Meeting opened at 5:05 p.m.

In attendance: Selectman David E. Hartman, and Selectman Richard A. Cook

Recorder of the minutes is Mary Whalen

Others present:

Ed Mical – Maintenance Technician Eleanor Harris - resident

Wendy Pinkham – Finance Director Intertown Record

Melissa Briggs – Health Trust Argus Champion

Kristen Stacey – Health Trust Judith Rogers – Town Clerk

Ed Mical met with the Selectmen to answer some budget questions.

General Government Buildings:

Boiler service @ $500.00

Elevator maintenance, standard contract

Air conditioner bases need replacement @ $100.00

Electrical update for stage area, Mr. Mical will obtain a firm quote, money was budgeted in 2005

Chimney repair at the Town Hall, has been presented in the Capital Improvements

Elevator shaft needs painting with flame retardant paint @ $100.00

Adding a window to the door was discussed, and a counter for Tax Collector’s office @ $1,000.00

Building Maintenance/ Repairs was budgeted for $3,000.00

The Selectmen asked the status of the Town Hall roof and asked if the last section could be completed in 2007 instead of 2006. Mr. Mical feels that the roof could wait one year but requests that the chimneys be repaired in 2006.

The Finance Director recommended appropriating at least $3,000.00 for miscellaneous repairs to the roof from the Town Hall Roof Repair Fund that is in Capital Reserve, the Finance Director will consult Department of Revenue.

Mr. Mical recommended increasing Fire Alarm to a total of $650.00

Mr. Mical explained the fire alarm cost for the Highway Department:

$400.00 fire alarm

$120.00 for service

$200.00 for extinguishers

Mr. Mical recommended a new lawnmower costing approximately $250.00. The cost was split with the Police Department, Chief Chandler will be consulted.

Old Grade School:

$1,200.00 to pave the slope entrance to the play area.

Boiler inspection @ $500.00, programmable thermostats @ $100.00

Paint the outside trim @ $200.00

Paint the fire escape @ $200.00

Chimney needs repair, the Selectmen will decide about presenting a warrant article for chimney’s on both the Town Hall and Old Grade School

Roof repair, a quote is still needed.

$1,500.00 for miscellaneous repairs (stairwells painted, ramp etc.)

Sprinkler/Fire alarm @ $600.00

The Finance Director informed the Selectmen that the association dues will increase by 5% (Town Offices Expenses).

Melissa Briggs from Health Trust met with the Selectmen to present and explain various options and costs for health insurance. Any plan changes need to be made prior to December 2, 2005. The Selectmen are looking to keep costs under control and also provide good services to the employees.

Eleanor Harris met with the Selectmen to discuss the use of the main floor for a flea market antique sale that would benefit Kearsarge Elderly Housing scheduled for November 26, 2005. Kearsarge Elderly will not sponsor the event. Ms. Harris, being the one that signs the Hold Harmless agreement, may be liable for injuries if the Town is found not negligent. The Selectmen did agree to waive the rental fee for the event. Ms. Harris will discuss the Hold Harmless agreement with Kearsarge Elderly.

The Selectmen reviewed bids for the upcoming audit. The Selectmen will review the proposals before making a decision.

Selectman Cook made the motion to approve meeting minutes dated October 11, October 18 Tax Rate setting, October 18 work session, October 18 meeting minutes and October 18 non-public session. Selectman Hartman seconded the motion. The motion passed.

Selectman Cook recommended completing the background checks as recommended by the Local Government Center for the Town Administrator preferred candidate. Selectman Cook is opposed to the in depth background check. The Board does not have feedback from the Chairman at this time. The Finance Director presented information for a computer.

Selectman Cook spoke about the Bock sub-division. The Planning Board Chair approached the Selectmen last week and asked the Board if there would be interest toward selling a piece of Town property between Route 114 and the frontage on part of the Bock parcel. The Selectmen agreed to review the correct process toward selling this piece. Selectman Cook made a motion to send a letter will be forwarded to the Planning Board explaining that the Selectmen would be willing to sell the parcel following that are set out in RSA or Town policy. Selectman Hartman seconded the motion. All were in favor. The motion passed.

Selectman Hartman along with the Planning Board Chair will attend a meeting with D.O.T on November 9, 2005 at the Hooksett office regarding the Corridor Study at Exit 9.

The Selectmen’s secretary requested an increase toward her health insurance stipend to offset increased costs. Currently she receives $4,097.00 per year, requesting $5,200.00 ($1,103.00 difference). The Selectmen will consider the request along with others who receive stipends.

Kearsarge Regional School District, Preschool, request of the Selectmen that James house be allowed to use the pre-school for two afternoons from November 8 until June 9, 2005. The Selectmen’s office will contact the preschool to verify use. The Selectmen will formalize a decision on November 8, 2005.

The Selectmen approved a purchase order for a front pump on the 86 Mack. The Finance Director explained to the Selectmen that the Highway Department budget is running very close; one significant incident will send the budget over. At an earlier meeting it was determined that it would be economical to refurbish the 86 for $34,000.00 in 2006 which will allow the vehicle to used for another six years.

The Selectmen signed a purchase order in the amount of $1,600.00 for outdoor lighting at the Transfer Station.

The Selectmen will meet on November 3, 2005 at 6:00 p.m. to continue work on the 2006 budget. Salaries still need to be determined.

Motion to adjourn 8:35 p.m.

Board of Selectmen

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