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

MEETING MINUTES OF TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2012

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,
Paul Rogers (PR), Gerard LeDuc (GL), Eric Nilsson (EN), Paul Skowron (PS), Town Administrator, and Delores Fritz, Recording Secretary.

MEMBERS ABSENT

None.

PUBLIC INPUT

None.

AGENDA REVIEW

(LK) Union Proposal; (PS) Trash Collection Bids, DRA Municipal Assessment Data Certificate, Draft Police Warrant Article, Draft Fire Ambulance Warrant Articles Revision I. During the course of the meeting, Board also addressed Union Proposals, Health Officer Contact and Town Hall Closing.

APPOINTMENTS

6:10 P.M.: Chief Wharem Accompanied by Full-Time Police Officer
Candidate (Stephen Rush)

Chief Wharem: Stephen Rush has been offered a conditional appointment for full-time employment as Police Officer. He is former military and is currently enrolled at Hesser College, married with children. I am presenting him to the Board tonight for approval as full-time Police Officer for the Town of Pittsfield. He has executed the Employment Agreement for three years.

Board welcomed Mr. Rush to the Town of Pittsfield.

(PR) Motion to approve Stephen Rush as a full-time Police Officer for Town of Pittsfield. (LS) Second. Carried 5-0.

Chief Wharem: I will be bringing another candidate to introduce to the Board in the near future. He currently is working as a part-time police officer and hopefully he will be able to attend the Academy in the fall, dependent on his acceptance. By attending the Academy in the fall, it will allow Town to utilize him during the busy summer months. At that time, they will fill the two open current positions. He explained that hopefully, Mr. Rush will enter the Academy on January 7th provided they have enough room. They are currently at a full class capacity but are hopeful that he will be able to assume a position within that class should there be any that decide not to continue. If he is unable to be confirmed as part of the January 7th class, the next class is around the second week of April. Board agreed to the rationale concerning Academy attendance.

Chief Wharem and Mr. Rush left meeting at 6:07 P.M.

NEW BUSINESS
ACTION ITEMS

1. HSA Re-inspection Fee (Requested by Eric Nilsson)

(EN) I actually am in the process of doing some continuing research and have not yet had the opportunity to get everything together. I suggest we address on the next Agenda. (LK) We also have an E-mail from Nick Abell requesting this be on the next Agenda since he is unable to appear tonight. Board agreed.

2. Forum, Scheduling, and Composition of Prospective Meeting with AHG

(PS) Following last week’s meeting, the Chair has had an opportunity to reflect on the conditions that apply to AHG. After thinking about this, he has decided that a single public meeting with all parties present – AHG, Matt Monahan, Town Attorney, Abutters, Planning Board and BOS to only address the issues. (PS) I have had several individuals submit their questions in writing as requested. (EN) This is fine as long as it does not last too long since we are responsible for paying Matt Monahan and Town Attorney. (PS) I will make copies of the questions for you. (LK) I would like to invite the abutters sending out notices by certified mail. (PS) It would be courteous to invite all the abutters. (LK) Also, AHG – there have been comments made by abutters that they were never notified. (PS) When would you like to meet – sometime in January? (PR) Since New Year’s Day is the first Tuesday, we could meet on the 8th and the 22nd and have this meeting on January 15th. (LS) I would think after the holidays would be best. Board agreed on January 15, 2013. (LK) Paul please forward all the questions presented to Matt Monahan and Town Attorney, etc. (PS) to do.

3. Budget Committee Request for Selectman to Re-Visit the Ambulance Department Budget

(PS) As (PR) will confirm, the Budget Committee has requested the Board review the Ambulance Department Budget (Page 11). He noted that the Budget Committee felt very strongly that all costs should be reflected in the Budget as originally presented. They would like Board to put the lines back in as proposed by the Department Head, namely Lines 205, 216, and 217. Namely, Line 206 back to $26,324, Line 216 to $7,136, and Line 217 to $4,500.

(LS) Motion to restore Line 206 to $26,324, Line 216 to $7,136 and Line 217 to $4,500. (PR) Second. Carried 5-0.

4. Budget Committee Input to Warrant Articles Applicable to the
Fire/Ambulance Departments

(PS) The Budget Committee is pleased that the Board is considering addressing what they feel is a very misunderstood Ambulance fund. The Budget Committee proposed Warrant Articles are somewhat similar to those Warrant Articles as proposed by Board with some revisions. (See Attached.) The last one deals with the replacement ambulance.

(PR) I would like to bring this back to the Budget Committee tomorrow night.

(PS) The funds go through the general fund and then dispersed. Chief DeSilva has reviewed these articles and the Budget Committee has discussed this with him. He is not enamored of this article because he is worried that at some time down the road the fund will not have been adequately funded to purchase an ambulance. Town needs to recognize the need to put an adequate amount in this fund for the future. (LS) The Town has been supremely generous in supporting the Fire and the Ambulance Department. There are years like last year with the capital reserve when the Town did not have a lot of money but that was a mutual consensus of everyone and would be different if it was a good year.

(PS) I know that the original intent of the special revenue fund had merit. When the figures in this account reach six figures, peoples are uncomfortable with it. I think it is a better way to do it. The Budget Committee feels strongly about it. (GL) No one knows what the values will be in the future. (LK) I would like to see how the Department Heads feel about it. Paul, did you ever receive notice about the $500,000 cap? (PS) I am still awaiting an answer from LGC. If the Board has no objection, Selectman Rogers would like to bring it to the Budget Committee tomorrow. Board agreed.

(LS) Motion to authorize Paul Rogers to bring Warrant Articles to Budget Committee as proposed. (GL) Second. Carried 3-2 (LK), (EN).

5. Draft Warrant Article Re: Appointed Planning Board

(PS) I was asked to research this Warrant Article from the previous Town Meeting. (See Attached.) It is pretty straightforward in having appointed
Planning Board members as opposed to elected members. (GL) I requested this. Last year the Warrant Article was confusing. The language is clearer on this Warrant Article and I feel the elected Board is not up to task. I would prefer an appointed Board.

(GL) Motion to accept Warrant Article for an appointed Planning Board.
(EN) Second. Carried 5-0.

(LS) I would like to see it happen for obvious reasons.

6. Trash Collection Bids

(PS) There are several bids that have been received for Chairman to review. Each was also sent Trash Removal Bid Sheet.

Waste Management of Rochester: $8,790.64
Bestway: $7,200.00
Pinard: $3,480.00

(PS) to review the bids to ascertain whether they meet Town standards. Board will decide next Board meeting.

7. DRA Municipal Assessment Data Certificate

(PS) This is an annual form filled out and sent to DRA pertaining to annual sales information. (PR) Every property sold in 2012 is assessed and what it is sold for. (PS) Property is selling for 20% less than the assessed values. At this point what is in order is for Board to sign it or continue for additional review. (EN) wanted to discuss with Cara as to how this was ascertained, but agreed he would abstain from vote tonight but would like to understand the process.

(LS) Motion to approve the 2012 Equalization Municipal Assessment Data Certificate. (PR) Second. Carried 4-0. (EN) Abstain.

8. Draft Police Warrant Article

(PS) This relates to Special Revenue Fund for police special details which are similar to what (LS) drafted. It is pretty straight forward. Chief would prefer to have special revenue fund for police special details to accumulate for proposed purchase of cruiser. The Town would get paid, part of charge would go towards cruiser and deposited in General Fund. (LK) What about a cap on this – anything extra goes to General Fund? (PS) No, this cannot be that way.

(LS) Motion to approve acceptance of Warrant Article – Police Special Details Special Revenue Fund. (PR) Second. Carried 4-1 (LK).

9. Union Proposals

(PS) This should probably be in Non-Public Session. The Town is in Union negotiations and the rule is that it should not be public.

(LK) What I would like is to have Department Heads review what is going on. Some of their input is valuable as they know how the departments are run and
they can educate us in some areas. They should be a part of the process.

(PS) The Department Heads are in the Union except for the Fire Chief. I respect what you are saying, but this would be reaching. Not all Department Heads may be respectful of what you are proposing. You could invite Department Heads into a Non-Public Session but you need to be cautious on this. (GL) This has always been one of my concerns. (LK) I would like to see if the Board is in favor of this. I recently had a suggestion given to me and it was a really good one. (EN) We could give it a try. (PS) I guess what you could do is to give Department Heads a copy of the Union Contract and question them as to what they think needs to be changed. I would like to think that the Department Heads would want to review the Union Contract and come up with some proposals. (EN) I would ask the Department Heads what they would recommend. (LS) I would be fine with that.

10. Health Officer

(PS) The contact list with the State does not depict the proper individual. I have talked to the Department of Health and we can now move forward. The Board of Selectmen is noted as contact with the Chair’s name. The contact number would have to be the Chair’s phone number – not a business or the Town Hall. (LK) My cell phone number can be used and after hours it would be the Police Department. I do not mind giving my cell phone number for this.

INFORMATION ITEMS

See No. 4 above.

OLD BUSINESS

1. Administrative Plan for Budget Stabilization Pending
2. Policy for Access to Town Property Pending
3. Policy for Recruitment and Employment to be Revised Pending
4. Policy for Employee Total Compensation Pending
5. Tax Collector/Action by Selectmen/Tax Deed Waivers Pending
6. Appointment of Selectman to Foss Scholarship Committee Pending
7. Amendment to the Obstructing Streets & Sidewalks Ord. Pending
8. Skateboards and Bicycles on Sidewalks Pending

APPLICATIONS and WARRANTS

1. Application for Veteran’s Tax Credit Tax Map R14, Lot 44

(PR) Motion to approve Veteran’s Tax Credit Tax Map R14, Lot 44.
(LS) Second. Carried 5-0.

CHECKS and MANIFESTS

(LS) Motion to approve Accounts Payable and Checks Register.
(GL) Second. Carried 5-0.

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

MINUTES

1. Public Session Minutes of November 27, 2012

(PR) Motion to approve Public Session Minutes with Corrections. (EN) Second. Carried 5-0.

Corrections:

Page 6, Paragraph 3, Line 5 should read: basically being a budgetary concern. Chief……………
Page 7, Paragraph 4, Motion should read: (EN) Motion to approve submitting Warrant Article for consideration of full-time…………

OTHER

1. Town Hall Closing

(PR) Just for information, I happened to be at the Town Hall on Friday, November 30th and did authorize closing Town Hall for about an hour as Town Clerk had an issue at her home and needed to leave.

PUBLIC INPUT

Adam Gauthier: The lights at Dustin Park, are they on all night? If so, why?
(PR) Due to vandalism in the park, and individuals “hanging out” there and in back of the church the lights are left on. I do believe that a couple of them do go down at night. Adam Gauthier: Also, the street lights in Town like across from Dani’s, the dam is lighted why do we need a streetlight there? (LK) Check with the PD on that.

Adam Gauthier: The Fire and Ambulance are two separate departments now. The Board is trying to put them back as one? Board: Yes. (EN) That is the plan; they are all under one roof. Adam Gauthier: The Town voted it to be that way.

Helen Schiff: I just wanted to thank Paul Rogers and Paul Skowron for representing the concerns of the Budget Committee. It was accurate the way he presented it.

(PR) Just wanted to advise Board that Ms. Dail’s mother-in-law has passed away. (PS) to send condolences from the Town.

Adam Gauthier: Also, the Minutes on the Website, do they have to be posted in a certain number of days? (LK) The DRAFT Minutes are posted in the Town Hall. (PS) Approved Minutes do not have a requirement for posting. The Board in the past had some difficulty in posting DRAFT Minutes on the Website but as soon as the Minutes are approved they are sent to the Website within a day or two.
Adam Gauthier: The Website does not post the Agendas on time. I know they get it on Friday, but it is often not on their Website on time. (He noted that the approved Minutes of November 13th were not on the Website – sent to Website on November 29th.

Close Public Input

Break: 7:10 P.M. Resume: 7:14 P.M.

NON-PUBLIC SESSION

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

Board went into Non-Public Session at 7:15 P.M.

Board returned to Public Session at 7:47 P.M.

(LS) Motion to seal Non-Public Session Minutes of December 4, 2012.
(GL) Second. Carried 5-0.

ADJOURNMENT

(LS) Motion to adjourn. (PR) Second. Carried 5-0.

Meeting adjourned at 7:50 P.M.

Approved: December 20, 2012

__________________________ ______________________
Lawrence Konopka, Chairman Date

I hereby certify that these Minutes were recorded by me on December 4, 2012, transcribed and public posed on December 6, 2012.

_____________________________________
Delores A. Fritz, Recording Secretary

I Tape/Attachments