Meeting opened at 9:00 a.m.

In attendance: Selectman Wayne Eigabroadt – Chairman, Selectman David E. Hartman and Selectman Richard A. Cook

Recorder of the minutes is Mary Whalen

Others present:

Wendy Dumais – Concord Hospital Wendy Pinkham – Finance Director

Charles Durgin – Health Officer Judith Rogers – Town Clerk

Martha Mical – Assessing Clerk Ed Mical – Maintenance Tech.

Marianne Howlett – Tax Collector

Ms. Dumais works for Concord Hospital which received a contract from the State Department of Health and Human Services to form the Capital Area Public Health Network. There are currently 14 networks across the State that are in various stages of development. This network is in response to the lack of health departments at the local level, funding is from the CDC Bio-Terrorism. Goals for the Public Health Network are to develop a regional all-hazards emergency response plan and to educate, support and network with the Health Officers. Another goal is compile a community health profile (a report card of the health of residents). The network does not have a good grasp for the profile to date. This is the first step toward bringing people together to deal with emergency preparedness. The network is working toward getting all the Towns within the region to participate which means designating one person from the Town to serve on the network and one alternate. The members would meet twice a year, and then work groups would be established to work on the emergency preparedness plan, health officer training and education and a group that will work on the community health profile. Health Officer Charles Durgin asked how this network is different from Emergency Management. Ms. Dumais explained that the emergency response plan is working on the small pox plan. In 2002 hospitals were asked to develop a plan to vaccinate everyone in the region within ten days. A plan was developed, but the towns were not included. The network will help Towns to be involved. Having the Towns involved will ensure that there is no overlapping with already established Town plans. Selectman Cook asked what the education for the Health Officer would focus on. Ms. Dumais explained that the education would be driven by the Health Officers. There are 14 Towns that are participating in the network (Allenstown, Bow, Concord, Chichester, Dunbarton, Epsom, Hopkinton, and Hillsborough to name a few). All plans developed will be forwarded to the Selectmen for signatures. Concord Hospital would be listed as a resource in the plans. Mr. Durgin feels that this program is a repeat of what is already being done. Mr. Durgin will speak with the State health contact and also with the Emergency Management Director and return to the Board for further discussion

The Selectmen met with the Department Heads:

The Assessing Clerk will seek Town Counsel’s advisement pertaining to a letter dated September 26, 2005 from Shirley C. Sawtelle regarding acreage that she believes belongs to her.

Ed Mical stated for safety and emergency purposes that there should not be multiple dwellings off of one driveway. During a Planning Board meeting it was stated by a member that multiple drives off of one driveway is not a concern of the Planning Board it should addressed during the building permit process. The Fire Chief sent a letter to the Planning Board explaining that the Bureau of Emergency Communication which is in charge of 911 recommends that no more than two homes be allowed on one driveway any more than this should be considered a road. Mr. Mical would like to see a change in the zoning ordinance pertaining to this. Mr. Mical explained that the Fire Department is currently working to address driveways from an emergency standpoint. When ready the Planning Board will be involved. As building maintenance, the fire alarms will be tested, the material for one of the lights at the Transfer Station is in; installation will take place next week. Mr. Mical is still working on a price quote for another outdoor lighting installation. There is a pipe leak in the storage area for the pre-school at the Old Grade School, sheet rock will need replacement. A possible leak in the Kearsarge Children Center office needs investigation. As Emergency Management, Mr. Mical received an e-mail from the State looking for an estimate on water damage. Mr. Mical met with the Director of Public Works there is a preliminary estimate in the amount of $55,00.00 (gravel, culverts etc.). The dam at Lake Todd is being monitored (the area experienced a large amount of rainfall from tropical storm Tammy). The benefit cost analysis workshop has been rescheduled for Oct. 31 & Nov. 1. (Prerequisite for applying for a 75/25 grant match toward the reconstruction of Roby Road). On November 2, 2005 the Capital Area Public Health Network is holding a workshop for EMD’s and Health Officers. The Selectmen asked Mr. Mical if he feels the network would be beneficial. Mr. Mical has expressed concern to the Emergency Management Director at the State level about the lack of coordination between target communities serving as a host, surrounding communities have not been included. Mr. Durgin is not in favor of the network program; he feels it is a repeat of services but still plans on speaking with the State health bureau. Mr. Mical will arrange a tabletop exercise in November. Mr. Mical will be receiving matching funds in the amount of $1,000.00 toward the completion of a hazardous material plan. As a footnote: Mr. Mical is also obtaining a quote to have the front steps at the Town Hall leveled and will be installing a new door located at the fire escape at the Old Grade School.

Town Clerk Judith Rogers explained that the dog licensing software has been installed. The software will allow efficiency toward tracking of dog licenses. The forfeiture fines for dogs that are not licensed are being collected. A quote to preserve town records is being sought.

Charles Durgin received a facsimile regarding a property on Howe Lane. Mr. Durgin spoke with the property owner and confirmed that there are permits for everything that the facsimile referenced. Mr. Durgin responded to the person who sent the facsimile who was not happy with Mr. Durgin’s findings. Mr. Durgin will forward his report to the Selectmen.

Finance Director Wendy Pinkham presented the rates for the health insurance. Dental will increase by 4.2%, no change to the life insurance and short-term. Mrs. Pinkham would like to propose that the Board of Selectmen increase the life insurance from $23,000.00 to $30,000.00. The increase would be from $5.29 to $6.90 per person per month (19 employees are eligible). Health insurance will increase by 7.2%. There is a medicomp conference on October 20^th that will be held at the Local Government Center. The single plan will cost and additional $402.12 per year, two-person plan $804.12 per year, and the family plan $1,085.52 per year. Martha Mical asked if the Selectmen would consider adding short-term disability for part-time employees that work over 20 hours per week. Bid requests have been sent for an auditor.

Martha Mical explained the process for setting the tax rate. Marianne Howlett explained that when the facsimile is received from Department of Revenue that will state the dollar amount that will be raised through taxation, it is important that all agree that the number indicated will fulfill the needs to reach all commitments to run the Town for a year.

The following tape was left on pause.

Board of Selectmen

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