APRIL 7, 2009 Minutes

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

MEETING MINUTES OF TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2009

CALL TO ORDER

Call to order at 6:00 P.M., by Linda Small, Chairman.

MEMBERS PRESENT

Linda Small (LS), Chairman, Ed Vien (EV), Vice-Chairman, Larry Konopka (LK), Denise Morin (DM), Fred Hast (FH), Paul Skowron (PS), Town Administrator, and Delores Fritz, Recording Secretary.

MEMBERS ABSENT

None.

PUBLIC INPUT

Mr. St. James, Pittsfield Middle/High School teacher, requested that the Board once again be an audience for several students regarding “How I Can Improve Town.” Board agreed that they would be happy to be available for this dissertation. Mr. St. James will contact Board when the students have completed their reports for a date for presentation.

Close Public Input

AGENDA REVIEW

(LK) Channel 24, Budget Reports and EOM; (LS) Byrne Grant, Non-Public Re: Employee; (DM) BI Certification; (FH) Food Pantry; (PS) Letter from Gerard Leduc Re: Fred Hast, Letter from Judith MacLellan Re: BCEP Appointment, Paving Bid Award Recommendation, Welfare Lien Notice, Elderly Exemption – Map U6, Lot 26, Veteran’s Tax Credit Map 32, Lot 73 and Map R18, Lot 1 and Letter from Ed Vien.

APPOINTMENTS

6:05 P.M. – Nick Abell – Gazebo

Mr. Abell noted that since it is now Spring and Old Home Day is coming, they would like to get the gazebo repairs accomplished. It was agreed that Mr. Abell and Building Inspector would prepare an outline of tasks for the project and put it out to bid. He will discuss with BI and proceed to accept bids for the project with a deadline date, so it can be accomplished in the near future.

Mr. Abell also noted that Parks and Rec Committee would like to start the process of dredging the Town Pool so that it would be in compliance with required depths for diving, etc. He noted that permits for this are not required. He will provide Board with a letter from George and any other available information prior to the next BOS meeting and appear on that date.

6:10 P.M. – George Sansoucy

Mr. Sancoucy offered a brief presentation regarding the current status of the Pennichuck Water Work versus Nashua and the findings by the PUC. He advised Board of his speculation regarding future satellite companies, which may be proposed in the future, though unclear until the Supreme Court has made its findings in regard to Nashua’s purchase. He related information pertaining to possible proposed changes within the company, possible happenings at stockholders meetings, Merrimack Valley Water Committee and various other occurrences that may result once the Court has made its final decision.

(LK) Motion to go into Non-Public Session per RSA 91-A:3 II (e).
(DM) Second. Carried 5-0. Individual members of the Board were polled and all agreed.

Board went into Non-Public Session at 6:35 P.M.

Board resume Public Session at 7:03 P.M. (EV) temporarily left meeting.

(DM) Motion to seal Non-Public Session Minutes of April 7, 2009. (LK) Second. Carried 4-0.

7:05 P.M. (EV) returned and was seated on the Board.

NEW BUSINESS
ACTION ITEMS

1. Inspection Station Permit Approvals

(FH) Motion to approve Inspection Station Permit for D. Aube and Sons Contractors LLC. (DM) Second. Carried 5-0.

(FH) Motion to approve Inspection Station Permit for Dave’s Towing.
(DM) Second. Carried 5-0.

3. Library Attic Insulation

Building Inspector explained to Board the difference in quotes regarding the installation of library attic insulation.

(LK) Motion to approve Quality Insulation in the amount of $1,550 for library insulation installation. (DM) Second. Carried 5-0.

BI to work out schedule for this to be accomplished so as not to interfere with library hours.

INFORMATION ITEMS

1. BI Certification

(DM) requested information on when certification for BI might be accomplished. BI related that he had checked on this and will begin in near future.
(LK) requested an update in about 30 days.

OLD BUSINESS

1. Town Hall Improvements – Life Safety Codes

Building Inspector noted that he has accomplished some of the Town Hall Improvements as noted on the list of November 18, 2008. Namely, Nos. 1, 5 and 6 are completed. Concerning the July 9th improvement list, Nos. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14 and 15 are done. (FH) related that regarding No. 17 – the Food Pantry is in the process of replacing the door and the door is no longer being propped open but will be shut at all times (a self-closing hinge was recommended by BI) and the refrigerator that was blocking the exit has been moved to allow exit to be wider. (PS) noted that on the July list reference made to Town Administrator’s office is now the BI’s office.

(LS) noted that the Summary Sheet he is authoring for conceptual and other hearings before the Zoning and Planning Board is a good start to offering people information on the process.

7:20 P.M. Building Inspector left meeting.

NEW BUSINESS – Continued

2. Appointments to BCEP

(PS) Board requested letters of interest regarding committee members for BCEP.

(EV) Motion to approve Carolyn Allhiser – Budget for BCEP Committee. (LK) Second. Carried 5-0.

(EV) Motion to approve Judith MacLellan as Alternate for BCEP Committee. (LK) Second. Carried 5-0.

4. Parade Permit – Reach the Beach Relay

(EV) Motion to approve Parade Permit and authorize Chair to sign. (LK) Second. After discussion: Carried 5-0.

Discussion: (DM) Do we have to do anything for this? (PS) noted that he had discussed with Chief Wharem and Reach for the Beach organizers will hire the details for this relay.

5. ICS Class – April 28, 2009

(PS) If agreeable with Board, this class will take place on Tuesday, April 28th at 6:00 P.M. Board agreed noting that (DM) has already accomplished class recently and will not be in attendance.

6. Channel 24 – Welfare Guidelines

(LK) noted that the part of the welfare guidelines as noted on Channel 24 are incorrect and would like to change them accordingly.

(LK) Motion to revise part of the welfare guidelines as noted on Channel 24. (DM) Second. Carried 5-0.
7. Budget

(LK) related that Board would like to keep a close eye on the revenue and expenditures and would like to receive a report each month. (PS) related that though he is in the process or revising the format, he will have Cara provide this on monthly basis. (LK) noted that he would like to see the comparisons in the budget from 2008 to 2009 for revenues and expenditures.

8. Byrne Grant – Police Department

(LS) noted that she had been thinking about the items as listed in the Grant by Chief Wharem which was approved by 3-2 vote last meeting and would like to discuss it again. I do not believe we are being truly honest. I believe it is supplanting and I have researched it along these lines. Federal funds are used to supplement existing funds. We have appropriated for four part-time police officers for walking patrol as well as equipment for these officers, which should not be part of the requests as noted in the Byrne Grant. It is not right to take this Grant for these purposes. I would like the Board to reconsider approving this Grant. We never got the actual number of walking patrol officers but this should be above and beyond what has been budgeted for and we have conditional offers of employment in place prior to this Grant proposal. (FH) I did not go through the Budget procedures, as I was not on the Board then. I thought there were eight all together. Is there enough in the budget to give them each thirty hours of work?

(LS) If anyone has a different understanding or you disagree, let me know. Board discussed how the walking patrol originated with a grant. (LS) There are many ways to use stimulus monies and we need to follow the regulations.

When asked his opinion, (PS) noted “I think there is a fine line here and err on the side of caution would be appropriate.” You really do have walking patrol programs in the budget. I would suggest doing the purchase of equipment.

Board was in agreement with these matters and discussed deadline date (April 9, 2009), other Towns participation and appropriate use for the monies if the Grant is approved, as well as signatures of Board which would be required for submission and which has not been accomplished.

(FH) temporarily left meeting at 7:53 P.M. Returned at 7:56 P.M.

(LS) Motion to allow Board to recant vote on Byrne Grant as proposed on
March 31, 2009. (LK) Second. Carried 4-0 (FH) Abstain.

(EV) Motion to approve Byrne Grant and designate money to buy recording equipment for Police Department. (DM) Second. Carried 4-1 (LS).

(PS) will check status of submitting Grant due to deadline date of April 9, 2009.

9. Letter from Gerard Leduc Re: Fred Hast

Mr. Leduc was present at meeting tonight.

(LS) The Board is in receipt of your letter. The Board has not yet discussed your letter and at this time is acknowledging receipt. Please address this with the members of the Planning Board and get their consensus regarding this. Mr. Leduc related that the members of the Board have received the letter but they have not yet discussed it as a Board. (LS) Once you have addressed this with the Planning Board then you can come back and discuss with this Board.

10. Paving Bid Award Recommendation – Continental Paving $96,055

(PS) noted that four bids have been received for this and George has recommended Continental Paving in the amount of $96,055. This is for two roads (Daroska and Siel Roads) and noted as Project I.

(FH) Motion to approve paving bid for Continental Paving in the amount of $96,055. (DM) Second. Carried 5-0.

(EV) When is this going to take place? (PS) I believe it will be done before the end of June, and once George has done the culvert work.

11. Welfare Lien Notice

(FH) Motion to approve Welfare Lien (Tax Map R35, Lot 24-T9). (DM) Second. Carried 5-0.

12. Elderly Exemption Tax Map U-6, Lot 26

(EV) Motion to approve elderly exemption Tax Map U-6, Lot 26. (DM) Second. Carried 5-0.

13. Veteran’s Tax Credit Tax Map R32, Lot 7-3

(PS) It is noted that individual does not qualify because of dates of service.

(DM) Motion to not approve Veteran’s Tax Credit Tax Map R32, Lot 7-3.
(EV) Second. Carried 5-0.

14. Veteran’s Tax Credit Tax Map R18, Lot 1

(DM) Motion to approve Veteran’s Tax Credit – Tax Map R18, Lot 1.
(EV) Second. Carried 5-0.

15. Ed Vien Letter

(EV) recused himself and was seated in the audience. 8:15 P.M.

(PS) Mr. Vien has submitted a letter to the Board concerning his interest in purchasing property that abuts his and is owned by the Town. He is requesting that Board consider a Tax Sale and allow him to bid on the property and possibly acquire it.

(EV) The Board might want to consider viewing other vacant parcels and possibly have a Tax Sale on multiple pieces of property. (LK) related that this would be a good idea. (EV) He explained that the lot in question is a 3.7-acre lot, which is landlocked. He encouraged Board members to review properties and make recommendations as to value of property. (FH) How long ago was the Tax Deed? (EV) about ten years or so. (LS) agreed that she would like to see this list for consideration of sale.

(EV) returned and was seated on the Board – 8:20 P.M.

INFORMATION ITEMS – Continued

2. Employee of the Month – March – April – May

(LK) noted that he has not seen any submittals from the Library or Parks and Rec. He related that Minnie Plante would be someone that would be deserving of this selection. (FH) in agreement.

OLD BUSINESS – Continued

7. Cross Country Appraisals Contract

(PS) The new contract for Cross Country Appraisals is complete and needs to be signed by Board.

2. Capital Improvement Program )
3. Space Needs Study ) Pending
6. Cost of Broadcasting Selectman, Planning and Zoning Board Meetings

4. Sidewalk Improvement Plan

(PS) noted that he has heard from Matt Monahan and has written a letter to John Freeman.

APPLICATIONS AND WARRANTS

1. Intent to Cut – Tax Map R51, Lot 7

(DM) Motion to approve Intent to Cut – Tax Map R51, Lot 7. (EV) Second. Carried 5-0.

2. Veterans Credit – Permanent and Totally Disabled Tax Map R6, Lot 1

(EV) This is my brother-in-law, but I will not be recusing myself due to the type of disability involved.

(FH) Motion to approve Veterans Credit – Permanent and Totally Disabled – Tax Map R6, Lot 1. (DM) Second. Carried 5-0.

CHECKS AND MANIFESTS

(DM) Motion to approve Accounts Payable and Checks Manifest. (EV) Second. After Discussion: Carried 5-0.

Discussion: (LK) There is check to Concord Monitor for ad by Planning Board in the amount of $122.50 dated March 20, 2009. This is awful expensive and waste of money. (LS) Why did this happen? (PS) to check.

(LS) Also, as a reminder, all attorney fees need to be approved by Board. I have been going through the attorney bills and it should be noted that all contacts need to be approved by (PS) or Chair of BOS.

(DM) Motion to approve Payroll and Direct Deposit. (EV) Second. After Discussion: Carried 4-0. (DM) Abstain.

Discussion: (LS) it is noted that there is a lot of overtime at the Police Department. Why? (PS) to check. Also there is an employee that has been out sick for three days and a doctor’s note is required. (EV) questioned whether Ron Vien was still working on filling the third position at WWTP? (PS) Unknown, but will check on this also.

MINUTES

1. Public Session Minutes of March 31, 2009

(EV) Motion to approve Public Session Minutes of March 31, 2009.
(DM) Second. Carried 5-0.

2. Non-Public Session Minutes of March 31, 2009

(DM) Motion to approve Non-Public Session Minutes of March 31, 2009.
(EV) Second. Carried 5-0.

PUBLIC INPUT

James Theodore: Under Old Business you mention broadcasting of Selectman, Planning and Zoning Board meetings. What about School Board meetings also? I recently saw a broadcast of Laconia School Board meeting and it was quite interesting. (LS) We are in the process of researching this.

(PS) At the last Board meeting, Board discussed with Clayton Wood the prospect of the Website Committee investigating with Metrocast the broadcasting of Board meetings. I do not think that the Website Committee will be undertaking this task. However, this will be on the Agenda for the next Board meeting.

(DM) Are we going to entertain appointment to Conservation Committee? (PS) It is noted that the Board has advertised for several open positions on several committees and this will be addressed on April 21st.

(LK) Fred, as the Planning Board representative, would you like to give the Board an update on what the Planning Board is doing? (FH) We have not yet done too much. We have appointed two alternates to the Board, Ted Mitchell and Clayton Wood. It is also noted that they will be reviewing the Rules of Procedure and possibly several Zoning Ordinances. The question of the Charrette was brought up and (FH) noted that the deadline date has gone by. (PS) noted that they should apply even though the deadline date has passed.

NON-PUBLIC SESSION

(DM) Motion to go into Non-Public Session per RSA 91-A:3 II (a).
(LK) Second. Carried 5-0. Individual members of the Board were polled and all agreed.

Board went into Non-Public Session at 8:47 P.M.

Break – 8:48 P.M. Resumed at 8:52 P.M.

Board returned to Public Session at 9:06 P.M.

(DM) Motion to seal Non-Public Session of April 7, 2009. (EV) Second.
Carried 5-0.

OTHER

(LS) Motion to approve FMLA request for Philip Gordon for a specific term, which ended on April 3, 2009 and allow him to use vacation time for FLMA leave as requested. Philip Gordon does not have sufficient amount of vacation time to cover last week’s leave, therefore, he will be given the option of not getting a full week’s pay or make decision, as approved by Board, to grant him vacation time in advance to cover remainder of pay week ending April 4, 2009. (DM) Second. Carried 4-0. (FH) Abstain.

ADJOURNMENT

(EV) Motion to adjourn. (DM) Second. Carried 5-0.

Meeting adjourned at 9:17 P.M.

Approved: April 21, 2009

___________________________ ____________________________
Linda Small, Chairman Date

II Tapes