SELECTMEN’S MEETING MINUTES

PUBLIC HEARING

JANUARY 30, 2012

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

 

Members of the public who were present at the meeting, but not on the agenda were Sandy Morgan, Carol Andrews, Patrick Miller and Jim Aguiar.

 

At 6:45 p.m. Chair Davis called the meeting to order and called on Shelley Thompson and Priscilla Carr Whitney to revisit their 2012 Proposed Library Budget.  Shelley explained the wage increase and the fact that there are 53 pay periods in 2012, which increases the budget; however she discussed the necessity of increasing the assistant’s hours and director’s hours.  Shelley explained that the bookkeeper’s fee has been agreed to and increased by $100.00 for the year.  The programs line was increased since last year there was only one special program offered and this year they would like to participate in the NH online down load system at a cost of $800.00.  After discussion, the Board agreed with the bottom line figure of $40,861.50.

 

At 7:00 p.m. Chair Davis opened the Public Hearing and turned the meeting over to Jane Kellogg representing the Campton Conservation Commission (CCC).  Jane introduced Carol Andrews, Director of the NH Association of Conservation Commission.  Jane stated that the CCC invited Carol here this evening to assist in answering “any technical questions”.  Jane explained that the CCC would like to give a presentation regarding the Warrant Article RSA 36-A:4-a 1(b) which will be brought to vote at Town Meeting and needs some clarification.  Jane explained that approval of the Warrant Article will authorize the CCC to expend funds for contributions to “qualified organizations” for the purpose of property interests, or facilitating transaction related thereto, where the property interest is to be held by the qualified organization and the Town will retain no interest in the property.  Jane explained the benefits of allowing the CCC to expend funds to enable property owners to enter into a Conservation Easement, those being:

 

• Encourages property owners to consider and follow through with a Conservation Easement whereas they may have not been able to fund the expenses on their own;
• Stewardship fees would enable the formation of a Land Trust; hence, no responsibility to the Town;
• The property remains in the present owners’ name so it remains on the tax roll;
• Allows the CCC dollar leverage to assist property owners in expenses of doing a Conservation easement;
• Helps landowners keep their land an “open space”.

 

Jane expressed how important it is that the Warrant Article passes in order for the CCC to have this added tool to continue their goal of conserving land in Campton.

 

Selectman Morgan agreed that the main focus to look at for the Article to pass is the fact that the land would not be owned by the Town (remains the present owner’s name); therefore, the Town has no responsibility or liability; however the Town will still benefit from taxes and the CCC will have accomplished their goals.

 

Selectman Cheney mentioned concerns that the distribution of monies would be at the sole discretion of the CCC.  Selectman Keeney inquired if there were any guidelines in place for the CCC to follow before expending funds to property owners.  Carol Andrews confirmed there were no guidelines; however, the goal of the CCC is to conserve land, not to qualify the property owner, and this legislation would assist them with their goal.

 

Jim Aguiar inquired if there was any process that was followed in order for the organizations to become “qualified organizations”.  Carol Andrews indicated that the NH Association of Conservation Commission could provide information to the CCC pertaining to specific organizations if the CCC was unfamiliar with certain organizations.  Also, she stated that there is IRS documentation recognizing the organizations as non-profit organizations.

 

Again, Jane Kellogg reiterated that the Warrant Article (passed) would give the CCC

the opportunity to help landowners make a decision to move forward with a Conservation Easement thereby creating a win situation for the CCC, the Town and the landowner.

 

Chair Davis then thanked the Jane Kellogg for her “good job” on the presentation and explained that the Board now needed to adjourn to the Campton Town Office to continue their meeting.

 

At 8:10 p.m., at the Campton Town Office Chair Davis continued the Selectmen’s Meeting by calling on Police Chief Warn regarding the Police Department’s 2012 Budget.  Chief Warn explained that the prosecution duties have added 25 to 30 hours a week to his duties and he wanted to get the Board’s thoughts on possibly hiring a part time attorney for 16 to 20 hours per week.  After discussion concerning the actual hourly rate and training another person, it was agreed that it was too late this year for making a decision on a part time attorney position, but the Board will revisit this issue next year.

 

Chair Davis indicated that questions by the Board have been raised regarding Janet Woolfenden’s merit percentage raise.  Chief Warn explained that while Janet received a raise mid-year, last year to compensate for the added duties she has taken on.  The percentage raise he established for her for the year 2012 was 3.75% (the maximum allowed by the Board), which reflects Janet’s excellent job performance in carrying on the added tasks.  Selectman Craig Keeney expressed that he felt the raise approved mid-year, last year was a very substantial amount.  Selectman Charles Cheney also expressed that it was a “significant jump” and asked that Chief Warn hold off on giving a merit raise this year, or at least consider lowering the percentage.  No action was taken.

.

At this point, Chief Warn continued on to what he described as “another heads up” regarding the 2012 Budget.  Chief Warn allowed for an increase in compensation for the Corporal Officer position.  The increase accounts for the added responsibility of being in charge of all training; hence, the increase is justified.  Chief Warn explained that this figure is calculated in the Proposed Budget.  This may or may not be used if the potential is seen in one of his officers.  It is not set for one particular individual, but gives each of the officers a goal to try and reach. The Board then thanked Chief Warn for coming.

 

Chair Davis then called for a Motion to approve the Minutes of the January 26, 2012 meeting and the Minutes of the January 23, 2012 meeting.   After revisions made, Selectman Morgan made a Motion to approve the 2 sets of revised Minutes.  The Motion was seconded by Selectman Wheeler and the revised Minutes were unanimously approved.

 

Chair Davis then called on Ann Marie to review other Town Budgets.  Ann Marie distributed the 2012 Proposed Budget to the Board and proceeded to go down line for line on items not previously discussed with the Board.  Ann Marie indicated that Hannah Joyce, Town Clerk/Tax Collector requested an increase in the Moderator’s fee from $50.00 to $100.00.  The Board agreed to leave the amount at $50.00.  Some significant decreases that the Board agreed upon were:  Mitchell Municipal Group from $15,000 to $10,000; Perambulation from $100.00 to $1.00; Contingency from $20,000.00 to $15,000.00; Forest Fires from $1,600.00 to $700.00; Welfare from $45,000.00 to $40,000.00; the Municipal Building Capital Reserve Fund from $100,000.00 to $30,000.00.  Ann Marie acknowledged and thanked the Board for their gracious 3.75% contributing to her compensation increase.  Ann Marie also acknowledged that she allowed for the maximum 3.75% increase for her staff, which reflects the added tasks taken on by both May Brosseau and Ellie Dewey and calculation for some overtime.  Ann Marie indicated an increase in mileage needed for additional meetings from $385.00 to $600.00 to compensate for additional training meetings with DOT for the Blair Bridge Project.  Ann Marie also addressed the cost of water supplied to the various departments and although suggestions were made on how to cut costs, no decisions were made at present.  The Board agreed to $2,500.00 for Signs and Posts as the Road Agent is in the process of replacing road signs with the new larger required signs.

 

Ann Marie announced that the Princ-LTB for the Fire Department Sub-Station will be paid up in 2016; the LTB for the Covered Bridges (Article 3, 2009) will be paid up in 2014 and the Betterment for Kati A/Millie’s Circle will be paid up this year.

 

Chair Davis then proceeded with Other Business – Selectmen’s Input as there was no correspondence.  Ann Marie indicated that Ellie calculated the operating costs for the Town Office building for 2011 and the total figure came in at over $34,538.02.

The Building Committee asked for this figure.

 

Selectman Wheeler asked Ann Marie to calculate the actual figure, which accounts for the extra pay period for the year 2012. The Board agreed that this figure would be helpful for Town Meeting.

 

Selectman Cheney inquired about the flow of tax payments being received.  Ann Marie indicated that so far it was going very well.

 

Chair Davis distributed to the Board copies of an example of an Annual Repayment Schedule for the proposed Town Office Building Bond with a 3% interest rate at 10 years and also at 15 years.

 

Chair Davis declared the meeting adjourned at 9:40 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Eleanor M. Dewey,

Office Assistant to Ann Marie Foote, Town Administrator

 

PUBLIC HEARING MINUTES
SELECT BOARDS, TOWN OF CAMPTON AND TOWN OF THORNTON
JANUARY 26, 2012

The two Boards met as a joint Board at 6:30 p. m. at the Waterville Estates Community Center.  Present were, Selectmen, Charles Cheney, Charles Wheeler, Sharon Davis, Craig Keeney, and Marsh Morgan, Tim Tyler, Alfred Burbank, Roy Sabourn and David Joyce.  Also present were Laura Spector-Morgan, Town Counsel, Town Administrators Ann Marie Foote and Tammy Beaulieu, and Minutes secretary, Eleanor Dewey.

 

A copy of the list of members of the public who were present at the meeting can be obtained at the Campton Town Office, Selectmen’s Office.

 

Selectman Sabourn inquired if anyone at the meeting had a problem with him participating as a Selectman in this public hearing as he has performed survey work for the Waterville Estates Village District in the past.  There were no objections.

 

At 6:30 p.m. Co-Chair Tim Tyler called the meeting to order and stated that the reason for this meeting is that the Towns of Thornton and Campton have received a Petition to Change District Boundaries within the Waterville Estates Village District (WEVD). Co-Chair Tim Tyler then explained the guidelines for the procedures that would be followed this evening to address the joint Boards.  Co-Chair Tim Tyler also presented a letter that was addressed to the Town of Thornton, Thornton Town Administrator from Mark O’Hara indicating that he is in favor of the boundary change.  Co-Chair Tim Tyler read the letter out loud and then requested that the letter be part of the records.

 

Co-Chair Sharon Davis then called on Attorney Bart Mayer, who is representing the WEVD.  Mr. Mayer proceeded to explain that this matter was not in anyway a personal matter between WEVD and the Matsons.  Attorney Mayer explained that the WEVD provides benefits to it District, i.e. water, roads and recreation facilities and taxes are paid by property owners in the District to provide these benefits and the Waterville Estates Association contracts with WEVD for special events.  Attorney Mayer indicated that it is the WEVD intent to protect the integrity of the District.  Attorney Mayer indicated that after the Matson’s building permit was issued the Matson’s plans changed reflecting the fact that they wanted to build their home on an abutting lot which is not in the WEVD.  It is noted that the Matsons signed a statement on the plot plan that they agreed to build their home in the WEVD.  Attorney Mayer ended his presentation by asking the Board to turn over the vote to the District voters to make a decision as to whether or not the WEVD boundaries should be expanded.

 

Co-Chair Tim Tyler then called on Attorney Jack McCormack who represents the Matsons.  Attorney McCormack stated that the lot in question is one-half mile away from water service.  There is no water, no sewer, and no services.  The original lot that is approved for building has extensive ledge.  With that in mind, the Matsons changed their minds, in good faith, and purchased an abutting property to build their house on (after a boundary line adjustment was approved by the Thornton Planning Board).  This particular lot is not within the WEVD; however for reasons addressed above, the Matsons decided to build their home on the lot outside the WEVD boundaries.  Attorney McCormack also informed the Boards that litigation has been initiated by the Waterville Estates Association against the Matsons pertaining to “what rights people have for building on lots”.  Attorney McCormack also sited the RSA pertaining to the fact that Select Boards may decide whether to expand a District; however, his believe is that…”expanding the District just to get more taxes is not right and inconsistent”.  Attorney McCormack requested that he wanted it noted on the records that a previous owner of a lot in WEVD, Welby E. Boughton, III has addressed, in writing to him that he is against the expansion of the District.

 

Co-Chair Davis then opened the meeting up to the public for discussion.  She then called on Corey Smith (WEVD General Manager) Corey explained that this issue is all about property values and servicing the District.  The lot in question is 90 feet away from the boundary line to a water line.  A map was presented to the Boards.  Corey stated that one lot has use of the facilities; the other does not which presents an unfair circumstance for District taxpayers.  The District feels it would set a precedent.  The District also feels that by the Matsons building their house and living in it, they are more likely to intensely use the District’s amenities; but avoiding paying the higher taxes they would have to pay if the house was built on the lot in the District.  Corey also feels there will be a flood of abatements causing property values to go down and a chain reaction of potentially hurting the Towns of Thornton and Campton.  In addition, Corey stated that the Matsons did not comply with the approved Building Permit.  Corey confirmed the Matsons signed a plot plan indicating they would build in the District.

 

Co-Chair Tim Tyler then called on Mike Mahoney, Chairman of the Waterville Estates Building Committee. Mr. Mahoney confirmed that the Committee bent over backward for the Matson.  They signed a plot plan and specs. on how they were going to build the home.  He also stated that they created a pond on the property and received no approval from state or local agencies for the pond.  Mr. Mahoney also expressed that the Matsons were told there was no option to build outside the estates.

 

Co-Chair Davis then called on Frank Marshall, Building Committee member and member of Waterville Estates Association.  Mr. Marshall questioned the fact that the lot was unbuildable because of ledge.  He explained that the Matsons had a pond dug at least three feet into the ground so he feels that contradicts the theory that the lot is not buildable.

 

Co-Chair Tim Tyler called on Mr. Matson.  Mr. Matson stated that it is true that they would receive recreation event benefits; however, the purpose to having the District is for road and water services.  Mr. Matson stated that there is no water pipe to his driveway and no intention of the District to provide one.  Again, Mr. Matson stated the purpose of the District is to provide services; however the road to his property is maintained by the Town.  The only benefit he would receive is recreation benefits for which he pays taxes on an 8 acre lot, whereas most other lots are much smaller.  Mr. Matson also explained that they have improved the lot by putting in a driveway and pond.  Mr. Matson confirmed he spoke with the Fire Chief regarding the pond and the idea of the pond was for fire protection purposes.  Mr. Matson stated that the governing agency for the pond issue is the Department of Environmental Services to which he confirmed had been contacted.   Mr. Matson also stated that there are more than 300 land-only lots not built on in the WEVD.  If WEVD can’t require everyone in the District to build on, then, they can’t ask him and his wife to build on their lot either.  Mr. Matson did present a solution which was presented to the WEVD that upon the death of him and his wife, they would agree in a deed that the property revert back to the WEVD.  This resolution was denied by the WEVD.

 

Co-Chair Davis called on Barbara Lajunesse of 92 Pegwood Road, Campton.  She expressed to the Board that she was very concerned about the value of their house and the difficulty of resale if this precedence were allowed to be set.

 

Co-Chair Tim Tyler called on George Humphrey, a residence outside of the WEVD, but also owns a home in Waterville Estates.  He expressed that he felt the Matsons were trying to get something for nothing.  He would like the District voters to decide.

 

Co-Chair Davis called on Mrs. Chris Matson.  Mrs. Matson confirmed that the Waterville Estates District lot would be an option for someone “who has a considerable amount of money”, and they have been expending their retirement monies to straighten out this issue.  She stated the other lot is more affordable to build on.  She also presented a map depicting the outer boundaries of the WEVD.  She pointed out that one boundary is the National Forrest, one by Mad River common land and one property owned by one person.  Mrs. Matson’s posed that these abutters would cause no threat to setting a precedence of “access lots”.  Corey Smith pointed out that the property owned by the one individual that Mrs. Matson mentioned is comprised of large acreage and lots and roads have already been put in.

 

Co-Chair Tim Tyler inquired if there was any closing discussion.  Attorney McCormack wanted to clarify that covenants discussed have nothing to do with the District and nothing to do with the issue this evening.

 

Attorney Bart Mayer asked that the Boards execute their authority under their authority.

 

Co-Chair Davis then declared the Public Hearing closed with no further public discussion and the joint Boards adjourned for a non public meeting with Town Counsel.

 

Upon the joint Boards returning to the meeting room, Co-Chair Davis announced that the Board’s agreed that they were delaying the vote for more time to review documents submitted at the meeting tonight as well as documents delivered to both Town Offices earlier in the day, and, to also consider the testimony heard tonight.  The Boards will meet again on February 13, 2012, at 6:30 p.m., at the Campton Town office to vote on the issue.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

Eleanor M. Dewey

Office Assistant to Ann Marie Foote, Town Administrator

 

 

 

 

SELECTMEN’S MEETING MINUTES for January 23, 2012

The Board of Selectmen met for their weekly meeting at 6:30 p. m. at the Campton Town Office.  Present were, Selectmen, Sharon Davis, Charles Wheeler, Charles Cheney, Craig Keeney and Marsh Morgan.  The Board signed 2 Veterans’ exemptions, 1 2012 Contract for Cyclical Revaluation Services and 1 Notice of Intent to Cut.

 

A member of the public who was present at this meeting, but not on the agenda was Sandy Morgan.

 

6:45 p.m. Chair Davis brought the meeting to order and indicated that she revised the Work Session Minutes dated January 17, 2012 (copies of the revisions were distributed to the Board for their review).  After the Board’s review, Chair Davis then made a Motion to approve the revised Work Session Minutes dated January 17, 2012, to approve the 2 sets of Non Public Session Minutes (as written) dated January 17, 2012 and to approve the Minutes dated January 9, 2012 (as written).  The Motion was seconded by Selectman Morgan and the Minutes were unanimously approved.

 

Chair Davis then called on Ann Marie to review correspondence.  Ann Marie indicated that Attorney Adam Cook sent a letter indicating that he was representing a property owner and taxpayer in Beebe River Village District and was requesting “documents relative to the town’s relationship with the taxing district, Beebe River Village District”.  Ann Marie explained to the Board the documentation that was forwarded to Attorney Cook and the Board suggested that Attorney Cook be billed for the copy costs.

 

Ann Marie presented a picture to the Board of the Christmas tree that the Campton Corner Pantry entered in the Festival of Trees contest sponsored by the Common Man Inn, which won second prize.

 

A copy of a letter was received from Primex (addressed to Police Chief Warn) expressing that Primex is happy for the opportunity to provide additional programming and creative law enforcement-centered training to the Department in the future.

 

Ann Marie also indicated that Primex is having a workshop, “Human Resources Best Practices Series – I” on Thursday, February 9, 2012, between 9:00 a.m. and noon, at the Meredith Community Center in Meredith.  Selectman Wheeler has a conflict in schedule; however, Selectman Keeney will attend.

 

Ann Marie indicated that $1,650.00 of land use taxes will be turned over to the Conservation Commission this year.

 

Ann Marie stated that Hannah Joyce, Town Clerk/Tax Collector received the petitioned Warrant Article for a High Voltage Electrical Transmission Line Ordinance for voting at the March 2012 Town Meeting.

 

Chair Davis then called on Lisa Ash and Carolee Miot to review the 2012 Proposed Parks & Rec. Budget.  Lisa explained that the budget reflected a slight increase in compensation for the Director’s compensation and an increase for some additional programs.  After review, the Board was in agreement with the slight increase and acknowledged that they are hearing great things about the program from the public.

 

Ann Marie indicated that the Board’s 7:00 p.m. appointment was not going to be present so Chair Davis then called on Matthew Moore regarding the Blair Bridge Project.  Chair Davis explained that the Board met with Sean James and Sean briefly touched on the $619,000.00 increase for the cost of the project.  After discussing the costs reductions (suggested by Sean James) and the pier scour protection item added to the restoration plan, Mr. Moore indicated that it was hard to find ways to bring the cost down because of having to follow certain guidelines.  Mr. Moore did indicate that the engineering fee and contingency fees were a contributing factor in arriving at the overage of $619,000.00 since these figures were erroneously not included in the original restoration estimate. There was also some discussion as to why this error occurred.  While Mr. Moore felt there wasn’t much that can be done to bring the price down, he did indicate that the State informed him that they do have monies available that other Towns have not used and these funds could possibly be available to the Town of Campton for this project.   There was further discussion concerning cash flow issues for the project.

 

Chair Davis introduced Paul Yelle, President of the Campton Historical Society (CHS) to Matt Moore.  After discussion with Paul Yelle concerning the level of involvement as to participation that the CHS desired to be engaged in with the Blair Bridge Project, it was determined that the CHS would like to be an informed party rather than a consultant.  Paul Yelle agreed that he would draft a letter to the Cultural Resources Committee informing the Committee of the Historical Society’s decision. Chair Davis expressed that the letter would greatly assist in getting to the next step in the rehabilitation process.

 

Chair Davis then called on Nancy Mardin and Martha Aguiar to present the Trustees of the Trust Funds 2012 Proposed Budget.  The requested budget decreased by $10.00 for a total of $6,400.00 and the Board members were pleased.

 

Chair Davis then called on Nancy Mardin to present the Campton Historical Society 2012 Proposed Budget and this budget also stayed flat at $5,000.00 for operating costs, and $5,000.00 in Capital Reserves for future building repairs.  Again, the Board was very pleased.

 

Paul Yelle mentioned that the Historical Society will be getting a grant for more storage area.  Paul also wanted the Board to be aware of some new events that they are working on.  One event in particular Paul mentioned was a Halloween activity which was explained to the Board.  Paul was also excited about their guest speakers they have lined up this year.  Stan Graton is one of the speakers and he will be presenting a presentation on covered bridges.

 

At 8:00 p.m. Chair Davis made a Motion to go into Non Public Session under RSA 91-A to meet with Laura Spector-Morgan, Town Attorney.  The Motion was seconded by Selectman Morgan and with a roll call vote:  Selectman Davis – aye, Selectman Morgan – aye, Selectman Wheeler – aye, Selectman Cheney – aye, and Selectman Keeney – aye, the Board went into Non Public Session.  The Board came out of Non Public Session at 8:25 p.m. Town Counsel advised that the meeting with her did not require taking Minutes.

 

Chair Davis called on Ann Marie regarding Other Business – Selectmen’s Input.  Ann Marie requested that the Board establish a date for the Budget and Bond Hearings.  It was determined that Wednesday, February 15, 2012 is the confirmed date.

 

Selectman Keeney inquired as to the merit raise percentage proposed for Chief Warn’s secretary for 2012.  After discussion, it was agreed that Ann Marie will research the Minutes to answer additional inquires presented by the Board.

 

There being no further business, Chair Davis declared the meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Eleanor M. Dewey,

Office Assistant to Ann Marie Foote, Town Administrator

 

SELECTMEN’S WORK SESSION MINUTES For January 17, 2012

The Board of Selectmen met for a Work Session at 6:30 p. m. at the Campton Town Office.  Present were, Selectmen, Sharon Davis, Charles Wheeler, Craig Keeney and Marsh Morgan.  Selectman Charles Cheney was not present because of a conflict in schedule.

 

Members of the public who were present at the meeting, but not on the agenda were Sandy Morgan, Will Lambert, Martha Aguiar, and Kathryn Joyce.

 

At 6:40 p.m. Chair Davis called on Sean James, Engineer, of Hoyle, Tanner & Associates, Inc. concerning the Blair Bridge Project.  Sean James provided to the Board an estimate of probable construction costs, and plans of the proposed rehabilitation of the bridge.  Sean brought the Board up-to-date with what has been accomplished so far and addressed the fact that the DOT is not completely satisfied with the sub structure and abutments documentation and would like a more detailed report from Hoyle, Tanner & Associates.  Sean addressed the fact that the total cost of the bridge is now over budget and the Town’s contribution would be $123,980.00 over budget.  Sean suggested some potential cost reductions such as eliminating protectowire and eliminating a sprinkler system.  After discussion by the Board, they unanimously agreed that the Town is committed to this project and need to go forward with the project.  Sean indicated that there are training requirements necessary required by NH DOT.  This training would include participation by Ann Marie, Matt Moore and whoever is assigned to be on site.  Sean also indicated that the NH DOT was suggesting that more individuals from the Board attend the training sessions.  Chair Davis gave the dates of the sessions, but it was not determined this evening who else would be attending the sessions.

 

At 7:15 p.m. Chair Davis called on Police Chief Warn who introduced Jamie Stalnaker (who was accompanied by his father) as the Department’s new part time Police Officer.  Chief Warn thanked the Board for signing Jamie’s appointment in advance of this meeting.  Chief Warn explained that Jamie came to him through the recommendation of Officer Kevin Foss.  Chief Warn stated that Jamie has passed all entrance exams with “flying colors”.  The Board was impressed and wished Officer Stalnaker good luck.  Ann Marie explained to Officer Stalnaker that he needs to come into the office to be sworn in by Hannah Joyce, Town Clerk/Tax Collector.

 

Chief Warn explained that he was also here this evening to review his 2012 Proposed Budget.  After distribution of the Proposed Budget to the Board, the Board agreed that the majority of the increase reflected was due to the uncontrollable expenses relating to dispatch.  Chief Warn indicated that he allowed for the maximum allowable percentage of compensation (as set by the Board) for his staff at the rate of 3.75% across the board as he evaluated his staff as doing an excellent job.

 

At 7:45 p.m. Chair Davis then called on Butch Bain, Road Agent to review the 2012 Proposed Highway Budget.  After the Board reviewed the budget, it was agreed with Butch that the Paving Appropriation/Bridges figure be reduced from $180,000.00 to $175,000.00 and the gravel figure reduced from $46,000.00 to $40,000.00.

 

Butch Bain then asked to go into Non Public Session concerning a personnel matter.  Chair Davis made a Motion to go into Non Public Session under RSA 91-A:3,II©.  The Motion was seconded by Selectmen Wheeler and with a roll call vote:  Selectman Davis – aye, Selectman Morgan – aye, Selectman Wheeler – aye, Selectman Keeney – aye, the Board went into Non Public Session.  The Board came out of Non Public Session at 8:00 p.m.

 

Chair Davis then continued the meeting by giving an update of the Building Committee.  Chair Davis explained that the Committee has been very busy and distributed to the Board a written update as to what the Building Committee has accomplished since resurrecting the Committee on July 27, 2011. Chair Davis then called on Kelly Bolger, Building Committee Chairman.  Kelly Bolger opened the discussion to address any concerns that the Board had.  Selectman Keeney indicated that his concern (as it has been in the past) is that when the prequalifications were put out again, they were not put out to the local contractors and he expressed that this project needs the support of the Town.  Kelly Bolger reiterated the process to Selectman Keeney as previously explained by Selectman Davis at a recent Selectmen’s Meeting.  Will Lambert and Martha Aguiar expressed that they felt the process was done fairly (even with time constraints issues) and they were both excited about the project.  Dan Bergeron also expressed local contractor issues; however, he was impressed with reductions made by the Committee.  Selectman Keeney also expressed concerns about how long the proposed meeting room would be adequate space for the voting and the fact that he did not like the total estimated project cost of approximately $1,448,235.l1.  After all concerns voiced, Kelly turned the meeting over to Bryant Lehr of Conneston Construction, Inc. (CCI) who has been designated as the Construction Manager for the project.  Bryant  reviewed the preliminary budget spreadsheet with the Board pointing out certain reductions such as window treatment, cupola revisions, cabinet reduction, vinyl siding, elimination of gable end louvers, insulation adjustments, acoustic ceiling, flooring adjustments, Geothermal well and electrical adjustments. The total reduction figure was estimated at $208,979.00.  Bryan also pointed out that if completion time was reduced or extended on the project it would also affect the bottom line.

 

After review of the costs, the Board summarized the reasons for going forward with the project:  (1) The need for the new building; (2) Reassurance from Bryant Lehr of CCI that local contractors would definitely have an opportunity to bid and be considered for the job; and (3) The fact that the project will have a zero effect on the tax rate.  The latter being accomplished by borrowing $1,000,000.00, at 3% for a 15 year period, the total first payment being $96,667.00 (representing approximately the equivalent of what the Town has been putting aside each year to save for this project).  The total payment due each year would be reduced until the loan was paid off. The figures were given as estimates calculated by Northway Bank.  Kathryn Joyce also expressed that the school bond will be all paid off this year.

 

Kelly Bolger indicated that the next step would be to schedule the architect to come forward to speak with the Board.

 

Sandy Morgan suggested, (after discussion about the maintenance cost and repair issues with the present Town Office building), that a figure be calculated as to how much the present building costs to maintain and operate.  Ann Marie will arrange to calculate the figure.

 

The Board thanked the Building Committee for all their hard work and look forward to meeting with the architect.

 

At 9:12 p.m.  Selectman Wheeler requested the Board go into Non Public Session under RSA 91-A:3,II© pertaining to a personnel issue.  Chair Davis made the Motion to go into Non Public Session and the Motion was seconded by Selectman Keeney and with a roll call vote:  Selectman Davis – aye, Selectman Morgan – aye, Selectman Wheeler – aye, and Selectman Keeney – aye, the Board went into Non Public Session.  The Board came out of Non Public Session at 9:30 p.m. and the Minutes were sealed by a unanimous roll call vote.

 

At 9:30 p.m. Chair Davis declared the meeting adjourned.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Eleanor M. Dewey,

Office Assistant to Ann Marie Foote, Town Administrator