Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes for March 19, 2012

The Selectmen met for their regular meeting at 6:30 p.m.  Present were Selectmen Sharon Davis, Marsh Morgan, Jr. Charles Wheeler, Charles Cheney and Craig Keeney.  Also in attendance at the meeting were Butch Bain, Road Agent and Kelly Bolger, Chair of the Building Committee.  Later in the meeting Town Attorney Walter Mitchell joined the meeting.

The Board spent the first 15 minutes reviewing and signing the manifest.  They also approved a Veteran’s Exemption, signed Intent to Cut, a Tax Agreement, and a piece of correspondence to a taxpayer.

At 6:45 p.m. Chair Sharon Davis began the meeting by asking the Board to review last week’s minutes.  She provided some revisions that she would like to suggest.  With a motion from Selectman Morgan, seconded by Selectman Wheeler, the Board approved the minutes with the revisions.

Correspondence was next.  There were only two items in the correspondence folder this week.  A letter from the State of New Hampshire’s Department of Environmental Services to Bill Dauer at the White Mountain National Forest  Service, with a copy to the Town of Campton.  In this letter, DES advised that the Campton Pond Dam has been reclassified from a Significant Hazard Potential to a High Hazard Potential Dam.  Water levels and velocities that could cause failure or misoperation of the dam were cited as a reason to upgrade this potential as well as water levels rising above the first floor elevation of habitable residential, commercial or industrial structures.  The third reason was any circumstances which would result in one or more deaths.   Tropical Storm Irene, and the evacuation of Six Flags Mobile Home Park which experienced flooding in several mobile homes was given as an example as well as similar events in 1936,1938, 1959 and 1987.  The letter advised the White Mountain National Forest that they could appeal this decision.  As a result of discussions with the Federal Emergency Management, it was agreed that Emergency Action Plans need to be reviewed and updated.  The other piece of correspondence was additional emails from Sean James, Engineer for the Blair Bridge Project.  The Board was happy to see that progress was being made with the State, but they were concerned that the pre-qualification for the bids for the contractors to do the work on the bridge, had not been started yet.  The Board asked Ann Marie to contact Sean about this concern.   Ann Marie also asked the Board how they wanted to handle the temporary easements needed to gain access to the river.  The Board suggested that letters be sent to the two property owners along with a copy of the easement, and suggest that they meet with the Board.

The Board then discussed the Selectmen’s assignments for 2012.  Selectman Cheney made a motion to nominate Craig Keeney to be Chairman this year; it was seconded by Sharon Davis, and voted in the affirmative by all.  Selectman Wheeler made a motion to nominate Sharon Davis as Vice-Chair, seconded by Selectman Keeney and voted in the affirmative by all.  The Boards then discussed the different positions on other committees.  Selectmen Keeney and Wheeler will continue to be the Human Resource Committee members.  Selectman Morgan agreed to continue to be the ex-officio for Planning Board, Selectmen Davis and Wheeler will continue to be on the Parks & Recreation Committee, and Selectman Davis will continue on the Building Project  along with Kelly Bolger.  Selectman Wheeler requested that someone else consider being on the Cable Committee.  Selectman Cheney agreed to head this committee.

Selectman Wheeler then made a motion to go into Non Public Session under RSA 91-A: 3, ll c for a Personnel issue. A roll call vote was taken and all voted in the affirmative to go into Non Public Session.

The Board came out of Non Public Session at approximately 8 p.m.  Selectman Davis made a motion to seal the minutes, seconded by Selectman Morgan with roll call vote, all voted in the affirmative to seal the Non Public minutes.

At this point, the Board request Attorney Walter Mitchell to explain the recount procedure as none of the Board Members had participated in one before.  He indicated that the Board of Selectmen, the Town Clerk and the Moderator participate in this count.  Each candidate was allowed to have one observer to be able to oversee the count.  This observer could be themselves, their attorney or anyone that they choose to do this.  The public is allowed at the count, but cannot participate, and has to stay within an area designated by the Moderator.  Selectman Wheeler indicated that he cannot be available at 5 p.m. due to work commitments.  Attorney Mitchell indicated that he would send an email to Ann Marie tomorrow to better clarify the procedure after reviewing the State Statutes.

Under other business, Selectman Morgan proposed that Kelly Bolger be appointed the Clerk of the Works for the new Town Office Building.  Mr. Bolger has offered to do this at no cost, and has extensive experience in this field.  He only requests that upon completion of the project that the Board gives him a letter of recommendation.  All Board Members agreed, and thanked Kelly for his services.

With no other business to be discussed, a motion was made by Selectman Keeney, seconded by Marsh Morgan to adjourn.  Motion passed, meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Ann Marie Foote                                                                                                                                                                          Town Administrator

 

SELECTMEN’S MEETING MINUTES FOR MARCH 12, 2012

The Board of Selectmen met for their weekly meeting at 6:30 p. m. at the Campton Town Office.  Present were, Selectmen, Charles Cheney, Charles Wheeler, Sharon Davis, Craig Keeney, and Marsh Morgan.  The Board signed the manifest and reviewed the bills.  They signed 1 Intent to Cut, 1 Elderly Exemption, 1 Veteran’s Exemption and 1 Disabled Exemption.

Members of the public who were present at the meeting, but not on the agenda were Butch Bain and Kelly Bolger.

At 6:45 p.m. Chair Davis called the meeting to order to discuss the Warrant Articles and Ann Marie indicated that there were only two Articles to read at Town Meeting.  It was agreed that Article 5 will be read by Chair Davis and Article 17 will be read by Selectman Wheeler.

Chair Davis then called for a Motion to approve the Minutes of the previous meeting.  Selectman Morgan made the Motion to accept the Minutes as written.  The Motion was seconded by Selectman Keeney and the Minutes as written were unanimously approved.

Chair Davis called on Ann Marie to review correspondence.   Ann Marie indicated that a copy of a Memo of Inspection was forwarded to the Town from James Weber, P.E. of the State of NH Dam Safety & Inspection Section concerning the Campton Bog Dam.  The report reflected some concerns; however, none of the issues detract from the dam’s structural integrity or operability at this time the DES has established no schedule for addressing the issues.  Mr. Weber indicated the next scheduled inspection is set for 2017.  After reading this report, it was determined that the Town does not own the dam and this report was just informational.

A letter was received from Attorney John A. Curran, the attorney representing the Town’s insurance company pertaining to the Fire Fighter who is filing a claim against the Town and Robert Burhoe, Sr. pertaining to a slip and fall case.  Attorney Curran would like to meet with Ann Marie, Fire Chief Tobine and Butch Bain, Road Agent.  The tentative date is March 16, 2012.  No confirmed time has been set.

Ann Marie indicated that the Board has received all recent e-mails from Hoyle, Tanner & Associates concerning the Blair Bridge Project and DES Wetlands approval.  The Wetlands Bureau has now approved the access points for the pier construction work.  At this point, Selectman Cheney indicated that he spoke with Mr. Jorgensen regarding an easement to get to the river.  Selectman Cheney informed the Board that Mr. Jorgensen is willing to give the Town an easement.  Mr. Jorgensen also discussed with Selectman Cheney the possibility of the Town being willing to reduce his property taxes due to loss of business.  The Board discussed concerns with this issue; however, Selectman Cheney requested that Ann Marie contact Mark Nieder concerning this matter.

A letter was received from University of NH Cooperative Extension stating that County Forester, Dave Falkenham, wanted to make sure Towns were aware of new federal funding opportunities for community forest land acquisition.  The application deadline is May 15, 2012.

The Town web site report has been received and the amount of visitors has increased since last month; however e-mails have dropped.

Notice from the Local Government Center concerning Workshops for newly elected and appointed municipal officials.  The closest workshop to Campton is scheduled for May 19^th and September 29^th in Concord.

Grafton County Senior Citizens Council forwarded an invitation to their Annual Meeting on Monday, April 2, 2012, at 10 Campbell Street, in Lebanon with a luncheon starting at 11:45 a.m. and the keynote speaker on that day will be Councilor Ray Burton.

Ann Marie was sorry to inform the Board that Lester Mitchell had passed away and his obituary was distributed to the Board; however, no services were announced at this time.

Chair Davis then called on Selectman Keeney regarding Other Business – Selectmen’s Input.  Selectman Keeney indicated that he met with J. S. Adams Security pertaining to the security system at the Town Office.  It was recommended that doom cameras be installed and door chimes.  Also there would be no monitors; however activity could be read by computer access or CD with an authorized password.  It was pointed out that this system could be transferred to another building and Kelly Bolger confirmed that the eight cameras would be sufficient in the proposed new Town Office Building.  After discussion, the Board requested that Ann Marie approach Mary Durgin regarding funding for the system through the Durgin Trust Fund.

There was some discussion by the Board concerning Town cell phones.  It was agreed that this matter be tabled until after the elections.  Butch Bain indicated that the new radios will be up and running in about 4 to 6 weeks for the Highway Department.

Chair Davis stated that due to issues at the Town Office this passed week with the computer systems being down during the installation of the new server she felt that the Town Office should have a disaster recovery plan (aka Business Continuity Plan). This need was brought to light when a property owner came into the office to pay her taxes with cash (while the computer system was down) and the Tax Collector’s Office indicated that they could not take the money at that time because they could not issue a computer print out receipt.  Chair Davis commented that banks have disaster recovery plans in place so if their computers are down they can still accept deposits and provide hand receipts.  The Town Offices should be able to do the same.

There being no further business, Chair Davis declared the meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

Eleanor M. Dewey, Office Assistant to Ann Marie Foote, Town Administrator

Campton-Thornton Fire Commission Meeting Minutes  February 13, 2012

Meeting Called to order at 1605 hrs. by Chairman Jim Demeritt.

Members present-  Jim Demeritt, Lou Klotz, Dick Giehl, Niles Downing and Kelly Bolger   Also present were Chief Tobine and Deputy Chief Ian Halm.

Ambulance income from January   Campton:  $4162.24, Thornton: $ 2726.99, Ellsworth: $ 287.05

Total $7,176.28

Reading of the minutes from December 12,2012 and January 9, 2012 were read and approved with minor corrections. Passed unanimously.

Lou requested that copies of the minutes be forwarded to the Thornton office at tc_tx@thorntonnh.org.

Old business:  The new floor grates have been installed in the Thornton station.

A lot of progress has been mad renovating the Campton Fire Station. The Chief will soon have his own office. The bathroom, day room, dormitory and storage areas are coming along nicely.  There have been several weekend work sessions besides what gets done  during the week by the day crew and contractors. Most of the work is being done by volunteers. Some pre-existing structural damage has been uncovered fortunately and repaired.  A special thanks to the volunteers that are helping to make this project possible. Also a special thanks to the Durgin family for their generosity with the Durgin Trust.

Chief Tobine is concerned with some parking lot issues, particularly the drainage or lack there-of. .

Jim revised the Thornton procurement policy  to be more  in line with  the purchasing practices of the Fire Commission.  This will be reviewed by the Commissioners  by next meeting.

The meeting with the Selectboards of Campton, Thornton and Ellsworth to finalize the budget went well and the budget next goes before the voters.

New Business:  The NHMA requested  the treasurer  for the CTFD (Becky) to provide  the  Auditors with insurance information.  Chairman Demeritt signed the authorization.

March is State inspection month for apparatus. Two trucks will need brakes and rear springs.

Chief Tobine reported that the department has had a rash of cardiac arrest calls lately.  They had one save, which is always  a reason to cheer.

Motion to adjourn was made by Jim, seconded by Lou.  Passed unanimously at 1635 hrs.

Respectfully submitted,   Niles Downing.

PUBLIC HEARINGS MINUTES

BLAIR BRIDGE BOND

TOWN OFFICE BUILDING BOND

2012 PROPOSED BUDGET

FEBRUARY 15, 2012

The Campton Board of Selectmen met at the Campton Historical Society Building for hearings on the Blair Bridge Project Bond, the proposed new Town Office Building Bond and the 2012 Proposed Budget.  Members of the Board present for this meeting were:  Selectmen Sharon Davis, Craig Keeney and Marsh Morgan.

At 6:30 p.m. Chair Davis called the meeting to order for the first public hearing regarding the Bond for the Blair Bridge.  Chair Davis turned the meeting over to Selectman Keeney.  Selectman Keeney referred to a copy of the Project Overview which everyone this evening should have a copy of.  He went down the overview giving an update as to what has transpired so far with the project.  Selectman Keeney further explained that the budget for the project is $619,900.00 over the original estimate.  Selectman Keeney explained that this overage has occurred  because of a pier scour protecting cost of  $353,300.00, which is an item the state added to the restoration plan, and the fact that the Town has been “forced by the State” to go into a Design Bid Built process which increases costs and  also increases engineering costs.  The portion of the overage that the Town will be responsible for is $123,980.00 (after anticipating Federal Grant Money and State Aid).  There was discussion about not performing the pier scour protection; however the option is not good as the Town would have to pay for the entire Pier Scour Protection of $353,300.00 if the process were postponed to a future date.  Other eliminations were also discussed such as lighting – $35,000, Protectowire – $35,000.00 and Sprinkler – $94,000.00.  Selectman Keeney stated that with the numerous delays involving the State, the project is behind; however it is hoped that construction will begin in the year 2013 with the anticipation of the bridge closed for that entire year.  At this point there was some discussion and a few questions from the public and then this first public hearing for the evening was completed.

After a short break, at 7:00 p.m. Chair Davis moved on to the second hearing to discuss the issue of a Bond in the amount of $950,000.00 for the construction of a new Town Office Building, which amount will be in addition to approximately $513,000.00 from the Municipal Buildings Capital Reserve to construct the building. Chair Davis then began the Power Point presentation by acknowledging staff, the Building Committee members and the public who have been working hard on this project.  Chair Davis went on to present the “Community Need” for this project being:

• Projected population increase of 24% in the next 20 years
• Increased impact on operations from growth; i.e. auto registrations building permits and fire calls
• Projected staffing increases

Chair Davis went on to define the “General Findings” of the staff and Building Committee for the obvious needs for the new building:

• Lack of space (storage, meetings, break time, privacy issue, and  projects
• Safety and health issues
• Regulatory compliance
• Postponement of regular maintenance over the years which is now hurting the Town of Campton
• Aging heating systems
• Energy costs due to old equipment (electricity and oil)
• Parking issues
• Locations of buildings are centralized

 

Chair Davis continued to present “Core Recommendations” from the Building Committee’s studies:

• The town should take an incremental approach rather than a “big bank” approach so that the buildings may be prioritized in the following order:

1.  Town Offices – full replacement

2.   Police Station – full replacement/merger with Fire Station footprint

3.   Fire Station – expansion

 

• Chair Davis explained that the Town should take advantage of the already paid for Pike property (owned debt clear) and use it to create a complex for the 3 functions and the town garage; shared infrastructure (water/sewer).

 

Chair Davis further discussed “Construction Goals Developed”

• Take a long term view – anticipating the building will be sufficient for 20 to 30 years
• Cluster buildings if possible
• Keep tax impact low
• Energy efficiency
• Water efficiency
• Safe work environment
• Healthy work environment
• Meetings – Need space for Town Committees, i.e. Selectmen’s Meeting, Planning Board, Zoning Board, Supervisors of the Checklist, Campton Village Precinct, Human Resources, Conservation Committee, Building Committee and Cable Committee.
• Building Aesthetics in keeping with local architecture, using the Campton Historical Society Building as an example

 

Chair Davis reviewed the progress of the project from 2007 to the present status:

• Town has set aside $513,000.00 in Capital Reserve over the last 5 years
• Went through a construction manager selection process and selected Conneston Construction, Inc.  (CCI) of Laconia, NH
• Went through detailed budgeting with CCI and value engineering process to finalize budget
• Joint meeting between Building Committee and Selectmen resulted in agreement to new Town Office plan with project deducts and value engineering

At this point Chair Davis called on Kelly Bolger, Chairman of the Building Committee who discussed the fact that the Committee explored a geothermal heating system and after research with the Forestry Service, it was found that the maintenance of same was quite costly. The plans now are to go with a high efficiency propane boiler.   Kelly also explained the cupola design was revised to save on costs.  Other eliminations to reduce costs consisted of asphalt sidewalks as opposed to cement; irrigation and ceramic tile flooring.  Some other deductions were the projection screen, operable partition in conference room and certain mechanical items.  However, Chair Davis expressed that it is hoped that the operable partition can remain in the plans as it will enable two meetings to be going on at one time (when the need arises).

 

Chair Davis continued on to list the “Reasons to Bring before Town Now”:

 

• Need

 

-          Existing Town Hall will require investment in heating system, siding, roof, lighting, electrical and mold and mildew mitigation.  Chair Davis indicated that there is water that runs through the present Town Office basement.

-          Minimize utility costs

-          Eliminate rent in Modular ($8,200 a year and high electric bill costs, last month’s electrical bill was $589.00). The cost of operating the present Town Office last year was approximately $34,000.00.

-          Allow moving elections out of school solving security issues and stop school disruption.  Chair Davis called on Chief Warns who elaborated on the problems relating to security issues.

-          May be last year construction costs remain low

-          Borrowing costs are as low as we can expect

-          1^st year bond payment is less than the $100,000.00 we have been putting in capital reserve and will go down each year thereafter

-          School Bond will be paid off in 2013.  This figure is running close to $300,000.00 a year.

-          This project by itself will not impact the tax rate

 

Chair Davis pointed out the “Total Project Cost” as follows:

 

• Construction Total                                                                         $1,343,767.00
• Total Soft Costs Include:  Contingency, testing, kitchen

equipment, office furniture, window treatments, telephone/

data wiring, security system, construction administration                119,000.00

• Total project cost                                                                           $1,462,767.00
• Less Capital Reserve                                                                         (513,000.00)

 

• Bond Amount                                                                                   $949,767.00

 

 

Bond Amount rounded to:  $950,000.00

 

Chair Davis explained an estimation was prepared by Northway Bank for the Bond for a 15-year period at an estimated interest rate of 3.00%, Estimated 1^st payment – $91,833.00 with payments decreasing with each payment with an estimated final payment of $65,233.00

 

After discussion there were a few questions from the public regarding square footage of the building (which is 8,500 square feet) and an inquiry was made about the present flow of tax revenue coming into the Town because of the concern pertaining to the poor economy.  It was also mentioned that the school has certain plans that were discussed at their proposed budget hearing.

 

After the conclusion of the bond hearing for the Town Office Building, Chair Davis then called on Ann Marie Foote, Town Administrator, at 7:45 p.m. to review the 2012 Proposed Town Budget.  Ann Marie stated that copies of the proposed budget were distributed to the public who were present.  Ann Marie pointed out that the bottom line figure reflects that the proposed budget is down 1.08% from last year.  Ann Marie explained that she would go down each page and at the end of the page if anyone had any questions they could present them at that time.  Ann Marie went down the pages and briefly explained some of the reasons for increases.  She explained that there is a 53^rd pay week this year which accounts for some of the compensation increase.  Also, the Board of Selectmen instituted an employee evaluation performance merit raise policy for all full time and part time year round employees and elected officials who receive full time benefits.  For all employees who participated, the increased compensation ranged from 3.00% to 3.75%.  It was also explained that Town employees have not received an increase in compensation for two years and have experienced a 7% out of pocket cost for their health insurance and their retirement contribution percentage has also increased.  Ann Marie gave recognition to Police Chief Warn for his assistance in the performance appraisal policy process implementation.

 

After the presentation of the Town Clerk Tax Collector’s budget, Hannah Joyce, Town Clerk/Tax Collector inquired how the $46,750.00 proposed figure was calculated for the Town Clerk/Tax Collector’s wages.  Ann Marie indicated the amount was figured on a 53^rd week pay period at the same hourly rate of pay as last year and calculating $1,500.00 for the allowance of 4 elections this year.  At this point, Hannah Joyce respectfully requested that the Board reconsider her hourly rate with a 3.75% increase and the additional time be recalculated for the 4 elections this year.  Hannah Joyce also appealed to the public this evening to compensate her accordingly for her services.  Chair Davis explained to Hannah that a merit raise was not proposed for the Town Clerk/Tax Collector position (as explained to her at the Selectmen’s Meeting on February 6, 2012) because Hannah refused to participate in the performance evaluation process.  Hannah expressed that she, as an elected official, did not need to participate in the performance evaluation process as the public evaluates her performance every three years.  In addition, Chair Davis explained that Ann Marie did the best she could in calculating the additional hours for the 4 elections.  Chair Davis further stated that revised figures for the 4 elections were requested from the Town Clerk/Tax Collector by the Town Administrator but the figures were not forthcoming; hence, the line figure of $46,750.00 was used in the proposed budget.    Another line item that Hannah Joyce questioned was the Executive Secretary’s wage.  Hannah stated a “large increase is shown”.  Ann Marie indicated that in the fall an increase was allotted since the Executive Secretary has taken over many new duties since the Police Chief  began  performing prosecution duties 2 years ago.  It was explained that the Sergeant received an increase in wages for his added duties (at the onset) to relieve the Chief, however, the Executive Secretary had not been compensated until this past fall.

 

As Ann Marie continued line for line down the proposed budget she noted some overages that occurred (last year)  under Miscellaneous Repairs which were the results of 2 oil tanks  that needed replacing, bathroom repairs and roof leaks where needed in the Town Office in 2011.

 

Ann Marie also stated that a new line item, PB CAM (a Petitioned Article) has been added in the amount of $1,418.00 for Channel 3 broadcasting of various Selectmen’s Meetings.   A separate Warrant Article for $5,120.00 for the Town of Campton’s portion for staffing at the Thornton Mall was added.  The Thornton and Campton Boards have decided to reopen the Thornton Mall; however it would be “on a trial basis” seasonally from April 1^st through the end of November, on Saturday and Sundays only and the $5,120.00 would be the Town of Campton’s contribute to the additional staffing for the reopening of the Mall.  Reverend Hancock (who attended this meeting this evening) expressed how much he was in favor of the Mall remaining open and felt sufficient notice was not given to the public when the Selectmen decided to close the Mall.  There was also discussion about liability issues, and safety and traffic issues that were the reasons for closing the Mall.

 

Ann Marie continued on with the review and noted a stipend was allotted to the Emergency Management line for $2,500.00 to compensate Chief Tobine for his numerous duties and time consuming tasks pertaining to being the Director of Emergency Management for the Town of Campton.

 

Some other significant information noted by Ann Marie was the Fire Department Sub-Station Bond will be paid off in 2016, the Covered Bridges Bond (Article 3, 2009) will be paid off in 2014 and the Kati A/Millie’s Cir. Betterment will be paid off this year.

 

Upon the completion of Ann Marie reviewing the budget at 8:40 p.m., Chair Davis declared the public hearings adjourned.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Eleanor M. Dewey,

Office Assistant to Ann Marie Foote, Town Administrator