Select Board Meeting called to order at 6:00 pm
Pledge of Allegiance
Roll Call – Beth Downs, Mel Pfeifle, Marlene Freyler, and Karen Hambleton, Town Administrator, were in attendance.
Appearances:
Bruce Storm/Erica Gross – Elections – Bruce said there were issues with ballot testing last Thursday due to changes in the rules set forth by the Secretary of State. He and Erica came to the realization that the AccuVote machine was going to create the need to hand count a majority of the ballots. Bruce as moderator has made the decision to hand count the entire election. He and Erica suggested to the Board that the Town would want to hand count all elections going forward. The Board agreed. Erica has recruited additional volunteers to help with the hand counting.
Ed Shaughnessy – Police Chief Update – Ed said they have received 472 calls for service this month, which puts us on par with calls last year. The Chief said his department did AED and CPR training with the Fire Department. Two members of the Police Department and four members of the Fire Department will be honored with Unit Citations from the NH Fire & Emergency Medical Services Committee on September 18 for their role in the fire/explosion on March 3, 2022. On October 7, all involved with the incident will receive a NH Congressional Law Enforcement Award. The Chief has been contacted by Ford and we will not be getting the police car that he ordered due to supply chain issues. Instead, the Chief would like to purchase a Tahoe as it could be delivered by January and the price is slightly less than what the Ford will be. (The cost of both the Ford and the Tahoe have increased since the warrant article was written.) He asked if the Board would consider using the 2015 Town Equipment and Repair and Purchase Fund to cover the additional $8,200 in cost for the Tahoe. He also requested that the Board authorize the expense of $2,200 from the 2010 Communications Fund to fund a new radio for the 2023 police cruiser.
Motion: Beth Downs motioned to take $2,200 from the 2010 Communications Fund to fund a new radio for the 2023 police cruiser.
Second: Mel Pfeifle
Decision: 3-0
Motion: Beth Downs motioned to authorize the expense of $8,200 from the 2015 Town Equipment Repair and Purchase Fund for the overage of the 2023 police cruiser.
Second: Mel Pfeifle
Decision: 3-0
Devin Pendleton – Parks & Rec – Devin gave an update on the September 24th events. She asked Karen about the tent contract. The Board, by consensus, agreed to have Karen modify the contract to include language stating that the Town maintains liability insurance for bodily injury due to negligence on the Town’s part. There are over 15 vendors for the fair and a few businesses, as well as a dunk tank. Devin will send out a schedule. The parade is all set. Activities in the midway will take place from 4 – 8 pm. The Road Race has been cancelled due to lack of interest.
Sandra Bravo – Energy Committee – Marlene suggested the Energy Committee have a float in the parade and offered to let them borrow her golf cart. Sandra said she will bring this back to the Committee and that it will probably be fine. Sandra mentioned that the Committee met with Jenny Locke Howley and she is able to help them with renewable energy. Sandra would like to appoint her to the Energy Committee. The Select Board members signed her appointment. Sandra looked over the DMI paperwork and wanted to discuss the contract. Mel said Eversource approved all of the expenses proposed by DMI. Sandra said the weatherization of the Highway Department is moving forward. She is waiting to hear back from Steve. The Highway Department roof is not suitable for solar. Sandra wants to know if they should hire an engineer to look at the structure of the building and the Board said no. Sandra said she had called LCHIP and was told we can probably put solar on the Town Hall. There will be an energy workshop in November at the Library. Karen asked if there was enough space. Karen suggested they could cut off the attendance and add a second date. Karen also mentioned using one of the rooms in the Community Center. Sandra said she would feel more comfortable holding it in the Senior Room in the Community Center rather than the Library.
Public Input:
None
Regular and Old Business
- The Board reviewed the minutes of the August 22, 2022, meeting.
Motion: Beth Downs motioned to accept the minutes for the August 22, 2022, meeting.
Second: Marlene Freyler
Decision: 2-0-1 (Mel Pfeifle abstained.)
- The Accounts Payable and Payroll Manifest were reviewed and signed.
- Town Hall Update – Karen met with LCHIP regarding our grant application for window rehabilitation funding and it went really well. Karen said she and Beth have been talking with the bank again about investing the funds.
- Election Reminder – Marlene reminded the Board they need to be there all day.
- BACC Update – The control board for the transfer switch has been replaced and still does not transfer properly. Karen will touch base with Joe Torro to decide whether they should keep the switch or return it. Beth and Marlene both think they should return it.
New Business:
- Primex CAP Agreement – Marlene read the resolution and signed the agreement.
- Naughton Contract – Beth said a notice came in the mail saying Naughton is increasing their prices. This would nullify parts of our contract with Naughton which terminates in 2024. Beth said Naughton has experienced two rate increases but have not passed the cost on to the Town. Sunapee and Newbury have both stopped using Naughton. Karen asked what is changing in the contract and suggested the Town shop around. Beth will contact Naughton for more information.
- Audit – Management’s Discussion and Analysis – Karen distributed last year’s document. The Board reviewed the paperwork and Mel will draft this year’s document.
- Sign Exemption Recommendation – Signed.
- Sign Intent to Cut Map 3 Lot 46 – Signed.
- Sign Intent to Cut Map 10 Lot 10 – Signed.
- Sign Intent to Cut Map 5 Lot 64-1 and 64-2 – Signed.
Upcoming Meetings:
- September 26, 2022
Motion: Beth Downs motioned to adjourn the meeting at 7:43 p.m.
Second: Mel Pfeifle
Vote: 3-0 in favor
Minutes submitted by Donna Long, Recording Secretary.