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

MEETING MINUTES OF TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2011

CALL TO ORDER

Call to order at 6:00 P.M., by Denise Morin, Chairman.

MEMBERS PRESENT

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

MEMBERS ABSENT

None.

WELCOME

(DM) Welcome to the new Selectmen Gerard LeDuc and Paul Rogers.

AGENDA REVIEW

(PS) BOS Appointment to the Cable Advisory Committee, Pittsfield Youth Workshop/Park Street Light, Directional Sign/St. Stephen’s Church; (FH) Town Hall Update.

PUBLIC INPUT

Daniel Schroth: I am here tonight to see the new Board. I originally fought the Building Inspector and HSA being one position. The BI position was to be paid by revenue it generated, but it hasn’t done that. Tax rates are increasing. We need to make the Building Inspector and HSA one position to help cut things for next year, which was one of the arguments in combining positions.

Regarding the police dog, there was never a Public Hearing. He noted that he was really nervous about a having a police dog as it is intimidating and “makes me nervous.” Also, people are allergic to dogs. There should be no increases in the Police Department. It takes ½ to ¾ of an hour to take care of dog. Think about these things. You do not always get what you want. I do not want to increase the Police Department.

Larry Konopka: I went to the “coffee hour” with the Chief and had some questions answered about the police canine and I was happy with the answers. I would like to submit some questions and concerns for Board to consider before you sign the contract.

Art Morse: I would like to speak in favor of the canine program. It is true that it will cost the Town something. It is a valuable tool and a perfect time to do it because 1. When the economy goes sour, crime increases and as an “officer” on the street it is a minimal cost; 2. When I was on the Board in the 1990’s, there were complaints about the drug problems in Town and the dog will help us fight these drug problems; 3. We are not adding a position except for the dog, which has been paid for by donations, but adding a program which can be cancelled at any time. Please support this program. At least try it for six months.

Larry Berube: There are pros and cons considering this program. I would like to see the dog. About five or six years ago, I was vandalized and they called for a dog and it took about 1 ¼ hours before the officer arrived from another town. By the time the officer and the dog were here, the scent was gone. If we have a police officer closer it would be better. I see no sense with the police officer going back and forth. Have the dog, but have him local. The travel time is a big expense.

Jesse Pacheco: One thing, the School Board is causing our taxes to keep rising. Since the fire at my home, I have started thinking that I will not rebuild. The vote regarding the school, why can’t the taxpayer vote on it? Can’t it go on the ballot? It is not voted on properly. We would get a better decision if it was on the ballot. We really need to look at the School Board. The way we are doing it is not working for the taxpayer. They get everything they want. A lot of people are selling or losing property along with a lot of foreclosures.

As far as the canine program, I agree that it would be better to have the dog in place than put a person’s life in danger. There is an insurance issue with the dog should it attack someone. We need to weigh it out as to what the dog can do. The police officer should be in Town. Someone should look at all this.

Congratulations to the new Board members.

Paul Richardson: Congratulations to the new Board members. As a reminder, taxpayers pay your salary and a lot of people are struggling with the economy. A lot of people are not working and we should tighten things up a bit.

Close Public Input

Because several other individuals requested to speak after Public Input closed,

Open Public Input (again)

Joe Darrah: As a business owner, you can make opportunities and take chances. Try it out for six months or so to see how it is doing. It is a good opportunity, at least take a chance.

Larry Berube: Joe is right in a way. With the training, we are throwing money away. I have no problem with the dog but the training does not make sense.

Jesse Pacheco: It is very important when you use the dog, which should be more at night because of the crime. I agree as a businessman you can take chances and it works sometimes. Times are the worse that I have ever seen them.

Larry Konopka: I am not against the canine; I just have concerns and was looking to bring those concerns to your attention.

Chief Wharem: Looking through the list of concerns, yes there is the possibility of a law suit due to dog bites, but guns are dangerous and we use them. He noted that they reviewed what other Towns are doing and took in consideration the gas costs per mile, discussed the scent issue, how officer is to be paid, $31,000 training costs, contract with officer and reimbursement should he leave prior to the four year requirement, and the disbanding of the program by Board, if necessary, as well as the donations acquired for the program.

Larry Berube: Why pick an officer that lives in Litchfield? Chief Wharem noted that he was the only one that applied. Give us a chance to show you what he can do. People have donated time and money to this program. Board can take it out any time.

Close Public Input

(FH) People are saying it is costing 51 cents, but town gets 42 cents cut on a gallon of gas.

PUBLIC HEARING

6:01 P.M: Acceptance of a Gift from Judith MacLellan (6:20 P.M.)

Open Public Hearing

(DM) This is a $50.00 donation to the Pittsfield Police Department

No public input.

Close Public Hearing

(EV) Motion to accept $50.00 donation to the Pittsfield Police Department from Judith MacLellan. (FH) Second. Carried 5-0.

6:03 P.M.: Acceptance of a Gift from Carol and Daniel McGuire
(6:22 P.M.)

Open Public Hearing

(DM) This is a $1,500 donation to the Welfare Department.

No public input.

Close Public Hearing

(EV) Motion to accept $1,500 donation to the Pittsfield Welfare Department from Carol and Daniel McGuire. (GL) Second. Carried 5-0.

6:05 P.M.: Acceptance of a Gift from First Congregational Church
(6:24 P.M.)

Open Public Hearing

(DM) This is a $500 donation for fuel assistance.

No public input.

Close Public Hearing

(PR) Motion to accept $500 donation for fuel assistance from First Congregational Church. (GL) Second. Carried 5-0.

A thank you letter will be sent to all for their donations.

NEW BUSINESS
ACTION ITEMS

1. Reorganization of the Board of Selectmen

(DM) This is the Board of Selectmen board and committee appointments for 2011.

Board of Selectmen: Chair: (DM) I nominate Ed Vien as Chair.
(GL) Second. Carried 4-0
(EV) Abstains.
Vice Chair: (FH) I nominate DM as Vice Chair.
(GL) Second. Carried 4-0
(DM) Abstains.

(DM) At this point, I would like to turn this over to Ed Vien as new Chair.

Planning Board: Rep: (DM) I nominate Fred Hast. (EV) Second.
Carried 3-0. (FH) & (GL) Abstain.
Alt: (EV) I nominate Gerard LeDuc.
(DM) Second. Carried 5-0.

Budget Committee: Rep: (EV) I nominate Fred Hast. (DM) Second.
Carried 3-0. (FH) & (GL) Abstain.
Alt: (DM) I nominate Paul Rogers.
(EV) Second. Carried 4-0. (PR) Abstains.

Union Negotiations: Rep: (FH) I nominate Denise Morin.
(EV) Second. Carried 4-0. (DM) Abstains.
Alt: (FH) I nominate Ed Vien. (DM) Second.
Carried 4-0. (EV) Abstains.

B.C.E.P.: Rep: (DM) I nominate Ed Vien. (PR) Second.
Carried 4-0. (EV) Abstains.

Emergency Management Director: (FH) I nominate Chief Wharem.
(EV) Second. Carried 5-0.

Deputy Welfare Director: (DM) I nominate Larry Konopka. (PR) Second. Carried 4-0. (GL) Abstains.

Deputy Health Director: (EV) I nominate Fred Hast. (PR) Second
Carried 4-0. (FH) Abstains.

Larry Konopka: I feel that the position of Deputy Welfare Director and Deputy
Health Director goes hand-in-hand. I would like to cover both positions, if not I
would like to withdraw my name.

(DM) Withdraw my nomination of Larry Konopka as Deputy Welfare Director.
(PR) Withdraw Second. Carried 5-0.

After Discussion (EV) withdraws nomination for Fred Hast as Deputy Health
Director and (PR) Withdraws Second. Carried 5-0.

(FH) ultimately decided that he would relinquish being Deputy Health Director and
that both positions could be offered to Larry Konopka.

Deputy Welfare Director: (DM) I nominate Larry Konopka.
(PR) Second. Carried 4-0.
(GL) Abstains.

Deputy Health Director: (DM) I nominate Larry Konopka.
(PR) Second. Carried 4-0.
(GL) Abstains.

Deputy Building Inspector/ (DM) I nominate Fred Hast.
Code Enforcement: (EV) Second. Carried 4-0.
(FH) Abstains.

Economic Development (PR) I nominate Gerard LeDuc.
Committee: (DM) Second. Carried 4-0.
(GL) Abstains.

Drug & Alcohol Coalition: (EV) I nominate Denise Morin.
(PR) Second. Carried 4-0.
(DM) Abstains.

Pandemic Committee: (DM) I nominate Chief Wharem.
(FH) Second. Carried 5-0.
Pandemic Committee: (DM) Amend motion to include Chief Johnson. (FH) Second. Carried 5-0.

Foss Scholarship: (FH) I nominate Ed Vien.
(DM) Second. Carried 4-0.
(EV) Abstains.

Citizen of the Year Committee: (DM) I nominate Paul Rogers.
(EV) Second. Carried 4-0.
(PR) Abstains.

Cable Advisory Committee: (DM) I nominal Gerard LeDuc
(EV) Second. Carried 4-0.
(GL) Abstains.

2. Request of Jesse Pacheco Re: Interest on Tax Bill

(PS) We have received a letter from Jesse Pacheco who is present tonight and perhaps, would like to address this.

Jesse Pacheco: I think I added everything in my letter. This happened last year losing my home which was a very painful thing. It is noted that there is an application for an abatement currently pending on the property. (FH) Normally it would be for a period of time. (PS) This would have no effect on the outcome of the abatement. (DM) I would like to know the amount as to what we are looking at. (PS) Mr. Pacheco’s abatement is with the assessor and has not yet been returned.

(FH) Motion to table Jesse Pacheco’s request regarding interest on tax bill.
(DM) Second. Carried 5-0.

3. Re-appointment of Part-Time Police Officers.

Chief Wharem: Every year the Board re-appoints the part-time Police Officers. They will be working on a weekly basis and I am asking Board to re-appointment them.

(FH) Motion to re-appoint Robert Gauthier as part-time Police Officer.
(DM) Second. Carried 5-0.

(DM) Motion to re-appoint Jason Darrah as part-time Police Officer.
(PR) Second. Carried 5-0.

(DM) Motion to re-appoint Justin Swift as part-time Police Officer.
(FH) Second. Carried 5-0.

(GL) Chief, how many police officers are there? Chief Wharem: 8 full-time and 3 part-time. One part-time officer is not being re-appointed and one is resigning. What you see is what we are running with.

4. Resignation of Police Officer Cory Krochmal

(DM) Motion to accept resignation of Police Officer Cory Krochmal.
(PR) Second. Carried 5-0.

(PS) to send letter of thank you. Chief Wharem noted that an exit interview was not conducted. It was suggested that this be mailed to him. Chief will do.

5. Employment Contract – Canine Police Officer

Chief Wharem updated Board on change made in initial contract as requested by (DM) and (EV). The original has been signed by the Police Officer. If the Board disbands the program, he would not be responsible for reimbursing costs. Board and Chief Wharem discussed the donations, vehicle and cash in hand.

(FH) Motion to approve employment contract for Canine Police Officer.
(PR) Second. After Discussion: Carried 4-1 (GL).

Discussion: (DM) I have two concerns – one was the abandonment of contract which is now noted in the contract and the impact on taxes. I am an advocate of the police dog. Chief Wharem: We will continue working on the mileage. (EV) I do not want to pay officer overtime if other dog is available. Chief Wharem: There will be a dog at night and a dog during the day available. The dog will be trained in tracking and drug. (DM) If I see that the Town has to pay for it, I will attempt to pull it.

(FH) Motion to amend original Motion to include Chair signing contract.
(PR) Second. Carried 4-1 (GL).

9. Highway Safety Grants

Chief Wharem noted that the Highway Safety Grants are now available.
(DM) requested Chief Wharem make an official press release regarding this and he agreed.

6. BOS Appointment to the Cable Advisory Committee

See No. 1 above. Gerard LeDuc appointed to the Cable Advisory Committee.

7. Pittsfield Youth Workshop – Park Street Light

(EV) updated the new Selectmen regarding the Masonic Temple street light. They would like to remove it because of finances and would like Town to put up a street light, otherwise it is going to be a dark area if light is removed. (DM) Paul, could you look into new street lights that would be effective? (PR) There is too much going on in that area after dark. (PS) I will research and advise Board of types of lights and costs.

8. Directional Sign/St. Stephen’s Church

(PS) There is a request for the Board to approve an instructional directional sign at the intersection of Route 28 at Leavitt Road. (EV) explained the requirements of sign posting on Route 28 and then within the Town. There are seven churches within the Town and I am concerned doing it for one and not the others. (GL) I would agree it would be good for businesses trying to promote businesses.

(DM) Motion to not approve directional sign for St. Stephen’s Church.
(GL) Second. After Discussion: Carried 3-1 (FH). (PR) Abstains.

Discussion: (GL) Joint boards are trying to get businesses in Town and there are a limited amount of spaces for these signs; I would rather have businesses noted. We are trying to revive the Town, not kill it. (PR) There are some around town. Church volunteers help to the Town. (FH) Other towns have them and this church donates to the Town. Board discussed the number of signs allowed and already in use.

APPOINTMENTS

6:07 P.M. Moose Plate Grant/Sylvia Wallace (7:30 P.M.)

This appointment was changed to 7:30 P.M. per Town Administrator and Sylvia Wallace.

Sylvia Wallace: We applied for this grant last year which was approved and enabled us to renovate some of the windows ($10,000) and we would like to apply for it next year to do the rest of the windows. We need approval from this Board and to have the Chair sign the letter supporting the grant. The grant would be $10,000 again.

(FH) Motion to approve application for Moose Plate Grant and authorize Chair to sign. (PR) Second. Carried 5-0.

Break 7:38 P.M. Resume at 7:45 P.M.

NEW BUSINESS – ACTION ITEMS CONT’D

(PS) After discussing with (FH) it is noted that the Board has not discussed painting the kitchen and small and large meeting room nor replacing the tile in the lobby and kitchen.

(FH) noted that the BI office should be done ($600 – 800). We have painted the hallway and the “battle scars” on the woodwork which leaves the walls. The kitchen and the copier room should be painted. We have spent about $2,000 on materials and about $563 on paint. (EV) What is on the floor in the BI office (rug)? That office needs to be painted also. I would suggest leaving the lobby and doing the BI office. (FH) noted that they had worked 56 hours in four days. Also, Clayton Wood deserves a big thank you for taking out and re-installing the computers. (PS) Mr. Hast’s project amount should be about $4,000 total.

(EV) Motion to amend original Motion for additional work on Town Hall not to exceed $4,000. (PR) Second. Carried 5-0.

INFORMATION ITEMS

None.

OLD BUSINESS

1. Bids for Town Hall Window Frame Rehab. Pending

2. General Assessing Service Contract for 2011/Cross Country Appraisal

(PS) We have the contract which has been revised and is ready for Board signature and includes attachment of two letters from the DRA standards of evaluations. (FH) I would still like to sit down with the assessor to see what they are doing and why. (EV) They have already started the work and know that they are being watched. This contract is for only one year. (PS) The key is that DRA is reviewing their work; a lot of the abatements are 2010 numbers. This year we can go out to bid for assessing firm.

(DM) Motion to approve and authorize Chair to sign contract for Cross Country Appraisal for one year. (GL) Second. Carried 4-1 (FH).

APPLICATIONS AND WARRANTS

1. Selectmen Action on Abatement Recommendations

(DM) Motion to approve abatements as recommended by Assessors.
(GL) Second. Carried 5-0. (See attached.)

2. Intent to Cut Tax Map R18, Lot 08

(FH) Motion to approve Intent to Cut, Tax Map R18, Lot 08. (DM) Second. Carried 5-0.

3. Timber Tax Levy, Tax Map R01, Lot 8

(DM) Motion to approve Timber Tax Levy, Tax Map R01, Lot 8 – $377.12.
(FH) Second. Carried 5-0.

CHECKS AND MANIFESTS

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

(DM) Motion to approve Payroll and Direct Deposit. (PR) Second. Carried 5-0.

MINUTES

1. Public Session Minutes of March 1, 2011

(DM) Motion to approve Public Session Minutes of March 1, 2011.
(FH) Second. Carried 3-1. (GL) and (PR) Abstain.

2. Non-Public Session Minutes of March 1, 2011

(DM) Motion to approve Non-Public Session Minutes of March 1, 2011.
(FH) Second. Carried 3-1. (GL) and (PR) Abstain.

PUBLIC INPUT

Paul Richardson: I hope next meeting Chair sits front and center. The slate flooring in the foyer was from the chalkboards from the old school. They were cut and made into tiles. The Building Inspector hours were cut by the Town by 893.4 hours.

(PS) This is an issue the Board might want to address at another Board meeting by bringing in Department Heads (BI, PD, FD, and PUBLIC WORKS) to query them as to where reduction of expenditures can be expected per the BOS budget and the Budget Committee I will inform them and schedule for April 5, 21011. (Copies of the budget will be sent to (PR) and (GL). (FH) There are a lot of things that the BI does that people are not aware of – mostly code problems.

Close Public Input

NON-PUBLIC SESSION

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

Board went into Non-Public Session at 8:32 P.M.

Board returned to Public Session at 9:00 P.M.

(DM) Motion to seal Non-Public Session Minutes of March 15, 2011.
(GL) Second. Carried 5-0.

OTHER

(DM) Board requested copies of custodian applications. (PS) There are four applications, which I do not have with me. Would you like me to interview these individuals? Board agreed.

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

Board adjourned at 9:17 P.M.

Approved: March 29, 2011

________________________ ______________________
Edward Vien, Chairman Date

I hereby certify that these Minutes were recorded on March 15, 2011, transcribed and publicly posted on March 23, 2011.

_______________________________________
Delores A. Fritz, Recording Secretary

II Tapes

ATTACHMENT TO MINUTES (concerning police K9)