APPROVED

TOWN OF PELHAM

BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING

MINUTES

July 15, 2003

APPROVED – August 12, 2003

CALL TO ORDER

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Chairman Lynde opened the meeting at approximately 6:30 pm. 

MINUTES REVIEW

Deferred to the next scheduled meeting.

OPEN FORUM

None.

APPOINTMENTS

Public Hearing on Gift Acceptance - Lighting at Muldoon Park

Mr. Andy Vanti met with the Selectmen to complete the process for acceptance of, and installation of lights to illuminate the soccer field at Muldoon Park.  He said the proposal was to add three poles on one side of the field, and maybe in the future more would be added on the other side.  Mr. Lynde noted that the lighting had shields so the light would be directed down and not bother abutters, or have an impact on traffic on Mammoth Road.  He also noted that the lights were being donated by the Pelham/Windham Pop Warner Razorbacks. 

REQUEST FOR NON-PUBLIC SESSION

The Selectmen entered into non-public session at approximately 6:45pm.  Also present was Mr. Gaydos and Police Chief Evan Haglund. 

The Selectmen returned from non-public session at approximately 6:55pm.

Mr. Lynde asked Mr. McDevitt to act as Chairperson so that he could make the following motion:

Mr. Lynde resumed his position as Chairperson. 

* For additional Appointments see below.

OLD BUSINESS

Municipal Building

Old foundation fence - Mr. Lynde said that when the area at the Municipal Building was being cleared a stone foundation was found and believed to be the original Town Hall.  The foundation was preserved; the Selectmen discussed what actions would now take place.  Mr. McDevitt believed there were two choices; either bring the bottom grade level up, or leave the grade level as it currently was and fence around the area.  He suggested that the Town purchase the fence (for approximately $2500) and gather a group of volunteers to assemble/install it.  He also suggested that the fence be placed back from the foundation so that people would not climb up on it.  He asked the Selectmen to consider the approval of a $2500 expenditure from funds left in the Municipal Building Fund, passed by Town meeting, to purchase a fence. 

Mr. Bergeron asked if a gate would also be installed.  Mr. McDevitt suggested a double-wide gate.  Mr. Bergeron asked that the Selectmen reserve the right to review the foundation at a later date in the event problems occurred.  There was a brief discussion regarding where the fence would be located on the embankment. 

* For additional Old Business items see below.

APPOINTMENTS CON’T

Mr. Kevin Dillon, Director of Manchester Airport said as a result of a previous meeting, there had been a request to meet once again with representatives of the Air Traffic Control Division of the FAA.  Mr. Dillon introduced Mr. Mike Ferrin (603-624-6539x304)  , who handled all of the noise from the airplanes; Mr. Greg Hullebeck, Air Traffic Control Manager for the FAA; Mr. Tony Ferraro, specialist in the air traffic control tower.  Mr. Dillon said there had been questions regarding the altitude of recent flights, so tapes had been brought in for review.

Mr. Lynde summarized his notes from the prior meeting.  Essentially in 2002, Manchester Airport was handling 3.5 million passengers and the projected growth was 4.5% per year.  He noted that runway #17-35 had been out of service for awhile, but had recently been extended by 2000ft. and put back into service in December 2002.  Because the runway went North/South, it would impact Pelham.  Mr. Lynde also noted that with the increase in runway length, larger planes carrying more passengers could be accommodated without the addition of flights.  He said the airport currently utilized fifteen gates and had the capacity to add nine gates.  Mr. Dillon informed that runway #6-24 had been extended out to 7000ft. so it was able to serve as the main runway, while the main runway was shut down.  He said in 2005 the runway would need to be resurfaced and the drainage redone.  Mr. Lynde confirmed that due to the winds in the region, an estimated 6 5% of flights would eventually use the North/South route.  He also noted that the glide path had been modified from 3.25 degrees to 3 degrees, and raised the altitude from which planes begin their descent from 1800ft. to 2000ft., but the actual point at which planes pitch over had been moved South (around Route 111 just North of Pelham and Windham). 

Mr. Hullebeck reviewed a power point presentation, which explained the flight patterns of planes arriving at the various airports in the area.  The tape showed the altitude at which the planes were flying.  Mr. Hullebeck went on to discuss the ATC system which prevented airplane collisions.  He reviewed the types of approaches airplanes took in various circumstances.  There was concern from residents regarding the altitude aircraft was when over their homes.  Mr. Lynde said his understanding was that the length of the runway had been extended so more passengers could be accommodated without increasing the number of aircraft.  He said the approach altitude had been raised from 1800ft. to 2000ft., which impacted Pelham because of the way the approach patterns had to be constructed.  Mr. Hullebeck continued his presentation and discussed the runway configurations for arrivals and departures.  A resident spoke up and said that the altitude that the planes were coming in at were unbearable at times due to the noise.

Mr. Dillon informed that the Town would not be able to make a judgment as to what the activity level would be until the final configurations were completed.  He said in mid-August the airport would have the availability of both runways so that the transition between the runways could occur and they could determine how their aircraft reacted to the changes.  Mr. Dillon went on to explain that the runway extension provided Manchester Airport with the ability to more efficiently use a lot of the aircraft that were currently operating.  He went on to discuss the safety requirements of the aircraft arriving and departing the airport.  He noted that in the event that the airport discussed additional improvements, additional lighting, enhancements to the navigational aides, etc., all communities would have a seat at the table for review of their master plan. 

One resident wanted to know if any of the airlines presently had curfews.  Mr. Dillon said a curfew could not be imposed on airlines because Federal Funds were accepted and used.  He said there were voluntary curfews, which he was not in favor of because it would put Manchester Airport at a competitive disadvantage since the airport was principally related to cargo.  He discussed the importance of cargo, not only locally, but also to the economy.  He noted that the airport adhered to the rules and regulations under the FAA, which was the governing body.

The residents discussed their concern regarding the altitude of the aircraft.  It was explained that the assigned altitude for aircraft was 2000ft., but a pilot had the ability to vary up to 300ft.

A resident questioned a comment from the previous meeting that real estate agents were going to notify prospective buyers that Pelham was in close proximately to the airport.  In order to clarify, Mr. Dillon explained that the airport was considering filing legislation for a number of towns that surround the airport, to disclose that the airport exists. 

A resident asked the following questions: What is the number of flights that would affect the Town?  Mr. Dillon said there were approximately ninety commercial flights.  He said there were other general aviation, but didn’t believe that was what the residents were concerned with.  Is runway 35 the runway that will generally affect the Town with 65% of arrivals?  Mr. Dillon said in the future 65% of arrivals are projected.  How many airplanes fly over the Town that the residents didn’t hear; at what altitude was noise audible?  Mr. Dillon said it was difficult to answer because many factors had to be considered, such as type of aircraft and topography in the area.  He said generally the airports and the FAA tried to deal with traffic less than 3000ft.  When the runway was extended, would it have helped if the air miles had also been extended?  Mr. Hullebeck said it might have helped, but it would be a long-term process to extend, due to environmental studies and review of other flight patterns because other airports use the airspace.  Mr. Dillon noted that the approach height for airplanes could not vary.  Would approach lights on runway six help solve the problem?  Mr. Dillon said that the use of the runways was predicated upon the wind conditions, lights would not change anything.  What is the answer that the residents are being given regarding the status of flights?  Mr. Dillon said the airport was currently reviewing options and would like to make adjustments, and would to the extent they were able. 

One resident wanted to know if there was a stipulation as to how high aircraft had to fly about the gas line.  Mr. Hullebeck said there was no stipulation currently in place. 

Mr. Lynde wanted to know how the assessment of operating runway 6-24 would affect the Town and if some of the problems would be mitigated.  Mr. Dillon said the Town was currently being predominantly impacted, but the airport was hoping to split the arrival traffic between runways to lessen the percentage of traffic over the Town.  He explained that the airport was dealing with many constituents and trying to deal fairly with each.  He reiterated that wind direction would be a factor in where traffic would be directed. 

A resident asked if the airport had considered implementing an on-line system (similar to that of Logan Airport) that showed location of aircraft and its altitude so that residents could review flights.  Mr. Dillon said that the data came from the FAA, was generalized and was also delayed images.  He said if there was a particular concern, the airport could be contacted and the data could be retrieved from the FAA.  The residents liked the idea of being able to quickly check on aircraft from their home computers. 

Mr. Lynde read aloud an e-mail sent by a resident of Jeremy Hill Road who was not concerned about the associated noise from aircraft. 

One resident said the noise sometimes frightened her.  She asked if there was anything people could do to convey their concerns regarding aircraft.  Mr. Dillon said that people could contact Mr. Ferrin regarding concerns with specific aircraft.  He said that Mr. Ferrin makes himself readily available to people.  He said that the airport would be updating their noise contours in January or February, 2004 so that they could review the information with surrounding communities. 

A resident questioned if Pelham had been present during the initial master plan discussions with the airport.  Mr. Ferrin listed some of the Towns that had been present.  Windham was not involved.  Mr. Hullebeck believed that Pelham may have been represented by the Air Traffic Manager, Ray German (Pelham resident). 

One resident believed if the altitude of the planes could be raised that the concerns of the citizens would be alleviated.  He said the quality of life in Town was suffering due to the aircraft traffic.  Mr. Lynde said he understood the concerns of the residents and believed the airport representatives also understood.  His understanding was that the airport would assess the impact of runway 6-24, and the noise contours.  Mr. Dillon said that the airport would have better information to interact with the FAA approximately six months after the runway was in use.  He said at that time the Town would be able to provide additional information. 

The residents wanted to know if the Selectmen would further address the issue and keep residents informed.  Mr. McDevitt believed the process had already begun.  He said the best thing the Town could do is contact Mr. Dillon at the end of the year to hold an additional meeting.  He said the other thing was to ensure that Pelham had a seat during the master plan discussions at the airport.  He said it was critical that the residents remain involved. 

Mr. Lynde thanked the airport representatives as well as the residents for attending the meeting.  

Presentation by Robin Bousa on Center Traffic Study

Mr. Lynde said that approximately a year ago a firm was selected to do a traffic analysis on the Town center.  He said a report was completed and submitted that provided traffic options for the center.  He asked Ms. Robin Bousa, Traffic Engineer and member of the Planning Board, to review the study and discuss her recommendations.   

Ms. Bousa discussed her background in the traffic engineering field.  She reviewed the three alternatives outlined in the traffic study: 

1) Installation of stop signs along the mainline traffic flow -  She said an all-way stop would create long delays and cues, which would promote driver aggression.  She didn’t feel stop signs along the mainline traffic were an option because the traffic would deteriorate and create unsafe conditions. 

2) Installation of traffic signals - she was not in favor of signaling Nashua Road/Marsh Road, due to cue problems.  She said it was important to review the A.M. peak hours, because they were not included in the study.  She noted that the study revealed that there was an issue with maintaining the cueing between signals based on the current geometry of the roadway.  She said additional study was needed to review the A.M. peak hours, and doing a sophisticated signal system that would manage a cueing between the two lights.  She said the Fire Department was not considered and should be reviewed and incorporated in the signals.    

3) Installation of a round-about - she said it had the potential to work, however the A.M. peak hours had not been reviewed.  Her only concern with the proposal was the two-lane approaches and the fact that the egress narrowed quickly to one lane.  Ms. Bousa discussed the components needed for a round-about so that pedestrian and bicycle traffic could be integrated safely, keeping the aesthetics of the center.  She explained the differences between a round-about and a rotary. 

She said that the signal and the round-about options were both viable, with additional study.  She felt the cost estimates contained in the study were low and should also be considered.     

Mr. Bergeron thanked Ms. Bousa for discussing her opinions.  He agreed that something needed to be done.  He wanted to know if signals were installed, and later a round-about was installed, if the signals could be used in another critical area of Town.  Ms. Bousa said it depended who owned and maintained the signals, which could be worked out with the Department of Transportation (DOT).  Mr. Bergeron asked how pedestrian and bicycle traffic would be integrated in the round-about.  Ms. Bousa said that an off-road multi-use path could be implemented.  She said other methods of traffic control could be installed to incorporate traffic calming and reduce cueing.  She suggested reviewing a round-about that was in a setting similar to the Town.  There was a brief discussion regarding possibly using alternate roads to ease traffic congestion, such as using the road behind the Fire Station for Nashua Road traffic to filter to Marsh Road. 

Mr. Lynde asked if the study considered the widening of Interstate 93.  Ms. Bousa said the study did not consider the I93 widening, but did have aggressive growth numbers.  She reiterated that both options (signals and round-about) were viable, but that the A.M. peak hours needed to be reviewed.  Mr. Lynde asked if it would be possible to obtain state money due to the widening of I93.  Ms. Bousa was unsure, but volunteered to review if there was any federal funding available.  It was suggested that the Town contact NRPC so that a plan could be submitted to the state’s 10-year plan for funding. 

The Selectmen thanked Ms. Bousa for her work reviewing the traffic study. 
 

OLD BUSINESS

Plans for present Town Hall - Discuss guidelines

Mr. Lynde wanted the Selectmen to set guidelines for the use of the Town Hall.  Mr. Gaydos said that due to handicap accessibility and the physical facility an intensive use would not work in the building.  Mr. Danevich said that the electrical power and historical nature of the building should also be considered.  Mr. Derby noted that during the Board of Adjustment meeting there was a suggestion to re-zone the center of Town for business.  Mr. Lynde noted that the septic system was located on someone else’s land.  Mr. McDevitt said that he would like to see the integrity of the building maintained.  Mr. Gaydos said the building could be used for supplemental meeting space.  It was suggested to seek a recommendation from the Municipal Building Committee.       

After a brief discussion it was decided to discuss the possible uses for the Town Hall at a later meeting.

Lawn & trees

Mr. Gaydos said his conversations with Breadloaf were that they would speak with the contractors and ensuring that the lawn received adequate water. 

Miscellaneous

Mr. McDevitt informed that the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Municipal Building was scheduled for August 16, 2003 at 10am. 

NEW BUSINESS

June Expenditures/Revenue Review - not discussed.

Warrant Article Status - not discussed.

Technology Plan

Mr. Danevich said a technology plan had been circulated approximately one year ago containing a priority list in the format following the CIP plan.  He reviewed the list of items and updated the Selectmen of what items had been obtained.  He mentioned that the server software still needed to be resolved.  Mr. Danevich said that the plan was to be re-reviewed three years from when submitted.  He discussed the budget for computers and suggested that an amount was maintained for systematic upgrades.   

TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT/SELECTMEN’S REPORTS

Mr. Gaydos said that the conduit was being installed from the main Municipal Building over to the Fire Department.  He thanked the Highway Department for their equipment and work digging the trench.  He noted that it would be installed on July 19th.  He then noted that a letter had been received from the Department of Revenue which informed that the Town needed to do a complete revaluation by 2006.  He said that the information had been forwarded to the Assessor.  He said his recommendation would probably be to request funding at the next Town Meeting.  Mr. Gaydos informed that a response had been received from Town Counsel regarding the Torissi property and circulated for Selectmen review.  There was a brief discussion regarding Town Counsel’s response and it was decided to inform the abutters of the status. 

Mr. Danevich had no report.

Mr. Bergeron informed that the Water District held a meeting on July 10th; the minutes will follow.  At the next meeting the Water District will have a discussion regarding the possibility of applying for a warrant article.  He said if a warrant article was applied for, the money would be reimbursed to the Town through the revenue bond.  He noted that the next meeting would be held July 24th. 

Mr. McDevitt said that the basketball backstops and scoreboard had been removed.  He thanked Mr. Charlie Mooksian, Doug Fyfe and Glennie Edwards for their hard work removing the items.  He asked that Chunky’s be informed that they could pick up the scoreboard.

Mr. Derby noted that the Superintendent of Schools forwarded a memo informing that there would be a joint meeting with the School Board and the Budget Committee on August 6th to discuss possibilities.  

Mr. Lynde had no report.

REQUEST FOR NON-PUBLIC SESSION

Mr. Lynde noted that when the Board returned, after the non-public session, the Board would not take any other action publicly, except to seal the minutes of the non-public session and to adjourn the meeting.  The Board entered into a non-public session at approximately 10:15 pm.  Also present was Mr. Gaydos.

The Board returned to public session at approximately      pm.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at approximately      pm.

                                                                                          Respectfully submitted,

                                                                                          Charity A. L. Willis

                                                                                          Recording Secretary