MARCH 17, 2009 Minutes

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

MEETING MINUTES OF TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2009

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.

AGENDA REVIEW

(FH) BOS Meeting Nights; (LS) Non-Public Employee, Town Charette,
Job Descriptions, Posting for Part-Time Officers, Safe Routes to School;
(EV) Warrant Article at Town Meeting, Update on Gazebo at Dustin Park, and (PS) Employee of the Month, Appointment – John Topouzoglou, Appointment – Scott Ward, Merrimack Valley Regional Water District Statement of Charges, Signature by BOS of MS-2, Non-Public RSA 91-A:3 (e) – Consideration or negotiation of pending claims or litigation.

APPOINTMENTS

Appointments will be accomplished later in the meeting.

NEW BUSINESS

ACTION ITEMS

8. Employee of the Month

(DM) Sgt. Rick Wiltshire is employee of the month for January. Sgt. Wiltshire has been a police officer for the past six years and volunteers for many Town events. Selectwoman Morin outlined the many attributes of Sgt. Wiltshire and his contributions to the Town of Pittsfield. Congratulations, Sgt. Wiltshire.

9. Appointment – John Topouzoglou

Mrs. Topouzoglou related to the Board that the water problems on their property is getting worse due to the lack of a storm drain which was eliminated when work on the road was done in the past. She noted that the sidewalk is eroding, their foundation is being compromised, pipes are moving and it is difficult for the sump pump to keep up because of the volume of water. (FH) noted that he has discussed this with Sanel and they are willing to put in catch basins at their expense to divert the water but would need permission from the Town to dig up the about 200 ft. of road. (LK) Permission from whom? (FH) George would have to authorize this and it would help eliminate the problem. It would disperse about 90% of the water. (LK) suggested contacting George and getting his input on this. It was agreed that the Board would address at the next Board meeting when George could be present. Mr. Topouzoglou noted, “You have to find a solution.”

13. Appointment – Scott Ward

Mr. Ward noted that he had a couple of questions in relation to the funds set aside for the Economic Development Committee’s potential purchase of property. He wanted to know how the funds ($6,500) were going to be used. “Like all citizens, I have an opinion on how these funds should be spent.” The Economic Development Committee is searching for appropriate properties to purchase. (LK) noted that no funds would be spent by Economic Development Committee without the approval of the Board of Selectman.

Mr. Ward noted that he would suggest, as a citizen rather than as a realtor, that the funds be utilized to revitalize downtown cosmetically. There is a risk in purchasing a property, fixing it up, and then trying to sell it. As a realtor, it is noted that property purchase is not the best move at this time and it is difficult to do. If we could revitalize the downtown area so that businesses would want to consider it for purchase would be a better use of the monies. (EV) explained that this had been done in the past but monies were not always utilized for their intended purposes. “I would have a problem with taking the taxpayer’s money for this. How would you pick and choose?” Mr. Ward, “What is our goal? Is it to buy buildings like for a parking lot, in the end this would make the Town look better.” (LS) Our goal is to try and put businesses in Town and increase the economic stature of the Town. My goal is to have businesses come in and stay.” (EV) noted that Town does not want to be landlords. We would rather have a project, have someone buy it and then move on. We are taking our time picking our first project. Mr. Ward questioned how this is being made known to investors?” (LS) noted that this will be happening and there are conversations taking place concerning this. “We do not really just want to buy a building.” (EV) suggested if individuals want to spruce up their buildings that perhaps the stimulus package could offer them some assistance this way. (LS) “We appreciate your feedback on this.” Mr. Ward, “I would like to offer my services for anything that I could do.” Board noted that they would be careful in proceeding noting that the $6,500 is still available and has not been “earmarked” for anything particular at this time and it would be for researching a project. Grant monies were also discussed.

2. TTG Environmental Consultants/I&I Engineering Contract

Mr. James Spaulding, P.E., Vice President noted that he had been working with (PS) and Ron Vien regarding the I and I Study and Collection System Mapping. (PS) noted that the Board would like to be brought up-to-date on the engineering contract and the work to be accomplished at the WWTP in relation to the loan and grant awarded by Rural Development. Ron Vien was not present at the meeting but was called and asked to attend and Board further reviewed and discussed the I&I contract. It was noted that though this would not cover the cost of replacement of the pipes or engineering cost, it would offer a diagnostic examination of the system – not solving the problem but identifying the problem.

Board also discussed the dechlorination and chlorination problems and the stimulus funds. Two projects that are of necessity are rehabbing the WWTP Building ($200,000) and rehabbing the two pump stations ($200,000) though probably only one project would be approved. This would not be a grant covering 100% of the costs. Mr. Spaulding suggested reviewing the proposals and resubmitting the grant proposals to the State.

Ron Vien arrived at 6:45 P.M. and offered his thoughts concerning these issues noting that the I and I was part of the Phase II and the GIS has increased the costs of this. Once the permit is issued, Town only has so many months to complete this. (DM) reminded the Board that this would have to be done during periods when high water levels exist.

(EV) Motion to approve contract for $53,150 with TTG Environmental Consultants, LLC for I and I Study and GIS Mapping. (FH) Second.
Carried 4-1 (LS).

(LS) Motion to authorize Larry Konopka, Chair to sign contract. (FH) Second. Carried 5-0.

(PS) temporarily left Board to acquire documents for James Spaulding.

INFORMATION ITEMS

4. Town Charette

(LS) A letter was sent to the Planning Board regarding the Town Charette – business district. Could we have (PS) write letter to Planning Board as to the status of this? The Planning Board sent information to the EDC regarding their interest and the EDC is very interested. (LS) noted that since a member of the Planning Board is present tonight, perhaps we could have him (Jim Pritchard) check on this. Mr. Pritchard agreed that he would check with the Planning Board and get back to the BOS.

1. Status of New Ambulance Acquisition

Chief Johnson noted that the new ambulance has been delivered, and all the problems have been corrected except for the new lock on the drug cabinet. The old one has been traded and delivered as the price of purchase included this trade-in. The only thing left to do is to get it registered and inspected. He noted that about $11,000 of options were included free of charge.

(PS) returned and was seated on the Board.

2. Utilization of Local Towing Companies

Chief Johnson noted that the company in Rochester was utilized for a recent towing issue, but he has checked with several local towing agencies and noted that he will have someone coming down to check fire equipment for future use to see if it would be capable of towing fire engine, etc. (FH) noted that a Town plow truck was towed by this local company and had no problem doing this. (LK) You have to have the proper equipment to tow these types of equipment. (FH) noted that water should not be left on the equipment, which would lighten the load and make it easier to tow. Chief Johnson noted that personnel have been instructed on this. (LS) noted, “I trust what Chief Johnson is saying to us concerning this.”

12. Building at Fire Department

(FH) noted that he and Kyle had looked at the building and with a few dollars and some volunteer help we could renovate the building and save money by using fuel rather than kerosene. Number two fuel is cheaper to use than kerosene.

Chief Johnson noted that he getting a cost from qualified carpenters to fix, insulate, and insta+ll a small propane heater within the building. I will have the numbers on this by the end of May.

ACTION ITEMS (Continued)

3. Tax Anticipation Note Rate Acceptance

(PS) noted that we now have correspondence from Northway Bank, Citizens Bank, and T.D. Banknorth regarding the revolving line of credit Tax Anticipation Note. Cara and I both recommend that we accept the Northway Bank proposal.

(LS) Motion to accept the Northway Bank proposal for the Tax Anticipation Note at 2.62%. (EV) Second. Carried 5-0.

Discussion: (LK) noted that he would suggest having Cara offer a monthly report of incoming revenue. (PS) noted he would advise Cara.

(FH) How do we borrow this? (PS) noted that Town borrows it, as it is needed. As soon as cash receipts start coming in, we will start paying it off.

4. ICS Introduction Class for Selectman

Board agreed that this would be held on April 7th and April 21st would be the “back-up night.” (Please see Board of Selectman Meeting Dates.)

5. Junkyard License – Richardson ‘s Auto Salvage

(LS) Motion to approve Junkyard License – Richardson’s Auto Salvage.
(DM) Second. Carried 5-0.

6. Junkyard License – Pittsfield Salvage

(FH) Motion to approve Junkyard License – Pittsfield Salvage. (LS) Second. Carried 5-0.

7. Proposed Meeting with Senator Barnes and DOT Commissioner Campbell

(PS) They are asking for dates and times to meet regarding commuter parking lot concept. After discussion, Board agreed that (PS) could schedule and Board would work around the scheduled time.

12. Meeting Nights

(FH) requested Board change meeting nights to first and third Tuesdays of the month due to conflicts in his schedule. Board felt that this was not an issue and all Department Heads will be notified as well as Website and Channel 24. Board agreed that this would be effective April 7th. The ICS Introduction Class will be changed accordingly.

INFORMATION ITEMS – CONTINUED

3. Town Hall Meeting Room Floors

(LK) noted that the Town Hall meeting room floors really took a beating on Election Day. The floors were just cleaned, screen buffed and polyurethaned in January. The appearance reflects badly on the image of the Town Hall. (FH) noted that the rugs were not put down due to the weight of the rugs and they could not lift them. (EV) suggested sending a Memo to Sparky to advise him that in the future the rugs will need to be put down prior to installation of voting booths.

(LK) noted that there were a lot of people moving through the meeting room and noted that this would be a good time to think about moving it to the Elementary School for the next election. He related that it could easily be done there via the back door. Paul, can you make this happen? (LS) suggested meeting with the School Board. (PS) to look into this.

11. Other

(LK) noted that he had as an Agenda addition the part-time executive secretary job at the Police Station job description. He suggested moving this to the next BOS meeting. (LS) requested that the job description of the other position in the office be accomplished also.

5. Warrant Article – Town Meeting

(EV) On the insurance, I was surprised that this was amended down to a dollar amount. I think it might be illegal to do it that way. (LS) noted that it was not illegal. (PS) noted that he takes full responsibility for this happening. “I was focusing on the concept and I encouraged this to occur. It was not intended to slight anyone.” (EV) It was presented as a 5-0 vote by the BOS. Board agreed that it was a last minute thing and apologized. (EV) noted that it did not pass anyway.

ACTION ITEMS – CONTINUED

11. Merrimack Valley Regional Water District Statement of Charges

Board questioned what they have done for Pittsfield. (FH) noted that they have negotiated with PUC, Pennichuck and Nashua to come to terms on a dollar amount. I think we really should stay in it because once Nashua has completed their negotiations regarding eminent domain, we can do the same. All the legal work will be available and will allow us to move along quicker. He noted that it was paid in 2002, 2003 and 2004. (EV) noted that he would like to know what the $15,000 is paying for. (PS) to find contract and agreement with them and then (FH) to arrange for them to meet with the Board.

10. Signature by Board of Selectmen of MS-2

(PS) The document has been reviewed, it is accurate and the Board needs to authorize signature of it.

(FH) Motion that the Board accept and sign MS-2. (DM) Second.

Discussion: (LS) noted that she would first like to review the document more closely. It will be re-addressed at the next BOS meeting.

(FH) Withdraw Motion. (DM) Withdraw Second.

INFORMATION ITEMS – Continued

6. Building Inspector’s Letters

(LK) Does the Board approve the letters to be sent out by Building Inspector? Board agreed that they could be sent.

7. Job Descriptions – LGC

(LS) suggested that this be put on the next Agenda and Board can discuss what to do next. A lot of the employees are doing more than their load. We can discuss what is being done, as well as salaries. I have reviewed them and I agree with some of it and disagree with some of it.

8. Conditional Part-Time Police Officers

(LS) What is the status of this? (PS) to find out.

9. Safe Routes to School

(LS) Matt Monahan can do a good portion of writing the grant. The BOS should apply and contact Rodrico to move forward.

(LS) Motion to allow CNHRPC to assist in moving forward with the paperwork for grant for Safe Routes to School and advise if there are any costs involved. (EV) Second. Carried 5-0.

10. Gazebo Update

(EV) We have not heard anything recently about this. (PS) Parks and Rec is working on it. I will send memo as to the status of the progress.

OLD BUSINESS

1. Town Hall Improvements, Life Safety Codes ) Pending
2. Capital Improvement Program) Pending
3. Space Needs Study ) Pending

7. Cross Country Appraisal 2009 Contract Proposal

(PS) All have the E-Mail from Jeff Earls. I understand his response and if this is DRA protocol, than it is reasonable. (LS) That is not the way bonding works. (PS) They have gone through an evolution of property appraising and I think that it has not been an issue or problem. (LS) It is a matter of job performance. (PS) Jeff Earls is saying that someone would have to go back to see that they are not doing it. (LS) suggested contacting other communities and DRA to see how that is handled elsewhere. (PS) to do.

6. Cost of Broadcasting Selectmen, Planning & Zoning Board Meetings

(PS) noted that he has discussed with Clayton Woods. It is believed that the franchise agreement with Metrocast expires in 2011 and they would like to discuss renewal. The Website Committee would be happy to assume responsibility of negotiations on renewal and trying to determine these costs.

4. Sidewalk Improvement Plan

Board agreed it would not be necessary to continue this on future Agendas.

5. Library Attic Insulation

(DM) I believe we have two quotes for this. (PS) Yes, and there is also one pending. This will be addressed at next BOS meeting.

APPLICATIONS AND WARRANTS

1. Veterans’ Tax Credit Tax Map U5, Lot 22

(DM) Motion to approve Veteran’s Tax Credit, Tax Map U5, Lot 22 for $300. (EV) Second. Carried 5-0.

CHECKS AND MANIFESTS

(LS) Motion to approve Accounts Payable and Check Manifests. (DM) Second. Carried 5-0.

(FH) We are paying too much for fuel.

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

Discussion: (LS) questioned what light duties entail. I would like to see a synopsis of what light duties consist of and a description also.

MINUTES

1. Public Session Minutes of February 24, 2009.

(DM) Motion to approve Public Session Minutes of February 24, 2009.
(LS) Second. Carried 3-0. (LS) and (EV) Abstain.

2. Non-Public Session Minutes of February 24, 2009

(DM) Motion to approve Non-Public Session Minutes of February 2, 2009
(FH) Second. Carried 3-0. (LS) and (EV) Abstain.

ACTION ITEMS – CONTINUED

1. Board of Selectmen Reorganization/Board and Committee Appointments

Board and Committee Appointments Expiring 2010

1. Union Negotiator Representative

(LK) Motion to appoint (LS). (DM) Second. Carried 4-0. (LS) Abstain

Union Negotiator Alternate

(LS) Motion to appoint (DM) (LK) Second. Carried 3-0. (EV) & (FH) Abstain

2. Merrimack Valley Regional Water District

(DM) Motion to appoint (FH) (EV) Second. Carried 4-0 (FH) Abstain

3. Citizen of the Year Committee

(LK) Motion to appoint (LS). (DM) Second. Carried 4-0 (LS) Abstain

4. Drug and Alcohol Coalition

(LK) Motion to appoint (DM). (EV) Second. Carried 4-0 (DM) Abstain

5. B.C.E.P

(LK) Motion to appoint (EV). (DM) Second. Carried 4-0. (EV) Abstain

6. Pandemic Committee

(FH) Motion to appoint (EV). (DM) Second. Carried 4-0. (EV) Abstain

7. Budget Committee

(LS) Motion to appoint (DM). (EV) Second. Carried 4-0. (DM) Abstain

Budget Committee Alternate

(DM) Motion to appoint (LS). (LK) Second. Carried 4-0. (LS) Abstain

8. Deputy Welfare Officer

(LS) Motion to appoint (LK). (DM) Second. Carried 4-0. (LK) Abstain

9. Deputy Health Officer

(LS) Motion to appoint (LK). (DM) Second. Carried 4-0 (LK) Abstain

10. Deputy Building Inspector

(LS) Motion to appoint (LK). (DM) Second. Carried 4-0. (LK) Abstain

11. Planning Board Representative

(LS) Motion to approve (FH). (DM) Second. Carried 4-0. (FH) Abstain

Planning Board Representative Alternate

(LS) Motion to appoint (DM). (LK) Second. Carried 4-1 (DM)

12. Economic Development Committee

(LS) Motion to appoint (EV). (DM) Second. Carried 4-0. (EV) Abstain

13. Emergency Operation Management

(LS) Motion to appoint (LK). (EV) Second. Carried 4-0. (LK) Abstain

(LS) Motion to appoint (DM). (EV) Second. Carried 4-0. (DM) Abstain

14. Deputy Code Enforcement

(LS) Motion to appoint (LK). (DM) Second. Carried 4-0. (LK) Abstain

15. Board of Selectman Chair

(DM) Motion to appoint (LS). (LK) Second. 2-2 (EV) & (FH), (LS) Abstain Motion fails.

(FH) Motion to appoint (EV). Motion dies because of lack of Second.

(LK) Motion to appoint (LS). (DM) Second. Carried 3-2 (EV) and (FH).

Board of Selectman Vice-Chair

(LS) Motion to appoint (EV). (DM) Second. Carried 4-0. (EV) Abstain

16. Foss Family Scholarship

(LS) Motion to appoint (EV). (DM) Second. Carried 4-0. (EV) Abstain.

PUBLIC INPUT

None.

NON-PUBLIC SESSION

(FH) temporarily left room. 8:30 P.M.

(DM) Motion to go into Non-Public Session per RSA 91-A:3II (a) and (e). (LS) Second. Carried 4-0. Individual members of the Board were polled all agreed.

Board went into Non-Public Session at 8:31 P.M.

(FH) returned to Non-Public Session at 8:35 P.M.

Board returned to Public Session at 8:50 P.M.

(DM) Motion to seal Non-Public Minutes of March 17, 2009. (EV) Second. Carried 5-0.

(LK) wanted to thank the Board Members for a great year as Chair of the Board of Selectman.

ADJOURNMENT

(LS) Motion to Adjourn. (EV) Second. Carried 5-0.

Board adjourned at 8:55 P.M.

Approved: March 31, 2009

________________________________ _______________________
Larry Konopka, Chairman Date

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