Chairman Mical opened the meeting at 6:00 p.m.; in attendance were Selectman Edward F. Mical – Chairman, Selectman John C. Brayshaw, and Selectman Allen C. Brown along with members of the public.

Recorder of the minutes is Mary Whalen.

Mr. Brian Patsfield met with the Board of Selectmen to discuss two properties he felt were being used as junk yards. One that is located on Poverty Plains Road which is owned by Mr. Gamil Azmy and the other on Route 103 East on the Webster town line which is also owned by Mr. Azmy. Neither property is covered by a junkyard license. Mr. Patsfield presented pictures to the Board of the property on Poverty Plains Road. Mr. Patsfield stated that the majority of the property is in the flood plain, Mr. Patsfield pointed out to the Board that the flood plain area has been filled in. Also there are a number of vehicles that do not have a valid vehicle registration (along with a valid inspection sticker) and refrigerators that are a safety concern. At the property on Route 103, there are also a number of concerns such as the signage, the number of vehicles, and the excavation work that is currently going on. There is also a question regarding a possible leach field that may not have been State approved. Mr. Patsfield encouraged the Board to take some action on all the violations. Mr. Patsfield feels that the excessive amount of materials that are being stored on the property located on Route 103 is lowering the value of the property. The Board of Selectmen will visit the site on Route 103 Friday morning on April 18, 2003 at 8:00 a.m.

Richard Senor met with the Board regarding a grant writer. Information was forwarded to Mr. Senor on a grant writer (on file).

Health Officer, Charles Durgin, met with the Board to discuss an ongoing situation on Connors Mill Road regarding a septic system that is not State approved. The situation has been on going since April of 2001. The homeowner (Mr. William Roach) has contacted Selectman Brayshaw stating that he cannot pay the fines that have been initiated by the Board. Selectman Brayshaw advised Mr. Roach to contact the Selectmen’s office to make an appointment to see the Board. Mr. Roach has made no contact. The State has recommended fines or eviction. Mr. Durgin will contact the State again for advisement.

Wage Study Committee – The Board further discussed the formulation of the committee. Chairman Mical obtained information from the New Hampshire Municipal Association, which in turn sent the Board a proposal to establish a wage structure based on comparative towns. The Board discussed the cost of the proposal. Chairman Mical will contact communities who have had their wage structure developed by the New Hampshire Municipal Association.

Security System for the Town Hall was discussed. The dialer system for the Town Hall is outdated. A new dialer system will cost an additional $307.00. The Board approved the additional cost to the original proposal. (No motion)

Hopkinton Fair Detail – Selectman Brown would like to make contact with the Fair Board in order to see if an agreement could be met before the Board of Selectmen pursues the non-payment of detail any further. The remaining Board members agreed that one more try could be beneficial.

The Board of Selectmen received clarification from the State Department of Revenue Administration about the Pleasant Lake Campground, tax bills must be submitted to the individual owners of the campers.

Building Inspector – the current Building Inspector (Dennis Lebrecque) will be taking a medical leave. The Board will be looking for a replacement.

Stipends – Selectman Brayshaw made a motion to reinstate the process of offering stipends in lieu of health benefits. Selectman Brown seconded the motion. All were in favor. The motion passed.

A Public Hearing will be scheduled on May 6, 2003 to accept Federal grant money for the Riverwalk project.

Chairman Mical made a motion to appoint Samuel Cavallero to Parks and Recreation for a three-year term. Selectman Brayshaw seconded the motion. All were in favor. The motion carried.

Chairman Mical discussed having quarterly meetings with all the Chairmen of the towns various boards. This first meeting will be scheduled in May.

Chairman Mical made a motion to approve the March 25, 2003 meeting minutes. Selectman Brown seconded the motion. All were in favor. The motion passed.

Chairman Mical made a motion to approve the March 25, 2003 non-public meeting minutes. Selectman Brown seconded the motion. All were in favor. The motion passed.

Chairman Mical made a motion to approve the April 8, 2003 meeting minutes with corrections. Selectman Brown seconded the motion. All were in favor. The motion passed.

Mr. Robert O’Connor asked the Board about the status regarding an outstanding account with E & R Cleaners because they were not cleaning the uniforms at the Transfer Station. Chairman Mical explained that the account was resolved with E & R Cleaners through an agreed payment between the company and the Board. Mr. O’Connor asked if Town Counsel advised the resolution. Chairman Mical explained that it was a Board decision to settle the account. Mr. O’Connor stated that the Board should have sought Town Counsel’s advice since there was never any cleaning of the uniforms done by E & R Cleaners.

Chairman Mical asked the Finance Director, Wendy Pinkham to join the Selectmen’s meeting. Chairman Mical asked Mrs. Pinkham if Town Counsel was in contact with her within the last two weeks regarding E & R Cleaner. Mrs. Pinkham stated that the only contact regarding Town Counsel and E & R Cleaners took place approximately two months ago. Chairman Mical clarified with Mrs. Pinkham that the Board was not missing any information regarding E & R Cleaners.

Barbara Annis asked the Board about the listing of the Planning Board members in the Town Report. Mr. Orbacz should be listed as an Alternate to the Planning Board. Mrs. Annis would like to speak to the Board in a non-public session regarding welfare and elderly exemption. Chairman Mical asked Mrs. Annis to do so at the next Selectmen’s meeting.

The Board signed the following:

3 Town Hall rentals

6 Current-Use applications

Intent-to-cut

Mileage reimbursement

4 Building Permits

Demolition Permit

The Board asked the Finance Director about certain line items regarding the Transfer Station budget referencing propane usage and diesel fuel. Selectman Brown asked what has been spent under Building Maintenance; it is currently at 85% of the budget. Mrs. Pinkham explained that Aubuchon Hardware, Tombs Door, Sam’s Club, and Kearsarge Propane have been charged to the Building Maintenance line.

Selectman Mical made the motion to adjourn at 8:10 p.m. Selectman Brown seconded the motion. All were in favor. The motion passed.

Edward F. Mical – Chairman

John C. Brayshaw

Allen C. Brown