APPROVED
TOWN OF
BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING
MINUTES
APPROVED –
CALL TO ORDER
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
|
PRESENT: |
Mr. Harold Lynde (arrived after the meeting commenced),
Mr. William McDevitt, Mr. Jean-Guy Bergeron, Mr. |
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Also present: ABSENT: |
Members of the press and general public. Mr. Richard Derby |
The Vice Chairman, William McDevitt, opened the meeting at
approximately
MINUTES REVIEW
OPEN FORUM
None.
APPOINTMENTS
Tessier, Request
to acquire easement over Town land
Mr. Dennis Tessier Sr., and Mr. Dennis Tessier Jr., both of 21 St. Margaret’s Drive met with the Selectmen to request the acquisition of a Town owned right-of-way so it may be used as access to their lot. Mr. Tessier Jr. said he had requested a variance from the Board of Adjustment, but they decided to continue the case until after the Selectmen had the opportunity to review. He said the Board of Adjustment informed that they would deny the case if access wasn’t obtained through the Town owned property.
Mr. Lynde arrived.
Mr. Gaydos provided a brief history of the land and the line of ownership. The land had been abandoned by a developer (who changed his plan and no longer needed the land for access), and the Town took the property for non-payment of taxes.
Mr. Tessier Sr. discussed the costs associated with constructing a Town acceptable road ($400-$600 per foot), which would not be financially feasible for one house lot.
Mr. Lynde said in a letter (drafted in 1989) from Town
Counsel, it was counsel’s opinion that the lots were not separate, but in fact,
lot 1a was part of lot 1, and lot 2a was part of lot 2. Mr. Tessier Sr. said the lots were purchased
at separate times and they received a separate tax bill for the lot. Mr. Lynde read a portion of counsel’s letter
that reviewed the status of the lots. It
was noted that the Planning Board minutes of
Mr. Danevich believed the decision of the Selectmen was pivotal for surrounding lots. He was not in favor of selling the land because it would create a land-lock situation for lot 2 - 2a. He also noted that the cul-de-sac could, at some time, be extended for future development if passage over the right-of-way were allowed.
Mr. Mark Schmidt,
Mr. Tessier Jr. asked if the turn-around added by the Town for Town trucks could be considered an extension off St. Margaret’s Drive and used to gain frontage. The Selectmen answered no, because it would have to be owned by the person using it for the frontage.
Mr. Danevich suggested that the Selectmen request that Town Counsel reaffirm the opinion previously given and also request a specific legal interpretation for the legality of the lot and rights of passage.
Mr. Tessier Jr. asked if the Selectmen’s opinion would be
different if the Town owned parcel were purchased by them and Mr. Schmidt. Mr. Danevich said if the land were sold it
may open the ability for future subdivision.
He believed the correct answer was given in 1969, which was that a road
should be built. Mr. Gaydos reiterated
that legal opinion stated there were two lots (one on the right and one on the
left). Legal opinion also stated that
the right-of-way was private, belonging to the owner (the Town of
Mr. Tessier Jr. said the request being made was the purchase of the land for them, and Mr. Schmidt for subdivision and access to the lots. Mr. Gaydos said there would be additional requirements to be met with subdividing land. Mr. Lynde suggested submitting a petition warrant article for Town Meeting vote. It was noted if the land was purchased, a plan would need to be submitted to the land use boards. Mr. Tessier will speak with Mr. Gaydos to find out what steps need to be followed for submitting a petition warrant article.
WARRANT ARTICLE REVIEW
Highway Warrant
Articles
Highway Agent Don Foss met with the Selectmen to discuss the warrant articles being submitted for approval. The warrant articles were as follows: 1) placement of $75,000 in the Capital Reserve Fund for bridge reconstruction of the Willow Street bridge; 2) $236,000 for the Highway Block Grant; 3) $78,800 for a 4x4 backhoe; Mr. Foss noted that the request was a critical need. 4) $576,000 for a garage; Mr. Foss said that the Town owned over $600,000 in equipment and a garage would help staff when preparing for going out in the winter as well as a heated place for equipment repair in the winter; 5) $47,500 for a one-ton plow, which would replace a 1994 truck.
Library Warrant
Articles
Library Trustees Ann Francher and Linda Killbride met with the Selectmen to discuss the warrant articles being submitted. The warrant articles were as follows: 1) $24,363 for a Children’s librarian; Ms. Killbride informed that the circulation percent had increased and a full time librarian was needed so that the Library could focus programs for youths. Ms. Francher said the Trustees were extremely thoughtful when submitting the warrant article. She noted that the position was critical to providing services. 2) $23,724 for ADA Library renovation which would redirect funds (of a warrant article for the old library building) to provide automatic door openers at the library and other Town buildings. The funds may be used to make the buildings more handicap accessible.
Senior Center Director Sue Hovling met with the Selectmen to discuss the warrant article being submitted for placement of $25,000 in the Seniors Bus Capital Reserve Fund. Ms. Hovling said the bus would be ten years old next year and currently had 75,000 miles. The estimated cost of a new bus would be between $63,000 - $65,000, a portion of which may be able to be covered by grant money. The current bus could be used for a trade-in since it was owned by the Town.
Police Warrant
Articles
Police Chief Evan Haglund and Lieutenant Joseph Roark met with the Selectmen to discuss the warrant articles being submitted. The warrant articles were as follows: 1) $62,928 for police cruisers (which was originally in the budget, but removed by the Budget Committee); 2) $32,426 for a Police Officer; 3) Based upon the new RSA 32:6a - $42,000 for the School Resource Officer (as agreed to when Federal Grant money conditions were accepted); if not approved, the Town will be obligated to return the $125,000 received in grant monies. The new RSA was reviewed, and it was suggested that language should be added to the warrant article to inform voters that the money would be offset/reduced by funds contained in the Police Operating Budget.
Chief Haglund gave a brief presentation which documented the need for an additional Police Officer due to population growth, work duty percentages and number of hours off-road completing reports. Statistics were also provided for the increases in burglaries, thefts, vandalisms, drug offenses, accidents and DWI arrests; there was a decrease in summons and warnings because officers were detained off the road by arrests and paperwork. The current number of officers was 1.4 per 1000 people - the averages were between 1.8 and 2.0 per 1000 people. It was noted that since 2000 the Pelham Police Department had returned over $310,000 from their budget to the taxpayers. Chief Haglund ended by saying that the population would not decrease, the number of officers was substantially lower than documented averages and increasing patrol officers was imperative to keep Pelham a safe community for residents.
Fire Warrant
Articles
Fire Chief David Fisher, Assistant Chief Raymond Cashman, Firefighter/EMT Bob Chatel, Firefighter James Midgley and Firefighter Greg Atwood met with the Selectmen to discuss the submitted warrant articles. The warrant articles were as follows: 1) $52,000 for two defibulators; 2) $130,000 for four firefighter/EMT; 3) $10,000 for Ambulance Capital Reserve; this is the same as presented in previous years; 4) $20,000 grant matching; 5) $30,000 protective clothing; turn-out gear used when fighting fires. 6) $19,450 for sub-station survey.
Firefighter/EMT Bob Chatel explained the use and need for the defibulators. He then reviewed advantages of owning the equipment based upon the advancement of technology which increased from 45% effective to 69% effective at resuscitating individuals. He said the machine provided continuous monitoring of various body functions as well as contacting the hospital via cell phone enabling the patient to by-pass the emergency room. He noted that the current machines had trade-in value which would help off-set the cost of the new equipment.
Firefighter Midgley made a brief presentation to the
Selectmen which provided information/statistics outlining the need of four
firefighter/EMT positions. The Fire
Department was looking to increase staff to match the Town’s growth, which
would allow adequate protection. It was
noted that the square footage of the homes has increased, because some are
difficult to reach, more water is required for suppression. The nationally recognized standard is two
people in a structure, while two remain available outside in the event of a
rescue. Mr. Midgley noted that when an
intermediate person was hired, it was required that they become advanced within
the first year. With additional
personnel the impact on the emergency medical services would allow staffing for
a second ambulance, an increase in availability of advanced life support, more
effective utilization of personnel, improved care for critical care patients,
increased manpower at multiple patient incidents, and more rapid delivery of
services where
There was a brief discussion regarding the decrease in call fire fighters and the need for the station to be covered. Chief Fisher said there may be some people coming forward in the near future.
Chief Fisher stated that they would like to see a $1,100,000 warrant article to put a substation in the vicinity of Ledge Road/Harris Inn area. He understood that there were some in the general public, and in Town government that were reviewing the possibility of borrowing a bond for construction of three substations. He said presently, they were only seeking to do one substation. He said because there was a need to review the Town as a whole, they have brought forward a warrant article (in the amount of $19,450) which would allow a study for the needs/feasibility of fire stations. The funds would be withdrawn from the fund established for the construction of new fire stations from impact fees on newly constructed homes. Chief Fisher said if impact fees could not be used for studies, the language would be deleted from the warrant, except the funds would be raised and appropriated. He said at this point in time he would go along with the recommendation Assistant Chief Cashman, and unless there was an objection, he would take the $1,100,000 warrant article ‘off the table’. There were no objections from the Selectmen, with the exception of Mr. Bergeron who was in favor of the warrant article for one substation, as well as the warrant article for conducting a survey of the Town. There was a brief discussion regarding impact fees and the requirements of collecting them. Mr. McDevitt said he supported a substation, but felt additional information was needed.
There was further discussion regarding the study. Assistant Chief explained that some of the
background would be done internally (call statistics, etc.), and by working in
conjunction with Planning to review build out areas. He provided an example of the type of
companies that would be asked to create the conceptual/cost estimate
review. Chief Fisher said that the
Mr. Lynde asked how the substation would be manned. Chief Fisher said the substation would be manned by call firefighters. He discussed the importance of the call firefighters and noted that without their support, the full-time personnel could not handle what is needed to get done. He said with the substation, response time could be cut dramatically.
Chief Fisher said he didn’t have the warrant article drafted for the fire grant match, and requested that the Selectmen allow him to present it at the next scheduled meeting. He discussed the items that may be applied for through grants.
Cemetery
Mr. Richard Jensen provided the Selectmen with an updated warrant article for a cemetery garage that reflected the increased cost of construction based upon a recent estimate. Cost increased from $97,150 to $119,900.
Mr. Danevich asked if thought had been given to turning the Annex building over to the Cemetery. Mr. Jensen noted that handicap accessibility would be an issue as well as the door measurements, which would barely fit the vehicles.
Mr. Jensen discussed the proposed building and how it would benefit the Cemetery as well as the Town. He noted that the figure submitted to the Selectmen included the septic system. He provided a cost breakdown for review.
Town Warrant
Articles
The Selectmen made the following motions in connection with
submitted warrant articles.
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MOTION: |
(McDevitt/Danevich) To approve the $535,000 warrant
article (to be bonded over a five-years) for Revaluation. |
|
VOTE: |
(4 - 0 - 0) The motion
carries. |
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|
MOTION: |
(Danevich/Bergeron) To approve the $52,000 warrant article
for Defibulators. |
|
VOTE: |
(4 - 0 - 0) The motion
carries. |
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|
MOTION: |
(McDevitt/Danevich) To support the $10,000 warrant article
for Ambulance Capital Reserve. |
|
VOTE: |
(4 - 0 - 0) The motion
carries. |
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Mr. Bergeron made a motion to approve the $20,000 warrant article for Fire Grant Matching; Mr. McDevitt seconded the motion for discussion. He did not support $20,000. Mr. Danevich suggested reducing the amount to $10,000. Mr. McDevitt made a motion to approve $10,000 for Fire Grant Matching. Mr. Danevich seconded.
|
MOTION: |
(McDevitt/Danevich) To approve $10,000 for Fire Grant
Matching. |
|
VOTE: |
(4 - 0 - 0) The motion
carries. |
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|
MOTION: |
(Danevich/McDevitt) To support the $30,000 warrant article
for Fire Protective Clothing. |
|
VOTE: |
(4 - 0 - 0) The motion
carries. |
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|
MOTION: |
(McDevitt/Danevich) To support the $19,450 warrant article
for Fire Sub-Station Survey. |
|
VOTE: |
(4 - 0 - 0) The motion
carries. |
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|
MOTION: |
(Danevich/Bergeron) To support the $75,000 warrant article
for Highway Bridges. |
|
VOTE: |
(4 - 0 - 0) The motion
carries. |
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|
MOTION: |
(Danevich/Bergeron) To support the $78,800 warrant article
for Highway 4x4 Backhoe. |
|
VOTE: |
(4 - 0 - 0) The motion
carries. |
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|
MOTION: |
(Danevich/McDevitt) To approve the $235,961 warrant
article for Highway Block Grant. |
|
VOTE: |
(4 - 0 - 0) The motion
carries. |
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Mr. Danevich reduced the Seniors Bus Capital Reserve warrant article request from $25,000 to $15,000.
|
MOTION: |
(Danevich/Bergeron) To approved the $15,000 warrant
article for the Seniors Bus Capital Reserve. |
|
VOTE: |
(4 - 0 - 0) The motion
carries. |
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|
MOTION: |
(Danevich/McDevitt) To approve the $62,928 warrant article
for Police Cruisers. |
|
VOTE: |
(4 - 0 - 0) The motion
carries. |
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|
MOTION: |
(Danevich/McDevitt) To approve the $32,426 warrant article
for a Police Officer. |
|
VOTE: |
(3 - 1 - 0) The motion
carries. Mr. Bergeron voted no. |
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Mr. Lynde said that the warrant article would be worded to reflect that the appropriation would be identified within the Police Department Budget.
|
MOTION: |
(Danevich/Bergeron) To approve the $42,000 warrant article
for the School Resource Officer. |
|
VOTE: |
(4 – 0 – 0) The motion
carries. |
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Mr. Gaydos discussed the need for a reserve that would cover
emergencies in connection with the new
|
MOTION: |
(McDevitt/Danevich) To approve the $50,000 warrant article
for Town Building Fund, the Board of Selectmen shall be named as agents for
the fund; money will be dispersed through action of the Board of
Selectmen. |
|
VOTE: |
(4 - 0 – 0) The motion
carries. |
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|
MOTION: |
(Danevich/Bergeron) To approve the $15,000 warrant article
for Compensated Absence. |
|
VOTE: |
(4 – 0 – 0) The motion
carries. |
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|
MOTION: |
(Danevich/McDevitt) To approve $35,000 warrant article for
Technology Plan. |
|
VOTE: |
(4 - 0 – 0) The motion
carries. |
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There was a brief discussion regarding how the money would be bonded. Mr. Gaydos said that a bond anticipation note could provide flexibility to decide when best to close the bond. He said there would be authorization to borrow up to $3,000,000, which would not lapse. Mr. Danevich wanted to know if there would be any cost to taxpayers if there were no land acquisition in 2004. Mr. Gaydos answered no and said that any appropriation would go back to the General Fund. He said the authorization would be in place until it was rescinded by the voters.
|
MOTION: |
(Danevich/Bergeron) To approve the $3,000,000 warrant
article for Conservation Fund. |
|
VOTE: |
(4 - 0 – 0) The motion
carries. |
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The money was being requested so it may be added to the funds raised last year.
|
MOTION: |
(McDevitt/Bergeron) To approve the $35,000 warrant article
for Spring Street Betterment. |
|
VOTE: |
(4 – 0 – 0) The motion
carries. |
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|
MOTION: |
(McDevitt/Danevich) To approve the $495,000 warrant
article for Campbell Betterment. |
|
VOTE: |
(4 - 0 – 0) The motion
carries. |
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|
MOTION: |
(Danevich/McDevitt) To approve the $23,724 warrant article
for ADA Library Renovation. |
|
VOTE: |
(4 - 0 – 0) The motion
carries. |
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|
MOTION: |
(McDevitt/Danevich) To approve the $1000 warrant article
for Raymond Park Trees. |
|
VOTE: |
(4 - 0 – 0) The motion
carries. |
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|
MOTION: |
(Danevich/McDevitt) To approve the $9000 warrant article
for Raymond Park Match. |
|
VOTE: |
(4 - 0 – 0) The motion
carries. |
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|
MOTION: |
(Danevich/McDevitt) To approve the $15,000 warrant article
for Forestry Fund Withdrawal. |
|
VOTE: |
(4 - 0 – 0) The motion
carries. |
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|
MOTION: |
(Danevich/McDevitt) To approve the $5000 warrant article
for |
|
VOTE: |
(4 - 0 – 0) The motion
carries. |
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|
MOTION: |
(Danevich/McDevitt) To approve the $47,000 warrant article
for Cable. |
|
VOTE: |
(4 - 0 – 0) The motion carries. |
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The following warrant articles were not supported by the Selectmen:
Assessor Assistant ($11,000) - Mr. Lynde asked Mr. McDevitt to Chair the meeting so he could make a motion to support the warrant article. Mr. Lynde made a motion; the motion was not seconded and therefore failed. Mr. Lynde resumed as Chairman.
Four Firefighters/EMT ($130,000)- Mr. Bergeron made a motion to approve the warrant article; the motion was not seconded and therefore failed.
Fire Substation - Mr. Bergeron made a motion to approve a $1,100,000 warrant article for a fire substation. The motion was not seconded and therefore failed.
Highway Garage ($576,000) - Mr. Bergeron made a motion to approve $576,000 for a Highway Garage. The motion was not seconded and therefore failed.
Highway one-ton plow ($47,500) - Mr. Bergeron made a motion to approve $47,500 for the Highway one-ton plow. The motion was not seconded and therefore failed.
Cemetery Garage ($119,900) - Mr. Bergeron made a motion to approve $119,900 for the Cemetery Garage. The motion was not seconded and therefore failed.
Cemetery Land Purchase ($800,000) - No motion was made for the warrant article (discussed at a previous meeting) to purchase ten acres of land for the Cemetery Trustees. Mr. McDevitt will be meeting with Mr. Jensen to discuss alternate parcels of land.
Children’s Librarian ($24,363) - Mr. Danevich made a motion to approve $24,363 for a Children’s Librarian. Mr. Lynde had Mr. McDevitt Chair so he could second the motion. The vote was (2 - 2 - 0) with Mr. McDevitt and Mr. Bergeron voting no. The motion failed.
Mr. Lynde noted that he had brought two warrant articles forward at the prior meeting; 1) Assistant Planner, and 2) GIS system. He officially withdrew the warrant requests until further review.
ANNOUNCEMENT
Mr. Lynde announced the Police Department would be
sponsoring a computer awareness seminar on
REQUEST FOR NON-PUBLIC SESSION - To discuss contractual issues.
|
MOTION: |
(McDevitt/Bergeron) Request for a non-public session per RSA 91-A:3,II, a (personnel) |
|
ROLL CALL: |
Mr. Lynde-Yes; Mr. McDevitt-Yes; Mr. Bergeron-Yes; Mr. Danevich-Yes |
Mr. Lynde noted that when the Board returned, after the
non-public session, the Board would take further action. The Board entered into a non-public session
at approximately
The Board returned to public session at approximately
Mr. Lynde explained that the Police contract would be ratified to bring the Police salaries up to comparable towns over the period of the contract, which would provide retroactive pay.
|
MOTION: |
(Danevich/McDevitt) To ratify the Police contract and raise and appropriate $112,124 in year one with a total three-year package of $182,085, effective as of April 1, 2002 and ending March 31, 2006. |
|
VOTE: |
(4 - 0 - 0) The motion carries. |
TOWN ADMINISTRATOR/SELECTMEN’S REPORTS
Mr. Gaydos announced that the Winter Parking Ban would be in
effect from
Mr. Danevich deferred his report until the next scheduled meeting.
Mr. Bergeron said that the Regional Water District met on
Thursday and finalized the charter. He
informed that a public hearing would be held on
Mr. McDevitt asked if Mr. Gaydos would make the Code
Enforcement aware of advertising signs that were located at the end of
Mr. Lynde asked if warrant article wording would be complete when presenting to Budget Committee. Mr. Gaydos said most had wording, the others would be reviewed by DRA.
The Selectmen discussed the Code Enforcement Officer position, and asked Mr. Gaydos to set an appointment to meet with the Fire Inspector/Code Officer. There was further discussion regarding the responsibilities of the Fire/Code Officer and the process of hiring full-time employees.
|
MOTION: |
(McDevitt/Bergeron) To seal the minutes of the non-public session indefinitely. |
|
VOTE: |
(4 - 0 - 0) The motion carries. |
ADJOURNMENT
|
MOTION: |
(McDevitt/Bergeron) To adjourn the meeting. |
|
VOTE: |
(4 - 0 - 0) The motion
carries. |
The meeting was adjourned at approximately
Respectfully submitted,
Charity A. L. Willis
Recording Secretary