January 7, 2014 Minutes

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

MEETING MINUTES OF TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 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),
Paul Skowron (PS), Town Administrator, Delores Fritz, Recording Secretary.

MEMBERS ABSENT

None.

PUBLIC INPUT

Fire Chief Robert Martin: The new ambulance is in and No. 2 ambulance is out of service since they are transferring equipment which should take about two weeks and then require the State inspection. We are down to one ambulance.

Fred Hast: Happy New Year to the Board. I hope it will be a better year. He noted that he has been criticized for being negative but noted he is not really and is telling the truth in matters. He related that he would prefer that the Board does not go into Non-Public Session so often and allow the public to hear what is going on.

NEW BUSINESS
ACTION ITEMS

1. Board of Selectmen to Schedule Public Hearing for Revision to
Traffic Control Ordinance

(PS) The Police Department is still reviewing this. Chief Wharem: I would suggest that Board goes forward with the Public Hearing concerning Watson Street and Main Street for now.

(LS) Motion to approve Public Hearing for Revision to Traffic Control Ordinance concerning Watson Street and Main Street parking to be scheduled for Tuesday, February 4, 2014 at 6:30 P.M. at the Town Hall. (EN) Second. Carried 5-0.

Public Hearing Scheduled for Tuesday, February 4, 2014 at 6:30 P.M.at the Town Hall, 85 Main Street, Pittsfield, NH 03263 regarding Watson Street and Main Street parking.

(EN) Chief, how long will it take to complete your research on this?
Chief Wharem: It is going to take a little time since we are checking the signage also.

2. Consideration of Revised Action on Encumbrances

(PS) Two factors have led to the revision of 2013 Encumbrances which include receipt of the new ambulance and the Library repairs Warrant Article.

(LS) Motion to approve adjusting 2013 Encumbrances to $351,863.37.
(AD) Second. Carried 5-0.

3. Jitters Sign Permit

(AD) This is now all taken care of and will be referred back to Building Inspector.

4. Review of Town Administrator Job Description

This will be addressed later in the meeting.

5. Review of Draft Town Meeting Warrants

(PS) I have included in your packet of information a copy of the revised Warrant Articles.

Article 1 denotes the list of officers for election.
Articles 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 are the draft Warrant Articles as proposed by the Planning Board.
Articles 8 and 9 are “place holders.”
Article 10 concerns the funds for consideration of purchase of Pittsfield Aqueduct.
Article 11 pertains to the purchase of the dump truck – Highway Department.
Articles 12 through 19 are to raise and appropriate various funds to be added to the applicable Capital Reserve.
Article 20 is for monies to be added to the Municipal Buildings Repair and Maintenance Expendable Trust Fund.
Article 21 is for the Ambulance offset fund.
Articles 22 & 23 are for “tweaking” several small trust funds.

(LS) noted that she did not feel there were enough funds for Article 13 for the Police Cruiser Capital Reserve. Board discussed and

(LS) Motion to approve Article 13 for $25,000 to be added to the Police Cruiser Capital Reserve. (EN) Second. Carried 5-0.

(PS) noted he would make the requested changes to the Warrant Articles and have it ready for Board review on the next Agenda. This will probably be before the Budget Committee on January 22nd.

APPOINTMENTS

6:15 P.M.: Valerie and Owen David – Watson Street Parking

Mr. David related that there is an issue with parking on Watson Street. He noted that there was a vacant parking lot across the street but now people are parking on the road and blocking the road which is a public safety. (LK) advised them that there was a Public Hearing regarding parking on Watson and Main Streets scheduled for February 4th at 6:30 P.M. This will be noticed in The Sun.

6:30 P.M.: Police Chief Robert Wharem – Two Hour Parking and Snow
Removal in Front of Businesses.

Chief Wharem: The issue is not the two hour parking but the snow removal issue. He related that PD can put up “angled snow barricades” and if we all work together on this there should be no issue. PD is working with the Highway Department on this. If there is a car parked in that area longer than posted times, PD is obligated by Statute to make an attempt to locate owner prior to having vehicle towed. We do not need to change the two hour parking but work on a snow removal policy or post No Parking from 10:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. from November to spring. He related several different applications as to how to handle this situation.
Chief Wharem agreed to try and work on a solution to this issue.

Ceiling at Police Department: Chief Wharem related that the suspended ceiling in the Evidence Room at the Police Department has collapsed because of the manner in which it was originally installed. Cost of replacing would range about $600-700 and insurance includes a $1,000 deductible. The smoke detector would have to be moved.

Heating Fuel for Police Department: Chief related that the Police Department has run out of oil twice. Since there currently is an issue with receiving oil from Fred Fuller, a back-up company would be a good idea if they cannot reach Fred Fuller. Board agreed that Davis Fuels can be used as a back-up when needed.

(PS) will distribute a Memo to all departments that oil tanks should be check and if no response from Fred Fuller Company to utilize Davis Fuels. (PS) will also contact Davis Fuels for confirmation.

Chief Wharem: The tank is in the Evidence Room and every time the “heating goes down,” someone has to come in for this. It might be a good idea to consider moving this come spring.

Chief Wharem left meeting at 6:40 P.M.

AGENDA REVIEW

(LS) BCEP Budget; (AD) Safety Issue; (PS) Appointments – Valerie and Owen David, Jesse Pacheco – Code Enforcement Officer, Computer Procurement for Highway Department, Risk Assessment Questionnaire – Request of Auditors, Tax Deeded Property – Repurchase Request, Letters of Appreciation – Abell and Deane, Waste Water Treatment Plant Award, Discussion of Town Administrator Job Description, Draft Town Meeting Warrants.

ACTION ITEMS – Continued

6. Computer Procurement for the Highway Department

(PS) As you will note by the E-Mail, the Chair has asked the status of sharing a computer with the Highway. I have checked with the computer company, and they have recommended that the Highway Department be provided with a tablet or surface which could be tied into our system. This would not involve a server and would probably cost about $600.

(LK) Couldn’t one of the older unused computers do? (AD) the problem with a desktop is that they would not be able to “walk around” and based on what they do, it might be more practical to be able to carry one. (EN) noted that we have a bunch of older computers that could be utilized for what George would need one for. (LK) George could have one in his office. (GL) I think a desktop would work fine; he does not need to walk around with one. (AD) Not knowing what his usage would be, it is hard to predict what is needed. (PS) If you use one of the desktops we have, you are going to have to update it and it may not even have the capacity that is needed. (EN) I remember in the past we said we would allocate a replaced one to George. (PS) (AD) and (EN) can work together to determine which way is the best way to go. It may be more practical to buy a tablet.

7. Risk Assessment Questionnaire/Request of Auditors

(PS) This is the annual questionnaire to be completed at the request of the Auditors. Board reviewed and completed form.

8. Tax Deeded Property/Re-purchase Request

(PS) This is regarding 12 Foss Avenue which was taken by Tax Deed. Recently a member of the family called Erica to request a payment plan and was advised by Erica that Town has taken the property by Tax Deed. The individual (granddaughter) noted that they would like to buy the property back. As you can see by the attached information, there are some sewer related tax liens totaling about $559.59. However, if the 15% penalty tax is added, the total would be $14,806.81. The question is will the Board consider deeding the property back to the owner with the payment of $559.59 and the assurance that this will not happen in the future. Board can: 1. Consider whether they would like to re-deed the property; 2. Add the $14,235 to the total owed of $559.59; or 3. Charge the original property owner with the $559.59 + $12.22 notification fees ($571.71.)

(LK) Are there any attorney fees or administration fees? (PS) No. The deeds are rendered internally by Erica and Cara. (EN) I have no problem with this as long as the Town is reimbursed the administration work. Board agreed that (PS) would check with the granddaughter regarding payment of the liens and other assurances and reschedule this for the next Agenda.

9. Letters of Appreciation – Abell and Deane

(LK) I would like to have Paul write letters of thank you to Nick Abell and Lenny Deane for services at the Fire Department. (PS) to do. It will be advertised in The Sun also.

10. Waste Water Treatment Plant Award

(LK) We should send a letter of “atta boy” to Ron Vien. (PS) This is not the first time that WWTP has received some form of recognition. (PS) to send letter.

Break: 7:13 P.M. Resume: 7:19 P.M.

APPOINTMENTS – Continued

7:15 P.M.: Jesse Pacheco – Code Enforcement Officer

Jesse Pacheco – Building Inspector: I have had various individuals contact me who do not have Permits seeking building advice. Is there or should there be a fee for this service? What would the Board like me to do in these situations? Some of these individuals are those that are doing personal renovation or whatever. All this takes time and can take quite a bit of time. We do have a $30 re-inspection fee that might me applicable.

(LK) It is helpful to offer the guidance to these people but should not be a burden on the taxpayers. If we want to charge a fee for this, we would have to hold a Public Hearing. We cannot just charge them. (PS) There is no local charge for doing that. (LK) There could be a $45 minimum fee. Jesse you were talking about adjusting all the fees. Do you think you could accomplish that in about a month and we could go forward at that time with everything? Jesse Pacheco: I have started working on that and will try to finish it within a month. Board agreed.

Jesse Pacheco – Building Inspector: I also have an individual that did a lot more than what the Permit indicates. He has a large establishment and has several businesses within the structure with quite a few safety violations. How do I approach this? (LK) Try talking to Town Counsel. (LS) Talk to the owner of the building. Jesse Pacheco: I have discussed with Fire Department and they have suggested the State Fire Marshall. (LK) If there are any issues there, then we need to deal with it. Jesse will follow through with LGC and Fire Marshall.

Jesse Pacheco left meeting at 7:45 P.M.

NEW BUSINESS – ACTION ITEMS – Continued

4. Review of Town Administrator Job Description

(LK) Board has all received a copy of the proposed Town Administrator Job Description. This was derived from a combination of several previous job descriptions, Town recommendations and Town Counsel per Atty. Walt Mitchell. Board reviewed document and made several small additions/corrections.

(LS) Motion to adopt the Town Administrator Job Description as proposed by Town Counsel. (EN) Second. Carried 5-0.

(LK) An ad will be done for next week and places to post will be determined. After that a committee will be formed to review submitted resumes.

11. BCEP Budget

(LS) There is a good group of individuals on the BCEP Committee. As I noted previously, revenues fell short in 2013 and they have now laid off a position so there will be no increases to the taxpayers. Board agreed to have Linda relay a “Thank You” to them all for their efforts. “They did the right thing.”

12. Safety Issue

(AD) I understand that Board has discussed previously the safety issue of the doors leading into the Assessing Office. Is there any update on this and is it something we are going to pursue? (LK) We had talked about it several times in the past. (EN) Let me discuss with Jesse and get back to you.

Board also discussed the Safety Committee as to who should be a member of this committee and frequency of meetings.

INFORMATION ITEMS

1. Library Committee Update

(EN) We have had only one meeting but will be having another one shortly.

2. Planning Board Update

(EN) Planning Board had a Public Hearing regarding Zoning Ordinances revisions which are mostly just “housekeeping” matters and will be holding another Public Hearing just to address some minor wording in the Manufactured Housing definition.

APPLICATIONS and WARRANTS

1. Notice of Intent to Cut, Map R32, Lot 3

(LS) Motion to approve Notice of Intent to Cut, Tax Map R32, Lot 3.
(GL) Second. Carried 5-0.

CHECKS and MANIFESTS

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

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

MINUTES

1. Public Session Minutes of December 17, 2013

(EN) Motion to approve Public Session Minutes of December 17, 2013 with Correction. (GL) Second. Carried 5-0.

CORRECTION:

Page 3, Paragraph 5, Line 1 should read: (LK) again encouraged him to see Jesse for assistance in filling out the application to go before the Zoning Board.

2. Non-Public Session Minutes of December 17, 2013

(EN) Motion to approve Non-Public Session Minutes of December 17, 2013. (GL) Second. Carried 5-0.

OTHER

(LK) Next week both (GL) and (AD) will not be available to attend the Board meeting. I will be working out of Town but may be able to get back for this meeting but will keep everyone advised as to the meeting status.

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 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. (AD) 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 9:00 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 (LS) and Seconded by (EB) 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.

ADJOURNMENT

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

Meeting adjourned at 9:04 P.M.

Approved: January 14, 2014

_____________________________ ____________________
Lawrence Konopka, Chairman Date

I hereby certify that these Minutes were recorded by me on January 7, 2014, transcribed and publicly posted on
January 9, 2014.

______________________________________________
Delores A. Fritz, Recording Secretary

No Attachments
Olympus: 2:02.20