Meeting opened at 6:00 p.m.

In Attendance: Selectman David E. Hartman - Chairman, Selectman Wayne Eigabroadt, Selectman Richard A. Cook

Absent: No Members Absent

Others Present: Laura Buono – Town Administrator, Gary S. Clifford –NHDOT, Christine Perron – DES NHDOT Project,  Charlie Blackman – Design DOT, Michael Fudala P.E. - NHDOT, Alan R. Piroso - NHDOT, Brian Hotz - Conservation Commission, Diane Dawson, Walter Dawson, Ken Cogswell, Clark Lindley,  Jamie Royer, Richard Brown - Fire Chief,
K B Klinedinst, Pat & Lee Murray, Michael Henley, Judith Rogers, Jennifer Ohler, Martha Mical, Allan N. Brown & Sarah Allen

Recorder of the minutes: Mary Whalen

1. INFORMATIONAL HEARING PRESENTED BY NH DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Michael Fudala from NH Department of Transportation showed a plan located about 6/10ths of a mile from Route 103 and School Street intersection. The overview of the work entails the embankment slope adjacent to Willow Brook that was washed away during the heavy rains and the flooding that followed in May 2006. The stabilizing stone that was placed after the flooding will be removed; larger stone will be placed permanently to reconstruct the embankment. A guardrail will be installed along with repaving the section that is being worked on. All the work is expected to remain in the existing right-of-way. The intent is to advertise the project for bid so that a contractor can start the project sometime in July. The project is expected to take 2-3 weeks provided that this portion of Pumpkin Hill Road is closed detouring traffic. The estimated cost $140,000 funded 100% by the State of NH. Charlie Blackman presented a more detailed plan: because of the flooding, culverts failed causing the brook to rise to six inches from the top of the road causing erosion along the bank. It is believed the larger stone will be a permanent stabilizer not being compromised by heavy flood water. The State will stabilize 300 ft. First they will dig down about 2 feet, install erosion matting, and then the large stone along with new guardrails. The water will be diverted with sand bags enabling the State to work; the shape of the channel will not be changed. Nine trees will be removed allowing for uniform placement of stone. Private property will not be impacted by this project. The State is envisioning using an excavator which will result in pavement damage; the area will be resurfaced. The State would like to shut down the whole working length of the road diverting traffic through Bartlett Loop. Bartlett Loop would be made more travel friendly by trimming and opening the tree line. The State has considered widening Pumpkin Hill Road, but found the work to be quite extensive; plus, there are implications on what can/cannot be done on the Carroll State Forest side of the road. Christine Perron (DES) added that DOT has the responsibility of providing the proposed environmental impacts the project will have on the surrounding natural, cultural as well as social environment. Key resources are identified in the early stages of the project in order to minimize or avoid impact. DES has reviewed the project area to determine if there are historical or archeological resources affected, no such resources have been identified. In regard to potential impact to other resources the project is not expected to involve substantial impact to hydro, air quality, hazardous materials or floodplain. Work as proposed requires a wetlands permit from DES; the project is classified as a major impact project due to the stream. An application has been submitted to DES, a site visit was conducted, and the permitting officer did not find any concerns with the project.

Chairman Hartman before proceeding to public comments added DOT did contact the Selectmen back in August 2006 for input towards the proposed project. Also contacted was the Public Works Director, Conservation Commission and historical resources. The Selectmen recommended the informational meeting for residents immediately impacted. The Conservation Commission responded that there did not appear to be any problems with the project. The closing of Pumpkin Hill Road and using Bartlett Loop as an alternate route is new to the Selectmen.

COMMENTS

Selectman Eigabroadt asked the Director of Public Works if he foresees any problems utilizing Bartlett Loop in relation to the new culvert. There could be loaded logging trucks using Bartlett Loop. Allan Brown explained that originally when he met with the State his concerns where diverting traffic one way on Bartlett Loop would be OK; the road is only 16’ wide in places. Allan asked the State if they are going to close Pumpkin Hill Road for 24 hours a day. DOT replied that the plan was to close the road until the work was completed. The reason being there are few areas where the construction crew can park their equipment. There is also a safety concern once the guardrails are removed unless additional barricades are brought in, continuing the detour would be the best choice. Mr. Fudala understands the bridge on the north end of Bartlett Loop that was replaced has a rail to rail width of 19’. Allan agreed. Mr. Fudala believes money and time would be saved by closing Pumpkin Hill Road. Allan added that during their discussion earlier in the year it was noted that there is a narrow area near the Fish & Game building. Allan proposed to the State about fixing the corner on Pumpkin Hill Road instead of opening the other end of Bartlett Loop. By using the FEMA money to repair the corner it would enhance the line of sight and eliminate a dangerous intersection. Allan explained the State passed on the proposal, and during the earlier conversation about the proposed construction Allan recalled that if the State was going to put two-way traffic on Bartlett Loop an extensive sign package would be needed to warn people. Allan conducted a traffic count on the corner this past summer amounting to 762 vehicles per day and Bartlett Loop is not used to that kind of traffic. Mr. Fudala agreed, saying that the State is proposing to maintain the unpaved surface, to leave it in as good or better condition. Allan asked if the State plans on any excavation of Pumpkin Hill Road or is the State going to pave over the existing surface. Mr. Fudala explained that the only excavation will be with the stone, there will be an overlay applied to the roadway to restore the surface.

Martha Mical asked when the State was looking to do this project, how much more is the cost to cut back the corner, because the project is a fix for a short period of time. The next time it floods the guardrails will be taken out again and we’ll be back in the same mess. If the State cuts back the corner and moves the road away from the water it would be a one-time fix. Mr. Fudala explained that the State consulted with geotechnical engineers from the Material and Research Bureau who evaluated the site and recommended this treatment be placed as a permanent solution; if the water rises this stone will remain intact. This is large stone placed under controlled conditions. This treatment has been applied in other parts of the State and has held up very well.

Ken Cogswell asked if there is an item for traffic control within the bidding process. Mr. Fudala replied that there was. Ken asked if there is a possibility that the State could use traffic control radios to allow large logging trucks to go one way on Bartlett Loop. Mr. Fudala explained that the State plans on using radios, and based on the comments gathered this evening, it would also be wise to have flagger hours in the bid request to address larger vehicles using Bartlett Loop safely.

Sara Allen asked if Mr. Fudala could speak about the work schedule and any concerns about fishing habitat. Mr. Fudala explained that the State is expecting a contractor out sometime in July with a completion date slated for August 10^th. There is also a period of time after the contract is awarded that is necessary to help develop the erosion control plan to make sure erosion material does not enter the brook.

A gentleman named Steve asked if the area where the children like to fish will be affected. Mr. Fudala explained the only substantial change will be the removal on 9 trees. The only changes to the road will be a new guardrail and a fresh surface.

Clark Lindley is concerned about safety, and does not understand why one lane could not be utilized at the end of the construction work day. Clark recommends input from the Fire Chief. Clark being familiar with the contours of Bartlett Loop suggests at night the road could become narrower. Will all the rescue apparatus be able to use Bartlett Loop? Clark made a point based on the State’s proposal, there is a rest area around the corner heading north that could possibly accommodate the excavator, and this would allow passage at least one way on Pumpkin Hill in the evening hours. Mr. Fudala added that this meeting is for gathering input, nothing is set in stone at this point. If it is strongly felt that Pumpkin Hill should remain open in one direction from a safety standpoint the State could change their proposal.

Walter Dawson added that there is no way two vehicles can pass on Bartlett Loop; it was set up for one vehicle. Mr. Dawson is in favor of the Pumpkin Hill project and would like to see the road made wider on the corner. But as far as making Bartlett Loop a two-way traffic road, there is not enough room. The only safe way is to place traffic lights at both ends. Mr. Fudala suggested rather than traffic lights the State could limit the use of Bartlett Loop to daytime alternating one-way with a flagger positioned at either end that would help guide the traffic through safely. Then at the end of the work day reconsider the original plan and re-open Pumpkin Hill one-way. Mr. Fudala is concerned that there are no residents along the Pumpkin Hill section, there are on Bartlett Loop and it would have to be very clear as to what direction the residents that live on Bartlett Loop were to go during that period. It may be necessary to include a third flagger in the area of the residences for additional guidance.

Jamie Royer is concerned about how stable the rocks will be; also when the construction is finished will the stream be put back to its natural state? Mr. Fudala explained that the stream bed won’t change the sand bags will be used to divert the water primarily to isolate the work area in order to work in a dry area. The appearance of the stone slope afterwards will be such that the rocks will be placed. It will be safe to walk on and a more uniform surface. Mr. Royer also asked if the contractor will be held liable for any environmental damage from hydraulic leakage from the machinery; will anyone be there supervising the equipment? Mr. Fudala explained that if there is leakage on site the State inspector will control and correct. Mr. Royer recommended referencing a project in Alton, where an embankment was fixed and the excavator stayed close enough to allow traffic to pass. Mr. Fudala explained that after the guardrail is removed the excavator cannot be close to the edge. The road is only 20’ wide, the excavator track covers 15’. Without the use of Bartlett Loop the cost would probably more than double. The road would need to be widened by 8 or more feet, there would be environmental ramifications cutting into the hillside, more trees would need to be removed, along with drainage modifications delaying the project from being completed.

Richard Brown, Fire Chief added that as long as Bartlett Loop is maintained by traffic control during high usage, things should be fine. If there is a situation above the project, we can quickly make the road one-way. Mr. Fudala said that a statement could be included within the documents requiring and emphasizing the importance of allowing free passage of emergency vehicles during the work day. There will also be scheduled a pre-construction meeting that will include the Selectmen along with Fire, Police and Public Works to ensure that there are no unknowns or misinterpretation of the work that is being done.

Clark Lindley added that he would assume that the suggestion has been put forward to include having Pumpkin Hill Road open through the weekends. Mr. Fudala said yes, and if it seems that the road could be open at the end of the work day he sees it logical to do so.

Phil Stockwell understands the justification for this project is safety and the road being stable over time. Mr. Fudala said yes. Mr. Stockwell suggests that the State needs to reorder their priorities because from his point of view the biggest issue of safety is the corner at Fish & Game. It hasn’t been addressed and for many years people have been concerned about that corner through all kinds of weather any time of year. The corner is very dangerous. To put the stabilization project ahead of the corner is foolish. The State is responsible for that safety issue and they have not addressed it. Mr. Fudala recommends that if there are areas of State maintained sections that need to have work then the Town Officials should work with the Regional Planning Commission to address certain issues. Mr. Stockwell asked if he was aware that the Town did come to the State about the corner. Mr. Fudala was not aware, he is not aware of the area history. Mr. Fudala was charged with the proposed project. Mr. Stockwell added about safety issues raised using Bartlett Loop as an alternative way; both he and his wife have strong concerns.

Mr. Fudala added that typically contractors begin at 7:00 a.m. and quit around 3:00 p.m., and understands that the majority of the traffic is first thing in the morning.

A resident who lives on Bartlett Loop asked when pulling out of their driveway, how are they to know what direction the traffic is flowing? Mr. Fudala said a flagger would need to be used or work could be confined to begin at 8:00 a.m. The work is estimated to take 2 weeks.

Martha Mical asked if the rain water that pours off the hill flooding the road be addressed at the same time since they are going to be in the same area. Mr. Fudala agreed that if there are problems this would be a good time to address them. Allan added that one of the culverts is falling apart.

Allan Brown asked how deep the stone line will be. Mr. Fudala explained that the thickness is 2’ minimum. Mr. Fudala said that they would look at both of the culverts.

Allan asked what the test borings determined. Mr. Fudala said that it was largely sandy soil.

It was asked if there is a built in contingency in case there are problems. Mr. Fudala said yes.

It was asked to repeat the modifications to Bartlett Loop. Mr. Fudala said that he was told there is brush on the roadside that is beginning to encroach into the road; there is consideration toward clearing the brush. Tree branches that are encroaching would also be cleared (not the trees) to make it passable. If the road surface is damaged the contractor would grade. Dust control is also included.

Allan asked if the project considered lighted signs for the evening. Mr. Fudala said if it is felt that it would be a big safety improvement then lighted signs could be considered and added.

Public Comments Concluded at 7:00 p.m.

2. PUBLIC HEARING

The Warner Board of Selectmen held a public hearing on Tuesday, March 20, 2007 @ 7:00 p.m. at the Town Hall, 5 E. Main St. in Warner, for the purpose of hearing public testimony and information on the acceptance of the following grant: FEMA/Homeland Security Firefighter Grant Program in the amount of $231,135.00.

Public Comments:

It was asked if the Towns portion needs to be included. Laura replied no.

Selectman Cook asked when the vehicle would be purchased. Fire Chief Richard Brown explained that Valley Transportation will build the vehicle, funding the entire project to completion. The vehicle needs to be complete by January 18, 2008, but is expected by the end of the year. The vehicle will be all wheel drive; it will also have Class A & B foam to deal with hazardous material spills.

The Board of Selectmen thanked the Fire Department for their efforts.

Public Hearing closed at 7:16 p.m.

Selectman Cook made the motion to accept and expend $231,135 grant from the FEMA/Homeland Security Firefighter Grant Program. Selectman Eigabroadt seconded the motion. A vote was taken. Motion passed unanimously.

3. Ken Klinedinst – Open Government

Ken asked if the Department Head salaries, percentage of increase, what the maximum is and who is at maximum be emailed to him.

Ken asked if the individuals that submitted Volunteer Interest Forms have their applications and resumes available for public inspection. Ken was supplied with a copy of the volunteer interest forms and the resumes submitted.

Ken read an open letter to the Selectmen:

In 2006 the Warner Board of Selectmen (the board) made a procedural change to the processing of invoices and check approval for payment. This change, which was a public proceeding, was removed from the Board’s public meetings, and replaced by a procedure which has been described to me via Email (Jan. 10, 2007, 8:53 a.m.) by the Town Administrator Laura Buono as:

Concealing the financial transactions affecting the citizens of Warner, is in violation of; Title VI: Chapter RAS 91-A requirement that Town business be conducted in public unless subject to an exemption. Invoices and check approval for payment does not meet the exemption rules.

A violation just as severe is the transfer of statutory authority from the Board of Selectmen to the Town Administrator. Unlike the Board of Selectmen and other town employees the Town Administrator is not a sworn town officer, not defined, or found, in New Hampshire Statutes, which is the controlling legal authority for the State of New Hampshire and its government.

Title III: CHAPTER 41 CHOICE AND DUTIES OF TOWN OFFICERS, of the statues are specific; the Board of Selectmen are responsible for the financial duties of the town.

The selectmen shall pay all sums of money received by them in behalf of the town to the town treasurer immediately after receipt and state to him from whom and for what received. (EMPHASIS ADDED)

They shall draw orders upon the treasurer for the payment of all accounts and claims against the town allowed by them, and take proper vouchers therefore. (EPHASIS ADDED)

They shall keep a fair and correct account of all moneys received, all accounts and claims settled and all orders drawn by them, and of all their other financial transactions in behalf of the town. (EMPHASIS ADDED)

The Selectmen shall be responsible for establishing and maintaining appropriate internal control procedures to ensure the safeguarding of all town assets and properties. (EMPHASIS ADDED)

 

Removing invoices and check approval for payment, from public view, transferring authority to the Town Administrator, an employee who is not authorized by statue to act upon the financial duties for the selectmen requires an explanation by the Board.

Did the board vote at public proceeding to remove the process of invoice payments from the publics view?

What Statue did the board rely on to take this action?

Will the Board restore this procedure to their public meetings?

Ken Klinedinst

Warner, NH

Selectman Cook responded by asking why Mr. Klinedinst feels the process of invoice payments has been removed from public view? It’s all available for public view. Mr. Klinedinst understands that historically it has always been done in an open session. Selectman Eigabroadt asked for specifics. Ken explained the processing of invoices and check approval. Selectman Cook explained that the processing of invoices and check approvals has not been processed by this Board in a public session; the Selectmen have approved expenditures over $5,000. Then, when the Town Administrator arrived it was raised to $10,000. All records are public information. Mr. Klinedinst is expecting a response to the letter submitted.

Laura added that one of the issues discussed with the Selectmen is an internal control policy that she has begun to work on, which Laura briefly discussed with Ken through email communication. Included would be a manifest for the Selectmen to approve in a public session. The Selectmen currently review the manifest for both payroll and payables. Selectman Eigabroadt added that the manifest is not required to be addressed in a public session. The Selectmen take care of the prudential affairs of the Town. Authorization to spend the money is granted at Town Meeting. Paying invoices and approving checks is a prudential affair. Ken disagrees, a manifest at this time would be appropriate. Selectmen Cook and Eigabroadt do not recall during their tenure approving manifests in public.

Ken added when surveying past Selectmen approving expenditures was always completed during a Selectmen’s meeting. Fire Chief Richard Brown added that in the last year he has been more involved with his expenditures than he was before. The department heads now review all the invoices pertaining to their department.

Ken added that it’s been taken from a public session and given to the Town Administrator. The Selectmen will consider and respond to Ken’s letter.

4. AUDIT

Clark Lindley asked if the Town has entered into contract for a 2005/2006 audit. Laura explained that a contract has not been signed yet; she is waiting for one more firm to send a price so the Board of Selectmen can review everything at one time. A Town Report along with a fixed asset schedule has been sent along to the firms that are submitting quotes. Mr. Lindley asked if 2004/2005 was audited. Laura explained 2004/2005 was audited, but not under GASB. Clark asked if the audit was qualified or unqualified. Laura answered unqualified; also the future audit will be done as GASB-34. Clark recommended RFP’s should be put out for all the institutions the Town works with i.e. banking institutions, attorneys, accountants etc. Clark also asked, for example page 29 of the Town Report for more of a comparison from year to year.

5. Jennifer Ohler

Jennifer spoke about Town Meeting and how the voters approved the purchase of a 4-wheel drive vehicle for the Police Department and then the Town unanimously asked both Federal and State government to do their best to reduce emissions and other actions that cause climate change. Jennifer is asking the Board to use their prerogative and combine the two requests and come up with a 4-wheel drive vehicle that will use less energy. At this time a Ford Expedition has been ordered. Selectman Eigabroadt believes that the department heads know what is best for their department. The Police Department has researched different sized vehicles; the Expedition proved to be the right size vehicle to house all the needed equipment. Selectman Cook disagrees; the Selectmen should be able to give direction toward types of equipment. But, the process began last October and now the Police Chief is waiting on a delivery date. Jennifer believes that based on the Town Meeting the Selectmen do have a duty to ask the departments to stay within certain parameters. Chairman Hartman noted that part of the article in the Town Report is the establishment of an energy committee. Selectman Eigabroadt noted that the Town has replaced windows; retro fitted the light fixtures to use energy efficient lights etc.. The Ford Expedition leans more toward safety; the vehicle is not going to be used on a regular basis.

Martha Mical added that article 25 in the Town Report can be applied toward the future; the 4-wheel vehicle for the Police Department was discussed and acted upon before Town Meeting.

Ken Klinedinst noted that the prior 1981, 4-wheeled vehicles do not have any emissions controls; the Expedition has all the current emission controls.

An audience member named Steve noted the emissions with these vehicles are very stringent.

The Selectmen’s office received 8 letters asking consideration toward an energy efficient vehicle.

6. POSTING OF CLASS V ROADS

Selectman Cook made the motion to post Class V Roads to a 6 ton weight limit until rescinded. Selectman Eigabroadt seconded the motion. All were in favor. The motion passed.

7. VETERANS TAX CREDITS

Selectman Eigabroadt made the motion to approve the Veterans Tax Credit in the amount of $500 for map 15 lot 12, map 30 lot 12 and map 7 lot 31-1-1. Selectman Cook seconded the motion. All were in favor. The motion passed.

8. RECYCLING PAMPHLET

The Selectmen reviewed the final draft. Changes will be submitted to the Selectmen’s secretary.

9. CURRENT USE

Selectman Cook made the motion to approve an application for current-use located on map 14 lot 49. Selectman Eigabroadt seconded the motion. All were in favor. The motion passed.

10. ADMINISTRATORS REPORT

Fire Department – There was an accident on Friday (03/16/07) involving one of the fire trucks. According to Chief Brown, the fire truck was parked on I-89 to attend to an accident when another vehicle being driven at the rate of 65 miles per hour in the snowstorm (she admitted her speed to the state trooper) slammed into the fire truck. Evidently the other vehicle was totaled, occupant went to the hospital, but none of our employees were hurt. A report has been sent to our insurance company.

Poverty Plains Rd. – Laura was involved in a conference call between the Estate of Neil Cohen and the Town of Warner on March 8, 2007 with regard to moving forward with the marketing of the property. As part of the last discussion on the Selectmen level, the Board asked Laura to move forward and getting approval from both the Estate and the Bank for the removal of the mobile home. Both the Estate and the Bank agree on the removal and now the Estate would like to move forward with the plans to market the property (see attached letter). The Estate asked if the Town is interested in having the Estate market the property as a building lot allowing a prospective buyer to be able to move a mobile home on the lot. Zoning ordinance allows up to 180 days once a mobile home is removed. Because ownership changes, the property may convert to current zoning ordinance regulations. The Selectmen desire to make the lot conforming rather than non-conforming. The Zoning Board will be consulted along with legal advice. Selectman Eigabroadt made the motion to return map 7 lot 70-4 to a conforming lot contingent upon legal opinion. Selectman Cook seconded the motion. All were in favor. The motion passed.

Town Meeting – As a result of Town Meeting, Laura would like to find out which way the Board wants to proceed with the review of the wage scale for the Transfer Station. A work session will be scheduled; Selectman Cook would like to know what is exactly covered by the amount discussed at Town Meeting. Selectman Eigabroadt added that Paul Fouliard stood before the voters and quoted specific amounts for himself, Foreman and attendants, the Town voted to do so and it would behoove the Selectmen to carry out their vote. Chairman Hartman does not disagree, stepping back from Town Meeting and understanding what the Town had said; Chairman Hartman needs to know if the Selectmen were wrong in the pay scales that were established. Chairman Hartman also needs to know why the comparisons that Paul presented overwhelmed what the Selectmen put together 5 months before Town Meeting. Selectman Eigabroadt did not get the impression that the voters were saying the studies were wrong, his impression was pay Paul what he wants because the voters feel he deserves it. Selectman Cook does not believe the voters were convinced either way. The Transfer Station employees had 5-6 weeks of lobbying at the Transfer Station; the Selectmen did not enjoy that opportunity. Most minds were made up prior to Town Meeting. The Selectmen will first focus on reviewing the wage scale. Laura feels that Town Counsel failed to go further on his legal opinion. Even though the Town voted to do this the Selectmen are not obligated to put those monies into those salaries the way it was said. Town Counsel said the voters could direct the Selectmen which is true, but did not further explain the Selectmen are not obligated. Selectman Eigabroadt feels that the Selectmen are obligated politically. Laura is looking at the total impact on all the employees, do we use the current process for next year or will every department be submitting their own petitions. The residents were clear, they want the Board to look at the Transfer Station wage scales, money was allotted for additional wage increases for the Transfer Station, but on the same token the Board has the same responsibility to address the prudent affairs of the Town. The figures that were given at Town Meeting were 2007 figures which have not been applied to any of the current scales. It has been discussed that positions should be compared to other like towns (apples to apples). Because of the size of the Town there are positions that do more than larger towns. Laura is looking for direction from the Board on how to look at the positions and establish the wage scales; Laura feels that if you change one department you should change them all. Selectman Eigabroadt recommends looking at 2007 figures. Chairman Hartman added to respond to the article on the Town Warrant the Selectmen should reassess the wage scale for the Transfer Station in particular, the proposed wages for the Transfer Station are outside the current wage scale that is what needs to be looked at; the other departments do not need to be looked at as intensively. Selectman Cook feels that the wage scales need to be looked at similarly. The Selectmen will hold a work session on March 27^th beginning at 8:00 a.m.

Ken Klinedinst commented that if the Town continues to use wage studies as a base, it will be a never ending battle. Ken believes Warner and other towns in NH are unique. Why can’t Warner be unique and pay what we think our people should be paid? How do you plan for the future and how do you get quality people interested in working in Warner. Selectman Eigabroadt agreed, his opinion on the wage study is it was a great tool to make sure you were in the ballpark, but then Selectman Eigabroadt feels the wage study should have been thrown away and then Warner’s wage scale should have looked at the performance of each job.

Judith Rogers added that what Selectman Eigabroadt said was the intention of the wage study because the job descriptions were adopted at the same time as the wage study was adopted and the job descriptions were created by the Department Head which was meant to continue on and expand and never did.

Safety Policy – The Joint Loss Management Committee has just about completed the Town’s Safety Policy and there are only a couple of minor changes that need to be made prior to it being distributed to the Selectmen for approval.

Hartshorn Lane - A new resident of Hartshorn Lane contacted Laura with regard to the possibility of the Town paving the road. Laura explained that the road is private and there would be many steps the Town would have to take before any consideration of paving could take place. Allan and Laura would like to speak to the Board in the near future, once some research has been done, on the continuation of maintenance of that road.

NH Retirement – Through the Legislative Bulletins, there has been quite a bit of information circulating on the NH Retirement System and the questionable ongoing funding of the health benefit for retirees. Laura has attached some information (and proposal) that the Committee on Government Affairs has drafted for LGC which has been discussed on the floor of the legislature. There is still a push by municipal government for the legislature to allow a member of municipal government to sit on the Board of the Retirement System so that we’re fairly represented. Laura will keep the Board posted on the progress.

Parks & Recreation – The Parks and Recreation Department is currently requesting proposals for a commercial mower for the purpose of maintaining the fields. Laura has been waiting for George Saunders to advise as to whether or not they are ready to advertise for an individual to assume the field maintenance responsibilities and if so, the schedule they would like to be followed. The duties that Parks & Recreation had previously sent to the Selectmen at the beginning of the budget season will be followed. Does the Board have any concerns with moving forward at this time? Selectman Cook asked if there are advantages in adding other responsibilities to the position.

Custodian Duties – Laura has forwarded to the Selectmen in an earlier memorandum, Mary Whalen would like to continue to perform the custodial duties previously done by Lisa Stasalovich. Mary had handled these duties previously and has been performing them in the absence of a custodian.

Census Bureau – A meeting is scheduled for March 30, 2007 please advise Laura if any of the Selectmen wish to attend.

11. PICK UP CONTRACT

The Selectmen reviewed the contract submitted by Commerford Nieder Perkins for April 1, 2007 pick-ups. The contract changed from a per pick-up rate to an hourly rate if the Assessor needs to go back to a property. The Assessing Clerk will attempt to mitigate the schedule; the Assessing Clerk will approach the Selectmen to ask if they desire the Assessor to make a second attempt or the Assessing Clerk. The hourly rate for the Assessor is $58 per hour.

12. MEETING MINUTES

Selectman Cook made a motion to approve nonpublic meeting minutes dated March 6, 2007. Selectman Eigabroadt seconded the motion. All were in favor. The motion passed.

13. GENERAL COMMENTS

Selectman Eigabroadt recommends that the meeting agenda’s be more specific for public purposes, especially if it includes a nonpublic session. Laura explained that the law requires a posting of the meeting but does not require an agenda.

Selectman Cook asked that a letter from Arnold Graton concerning the Bagley covered bridge be forwarded to the Historical Society.

Ken Klinedinst spoke about the process of going from a public session to a nonpublic session.

Judith Rogers asked Laura if NH Retirement is making a differentiation between towns/cities that do cover the medical and town that don’t. Laura said they are looking at the benefit you get as part of NH Retirement.

14. NONPUBLIC SESSION

Selectman Cook made a motion to go into nonpublic session as allowed by RSA 91-A: 3 II (c,) reputation. Selectman Eigabroadt seconded the motion. Roll call vote was taken. Selectman Cook, Aye; Selectman Eigabroadt, Aye; and Chairman Hartman, Aye. The motion passed.

Selectman Cook moved that the Board of Selectmen come out of Nonpublic Session. Chairman Hartman seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken. Selectman Cook – Aye; Selectman Eigabroadt, Aye; and Chairman Hartman – Aye. The motion passed unanimously.

Selectman Cook moved to seal and restrict the minutes of the Nonpublic Session pursuant to the authority granted in RSA 91-A:3 III. Chairman Hartman seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken. Selectman Cook – Aye; Selectman Eigabroadt, Aye; Chairman Hartman – Aye. The motion passed unanimously.

Motion to adjourn

Board of Selectmen

David E. Hartman – Chairman
Wayne Eigabroadt
Richard A. Cook