Minutes of Selectmen's Meeting
September 8, 2004
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Chairman Sargent. Selectman Buker and Elliott were also present along with Business Administrator James Coffey.
SCHEDULE:
6:45 p.m. Bill Morris, Solid Waste Foreman, had an appointment to discuss issues relating to the swap shop at the recycling facility. Mr. Morris failed to show up for the appointment.
7:00 p.m. Lt. Roarick met with the Board to discuss Dispatch Inter-departmental billing, hiring a prosecutor; and signing bonuses for new hires. The discussion began with a discussion on hiring a dedicated prosecutor. Lt. Roarick informed the Board that there was some interest in sharing a prosecutor from the Towns of Antrim and Deering. A discussion ensued which resulted in the Board deciding to invite the following to their October 27 meeting. The Jaffrey/Peterboroug/Dublin prosecutor, Merrimack County Attorney, Hillsborough County Attorney, Police Chief and Selectmen from Antrim, Deering and Bennington and Sgt. Remillard and Lt. Roarick. It was then decided to hold off sending invitations until after the September 12 primary. The discussion will be
from 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Lt. Roarick then told the Board that the only department offering sign on bonuses was Lebanon. He stated that the bonuses were $5,000 for a certified officer and $2,000 for uncertified. Lt. Roarick also stated that he was not sure sign on bonuses would help because of our salary range was too low. Selectman Elliott mention the need to review the salaries of all departments and Jim Coffey was asked to compile a wage study by October 13, using the NHMA wage survey publication. The discussion about salaries continued and Lt. Roarick mentioned that patrol officers need to earn about $44,000 per year. Selectmen Elliott mentioned that some towns were adopting the State Police wage schedule and that
this can put pressure on a local budget that the town cannot afford. Chairman Sargent stated that he did not agree with Selectmen Elliott that Hillsborough cannot afford the State rate. The discussion ended with members of the Board asking about the use of help from other agencies, including the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Department.
The subject of dispatching was then brought up and Selectman Elliott stated that presently it costs one quarter of a million for dispatch with Hillsborough using 50% of the service but paying 90% of the bill. There was a brief discussion about how to separate costs for police services performed by the dispatchers. [such as monitoring prisoners and greeting visitors] Selectman Buker suggested that Selectman Elliott should spend a week in Dispatch.
The Board then authorized the purchase of replacement carpeting from Eaton Furniture for the police station.
7:30 p.m. Peter Mellen, representing the Conservation Commission, met to request approval from the Board for the Commission to accept about thirty acres of land off of Jefferson Drive (Map 12A-Lot 30) for conservation purposes, including use as part of a trail system. The Board told Mr. Mellen to bring back a formal letter of recommendation from the Conservation Commission.
8:30 p.m. Selectman Buker made a motion for a non-public session to discuss a personnel matter. Selectman Elliott seconded the motion which was followed by a roll call vote. Sargent yes, Buker yes, Elliott yes. The motion passed 3-0.
8:50 p.m. The Board returned to public session. During the non-public session Selectman Elliott suggested hiring a professional note taker for the meetings. No action was taken.
APPROVED AND/OR SIGNED
a. Payroll Voucher #s [36 & 37]
b. Expense Voucher [20]
c. August 25, 2004 Minutes
d. Letter to NH DOT accepting the Chamber’s Welcome to Hillsborough signs
e. Request from the Society for the Protection of NH Forests to sign off on any knowledge of solid or hazardous waste on property identified at Tax Map 7, Lot 188
f. Welfare Lien
g. Veteran’s Tax Credit
h. Abatement of Lien Charges, Levied in Error
I. State Form MS-1, Property Valuation, see attached memo
j. Building Permits:
Permit # Name Location Description Est. value Recommendation
04096BP Louis Cutler 16 Turtle Bridge X-ing Shed $ 2,156 Approval.
04097BP Lawrence Gallant 20 Old Henniker Rd#18 Mobile Home $28,100 Approval subject to removal of existing mobile home.
04098BP Angela Werner Pine Glen Road Barn $ 1,400 Approval.
04099BP Robin Sargent 31 Ellen Brook Rd. Modular to replace $130,000 Approval subject to no more
fire damaged bldg. than 2 bedrooms without new septic approval.
04100BP Christopher Blevens 175 Jones Road Residence $250,000 Approval subject to driveway and PUC approval.
04101BP Donald Glover 41 Madison Circle Residence $225,000 Approval subject to PUC approval.
NEW BUSINESS:
Chairman Sargent brought up his pending resignation, and the need to select a replacement. Chairman Sargent mentioned that he has had offers from former Selectman Gary Lamothe and from Laura Simoes to serve on the Board. Selectman Buker mentioned that he had spoken with Mr. Lamothe and that he has experience and could come in running. Selectman Elliott mentioned that the Board has been bringing in new blood in their appointments to the Zoning Board of Adjustment and Conservation Commission. Chairman Sargent mention the help from Laura Simoes to the Homeless Task Force and the Police Attrition Commission. He stated that Ms. Simoes is diplomatic and sensitive to people issues. Chairman Sargent also stated that if we decide now she can work with Jim Coffey and get up to speed. Selectman
Buker mentioned Mr. Lamothe’s experience as a former Water & Sewer Commissioner. He then went on to confirm seeing Laura Simoes involved with the items mentioned by Chairman Sargent and other community activities. Selectman Elliott stated that politics being what it is, we separate political parties at the town and he is prepared to look past party here. He went on to say that her heart is in the right place and she wants to make this a better town. Selectman Buker then nominated Laura Simoes to replace Maxwell Sargent on the Board of Selectman, effective with the first meeting in November. The motion was seconded by Selectman Elliott and passed 3-0. A letter will be sent to Mr. Lamothe thanking him for his offer to serve, and to Ms. Simoes informing her of the Board’s decision.
The Board indicated that it will attend a Community Strategic Planning Conference to be held by the Hillsborough Area Chamber of Commerce, in Contoocook, on September 27 from 9:30 a.m to 2:30 p.m., and instructed Jim Coffey to post a notice of the meeting.
A letter from Gary Sparks concerning Chief Stafford was read, and after a brief discussion the Board instructed Jim Coffey to send a reply to Mr. Sparks thanking him for his letter.
The Board asked Jim Coffey to check on the medical center building, that is presently listed for sale, and to arrange for them to see it between 6:00-6:30 on September 22.
Other items in the agenda were reviewed but no specific action was taken.
OLD BUSINESS:
The Board briefly discussed dispatching cost issues and asked Jim Coffey to have a report for the first meeting in November. Selectman Buker suggested checking with the Town of Tilton.
The Board also asked that the letter to Peter Spaulding with costs to correct deficiencies with School Street & Center Road be ready for the next meeting. [This is a request from Executive Councilor Spaulding after he met with the Board to address local concerns about the condition of the road.]
Other items in the agenda were reviewed but no specific action was taken.
REPORTS:
Items in the agenda were reviewed
PENDING ITEMS
Joint Facilities Committee
Mechanism for billing for non-standard dispatch services.
Special detail account for HPD
Joint hiring of a prosecutor for HPD
SRO funding as part of the police budget
Federal Grant for Police Officer
HPD Wage Structure
Wage Structure for all Town employees
Town Parking
Woolen Mill and burned house on Mill Street
Renaming W. Main Street and Dump Road.
Was to be discussed at the August 11 Selectmen’s meeting. Committee profile & formation. Due to lack of time will need additional discussion
Discussed with Lt. Roarick on September 8. Part of study of dispatch services.
Will be discussed during upcoming 2005 budget reviews.
Discussed with Lt. Roarick at the September 8 meeting at 7:30 p.m. Meeting planned for October 27.
Town Administrator to look into federal obligations. Was planned for Sept. 8. Needs new date set.
Selectmen were to discuss with Lt. Roarick at September 8 meeting. To be continued.
To be discussed on 8/11. Selectmen agreed to add all employees into the study. To be part on next item.
Town administrator to compile data from NHMA comparing Hillsborough with other towns. October 13
Item in progress. Plan submitted to selectmen.
To meet with Town Planner Matt Taylor on September 22.
Need to set a date for a public hearing.
Dog Catcher Contract
Downtown Transportation Enhancement Grant
Myrtle Street Barrier & school bus passage
Expansion of Board of Selectmen to 5 members
Park Board Appointments
Selectmen asked that feral cats be included. To be discussed in the 2005 budget process.
Town Administrator to contact Matt
Taylor for an update for August 25 meeting - Update was received.
Gate to be installed by Sept. 22 meeting.
An open forum to be held on September 29th Selectmen’s meeting from 8-9 p.m.
Park Board Chairman scheduled for 7:45 p.m. on September 22.
Meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
James Coffey
Business Administrator
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