July 22, 2014 Minutes

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

MEETING MINUTES OF TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2014

CALL TO ORDER

Call to order at 6:00 P.M. by Larry Konopka, Chairman

MEMBERS PRESENT

Larry Konopka (LK), Chairman, Eric Nilsson (EN), Vice-Chairman, Linda Small (LS), Gerard LeDuc (GL), Albert Douglas (AD), Michael Williams (MW),Town Administrator, and Delores Fritz, Recording Secretary.

MEMBERS ABSENT:

None.

PUBLIC INPUT

Bill Elkins: Most people already know about the water issue which occurred over the weekend. HSA lost about ten ceiling tiles and two old boxes of HSA records which were beyond salvaging. There was no other damage and we were fortunate that we had moved as the alarm came through the sensor. I would like to thank everyone that pitched in to help us. (LK) We were very fortunate that we caught the water leak through the smoke detector. Bill Elkins: Perhaps, we can now have the floors painted down there.

Close Public Input

AGENDA REVIEW

None. Action Items have been added to the Agenda. See Agenda dated July 22, 2014.

APPOINTMENTS

1. Pittsfield Listens – Molly Messenger

Molly Messenger: She explained that Pittsfield Listens is a community engagement project of the Pittsfield Youth Workshop which encourages building a stronger community with stronger schools. She noted that Pittsfield Listens addressed a variety of matters including such matters as gambling, State government, and other issues that affect the community. Monthly meetings beginning in September will be every second Thursday of the month and she encouraged all to become a part of this project. (Information pertaining to all of this can be acquired at the Town Hall for interested parties.)

She noted that Pittsfield Listens is looking to establish four community bulletin boards for use by the general public at Drake’s Field, Dustin Park (2) and Depot Square to assist the community in presenting local news concerning just “about anything.”

(LK) suggested that she submit a diagram of their proposal to Town Administrator which ultimately will be presented to the Board, Police Chief and Fire Chief. “Molly does a tremendous job with the kids,” and offered Board’s help in any way that they could. (LS) This would be a great resource.

Ms. Messenger left meeting at 6:12 P.M.

2. Lee Bartlett, Deputy Welfare Director

(LK) Congratulations as the new Deputy Welfare Director.

Lee Bartlett: Thank you. I am here to help Bonnie. She is a wonderful lady.
She noted that she does not expect pay only when I am called upon to fill in for Bonnie. I am here tonight to request that the Board approve requesting Epsom to provide Pittsfield a copy of their program (NH Mapping Program) which would be very helpful to Bonnie in accomplishing her job. There is a new program coming out (GAP) but the current program could be utilized for now. I have checked with Bonnie and she is agreeable. (LK) If Board is agreeable (YES) then you can go through Town Administrator.

Lee Bartlett: Is there a liaison with Welfare? (LK) No, it would be through Bonnie, Mike and the Board, if necessary.

Lee Bartlett left at 6:20 P.M.

NEW BUSINESS
ACTION ITEMS

1. EDC Suggested Letter to NHDOT

(MW) The letter is attached to your packet of information and is really self-explanatory – letter composed by Ted Mitchell, Chairman of EDC to DOT requesting that the BOS Chair sign letter. Since the Board carries more weight in these matters, they are requesting they endorse the letter. (LS) noted that as a Selectman she would sign the letter if the Board supports the contents of the letter.

(EN) Motion to approve letter from EDC to DOT regarding Route 28 “clean-up”. (AD) Second. Carried 4-0. (GL) Abstain.

Discussion: (GL) The slopes on Route 28 are private property and do not belong to the State. (LS) Some are private property but are maintained by State. I want to thank the Board for their support.

2. Deeded Property Repurchase – Refund

(MW) These properties have been repurchased by property owner after it was re-deeded (Tax Map R4, Lots 1-1, 1-6 and 1-7). The tax deeded parcels included a non-equalized 15% penalty which factors in the equalization of the parcels assessments. However, the taxes for July 1st were not paid which have now been subtracted from the refund leaving a refund of $1,716.54. (GL) Will the refund be accompanied by a letter of explanation to the property owner? (MW) Yes.

3. Board/Commission/Committee Applications

(MW) We have received two applications for Committee appointments – David Stasiak for Parks and Recreation and Josue (Jack) Roman for Budget Committee or Planning Board or BCEP. Board requested (MW) check with Clayton regarding appointment to Planning Board. Moderator would appoint to BCEP and/or Budget Committee. (LS) Thank you for your willingness to serve.

(AD) Motion to approve David Stasiak to Parks and Recreation Committee.
(LS) Second. Carried 5-0.

4. 7 Depot Street Demolition Order

(MW) This is the property Board discussed last meeting. I have spoken to the property owner and he does not have funds to demo the building. This Order will give the owner till August 29, 2014 to complete the work which will cost approximately $30,000. If not complied with or an Answer is not filed within the time specified by RSA 155-B:6, a motion for summary enforcement will be filed in the District Court.

(LS) Motion to approve Order for Removal or Repair of Hazardous or Dilapidated Building Pursuant to RSA 155-B. (AD) Second. After Discussion: Carried 5-0.

Discussion: (EN) The Fire Department will maintain the caution tape around building? (MW) Yes, and along the alleyway also. A check for $56 for processing is necessary.

INFORMATION ITEMS

None.

OLD BUSINESS

None.

APPLICATIONS and WARRANTS

1. Josue Roman – Dog Licensing Abatement

(LK) Since Mr. Roman is here, we will address the request for abatement.

Mr. Roman: The reason I did not license my dog was that I was not in the State on June 1st. I was deployed since last August. My dogs were housed in Franklin. If you would like a copy of my orders, I can provide Board with that. (MW) I would recommend that we approve abatement.

(LS) Motion to authorize dog licensing abatement for Josue Roman.
(AD) Second. Carried 5-0.

NEW BUSINESS – ACTION ITEMS Continued

5. Cemetery Funding

(MW) Cara has compiled a list of cemetery costs and we are short about $568 for August and about $12,000 for the rest of the year. They are in the process of requesting logging waiver from State and recommend that we see what we can offset with these funds. (LS) This is not Town property but is something Town is obligated to take care of. (Mr. Pollard noted that they would probably have the logging done in September.) (LK) We can budget it till the end of August.

Mr. Pollard: I will be writing a letter for the paper thanking individuals for their donations and thanking the Town for supporting the cemetery. Cemetery Board will be meeting to discuss dissolution of the Board.

(EN) Motion to grant Town supporting cemetery till August 31st. (LS) Second. Carried 5-0.

6. Library Bid Waiver

(MW) The Library Project continues. Town hired Architects and now it has been determined that it requires an updated fire alarm system and some electrical work which went out to bid, but we have had no replies concerning the bid. I checked with Capitol Alarm and have received a general update on equipment/costs. The original bid was based on no available equipment. I am asking Board to waive the bid process so we can proceed with this project. It was noted that this has been out to bid twice.

(EN) Motion to approve waiving the bid process for Library Project.
(LS) Second. Carried 5-0.

7. 231 Leavitt Road Property

(MW) There have been some people interested in purchasing 231 Leavitt Road and (GL) has asked when the property may be up for sale and I would like to give him an answer. This would require DES approval and will research that. (GL) Please get back to me about it and I will contact her. (MW) agreed he would check into it.

8. 71 Tilton Hill Road – Pittsfield Trail

(MW) This is the property that Ted Mitchell addressed last meeting pertaining to the Pittsfield Trail. Jesse, Rob Freese and I were going to get together to take a look at it. George has already looked at it and acquired asbestos removal quotes and has updated them. George does not want Town to sell this property. (LS) We can clean it up and use it. (LK) George can also be a part of the process.

9. Survey Shaw Road

(MW) There are some individuals who are not “thrilled” about paving Shaw Road and are contesting that the Town owns it. Supposedly there is an easement and right of way indicated but I am unable to find any paperwork on this. Shaw Road is a three rod road and there is a request to have it surveyed and lay appropriate markers.

Selectman Konopka indicated that he resides on Shaw Road and would like to recuse himself from this discussion. Selectman Konopka was seated in the audience. (6:46 P.M.)

(MW) We are looking to survey the road and establish Town lines. George noted that this can out of his budget at a cost of $4,000.

(LS) Motion to approve survey of Shaw Road at a cost of $4,000.
(EN) Second. Carried 4-0.

Selectman Konopka returned and was seated on the Board (6:48 P.M.)

10. Intent to Cut

(EN) Motion to approve Intent to Cut Tax Map R07, Lots 2-1 and 2-2.
(AD) Second. Carried 5-0.

11. CAI Tax Map Maintenance Contract

(LS) Motion to approve CAI Tax Map Maintenance Contract.
(EN) Second. Carried 5-0.

12. Police Firearms Range – Donation of Services

Acting Police Chief Jeff Cain was present. He related that this has been a proposed project for about two years. He noted that the Pit is washed out, rocky, trail is gone, building rotted which does not help us at all and looks terrible. The back area would also be fenced off along with a Bern. He noted that various companies have agreed to donating equipment and/or time. (LK) Does this require a Public Hearing? A Public Hearing would inform every one of the intent. (AD) These companies/individuals are just donating equipment/services. (MW) Since no money will be changing hands and it is less than $5,000, no Public Hearing is required. Police Chief Cain: George is on board with this also. Those contributing donations of equipment and/or services:

Merrill Construction
Joe Darrah Enterprises
Rob and Geff Freese
Nemo Inc.
Center Hill Farms
NH Department of Corrections.

(LS) Motion to authorize accepting donations as noted and move forward as suggested with Pit “renovation.” (AD) Second. Carried 5-0.

APPLICATIONS and WARRANTS – Continued:

2. Donini – Abatement Request

(MW) We have had a response from Avitar (Tax Map R53, Lot 14-2). Since they have not filed abatement but have indicated that one of the buildings no longer exists, this has been removed from the assessment. There is no abatement due.

3. Griggs – Sewer Fee Abatement Request
4. Griggs – Sewer Penalty and Interest Abatement Request

(MW) We have two letters from Stacie Revitsky, Property Manager, Griggs Enterprises. Abatement requests are for Sewer Tax Bill for 65 Leavitt Road and Tax Abatement Request for 62 and 65 Leavitt Road regarding Interest/Penalty Charges and Proposed Payment Schedule. The sewer tax abatement is for $10,000 for 65 Leavitt Road which is a significant abatement. The other abatement request for interest penalty charges is for $1,500.

(GL) Motion to deny request for abatement for Sewer Tax bill for 65 Leavitt Road for $10,000. (AD) Second. Carried 5-0.

(GL) Motion to deny request for abatement for 62 and 65 Leavitt Road for interest/penalty charges. (EN) 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 Minute July 8, 2014

(EN) Motion to approve Public Session Minutes of July 8 2014. (AD) Second.

Discussion:

(LK) had several concerns about part of the Minutes and requested that the tape be reviewed. Dee will do and submit a suggested amendment to the Minutes.
(MW) and Dee will review tape. Minutes will be re-addressed at next Board meeting.

(EN) Motion to approve Minutes is rescinded and (AD) Second rescinded.

(EN) Motion to table approval of Public Session Minutes of July 8, 2014.
(AD) Second. Carried 5-0.

2. Non-Public Minutes of July 8, 2014

(EN) Motion to approve Non-Public Session Minutes of July 8, 2014.
(GL) Second. Carried 5-0.

PUBLIC INPUT

None.

Break: 7:10 P.M. Resume: 7:18 P.M.

NON-PUBIC SESSION

(GL) Motion to go into Non-Public Session per RSA 91-A:3 II (b) – The hiring of any person as a public employee. (LS) Second. Carried 5-0. Individual members of the Board were polled and all agreed.

Board went into Non-Public Session at 7:19 P.M.

Board returned to Public Session at 8:14 P.M.

NOTE: RSA 91-A (III) – Minutes of proceeding in non-public session shall be kept and the record of all actions shall be promptly made available for public inspection, except as provided in this section. Minutes and decision reached in non-public session shall be publicly disclosed within seventy-two (72) hours of the meeting, unless, by recorded vote of 2/3 of the members present, it is determined that divulgence of the information likely would affect adversely the reputation of any person other than the members of the Board, or render the proposed action ineffective. In the event of such circumstances, information may be withheld until, in the opinion of a majority of members, the aforesaid circumstances no longer apply.

Shall the Minutes be publicly disclosed? No.

Motion made by (EN) and Seconded by (AD) to not publicly disclose the Minutes because it is determined that divulgence of the information likely would affect adversely the reputation of any person other than a member of the Board.
Carried 5-0. Individual members of the Board were polled and all agreed.

OTHER

1. Hiring of Police Chief

(EN) Motion to appoint Jeffrey Cain as permanent Police Chief starting at Step 9 salary effective immediately. (AD) Second. Carried 5-0.

Discussion: (LS) Initially I had wanted to go through the selection process but after discussing with Jeffrey Cain, I feel this is the way to go. (AD) noted that he has been approached by various citizens for the past three weeks in making this appointment.

(EN) There has been a noticeable increase in officer morale and the whole office morale.

Though Police Chief Cain had left meeting, he returned and was advised of Board’s decision. Congratulations were in order as well as memory pictures were accomplished.

ADJOURNMENT

(AD) Motion to adjourn. (EN) Second. Carried 5-0.

Meeting adjourned at 8:25 P.M.

Approved: August 5, 2014

_____________________________ _________________________
Lawrence Konopka, Chairman Date

I hereby certify that these Minutes were recorded by me on July 22, 2015, transcribed and publicly posted on
July 30, 2014.

__________________________________________
Delores A. Fritz, Recording Secretary