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

MEETING MINUTES OF TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 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), Cara
Marston (CM), Administrative Assistant, and Delores Fritz, Recording Secretary.

MEMBERS ABSENT:

Albert Douglas (AD) – Arrival at 6:25 P.M.

PUBLIC INPUT

Kaitlyn Nilsson: She noted she would like to see the streets of Pittsfield cleaned up. She was willing to volunteer her time to assist with this and maybe even get some of the school kids to help. (LS) explained to her that May 2nd is Earth Day and there are some plans to clean up the streets.

Close Public Input

AGENDA REVIEW

(EN) Non-Public per RSA 91-A:3 II (a); (LK) Shredding Costs. Added at close of meeting – Panel Committee for Hiring Police Chief.

NEW BUSINESS
ACTION ITEMS

2. Safe Routes to School project, discussion of Researching an Alternate
Route

Sparky Gordon and Michael Vignale, PE, KV Partners LLC were present.

Sparky Gordon: The route originally picked is one that is not the favored route. He explained the base structure for the construction of the proposed sidewalk, the student use of that road, and snow removal in that area. When Cara and I were at the training session for SRTS, we discussed with Brian Lynch, PE, Project Manager for DOT whether the route could be changed at this point in the process to Tilton Hill Road and then along Barry Avenue to the school, which is the route the majority of students use. Mr. Lynch noted in a letter dated April 23, 2014, “The new alternate route for the sidewalks along Tilton Hill Road and Barry Avenue can be studied via the Engineering Study Task of the Preliminary Engineering Agreement; however, additional study costs associated with this alternate route will have to be funded by the Town of Pittsfield.”

Mike Vignale: He explained that the route could be changed with minimal delay in the schedule. There would not be enough of a delay to jeopardize the fund. You need to do what is best for the Town if that is a better route to use.

(LS) I would like to see the original plan as to why the Catamount/Oneida route was chosen. I do not think there would be a problem; I would like to know the logic behind it. Mike Vignale: We are about a month late in the process now. (LS) and (LK) felt it was a logical choice.

George Bachelder: Tom Marston has always noted that when driving the school bus, that is the area that is most congested. “It is a zoo going up Tilton Hill Road.” In my opinion, spending a lot of money to accommodate very few students who use Catamount Road is not beneficial.

Mike Vignale: If you do decide to change, there is a process that needs to be followed.

(LS) Motion to approve SRTS route be changed to Tilton Hill Road and along Barry Avenue to the School. (EN) Second. Carried 4-0.

APPOINTMENTS

6:15 P.M.: Chief of Police Robert Wharem

Chief Wharem: I wanted to talk to the Board and thank you and the Town for all the years I was able to serve as Police Chief. It has truly been an honor. I have enjoyed working with the Board and am advising you that I will be retiring on
July 19, 2014. This has not been an easy decision, but at this point, I need to start working on my personal business endeavors, which is growing. If at any point, you would require my services for anything, I will be happy to assist. This is my 30th year and it is time to move on. Working with you all through the difficult and easy matters has been a pleasure. (See Attached.)

Board/Cara will check with Town Counsel.

Selectman Albert Douglas arrived – 6:25 P.M.

NEW BUSINESS – ACTION ITEMS: Continued

3. Zoning Board of Adjustment Appointment Request – Scott Aubertin

(LK) Carole Dodge, Chair, Zoning Board is in favor of this appointment.

(LS) Motion to approve appointment of Scott Aubertin to Zoning Board.
(GL) Second. Carried 5-0.

NON-PUBLIC SESSION

(LS) 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 and RSA 91-A:3 II (c) – Matters which, if discussed in public would likely affect adversely the reputation of any person other than a member of the Board itself, unless such person requests an open meeting. (GL) Second. Carried 5-0. Individual members of the Board were polled and all agreed.

Board went into Non-Public Session at 6:29 P.M.

Board returned to 6:57 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 (GL) 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 and render the proposed action ineffective. Carried 5-0. Individual members of the Board were polled and all agreed.

APPOINTMENT – Chief of Police Robert Wharem Continued:

(LS) Motion to accept resignation of Chief of Police Robert Wharem.
(AD) Second. Carried 5-0.

INFORMATION ITEMS

1. Update on Library Project Pending/Nothing New to Report

2. Signal System Upgrade at Intersection of NH Route 28 & NH Route 107

(EN) They have begun some work at the intersection but nothing major yet.

NEW BUSINESS – ACTION ITEMS – Continued:

4. 2013 Property Tax Abatement Tax Map R34, Lot 28

(EN) Motion to approve abatement Tax Map R34, Lot 28.
(LS) Second. Carried 5-0.

5. Zoning Board of Adjustment Resignation – Christopher Smith

(GL) Motion to accept resignation of Christopher Smith, Zoning Board of Adjustment. (LS) Second. Carried 5-0.

(LK) A thank you letter to Chris should be sent. (CM) to do.

APPOINTMENT – Continued:

7:15 P.M.: Sergeant Jeffrey Cain

Discussing No. 1 – Action Items: Notice of Intention to Donate Funds – Additional Budgeting for Focused Efforts to Solve Recent Burglaries/Theft – Rob and Gef Freese:

Sgt. Cain: The intention to donate funds (as noted above) is greatly appreciated and the support for this; however, over the last 48 hours, due to some outstanding police work by Patrolmen Weber and Swift, an arrest in this matter is eminent and forthcoming. Since this has occurred, if they are inclined to donate, we would need to come up with some proposed plans for funds to be re-directed before accepting them. We could apply the funds towards policing efforts for the walking patrols or some other purpose. As I noted, these burglaries are just about solved – there were about 21 thefts – and we will be closing out and solving as many as possible.

(LK) We can table this for a week and offer you the opportunity to discuss with Rob and Gef Freese. We would need to make sure a plan is in place as to what the funds are used for. If the funds are donated, a Public Hearing will be necessary.

(LK) Sgt. Cain, we would like to approve you as Acting Chief with full confidence in your abilities to handle this.

Any tool you may need or if we can help you in any way, please let us know.

Sgt. Cain: I am happy to assume this position. We have some of the best police officers in the county and I am happy to work with them. (LK) noted there is a letter which can be distributed to the department to explain this:

The letter indicates that the Board of Selectmen would like to make you aware that Chief Robert Wharem has decided to retire after many years of dedicated service to the Citizens of Pittsfield.” It also notes that Sgt. Jeffrey Cain will be serving as Acting Chief effective immediately, and that the Board will openly and transparently engage in a process for all interested individuals to apply for the position to pick the best individual to serve the Citizens of the Town of Pittsfield.

The Board of Selectmen wishes Chief Wharem the best in his retirement.

(EN) Motion to approve Sgt. Jeffrey Cain as Acting Police Chief effective immediately. (AD) Second. Carried.

(LK) Congratulations from the Board.

Police Chief Cain: I do have some requests which I would like to address. Namely, the bids for the cruiser – can we proceed with that and have the funds been appropriated. (CM) Yes. Chief Cain: I will be acquiring the proposed bids for the cruiser and for outfitting it also. I will have the numbers for you by next Board meeting.

I also have a Non-Public issue I would like to address with the Board. I would also like to have an updated printout of the budget to have a baseline to work with. (CM) to do.

(LK) Thank you Sgt. Walter and to your entire staff. You have all done an excellent job and we are fortunate to have the staff that we do.

Sgt. Walter: Thank you to the Board. “I know Sgt. Cain will do a fine job.”

NON-PUBLIC SESSION II

(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 and RSA 91-A:3 II (c) – Matters which, if discussed in public would likely affect adversely the reputation of any person other than a member of the Board itself, unless such person requests an open meeting. (GL) Second. Carried 5-0. Individual members of the Board were polled and all agreed.

Board went into Non-Public Session at 7:20 P.M.

Board returned to Public Session at 7:28 P.M.

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 and render the proposed action ineffective.

BREAK: 7:29 P.M. RESUME: 7:33 P.M.

ACTION ITEMS – Continued:

6. Shredding Costs

(EN) Motion to approve on-site shredding with Absolute Data Destruction at a price of $8.00 per box. (LS) Second. Carried 5-0.

APPLICATIONS and WARRANTS

1. Abatement of 2013 Property Taxes – Elderly Deferral Tax Map R28,
Lot 2

(EN) Motion to approve abatement of 2013 Property Tax Elderly Deferral Tax Map R28, Lot 2. (GL) Second. Carried 5-0.

INFORMATION ITEMS – Continued

2. Waste Water Treatment Pick-Up Truck – Failed Inspection

(LK) Ron Vien has noted that he a new/used 4×4 pick-up truck with a plow and a crane is needed because the present truck will not pass another inspection. (CM) I have discussed the budget with Ron and also advised him that George suggested the State auction as a source. (LK) A Memo to Ron to get some price quotes.

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 4-0. (LS) Abstain.

MINUTES

1. Public Session Minutes of April 22, 2014

(EN) Motion to approve Public Session Minutes of April 22, 2014 with Corrections. (GL) Second. Carried 5-0.

Corrections:

Page 6, Paragraph 1 title and contents should note: Marshall Court.

Page 7, Paragraph 1, last line should read: Carried 4-1 (LK).

2. Non-Public Session April 22, 2014

(EN) Motion to approve Non-Public Session Minutes of April 22, 2014.
(GL) Second. Carried 5-0.

3. Public Session Minutes of April 24, 2014

(EN) Motion to approve Public Session Minutes of April 24, 2014.
(GL) Second. Carried 3-0. (AD) and (EN) Abstain.

4. Non-Public Session Minutes of April 24, 2014

(GL) Motion to approve Non-Public Session Minutes of April 24, 2014.
(LS) Second. Carried 3-0. (AD) and (EN) Abstain.

OTHER

1. Panel Committee for Hiring of Police Chief

(LK) suggested Chichester Police Chief Patrick Clarke, Sheriff Scott Hilyard, Meggin Dail, John Freeman, Gef Freese and posting an ad for a citizen. I would like to serve on this committee and (LS) noted that she would also like to be on the committee. (LS) “Larry, you did such a good job on the Town Administrator Committee that if only one is needed, then I think you should be the one. If on the committee, I would rather not facilitate the process.” (LS) also suggested Cathy McHugh and Dan Ward.

A Job Description will be put together and Town Administrator can be requested to be the facilitator.

PUBLIC INPUT

None.

ADJOURNMENT

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

Meeting adjourned at 7:52 P.M.

Approved: May 6, 2014

__________________________ ____________________
Lawrence Konopka, Chairman Date

I hereby certify that these Minutes were recorded by me on April 29, 2014, transcribed and publicly posted on
May 1, 2014.

_____________________________________
Delores A. Fritz, Recording Secretary

Attachment (1)
Olympus: 1.04.50