TOWN OF PITTSFIELD
BOARD OF SELECTMAN
TOWN HALL, 85 MAIN STREET
PITTSFIELD, NH 03263
_____________________________________________________________
MEETING MINUTES OF DECEMBER 4, 2007
CALL TO ORDER
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Call to order at 6:01 P.M., by Arthur Morse, Chairman.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Arthur Morse (AM), Chairman, Larry Konopka (LK), Vice-Chairman, Linda
Small (LS), Ed Vien (EV), John Lenaerts (JL), Leon Kenison (LKe), Town
Administrator, and Delores Fritz, Recording Secretary.
MEMBERS ABSENT
None.
PUBLIC INPUT
None.
AGENDA REVIEW
(EV) BCEP, Perambulation of Town lines. (LK) Drug Awareness.
(LKe) November Welfare Report, Arrest Log, and Application for Intent to
Cut. (AM) What about Chief Wharem resigning, should that be a nonpublic
issue, namely someone in Department to take over duties in interim?
Board agreed.
APPOINTMENTS
1. Ron Vien and Leon Kenison – Septage Facility
Cancelled.
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2. Chief Johnson – Fire Alarm and Ladder Truck
To be discussed later during the meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
ACTION ITEMS
1. Volunteer Appointment Application – William Abbott
(LKe) noted, “I am uncertain what the appointment is for as the application
does not indicate what he is seeking.” (EV) It is for the Economic
Development Committee. He would like to be part of that Committee.
(LS) noted that the application should be complete. (LK) Is the Committee
meeting this week? (EV) Yes, there is a Catch Presentation at 5:00 P.M.
(LKe) to request Mr. Abbott to complete application.
2. PSNH 11-21-07 Letter – Pole License Procedure
(LKe) As you may recall, three months ago a line was installed up on High
Street and we had a controversy with an abutter regarding this installation of
a street light which was done, though not at the Town’s request. I wrote a
letter to PSNH and they have responded with this Pole License Procedure.
Essentially, if they wish to install, they will contact the Town Administrator.
A Town official will go out with them to observe placement, and then they
will be coming in with a pole license petition for consideration before they
actually install. Town wanted to be informed of any installation before the
actual work is done.
(AM) suggested that maybe a log of various contacts such as PSNH and
other utilities, etc. be started, so that in the future it would not take as long
for a response.
Appointment: Chief Johnson – Fire Alarm, and Ladder Truck
Ladder Truck:
Chief Johnson related that he had brought some additional information on
the apparatus replacement proposal. I am recommending a change to the
apparatus program by extending replacement of each apparatus we have by
five years. The reason is that the 20-year replacement was originally made
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when we were using gas vehicles instead of diesel. With diesel, there is a lot
more life with an apparatus. Also, now we are not using the custom
apparatus purchase process when everything is custom made and more
expensive, but rather using commercial purchase procedure which includes a
standard chassis with some adjustments. He related t hat Engine #2, which is
made by Pierce, has only 27,000 miles and is 15 years old. This is within
the realm of relatively light duty for this apparatus. The Tanker is reserved
for call in rural areas and has 1,000 miles on it and was purchased in 1994.
Engine #1, carries more equipment and responds to more calls, has 11,000
miles and is from 2002. There is no specific standard, which indicates
apparatus needs to be replaced every 20 years. We maintain our equipment
and take pride in our equipment. All three Pumpers passed inspection.
Engine #1 and the Tanker have had some maintenance and many pieces of
apparatus can go over 25 years. By doing so, we are not putting anyone or
anything at risk. (Board was provided information sheet of synopsis of what
capital replacement would be.) Todd Drew related that all apparatus is made
out of aluminum, stainless steel, poly or fiberglass and are “speced” beyond
standards though standards do change.
(EV) questioned, “How many years would you get out of a ladder truck?”
Chief Johnson noted, “About 15-20 years service life, maybe more.
(LK) asked whether certification and maintenance was included in the
budget. Chief responded affirmatively. Lenny Deane explained compact
system to Board where usually a call is for an Engine and three Tankers.
Are we going to go to mutual aid with a ladder truck? Probably, there will
be an increase, but not a large one. (EV) questioned how many chimney
fires there were last year and how many calls were there for a ladder truck?
Lenny Deane noted approximately 10-12. Chief Johnson noted probably
total times were around 17 times. Lenny Deane noted that he did not see a
big increase in Town going to mutual aide because of capital area response,
which includes Concord. Chief noted that the full career departments are
called the most. A dramatic increase is not going to happen.
(LK) questioned whether a ladder truck is more dangerous in the winter
months. Chief Johnson response indicated it was safer as it eliminates the
abundance of ground ladders and is easier to use. These ladders are wider
and further explained how ladder truck can be safer.
(AM) related that he had hoped that the Fire Chief would go along with
Board’s recommendations for capital reserve for ladder truck. I see the need
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for a ladder truck in the downtown area and not necessarily chimney fires.
The other thing is that the ladder truck needs a special person to operate it.
It requires a skilled individual to operate it. In regard to replacement, Todd
just noted that standards change. In five years, there will be better
equipment than 20 years ago and now you would like it to be 25 years. I
assume ladder truck requires more maintenance. I do not argue against the
need. I think we should keep the replacement of apparatus at 20 years. If
we use the money now, it puts us in a hole for replacements. Chief Johnson
related, “I hear what you are saying. By delaying this another five years, my
people have to operate unsafely. We are asking these people to take risks
that should not be taken.” (AM) questioned where a ladder truck could not
go in Town? Todd Drew related that when we saw the demo and it was here
in Town, we proved we could put it anywhere. Also, we have only lost one
member who is aerial trained. (EV) What length ladder truck are you
looking to get?” Lenny Deane indicated 100 ft., as the 85 ft was not
sufficient because of safety reasons. (LS) noted, “Safety is a priority. You
have called five times for a ladder truck?” Mr. Drew indica ted that they call
Barnstead, which has an older ladder truck and it is in/out of service. Chief
indicated that Barnstead has a 75 ft. ladder truck and there is an issue in
delay in responding. Chief related that volunteerism is down and
requirements have gone up.
Alarm System
Chief Johnson distributed a copy to BOS of location of current boxes. The
master boxes are tripped by fire inside of buildings, others are on the street
and pull activated. There are issues with the circuits.
(AM) related that his impression was that this alarm system does not
function correctly and is not worth repairing. “What is the impact on
businesses without it?” Chief Johnson related that there is approximately a
$200 monitoring fee and the ultimate cost is $200-300 per year. The unit
itself is less that $1,000 to install. Protection is now sub -standard and not
reliable. We have a dialer at the Fire and Police Station. Dialers are more
reliable and are part of the cost of doing business. Dialers dial in the
location and indicate zone in location. (LK) questioned what the cost would
be to businesses. Chief indicated anywhere from $600 – 1,000. He related
that there is enough in capital reserve to take care of all Town offices.
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(EV) questioned, “How much would it cost to replace the wiring for the
current boxes?” Chief John related about $30-40,000 plus annual preventive
maintenance. (EV) Is there any liability to the Town? Chief noted, “Yes, if
Master Box does not report in.” (EV) asked what the changeover to d ialers
time period would be? Chief noted about a six-month timetable. By early
summer, businesses should have dialers in place. (LK) questioned whether
businesses would be upset with this? Chief related that yes, businesses
would probably be upset. (LK) related that dialers made sense to him.
(AM) related, “I agree that we should not put any more money into the
current system. But, there needs to be a more specific plan for conversion
and everything. How much of an expense is there going to be, how many
will do it, is it going to be on a volunteer basis?” (LK) noted that with the
present service, Town is libel. The service is not safe. (LS) Part of the
process is to get all up to code. (EV) Question is how to implement it. It is
not in the budget now. (LS) indicated it is not a budget item and there is
money in reserve. (AM) indicated it is in capital reserve and we would need
to follow the intent as budgeted – maintenance is different than dismantling
it. We would need a Warrant Article. I would endorse the first part and not
upgrade the system. We need to know what the plan is for this. (EV) noted
that they would need to approve it as a Board and then Chief can start
contacting all affected by this change noting this is what we would like t o
do.
(JL) questioned “What about non-commercial buildings?” Chief related in
this day and age of new technology and access to cell phones, that he did not
feel that would be an issue.
(AM) requested that (LKe) research Warrant Article to allow capital reserve
to be spent for this purpose. All agree.
Ladder Truck
(LK) indicated that he is back and forth regarding the issue of the ladder
truck. He noted that he liked (AM)’s idea of $50,000 on Warrant Article. I
think it is a good idea to have a ladder truck and I also liked (AM)’s
suggestion. I can see both ways. We need one, but can we afford it? (EV) I
agree.
Board discussed how this could be presented on Warrant Article(s).
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(LK) Motion to rescind the Warrant Article for $50,000 and produce
Warrant Article for capital reserve purchase. (EV) Second. Carried 4-0.
(LK) Motion to approve Warrant Article for purchase of ladder truck for
$193,000. (EV) Second. Carried 3-1 (LS).
3. Website Committee 11-26-07 Letter – Website Policy Change
(LKe) noted that the Committee met, updated it and there is now a new
posting of current events. They wish to assume responsibility and to become
more active – screening things. (LS) Does that mean enforcing our policies?
(LKe) “Yes.” (JL) Before they make any changes, will they discuss with
BOS?” (AM) related that he had not looked through all the changes but
some were quite broad and I would ask we take this under consideration.
After the BOS has discussed it, maybe we could have the Chair come in to
explain. All agreed.
4. American Red Cross 11-27-07 Letter – Funding Request
(LKe) related that this organization is going through a tough time organizing
and establishing a leader. They are struggling to do their fundraising. Cara
suggested that maybe the trustees of the Trust Fund might look into this.
(AM) “Has the Town done it in the past?” (LKe) “Not that I am aware of.”
(AM) Have they been of assistance in the past? Chief Wharem related that
assistance was provided during the recent floods and for fire victims in the
past. All agreed that this should be done through the trustees.
5. Contract for 4” Asphaltic Floor for Salt/Sand Shed, Advanced
Paving $13,000.
(LKe) related that George noted that there are three area pavement finishers
that can do the work. George noted that he would like to encumber it with
the BOS approval. (LKe) noted if the weather does not get really cold, we
should have foundation walls soon. (AM) questioned whether the contract
would hold? (LKe) noted affirmatively. (LS) questioned whether Town had
used Advanced Paving previously? (LKe) noted that Continental Paving
was not interested in doing this job.
(AM) noted that first thing we should do is waive the bid policy.
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(LK) Motion to waive bid policy on the 4” asphaltic floor for Salt/Sand
Shed. (JL) Second. Carried 4-0.
(EV) Motion to approved Advanced Paving with quote of $13,000 provided
reference are secured. (JL) Second. Carried 4-0.
6. 2007 Equalization – Municipal Assessment Data Sheets
Certification
(LS) noted we are at 100% equalization. (LKe) related that we are pretty
darn near right on target.
(LS) Motion to approve Municipal Assessment Date Sheet Certification.
(EV) Second. Carried 4-0.
INFORMATION ITEMS
1. Staff Meeting Notes 12-04-07
(LKe) These have been distributed to Board members.
2. Turner Group 12-27-07 Letter – WWT Facility Design Status
(LKe) BOS to sign off on this and send it in. Joe to come in and report when
it comes in.
3. BCEP
(EV) related that he had a request from a neighbor to accept demolition
material. It is for a private individual and I noted that I would present it to
the Board. I have discussed this with Earle who suggested just charging
cost. All demolition materials have to be paid for to be gotten rid of.
(LK) noted he would have to recuse himself from this issue and was seated
in the audience.
(EV) noted that Town could offer it be disposed of for cost. (AM) explained
it is for charity piece of work. (EV) noted that Town could give a Waiver,
but he did not feel comfortable doing it himself and wanted BOS to decide.
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(AM) related that he understood that this is a charitable project, and in the
same token, it is a heck of a benefit for the Town and all of us. (LS) noted
that there is still a fine line here. (AM) suggested that it be done at cost,
Board agreed. (EV) noted that he would bring it to the BCEP Board with
BOS recommendations and they could approve it.
(LK) returned and was seated on the Board.
4. Perambulation of Town Lines
(EV) noted that Richard DeBald and he had found five markers per the map.
Markers are displayed well and all five are across the meadow.
5. Drug Awareness
(LK) noted that Minutes of the Drug Awareness Committee need to be put
on the Website. Chief Wharem to send to Bill Provencal.
6. November Welfare Monthly Report
(LKe) noted that figures are down, though our expenses are up due to fuel
costs. However, we are saving money.
7. Arrest Log
(LKe) noted that it indicates a variety of charges and that not all of them are
youngsters and include abuse of alcohol/drugs.
OLD BUSINESS
1. Review potential Warrant Articles
(LKe) These are not yet ready for review.
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APPLICATIONS AND WARRANTS
1. Warrant for Collection of Land Use Change Tax – Map R-3,
Lot 7L
(LKe) It should be noted that as a result of harvesting, $5,500 is being
returned to the Town – owners of 111 Bailey Drive.
(JL) Motion to accept Warrant for collection of land use change tax –
Map R-3, Lot 7L. (LS) Second. Carried 4-0.
2. PSNH Pole License Petition #41-196
(LKe) noted that this is now back before BOS in modified form. In the
future, they will be going by the protocol they recommended and which was
discussed earlier in the meeting.
(LS) Motion to accept Pole License Petition #41-196. (LK) Second.
Carried 4-0.
3. Intent to Cut
(LKe) This is for intent to cut for Matthew Magoon, for James Marsh, Quail
Ridge, six acres.
(LK) Motion to accept Intent to Cut for Matthew Magoon, Quail Ridge.
(JL) Second. Carried 4-0.
CHECKS AND MANIFESTS
(LS) Motion to approve Payroll and Direct Deposit. (JL) Second.
Discussion: (LS) noted that she would like to discuss the Payroll in Non-
Public Session. This Motion was carried 4 -0 after Non-Public Session
returned to Public Session. (Please see Meeting Minutes of December 4,
2007 (continued).
(LS) Motion to approve Accounts Payable. (LK) Second. Carried 4 -0.
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MINUTES
Public Session Minutes of November 20, 2007
(LS) Motion to approve Public Session Minutes of November 20, 2007.
(JL) Second. Carried 3-0. (LS) Abstain.
Non-Public Session Minutes of November 20, 2007
(EV) Motion to approve Non-Public Session Minutes of
November 20, 2007. (JL) Second. Carried 3-0. (LS) Abstain.
Public Session Minutes of November 27, 2007
(EV) Motion to approve Public Session Minutes of November 27, 2007
(with corrections). (JL) Second. Carried 4-0.
Non-Public Session Minutes of November 27, 2007.
(LS) Motion to approve Non-Public Session Minutes of November 27, 2007.
(LK) Second. Carried 4-0.
PUBLIC INPUT
Denise Patterson noted that she just wanted to thank Chief Wharem for
everything he had done for her son and her family. Thank you for
everything you have done. She also noted she wanted to thank the Board for
everything they are doing also.
OTHER
Chief Wharem noted that he wanted to clarify with Board the press release
regarding the position of Police Chief in Tilton. He noted that they had
made him a conditional offer for employment and have not yet done a
background check nor has he met with the Town Administrator. He
apologized to the BOS of how they learned about this, as was he, noting that
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he was shocked that this was done this way. “I just wanted to clarify how
this has played out and for this I apologize.” They have not completed the
process yet and I did indicate that it would be necessary that I gave Pittsfield
proper notice. I am not trying to “pull the wool over anyone’s eyes.” “I
apologize for the way you found out.” (LK) How long before you know?”
Chief Wharem related he did not know the answer to this. (AM) noted that
it is now public record that Chief Wharem has not finalized his plans
regarding this.
NON-PUBLIC SESSION
(LS) Motion to go into Non-Public Session per RSA 91-A:3, II (a) and (e).
(LK) Second. Carried 4-0. Board members were polled individually and all
agreed.
PUBLIC SESSION ADJOURNMENT
Meeting was adjourned at 8:05 P.M.
Approved: December 11, 2007
___________________________ ______________________
Arthur Morse, Chairman Date