May 20, 2014 Minutes

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

MEETING MINUTES OF TUESDAY, MAY 20, 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, (Arrival at 6:17 P.M.), Linda Small (LS), Gerard LeDuc (GL), Albert Douglas (AD), (Arrival at 6:35 P.M.), Michael Williams (MW), Town Administrator, and Delores Fritz, Recording Secretary.

MEMBERS ABSENT:

None.

PUBLIC INPUT

Fred Hast: Have any members of the Board signed a Code of Ethics? All members should sign one. (LK) I know that I signed one when I originally
was on the Board.

Close Public Input

AGENDA REVIEW

(LS) Non-Public Issue RSA 91-A:3 II (c).

NEW BUSINESS
ACTION ITEM

1. Bonnie – Welfare Lien Request

Bonnie Theriault, Welfare Director was present. She noted that property owner for structure on Leavitt Road is now deceased and individual inheriting property is in the process of selling property. However a Welfare lien exists on the property. The sale of the property and all associated expenses will not leave enough to release the Welfare lien. Board agreed that whatever funds remaining after sale of house will be towards the lien and the additional amount abated.

(LS) Motion to approve abating any amount specific to Welfare Lien not covered by sale of property 50 Leavitt Road. (GL) Second. Carried 3-0.

2. Police Chief Cain – New Cruiser Radio

Police Chief Cain: The initial proposal before the Board for the new cruiser did not include the radio which is now available. We are trying to stay within the budgeted amount and reworked some of the charges to accommodate this.

(LS) Motion to approve expending $1,991.29 for new cruiser radio.
(GL) Second. Carried 3-0.

3. Police Chief Cain – Foot Patrol Donation Proposal

(MW) The proposed donation from Rob and Gef Freese has been increased from $6,000 to $10,000. (LK) That is really overwhelming. Police Chief Cain: I have discussed this with Gef Freese as to the most beneficial way to serve the citizens of Pittsfield. This could be accomplished by implementing a walking patrol (including Segway and bicycles), and monthly meetings for community watch group to improve the communication and relationship between the Police Department and the community.

Board agreed to have a Public Hearing on June 17, 2014 at 6:30 P.M.

(LS) Motion to approve Public Hearing on June 17, 2014 at 6:30 P.M. for acceptance of donation to Police Department. (GL) Second. Carried 3-0.

14. Mini Plante – Parks & Recreation

Mini Plante: As I have done in the past few years, I am reporting that we have now completed the interviews for pool hiring and have basically hired back several from last year. We have only one new employee hired as Lifeguard.

Selectman Nilsson’s arrival at 6:17 P.M.

Does the Board want to meet them? Board agreed that this would be a good idea and a date was scheduled for June 3, 2014 at 6:30 P.M.

Mini Plante: I have a question about a Town policy – every year a criminal background check has been requested. Parks and Rec does not agree with this policy. I am wondering if the cost is necessary. Police Chief Cain: I know it is required for new employees but am not sure about annually. (MW) It is my understanding that it is for new employees. We can keep the policy and require it say every five years. (LS) I was under the impression it was a State requirement. Mini Plante: It will save about $50.

She also noted that Parks & Rec are planning on changing the pool hours to be open seven days a week. As long as the change of hours keeps us within our budget, is there any objection? Board agreed that it would be acceptable.

Mini Plante left meeting at 6:25 P.M.

5. Stewart Property Management Request

(MW) Stewart Property Management (Rolling Green and Bridgeview) have been requested to replace existing electrical panels at a cost for permit fees of $6,600. Their proposal is to have Jesse do spot checks (perhaps ten (10) boxes randomly) at a cost of $100 per box. If any one of the spot checks is faulty, then another five (5) boxes will be selected at random for inspection until all inspections are correct. This will be an incentive for the job to be done correctly. Building Inspector is fine with any method we suggest.

(LS) Motion to approve Stewart Property Management having ten (10) electrical panels inspected randomly by Building Inspector at $100 fee per box. Any errors found upon inspection will result in five additional inspections. (GL) Second. Carried 4-0.

7. Parks & Recreation Committee Appointments

(MW) The Parks & Recreation Commissions appointment forms are now complete with an expiration of term date and ready for your signatures.

(LS) Motion to approve appointment to the Parks & Recreation Committee:

Name Term Expires

Nicholas Abell 2016
Lynda Vogt 2107
Gary Mullen 2017
Darrell Wages 2015
Maryellen Plante 2015
Tania Martineau 2016

(EN) Second. Carried 4-0.

8. Tax Anticipation Note

(MW) Request for bids on TAN for $500,000 and a few bids have come in and it is suggested with go with the lowest bid. This is will not be used until it is necessary.

(EN) Motion to approve Tax Anticipation Note for $500,000 with TD Bank.
(GL) Second. Carried 4-0.

9. Safe Routes to School Grant – Contract Amendment

(MW) From what I understand the route originally chosen was not adequate and an alternate route was suggested on the north and south sides of Tilton Hill Road and Berry Avenue. This is the amendment to the Contract.

(EN) Motion to approve SRTS Project Engineering Services Contract Amendment No. I. (GL) Second. Carried 4-0.

(LS) I walk the “original route” every morning on Oneida Street. Something should be done there to include a crosswalk and/or a sign to make it safer.
(MW) to check as to what can be done there.

10. TEC Proposal

(MW) This is the engineering company for the Inflow and Infiltration Study which includes the closed circuit TV of the sewer system. We have received the final proposal today and I would suggest tabling this so that everyone has a chance to review it.

(EN) Motion to table the TEC Proposal to the next Board meeting.
(GL) Second. Carried 4-0.

11. Transfer of Funds to Welfare Department

(LS) Motion to approve transfer of $375 from the General Fund to the Town Citizens Welfare Debit Account. (GL) Second. Carried 4-0.

12. 10 Elm Street

(MW) Back in December, the owner of 10 Elm Street suffered some damages by the Police Department.

Nick Liouzis: I had some damage to my property which has not been resolved. I have lost three months of income which would not have occurred if this had been handled in a timely manner. I am seeking two months’ rent. (MW) Are you seeking the repairs and rent or just repairs? Nick Liouzis: The repairs ($1,117.07) and two months’ rent at $600. (MW) Mr. Liouzis has a legitimate concern. This has been delayed for two months. I think he is worthy of some damages. Are you willing to accept less than two months’ rent? Mr. Liouzis: Yes.

(LS) Motion to approve $1,717.07 for repairs/rent to Nick Liouzis, 10 Elm Street. (GL) Second. Carried 5-0.

Selectman Douglas arrived at 6:35 P.M.

13. 136 Rocky Point Clean-Up Proposals

(MW) This is a home that burned and clean-up was sent out to bid. Bid from Scott Aubertin Excavation at a project cost of $16,770 and All Demolition & Asbestos Services at a total cost of $13,500 with an added cost of $200 to replace crushed culvert. I see no reason not to go with the lowest bid.

(EN) Motion to approve All Demolition & Asbestos Services for demolition of 136 Rocky Point at a cost of $13,700. (GL) Second. Carried 5-0.

(LS) This is the one we received the insurance monies for?- yes. (EN) We should also contact George to straighten out the road up there. (MW) to do.

6. Review Deputy Building Inspector Position

(LK) In March, Board noted that they would review the Deputy Building Inspector position. What are the Board’s thoughts on this?

(EN) I enjoy the position and helping the Town. (LS) I think you are doing a super job but sometime the “perception of your position” makes for controversy. (AD) I have thought about this and the “perception” is there. I know Eric is a hard worker and this was a tough decision to make. I would like to see you stay and know that you have done a great job, but I also see the perception.

My question is what brings this to the Board at this time? (LK) We have had some issues and questions. I have heard verbal concerns. When we addressed this in March, the Board agreed that it would review it again in a couple of months. (GL) How are we going to replace him? (LK) We could put an ad in the paper and see who/if anyone applies. (GL) Eric is doing what the job requires. (LS) I think we should run the ad and see what happens. Eric, I know you like the job and no one else stepped up to do it. (EN) This is not my decision but for the Board to decide if they would like to have another Deputy Building Inspector. (AD) I assume that Eric will remain in the position until further notice. Board agreed.

4. HSA Fees

Bill Elkins, Administrator for Housing Standards.

Bill Elkins: Last week, Board asked about hourly rates. He explained to the Board the comparison of time it takes per unit in a multi-unit complex with the time it takes for single families or multi-families includes a number of variables that have to be taken into consideration. This is why we use a per unit rate and not an hourly rate for compensation. Previously the Administrator and the Inspector was the same person. Some months we have multiple units and other months there are only a few. Where can you get someone to work those kinds of hours? The HSA
Board wanted to make it a flat rate. The additional amount will be strictly for operating expenses and not for any increases in salary. He reviewed Paul Rogers’ letter with the Board.

(LK) I have supported this in the past. (LS) I did not support it last time because the additional fees were going to the Inspector but now this will not be so.

(LS) Motion to approve increase in HSA fees to $45 for inspections and $20 for re-inspections to offset the operating budget. (AD) Second.

Discussion:

(EN) I am not supporting this. I believe that the HSA has outlived its use.
(GL) It has gone far beyond its time.

Vote: Carried 3-2 (EN) & (GL).

15. Building Permit Fee Committee

(EN) We are having a few issues in revising the permit fees. It would be helpful if we had several “tradesmen” to help us to work on this. Board decided to have (EN), (MW) and Jesse Pacheco put together a committee to address permit fees. (AD) Have you begun any of the logistics pertaining to this? (EN) We have talked to several electricians, and plumbers, gotten fee schedules from other towns, but these fluctuate so much. Pat Heffernan offered a situation which he has addressed where fees are dependent upon whether it is a commercial rate or residential rate which is inconsistent.

16. Paul Richardson – Town Hall Sign

(MW) Paul Richardson has volunteered to refurbish and repaint the Town Hall lamp post and hanging sign boom arm. Materials and equipment will be supplied by him at no cost to the Town.

(LS) Motion to approve Paul Richardson refurbishing and repainting the Town Hall lamp post and hanging sign boom arm. (EN) Second. Carried 5-0.

INFORMATION ITEMS

1. Pennichuck Rate Increase

(MW) This is an information item. Pennichuck is raising water fees by 8.9% and it has already been applied.

2. Complaint about 629 Tilton Hill Road

(MW) This pertains to the Snedeker “Junk-Scrap Metal Yard.” Chief Cain and Jesse Pacheco, Building Inspector will look into it. The Snedeker license expires on July 1, 2014.

3. Letter About Building Inspector

(MW) This is a letter from State of New Hampshire Joint Board of Licensure and Certification noting that Jesse Pacheco is “well versed in the National Electrical Code;….” (MW) to send letter to Jesse of “atta boy.”

Break: 7:10 P.M. Resume: 7:17 P.M.

APPLICATIONS and WARRANTS

1. Tax Credit Application

(LS) Motion to approve Veterans Tax Credit Tax Map U01, Lot 75.
(AD) Second. Carried 5-0.

2. LUCT Warrant – 395 Clough Road

(EN) Motion to approve Land Use Change Tax Map R26, Lot 5.
(GL) Second. Carried 5-0.

3. Timber Tax Warrants
a. Tax Map R16, Lot 6

(EN) Motion to Timber Tax Warrant Tax Map R16, Lot 6.
(GL) Second. Carried 5-0.

b. Tax Map R15, Lot 4

(EN) Motion to approve Timber Tax Warrant Tax Map R15, Lot 4.
(GL) Second. Carried 5-0.

c. Tax Map R32, Lot 3

(EN) Motion to approve Timber Tax Warrant Tax Map R32, Lot 3.
(GL) Second. Carried 5-0.

d. Tax Map R52, Lot 2

(EN) Motion to approve Timber Tax Warrant Tax Map R52, Lot 2.
(GL) Second. Carried 5-0.

4. Sewer Fee Warrant

(EN) Motion to approve Sewer Fee Warrant ($90,375.83).
(GL) Second. Carried 5-0.

5. Property Tax Warrants

(EN) Motion to approve Property Tax Warrants. (GL) Second. Carried 5-0.

CHECKS and MANIFESTS

(LS) Motion to approve Accounts Payable and Checks Register.
(EN) Second. Carried 4-0. (EN) Abstain.

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

MINUTES

1. Public Session Minutes of May 13, 2014

(EN) Motion to approve Public Session Minutes of May 13, 2014.
(GL) Second. Carried 4-0. (LS) Abstain.

PUBLIC INPUT

Adam Gauthier: I have a neighbor (two doors down) who has a fire every night and plays music till 1 or 2:00 A.M. My aunt who lives next to them called the Police Department who noted that they cannot respond until they have more than one complaint phone call. They did not have a Fire Permit and the Fire Department did come up and told them to let the fire burn out. I checked the Town Noise Ordinance but it just covers motor vehicle noise. There are no quiet times listed. I know other towns denote time periods. (LK) We will look into it.
(EN) The Police Department requires more than one phone call before they will do something? Adam Gauthier: Other towns denote 7:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. and on the weekends it is a little different times. (MV) What is the address? Adam Gauthier: 250 Loudon Road. The phone call to the PD was on May 5th. That is a rental property. (AD) When the Fire Department was up there, did they stay till the fire was out? Adam Gauthier: No. (MV) We will talk to the Fire Chief.

Adam Gauthier left meeting at 7:35 P.M.

NON-PUBLIC SESSION

(GL) Motion to go into Non-Public Session per 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. (LS) Second. Carried 5-0. Individual members of the Board were polled and all agreed.

Board went into Non-Public Session at 7:35 P.M.

Board returned to Public Session at 7:43 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.
Carried 5-0. Individual members of the Board were polled and all agreed.

OTHER

Zoning Board Update

(AD) offered to Board a brief synopsis of the Zoning Board meeting on May 8th concerning the Special Exception and Variance for Cortese. (LK) noted that the Board is aware of this. (AD) As you may know, this has been tabled for thirty days for Board to research how to approach this Variance. The follow-up hearing is scheduled for June 12th.

Break: 7:43 P.M. Resume 7:47 P.M.

Foot Patrol/Gift to Town

(LK) I have just discussed with Chief Cain the possibility of starting the Foot Patrol on June 1st. He has indicated that there is a Line Item to cover these costs prior to the Public Hearing and it will be started on June 1st with the Public Hearing on June 17th.

ADJOURNMENT

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

Meeting adjourned at 7:52 P.M.

Approved: June 3, 2014

___________________________ ____________________
Eric Nilsson, Vice- Chairman Date

I hereby certify that these Minutes were recorded by me on May 20, 2014, transcribed and publicly posted on
May 22, 2014.

_________________________________________
Delores A. Fritz, Recording Secretary

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