The Town of Northwood, New Hampshire

6:01 p.m. Selectman Bryer motioned to enter into non public session under RSA 91:A:3, II (c). Seconded by Selectman Witham. Roll call Chairman Bryer yes, Selectman Witham yes, Selectman Shaffer yes.

The meeting was suspended due to appointment with town counsel.

Chairman Bryer re-opened the public meeting.

7:00 p.m. Planning Board – Discussion on the part-time planner position.

Town Counsel may meet with the Board of Selectmen and Planning Board.

Chairman Bryer explained that the staff needs and the re-organization of job descriptions is not finalized yet, and Selectman Witham would like the opportunity to meet with staff to discuss further. The selectmen and Mr. Reitter discussed the needs of the building department. The board agreed per recommendation of Mr. Fletcher that the planner position be discussed at this time, until the selectmen can meet with the applicable departments. The Town Administrator recommended that the Local Government Center place this position in the current wage scale as they have created the scale. The board agreed. Mr. Reitter confirmed that the position would include weekly hours. Mr. Reitter suggested that Ms. Smith allocate some time to assist the building department on a temporary basis, due to her knowledge of the ordinances.

The board discussed the smoking area and discussed requirements of smoking from within certain distances of public buildings for employees and public.

Mr. Reitter confirmed that the primary responsibilities would depend on the amount of hours allowed. The planning board would continue to review plans and be advised by the planner. Mr. Witham recommended the salary at $2,000 per month ($24,000) per year for the first year and work with the staff for the building department needs. Mr. Shaffer recommended an annual review of the position for quality and necessity. Mr. Reitter agreed that the planning board would schedule a work session to review and update the sample job description. The selectmen agreed that the Town Administrator will have the Local Government Center critique the job description if needed and place within the town’s wage scale. The advertisement would need to be posted after the Local Government Center submits their recommendation.

The interview process was discussed. Mr. Shaffer agreed that he would like to be included in the interview process, but that the hiring decision should be the planning board.

**Motion**

Selectman Shaffer motioned to move forward with the decision to hire a part time planner recommended by the planning board with pay and job description recommendations of the Local Government Center. Seconded by Selectman Witham. Selectman Witham removed his second and Selectman Shaffer rescinded his motion. Motion Failed.

**Motion**

Selectman Shaffer re-motioned to accept the part time planner position with salary not to exceed $2,000 per month and the Town Administrator will research wage and job description criteria with the Local Government Center. Seconded by Selectman Witham and made unanimous by Chairman Bryer 3-0. Motion passed.

Chairman Bryer called for a five minute recess.

Mrs. Beaulieu informed the board that Mr. Witham requested information regarding a breakdown of employee pay stubs, and this information was provided to Mr. Witham from the finance department. Mr. Witham questioned how the Town Administrator found out that he was speaking with LGC. Mrs. Beaulieu explained that this public information and any information requested from LGC is property of the municipality. Legal staff at LGC will forward all requests with his responses in writing to the Town Administrator to share with the board. The board discussed the legal opinion that was received in writing from Attorney Paul Sanderson, at LGC.

Chairman Bryer commented that he was contacted by Barbara Hoover a town resident that also assisted the recreation department with the Hershey track program. Mrs. Beaulieu informed the board that Ms. Hoover has been scheduled on the agenda for April 25, 2006 to speak with the selectmen. Mr. Witham asked that he be updated before the next meeting as to this request. Mrs. Beaulieu gave copies of information from Ms. Hoover to the board members. Mrs. Beaulieu explained that funds are collected from participants for the program and put in the revolving fund. However, the recreation director expended funds from his operating budget rather than the parks and recreation revolving fund. Mrs. Beaulieu asked permission to bill the parks and recreation revolving fund and credit the general fund for the costs of running the program in 2005. Mr. Witham asked for the information to be available for the next meeting.

**Motion**

Selectman Shaffer motioned to meet with Ms. Hoover at their next scheduled meeting for April 25, 2006 and to have the necessary information prepared for review. Seconded by Selectman Witham and made unanimous by Chairman Bryer 3-0.

**Motion**

Selectman Shaffer motioned to enter non public session under RSA 91-A:3, II (a,c,e). Seconded by Selectman Witham. Roll call Selectman Shaffer yes, Selectman Witham yes, Chairman Bryer yes. Motion passed.

**Motion**

Chairman Bryer motioned to exit non public session and to seal the non public minutes. Seconded by Selectman Witham and made unanimous by Selectman Shaffer.

**Motion**

Chairman Bryer motioned to accept the resignation of Kevin Murphy as the recreation director with regret effective April 17, 2006. Seconded by Selectman Shaffer. Made unanimous by Selectman Witham 3-0.

The board instructed Mrs. Beaulieu to run an advertisement for the permanent part time recreation director position. Criteria to include lifeguard certified, WSI certified, labor grade 7 ($12.41 – $16.18 per hour) Advertise at UNH, Southern NH University, Concord Monitor, Suncook Sun. Mrs. Beaulieu confirmed that the advertisement will be posted in house for 5 business days before advertising.

Mr. Witham requested that Ken Curly, Donna Bunker submit their intentions to continue their appointments to the Cable Advisory Committee by Monday at noon.

Chairman Bryer asked Mrs. Beaulieu to contact the Library to confirm the status on the updating of the website. The board discussed the need for an update. The board agreed that they should ask for an update from Ms. Bunker before advertising. This would be discussed again on April 25, 2006 during the selectmen meeting.

**Motion**

Selectman Witham motioned to advertise for the webmaster position. Selectman Shaffer seconded. Mrs. Beaulieu informed Mr. Witham that if funds will be expended, the board needs to appropriate to expend as this was not included in the budget. The board agreed that the appropriation should be made from the computer consulting/contract expense line. Chairman Bryer opposed and does not agree to spend money that was not budgeted. Mrs. Beaulieu suggested that the library trustees be contacted for an update. The board discussed the motion on the table. Chairman Bryer called for a vote, all opposed. Motion failed.

**Motion**

Selectman Shaffer motioned to adjourn and that the selectmen meetings adjourn each meeting by 10:00 p.m. Seconded by Selectman Witham and made unanimous 3-0 by Chairman Bryer.

Respectfully submitted,

Jessi Leavitt

Administrative Assistant

Northwood Board of Selectmen

Draft Meeting Minutes of April 17, 2006

[ Back ]

top of page