TOWN OF PITTSFIELD

BOARD OF SELECTMAN

TOWN HALL, 85 MAIN STREET

PITTSFIELD, NH 03263

_____________________________________________________________

MEETING MINUTES OF AUGUST 19, 2008
CALL TO ORDER
Call to order at 6:00 P.M., by Larry Konopka, Chairman.
MEMBERS PRESENT

Larry Konopka (LK), Chairman, Linda Small (LS), Vice-Chairman,

Ed Vien (EV), Denise Morin (DM), Leon Kenison (LKe), Town Administrator, and Delores Fritz, Recording Secretary.

MEMBERS ABSENT

None.

PUBLIC INPUT

None.

AGENDA REVIEW

(DM) Presentation of EOM Award; (EV) Suncook Valley Regional Town Association – Meeting at Pittsfield Town Hall, August 20, 2008 at

7:00 P.M.; (LS) Town Hall Sign, RSA 79E, Budget, and Non-Public

91-A:3 II (c); (LKe) Letter Paul and Carol Richardson re: Junkyard, Snedeker; Staff Meeting Notes, Election Law Training Session and

Non-Public 9l-A:3 II (b); (LK) Temporary Occupancy Permit.

APPOINTMENTS

6:05 P.M. – Paul Skowron

Paul Skowron presented finalized Agreement of Services and proposed Press Release, which was reviewed by Board members.

Mr. Skowron noted, “I am looking forward to working with all of you and the citizens of Pittsfield. We can work on some issues we all feel are important. I am prepared to come to work on September 29, 2008.”

(LS) Motion to appoint Paul Skowron to Town Administrator position as per Agreement of Professional Services. (DM) Second. After Discussion: Carried 4-0.

Discussion:

(DM) questioned whether RSA 31:105 and 106 have already been adopted by the Town or does that become effective with Board signing contract. Paul Skowron noted that Board might have to adopt provisions of this RSA. He suggested checking with Liz to double check. (LKe) noted, “You have that already.”

(LS) noted, “I am very anxious to work with you Paul.” (LK) “Welcome to Pittsfield.”

(DM) Motion to adopt RSA 31:105 and RSA 31:106. (LS) Second. Carried 4-0.

NEW BUSINESS

ACTION ITEMS

1. Recommended Additions to Assistance Payment Guidelines

(LKe) Betsey has been looking at the Guidelines and talking to people regarding the cap on services. “We should be making these specific and recommendation is that we add this to the Guidelines.” (LK) noted that these have been approved but are not in the Guidelines. This would include a cap of $600 for rental and one delivery of fuel per season. (EV) suggested two per season and to cap it to be more specific. (LS) “Sometimes a little is better.” (LS) remembered that Board had discussed this but that it currently is not in the Guidelines and if we adopt, Betsey can put it in.

(LS) Motion to adopt Welfare Guidelines additions as presented by Welfare Director. (DM) Second. Carried 3-1 (EV).

2. LGC Academy Course Request – Marston

(LKe) LGC has established a new course of study with teaching segments with MRI over the school year. Cara has requested Town support her for two groupings of courses at a cost of $45 per session. Cara has noted she is willing to buy the books herself. (LK) “I would like to see Town pay for her books also.”

(EV) Motion to approve request that Cara attend the LGC Academy Course with payment of course and books for two sessions to be paid for by Town. (LS) Second. Carried 4-0.

(LS) These courses will be beneficial to Town.

3. Proposed Mobile Radio Purchase and Installation – PD

(LKe) This is included in the Operating Budget which is for a mobile radio to be placed in the Animal Control Officer van and which can be used as support vehicle when necessary. (EV) Why not a portable? (LKe) Chief has advised that the capability is better than with a remote. They are more resilient than portables. (LS) Is this the only vehicle that does not have one? (LKe) “Yes.” (EV) questioned whether Animal Control Officer had a Town cell phone? (LKe) was unsure whether she did or not. (LS) related that it was a hefty fee for that van. She felt it was too expensive to go into a used vehicle.

(LS) Motion to not approve mobile radio purchase for the Animal Control Officer van. (EV) Second. Carried 4-0.

4. WWTP Upgrade – Phase II Design Proposal, TEC

(LKe) I have met with Jim Spaulding who has taken Joe Ducharme’s position. I discussed with him what we need to do to proceed with Phase II. He advised that they do not have the internal capability to do the design but Joe Ducharme could be engaged as subcontractor. It would be more costly to get another consultant for this proposal at this time, as additional permits would have to be acquired.

(EV) Motion to approve continuation of agreement with TEC to allow to subcontract out chlorination and dechlorination process with Joe Ducharme but reserve the right to request a different subcontractor for the GSI and

I and I part of the program for the WWTP. (DM) Second. Carried 4-0.

5. Library Building Repairs – Trustee’s Request

(LKe) The Library has requested the attic insulation and now has some additional concerns including cellar foundation wall leaks with possible mold issues, bat infestation, and the need for cleaning of furnace.

(DM) Have we gotten any estimates? (LKe) Not yet. We will be getting some quotes on these. (LKe) will get back to Board on this.

6. Response to AFT-NH Local 6214 Grievance

(LS) Motion to accept Grievance dated August 11, 2008 and response to Grievance dated August 13, 2008 and to be signed by Linda Small as Town Representative. (DM) Second. Carried 4-0.

7. Junkyard Permit – Snedeker – Letter Paul & Carol Richardson

(EV) recused himself and was seated in the audience.

(LKe) This letter was hand carried to office this afternoon. This issue has been deliberated on the Zoning Board of Adjustment level and once resolved will request the Board of Selectman to issue license. The Richardsons have made the assumption that it is not related and may be illegal and may appeal this issue. Until all periods expire, this Board should not be contemplating any request for license. (LKe) to respond to Richardsons noting they are aware of issue and letter will be placed on file for future consideration.

(DM) Motion to allow Leon Kenison respond to letter from Richardsons noting that letter will be kept on file for another date and time.

(LS) Second. Carried 3-0. (EV) recused.

(EV) returned and was seated on Board. 6:50 P.M.

8. Town Hall Sign

(LS) I would like to see BOS allow for a sum of money for painting of the sign in front of the Town Hall. It would look better. It is old and needs to be repainted. There are funds available in Town Hall repairs. (LK) to look into this.

(LS) Motion to have Larry Konopka check into having Town Hall sign refurbished per his judgment. (EV) Second. Carried 4-0.

9. CRDC Meeting

(LS) I would like to set a date when Steve Heavener can come in and address Board, probably in Non-Public Session. A date of September 16th at 7:30 P.M. was suggested with alternate date of September 23rd.

10. Board of Selectman Meeting on September 9th

Board agreed that there would be no Board meeting on September 9th due to the election. Coverage of election will include:

Larry Konopka 7:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M.

Linda Small 11:00 A.M. to 2:30 P.M.

Ed Vien 2:30 P.M. until Denise Arrives

Denise Morin Till Closing

11. Employee of the Month

Delores Fritz was awarded her plaque. (DM) read into the Minutes the newspaper accompaniment to her picture for the Sun. Pictures were taken and appreciation expressed by Delores regarding her selection for this award.

INFORMATION ITEMS

1. Anonymous Letter Requesting a Loitering Ordinance

(LKe) This was a letter received earlier this week addressing the gathering of various individuals outside of downtown establishments. This was discussed with Chief Wharem and he will be requesting County Attorney’s office offer some feedback on this matter and in reference to a loitering ordinance.

(LS) Motion to send a draft of proposed Loitering Ordinance for Pittsfield to Town Counsel for their review and suggestions. (DM) Second.

Carried 4-0.

(LK) noted that he would like to address this matter further in Non-Public session. (EV) noted that though there may be a large group of individuals gathered outside some of these establishments, they are not criminals. He suggested that, perhaps, a crosswalk in that area might be beneficial.

(LKe) related to Board the process, requirements, and costs that could be incurred for installation of a crosswalk.

2. ICC Exam Result – HSA Inspector

(LK) Good news.

3. NHMA Potential Mandate Litigation – Status

(LKe) noted that Town had contributed funds to essentially enable LGC to prepare a lawsuit against Legislation in the event of change in the retirement law. They have partially completed this but are very skeptical it is going to do as well in the future processes. This is merely an update of what has been started. To date, no expenditures have been incurred.

4. FD Monthly Report – July

(LKe) for Board’s review. (LK) Good job, Gary.

5. Temporary Occupancy Permit

(LK) I would be interested in knowing how many and how long these have been utilized. I am not sure there is an issue here unless they are old ones. I am basically trying to educate myself in this matter. This will be added to Agenda under Old Business next week.

6. Staff Meeting Notes – August 12, 2008

(EV) There is a new owner of the pallet shop? (LKe) “Yes.” (LS) I note that the Sheriff Department members will in Town soon. (LKe) Yes, it will be a policing unit for a possible study. (LK) Excellent report from all departments.

7. Election Law Training Session

(LKe) presented a notice of training sessions on Election Law.

Board discussed status of RSA 79E. It was noted that Town counsel has suggested some modifications and are being drafted. It is noted that some changes in the District map are being discussed and draft will be forthcoming. These will be presented to Board when accomplished.

8. Budgets

(LS) Where are we regarding the Budgets? (LKe) They are mostly completed. (EV) Does the Budget Committee have a schedule of what they will be addressing first? (LS) Yes. (LKe) noted he would put together a schedule for Department Heads to address BOS in relation to the Budget Committee’s schedule.

OLD BUSINESS

1. Town Hall Improvements – Life Safety Codes

(LKe) These have been accomplished.

2. Town Investment Policy

(LS) Eric has gotten back to me on this. He is still working on it and will be submitting something shortly.

3. Management Analysis for GASB34 )

4. Capital Improvement Plan )

5. Space Needs Study ) Pending

6. Sidewalk Improvement Plan )

7. Loitering Ordinance

Discussed previously.

8. Purchasing Road Salt

(EV) Where are we at in purchasing of road salt? (LKe) George was on vacation last week but will be submitting something shortly.

9. Library Attic Insulation

(EV) I have talked to Matt and he is looking for grant monies for this. I have forwarded the information to Leslie on this.

APPLICATIONS AND WARRANTS

None

CHECKS AND MANIFESTS

(LS) Motion to approve Payroll and Direct Deposits. (EV) Second.

Carried 4-0.

(LS) Motion to approve Accounts Payable and Manifests. (EV) Second. Carried 4-0.

MINUTES

1. Public Session Minutes of August 12, 2008

(EV) Motion to approve Public Session Minutes of August 12, 2008.

(LS) Second. One small correction noted. Carried 4-0.

2. Non-Public Session Minutes of August 12, 2008

(LS) Motion to approve Non-Public Session Minutes of August 12, 2008. (DM) Second. Carried 4-0.

3. Public and Non-Public Session Minutes of August 14, 2008.

Not available.

PUBLIC INPUT

None.

NON-PUBLIC SESSION

(LS) Motion to go into Non-Public Session per 91-A:3 II (a), (b) and (c). (DM) Second. Carried 4-0. Members of the Board were polled individually and all agreed.

Board went into Non-Public Session at 7:43 P.M.

Board returned to Public Session at 8:10 P.M.

(EV) Motion to seal Non-Public Session Minutes of August 19, 2008. (DM) Second. Carried 4-0.

OTHER

(EV) Motion to have (LKe) respond to Ann Taylor’s E-Mail regarding future employment. (LS) Second. Carried 4-0.

(DM) Motion to have (LKe) draft letter to Ann Taylor and (LK) to review and sign. (LS) Second. Carried 4-0.

ADJOURNMENT

(DM) Motion to adjourn. (EV) Second. Carried 4-0.

Meeting adjourned at 8:13 P.M.

Approved: August 26, 2008

___________________________ _________________________

Larry Konopka, Chairman Date