The Town of Northwood, New Hampshire - Board of Selectmen Minutes

Appointments
Police Commission
Commissioners Spike Bryant, Richard Cummings, and John Schlang met with the Board.
Town Administrator David Stack stated that this appointment was set up for the Board and the Commission to meet and discuss current activities and items of interest. A discussion was held regarding the school resource officer (SRO). Mr. Bryant stated that the Commission has approved a new contract for the SRO. Mr. Stack stated that the terms of the agreement have not changed other than an increase in salary. Mr. Dill noted that the town will continue to be reimbursed by the school for the use of the police cruiser.

Mr. Stack asked about the status of the discussion with the Town of Pittsfield to share an animal control officer. Mr. Cummings explained that sharing an animal control officer with the Town of Pittsfield is moving forward. Mr. Bryer suggested that town counsel review the final agreement. Mr. Bryant noted that there is another option should the plan with Pittsfield not work out.

Mr. Bryer asked about the police coverage for Northwood Discovery Day. Mr. Stack stated that the selectmen will cover the costs as a contribution to Discovery Day.

Mr. Holden stated that he appreciated attending the police commissions meeting and had requested that the commissions meeting times be changed to accommodate the public. Mr. Bryant stated that there seems to be evening conflicts with other meetings. He added that the meetings also work within the chief’s time schedule.

Mr. Holden also mentioned the police department’s website and noted that the site should be updated on a regular basis. Mr. Cummings stated that when personnel is up to date and there is a schedule the website will be addressed. Mr. Dill noted that the police log was on the Forum’s website. Mr. Holden asks if the log is available to everyone or is it just being provided to one publication. He also asked if it was on the website. Mr. Cummings replied that the log is not on the website. Mr. Holden asked whether the police log would be available on a regular basis monthly and Mr. Bryant replied it should be.

Mr. Holden stated that the selectmen are planning to discuss a noise ordinance due to comments received regarding proposed fireworks. He stated that the BOS would like comments from the department as the police will be enforcing. Mr. Dill explained that the ordinance was voted down by the selectmen and generally most of the complaints were not related to the fireworks; however, were more related to noise issues. He stated that he has spoken to the police chief proposing to reinforce the state law under breach of piece. Mr. Dill stated that this will allow the town to avoid purchasing decibel meters. Mr. Bryer stated that it would have been helpful to have a representative from the police department at the public hearing and suggested that in the future it should be coordinated for a representative to be here to answers the questions from the public.

Further discussion was held regarding the water pollution from the chemicals in the fireworks. Mr. Dill stated that there were different opinions relative to the pollution. Mr. Bryer stated that he does not believe the police can enforce the pollution aspect and should focus on the noise issues.

Mr. Holden thanked the police department for solving the burglaries that were occurring in town.

Unfinished Business
Acceptance of Minutes
May 26, 2009
**Motion** Mr. Bryer motioned to approve the minutes of May 26, 2009, as written. Mr. Dill seconded the motion. The motion passed; 3/0.

May 26, 2009 non-public
**Motion** Mr. Dill motioned to approve the non public minutes of May 26, 2009, as written. Mr. Bryer seconded the motion. The motion passed; 3/0.

June 9, 2009
The minutes of June 9 were postponed.

Possible Noise Ordinance
A discussion was held regarding following the state law relative to noise. All selectmen were in favor to apply the state law.

New Business
Approval of Vendor Manifest
**Motion** Mr. Dill motioned to approve the vendor manifest, in the amount of $953,375.52. Mr. Dill stated that $837,964.48 was the last payment of the 2008-2009 school warrant. Mr. Bryer noted that one of the invoices was for the expense of title searches that as done prior to tax liening. He asked how many lien searches were done. Mr. Holden replied that 178 title searches were done. Mr. Dill noted that this was for the outstanding 2008 tax bills. Mr. Stack stated that the town is at a 25% collection rate for the July tax bill. Mr. Holden expressed concern with fertilizing the cemeteries in these economic times. Discussion was held regarding the account used. Mr. Stack reported that the bill was for the spreading of weed killer. Mr. Bryer asked if the funds for this are from perpetual care contracts. Mr. Stack will review this further. Mr. Dill stated that this is herbicide treatments and Mr. Stack noted it also includes gravel walkways. Mr. Bryer seconded the motion. The motion passed; 3/0. The manifest was signed by the board.

Appointment
Northwood Area Land Management Collaborative (NALMC) ~ Discovery Day
Carl Wallman of NALMC and Stephen Roy, Chairman of the Northwood Conservation Commission (NCC) met with the board regarding Discovery Day. Mr. Wallman explained that Northwood Area Land Management Collaborative (NALMC) had requested funding for a police officer and portable toilets for Discovery Day. He stated that this is a town event and NALMC is helping sponsor the day with the help of the town and various committees. He stated that a grant was received to conduct an ecological assessment in this area and that is what the funding is marked for. He stated that this event is an outreach to communicate with the community the kind of work that NALMC is doing. He stated that the event has far exceeded what NALMC had expected. Mr. Wallman stated that an insert will be placed in the Suncook Valley Sun next week as an advertisement of the education event and the grant can only be used for specific items.

Mr. Dill stated that the selectmen have agreed to cover the costs of the police detail and thought that it was a good compromise. Mr. Dill stated that at the first meeting the recreation department was also going to be involved and this has changed. Mr. Roy stated that the recreation department was planning a race and was overwhelmed with the involvement and complexity of the race event. He added they had proposed to cover the costs of the portable toilets. Mr. Bryer replied that he is the recreation liaison. Mr. Wallman stated that a NALMC trail was created and a race was to be held but the race turned into being a timed race and the attendees would not have any interest in what the activities of the day were. As the details were discussed, these were going to be two separate events that would create more problems if held on the same day.

Mr. Bryer stated that the budget is very short funded this year due to the economy and the selectmen found the funds for the police detail. He stated that he feels that this is what the selectmen can provide. Mr. Holden refers to a purchase order within the manifest, in the amount of $700. Mr. Roy explained that the conservation commission appropriated up to $700. from various budget lines to support NALMC with a sing, printing and laminating of maps, a banner, and brochures. He added that these are estimated figures. Mr. Bryer stated that at this time the town will be contributing $1,000. to this event. Mr. Roy stated that Discovery Day is an event that the town is participating in and there will be some expenditures from the town.

Mr. Wallman stated that there is scientific work being done and they have created a model for collaborative land management, all in Northwood. This is a benefit for education in Northwood. He added that this day is to recognize the important decision of Ed Burtt who sold the land to the state rather than developers, thus the town has this wonderful park to use and cherish. He explained that this day will demonstrate the uses of the park, benefits of the area, and the value the park brings to the town as a town forest.

Mr. Bryer agreed with Mr. Wallman regarding the town supporting the event and stated that the town has agreed to give NALMC the funds from the conservation commission and the funds to cover the police detail. Mr. Holden stated that he does not recall indicating that the town would provide more than $1,000. Mr. Wallman wanted to make sure that there was no misunderstanding. Mr. Roy requested that should funds that are allocated for a portable toilet somehow become available prior to the event, that the funds be considered for the Discovery Day.

Mr. Wallman stated that an award will be presented to the town and asked if a town representative would be available around 1:00 p.m. Mr. Bryer stated he would be there and Mr. Alden replied that he too will try to attend.

Ms. Lane (audience member) asked if the event is handicapped accessible and if there would be donations boxes available. Mr. Wallman stated that the event is handicap accessible. He added that any donations can be forwarded to Bear Paw Regional Greenways. He added that they will consider adding a type of donation box.

Mr. Dill thanked Mr. Wallman and Mr. Roy for their efforts and for coming in to meet with the board.

New Business (Cont.)
Municipal Public Access Agreement - Lakes Region Public Access Television
Mr. Stack stated that this is the town’s contract from July 1, 2009-June 30, 2010 for the services provided to the town. **Motion** Mr. Bryer motioned to allow the chair to sign the document. Mr. Holden seconded the motion. Mr. Holden asked if the agreement was the same as last year and Mr. Stack replied that no changes were noted. Mr. Holden suggested tabling this until last years agreement is reviewed. **Motion** Mr. Bryer motioned to table the acceptance of the Municipal Public Access Agreement, until the next meeting. Mr. Holden seconded the motion. The motion passed; 3/0.

Transfer of Tax Deeded Property - Map 230; Lot 82, Sublot 47
Mr. Stack explained that this was a property that the town offered for repurchase, properties that were tax deeded. He stated that the town is required by state statute to send notification to the mortgage holder of the lien who in turn has the opportunity to pay the outstanding balance. He stated that in this case the mortgage holder has provided a check in the amount of the purchase price. The town then deeds the property back to the previous owner and then the mortgage holder will take the necessary action and the town has the funds, paid in full. **Motion** Mr. Bryer motioned to approve deeding the property back to the previous owner of record. Mr. Dill seconded the motion. The motion passed; 3/0.

Draft Ordinance - Regulation of Recreation Fields
Mr. Stack stated that the proposed language provided is a sample ordinance from another community. The language has been reviewed by town counsel. He explained that the selectmen cannot enact this ordinance if using the provisions of RSA 31:39, town meeting, or 35(B)(3), which allows the recreation committee to regulate the fields. He added that there is not a strong penalty piece where if adopted at town meeting, penalties can be up to $1,000. Mr. Stack stated that he will contact counsel for further interim options with these regulations.

Other New Business
Communication from Recycling Committee
Mr. Stack stated that he has received communication from the recycling committee relative to adding members, which was previously addressed at a selectmen’s meeting. He stated that the recycling committee has discussed the option regarding new members and is requesting the selectmen to change the structure of the committee to five regular members and two alternates. **Motion** Mr. Dill motioned to approve changing the structure of the recycling committee to be five regular members and two alternate members. Mr. Bryer seconded the motion. The motion passed; 3/0.

Resignation – Recycling Committee
Mr. Stack stated that Ben Edwards has submitted his resignation from the recycling committee, effective June 10, 2009. **Motion** Mr. Bryer motioned to accept the resignation of Ben Edwards from the recycling committee, with regret. Mr. Holden seconded the motion. The motion passed; 3/0. Mr. Dill requested a letter be sent to Mr. Edwards thanking him for his service to the town.

Appointment to Recycling Committee
Mr. Stack stated that Ken Curley has expressed an interest in serving on the recycling committee. **Motion** Mr. Holden motioned to appoint Ken Curley to the recycling committee, with a term to expire March 31, 2010. Mr. Bryer seconded the motion. The motion passed; 3/0. The appointment form was signed by the board.

Land Use change Tax Warrant - Map 210; Lot 78
Mr. Stack explained that this is a current use penalty for $7,000. **Motion** Mr. Dill motioned to execute the warrant to collect the current use penalty for Map 210; Lot 78, in the amount of $7,000. Mr. Holden seconded the motion. The motion passed; 3/0.

Bennett Bridge Road Project
Mr. Stack stated that he has spoken to Underwood Engineering to cut back the cost and the town will contribute more of the work. He stated that he received a new proposal for $10,000 and he reviewed the items reduced as observation time, some paperwork, etc. The final cost is a potential $16,000 and he stated that he feels it would be beneficial for Underwood to do the entire project due to liability issues. Mr. Dill expressed concern that the project bids get out soon so that there is time to get the work done this year. Mr. Bryer stated that he feels that this is a big project and the risk outweighs the cost of the engineering oversight. Mr. Dill agreed. Mr. Stack stated that funds were appropriated at town meeting for this project. Mr. Dill stated that some funds were encumbered out of last year’s budget for the work that was completed on the Class VI portion of the road to provide access and egress while this part of the project is completed. **Motion** Mr. Dill motioned for Underwood Engineering to do the work as outlined in their scope, not to exceed $16,000. Mr. Bryer seconded the motion. Mr. Holden stated that the price may change. Mr. Stack stated that at that point an additional vote would be necessary in order to proceed. Mr. Bryer suggested that Mr. Stack talk to Underwood to be assured that the cost will not exceed $16,000. Mr. Holden agreed. The motion passed; 3/0.

School Resource Officer Agreement
Mr. Stack presented the agreement for the school resource officer for signature. **Motion** Mr. Dill motioned for the chair to sign the agreement pending a review by the town administrator for substantive changes. Mr. Holden seconded the motion. The motion passed; 3/0.

Town Administrator’s Report
Unlicensed Dogs
Mr. Stack stated that he received a list from the town clerk/tax collector of unlicensed dogs. There are approximately 791 that have not been licensed. He explained that the police can serve notices or a letter can be sent out noting that there is a $25. fine that has been levied that needs to be paid, in addition to the licensing cost. Mr. Dill stated that this list was previously provided to the animal control officer and nothing was ever pursued. He stated that this is the first year that the town has done this process and he suggested that at this point, letters should be sent out. Mr. Holden stated that there should be an amnesty process and asked why this is the first year that this is being done. Mr. Bryer stated that the ACO was given the information; however, no penalty was assessed or levied. Mr. Dill suggested that the $25. charge be waived if the balance is paid within 30 days, if not, then the issue will be revisited. Additional discussion was held regarding the licensing process and costs, as well as the purpose of the surcharge, which is to cover any costs of the ACO. Mr. Holden stated that he feels that if this is being enforced then registering dogs needs to be enforced as well. Mr. Dill stated that this will begin when the town has an animal control officer. **Motion** Mr. Dill motioned to send letters out with a 30 time frame to pay the licensing fee without the $25. fee. Mr. Holden seconded the motion. Mr. Holden asked what happens after the 30 days. Mr. Dill explained that the police can then serve a notice, which will be an additional charge. Mr. Holden asked if there is a legal obligation to enforce this and Mr. Bryer stated yes. Mr. Stack stated that there is still time for the board to address this and allow him to get additional information. **Motion** Mr. Dill motioned to table discussion until more information has been received. Mr. Holden seconded the motion. Mr. Dill stated that he is not sure if the amnesty option is a valid option. Mr. Holden stated that there could be more dogs in town that are not registered. The motion passed; 2/0/1. Mr. Bryer abstained.

Town Forester Bids
Mr. Stack stated that the town received two proposals in response to the towns RFQ’s for a town forester. Mr. Stack stated that Linda Smith, Board Administrator, suggested that a selectmen’s representative serve on an interview group and meet with the firms along with a few conservation commission members. Mr. Dill offered to represent the selectmen with the interview process.

Advertisements for Bids - Fuel Oil, Propane and Kerosene
Mr. Stack stated that an advertisement requesting bids for fuel oil, propane, and kerosene has been sent out. Mr. Bryer stated that he is attending the Suncook Valley Regional meeting in Pittsfield and will ask for some information on what the other towns did or if a joint bid could be done for all towns involved in the group.

Economic Development Committee
Mr. Stack stated that he has received another volunteer for the economic development committee and plans to have more information finalized and appointment forms ready for the 7/14/09 meeting.

Health and Dental Buy-Out Form
Mr. Stack presented a buy-out of insurance form for signature. **Motion** Mr. Dill motioned to approve and sign the insurance buy out agreement. Mr. Bryer seconded the motion. The motion passed; 3/0. The form was signed by the board.

Selectmen’s Comments
Mr. Holden requested that the transfer station brochures be updated.

Mr. Bryer stated that the recreation committee would like to have some type of a mobile information sign for advertisement purposes. In addition, the recreation commission has requested that a message board be added in front of town hall. He suggested that this be added into the facilities committee budget for next year.

Mr. Bryer stated that the audit bid needs to be done if it is something that will be done this year.

Mr. Dill attended the Camp Yavneh cookout this year and thanked Camp Yavneh for doing this again this year. Mr. Bryer stated that he too attended and wanted to thank Camp Yavneh as well.

Citizen’s Forum
Josef Grosberg asked about the issue regarding debris at the transfer station that he discussed with the board at the last meeting. Mr. Dill stated that he forwarded the information request to the recycling committee who would be addressing the issue at their next meeting. He added that he would like to have a decision at the next meeting.

With no further comments, Mr. Dill closed the public portion.

Non-Public Session
7:30 p.m. **Motion** Mr. Dill made a motion, seconded by Mr. Holden, to go into a non-public session under RSA 91-A:3II(c).
Roll Call Vote:
Selectman Bryer – yes
Selectman Dill – yes
Selectman Holden – yes
Motion passed unanimously; 3/0.

**Motion** Mr. Bryer made a motion, seconded by Mr. Bryer, to come out of non-public session at 7:45 p.m. Motion passed unanimously; 3/0.

**Motion** Mr. Dill made a motion, seconded by Mr. Bryer, to seal the minutes of the non-public session. Motion passed unanimously; 3/0.

Adjournment
7:45 p.m. **Motion** Mr. Bryer motioned to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Dill. The motion passed unanimously; 3/0.

Respectfully submitted,

Lisa Fellows-Weaver
Board Secretary

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