TOWN OF PITTSFIELD
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
TOWN HALL, 85 MAIN STREET
PITTSFIELD, NH 03263
_____________________________________________________________

MEETING MINUTES OF TUESDAY, APRIL 24, 2012

CALL TO ORDER

Call to order at 6:00 P.M. by Larry Konopka, Chairman at the Pittsfield Middle/High School Lecture Hall, 23 Oneida Street, Pittsfield, NH 03263

MEMBERS PRESENT

Larry Konopka (LK), Chairman, Linda Small (LS), Vice-Chairman,
Gerard LeDuc (GL), Eric Nilsson (EN), and Delores Fritz, Recording Secretary.

MEMBERS ABSENT

Paul Rogers (PR) and Paul Skowron (PS), Town Administrator.

PUBLIC INPUT

None.

AGENDA REVIEW

(EN) Non-Public RSA 91-A:3 II (a); (LK) Fire Chief Resignation and
Non-Public (c).

APPOINTMENTS

6:05 P.M.: Jeff Earls, Cross Country Appraisal Group

Jeff Earls: We have been doing the assessing for about five years and I was wondering why Cross Country was not being considered as assessor for Pittsfield, We have had no complaints from anyone about our performance and I was wondering why. We were in the ballpark costs wise. (LK) We conducted interviews and the Board decided on Avitar. Jeff Earls: Any particular reason why we were not considered? (LK) We picked four companies, interviewed them and Avitar was selected. We have heard a lot of good things about the company.
Jeff Earls: I was looking for answers, if we did something wrong, but you can’t tell me why. Thank you and good evening.

2. 6:07 P.M.: Parks and Recreation Re: Gift for Pool Dredging

Minnie Plante, Parks & Recreation was present.

Minnie Plante: I am here tonight because we did not get a Warrant on the agenda at the Town Meeting for pool dredging. I have contacted the Rotary and they have offered to pay for this service. I need to know what the next step is. (LK) We need to hold a Public Hearing. Minnie Plante: Can you put me on the Agenda for this as soon as possible so we can get the dredging done before school is out and the pool opens. Also, LGC is checking on the liability issue. How long does it take before we can have a hearing? Paul wasn’t sure. (LK) About ten days’ notice is necessary and depending on the day it is published in The Sun.

Stan Bailey: The Rotary would like to give the money in the amount of $3,450 to Parks & Rec, not the dredging company.

Minnie Plante: Can we talk to Northeast Earth Mechanics about this? We will not authorize them to do anything. Board noted that this would be acceptable as long as nothing is authorized.

Minnie Plante: I also have a question about the Concession stand. In the past we have gone to Sam’s Club for concession items. Do we do that as usual as long as we stay within our budget? (GL) As long as it stays within the budget.

3. 6:15 P.M.: Rotary Club Re: 2012 Balloon Rally

Scott Brown and Steve Catalano were present.

Scott Brown: He offered a brief history of past Balloon Rallies. A few years ago, the Rotary got a bill from the Town for $8,000 which was a surprise. Last year, we discussed the funding for the Police and EMT/Fire Departments in advance and decided on a $3,000 bill with the stipulation that if at the end of the year, this money could be absorbed into the budget; the Rotary would not receive a bill. To date, we have not received a bill for this.

Rotary is planning the 31st Balloon Rally, with additional balloons being added for a total of 20 or so, we have replaced some of our sponsors and are possibly thinking of fireworks on a smaller scale than in the past and some new items which are going to be a surprise. These days the Rotary membership is smaller than it has been in the past and we are looking for volunteers. We have read about the budget issues and I am here tonight to discuss whether Board still wishes to support this event including the Police and EMT/Fire Department coverage. The Rotary cannot support the bill for the Balloon Rally. We do not want to create any more difficulty for the Town. We are committed to the Balloon Rally as we feel it is a premiere event in Town. (LK) The Board is supportive of the Balloon Rally. Have you discussed this with any of the Department Heads?

Steve Catalano: Chief Wharem felt that the costs would be about $3,600 or better but was concerned that the fireworks were back. This will be on a much smaller scale than previously; probably Friday and Saturday nights depending on the funding.

Scott Brown: I do not think it is our job to seek out information from the Department Heads. (LK) Our goal is to find the money for it. Because of the fireworks, we may need more funding. Chief Wharem: Last time on Saturday night it was too taxing on the Town because of the number of people there. I will discuss with Steve. The overtime has been cut for the Balloon Rally and once again the money is out of the budget. After May, we will probably be down a number of part-time officers. We can work on it and get the budget together for you. I will meet with the Rotary first. I do not attend their meetings, so I do not know what is needed. Scott Brown: Also, the issues regarding the fireworks will not be resolved within the next two to three weeks. We should like it to be the same coverage as last year. (LS) It will be up to Chief and Paul (PS) to come up with a plan for adequate coverage. The Board is in support of the Balloon Rally.

Scott Brown and Steve Catalano left meeting at 6:19 P.M.

NEW BUSINESS
ACTION ITEMS

1. Perambulation of Epsom and Pittsfield

(LK) Once again it is time for this. The lines are pretty well set up.

(GL) volunteered to accomplish this with Epsom. (EN) volunteered as Alternate.

2. BCEP Appointment/Budget Committee

(LS) Motion to approve appointment of Carolyn Allhiser as Town Budget Representative to the BCEP Committee. (EN) Second. Carried 4-0.

INFORMATION ITEMS

1. Abatements filed for Tax Year 2011

(LK) There are quite a few abatements. (LS) There is a folder in the office to review. Just so everyone understand what we are faced with, the Board is looking at abatements in the amount of $1,327,842.

2. Resignation of Fire Chief

(GL) Motion to approve acceptance of resignation of Fire Chief effective
May 18, 2012. (EN) Second. After Discussion: Carried 4-0.

Discussion: (EN) read into the Minutes the letter of resignation from Fire Chief Gary Johnson. (See attached.) A letter of “thank you” will be sent to the Fire Chief.

OLD BUSINESS

1. Tax Deeded Property/Revised Bid Proposals

This will be tabled for the next Board meeting.

APPLICATIONS and WARRANTS

1. Excavation Tax Warrant for Tax Collector, Tax Map R48, Lot 2

(LS) Motion to approve Excavation Tax Warrant, Tax Map R48, Lot 2 for
$7.86. (EN) Second. Carried 4-0.

2. Notice of Intent to Cut, Tax Map R6, Lot 9

(LS) Motion to approve Notice of Intent to Cut Tax Map R6, Lot 9.
(GL) Second. Carried 4-0.

3. Notice of Intent to Excavate, Tax Map R48, Lot 2

(GL) Motion to approve Notice of Intent to Excavate, Tax Map R48, Lot 2.
(EN) Second. Carried 4-0.

4. Application for Elderly Exemption, Tax Map R21, Lot 2

(LS) Motion to not approve Elderly Exemption, Tax Map R21, Lot 2.
(EN) Second. After Discussion: (LS) Withdraw Motion. (EN) Withdraw Second.

Discussion: (LS) There should be a letter of attachment to this. Board agreed to table this matter until next week.

CHECKS and MANIFESTS

(LS) Motion to approve Accounts Payable and Checks Register.
(GL) Second. Carried 4-0.

(LS) Motion to approve Payroll and Direct Deposit.
(GL) Second. Carried 4-0.

(LS) I have several questions pertaining to Payroll which I will address with (PS).

MINUTES

1. Public Session Minutes of April 17, 2012

(LS) Motion to approve Public Session Minutes of April 17, 2012 with corrections. (GL) Second. Carried 4-0.

Corrections:

Page 6, Paragraph 1, Line 2 should read: …..other companies did not have as large a labor force.
Page 6, Paragraph 3, Line 1 should read: …..government regulations. I have my own reservations but I brought it before Board on behalf of the EDC.
Page 6, Paragraph 5, Line 3 should read: ….determine what part-time hours should be.

Page 7, Paragraph 5 should be noted at the end of the comments regarding part-time positions. (See Page 8.)
Page 7, Paragraph 6, Insert: Board requested Chief Wharem determine the hours, which he refused to do.

Page 8, Paragraph 7, last line should read: There was a delay between the corresponding date, but not on the part of the Board.

Page 9, Paragraph 7, Line 2 should read: (LS) noted to applicants that this is a tough, tough year with budgets and it is going to take a lot of work.

Page 10, Paragraph 4, Comments by Philip (Sparky) Gordon: The question was seniority versus qualifications and we were advised by our Union Rep that if you do this, you have to do it by the contract – last one hired is the first one to “go.” ….

Page 13, Paragraph 3 Should read: Pearl Cheney: The Road Agent is the best one we ever had because he stays within his budget. “What is all the bickering about?” You voted the Board in and let them do their job. If you don’t like them, kick them out.

Page 14, Paragraph 5 should read: Ken White:
Page 14, Paragraph 5, Line 3 should read: …..this Board through the drive thru at MacDonald’s.”

Other: (LS) Also, I have already discussed with Dee but there was a misinterpretation on the Minutes of April 10th which has already been corrected.

PUBLIC INPUT

Mike Wolfe: The Board has noted that we cannot purchase anything without authorization. Can we come up with a limit so that small items can be purchased without going through a process?

Board agreed they would consider this.

Close Public Input

NON-PUBLIC SESSION

(EN) Motion to go into Non-Public Session per RSA 91-A:3 II (a) and (c).
(GL) Second. Carried 4-0. Individual members of the Board were polled
and all agreed.

Break: 6:35 P.M. Resume in Non-Public Session at 6:39 P.M.
Board returned to Public Session at 7:05 P.M.

(GL) Motion to seal Non-Public Session Minutes of April 24, 2012.
(LS) Second. Carried 4-0.

MINUTES – Continued

2. Non-Public Session Minutes of April 17, 2012

(GL) Motion to approve Non-Public Session Minutes of April 17, 2012.
(EN) Second. Carried 4-0.

OTHER

(GL) Motion to approve up to $200 discretionary fund for Department Heads without authorization. (EN) Second. Carried 4-0.

ADJOURNMENT

(GL) Motion to adjourn. (EN) Second. Carried 4-0.

Meeting adjourned at 7:20 P.M.

Approved: May 1, 2012

__________________________ ___________________
Lawrence Konopka, Chairman Date

I hereby certify that these Minutes were recorded by me on April 24, 2012, transcribed and public posted on April 25, 2012.

_____________________________________
Delores A. Fritz, Recording Secretary

I Tape/1 Attachment