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

MEETING MINUTES OF TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 2011

CALL TO ORDER

Call to order at 5:30 P.M. by Edward Vien, Chairman

MEMBERS PRESENT

Ed Vien (EV), Chairman, Denise Morin (DM), Vice-Chairman, Fred Hast (FH), Paul Rogers (PR), Gerard Leduc (GL), Paul Skowron (PS), Town Administrator, and Delores Fritz, Recording Secretary.

MEMBERS ABSENT

None.

PUBLIC INPUT

None.

AGENDA REVIEW

(PS) Police Department Proposed Budget Alterations, Fire/Ambulance Department Proposed Budget Alterations, Public Works Budgetary Shortfalls, Appointments to CNHRPC Contract with Independent Contractor (Property Searches).

NON-PUBLIC SESSION

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

Board went into Non-Public Session at 5:35 P.M.

Board returned to Public Session at 6:06 P.M.

(DM) Motion to seal Non-Public Session Minutes of April 5, 2011.
(PR) Second. Carried 5-0.

Break 6:08 P.M. Board resumed Public Session at 6:10 P.M.

APPOINTMENTS

6:10 P.M.: Fire Chief/Police Chief and Public Works Superintendent –
Budgetary Constraints

Chief Robert Wharem, Police Department: I have provided a list of potential Police Department cuts for 2011. (See Attached.) He suggested $4,000 cut to Line 4210-1-370, $1,500 cut from Line 4210-2-121, $720 from line 4210-2-141 and $5,000 from line 4210-1-371. This would result in a total of $12,720. He also suggested elimination of the Animal Control Officer position with the officers taking over the position at a total of $8,463. This would result in a cut in budget of $21,183. (See Attached.)

Police Cruisers

(EV) I am addressing this at this time since there have been some complaints to me about the police cruisers seen outside of Jitters. Chief Wharem: I will put an end to it.

6:15 P.M.: Jesse Pacheco Re: Selectmen Response to Complaint

Jesse Pacheco: I would rather discuss in Non-Public. Board made a decision without talking to me. (EV) It was pretty clear. If you are willing to wait, we can discuss in Non-Public at the end of this meeting. Mr. Pacheco agreed.

6:10 P.M. Appointments Continued

George Bachelder, Highway Department: I have provided the Board with a list of Public Works Budgetary Shortfalls including heating fuel, electricity, overtime, diesel fuel and snow removal. He noted that he would be using the Block Grant monies to offset these shortfalls which were slated for Wildwood Drive and try to make up the difference as the year progresses. (PS) So you are noting that you will make it with the budget but not reduce the scope of the projects?
George: “Yes.” (See Attached.)

Belt Sander – Highway Garage

George: We have an old belt sander that I would like to see put out to bid for $2,500. It requires a lot of work to repair it and we never use it. I would like to trade it for a 4×4 pick-up truck which is in really good condition. I have inspected it and it is in good condition. He explained to Board the condition of truck.

(GL) Motion that belt sander at Highway Department be put out to bid for $2,500. (PR) Second. Carried 5-0. (PS) to do.

Chief Gary Johnson, Fire Department: The task of reducing the Ambulance account was a difficult one and the only cut could be in the payroll. Starting on July 1st, there will be no staffing at the Fire Station from Saturday A.M. to Sunday A.M. which would result in a reduction in the budget of $11,792 more or less dependent upon call volume. Saturday is an easier day to sign up volunteers. We will be reducing service which may result in a delay of services. (See Attached.)

(FH) Have you discussed with your Department about giving up Saturdays?
Chief Johnson: “Yes.” (FH) How many part-time EMTs are there?
Chief Johnson: About 7 all B except two intermediates.

NEW BUSINESS
ACTION ITEMS

1. Reconsideration of Deputy Health Officer Appointment
(Requested by Fred Hast)

(FH) When appointments came up the other night, I volunteered to work with the Building Inspector. I have been out on some health issues (2) that started out as code enforcement and included health issues. “I think I should be Deputy Health Inspector.” The calls started out as code enforcement and then included health issues. (EV) Why wasn’t the Deputy Health Officer called? (DM) Why not contact someone that we appointed. (FH) It was code enforcement first.
(GL) Procedures say to notify Deputy Health Inspector. (FH) It was a “spur of the moment” and I did not think of it. (PR) Leave it the same way as was voted on several weeks ago. I think if the individual could not handle this matter, he would step down.

(PR) Motion to leave Deputy Health Inspector as was originally voted upon.
(GL) Second. Carried 4-0. (FH) Abstain.

(DM) Paul, could you let Dan Kramer know who the Deputy Health Officer is? (PS) to do.

2. Highway Safety Grant Application – DWI Patrols

(FH) Motion to approve application Highway Safety Grant – DWI Patrols
and authorize Chair to sign. (DM) Second. After Discussion: Carried 5-0.

Discussion: (GL) What is the grant for? Chief Wharem explained the holiday DWI controls involving this grant.

3. Highway Safety Grant Application – Safe Commute Program

(FH) Motion to approve application Highway Safety Grant – Safe Commute Program and authorize Chair to sign. (DM) Second. Carried 5-0.

Chief Wharem explained that these are two new grants this year and this one pertains to moving violations.

4. Reach the Beach – Parade Permit Application

(FH) Motion to approve Reach the Beach Parade Permit Application and authorize Chair to sign. (DM) Second. Carried 5-0.

5. Utility Sink Installation (Requested by Chairman Vien)

(EV) noted he had discussed with Dan Kramer, BI about putting back the partition in the men’s bathroom and installing a utility sink. It was noted that the wall was taken down because it was not up to code. (EV) Dan did a drawing and noted that there is enough room to do both. Board decided to address this issue after Public Input tonight.

6. Request to Utilize Town Hall Parking Lot

(PS) There is no event in Town going on at that time and probably no inclement weather at that time of the year (September 2011). Police will be notified.

(FH) Motion to approve request to utilize Town Hall parking lot on September 10, 2011. (DM) Second. Carried 5-0.

(DM) Paul, please let PD know. (FH) We should give them something in writing.

7. State Emergency Services – Data Release Agreement

(PS) This is a new Data Release Agreement (911) and we need to appoint a liaison which should be Cara Marston as she has supplied all the information.

(FH) Motion to approve the Data Release Agreement (911) with Cara Marston as the liaison and authorize Chair to sign. (GL) Second. Carried 5-0.

8. Conservation Commission Appointment

(PS) Paul Metcalf, Sr. has requested to be re-appointed to the Conservation Committee for three years.

(DM) Motion to approve appointment of Paul Metcalf, Sr. to the Conservation Committee for three years. (GL) Second. Carried 5-0.

9. Resignation from Cable Advisory Committee

(PS) There is a resignation letter from Bill Provencal with request to stay on as Alternate member and work on Town calendar.

(DM) Motion to accept resignation of Bill Provencal from Cable Advisory Committee. (GL) Second.

(DM) Amend Motion to accept resignation of Bill Provencal from Website Committee. (GL) Amend Second. Carried 5-0.

10. Cable Advisory Membership Changes

(DM) read into Minutes letter dated March 29, 2011, Clayton Wood, Chairman with changes in the Website Committee. (See Attached.)

(DM) Motion to approve Website Committee changes as noted in letter of March 29, 2011 by Clayton Wood, Chairman. (GL) Second. Carried 5-0.

(GL) noted that Albert Douglas as noted in the letter is one of the most talented men on the computer that he has seen.

11. 37 Main Street Condominium Association Request

(PS) There is a request which has been forwarded by property owners asking that the sewer bill be divided by five (owners) and that each unit owner be sent a separate bill. There is only one water meter. I discussed this with the Department Heads at a recent meeting and it was pretty unanimous that it would be a “cumbersome” way to handle it and that their either should be four water meters or the bill should be handled by the condo association with legal language as to how this would be accomplished. (GL) This should be handled at the Planning Board meeting when approved by the condo association. (EV) I would think this would be something that would be addressed in the condo by-laws. (PS) If someone did not pay, who would you lien? It either should be separate water meters or via a condo agreement as to how the sewer bill will be paid.

(FH) Motion that this be forwarded to the condo association for conclusion.
(PR) Second. Carried 5-0.

12. Property Tax Abatement Tax Map R22, Lot 1-37

(PS) This is abatement request associated with property which was owned by
NH Housing Authority which was tax-exempt.

(FH) Motion to approve property tax abatement Tax Map R22, Lot 1-37 – $6,828.04. (DM) Second. Carried 5-0.

13. Jane Sanders Searches Agreement

(PS) This is an agreement with a new company that can search for tax liens and all is in order.

(FH) Motion to approve Agreement with Jane Sanders Searches and authorize Chair to sign. (DM) Second. After Discussion: Carried 5-0.

(DM) Is there a fee associated with this? (PS) Yes and it is dependent upon the number of searches needed.

14. Appointments to CNHRPC – Commission Board & Transportation
Advisory Committee

(PS) This is for two Commission Board appointments and one Transportation Advisory Committee member.

Board agreed they would like to table this to the next Agenda.

INFORMATION ITEMS

1. Letter dated March 24, 2011 from Attorney Spector Re: Leon Kenison.
2. Letter dated March 25, 2011 from Attorney Donovan Re: Leon Kenison
3. Appointment Application – Peter Dow
4. Appointment Application – Michelle Conner
5. Appointment Application – Martha Booth
6. Letter dated March 22, 2011 – Fire Marshall Re: Fireworks
7. Summary of House Bill 457 – NH Tax Collector Association
8. Fire/Ambulance Schedule April 2011
9. Letter dated March 30, 2011- Metrocast Re: Service Assurance Plan (READ)
10.Granite Image Advertising Offer-Printing Town Info at No Cost (READ)

OLD BUSINESS

1. Bids for Town Hall Window Frame Rehabilitation Pending
2. Request of Jesse Pacheco Re: Interest on Tax Bill Pending

APPLICATIONS AND WARRANTS

1. Selectmen Action on Abatement Recommendations

(PS) These are not quite ready yet.

CHECKS AND MANIFESTS

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

(PS) Payroll is not available as of yet. The individual doing the payroll had a family emergency and will be in shortly. (FH) How do we pay her?
(PS) Through the company she works for and I have requested a bill. (FH) What are we paying her per hour? (PS) I do not remember the exact amount and I will check that for you.

MINUTES

1. Public Session Minutes of March 29, 2011

(DM) Motion to approve Public Session Minutes of March 29, 2011.
(FH) Second. Carried 5-0.

2. Non-Public Session Minutes of March 29, 2011

(FH) Motion to approve Non-Public Session Minutes of March 29, 2011.
(PR) Second. Carried 5-0.

PUBLIC INPUT

Michael Brewster: What is the job of the Health Officer? (EV) To address any health issue that comes before us regarding Town such as living conditions or medical help.

Michael Brewster: My one concern is that there are too many people at the Balloon Rally. What would happen if there was a panic?

Paul Richardson: Abatements in the Minutes do not reflect the name and amount just the map and lot number. This information should be in the Minutes.
(FH) I agree.

Paul Richardson: He presented a map to the Board. “The mop sink was originally going to be put in the small closet. You could put a closet in the Building Inspector’s office or the Clerk’s office. This is something the Board could think about.”

Jesse Pacheco: If you put a slop sink in the men’s bathroom, I would think it would be a health issue. If you enclosed it with a door it might even be more of a health issue. There are chemicals and kids going to the bathroom. (EV) I will pass this information on to the Building Inspector.

Larry Konopka: Last year, the Building Inspector’s car had paint thrown on it and was ultimately being parked at the Police Station and now it is being parked at the Town Hall again. Why? (EV) The car was used all week and on weekends while the floors and walls were being done at the Town Hall. (LK) So it is going back down to the Police Department?

Larry Konopka: As Welfare Deputy Inspector, I do inspections on Saturday and Sunday. Rather than use my own vehicle, I use the Building Inspector vehicle. I had an inspection and was not able to use the car. The car was parked down at Fred Hast’s house all weekend. (FH) All you had to do was call and ask for it. I had it at my house because I was running it back and forth to Concord to pick up and drop off the “workers” at the Town Hall. (EV) We are done with using the car on weekends and it will be back at the Police Department.

Close Public Input

Police Department, Fire Department and Highway Department Budgets – Cont’d

(PS) Do you want to wait and work on the budgets at next meeting? Board agreed they would like to have a chance to review the submitted information by the departments before making a decision.

Break 7:30 P.M. Resume 7:33 P.M.

NON-PUBLIC SESSION

(FH) Motion to go into Non-Public Session per 91-1:3 II (c). (PR) Second. Carried 5-0. Individual members of the Board were polled and all agreed.

Board went into Non-Public Session at 7:34 P.M.

Board returned to Public Session at 8:02 P.M.

(GL) Motion to seal Non-Public Session Minutes of April 5, 2011.
(PR) Second. Carried 5-0.

Traffic Control Counts

(FH) The CNHRPC has requested information regarding the traffic counts and I think this should be given to George Bachelder. It should be up to him as to what streets/roads are included in the traffic counts since he deals with those issues.

(PS) Reminder, Board will be having pictures taken on April 19th.

ADJOURNMENT

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

Meeting adjourned at 8:05 P.M.

Approved: April 19, 2011

___________________________ ____________________
Edward Vien, Chairman Date

I hereby certify that these Minutes were recorded by me on April 5, 2011, transcribed and publicly posted
on April 7, 2011.

________________________________________
Delores A. Fritz, Recording Secretary

II Tapes
Attachments