APPROVED

TOWN OF PELHAM

BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING

MINUTES

March 3, 2004

APPROVED – March 23, 2004

CALL TO ORDER

REQUEST FOR NON-PUBLIC SESSION – New Hire – Police Department

The Selectmen entered the non-public session at approximately 6:30 pm.

The Selectmen returned and the Chairman, Harold Lynde, opened the public meeting at approximately 6:40pm. 

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

MINUTES REVIEW

January 20, 2004

February 17, 2004

OPEN FORUM

None.

APPOINTMENT(S)

Police Department – New Hire

Mr. Lynde asked Mr. McDevitt to take the Chair so he could make the following motion:

Mr. Lynde returned as Chairman. 

Ms. Sue Hovling, Senior Center Director – Senior Center Awning

Ms. Sue Hovling, Senior Center Director met with the Selectmen to discuss the awning at the Senior Center.  She provided a brief summary of the alternatives that had been reviewed for the Senior Center entrance.  She said that the current ramp had been repaired, and although it was not ADA compliant, it was usable; the awning will cover the ramp and stairs providing protection from rain and snow.  The reason the awning was needed was due to problems with ice/snow build-up.  It was noted that there were no active users (in wheelchairs) that used the ramp.  Reverends Matt and Jeff from the Baptist Church had volunteered and done various small jobs at the Senior Center that were appreciated.  Ms. Hovling provided the Selectmen with three quotes and recommended the middle figure ($4950), which included waterproof material.  She noted that the awning could be reconfigured if the entrance changed in any way. 

Mr. Danevich said that he had discussions regarding changed that could be made to the Senior Center to increase capacity.  One alternative would be to construct a structure behind the current building, which could also be used a multi-purpose function room (that could be divided into sections) with a full kitchen.  The long-term needs were to have a walk-in pantry and large freezer.  Ms. Hovling discussed the senior center in Concord which had partnered with a hospital for specialized use (i.e. workout equipment, Jacuzzi).  Mr. Danevich felt partnering the Senior Center should be reviewed.  He noted if a structure were built behind the existing building, it could ease the usage burden currently affecting the Senior Center. 

Ms. Hovling said she had a brief conversation with the Historical Society to review the historical value of the Senior Center.  It was believed that the building may have been built in approximately 1875. 

Mr. Lynde felt that the needs for the next twenty years should be identified. 

Mr. Bergeron said when Ms. Hovling met with the Selectmen initially he had concerns regarding the lack of plans and the load capacity on this type of unit knowing that snow would come off the roof, onto the awning.  He confirmed that two additional legs could be added at no additional charge.  Ms. Hovling informed that two additional legs could be added and there would be no additional charge.  Mr. Bergeron also confirmed that within the structure extra members were added.  Ms. Hovling answered yes.  Mr. Bergeron said he had reviewed the building and how the awning was to be attached.  He asked that the entrance be blocked off in the event of bad weather conditions so no one is injured.

Mr. Lynde confirmed that the awning would follow the roof line.  Ms. Hovling answered yes. 

Mr. Danevich confirmed that the costs for the awning were contained within the budget.  Mr. McDevitt said the funds were in a capital reserve fund.  Mr. Lynde said the money had been set aside during the prior year.     

Mr. Danevich made a motion to allow the Senior Center Director to continue with the Awning Center and award them the contract in the amount of $4950 as provided in their quote.  Mr. McDevitt seconded the motion; he also wanted to authorize Ms. Hovling and allow the reasonable cost of moving the light.  Mr. Danevich amended his motion.  Mr. McDevitt amended his second. 

Mr. Jim Greenwood – Discussion of Cable TV in Sherburne Hall

Mr. Jim Greenwood met with the Selectmen and handed out a list of equipment for use for the move to Sherburne Hall.  He also provided a list of equipment upgrades that would be needed in the future.  He said for the time being it may be in the best interest to set up a pseudo-equipment to allow PTV to get started broadcasting at Sherburne Hall.  He said he was waiting for direction from the Selectmen before getting started with the move to Sherburne Hall.  He explained that some of the existing equipment at Town Hall could be used in conjunction with some of the new equipment.  He was sure that during the construction time of  Sherburne Hall an arrangement could be made with the schools to hold  meetings if Town Hall was not available.  Mr. Danevich said that a second mobile station was being put together; nothing would be purchased that wouldn’t be used in the future.  He discussed the constraints involved with creating a temporary setup.  Mr. McDevitt wanted to know if audio would be affected.  Mr. Greenwood said that there would be no problems with the audio.  He explained how the system would be set up with three cameras and felt both the audio and video quality would be improved from the current set up at the Town Hall.  Mr. Danevich said if the Selectmen moved forward and approved the proposed list of equipment, Mr. Greenwood would be able to begin broadcasting from Sherburne Hall. 

Mr. Greenwood discussed the type of camera setup he would use (at the various locations within the schools and municipal building); specifically what equipment he would be using that was currently being used at Town Hall.  He discussed the second list, which outlined equipment that would be used as upgrades that could be used.  He understood that a public hearing would need to be held to spend the funds from the grant money.  After a brief discussion the Selectmen decided to post a public hearing for March 16, 2004 (Mr. Greenwood will contact Ms. Annette Sutcliffe in the Selectmen’s office to provide the information needed for posting the public hearing). 

Mr. Greenwood said the issue of PTV at the Annex had been discussed at a Selectmen’s debate.  He said PTV may have to shut down for awhile during the transition time.  He also discussed what would be needed to have a permanent set up at Sherburne Hall.  Mr. Danevich pointed out that the remaining funds ($50,000) would not cover very much.  Mr. Lynde suggested that a plan be created for needed equipment. 

Mr. Bergeron confirmed that the Adelphia cable has been wired.  Mr. Greenwood answered yes.  Mr. Bergeron asked how long it would take to complete the work.  Mr. Greenwood said it would take approximately two weeks, once the money was available.  It was noted that Sherburne Hall was not set up to be controlled for heat, or air, which was part of the renovation plan being done by Sherburne Hall Committee.  There was further discussion regarding the need for seating; it was said that Mr. Gaydos may have information regarding the purchase of chairs.  The Selectmen concluded their discussion with the understanding that meetings would be held at Sherburne Hall if it was feasible.      

Mr. Darryl Gagne – Men’s Softball – Request for Park & Recreation to take over

Mr. Darryl Gagne and Mr. Ed Bisson met with the Selectmen to discuss the request to have the Park & Recreation Department take over the running of the Men’s Softball League as well as the agreement for the 2004 season.  Mr. Lynde felt it would be beneficial to have the new Park & Recreation Director (when hired) involved with the decision process.  He said the Town would have the same agreement with the Men’s Softball League for this season and discuss it later in the season. 

Mr. Danevich said that the Police Chief had weighed in, and requested that the Town’s contract not be signed with the league, unless there was a provision to have a police detail present, on site, during games.  Mr. McDevitt said even though the Town had a regulation (passed by Town meeting) regarding alcohol consumption, there was a problem in the summer with alcohol containers and trash.  He said he wanted to know how the league proposed to solve the problem.  Mr. Gagne said the league had put a policy in place to suspend those caught with alcohol for the remaining season, as well as next year.  There have been no suspensions to date.  Mr. Bisson said one small problem occurs when the Transfer Station is closed.  Mr. Gagne discussed how often the trash was disposed of in the dumpsters.  Mr. Bergeron asked if a larger dumpster would help the situation.  Mr. Gagne didn’t feel that the dumpster size was the issue. 

Mr. Danevich said Park & Recreation had an unwritten policy regarding residency and wanted to know if softball became ‘Pelham only’ what the impacts would be.  Mr. Bisson said there weren’t enough people to make the league work.  He said that surrounding communities were typically open to accepting non-residents.  Mr. Gagne noted that the league had been able to accommodate the Town’s residents (except last year when a couple people came in late). 

Mr. Bergeron asked if other communities had similar alcohol problems.  Mr. Bisson said Salem had a problem, but was unsure about other surrounding communities. 

Mr. Danevich said that the Park & Recreation Advisory Board recognized the need for adult activities. 

There was a discussion regarding how to address the alcohol problems; one suggestion was to involve the umpires and restructure how the area is policed.  Mr. Danevich made a motion to delegate the responsibility of coming to a mutual agreement regarding the alcohol situation to the Men’s Softball League, Town Administrator and the Police Chief before the 2004 agreement is signed.  Mr., McDevitt seconded the motion.         

Mr. Bisson asked if all Town property was insured through a general policy of the Town.  Mr. Lynde answered yes. 

Mr. Gagne and Mr. Bisson were directed to contact Mr. Gaydos (Town Administrator) for further communication.

OLD BUSINESS

Sherburne Hall – Approval for fund raising

Mr. McDevitt showed the Selectmen a revised copy of the fund raising plan (where one sentence had been changed – ‘…contributions containing unusual features will be submitted to the campaign cabinet and Board of Selection for review and recommendation of acceptance).  Mr. Danevich asked that the wording be amended further to read ‘…contributions containing unusual features will be submitted to the campaign cabinet for review and recommendation of acceptance and presented to the Board of Selection for approval.’  Mr. McDevitt didn’t feel the further amendment would be a problem.  He said the document would be amended and a copy provided to the Selectmen. 

Mr. Danevich wanted to ensure that the control of the design was not lost.  He confirmed that the Capital Campaign Plan of the Sherburne Hall Committee was not design build plan, it just got the motion going all other items would come before the Selectmen for review.  Mr. McDevitt said the committee had split into two groups (building committee & capital campaign committee).  He reiterated that the plan (if fundraising went as planned) would be to fast track the project.  He said the committee was requesting that the Selectmen approve the Capital Campaign Plan.    

Traffic Warrant Study – NRPC

Mr. Bergeron said Mr. Steven Williams, acting Director of NRPC had a report he wanted to bring to a Selectmen’s meeting, but had not yet been scheduled.  He read aloud a response letter from Mr. Williams that was forwarded as an attachment to the Signal Warrant Analysis Update Pelham Town Center Intersections.  He read the conclusion which stated that the intersection of Nashua Road/Main Street/Route 111A was a candidate for signalization; the intersection of Route 111A/Old Bridge Street also qualified for signalization; it might be desirable to link both signals in a coordinating signal system due to their close proximity; support of the residents should be sought before an additional request is submitted to NRPC.       

He ended by asked that the Selectmen continue to pursue the issue.    

Mr. Lynde said it seemed that the key was to have the signal lights placed on a higher priority of the state’s ten-year plan.   

Park & Recreation Director search

Mr. Danevich informed that the submission period had ended and fifty-two applications had been submitted for the Park & Recreation Director position.  The Selectmen discussed the process in which they would review the resumes.  Letters will be sent to the applicants that will not be called in for an interview.  

NEW BUSINESS

Pelham Community Theatre – Request for use of Sherburne Hall

Mr. McDevitt said an e-mail request had been submitted from Sally Casto of the Pelham Community Theatre to use Sherburne Hall for auditions on March 12 & 13, 2004.  Additionally the group would like to use the hall three times per week for rehearsals.  The estimated performance would be held in late May, or June.  There was also a question raised regarding the level of insurance the Town requires.  Mr. McDevitt said that Mr. Gaydos told him that the group would be covered by the Town’s insurance for now, ultimately if the group became non-profit, they would carry their own insurance.  He said it was understood by the group that the hall was rough around the edges.  He said the Fire Chief had requested the presence of a firefighter during the performances.  It was understood that there were logistics that would need to be worked out. 

Mr. Bergeron asked if parking would be available on both sides of the Municipal Building.  It was reiterated that logistics would need to be discussed; the group will be told to contact Mr. Gaydos to work out the details. 

Jack Mansur dealer plates

Mr. Bergeron stepped down.

Mr. McDevitt said a request had been received by Mr. Jack Mansur regarding the status of his New Hampshire Department of Safety Application for Automotive Recycling Dealer registration form, which was originally submitted in January.  Mr. Mansur’s plates run out on April 1, 2004.  Mr. McDevitt informed that the process of renewing the junkyard permit was ongoing.  He reviewed the Selectmen minutes of March 18, 2003 which described the action taken by the Selectmen the last time Mr. Mansur submitted his application for automotive recycling dealer registration.  There was no objection by the Selectmen to have Mr. Lynde sign the document. 

Mr. Bergeron returned to the Board.

Resignation

Mr. Lynde read aloud the resignation letter of Police Officer Dennis Lyons.  Due to his declining health, he had submitted his retirement papers to the New Hampshire Retirement Board tentatively effective April 1, 2004. 

The Selectmen appreciated the service of Officer Lyons and said his service to the community would be missed. 

SELECTMEN’S REPORTS

Mr. McDevitt thanked Mr. Lynde and Mr. Bergeron for their services over the past three years and said that their commitment was appreciated.

Mr. Danevich also thanked the Selectmen for working with him during his first year as a Selectman.  He reported that the Park & Recreation Advisory Board would meet next week.  He said the display of the new fire truck at Community Night was a success.  He reviewed the positions on the various Town boards that were available if anyone was interested in submitting a resume. 

Mr. Bergeron said that the Regional Water District members met with the Nashua Board of Alderman last Thursday.  He said it was an honor to serve as a Selectman and felt fortunate he had the opportunity.  He wished the Selectmen well and said he hoped he would have the opportunity to continue serving as a Selectman.

Mr. Lynde informed that the Planning Board had met March 1, 2004 and discussed the items reviewed by them.  He said Adelphia had forwarded a letter which stated they believed they were making progress and coming out of bankruptcy.  He said a letter had been received that said there was a need to do an updated regional housing needs assessment.  It was noted that the lawn at the Municipal Building would be completely redone at Breadloaf’s cost.  Mr. Lynde said he had been a Selectman for sixteen years (not consecutive) and hoped that the progress made during the past few years would continue.  He said he enjoyed working with each Selectman and appreciated what each person was doing.  He was proud of the professional approach taken by the Board members. 

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 8:45 pm.

The Board returned to public session at approximately 9:15 pm.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at approximately 9:15 pm.

                                                                                          Respectfully submitted,

                                                                                          Charity A. L. Willis

                                                                                          Recording Secretary