Select Board Meeting called to order at 10:51 a.m.
Roll Call – Andrew Pinard (Chair), Marlene Freyler, Mel Pfeifle and Karen Hambleton, Town Administrator, were in attendance.
Motion: Mel Pfeifle motioned to adjourn to non-public session per RSA 91-A:3II (c) at 10:51 a.m.
Second: Marlene Freyler
Decision: 3-0
Motion: Marlene Freyler motioned to return to public session at 11:15 a.m.
Second: Mel Pfeifle
Decision: 3-0 in favor
Regular and Old Business
Town Hall Update – Bond Discussion
The purpose of this meeting is to hold a discussion about whether or not to place an article for a bond or note for Town Hall on the warrant and to setting a hearing date.
Karen said she received an estimate to continue the renovation of the Town Hall. The recommendation was to finish the entire building at once. The difference between completing the whole building and completing the first floor only is approximately $200,000. This difference is due to the fact that the mechanical work for the whole building would be done at the same time. The estimate was for a little over $2.52 million. A bond or note for $2.6 million would allow for contingencies as well as the cost of the Architect and a Clerk of the Works. The bond sale would take place in July and the construction could begin in late fall. The total amount that would need to be borrowed will not exceed $2.2 million due to the funds we have already saved. The current bond rates are estimated at 3.5% for 30 years or 3.0% for 20 years.
Marlene asked if everything would be done on the second floor, and Karen said yes. Andrew clarified that the building would be fully functional for meetings and offices etc, however, it does not outfit all desired aspects that have not yet been defined, for example, theatrical lighting and other “extras.”
Discussion continued.
Karen said if they use the bond bank to fund the project, the Town must take the entire amount of funding requested from the bond bank. She recommended bonding for a little less than the full amount needed in case grants and donations toward the project were received.
Motion: Andrew Pinard motioned to authorize the crafting of language to put on the warrant a bond or note article for the completion of the Town Hall, funding it through monies we have on hand and additional anticipated funds totaling $400,000 with the remainder of not more than $2.2 million to be bonded.
Second: Marlene Freyler
Vote: 3-0 in favor
The bond hearing date will be on Monday, February 14, 2022.
Other Business
Karen said a check was received from the insurance company in the amount of $23,987 for the 1995 dump truck that was totaled.
Motion: Marlene Freyler motioned to accept unanticipated funds in the amount of $23,987 per RSA 31:95-b.
Second: Mel Pfeifle
Vote: 3-0 in favor
The Board members signed some bond documents.
The Board signed a Personnel Action Form.
The Board signed the Revised Audit Engagement Letter.
The Board signed the Call to Vote.
Motion: Marlene Freylermotioned to adjourn to non-public session per RSA 91-A:3II (b) &
(c) at 11:40 a.m.
Second: Mel Pfeifle
Decision: 3-0
Motion: Marlene Freyler motioned to return to public session at 12:33 p.m.
Second: Mel Pfeifle
Decision: 3-0 in favor
A tentative decision was made regarding the Fire Chief pending requested information.
Motion: Marlene Freyler motioned to adjourn the meeting at 12:33 p.m.
Second: Mel Pfeifle
Vote: 3-0 in favor
Minutes submitted by Donna Long, Recording Secretary.