In attendance:

Selectman Edward F. Mical – Chairman

Selectman John C. Brayshaw

Selectman Allen C. Brown

Recorder of the minutes is Mary Whalen

Chairman Mical opened the meeting at 6:00 p.m.

Director of Public Works, Allan N. Brown met with the Selectmen in regards to the proposed 3% wage increase for 2004. The 3% wage increase does not take into account the wage study. The Selectmen will be meeting with the Department Heads to look at placing employees at the pay levels that the Wage Study Committee has developed. A Warrant Article will then be formulated and submitted at Town Meeting with one figure to represent the dollar amount that will be distributed in a possible two phase process. Allan N. Brown does not feel that there has been any gain in the wage study process, Mr. Brown had a written agreement with a past Board on how he would be compensated for a number of years, to date it has not been honored by the current Board. Allan N. Brown explained that the next Board that sits is not obligated to honor what has been set. Judith Rogers commented that the difference is that any changes will need to be done by a town vote. Selectman Brayshaw asked about the written compensation agreement, the Board has not yet discussed the agreement. Selectman Brown explained that the result of the Wage Study would be to set ranges and that could be incremented annually so the range would stay current without stagnation. Selectmen Brayshaw also commented that the Department Heads would be more involved with the pay increases by using the performance evaluations.

Police Chief, William Chandler asked the Selectmen if the Wage Study Committee would be developing steps and grades to the positions. The Selectmen explained that the Committee is developing a minimum and maximum pay scale with seven levels in-between. Chief Chandler asked how the levels would be deciphered year to year. The Selectmen explained that it would be through a performance evaluation process. Selectmen Brayshaw also explained that there would be a policy created after the Wage Study is accepted. Chief Chandler explained that there is a need for a concrete system that cannot be changed from Board to Board. Chairman Mical reviewed the 3% pay increase for Chief Chandler who had not been present at the opening of the meeting. The evaluation process was discussed by all.

Couchtown Road: A local realtor has asked the Board what it would take to change the Class V seasonal section of Couchtown Road to a Class V. The Selectmen discussed this question with the Director of Public Works. The property in question has an estimated 200 feet that fronts the Class V section of the road, the balance runs along the Class V seasonal portion. The Class V seasonal section needs drainage work. It is within the Selectmen’s discretion to change the status of the road. The Director of Public Works quoted a cost of $65.00 -$70.00 per foot for an estimated 1800 feet to upgrade the road. Allan N. Brown spoke about a landowner that wants Eliza Sanborn Road reverted back to him. Mr. Brown will speak against the suggestion of reverting the road back to the landowner. It has been a public road for two hundred years. Reverting the road to the landowner will limit public access. The Director of Public Works recommended making funds available for the reconstruction of Roby Road due to a possible wet spring.

The Selectmen reviewed the end of year budget with the Finance Director. The Selectmen discussed the ice treatment for the sidewalks, the potassium chloride is expensive. The Director of Public Works will research other sources for the potassium chloride. It was suggested mixing the sand with the potassium. A new welder is needed at the Highway Department, office supplies need to be ordered for the Town Clerk’s office, and ammunition for the Police Department. Selectmen Brayshaw recommended a new sign for the Police Station. The end of year billing included maintenance for the oil burner at the Transfer Station. Computer support for PageMaker, to facilitate Town Report development from Brayshaw Printing amounting to $225.00 was added. Selectman Brayshaw made a motion that Mr. Ed Picard receive a time of service award in the amount of $500.00 for 1240 volunteer hours. Selectman Brown seconded the motion. All were in favor. The motion passed. The Board discussed a monetary thank you gesture for the Town employees for a job well done. The Selectmen then discussed encumbering money for the paving line that was held back due to budget constraints. The Board will review the end of year budget next week before any decisions are made.

Fire Chief, Richard Brown was updated regarding the Boards wage proposal. The Board asked Chief Brown if the salary that he proposed included fire calls. Chief Brown explained that the fire calls were not included in the salary because it is extra duty. The Fire Department has already received 26 calls for the month of December. The 2003-year, amounted to 3784 call hours. Selectman Brayshaw made the motion that the Selectmen accept the Fire Departments budget as presented. Selectman Brown seconded the motion. Vote passed 2-0. The air filling station costing $25,000.00 will be presented on a Warrant Article. The Fire Departments wage has not been increased with the 2% wage increase that was awarded in 2003. Billing individuals that cancel an ambulance during an emergency call was discussed. The Town is still charged when an ambulance is recalled, ambulance cancellations have increased. The Selectmen and Chief Brown discussed the on-call, stand-by EMT position. It was decided for the 2004 budget to decrease the on-call, stand-by hours to 40 hours per week, and the compensation will remain the same.

Selectman Brayshaw made the motion to go into non-public session per RSA 91-A; 3, II (d), Selectman Brown seconded the motion. All were in favor. The motion passed.

Selectman Brayshaw made the motion to come out of non-public session and to seal the minutes per RSA 91-A:3, III. Selectman Brown seconded the motion. All were in favor. The motion passed.

Motion to adjourn at 8:24 p.m.

Board of Selectmen

Edward F. Mical – Chairman

John C. Brayshaw

Allen C. Brown