December 30, 2008 Minutes

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

MEETING MINUTES OF TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 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), Fred Hast (FH), Paul Skowron (PS), Town Administrator, and Delores Fritz, Recording Secretary.

MEMBERS ABSENT

None.

PUBLIC INPUT

None.

PUBLIC HEARING
6:00 P.M. – Loitering Ordinance

Public Input:

Police Chief Wharem noted that on the proposed Ordinance, Section I, C, he would rather have it read “for a subsequent offense” rather than a second offense. He also noted that the penalty amounts should be $100. for the first offense and $250. for each subsequent offense. He related that these amounts would be more consistent with Town policies. (LS) Would you also make the same changes in Section II? Police Chief noted affirmatively. He also suggested that, perhaps, Board would like to add a Section V, which would refer to specific gatherings such as School events, Halloween Parade, Balloon Rally, or other functions where individuals would gather on sidewalks, etc. (LS) noted that it could be noted, “unless otherwise permitted” rather than add an additional section. Police Chief noted that it is “a crap shoot if the Judge would recognize this Ordinance or not.”
(DM) questioned the RSA involved in reference to penalties, and it was noted by Chief that RSA 179:10 could be reviewed.

Close Public Input

Board agreed that changes as proposed by Chief Wharem were agreeable and the document would be rewritten and sent to Town counsel for confirmation.

Next Public Hearing would be on January 13, 2009 to address the changes, etc.

Close Public Hearing

PUBLIC INPUT

None.

AGENDA REVIEW

(DM) Employee of the Month; (LK) Appointment of Health Officer, and NH Department of Safety, Homeland Security and Emergency Management Letter; (PS) E-Mail from Craig Greene, State DOT, Police Chief Request for 2008 Expenditures, Police Chief Request to Purchase Audio Recording Device, Police Chief Request to Sell Firearms.

APPOINTMENTS
6:15 P.M. – Capital Region Development Council Re: Amenico

Steve Heavener and Elizabeth Sweeney were present tonight representing Capital Region Development Council. Mr. Heavener explained the employment history of Ms. Sweeney. He related that they were present tonight for BOS to grant approval to schedule a Public Hearing to apply for a Community Development Block Grant for Pittsfield. He noted that before they could proceed with this, the BOS would have to grant approval only for the Public Hearing. Funds could be loaned to companies within Town with no liability to the Town. Mr. Heavener, Ms. Sweeney and Board discussed who can apply, how loans are granted, the obligations for repayment of loan, Town’s obligations, matching funds, possible audit, administrative costs involved, effect on other grants, and how the process could create jobs within the community, which is the main goal of the grant. It was noted that since this grant is for 2009 they are really on a “tight schedule.

Board agreed they were amenable to holding the Public Hearing with (EV) and (LS) being the representatives and all information would be filtered through Town Administrator, Paul Skowron.

(LS) Motion to approve scheduling of Public Hearing on January 27, 2008.
(EV) Second. Carried 5-0.

NEW BUSINESS
ACTION ITEMS

1. Action on Encumbrances

(PS) noted that Cara has compiled a list of encumbrances for Board approval.

(LS) What about the Gazebo? (PS) noted that he has received nothing in regard to costs or estimates. Board decided:

(LS) Motion to encumber balance of Gazebo Line –1-4902-0-788 in the amount of $974. (DM) Second. Carried 5-0.

(LS) Motion to approve encumbrances as outlined by Cara in the amount of $200,622.02. (DM) Second. Carried 5-0.

Discussion:

(FH) posed some questions in regard to the Pittsfield Aqueduct Purchase, new ambulance purchase and Master Plan document printing, which he noted he would discuss with Cara for full accounting.

2. Ambulance 2009 Health Insurance Adjustment

(PS) Per a Memo from Cara, there is an indication that a full time employee has just enrolled in the Town’s Health Insurance effective January 1st. There is a cost impact, which would add $13,223 to the Ambulance Budget.

(LS) Motion to approve addition of $13,223 to the Health Insurance line.
(DM) Second. Carried 5-0.

3. Economic Development Trust Reimbursement to General Fund.

(LS) Motion to approve $7,473.19, Economic Development Trust Reimbursement to General Fund. (DM) Second. Carried 5-0.
4. Ambulance Fund Reimbursement to General Fund

(LS) Motion to approve $9,209.12 as Ambulance Fund Reimbursement to General Fund. (DM) Second. Carried 5-0.

5. Appointment as Health Officer

(LK) noted that Kyle Parker, as Building Inspector, needs to be appointed as Health Officer.

(DM) Motion to appoint Kyle Parker as Health Officer to Town of Pittsfield. (EV) Second. Carried 5-0.

(PS) to arrange for State form for Kyle to complete. (LK) requested that an ID be prepared noting this position. (PS) noted that there are classes that will need to be attended by Kyle which are through the State.

6. Letter – State of NH Department of Safety, Homeland Security and Emergency Management

(PS) This letter acknowledges that the State has approved State-matching funds for their share of disaster monies ($1,322.59), which was declared on August 11, 2008 regarding the tornado and has been provided to Pittsfield.

7. Employee of the Month – November/December

(DM) The time to nominate Employee of the Month for November is now here.
(PS) noted that he will distribute form to Department Heads for November and December and will implore them to make recommendations.

8. E-Mail from Craig Greene, DOT RE: Review of Route 28 Intersection with Leavitt Road

(PS) The State is again reviewing the intersection of NH 28 and Leavitt Road. The DOT is addressing locations with high crash rates on NH public roads. The meeting has been scheduled for January 20, 2009 at 5:00 P.M. Board agreed that Fire Chief, Police Chief, Highway Department, Planning Board, Chair, and abutters with properties within 500 ft. of roadway would be invited to attend. Abutters will be contacted by Dee as will Planning Board. (PS) to notify Department Heads.

9. Police Chief Request for 2008 Expenditures

(LS) Motion to approve Police Department purchases as requested for non-maintenance items not to exceed $849.81. (DM) Second. Carried 5-0.

10. Police Chief Request to Purchase Audio Recording Device

Police Chief Wharem related that this item is noted in the budget for this year and he would like to encumber the monies. He noted that five bids have been acquired. Exacom is the recommended dealer explaining the preferred components and hardware offered. (PS) noted that he had s discussed with Cara and this is not in the capital budget, but rather under the Police Department budget under “New Equipment.”

(EV) asked several questions of Chief Wharem as to how recordings are kept? – on CD’s at Police Department; who can erase the CD’s? – the Administrator or it can be so that they cannot be erased; how many years would this system cover us? – about 7-9 years. Police Chief related that it might need to be upgraded later if future expansion takes place. (LK) noted that the budget is very tight right now. (PS) The Board has the prerogative to encumber the monies and if no purchase is made at the year-end close, it can then be reversed or cancelled. There is no recorder at the Police Department currently and there are always questions and it would be more efficient to have calls on disc. (FH) This records time and everything? It was noted that the system would. (LS) noted that she would be willing to address it after the year-end figures are acquired.

(LS) Motion to encumber $9,596. for Police Department phone recording device contingent upon final reports for 2008. (FH) Second. Carried 4-1 (LK).

Break 7:27 P.M. Return at 7:34 P.M.

11. Police Chief Request to Sell Firearms

Police Chief related that the firearms are unused firearms from a couple of years ago when firearms were replaced. We have three quotes from licensed dealers who will register the firearms as necessary. There are 12 firearms and 39 magazines. (EV) noted that the quote for purchase from Riley’s notes, “offer of trade credit.” He noted that he would prefer that the firearms be bought outright. The Chief noted that this is the one that he suggests be accepted, but would like to check on that notation first before a decision is made. (FH) noted also that this quote also states that “All guns must be in good working order….,” which they are not. Chief will also check on this.
NON-PUBLIC SESSION I

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

Board went into Non-Public Session at 7:40 P.M. Board returned to Public Session at 8:08 P.M.

(EV) Motion to seal Non-Public Session I Minutes of December 30, 2008.
(LS) Second. Carried 5-0.

INFORMATION ITEMS
1. Suncook Valley Regional Town Association

(PS) I have included the Minutes of this recent meeting for Board review. Board agreed that there seemed to be a lot of open minded responses at these meeting. It was noted that Department of Revenue representative is doing an analysis of the feasibility of a joint assessing office. (EV) related that he has also given a copy of these minutes to Police Chief Wharem.

2. Police Arrest Log 12/21/08 to 12/27/08
3. Police Department Schedule for January 2009
4. Budget Committee Schedule 2009
5. Letter from Building Inspector Re: Edmund Pouliot Home Occupation
6. Letter from Senator Jack Barnes Re: Ice Storm Emergency
7. BCEP Payment Schedule – 2009
8. Memorandum Re: January 6, 2009 Selectmen Meeting

Items 2 through 8 are for information purposes.

9. Police Department 2009 Tentative Activity Schedule Re: Request for Selectmen Approval for Facility Use.

(PS) This is a calendar of events at the Police Department. The ones noted with an asterisk (*) are ones that will take place at the Police Station. (LS) noted that she would like to see them as they come up rather than a yearly report. (LK) The cost factor and how it benefits the Police Department and Town should be noted for each event.

ACTION ITEMS – Continued

(LS) Motion to approve hiring of Frank Cassidy as part-time Police Officer at hourly rate of $13.70. (DM) Second. Carried 5-0.

OLD BUSINESS

1. Town Hall Improvements, Life Safety Codes

(EV) I have talked to Chief Johnson regarding damages to the fire security system. Perhaps, we should think about bringing in Capital to check the fixtures. There is an emergency light, which is not working, which probably just needs a light bulb change. He noted that Chief Johnson thanked the Board for trying to bring everything up to code.

2. Management Analysis for GASB 34

(PS) This is done and is being printed.

3. Space Needs Study

Pending.

4. Sidewalk Improvement Plan

(PS) There is a meeting scheduled in January to address this. (EV) Perhaps, this could be put on our list for economic stimulus.

5. Library Attic Insulation

(FH) What is happening with this? (PS) noted that he had talked to Kyle Parker in regard to having some of the quotes updated. Kyle has reviewed the Energy Audit and has noted that attic insulation would be “helpful.” I have also asked him to obtain quotes for window replacement at the Town Hall, Library and the School also as possible projects for the stimulus package.

6. Loitering Ordinance

This was addressed at Public Hearing earlier during meeting.

7. Cost of Broadcasting Selectmen, Planning, and Zoning Board Meetings

(PS) I have talked to Fred Hast regarding this. (FH) noted that this was looked into about three years ago. Metrocast will set this up and offer $5,000 towards the cost and Town would pay about $5,000, but a 3% charge would be added to all TV bills. (PS) noted that (FH) and he suggest that the Website Committee could do some research on this. How much interest would there really be? It was also suggested that a Warrant Article could be presented to offer community discussion on interest in this. (PS) to check.

8. Warrant Articles

(LS) When do the Warrant Articles need to be ready, what date? (PS) to check.

9. Other

(FH) noted that there is a lot of overtime for Ambulance. Where is the schedule and where are the per diem people? Is there any way to get the schedule for Ambulance? (PS) to do.

(FH) noted that there are some sealed Minutes in reference to Merrimac Water and Pennichuck. When would the Minutes be available? Could we open up some of these sealed Minutes? Board noted that the Minutes would not be unsealed but he would be reviewed on those.

(LS) requested that the CIP’s be added to the Agenda. (PS) to do.

APPLICATIONS AND WARRANTS

1. Notice of Intent to Cut – Tax Map R17, Lot 2

(EV) Motion to approve Notice of Intent to Cut, Tax Map R17, Lot 2.
(LS) Second. Carried 5-0.

(FH) noted that on this request, there is very low footage on the 20 acres.

2. Notice of Intent to Cut – Tax Map R15, Lot 30

(PS) This is for McGrath. (LK) This has already been cut.

(EV) Motion to approve Notice of Intent to Cut, Tax Map R15, Lot 30.
(DM) Second. Carried 5-0.

3. Notice of Intent to Cut – Tax Map R46, Lot 2

(PS) You will note that there is a notation “Tornado Salvage” indicated on the notice.

(EV) Motion to approve Notice of Intent to Cut, Tax Map R46, Lot 2.
(LS) Second. Carried 5-0.

CHECKS AND MANIFESTS

(DM) Motion to approve Payroll Manifest and Direct Deposit. (LS) Second. Carried 5-0.

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

DISCUSSION:

(EV) questioned why there was a late charge of $29. for Sam’s Club. (PS) to research.

(EV) Moore Construction for excavation work in the amount of $360. Is this in relation to SDS?

Also, checks for Express Police Supply, Globe, and Fire Tech and Safety? (PS) to follow up.

(EV) J. Darrah and Landview – Did they use their own equipment and do they have insurance? (LS) noted that the Waivers regarding Workers Comp should be filed if they are doing the work themselves.

MINUTES

1. Public Session Minutes of December 16, 2008

(DM) Motion to approve Public Session Minutes of December 16, 2008. (LS) Second. Carried 5-0.

2. Non-Public Session Minutes of December 16, 2008

(DM) Motion to approve Non-Public Session Minutes of December 16, 2008. (LS) Second. Carried 5-0.

PUBLIC INPUT

Maurice Wells, “I do not understand regarding the concrete platform at the WWTP. There is no seal. The Building Inspector was waiting for a fax on this. Now, the concrete is already poured.” (PS) The contract requires SDS to take out a Building Permit, which they did. There are no other specifics required in the contract. Mr. Wells noted that all commercial and municipal buildings should have an engineer’s seal on the plans. (PS) noted he would double-check this with the Building Inspector. Mr. Wells noted that this is a commercial enterprise and Gosse is going to get money from doing that. It is a structure, 15 x 38, and should involve a seal. I was told there is no seal. There is a water tank down below. The Building Inspector did not even get to see what was underneath. (LK) noted that he should discuss this with the Building Inspector.

Mr. Wells noted, “George has come in with budget for next summer’s work?” (FH) Yes, a budget for the whole year. (DM) noted that not everything is laid out in detail. Mr. Wells questioned if there was anything going to be done on Carroll Street and the storm drains there? No one wants to put any catch basins in by Sanel. There is a water problem there. (FH) noted that it is an ongoing problem. Businesses and residents have put in additions, etc. Mr. Wells noted that the land has always been wet. I am going to try and do something about it.

Mr. Wells related, “I am going to leave this place now. I have been here too long.”

James Theodore questioned what had transpired regarding the ambulance health insurance adjustment and why? (LK) explained why this was changing. Mr. Theodore questioned whether it was for an existing employee? (LK) Yes.

(EV) noted that he had talked to Dennis Cole previously. The owner of Sanel had offered to pay one-half the costs in reference to the catch basins. I do not know if the offer is still on the table, but he will check. Why weren’t the drains put back in when they did the road? The answer is unknown.

Close Public Input

NON-PUBLIC SESSION II

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

Board went into Non-Public Session II at 8:54 P.M.

Board returned to Public Session at 9:15 P.M.

(DM) Motion to seal Non-Public Session II Minutes of December 30, 2008.
(EV) Second. Carried 5-0.

(LS) Motion to approve budget for Administrative Assistant at Police Department in the amount of $8,151. contingent upon job description indicating a clear definition of duties between Board of Selectman and Police Chief. (LK) Second. Carried 5-0.

ADJOURNMENT

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

Meeting adjourned at 9:22 P.M.

Approved: January 13, 2009

______________________________ ___________________________
Larry Konopka, Chairman Date

II Tapes