October 22, 2013 Minutes

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

MEETING MINUTES OF TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2013

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), Paul Skowron (PS),
Town Administrator, Delores Fritz, Recording Secretary.

MEMBERS ABSENT

None.

PUBLIC INPUT

Dan Schroth: First the Loitering Ordinance – take a hard look at this because it is tough to set an ordinance like that because you have to be careful about what is loitering on the streets such as at night. Police tend to “move you along.” People like to be on the streets at night. (LS) Dan, we already have one in effect and we are attempting to simplify and make it more understandable.

Dan Schroth: Secondly, my questions for the Police Chief, when will he be here? (LK) Check with Paul, but I think next week.

Dan Schroth: Also I am waiting for the okay to fix the block wall at the Community Center. I think it is up to Paul to move that along. (PS) Last time we spoke, we left it that George and you would make the arrangements. Dan agreed he would contact George. He also complimented Board for letter in The Sun – it was a good letter.

Close Public Input

AGENDA REVIEW

(LS) CIP and one Non-Public – Employee, Budgets; (LK) Dan Schroth Appointment to ZBA; (EN) Agendas; (PS) Snedeker Junkyard License, Emergency Notification System/Authorized Representatives, EMD/Replacement Phone, 36 Loudon Road, Watson Street Parking, Salary – Full Time Fire Chief, Draft Total Compensation Policy, Jitters Request – Sidewalk Encumbrance, 2014 Health Insurance Premiums, Economic Development Committee – Community Center.

APPOINTMENTS

1. 6:15 P.M.: Police Chief Robert Wharem and WWTF Superintendent Ron Vien – Budget Review

Police Chief Robert Wharem appointment cancelled and rescheduled.

WWTF – Ron Vien: I checked the formulas on various lines and noted that some of them were incorrect and have revised my figures. He reviewed the revised proposed Budget with Board including vehicles and debt service.

(LS) Motion to approve WWTF Budget for 2014 as proposed. (GL) Second. Carried 5-0.

The revised Budget will be updated as proposed.

NEW BUSINESS
ACTION ITEMS

1. Quotes for Interior Ceiling Rehab at Fire Department

Board had intended to discuss with Acting Interim Fire Chief Nick Abell, but since he was not present tonight, it will be on next week’s Agenda.

2. Draft Ordinance Re: Bicycles and Skateboards
3. Draft Ordinance Re: Loitering

(PS) noted that the DRAFT Ordinance for Loitering had been reviewed by Town Counsel and rather than approve the one submitted he provided one that he deems more acceptable for Board review. Town Counsel also recommended Board consider one he provided as format for Bicycles, Skateboards and Scooters Ordinance.

(LK) Do we need to have a Public Hearing on these? Board agreed that a Public Hearing would be a good thing. (PS) agreed he would put the suggested ordinances in proper format for Board review and then a Public Hearing could be scheduled. (LK) Once it is rewritten, we could send to Department Heads for their comments. Board agreed.

4. Consideration of Appointment to the Economic Development Committee

(AD) Motion to approve Tracy Huyck appointment to the Economic Development Committee. (LS) Second. Carried 5-0.

5, Transfer from the General Fund to the Town Clock Expendable
Trust in the Amount of $1,000

(LS) Motion to approve transfer of $1,000 from General Fund to the Town Clock Expendable Trust. (EN) Second. Carried 5-0.

6. Transfer from the General Fund to the Ambulance Fund in
the Amount of $413.60

(LS) Motion to approve transfer of $413.60 from the General Fund to the Ambulance Fund. (EN) Second. Carried 5-0.

7. Transfer from the Ambulance Fund to the General Fund in the
Amount of $102,037.77

(LS) Motion to approve transfer of $102,037.77 from the Ambulance Fund to the General Fund. (EN) Second. Carried 5-0.

(PS) This is the Warrant Article which is passed every year at Town Meeting supplementing Ambulance expenses. There will probably be one more in December or January.

8. Board of Selectmen to Consider Action on Tax Deeded Properties

(PS) We continue to make progress on this item. The members of the Board have met with Erica and I and we are working our way through the list. There is one additional Deed Waiver (42 Chestnut Street) due to another trustee being located. We have also sent out a final letter to property owners before the final decision on properties is done.

(LS) Motion to approve Waiver of Deed for 42 Chestnut Street.
(GL) Second. Carried 5-0.

(GL) This would an excellent site to tear down and use as parking for school.

9. Board of Selectmen to Review 2014 Proposed Town Budget

(PS) Board agreed to address later in the meeting.

10. Snedeker Junkyard License

(PS) We have been advised that all inspections have been made and it is recommended that Board issue license.

(EN) Motion to approve license for James L. Snedeker Junkyard renewal.
(LS) Second. Carried 5-0.

(PS) Before junkyard licenses are due next year, we will be revising form for department sign-offs.

11. Emergency Notification System – Authorized Representatives

(PS) As you will note from the E-Mail from Rob Freese this is the document he spoke about at the last meeting. Authorization for Town Administrator to sign is required.

(LS) Motion to authorize Town Administrator to sign NH Emergency Notification System Authorized User Form. (EN) Second. Carried 5-0.

12. EMD/ Replacement Phone

(PS) Again, an E-Mail from Rob Freese addressing the need for a phone replacement. This is something that Acting Interim Fire Chief Nick Abell could address. (PS) We are talking about one phone.

(LS) Motion to authorize Town Administrator to approve purchase of replacement phone for EMD at Fire Station. (GL) Second. Carried 5-0.

13. 36 Loudon Road

(PS) We have received an E-Mail from St. Jean Auctions questioning who will be present from the Town to Sign the Agreement and Deposit Receipt on behalf of the Town. Selectman Nilsson noted he would be there/

(LS) Motion to authorize Selectman Nilsson to sign the Agreement and Deposit Receipt for 36 Loudon Road. (AD) Second. Carried.

(PS) The second question contained in the E-Mail will be addressed in Non-Public – If we do not meet the minimum bid, is the Town prepared to accept less?

14. Watson Street Parking

(PS) A resident on Watson Street has made an observation about parking on Watson Street. I sent a copy of this to Police Department, Fire Department and Building Inspector and have received a response from Police and Fire Departments. The Police Department has made a reasonable attempt to solve this issue. (LK) Yes. Board agreed. (PS) A Public Hearing is required. (LK) I have discussed this with them; the left side of the street would be a no parking area because the right side is where church is located. (EN) The Fire Department needs a way to get in. (LK) Paul can you work with Chief on this and have an article ready for next week? (PS) to do.

15. Salary – Full Time Chief

(PS) Last week Board discussed compensation for full-time Fire Chief. Board discussed the potential Fire Chief salary range and agreed the salary range should be $55-60,000.

Helen Schiff: As far as benefits, you may want to take into consideration whether individual would require a single/married benefit plan.

(LS) Motion that Budget for Fire Chief compensation be set at $60,000.
(EN) Second. Carried 5-0.

(GL) Motion to approve salary range for full-time Fire Chief as $50-60,000.
(EN) Second. Carried 4-1 (AD).

16. Dan Schroth Appointment to Zoning Board

(LK) Dan has applied for the position of Zoning Board Alternate

(GL) Motion to approve Dan Schoth as Zoning Board Alternate. (EN) Second. After Discussion Vote: 2-3 (LS), (AD), (EN). Motion fails.

Discussion: (EN) My concern is that Dan has tried several times to get rid of Zoning in Town. Dan Schroth: I can still serve and do the job. (GL) Zoning deals a lot of times with the “gray areas.” (LS) Meaning no disrespect, but there are matters concerning Zoning that you have not filed for. Dan Schroth: I never had to as they were gray areas. You take the oath and you follow it. (LS) The Zoning Ordinances are there for all to follow. Dan Schroth: I have been before the Zoning Board for various matters. I want to serve my Town and want to keep it fair.

INFORMATION ITEMS

1. Draft Total Compensation Policy

(PS) This is the draft and Board can review and put on Agenda for next meeting. (LK) Perhaps, send it out for legal review and then put on Agenda.

(PS) Just to explain what the compensation policy is. It describes how the Town will compensate employees. I think the last paragraph of the document sums up everything:

There is a disparity between what the taxpayer can reasonable be asked to pay, what the taxpayer may be willing to pay, and the expansion of total compensation in excess of both. It is not practical to just adjust the funding side of this equation beyond the taxpayers’ ability to pay. Economics must play a more integral role in determining the total compensation package on a forward basis. The town must work with its unions and all employees to rethink our approach to compensation.

2. Jitters Request – Sidewalk Encumbrance

(PS) Board has requested notification from Paul Rogers (Jitters Café) as to what he would like to maintain on the sidewalk with Board approval. (LS) Paul, do we have any sign-off forms. (PS) Board discussed this but did not pursue this.
(LK) I would think comments from Highway, Police and Fire Departments would be beneficial. (PS) to do.

3. 2014 Health Insurance Premium

(PS) We have been notified by Healthtrust that the insurance premiums will be increased by 11 ½% . The attached spreadsheet indicates the difference in employees’ rate between 2013 and 2014. We are currently in a consortium with several towns – this being our third year of renewal. (AD) What about the new law? (PS) I questioned this and less than 1% has a bearing on these rates. These rates are not negotiable and the other options would be to continue in the consortium or “strike out on our own.” The Budgets all will be changed to reflect this increase.

4. Economic Development Committee – Community Center

(LK) My question for the EDC is why did you use the Community Center at a cost of $200? He related that there are other facilities – High School or Elementary School Cafeteria – that could be beneficial instead. (LS) We have always used the Community Center and this year they have started charging $200. We will find another location in the future.

5. CIP’s

(LS) Paul, thank you for the CIP’s but in addition I would like to see included a summary of how far behind we are and what we need to get caught up to speed. (PS) agreed he would try and have that information next week.

APPLICATIONS and WARRANTS

1. Lily Pond Road LLC Abatement in the Amount of $19,512.06

(PS) This matter appears on Deed Waiver List and Erica and I have discussed the history and felt it was best approached this way. 1. Lily Pond went to the developer; 2. Developer paid all the change of use fees per lot; 3. Current Use penalty for open space was never made and this represents the $19,512.06. The first half was paid and the lot divided between all the other lots (23 owners) in subdivision and we are receiving taxes on that.

(EN) Motion to approve Lily Pond Road LLC Abatement in the amount of $19,512.06. (LS) Second. Carried 5-0.

CHECKS and MANIFESTS

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

(EN) Paul, could you please check on the amount on check 17366? (PS) to do.

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

MINUTES

1. Public Session Minutes of October 15, 2013

(EN) Motion to approve Public Session Minutes of October 15, 2013 with Corrections. (LS) Second. Carried 5-0.

(EN) Corrections:

Page 2, No. 2, last paragraph last line should read: Thank you Jim Pritchard for bringing this conflict to our attention.

Page 4, No. 13, first line: The EBU Units downstairs…….
Page 4, No. 13 next to last line should read: The batteries are probably gone in the EBU’s.

Page 6, No. 9, line 2 should read: ….including costs of a new dump truck.
Page 6, No. 9 last line should read: …of a new dump truck.

2. Non-Public Session of October 15, 2013

(LS) Motion to approve Non-Public Session Minutes of October 15, 2013.
(GL) Second. Carried 5-0.

Discussion: (LK) Regarding the Non-Public Minutes of October 15, 2013, I think we all had good intentions of dealing with one thing and addressed something else. I contacted LGC and advised them we discussed the contact person for Union matters and working with a local business and they advised that this is public information. To clean this up, it was suggested that releasing these Non-Public Session Minutes would be appropriate.

(LS) Motion to unseal Non-Public Session Minutes of October 15, 2013.
(EN) Second. Carried 5-0.

(GL) Motion to approve the Non-Public Session Minutes of October 15, 2013 as Public Session Minutes. (LS) Second. Carried 5-0.

Break: 7:45 P.M. Resume 7:52 P.M.

OTHER

1. Agendas

(EN) I thought we were not going to have added items on Agenda that Board had not an opportunity to review? (LK) I have discussed this with Paul.

PUBLIC INPUT

None.

NON-PUBLIC SESSION

(EN) Motion to go into Non-Public Session per RSA 91-A:3 II (a) – The dismissal, promotion or compensation of any public employee or the disciplining of such employee or the investigation of any charges against him unless the employee
affected: (1) Has a right to a meeting, and (2) request that the meeting be open, which case the request shall be granted.

(LS) Second. Carried 5-0. Individual members of the Board were polled and all agreed.

Board went into Non-Public Session at 7:55 P.M.

Board returned to Public Session at 8:05 P.M.

Motion made by (GL) and Seconded by (LS) 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.

(GL) Motion to go into Non-Public Session per RSA 91-A:3 II (d) – Consideration of the acquisition, sale or lease of real or personal property which, if discussed in public, would likely benefit a party or parties whose interests are adverse to those
of the general community.

(EN) Second. Carried 5-0. Individual members of the Board were polled and all agreed.

Board went into Non-Public Session at 8:07 P.M.

Board returned to Public Session at 8:15 P.M.

Motion made by (EN) and Seconded by (GL) to not publicly disclose the Minutes because it is determined that divulgence of the information likely would a render the proposed action ineffective. Carried 5-0. Individual members of the Board were polled and all agreed.

OTHER – Continued

2. Budgets

(LS) The economy has not changed but the numbers in the Budget do not reflect any decreases. We have not even addressed Capital Reserve and Capital Improvement and we are not able to supplement these. I am thrilled that WWTP is under budget. There is 4-5% increase with nothing new added.

ADJOURNMENT

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

Meeting adjourned at 8:23 P.M.

Approved: November 5, 2013

_________________________ ______________________
Lawrence Konopka, Chairman Date

I hereby certify that these Minutes were recorded by me on October 22, 2013, transcribed and publicly posted on October 24, 2013.

_______________________________________
Delores A. Fritz, Recording Secretary
No Attachments/Olympus: 1:52:21