Select Board Meeting called to order at 6:00 pm
Roll Call – Andrew Pinard (Chair), Marlene Freyler, Mel Pfeifle and Karen Hambleton, Town Administrator, were in attendance.
Acknowledgements:
Andrew extended the Board’s condolences to the Pickman family for the recent passing of Dave Pickman.
Andrew gave thanks to Steve Hansen for assisting in the cleaning up of the property of a former resident at no cost to the Town.
Review Minutes of the October 5 meeting
Motion: Marlene Freyler motioned to accept the minutes.
Second: Mel Pfeifle
Decision: 3-0
Appearances:
CIP Presentation – Pam Bruss gave an overview of how the CIP works. Andrew thanked Pam and the members of the Planning Board and the CIP Committee for their time invested in this. Pam fielded a few questions regarding the process. Pam then proceeded to go through each department and their CIP requests. The Highway Department gave an individualized presentation about the road repairs that are needed throughout town. There was some discussion regarding how best to continue work on Town Hall while addressing road maintenance and upgrades. Andrew thanked Pam for letting the Select Board have a preliminary look at the CIP spreadsheet.
Grazing cows – Map 6 Lot 17 and Map 6 Lot 48 – Pam Bruss said they have maintained and grazed their cows on a portion of the property that was recently deeded to the Town for non-payment of taxes. She would like permission to continue to have her cows graze there and continue to maintain the field there.
Motion: Andrew Pinard made a motion to allow the Brusses to continue to let their cows graze and to maintain this field on this Town-owned property at least until the new Select Board is elected in March.
Second: Mel Pfeifle
Decision: 3-0
Jim Raymond, Interim Fire Chief – Andrew said there is an existing job description for a Fire Chief and would like the members of the fire department to add anything to the current description. Andrew asked what timeline the Fire Department was hoping for with regard to the search for a new Fire Chief. Jim said, “the sooner, the better.” Andrew read the current job description for the Fire Chief. Jim presented a couple of resignation letters from members of the Fire Department. Andrew thanked the members of the Fire Department who have recently resigned for their service. Jim submitted a request in the amount of $2,711 to Milton Cat for work to be done on a generator and asked that the policy requirement to seek 3 bids be waived.
Motion: Andrew Pinard made a motion to approve the payment of $2,711 to Milton Cat for various work that needs to be done to the generator.
Second: Mel Pfeifle
Decision: 3-0
Public Input:
In the interest of transparency, Andrew mentioned that he is doing some work to his house and has submitted a building permit application.
Regular and Old Business
- The Accounts Payable and Payroll Manifest were reviewed and signed.
- COVID Protocol Update – There will be no updates at this time.
- CAP Congregate Meals and Refrigerator – Karen said they will be screening folks and have 20 people maximum at these meals. They also need a new refrigerator. Andrew asked if they could purchase the appliance and then gift it to the Town so it can continue to be used for the various events sponsored by Parks and Recreation and other users of the Community Center.
- Sale of Town Property – Karen submitted a list of the town properties that will be offered to abutters. Karen asked what they would like to ask for a minimum bid. Andrew said it would be nice to get the value of the past due taxes, but sometimes that amount due is more than the assessed value. Andrew said we should contact the abutters to see if they are interested, and if so, how much they are willing to pay for the lots. There was consensus amongst the Board members to follow through with negotiations.
- Flag Follow-up – There was none at this time.
New Business:
- Road Paving Concerns – Jane Lucas sent pics of West Road and her concerns with the condition of the road. She also thanked the Highway Department for the great job they do addressing road issues year round.
- Request to Use Porch of Masonic Lodge – Eastern Stars would like to use the porch to have wreath pick-ups, as they did last year. There was consensus to let the group use the porch.
- Town Hall Bond Refinance – Karen went over all the numbers.
Motion: Andrew Pinard made a motion to begin the process to refinance the Town Hall note including engaging bond counsel and submitting an application.
Second: Mel Pfeifle
Decision: 3-0
- Review Expenses – Andrew went over all the line items for current expenses.
- Accept Funds from Cooking Competition for Scholarship Fund
Motion: Marlene Freyler made a motion to accept donations from the Cooking Competition for Scholarship Fund in the amount of $705.
Second: Mel Pfeifle
Decision: 3-0
- Andrew asked the status of the posting of the Police Chief position. Karen said it was posted internally at the Police Dept on October 15th and will close on November 1st. Karen reported she has not yet received any applications.
- Karen said there was a drivers ed student who left bicycle tire marks on the rug upstairs. The student has submitted a check for $35 for the cleaning of the marks.
Motion: Marlene Freyler made a motion to accept the $35 and place it into the general fund.
Second: Mel Pfeifle
Decision: 3-0
- Andrew said they received a letter of resignation from Brackett Scheffy as Town Moderator and expressed his appreciation for Brackett’s years as our Moderator.
Motion: Andrew Pinard made a motion to accept the resignation from Brackett Scheffy.
Second: Mel Pfeifle
Decision: 3-0
Andrew said they should post the position in The Bridge.
- Karen read a letter from Barbara French thanking the Town for leaving the port-a-potties up in French’s Park through October 1.
- Signed Capitol Alarm Agreement for Town Hall
- Signed Health Trust Agreement
- Signed Land Use Change Tax Map 4 Lot 24
- Signed Solar Exemption Map 7 Lot 52
- Signed Intent to Cut Map 7 Lot 53
Upcoming Meetings:
- November 8, 2021
Motion: Marlene Freyler motioned to adjourn to non-public session per RSA 91-A:3II (c) and (e) at 8:27 p.m.
Second: Mel Pfeifle
Decision: 3-0
Motion: Marlene Freyler motioned to return to public session at 8:43 p.m.
Second: Mel Pfeifle
Decision: 3-0 in favor
Motion: Mel Pfeifle motioned to adjourn the meeting at 8:43 p.m.
Second: Marlene Freyler
Vote: 3-0 in favor
Minutes submitted by Donna Long, Recording Secretary.