In Attendance: Selectman Robert C. O’Connor – Chairman

Selectman John C. Brayshaw

Selectman Edward F. Mical

Recording secretary: Mary Whalen

Public Attendance: Chris Perkins, Clark Lindley, Liz Young, Jim McLaughlin, David Karrick, Barbara Chellis, Judith Rogers, Martha Mical, Marianne Howlett, Derek Pershouse, Martha Thoits, Paul Fouliard, Allan Brown.

Chairman O’Connor opened the meeting at 6:00 p.m.

Selectman Mical made the motion to go into non-public session per RSA 91-A; 3II (C) matters if discussed in public would likely affect the reputation of any person unless such person requests an open meeting. However this cannot be used to protect a person who is a member of a Board. Selectman Brayshaw seconded the motion. Chairman O’Connor was in favor of the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Chairman O’Connor made a motion to seal the minutes per RSA 91-A: 3, III divulgence of the information likely would affect the reputation of any person. Selectman Mical seconded the motion. All were in favor. The motion passed.

Selectman Brayshaw made a motion to go into non-public session per RSA 91-A: 3, II (B) the consideration of the hiring of a public employee. Selectman Mical seconded the motion. Chairman O’Connor was in favor. The motion passed unanimously.

Selectman Mical made a motion to continue the non-public session until August 14, 2002 at 8:00 a.m. Chairman O’Connor seconded the motion. All were in favor. The motion passed.

Selectman Mical made a motion to come out of non-public session and to re-open the public session. Selectman Brayshaw seconded the motion. All were in favor. The motion passed.

At this time the Board took a five minute break.

The Board reviewed submitted purchase orders for computers in the Tax Collectors office, the Assessing Clerks office, and the Town Clerks office. The Board granted approval. The Town Clerk asked for the Boards permission to order the computers due to the fact that she has done all the research. The Board agreed.

The Board met with the Department Heads to review the status of the 2002 budget.

Transfer Station is at 58% through the end of July.

Highway Department maintenance and benefits is at 56%

Total Highway expense is at 60%

The Board asked Mr. Brown why the new equipment line was so high. Mr. Brown explained that there was a new chain saw purchased and a new water pump that drains the wastewater tanks. Line striping was a little over due to the Old Graded School. Calcium Chloride is also running high. Mr. Brown needs another five or six bags of calcium chloride that will be taken out of the supply line. Chris Perkins (Budget Committee) recommended to the Board to over spend the calcium chloride line for accurate tractability. Selectman Mical asked how the Iron Kettle Road project was coming along. Mr. Brown said that the gravel went down today and the main obstacle is finding help to run the equipment because people are taking vacations. The Board asked if the project would be completed this year. Mr. Brown said yes.

The Board asked both department heads if they foresee any unexpected expenses. Either department head sees any upcoming outstanding expenses.

Town Clerk is at 48%.

Fire Department was absent.

Welfare is running over but has slowed down considerably. There is a chance that the Welfare line could receive a reimbursement from a lien.

Police Department met with the Board two weeks ago.

At this time Chris Perkins spoke on behalf of the Wage Study Committee about the Performance Review process that will be starting in September. The department heads will be trained for the process in two sessions; there will be employees and department heads at both sessions.

Allan Brown does not agree with the evaluation process because he has been on the State pay scale for years. When the State was giving raises every year the Town decided to move away from the State pay scale. Chairman O’Connor explained that the evaluation system and the State pay scale are not tied together. Employees like to know where they stand. Mr. Brown feels that it does not apply to a small crew. Liz Young explained that there is flexibility within the evaluation process. Mr. Brown asked how do you rate someone who risks their life in the middle of the night storm with a truck that weighs forty thousand pounds. Chairman O’Connor stated that you rate them a total year’s performance. Mr. Brown feels that the current organization is too small to make it work. Selectman Brayshaw said it could be used as a tool for communication. Liz Young mentioned the bonus system as a source of rewarding outstanding performance. Chris Perkins said the Performance Evaluation is a needed tool from a legal standpoint in case someone is fired. Selectman Brayshaw would like to see future Boards adopt the Wage Study Committee’s procedures. Chris Perkins commented on the State Labor Grades, the labor grades that were set up by the Wage Study Committee and approved by the Board of Selectmen have a 30 – 40% spread the State is at 20%. Judith Rogers expressed favoritism towards the Performance Review.

The Board met with Jim McLaughlin and Derek Pershouse from the Planning Board and Martha Thoits from the Zoning Board to discuss growth control. The Board of Selectmen set September 24, 2002 aside for more conversation on growth control only. No appointments will be received. The Board encourages the public to attend. Growth is impacting all areas of the Town from the schools to the Highway Department. Mr. Pershouse will be looking at other towns and how they are handling their growth. A moratorium on building permits is being considered.

Public Comment about growth:

Clark Lindley is of the opinion that control growth is the way to go. You should maximize the growth toward those that will minimize the cost to the community.

Judith Rogers pointed out that people with families are looking for land in other towns because it is more affordable.

The Board signed the Town Hall roof repair proposal.

Vandalism at Riverside Park was discussed. Parks and Recreation is actively working on a solution.

Public Comment:

Clark Lindley `brought before the Board a concern regarding the increase in billboard signage.

The Board would like to address the detail pay regarding the moving of the house at Exit 9 with the Fire Chief. Selectman Brayshaw will contact the Fire Chief.

Selectman Mical informed the Board that the Budget Committee’s schedule is now set. The Budget Committee secretary will distribute the new schedule. The Planning Board met and a Capital Improvements Sub-Committee was formed with some members of the Planning Board, also the Sub-Committee requested a Selectmen’s representative.

Public Comments:

Judith Rogers requested to change the name of a line item. Mrs. Rogers would like to review the phone bill that is received every month.

The Board signed the following:

Three intents-to-cut

Community Development Block Grant for the water precinct

8 building permits

Selectman Mical made a motion to adjourn at 8:42 p.m. Selectman Brayshaw seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

August 14, 2002 8:00 a.m.

Chairman O’Connor opened the continued non-public session per RSA 91-A: 3, II (B) the consideration of the hiring of a public employee.

Selectman Brayshaw made a motion to come out of non-public session and to re-open the public session. Selectman Mical seconded the motion. All were in favor. The motion passed.

Selectman Brayshaw made a motion to hire Beverly Fantasia as a trainee for the Deputy Town Clerk position with a three-month probation. Selectman Mical seconded the motion. All were in favor. The motion passed.

Selectman Mical made a motion to adjourn at 8:20 a.m. Selectman Brayshaw seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Robert C. O’Connor – Chairman

John C. Brayshaw

Edward F. Mical