Chairman Brayshaw opened the meeting at 5:30 p.m.

In attendance: Selectman John C. Brayshaw – Chairman and Selectman Peter St. James

Recorder of the minutes is Mary Whalen.

The Selectmen began the meeting with interviews of candidates that have expressed their interest for the vacant Selectman’s seat. The interested candidates are Wayne Eigabroadt, Chris Perkins, David Hartman and Harold French. The Selectmen asked general questions beginning with Wayne Eigabroadt.

Mr. Eigabroadt would like to see the growth limited responsibly. The tax base needs to be considered along with the growth. Mr. Eigabroadt has lived in town since 1983 and is looking to run for the Selectman’s position in March 2005. Mr. Eigabroadt is interested in the budget process, would like to learn about the Planning and Zoning aspects of the town and has an extensive background in police. Mr. Eigabroadt sees the role of Selectman as a community service, attending meetings and being out in the public and working with the community, and also a chance to give back to the community.

Chris Perkins has been involved with the Budget Committee for a number of years. Mrs. Perkins would like to see limited growth from the stand point of business’s to relieve the tax base, such as developing the down town area in keeping with the towns character and utilizing the space that is available and also developing the exit 9 area. Mrs. Perkins has lived in Warner since 1983. Mrs. Perkins sees grants as a source of revenue for the town and encourages departments to research the source. Mrs. Perkins would like to bring a woman’s perspective to the Board of Selectmen and also be a common Board. Also, Mrs. Perkins biggest goal would be to bring the Board of Selectmen as a unit to the Budget Committee (key meetings) and to all Boards/Committee. Mrs. Perkins has served on two Wage Study Committees, Treasurer to the Warner Village Water District, and also the Budget Committee. Mr. Richard Senor asked, if as Selectperson would Mrs. Perkins follow as other Selectmen have done and try to keep the Town’s tax rate the same as it has been throughout the years although some services have been cut because of it? Mrs. Perkins commented that it is important to maintain the tax rate to keep it as level as possible avoiding any spikes. Selectman St. James stated that he has received comments concerning the transition from Budget Committee to Selectperson, the concern is all attention would be on the budget and the bottom line and that any gains made by the employees would be jeopardized. Mrs. Perkins commented that she has sat on two Wage Study Committees because she feels that the employees should be compensated fairly. Mrs. Perkins also has ten years background in Human Resources and would like to bring that experience to the Selectman’s position. Mrs. Perkins plans on running for the position in March 2005.

Harold French has lived in Warner for about 18 years. Mr. French would like to see safe growth. Being in real estate Mr. French sees towns changing their zoning ordinances so as not to allow any growth, resulting in the escalation of real estate prices. Children of the future will not be able to afford housing if there is no land available. Mr. French supports the commercial growth at Exit 7 & 9 and also the development of land, growth is and will be coming to Warner. Mr. French commented that the country has legislated itself to the point of either you have enough money to build and own a home or you don’t do it at all. The average home sale in the Town of Warner is over $200,000.00, if you shrink the available land by raising lot sizes and not allowing development on Class VI roads the prices are going to go out of control. Mr. French would like to add his way of thinking to the Board, try it for 10 months and then see where it goes from there.

David Hartman has lived in Warner for 28 years. Mr. Hartman would like to see Warner adhere to some of the Master Plan and preserve open space followed with development in the right places. Mr. Hartman helped develop the Master Plan. Mr. Hartman was on the Parks & Recreation Commission years ago, the school district building committee (not the current school building issues), and is a Pillsbury Free Library Trustee. Mr. Hartman has promoted the Town’s ordinance for mandatory recycling, serves on the Recycle Committee, has been a Water Precinct Commissioner and has previously run for the Selectman’s position. Mr. Hartman would like to bring better communication between all Boards/Committees. Richard Senor asked Mr. Hartman if he would still Chair the Recycle Committee if he becomes Selectman. Mr. Hartman would give up that position.

Conservation Commission representatives Brian Hotz and Richard Cook along with Mr. Eubanks met with the Selectmen to finalize a Conservation Easement on Mr. Eubanks property located up on Cunningham Pond Road. Mr. Eubanks is also donating an easement to the Forest Society and the Town of Warner with the ability to post for hunting.

Chairman Brayshaw made the motion to go into non-public session per RSA 91-A; 3 II (a) compensation. Selectman St. James seconded the motion. All were in favor.

Chairman Brayshaw made a motion to close the non-public session and re-open the public session along with sealing the minutes from the non-public session. Selectman St. James seconded the motion. All were in favor.

The Selectmen reviewed a copy of the updated informational Charette letter that will be inserted with the tax billing. The change to the Charette letter is a list of the meeting dates. The Selectmen approved the change.

Chairman Brayshaw made the motion to go into non-public session per RSA 91-A; 3 II (d) consideration to purchase property. Selectman St. James seconded the motion. All were in favor.

Chairman Brayshaw made a motion to close the non-public session and to re-open the public session. Selectman St. James seconded the motion all were in favor.

Chairman Brayshaw made the motion to go into non-public session per RSA 91-A; 3 II (a) compensation. Selectman St. James seconded the motion. All were in favor.

Chairman Brayshaw made a motion to close the non-public session and re-open the public session along with sealing the minutes from the non-public session. Selectman St. James seconded the motion. All were in favor.

The Finance Director asked the Selectmen if calling cards from Sam’s Club might be purchased to offset the cost of the long distance on the phone bill. The calling cards offer 2.96 cents a minute, and they are renewable. The Selectmen agreed.

The Selectmen proceeded to compare the quotes submitted for a new phone system within the Town Hall. One quote was submitted by HighSpeed Communications out of Manchester the other from TDS Telecom. Selectman St. James made a motion to accept the submitted quote by TDS Telecom. Chairman Brayshaw seconded the motion. All were in favor.

Chairman Brayshaw made a motion to approve the meeting minutes date April 13, 20 & 27^th as well as non-public meeting minutes dated April 13 & 20, 2004. Selectman St. James seconded the motion. All were in favor.

The Selectmen signed an appointment form for Central New Hampshire Regional Planning Commission. Chairman Brayshaw made a motion to appoint Rick Davies and Jim McLaughlin as representative to CNHRPC. Selectman St. James seconded the motion.

Chairman Brayshaw made a motion to accept the following bids for Parks & Recreation, the annual mowing was awarded to Neil D. Nevins, the Skate Park pad was awarded to Kearsarge Paving, the concrete for the Babe Ruth dugouts was awarded to A&A and Sons Landscaping and the fencing for the Babe Ruth field was awarded to Campbell Fence & Granite Co. Selectman St. James seconded the motion. All were in favor.

The Selectmen signed an intent-to-cut, Maintenance Request to board the windows at the Martin Building and fix the fan in the ladies room, vacation request for Selectmen’s secretary.

Motion to adjourn at 10:00 p.m.

Board of Selectmen

John C. Brayshaw – Chairman

Peter St. James