APPROVED

 

TOWN OF PELHAM

BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING

MINUTES

December 23, 2003

APPROVED – January 6, 2004

 

CALL TO ORDER

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

 

PRESENT:

Mr. Harold Lynde, Mr. Jean-Guy Bergeron, Mr. Richard Derby, Mr. Victor Danevich, Town Administrator Tom Gaydos

 

Also present:

 

ABSENT:

Members of the press and general public.

 

Mr. William McDevitt

              

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

 

MINUTES REVIEW

 

December 9, 2003

MOTION:

(Bergeron/Danevich) To approve the December 9, 2003 meeting minutes as amended.

 

VOTE:

 

(4 - 0 - 0) The motion carries.

 

The amendment to the minutes was as follows: page 3, last paragraph the word ‘in’ shall be added to the following ‘...would sit in a warrant article...’. 

 

OPEN FORUM

 

Mr. Charlie Mooskian, Currier Road reviewed two petition warrant articles that would be submitted to the Selectmen’s office: 1) per SB45, increase veteran’s property tax exemption from $100 per year to $500 per year and for those veterans with service connected compensation to $2000 per year; 2) request that the Town donate the former Town Hall (6 Main Street) to the VFW.  He discussed the reasons why the building should be donated.  He ended by requesting that a stop sign be added to the Currier Road/Island Pond intersection because it was currently unclear where Currier Road connected. 

 

APPOINTMENTS

 

Police Chief Evan Haglund - Introduction of New Patrolman & Part-time Dispatcher

   

Police Chief Evan Haglund introduced the new patrolman Mr. Matthew Moore, and the new part-time dispatcher Ms. Melissa Kierstead.  The Selectmen welcomed both. 

 

Police Chief Evan Haglund - Discussion of Grants

 

Police Chief Evan Haglund requested permission from the Selectmen to apply for a New Hampshire Highway Safety Grant to cover 50% of the cost for a speed trailer (that displays vehicle speed).  The Town would cover $4762.50, the additional 50% would be covered by the New Hampshire Safety Grant (total cost $9530).  He said there were funds available to cover the 50% cost and noted that approximately $55,000 to $60,000 would be turned back to the Town. 

 

MOTION:

(Derby/Bergeron) To authorize the Police Department to apply for the New Hampshire Highway Safety Grant for a speed trailer; and allow $4762.50 to be taken from the Police Department budget to cover 50% of the cost for such trailer; the remaining 50% for the trailer to be covered by the grant monies.  

 

VOTE:

 

(4 - 0 - 0) The motion carries. 

 

Fire Chief Dave Fisher - Introduction of New Code Officer

 

Fire Chief Dave Fisher introduced the new code officer Mr. John Hodge, who was then welcomed by the Selectmen.  Chief Fisher discussed the issues that the code officer had been addressing and would continue to review.  Mr. Hodge discussed what duties he had been performing, and how he would continue to conduct business.  He said response from those approached with issues had been good.  He said he really enjoyed his job and his family appreciated his new work hours. 

 

Fire Chief Dave Fisher - Discussion of Grants

 

Fire Chief Dave Fisher discussed the grants he would like the Selectmen to accept, each of which would be funded by the Federal Government 100%:

1) compressor - $26,044.01

2) supplemental planning (update emergency management plan) - $3450

3) domestic preparedness (domestic preparations for terrorist) - $14,084

4) CERT program (residents as first respondents)- $2583

5) generator for back of building - $17,768

 

MOTION:

(Danevich/Bergeron) To accept the grants as outlined by the Fire Chief, which would be 100% funded by the Federal Government.

 

VOTE:

 

(4 - 0 - 0) The motion carries. 

 

Chief Fisher said there was an additional grant for a 19’ trailer that still needed to be completed.  The trailer would be used to house the haz mat gear.  He also noted that the new fire truck should be completed during the first part of January, 2004. 

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

Opening the road behind the Fire Station to one-way traffic

 

Mr. Lynde said he wanted to obtain comments from the Fire and Police Chiefs regarding the possibility of opening the road behind the Fire Station to one-way traffic during a certain time of day.  Mr. Derby and Mr. Danevich were not in favor of opening the road.  Mr. Lynde felt that opening the road may provide relief for traffic turning at the Nashua Road intersection.  He said the traffic in the Town Center was a concern, and believed that deferring some of the traffic may help the situation.  Fire Chief Fisher said if the road was opened behind the Fire Station a new safety problem may be created.  He reviewed a letter that he submitted which outlined his concerns.  He noted that Police Chief Haglund had reviewed his letter and agreed with the Fire Chief’s concerns.  Mr. Bergeron supported the Fire and Police Chief’s comments.  Mr. Lynde felt the Selectmen should do anything they could to alleviate the current traffic conditions on Nashua Road.  He felt that options should be kept open.  It was noted that discussions would still occur regarding the traffic in the Town Center, but opening the road behind the Fire Station was not a viable option.       

 

* for additional New Business see below

 

OLD BUSINESS

 

Town Meeting Schedule

 

There was a brief discussion regarding submission deadline dates for warrant articles and when the Budget Committee wanted to do final review of the warrants.

 

The Deliberative Session will be held February 3, 2004 at 7:00pm - place to be determined and announced later.  Town Meeting vote will be held March 9, 2004 - place to be determined and announced later.

 

Town Meeting Warrant Articles

 

Land Donations - Mr. Gaydos discussed the submitted warrant articles that involved land donations.  1) Dennis Tessier purchase of land for back taxes to gain access to back lot; 2) Gaudet donation of land; 3) D’Angelo and Lopez donation of land

 

Adopting RSA 41:14-a - Mr. Gaydos said that there was a petition that will be considerded to adopt RSA 41:14-a.

 

Request $10,000 Forest Land Surveys - Mr. Lynde said that two pieces of land had been purchased that the Forester wanted to clear, which would require a survey before doing so.  The land would be added to Peabody Forest.  Mr. Gaydos said a firm quote for the survey would be received during the next week. 

 

Request $5000 Engineering @ Muldoon 2nd egress/Request use of Muldoon Trust Fund - Mr. Lynde said that the owner of land between Nashua Road and Muldoon Park had approached the Town regarding land that could be used as an egress to Muldoon Park.  He said it was desirable to have a safer point of ingress and egress to Muldoon Park based on the number of vehicles accessing the park.  Mr. Lynde discussed the process that would need to take place before any work could be done (i.e. engineering review).   

 

NEW BUSINESS CON’T

 

Requested Use of Unfinished Space at Municipal Center

 

Mr. Gaydos said the unfinished space at the Municipal Center would first need to be reviewed before it was used for anything else besides storage.  He felt that a review of code compliance should be done.  He said certain groups have asked to use the space and felt an assessment should be done for the utilization of the building.  Mr. Bergeron felt the municipal needs should be met first.  He reiterated his feeling that meetings should be held at the Municipal Building.  Mr. Danevich said issues such as electrical, fire suppression and access should also be reviewed.  He agreed that the municipal needs should first be met  Mr. Gaydos said that requests had also been made for use of the former Planning Department/Town Hall area.  Mr. Lynde asked that a status report be done and brought back to the Selectmen for review.   

 

Use of Legal Counsel for Town Meeting

 

Mr. Lynde discussed the legal firm used during prior years for warrant article review and assistance during Town Meeting.  Mr. Danevich said he would entertain using a different firm for assistance with Town Meeting.  Mr. Derby agreed.  He said he would like someone that could provide a definitive answer to questions.  Mr. Gaydos suggested using Mitchell & Bates a firm that deals with municipal law.  Mr. Bergeron supported using an alternate law firm from who the Town had used in the past.  Mr. Lynde felt that Soule, Leslie et al had served the Town well in the past and would continue in the same manner. 

 

MOTION:

(Danevich/Derby) To direct Mr. Gaydos to contact the law firm of Mitchell & Bates for use of Town Meeting review of warrant articles, budgets and any other legal counsel for Town Meeting.

 

VOTE:

 

(3 - 1 - 0) The motion carries.  Mr. Lynde voted no.  

 

Award of Highway Bids

 

Mr. Derby said that a list of the Highway bids had been received, and recommendations made by Highway Road Agent Don Foss.  See ATTACHMENT ‘A’ for complete list of bids.

 

MOTION:

(Derby/Bergeron) To accept the list of bids as recommended by Highway Road Agent Don Foss.

 

VOTE:

 

(4 - 0 - 0) The motion carries. 

 

TOWN ADMINISTRATOR/SELECTMEN’S REPORTS

 

Mr. Gaydos said he had received a request that the Town consider plowing Springvale Lane (a private road) if the residents submitted payment for such.  He said Highway Road Agent Don Foss reviewed the site and was not in favor of plowing the road at this time due to the width and steepness of the site.  Mr. Gaydos said that Selectmen minutes from 1995 noted that Springvale Lane was not designated as an emergency way through a unanimous vote in opposition.  He said that he asked Mr. Foss if plowing should be denied, or if parameters should be provided for improvements needed before the road could be plowed.  After a brief discussion, it was agreed that the Town would not plow the road this year.  Mr. Foss will be asked to follow the same review guidelines of the road, as done in the past, for determination if plowing by the Town would be feasible.  Mr. Lynde asked that a list of roads/map be provided to the Selectmen that shows the private roads currently being plowed by the Town. 

 

Mr. Gaydos said that the Historical Society requested use of the display cabinet at the Municipal Building to show books that are available for purchase.  The Selectmen discussed the display case and unanimously agreed that Mr. Gaydos should draft a policy for use of the display cases so that groups/items were rotated on a monthly basis.  The Selectmen also unanimously agreed that items should not be sold through Town Hall employees.  For the time being, the Historical Society will be allowed to use the display and once the policy is in place will then follow its guidelines.  Anyone else currently using the display will also need to follow the policy guidelines, once it is in place.   

 

Mr. Derby noted that the Budget Committee was in the budget process.  He praised the Highway Department for a job well done during the last snow storm.   

 

Mr. Bergeron said the Regional Water District’s public meeting of December 10, 2003 had run late and was recessed to December 18, 2003 at which time also ran lat, but the charter was completed.  He said public concerns were listed and the next meeting would be held January 8, 2004 to discuss the concerns and determine if any changes would be made to the charter.  Mr. Bergeron then reported that on December 17, 2003 he and Commissioner Tom Collins attended a Nashua Regional Planning Commission meeting and received a letter of resignation from Mr. Andrew Singelakis (who worked closely with Pelham).  He drafted a letter of thanks for Mr. Singelakis and requested that the Selectmen sign and forwarded it to Mr. Singelakis.  He ended by wishing all a Happy Christmas. 

 

Mr. Danevich said that the Park & Recreation board was recessed until after the holidays.  He said the Skate Park Group was also recessed, but was considering holding a raffle.  He said that the owner of Chunky’s Cinema was also involved in the raffle process.  He said the Skate Park Group was progressing well. 

 

Mr. Lynde had no report.  He wished everyone Happy Holidays.   

                                              

REQUEST FOR NON-PUBLIC SESSION

 

MOTION:

(Bergeron/Danevich) Request for a non-public session per RSA 91-A:3,II, a (Personnel)

 

ROLL CALL:

 

Mr. Lynde-Yes; Mr. Bergeron-Yes; Mr. Derby-Yes; Mr. Danevich-Yes

 

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 8:30 pm.  Also present was Mr. Gaydos.

 

The Board returned to public session at approximately 9:10 pm.

 

MOTION:

 

(Bergeron/Derby) To seal the minutes of the non-public session indefinitely.

 

VOTE:

 

(4 - 0 - 0) The motion carries.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

MOTION:

(Bergeron/Derby) To adjourn the meeting.

 

VOTE:

 

(4 - 0 - 0) The motion carries. 

 

The meeting was adjourned at approximately 9:10 pm.

                                                                                          Respectfully submitted,

 

                                                                                          Charity A. L. Willis

                                                                                          Recording Secretary