:45 p.m.  The Board came out of Non Public Session at 8:02 p.m. and the Minutes were sealed.

Chair Keeney continued the meeting by calling on Butch Bain, Road Agent.  Butch expressed that he wanted to know the Board’s feelings on his “future with the Town” (looking aside from the fact that he is an elected official).  The Board reassured Butch, and confirmed that they felt he is doing a fine job as a road agent and the Board supports him 100%.  However, the consensus of the Board was that the day-to-day business of operation of the Highway Department needs to get back to normal and past events left behind.  The Board also encouraged Butch to manage his staff in the supervisor role that he holds as Road Agent and Department Head. The Board expressed that they do not want to “micro-manage” the Highway Department.  Butch expressed that he felt it takes a team effort (with his crew) and suggested that his staff and Human Resources meet to hopefully resolve any issues.

 

There being no Other business or Selectmen’s Input, Chair Keeney declared the meeting adjourned at 8:03 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Eleanor M. Dewey,

Office Assistant to Ann Marie Foote, Town Administrator

 

Campton Conservation Commission Meeting minutes For March 21, 2012; 7pm

 

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

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

 

1)      Town Meeting Recap:

Jane mentioned that she watched the town meeting on television and only recalled seeing one vote of opposition for the CC warrant article. The CC is grateful to the Select Board and to Patrick Miller for expressing support. All were pleased with the outcome of the vote and agreed that the take home message is that our work must continue to focus on the public education of conservation issues.

2)      Next steps:

The CC will get to work trying to encourage Campton landowners to engage in the conservation easement process.  A discussion of how to focus these efforts was had and Jane recalled a previous conservation informational session for landowners held a few years back, which was conducted by two state conservation specialists, Phil Auger and attorney Alexander Breed who specializes in Conservation easement and estate planning work.  Tammy suggested that the State Wildlife Action plan would be a useful tool in identifying which areas to target, adding that the plan was devised for use in conservation projects such as this. The plan identifies and ranks lands according to habitat value and Campton contains lands within the highest ranking, in particular Bog Pond. Lea suggested that the Forest Society might have some ideas of how to approach and engage landowners in easement option discussions. Jane suggested we hold a work session to study the tax maps and draw up a list of people who own land around high conservation value areas. A work session was scheduled for April 25^th @ 7pm in the town office. Jane will speak with Ann Marie about using the tax maps and resident address book for this project.

3)      Land Management Meeting:

For the past few years the month of April has been designated as our annual land management meeting. Tammy will ask Jess to put a notice in the Record Enterprise inviting the public to attend our meeting. A task list for each property was discussed which will set the course for the year’s work.

1. PCP :

This is an off year for mowing of the PCP field, aside from the perimeter walking trail which Jules agreed to mow. Jules suggested we recheck the poison ivy situation and re-herbicide if necessary.  Jane said that we should contact the Garden Club to ask if there is work needed this year at the elm tree site. Jules asked what the status of a community garden idea was and suggested that the flat behind the Lane’s might be a good location.

Jane disagreed, saying that the soils were poor in that area and that the area adjacent to the Blanchard house was previously identified as having fertile soils. All agreed that it would be worthwhile to mention to the garden club that the PCP could be a future place to grow flowers for town plantings.   Tammy will ask Jess to contact the Garden Club and invite their members to our next meeting. The last PCP item discussed was the pumpkin patch project proposed by the Campton A+ after school program. Tammy will contact Arianne Fosdick and ask if there is still interest. All agreed that the abovementioned ideas are all exciting but the lack of a water supply continues to be a problem. 

1. BWNA:

Jane said that she had just walked the BWNA trails and they are in great shape. Former CC member Lisa Doner had recently expressed concerns to Jules about two potential BWNA issues. Lisa had observed some gulley washing along the river bank that she thought was posing a threat to a small unknown structure.  She also thought that the back side of the newly constructed Whitten house was too close to one of the BWNA small wetland streams.  Jane said that a building permit note detailed that in January 2011 Charlie Brosseau had looked at the setback from the river but there were no comments relative to the wetland stream. Jane will try and locate the Whitten wetland permit paperwork to determine if the house dimensions are true to permit specifications.

Japanese Knotweed was discussed next and Lea mentioned that she had recently read about an effective method of knotweed control which involves cutting the plants in July followed by herbicide treatment when new growth emerges. Jules said that there was still some Roundup left from the PCP poison ivy project that could be used. Jane recalled learning of a permit requirement for herbicide use near a wetland. Tammy read aloud the knotweed control recommendation provided last year by DOT invasive plant specialist Christine Perron. The e-mail confirmed that a permit is required from the NH Pesticide Division, and Jane will look into how to go about acquiring one.

Tammy asked where the Rey Center BWNA nature walk proposal stood and it was recollected that Melissa was the last one in contact with the Rey Center on this project. Lea offered to reconnect with Audrey Eisenhauer from the Rey Center to follow up and determine interest.

The Adopt a Highway cleanup was discussed next and all agreed that April 22^nd which is Earth Day would be an appropriate date for our first cleanup of the year.  Jess has renewed the required DOT paperwork for the year, and Tammy will ask her to include this work date in the Record Enterprise posting.  Jules will take care of picking up the vests and bags from  the Ashland shed.

The last BWNA item discussed was the parking lot. Jane thought the lot could be re-opened any day since there is only a tiny patch of ice left, and Jules offered to do this.

4)      FYI:

1. Owl’s Nest
   

Jane reported that the Owl’s Nest is moving ahead with plans to construct a hotel conference center and indoor water park in town and reiterated that CC members should be attending Planning Board meetings.  The meeting room calendar was consulted and April 3^rd and 10^th are reserved as PB meeting dates. Tammy will review Town website minutes for any mention of the project, and Jane will try and find out which PB meeting is designated as a work session.

1. Upcoming events:
   

1.   The 2012 Saving Special Places Workshop will be held Saturday April 14, from 8am-3:45pm, at the John Stark Regional High School in Weare NH. Jane plans on attending this workshop with funds from the CCC budget.
2.   The Drinking Water Source Protection Workshop will be held on Wednesday May 2, from 8:30am-4pm at the Grappone Conference Center in Concord. Tammy will be attending compliments of her employer.

1. Town Report Error:
   

Jane noted that Jules name was left off of the CC member list in the 2012 Town Report. Jules thought that maybe this was because his term was about to expire and all agreed that this would not occur until April and so his name should have been included.

 

Meeting adjourned 8:20pm

Next meeting April 11^th 7pm

Campton – Thornton Fire Commission Meeting  Minutes  March 12, 2012

The meeting was called to order at 1555 hrs. by Chairman Jim Demeritt.

Present were Commissioners Demeritt, Niles Downing, and Kelly Bolger.  Lou Klotz was working, and Dick Giehl  was in earlier to sign the manifest but was not able to make the meeting. Also present – Chief Tobine and Deputy Chief Halm.

Ambulance income after collection fee  for Feb. / March 2012 was:  Campton : $ 6,501.00 ;  Thornton: $4259.27 ; Ellsworth $448.34… Total   $11,208.61

The minutes of February 13, 2012  were  read. A motion  to accept the minutes as read was made  by Jim, 2’nd by Kelly   Approved unanimously.

Old Business:  Chief Tobine gave a progress report on the station renovations. The offices and Day room, the bathrooms and shower are now in service . The remainder of the work should be wrapped up by next meeting.

Chief Tobine reported that the number of cardiac arrests continue to climb.

Chief Tobine reported that an important piece of equipment used for assisting with the cardiac arrests is out of service due to battery issues. The batteries, though properly maintained , have failed. The equipment  dealer will be replacing them at company expense asap.  A new lithium battery is still in the development phase apparently .

Engine 3 went for its’ State inspection last week and hasn’t returned. It needed brake work and a needed part was unavailable and had to be ordered.

The bid process for the Fire Commission was discussed and some issues were explained and more thought will be given and then if needed, a brief work session will be held.

As there was no new business at hand and no other items for discussion, a motion was made to adjourn by Niles, 2’nd by Kelly and approved unanimously at 1425.

Respectfully submitted,

Niles Downing