Chairman Nogues opened the meeting at 6:30 P.M., all Selectmen were present along with members of the public.

The Board further discussed the memo of understanding that was given to Mr. Azmy at the previous Selectmen’s meeting. Selectman Brayshaw voiced a concern that he has not received a confirmation on the memo from Mr. Azmy, and does the Board have any recourse if Mr. Azmy does not sign the memo. The one item of concern is whether the application for turning Mr. Azmy’s residence from a camp to a year round residence been filed? Selectman Brayshaw will contact Mr. Azmy to confirm this.

Chairman Nogues made a motion to go into non-public session in accordance to RSA-91-A:3,II(c) , Selectman O’Connor seconded, all were in favor.

Selectman Brayshaw made a motion to come out of non-public session, Selectman O’Connor seconded, all in favor. Chairman Nogues made a motion to go back into public session, Selectman Brayshaw seconded, all in favor.

The Selectmen discussed a letter from Parks and Recreation informing a great deal of vandalism at Riverside Park. The Selectmen would like to review the reports. Further discussion will continue at the next Selectmen’s meeting. Chairman Nogues recommended that Selectman O’Connor attend the next Park’s and Recreation meeting and take the Selectmen’s concerns to the Board and come back with some recommendations. The next Parks and Rec meeting is on January 17^th.

The Selectmen discussed Town Hall renovations with the Maintenance Supervisor. The Selectmen have prioritized the renovations. A completion date of February 15^th has been set for both Tax Collector and the Town Clerk’s office.

The Town Clerk informed the Selectmen on the information she has retained so far on moving the safe. To have the safe moved could cost up to $1500.00. The Town Clerk in also looking into the cost of a fire proof cabinet with roller shelving to store the vital records.

Selectman Brayshaw made a motion to release the $350.00 from the Bartlett Trust, for and enrichment program scheduled at Simonds Elementary on February 23^rd. Selectman O’Connor seconded, vote taken, all in favor, motion passed.

Selectman O’Connor made recommendations for set office hours for the Finance Director, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., the Board of Selectmen’s Secretary 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and the Assessing Clerk at 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. The Assessing Clerk asked the question if the office hours included pick- ups. Selectman O’Connor stated the hours set are for the office only. Selectman O’Connor asked the Assessor if 20 hours per year for 911, and 20 hours per year for intents- to- cut is enough to maintain them. The Assessor feels she will require more hours for 911. Selectman O’Connor stated the additional hours will be allocated if needed. A daily activity sheet will be filled out by these offices. Chairman Nogues agreed to the recommendations, Selectman Brayshaw would like to table 911 until he obtains more information on it. Selectman O’Connor clarified that the Selectmen are trying to establish a set time frame so that any person can identify that there are certain people with certain skills available. The Selectmen received comments and suggestions from the employees.

Selectman O’Connor made a motion that the stated office hours be put into effect 01/15/2001, Selectman Brayshaw seconded, vote taken, all in favor, motion passed.

The Selectmen held a work session, and went over the budget and made some changes. The Finance Director’s and the Town Clerk’s salary was reduced by $1000.00 from what was originally recommended. Everything else stayed the same.

The Town Clerk (Judy Rogers) asked the Selectmen why they were not recommending an increase for the Town Clerk position. Chairman Nogues stated an increase has always gone before the Town as an elected position, and if the Town Clerk would like a salary increase she would have to request the increase to the Town’s people at Town Meeting. The Town Clerk asked if a salary increase is not being supported by this Board of Selectmen, and Selectman O’Connor agreed.

Judy asked the Selectmen why they are withdrawing the $1000.00 increase, which was approved at the 12/05/2000 Selectmen’s Meeting. Chairman Nogues stated that it was up to the taxpayers. Judy asked if the Board was making it a policy and reminded the Selectmen, that the last increase came from the Board of Selectmen’s office, Elected Official’s salaries, as well as other Town Employees go on a Warrant Article as recommendations by the Board of Selectmen. Chairman Nogues stated that no other employee is receiving an increase with the exception of four people. The Board of Selectmen’s recommendation is to not increase the Town Clerk’s position. Judy asked the Selectmen what would be the show of support from this Board of Selectmen for a job well done. Chairman Nogues stated a 4% (COLA) increase, the same as everyone else. Any more than that would have to be taken to the Town for a vote. Chairman Nogues, and Selectman O’Connor are in agreement with this decision, Selectman Brayshaw does not agree, but he does support the Boards decision in a majority vote. Judy Rogers wanted it stated for the record that this action is not a show of support by the Board of Selectmen for the Town Clerk.

Chairman Nogues then closed the session to any further public comments and made a motion to reduce both the Finance Director and the Town Clerk by $1000.00, and will be reported to the Budget Committee on 01/11, Selectman O’Connor seconded, vote taken, Selectman Brayshaw not in favor, motion passed 2-1.

The Selectmen reviewed the Warrant Articles, no changes where made.

Selectman Brayshaw made a motion to accept the 01/04 minutes with grammar corrections, Selectman O’Connor seconded, vote taken, all in favor, motion passed.

Chairman Nogues will have the final list of committee members for the Martin Building at the next Selectmen’s meeting.

The Selectmen signed one intent-to-cut.

Selectman O’Connor recommended vender fees be tabled until the next Board meeting. Selectman Brayshaw discussed the topic, and will research and come up with a policy.

The Selectmen received public input.

J.D. Colcord informed the Selectmen that he and Steve Winter are on the Education Committee. They will try to define adequacy, which is what drives the cost up or down. Whatever is decided will go back to the Supreme Court to be reviewed on whether the children are receiving an adequate education. Other topics that will go before the committee are Charter Schools, administrative burdens etc., any thoughts, ideas, or requests, let J.D. or Steve Winter know. Also J.D. would like to know what the Town of Warner’s position is on funding and would like the Selectmen’s input. County budget is up about $4,000,000.00, that plus what the school budget is up to, we are looking at a sizeable increase in the property tax burden. On the County budget J.D. is on the sub-committee for Sheriff, County Attorney, Medical Examiner and Medical Referee. J.D. encouraged the Selectmen to attend the public hearing to come and express any concerns about the increasing cost of County Government.

Marianne Howlett (Tax Collector) made a comment, she feels the Board of Selectmen are alienating a lot of good employees, and strongly urges a policy in place about how the Board treats employees in the Town. For the record, no other salary position, other than the Finance Director will be receiving a pay raise. And as an absentee Board, due to full time positions held, Marianne also feels the Town is operating in an efficient manor, which means the Board’s back-up people are good, and they should be adequately rewarded.

Judy Rogers (Town Clerk) commented that if she didn’t attend the Selectmen’s meetings she as a Department Head would not know what is going on. Judy also stated that the Selectmen should require all Department Heads to attend the Board meetings because that is the only way to keep informed. Judy feels disheartened about the decision of the Board not to approve a pay raise for the third year in a row.

Selectman Brayshaw commented that he made a commitment to the Budget Committee that he will have a compensation plan in place for next year. Selectman Brayshaw was not able to put a plan through this year. Also Selectman Brayshaw has followed through on all commitments that he has made. As far as compensation issues, he feels it is a shame the Town employees have not received a raise in three years.

Jeanne Hallenborg stated that when the Town Clerk’s position became salary, increases where according to the State guides. J. D. Colcord confirmed that salaries were kept with the State guidelines as best as possible, also the same was done for the Highway crew, and the Transfer Station. J.D.’s suggestion is to follow the State guidelines. Discussion continued between the Selectmen and the public.

Martha Mical informed the Selectmen that there is a School District Meeting on January 13^th.

Selectman Brayshaw reviewed with the Board compensation that was issued for the past three years. Only two employees received raises. The compensation sheet was put together by the Finance Director.

Marianne Howlett asked Selectman Brayshaw to commit to a committee putting in place some kind of employment policy. Selectman Brayshaw has already made that commitment to the Budget Committee.

Chairman Nogues does not disagree with everyone on the pay raises. He feels the time he has been on the Board, people are not up to where they should be. The scales that are set are not fair. A committee needs to set down scales and parameters for each position held, and then present it to the Board of Selectmen to be put into policy.

Selectman Brayshaw’s frustration comes from having a committee that formulates a plan, then you have new Selectmen that knock it down again.

Marianne Howlett suggested putting the policy in a Warrant Article where it would be voted by the Town and becomes a law.

Discussion continued about set hours, decision was made to stick to the set hours.

Selectman Brayshaw stated we all work together for a common goal. It is noted the extra effort everyone puts in. Discussion continued with the public about compensation.

Finance Director (Wendy Pinkham) made a comment for the record. This is a very difficult time of year from December through March till Town Meeting for everyone. The books are balanced, and need to balance with the Treasurer, everything has to be done an ready for an audit. Wendy feels that it has never been as difficult as it has in the last four years in this Town to get fair compensation for the employees, elected or hired. Its discouraging it hasn’t been resolved. Wendy had not commented on the fact that the vote was taken and a $1000.00 was cut out on what was proposed. She feels that everyone will have to go to the Town for a pay raise. It’s a small percentage from a $2.5 million dollar budget. If you have people that are good then you treat them good. Wendy is not aware of any complaints of services not being provided to the people, and feels everyone works as a team.

Chairman Nogues made a motion to adjourn, Selectmen Brayshaw seconded, motion carried.