The Town of Northwood, New Hampshire

Roll Call
Present: Chairman Lucy Edwards, Selectman Kenneth Witham, Administrative Assistant Jessi Leavitt.
Selectman Scott Bryer arrived at the meeting late.

Citizen Forum
Present: Don Arsenault, Health Officer Update
Mr. Arsenault met with the Selectmen to update them on the projected cost for his time to attend trainings for the participation in the Capital Area Public Health Network with the Concord Hospital. Mr. Arsenault projects the costs to be no more than $500 per year. Chairman Edwards informed Mr. Arsenault that they will need an estimate of cost in writing. Mr. Arsenault agreed.

Mr. Arsenault asked the board for an update as to the response from town counsel concerning the odor complaint at the Vrusho property. Ms. Leavitt stated that the Town Administrator is conversing with town counsel and the board should expect an update when the Town Administrator returns from vacation.

Doug Shaffer – Planning Board
Mr. Shaffer informed the board of his disappointments with the audio system used by the Planning Board. Chairman Edwards informed Mr. Shaffer that he should address these concerns with the planning board.

Appointments and Public Hearings:

6:15 p.m. Cynthia Kelsey – Abatement reconsideration (246-7)
Ms. Kelsey met with the Selectmen to ask that they reconsider their previous decision to not approve an abatement of interest. She explained that she was not aware the taxes on the portion of her property in Northwood were not paid, as she did not receive a tax bill. It was agreed that the Rockingham County Registry of Deeds did not update the ownership records when the Ms. Kelsey purchased the property. Ms. Kelsey informed the board that she has paid her taxes to date and would like the remaining interest amount abated. The Selectmen discussed her request.
**Motion**
6:24p.m. Selectman Bryer motioned to abate the interest accrued on this account for Ms. Kelsey (246-7) to date in light of new information confirming that all back taxes have been paid in full. Selectmen Edwards seconded and Selectman Witham made unanimous 3-0.

7:00 p.m. Deb Locke - 6:30 p.m. Deb Locke – Support of Recreation Department
Ms. Locke met with the Selectmen to discuss the possibility of having a full-time recreation director. Ms. Locke expressed her admiration and respect for the current Recreation Director, Kevin Murphy. It was agreed that the town is extremely fortunate to have Mr. Murphy as their director. The Selectmen agreed that Mr. Murphy would continue his part-time employment position with the town for the remainder of the year. The Selectmen do not feel that they can make this position full time without approval by vote at town meeting. Chairman Edwards explained that the budget for the current year may not allow for full time funds at this time, but will support a warrant article to create a new full time position. Chairman Edwards informed Ms. Locke that she could assist the board by spreading the word and encouraging residents to attend town meeting. Ms. Locke informed the Selectmen that Camp Yavneh is not willing to allow the town to use their fields for recreational purposes (sports) and questions the town’s obligation to provide a tax exemption. The board agreed to research.

Acceptance of Minutes:
Public: 9/13/05, 9/27/05, 10/11/05
Minutes will be reviewed at the next meeting.

Reports and Communications from Town Officials:
Consent Calendar (signature file)
Board reviewed the consent calendar.
**Motion**
6:50 p.m. Selectman Bryer motioned to allow Chairman Edwards to sign the Certificate of Authorizing Resolution from the Local Government Center allowing the Town Administrator to authorize the town to participate in retiree and cobra direct billing (#7). Seconded by Selectman Witham and made unanimous by Chairman Edwards 3-0.

**Motion**
6:59 p.m. Selectmen Bryer motioned to approve the consent calendar as submitted with follow up explanation of the Grant Reimbursement Application – Homeland Security, and letter i – current use penalty and warrant for 105-25 until approval is received from the Assessor. Selectmen Witham seconded and Chairman Edwards made the vote unanimous 3-0.

7:00 p.m. Public Hearing – Masonic Hall Septic Easement. Hearing 1 of 2 per RSA 41:14a
Chairman Edwards opened the public hearing at 7:00 p.m. and read the article as advertised:
The Northwood Board of Selectmen will hold two public hearings as required by RSA 41:14-a Acquisition or Sale of Land, Buildings, or Both pertaining to the Masonic Association septic easement for map 234 lot 8 on municipal parking lot map 234-9-1. The first public hearing is scheduled for October 25, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. at the Northwood Town Hall. The second public hearing is scheduled for November 8, 2005 at 6:30 p.m. at the Northwood Town Hall.

No Public comment was made.
**Motion**
7:03 p.m. Selectmen Bryer motioned to close the public hearing. Selectman Witham seconded and Chairman Edwards made the vote unanimous 3-0.

The board agreed to contact town counsel to verify if the building permit can be waived due to this process starting before the new ordinances were voted at town meeting relevant to non conforming lots.

Administrative Assistant Agenda – (Town Administrator on vacation)
Software Installation Request
Ms. Leavitt informed the board that the Welfare Director has asked the board for approval to install open office software on her computer at town hall. Ms. Leavitt contacted the Network Managers and received a confirmation that this software is compatible with Microsoft Office and they do not foresee any issues with the anti-virus software. The Network Managers informed Ms. Leavitt that many companies use open office software. The Selectmen agreed that the Welfare Director can install the software on her town computer.

Joint Meeting – Selectman Presence Requested
Ms. Leavitt informed the board that the SAU Office has requested the presence of a member of the Board of Selectmen to attend a presentation on drug and alcohol use at Coe-Brown Academy on November 9, 2005 at 6:00 p.m. Selectman Bryer and Witham agreed to attend.

Town Report Printing Quote
Ms. Leavitt informed the board that two quotes were received for the printing of the 2005 town report. The first quote was from Little’s Printing for $6,900 and the second quote was from Commonwealth Printing for $5,737.48. The selectmen discussed the process involved for the town report. Little’s Printing is located in Pittsfield NH and Commonwealth Printing is located in Newburyport Massachusetts. The board agreed that Little’s Printing is extremely accommodating with deadline dates and last minute meetings, the selectmen agreed to award the contract to Little’s Printing due to the quality and workmanship experienced. The board also agreed that they would like to decrease the amount of books ordered from 900 to 800.
**Motion**
7:40 p.m. Selectman Bryer motioned to contract with Little’s Printing for no more than $6,900.00. Selectman Witham seconded and Chairman Bryer made unanimous 3-0.

Fire Departments- Certification received.
Ms. Leavitt informed the board that David Wakeman, Fire Department, passed the CPTA testing and received his certificate contingent upon his permanent employment with the town.

**Motion**
7:44 p.m. Selectman Bryer motioned to move David Wakeman from a temporary full time position to permanent full time based on successful completion of the required testing with full-time employee benefits to begin on November 1, 2005. Seconded by Selectman Witham. Selectman Bryer explained the process to Selectman Witham. Chairman Edwards called for vote. All in favor, motion passed 3-0.

Southern NH Housing Grant Administration
Ms. Leavitt informed the board that most of the references were contacted for Hadfield Associates for the grant administrator of the Southern NH Housing Services Grant. Each reference received was outstanding.
**Motion**
7:44 p.m. Selectman Bryer motioned to hire Hadfield and Associates for the Southern NH Housing Services Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) in the amount of $7,000 for the administration of a total CDBG amount of $103,896.00. Seconded by Selectman Witham and made unanimous by Chairman Edwards 3-0.

Selectman Comments
Selectmen Edwards
Kelsey Mill Property
Ms. Edwards informed the board that the town must hold two public hearings to acquire this property. The Planning Board has submitted their recommendation and the Conservation Commission will submit a recommendation as well. Ms. Leavitt and Ms. Edwards determined dates for the public hearings to have the process completed before the end of the year. The first public hearing would need to be held on November 10 at 7:00 p.m. and the second on November 22, 2005 at 7:00 p.m., the third meeting to vote would be December 5, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. Chairman Edwards will not be able to make the first meeting. Selectman Bryer and Selectman Witham agreed to attend. Selectman Bryer will be out of town for the meeting on December 5, Mrs. Edwards and Mr. Witham will attend.

Cable Committee
Ms. Edwards informed the board that the Cable Committee is working with the school board regarding equipment needed for broadcasting. Joann Bailey and the Cable Coordinator will work together to tape short historical documentaries on locations in town.

Selectman Bryer
Tax Rate
Selectman Bryer informed the board that the he and the Town Administrator met with the Department of Revenue Administration to set the tax rate. Selectman Bryer stated that there was approximately $200,000 contributed from surplus to lower the tax rate. The new tax rate is $15.19, of that amount $2.42 is the town rate; $9.97 local school rate; $2.05 state school rate; $ .75 county.

Highway Advisory Committee
Selectman Bryer informed the board that there is a Highway Advisory Committee scheduled for October 26, 2005. Mr. Bryer is concerned with the water level and is also concerned that the paving will not be finished on Harmony Road hill. Mr. Wilson informed the board that the start date has been rescheduled by the contractor due to the excessive amount of rain.

Culvert Complaint – Ken Rick
Selectman Bryer referenced a complaint letter received from Ken Rick regarding a culvert under a driveway on Harmony Road that has not been installed yet as agreed by the town. Mr. Wilson informed the board that he has contacted four contractors and as soon as they are available the culvert will be installed. He informed the board that he has all the material needed; he is awaiting availability of equipment.

Ground Breaking Ceremony – Elderly Housing Project
Selectman Witham agreed that he would attend the ground breaking ceremony on Friday, October 28, 2005 for the Southern NH Housing Services Elderly Housing Project. Selectman Bryer stated that he would like to attend if his schedule permits.

**Motion**
8:10 p.m. Selectmen Bryer motioned to enter non-public Session under RSA 91-A:3,II (a,c,e). Seconded by Selectman Witham and made unanimous by Chairman Edwards 3-0.

**Motion**
8:23 p.m. Selectmen Bryer motioned to exit non-public Session and seal the minutes. Seconded by Selectman Witham and made unanimous by Chairman Edwards 3-0.

Road Agent – Gulf Road
Mr. Wilson informed the board that a complaint of high water on Gulf Road was received from Deborah D’Alessandro. The culvert was replaced on Gulf Road by the Town of Deerfield; Northwood supplied some material as well. The Town of Deerfield feels that the State of NH may be responsible for the expenses and upkeep if it is an earthen dam issue due to the size of the lake.

**Motion**
8:30 p.m. Selectman Bryer motioned to enter non-public Session under RSA 91-A:3,II (a,c). Seconded by Selectman Witham and made unanimous by Chairman Edwards 3-0.

**Motion**
8:45 p.m. Selectmen Bryer motioned to exit non-public Session and seal the minutes. Seconded by Selectman Witham and made unanimous by Chairman Edwards 3-0.

**Motion**
8:45 p.m. Selectmen Bryer motioned to evict Marston for non payment of back taxes at property located at 222-33-7 and violation of tax agreement. Seconded by Selectman Witham and made unanimous 3-0.

**Motion**
8:45 p.m. Selectman Bryer motioned to adjourn. Seconded by Selectman Witham and made unanimous 3-0 by Chairman Edwards.

Respectfully submitted,

Jessi Leavitt
Administrative Assistant

Northwood Board of Selectmen
Meeting Minutes of October 25, 2005

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