APPROVED

TOWN OF PELHAM

BOARD OF SELECTMEN SPECIAL MEETING

MINUTES

January 15, 2002

APPROVED – January 22, 2002

CALL TO ORDER

PLEDGE OF ALLEGAINCE

Chairperson Casey opened the meeting at approximately 6:30 pm.

MINUTES REVIEW

January 8, 2002

OPEN FORUM

None.

APPOINTMENTS

Ms. Bonnie Ward, Community Profile Project

Mr. McDevitt informed that Ms. Bonnie Ward would attend the January 22, 2002 meeting.  +

OLD BUSINESS

Reconsideration of various budgets

Ms. Casey said there was a new way of handling a reconsideration, but didn’t have any to discuss at the present meeting.  She said the reason for the new process was that the EPA had adjustments they wanted done at the Transfer Station regarding oil containment.  She said that after review of the Warrant Article that moved the Town from incinerator to transfer, it was found that there was enough money to cover the additional funds needed.  Mr. Pitts gave a brief background of the Spill, Pollution, Control & Containment (SPCC) plan.  He said that the Town had a choice to perform a self-audit to send to the EPA, which fell under the 2001 budget.    He discussed the findings of the self-audit and said that the cost of $6,000 could be covered under the Warrant Article

Ms. Casey said that the Selectmen could either bring up the cost at reconsideration to be added to the Transfer Station’s budget, or utilize the proper safety enhancements aspect of the Warrant Article and use the money that is already there.  She said all of the enhancements were at the Transfer Station.   

Mr. Farris wanted to know if monies were being spent to temporarily appease the EPA or if a plan was being formed to establish a transfer area that might call for the movement of the tanks.  Mr. Farris wanted to ensure that the monies would not be ill spent and would not impact phase II.  Mr. Pitts said the EPA needed to be notified in the next 20 days of the actions to be made.  There was a consensus to notify the EPA of the actions to be made. 

Warrant Article carry over

Mr. Farris asked the status of Warrant Articles that had been carried over.  He said there was additional information pending.  Mr. Pitts believed that two had already been taken care of and that he would review the remaining forestry issue and report back to the Selectmen.

Discussion regarding Castle Hill Road Bridge Warrant Article

Ms. Casey asked what the status of the Warrant Article was.  Mr. Farris explained that during the last meeting it was explained that the entire amount would need to be raised, but there would be a reimbursement.  Mr. Pitts said that the actual amount needed for the bridge remained at $3000.

Discussion regarding bond issue

Mr. McDevitt said that the bond counsel was moving along.  He reviewed with the Town Clerk/Tax Collector what her responsibilities were.  He discussed the items that needed to be kept.  He said that the Building Committee was interested in informing voters of all the options (pro and con) for the new school to help them make a decision.  He said that the Committee was reviewing the creation of a flyer.  He said they had reviewed a variety of options, which would possibly cost up to $5,000.  He felt the Selectmen should authorize the Committee to work on and set up the flier as well as fund.

Mr. Larry Hall, 225 Mammoth Road, Co-Chair Building Committee said it was important that the information get to the voters and said it would be money well spent. 

Mr. Farris questioned if the Selectmen could be involved.  Mr. McDevitt said that the flyer created would be sent to Town Counsel for review.  He said that it would remain neutral because taxpayers money could not be used to take a specific position. 

Mr. Bill Scanzani, Victoria Circle, Building Committee member said that a sub-committee had been created for the School Board’s flier.  He said that they currently had a source for printing, but would need the additional money for sending to the voters.  He said it was a comprehensive plan that would solve many needs. 

There was a discussion as to which budget the money would come from. 

NEW BUSINESS

Voting hours

There was a brief discussion regarding the importance of voting hours and what they should be for the upcoming Town vote.

Mr. Pitts said the Town vote would be March 12, 2002.  Ms. Casey asked that Mr. Pitts inform the Town Moderator and the School Board of the voting hours. 

Planning Director

Ms. Casey said that an offer had been made and accepted for the position of Planning Manager.  She said he would begin work on January 23, 2002 with a six-month probation period.  She said his name was Mr. George Russell from Connecticut.  There was a brief discussion regarding taking a vote to formally appoint Mr. Russell as the Planning Manager.

MRI search for Town Administrator

Ms. Casey informed that MRI had been hired to search for a Town Administrator.  She said that the interim Administrator was Mr. Pat MacQueen and would overlap with Mr. Pitts on January 17 & 18, 2002.

Ms. Casey expressed her regret for Mr. Pitts leaving.  Mr. Bergeron expressed his gratitude to Mr. Pitts for his personal help and his service to Pelham.  Mr. Farris thanked Mr. Pitts for establishing the necessary gap between the Department heads and the Selectmen.  He wished him luck in his new position.  Mr. McDevitt discussed the work Mr. Pitts did behind the scenes and said he appreciated all the help. 

Ms. Casey announced that she would not be seeking re-election due to family obligation.  She thanked everyone for placing their faith in her.  She said that she planned on coming back in a couple years. 

TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT/SELECTMEN’S REPORT

Mr. Pitts thanked the Selectmen for the past two years.  He also extended his gratitude to former Selectmen, Mr. Jim Hardy.  He spoke of the dedication of the people from the Town who volunteered on the various Boards.  He said he appreciated the opportunity of working with the Town and wished everyone success.

Mr. Bergeron gave his report.  He had received a memo from Mr. Bruce Mason, Solid Waste Department who informed that no gas/fuel  can, tank or containers would be accepted at the transfer station unless it were cut in half.  He said that three steel containers had been found and the Town was fined $100 each.  Mr. Bergeron said that the Nashua Regional Collection Center would now be cut to four times per year due to lack of funding. 

Mr. Farris said that the Building Committee would hold their first public meeting tomorrow at 7pm at the Town Hall where questions would be answered.  He said that CTAC made a presentation to Adelphia and the Town’s Attorney would try to set up a time for the agreement to be signed.  Mr. Farris congratulated the travel basketball team for their two wins.  He said that two parents from the opposing team congratulated the coach regarding the player’s representation of the Town. 

Mr. McDevitt said a letter was received from Hearthstone Realty regarding the donation of a pond and 30-acres of land.  He said that the dam had been inspected by DES and needed some changes.  He asked that he have permission to speak with Hearthstone Realty regarding the dam.  The Board agreed to have Mr. McDevitt speak with Hearthstone Realty and report back on the discussion. 

ADJOURNMENT

MOTION:           (McDevitt/Farris) To adjourn the meeting.

VOTE:                 (4 - 0 - 0) The motion carries.

The meeting was adjourned at approximately 7:20 pm.

                                                                                          Respectfully submitted,

                                                                                          Charity A. L. Willis

                                                                                          Recording Secretary