The Town of Northwood, New Hampshire

Mr. Bryer asked Ms. Cady if they should go into her report at this time. Ms. Cady presented the board cemetery deeds to sign for the Cemetery Trustees

***Motion*** motion was made by Mr. Witham to sign the perpetual care deeds for the Cemetery Trustees, seconded by Mr. Bryer, passed 2/0

Ms. Cady provided the board with the new Transfer Station pamphlet. Mr. Bryer stated there needed to be a correction on Mr. Witham’s first name and Mr. Bryer added that he would like his middle initial “R” in his name before signing.

Motion was made by Mr. Witham to sign the Transfer Station pamphlet when corrected, seconded by Mr. Bryer, passed 2/0

Ms. Cady presented a letter in reply to Mason and Rich on their recommendations from last year for signatures. Ms. Cady presented the board with the two letters from Mason and Rich for them to review. Mr. Bryer stated that they needed to be corrected to change commissioners to selectmen and then the board will sign.

***Motion*** motion was made to sign the letters for Mason and Rich when revised and the comments from the auditors recommendations are put into the document, seconded by Mr. Bryer, passed 2/0

Ms. Cady stated that the Ambulance Funds were not being remitted to the finance officer in a timely manner. The auditors were recommending daily deposits with the treasurer. That was not plausible Mrs. Cady stated since the Mr. Knox only comes in Tuesday’s and Wednesdays usually.
Mr. Knox stated that the funds should come in on Tuesday or Wednesday when he is here to do the deposit. Mr. Bryer stated that ambulance fund should be changed to the Fire Department because they are responsible for the funds.

Ms. Cady presented the board with the Management letter and bids for audit for 2006 and what they would charge to be done next year. Mr. Bryer asked Ms. Cady to type in the names of the selectmen to the bottom of the Management letter as well as the Treasurers name and then the board will sign the document.

Ms. Cady presented the board with the Annual Ambulance Back-up billing for Epsom in the amount of Five thousand dollars ($5,000.00).

***Motion*** motion was made by Mr. Witham to pay the Ambulance Back-up in the amount of $5,000.00, seconded by Mr. Bryer, passed 2/0

Ms. Cady read aloud to inform the Selectmen about a letter from Hannaford’s Grocery Store in regards to a credit they were issuing the town in the amount of Nine dollars ($9.00). They will no longer credit the town for taxable refunds on items with taxes unless we present a letter showing our tax deferment letter at time of purchase. Mr. Bryer asked Ms. Cady who was buying the taxable items and Ms. Cady stated it could be the Fire Department because they buy sandwiches when at a fire.

Ms. Cady presented the board with a letter from the Local Government Center for membership dues in the amount of two thousand, eight hundred and ninety two dollars and seventy cents ($2,892.70) for 2007. Ms. Cady stated that this was in next years budget she was just informing the board.

Barrington Planning board sent the board a public notice of a site review for SBA Towers, parent parcel owners Harry and Jacqueline Kessler. The site review will be on January 4, 2007 and the parcel is located in the regional overlay district.

Ms. Cady presented the board with information from Timothy Bates in regards to the decision of Rochester vs. Verizon on their appeal for abatement of taxes based on being assessed for poles and equipment in Right of Way. Attorney Bates stated that the courts ruled in favor of Verizon in his letter. Ms. Cady stated that she sent the appeal of Verizon on their taxes in Northwood to Mitchell and Bates per selectmen’s request in September and Attorney Bates had asked that it be postponed until there was a decision passed down by the courts on the Verizon vs. Rochester suit as the same issues of tax abatement are being appealed. It was postponed until next May as Attorney Bates expects it will be appealed to the Supreme Court.

Ms. Cady presented a letter from Charles Guenther stating he was sent several address changes for his property and was charged seventy five dollars ($75.00) for interest and would like his seventy five dollars ($75.00) refunded to him because the address change was not noted on the tax bill. Mr. Bryer asked Ms. Cady if there were any recommendations from Rod Wood and Ms. Cady stated Mr. Wood did not give any recommendations. Mr. Bryer asked if this was paid in full and Ms. Cady stated it had been.

***Motion *** motion was made by Mr. Witham to abate seventy five dollars ($75.00) for Mr. Charles Guenther, seconded by Mr. Bryer, passed 2/0

Ms. Cady stated that she received a phone call from Mr. Callioras in regards to back taxes and the lean on his property. Ms. Cady stated that Mr. Callioras paid five thousand dollars ($5,000.00) toward this and was asking the board to let him pay five thousand dollars ($5,000.00) per month until the back taxes are paid in full. Ms. Cady stated that there would have to be a tax agreement written up for this. Mr. Bryer asked what the amount was that was owed in back taxes. Ms. Cady stated the taxes are over twenty thousand dollars ($20,000.00). Mr. Bryer stated that Ms. Cady should write up a tax agreement for Mr. Catagoris to pay five thousand dollars ($5,000.00) per month until paid up.

***Motion*** motion was made by Mr. Witham to write up a tax agreement for Mr. Callioris to pay five thousand ($5,000.00) per month until taxes are caught up, seconded by Mr. Bryer, passed 2/0

Ms. Cady stated that the Animal Control Officer asked for the Town Of Northwood to purchase him a vehicle and allot him two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500.00) for the purchase of a new vehicle for Animal Control Officer’s use. He had given Mrs. Cady pictures of a blue 1996 jeep that the town could purchase from a private sale for two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500). Mr. Bryer stated personally he would rather have them go to White’s Farm and see what vehicles are there for the town to purchase.

Ms. Cady read aloud a letter from Ellis Ring in regards to interest charges on his property on Loon Cove at Jenness Pond. Mr. Ring has asked that the town reduce the interest and penalties on his property and he will pay off the back taxes by December 30th, 2006. Mr. Bryer asked for a non-public session. Ms. Cady stated that it was a tax situation and the people have the right to know. Mr. Bryer asked how much the interest and penalties were. Ms. Cady stated they are about two thousand four hundred dollars ($2,400.00). Mr. Bryer asked Mr. Witham what he thought should be done. Mr. Witham stated he wants to abate the interest. Mr. Bryer stated that the motion will be made when the board gets the exact amount that is owed in interest and penalties.

Ms. Cady stated that the Strafford Regional Planning Commission is asking for the board to appoint another member to the committee. The Town of Northwood is allowed two representatives and only has one appointed. Mr. Bryer asked if this was put in the Suncook Valley Sun. Ms. Cady stated it had not been but that she had asked the Planning Board for a nomination.

Mr. Bryer called the 6:15 appointment to the table and apologized for being late.

Mr. Ed Woiccak from Attorney Marshall’s Office stated that Davlynn (Masten) originally posted an irrevocable letter of trust in the amount of three hundred seventy thousand ($370,000.00) and has since been granted a reduction of one hundred ten thousand dollars ($110,000.00). Davlynn has since finished the binder coat of the base paving. Mr. Woiccak stated that their contractor sent him a quote in the amount of sixty seven thousand, two hundred thirty two ($67,232.00) to complete the project of Masten Estates and they were asking for another reduction in the irrevocable letter of credit.

Mr. Bryer stated that the board does not have anything in writing stating the estimated cost to complete and is uncomfortable with signing off the money without having the engineers report. Mr. Woiccak presented Ms. Cady with a copy of estimates from the contractor. Mr. Woiccak quoted RSA 674:36 which allows for not more than 10% cost escalation factor. Mr. Woiccak asked the board to consider the cost escalation for whatever the board agrees on to finish, adding not more than 10% and they would agree on this price. Mr. Woiccak stated that David Storey gave the town a two hundred sixty thousand dollars ($260,000.00) irrevocable letter of credit after the reduction of one hundred and ten thousand dollars ($110,000). Mr. Bryer stated that the town gave them one hundred and ten thousand ($110,000.00) off the original already and when the board gets the report from the engineer the board will then sign for a further reduction. Mr. Woiccak asked the board if he needs to come back in two weeks. Mr. Bryer stated that it needs to be done in a public meeting. Ms. Cady stated to Mr. Woiccak that he does not have to be here she will contact him. Mr. Woiccak stated he would like to be put on the agenda for the January 9, 2007 meeting and will be here for this issue.

Mr. Russ Eldridge was asked to come to the table. Mr. Eldridge stated he wanted to give the board an up-date on the recreation field plans. Mr. Eldridge stated he did more surveying of the site and received the plans from Norway Plains Associates and they had advised that a complete survey of the property needs to be done in order for them to go to the state and get a permit for the road to go over some wetlands. Mr. Eldridge stated that they would be able to have the fields on site as planned but would need engineering to get around areas that needed to be filled. He believed there is enough fill on the site itself to fill the low areas since they have done test drillings. Mr. Bryer asked if Mr. Eldridge had estimates and Mr. Eldridge stated no. Mr. Bryer asked for the estimated costs and Mr. Eldridge stated that the topography survey alone was one thousand one hundred dollars ($1,100.00). Mr. Eldridge stated that he was just there to up-date the board in respects to all the work they have done so far. Mr. Eldridge stated he had three sets of Norway Plains Assoc. plans but one was with Mr. Bailey and he needed the other two, one for the surveyor but he offered for the board to review the plans he has with him. Mr. Bryer asked Mr. Eldridge if the board could get a copy of these plans for the Town Offices. Mr. Eldridge stated he would like to hold off on giving the copy at this time but would provide the office with a copy. Mr. Eldridge presented the board with the plans that he brought in so the board could review them at the meeting. Mr. Eldridge explained the plans to the board as they were looking at them. Mr. Bryer stated to Mr. Eldridge that the board would like a copy for the Town Hall when he can get it to them and stated that they were doing a good job.

Mr. Bryer asked if Twombly was coming in because they were not there yet. Ms. Cady stated that they are supposed to be coming. Ms. Cady stated she spoke with the Twombly’s and told them they couldn’t have the approval for the road yet. Mr. Bryer asked how much the bond was and Ms. Cady stated seven thousand ($7,000). Ms. Cady stated that Mr. Wilson had inspected and the additional gravel work was done as well as the monuments having been set as Underwood engineers had noted needed to be done. Ms. Cady presented the board with the plans for the road.

Mr. Bryer stated RSA 674:40-A states that the town is required to post all public hearings and that the town needed to have a public hearing to accept the road. Ms. Cady stated that this was advertised in the Suncook Valley Sun and was sent today (December 26, 2006) for a pubic hearing on January 9, 2006 at 6:30 P.M. Mr. Bryer stated that he had no problem releasing the funds now that the board has the engineer’s report. The Twomblys arrived and Mr. Bryer asked them to come to the table. Mr. Bryer explained that they needed a public hearing to accept the road and January 9, 2007 the board will be having the public hearing. He saw no problems with the acceptance.

Ms. Cady presented the board with a document in regards to JTAN the web server. Ms. Cady stated that the e-mail was being locked up because of the Metrocast spamming of over eighty-eight (88,000) emails. The document shows the trouble the office has been having with our web site and email server.

Mr. Bryer asked Ms. Cady for a quote from PRIMEX for health costs. Ms. Cady supplied Mr. Bryer with the copy of healthcare quotes. Mr. Bryer asked Ms. Cady what the differences were in the health plans. Ms. Cady explained some of the differences and discussed differences in the RX plans as well. Mr. Bryer asked Ms. Cady to take the health plans and put them side by side for comparison. Mr. Bryer stated he did not want anyone getting cheated on coverage and wants the town’s coverage to be the same if they switch. Mr. Bryer stated to Ms. Cady that he would like to see the companies come and explain their benefits to the town.
Further discussion was held on the different types of coverage and the plans. Ms. Cady stated she would check with the Local Government Center and see if the town agreed to one more year of service.

Ms. Cady stated that Dave Hickey sent her a memo and stated he had done a final inspection on the Transfer Station and had some concerns such as protruding bolts and hinges. Ms. Cady stated she gave a copy of the findings to Mr. Steve Preston who called Steve Conway to have this repaired. Ms. Cady asked Mr. Preston if this has been done and Mr. Preston stated that this was going to be done after the holidays.
Mr. Bryer stated that he had gone and looked and felt they came out pretty good.

Ms. Cady stated that the board needed to sign for the Northwood rental agreements for the highway contractor Leonard Gilman Jr. and Chatter Brook Farm for plowing of town highways.

***Motion*** motion was made by Mr. Witham to sign the rental agreements for $74.60 for Leonard Gilman Jr. for the rental of a six wheel dump for forty Dollars ($40.00) per hour and Chatter Brook Farm a.k.a. Bradley Briggs for the rental of a one ton sixty five dollars ($65.00) per hour, seconded by Mr. Bryer, passed 2/0

Ms. Cady stated that Ms. Judy Pease has provided the board with a supplemental tax assessment for Timothy and Wendy Jandebaur and Robert and Rosemary Brown for the amount of four thousand and eleven dollars ($4,011.00). Ms. Cady stated that Mr. Jandebaur called and stated he did not get a tax bill.

***Motion*** motion was made by Mr. Witham to accept the supplemental warrant with names as stated for tax bills, seconded by Mr. Bryer, passed 2/0

Ms. Cady presented the board with a bill from the University of New Hampshire in the amount of eight hundred and eighteen dollars and sixty cents ($818.60) to pay the 25% of the Recreation Director salary per grant agreement.

***Motion*** motion was made by Mr. Witham to pay the University of New Hampshire in the amount of eight hundred and eighteen dollars and sixty cents ($818.60) for the Recreation Directors 25% of salary, seconded by Mr. Bryer, passed 2/0

Ms. Cady presented the board with a letter from Attorney Jack Bielagus in regards to Ridge Rd Tax Map 221 Lot nine (9) and ten (10). Attorney Jack Bielagus stated they needed a letter from the town stating the town does not have an interest in the land. Ms. Cady stated that she had sent a copy to Walter Mitchell in August per the boards request and Attorney Mitchell stated the wording that needs to be used if the town was going to have no interest in the land and was going to write up a document stating as such. Attorney Mitchell stated that the Town of Northwood should not want interest in this land because the neighbors are the only ones with the right of way and doesn’t feel that the town should get into that fight. Mr. Bryer read into the minutes a copy of the letter from Attorney Jack Bielagus.

***Motion*** motion was made by Mr. Witham to sign letter of no interest in land owned by Marquis, seconded by Mr. Bryer, passed 2/0

Ms. Cady presented the board with a letter from PRIMEX stating they had accepted the claim for tar on Mr. Sinnimon's 2005 Durango. Mr. Bryer stated that this was just a receipt that they received it and not an actual approval of claim. Mr. Witham stated for the record that the road was tagged well for paving. Mr. Bryer stated there would be no more discussion and the insurance company will handle.

Ms. Cady stated to the board that a copy of non-public minutes were in their packets for approval.

Ms. Cady stated that she received the figures on interest, NOW account, and the Market account from Mr. Knox and had added them to their budget figures. Mr. Bryer asked if they were the figures from last year and Ms. Cady stated yes.

Ms. Cady stated that Kevin Madison gave her the figure of sixty thousand dollars ($60,000.00) for the ambulance trust fund which transfers about all but leaves approximately six hundred dollars ($600) in the escrow account.

Ms. Cady stated that she spoke to Mr. Robertson the moderator per the Mr. Bryer’s request and he has asked for seven hundred dollars ($700.00) for his budget due to only one election being held this year in the town. Selectmen stated that this was ok.

Ms. Cady stated that the only two people she is asking two steps for is Lisa Fellows-Weaver (Board Secretary) and Marcia Severance (Municipal Receptionist)
Mr. Bryer stated that historically town employees are given one step. Mr. Witham stated that he felt there are a couple employees in the Executive Office that have done an exceptional job and is against the way things are working now because new people are coming in at the same or higher rate of pay than the veterans of the office.
Mr. Bryer stated in his opinion employees should get one step max and when the wage study comes in put them in at one step above what they are now. Ms. Cady stated she spoke with Barry Cox and stated he could have some estimates for January but not have the study done before the end of January.

Mr. Bryer called a 5 minute break at 7:12 pm
Mr. Bryer called the meeting back to order at 7:17

Mr. Bryer stated that if a person is at their final step they should only get COLA. Mr. Bryer stated that if the Municipal Receptionist is at her top step she would only be eligible for COLA. Ms. Cady stated she didn’t agree with someone only getting COLA. Mr. Bryer stated that he wanted to keep it this way and stated that the town has done it this way for many years. Mr. Bryer stated he did not agree with moving people out of steps and he will not support it. Mr. Bryer asked Ms. Cady if he has the evaluations of employees that he is suppose to have and that are suppose to be done annually. Ms. Cady stated that they will be done and he will have them.

Mr. Witham stated he thought we were getting off the kick of steps and COLA because the fight has been going on for years. Mr. Witham stated that there are some people that go above and beyond and there are the veterans that don’t get paid what the new people are getting. Mr. Bryer stated that in the past years he has received budgets with steps and COLA and now tonight has a budget in front of him that has people going up two steps and can’t figure out what step people are suppose to be on. Mr. Bryer asked Ms. Cady if she had done the job descriptions that are due annually. Ms. Cady stated they would be done. Mr. Witham stated that he is not in agreement with some of the pays due to new people coming in and getting paid considerable more than someone who has been here for thirty years. Mr. Witham stated there are people in the office that go above and beyond what they should do and then there are people who are not cooperative at all. Mr. Bryer stated that he is not comfortable with this budget and not ok with accepting the numbers. Mr. Bryer asked Ms. Cady to add a line not the budget to say what step and grade everyone was on.

Mr. Bryer stated that Marcia Severance should be grade four step ten and COLA. Mr. Bryer stated if they need to be up a step when the wage study comes out then he will adjust. Mr. Bryer stated on the others he is ok with. Mr. Bryer asked if there were any other with two steps. Ms. Cady stated that she put two steps for the Board Secretary; she is at Grade five Step seven now. Mr. Bryer recommended she be put at Grade four Step nine. Mr. Bryer asked Mr. Witham if he was in agreement, Mr. Witham stated he was ok with all. Mr. Bryer stated for the record this is why he wanted the wage study done earlier so that all the figures for raises would be in. Ms. Cady stated that Board Secretary would get $13.57 X .033 = $14.02. Mr. Bryer stated that she would also get COLA. (No increase above one step due to the two selectmen not being in agreement.)

Ms. Cady stated she is not able to answer some questions because the figures were changed by Sandy Garrett on her budget. Ms. Cady stated that Ms. Garrett had the ADS man down today to do a download and it shut Ms. Cady out of the system.
Mr. Witham stated for the record that not everyone in the town offices is a team player.
Mr. Bryer stated he was ok with everyone else getting one step and COLA.

Mr. Bryer stated that COLA was based on what is given by Social Security.

Ms. Cady stated that the Cable Coordinator would like to get the 3.3% COLA increase in pay. Ms. Cady stated that this would bring the Cable Coordinator to eight thousand, fifty seven dollars ($8,057.00). Mr. Bryer and Mr. Witham stated that he was ok with giving this to him.

Ms. Cady stated that the Finance Technician put in her budget seven thousand, sixty dollars ($7,060.00) for tuition. Ms. Cady stated she felt this was excessive. Mr. Bryer stated there should be a limit of two classes per year set on this and does not want a policy that shows favoritism to one person. Ms. Cady stated that the line for tuition should be moved from Finance to the Executive Office for the sum of seven thousand five hundred dollars ($7,500). Mr. Witham stated he wanted to have a policy in place for tuition first. Mr. Bryer stated in his opinion it should be in the budget but with an agreement that no funds will be released until a policy is in place first and should have a certain grade average for the town to pay 50%. Mr. Witham stated he had never seen this before and doesn’t support the tuition. Mr. Bryer stated that this was a dead issue if both of the selectmen can’t agree on it.

Ms. Cady stated that the copier in the Executive Office was not working for the capacity that they need. Mr. Bryer stated that he thought the Executive Office had a new copier. Ms. Cady stated that this is a fairly new one but it doesn’t work to the capacity that it needs to for the office. Ms. Cady stated on her budget was five thousand five hundred dollars ($5,500) for a new phone system. Mr. Bryer stated that he does not support a new phone system; to big of an expense for this years budget. Ms. Cady explained the inconvenience and the time the employees are losing because of the lengthy message when getting voice mails. Mr. Bryer stated that this was the first he has heard of this and asked Dave Hickey if this was accurate about the lengthy messages and the time it wastes. Mr. Hickey stated that Ms. Cady was right and it was wasting a lot of time.
Mr. Bryer restated he would not support a new phone system. Mr. Bryer asked why this wasn’t brought up before if it was such a problem.

Contracted services for the phone system, Ms. Cady stated she was asking for thirteen thousand five hundred dollars ($13,500). Mr. Bryer stated how about twelve thousand eight hundred thirty nine dollars ($12,839.00) and asked if it would cover new copier. Ms. Cady stated yes it would cover new copier. Mr. Bryer stated that there will be no new phone system so they could reduce this line to nine thousand dollars ($9,000). Mr. Witham stated he was ok with that.

Ms. Cady stated that the fees for land donations last year was two thousand dollars ($2,000) and that could be eliminated but she felt one dollar ($1.00) should be left in the land donation fund. Ms. Cady also explained about the telephone bill in the executive office and how it is one thousand two dollars ($1,002.00) and is investigating getting it lower, asked for fourteen thousand four hundred sixty dollars ($14,460.00) for phone bill in budget. Mr. Bryer asked if this could be reduced and if it could then he would be ok with a new phone system. Ms. Cady stated that she is investigating this.

Ms. Cady stated that the line for office supplies have gone up. Mr. Bryer asked about the one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) for updating software. Ms. Cady stated that the upgrade was for Microsoft Office 2007 and Adobe. Mr. Bryer asked if the upgrade was really necessary at this time. Ms. Cady stated yes due to Excel and Adobe and the minutes being posted to the website. Mr. Witham and Mr. Bryer stated they are ok with this. Mr. Bryer and Mr. Witham stated that they were ok with the two new computers needed in the budget.

Finance Administrator Budget
Page 38

Ms. Cady stated she had the warrant article ready for Finance Technician to be made full time. Ms. Cady gave the board a copy of the breakdown of the cost involved with making the finance tech full time. (as attached to minutes) Mr. Bryer stated that for the 1st year warrant article it should be based on nine months because it is voted on in March. Mr. Bryer asked if it was based on one step increase. Ms. Cady stated yes and 3.3% and directed Mr. Bryer to the budget. Ms. Cady stated that the supplies for Finance had gone up due to the new printer and the cartridges for this special printer are expensive. Mr. Ron Covey spoke and asked what the cost for these expenses she was quoting. Ms. Cady explained the cost that is involved in putting the Finance Technician into a full time position such as family plan for Health & Dental benefits. Discussion was held on who requested this change from part time to full time. Mr. Bryer stated it will be a warrant article and we will let the town’s people decide. Mr. Witham stated that last year the town did not have the choice because it was packed into the operating budget.

Ms. Cady stated the next line was audit services and received a quote of ten thousand nine hundred forty five dollars ($10,945.00) from Mason and Rich. Two thousand four hundred dollars ($2,400) is budgeted for the Trustees of the Trust Fund. Mr. Bryer asked about Audit Services nine thousand dollars ($9,000.00). Mr. Bryer stated he was ok with this figure.

Ms. Cady stated that there was forty seven thousand, four hundred ($47,400) per year for the assessing company the town currently has. Mr. Bryer stated that this amount should be moved into the assessing budget. Mr. Bryer stated that it should be in the operating budget so they can have money to pay the assessors. Ms Cady stated there was three thousand seven hundred fifty dollars ($3,750) in the trust fund available. Mr. Bryer asked Mr. Witham if he agreed with putting in the operating budget for the assessor and Mr. Witham stated definitely yes.

Mr. Bryer stated that he understood about Police Department wanting to put the new cruiser in the operating budget every year instead of a warrant article but has had some feedback from the public and they agree with a new cruiser every year but seem to want it in as a warrant article. Mr. Witham stated it didn’t matter to him because having it as a warrant article spells it out for the townspeople. Mr. Bryer stated that the new cruiser every year will be kept as a warrant article.

Mr. Bryer asked what was spent on legal this year. Ms. Cady stated that forty thousand dollars ($40,000.00) was budgeted last year and thirteen thousand dollars ($13,000.00) was spent. Mr. Bryer asked if they should keep the forty thousand and Ms. Cady stated that she did not feel they needed that much.
Mr. Bryer stated he would like to go into non public for a few minutes. Ms. Cady stated that the only way they could go into non public was if it affected personnel and litigation. Mr. Bryer stated he had a question and then stated that he just would rather leave the legal line at forty thousand ($40,000.00).

***Motion*** motion was made by Mr. Witham to go into non public under RSA 91: A-3-II-D, seconded by Mr. Bryer, passes 2/0

Board in non public at 8:25 pm
Back from non public at 8:30

***Motion*** motion was made by Mr. Witham to come out of non public, seconded by Mr. Bryer, passed 2/0

***Motion*** motion was made by Mr. Witham to seal the non public minutes, seconded by Mr. Bryer, passed 2/0

Mr. Bryer stated that they went into non public to discuss legal actions and settlements and claims. twenty five thousand dollars ($25,000.00) was allocated in the budget for settlements and claims and forty thousand ($40,000.00) for legal.

Mr. Bryer called for a recess at 8:30
Mr. Bryer called back to order at 8:35

Ms. Cady stated that she had asked Ms. Garrett for the encumbrances last week and did not receive them from her. Mr. Bryer stated that there would be another meeting on Thursday December 28, 2006 at 7pm to accept the encumbrances and to remind him at the end of the meeting.

Building budget
Dave Hickey – page 62

Mr. Bryer stated that eighty nine thousand, three hundred ninety two dollars ($89,392.00) was asked for last year. Mr. Hickey stated that dues were increased by one hundred dollars ($100.00) for the associations. Mr. Bryer asked how much have building permits gone down. Mr. Hickey stated that the number of permits given has gone up not down. Mr. Bryer also asked Mr. Hickey if the work load has gone up or down. Mr. Hickey stated that the workload has gone down due to not having as many big projects. Mr. Bryer asked how much Mr. Hickey was collecting in revenues. Mr. Hickey stated around sixty thousand dollars ($60,000) so Mr. Bryer asked why he was asking for $91,000. Mr. Hickey stated that if there was a pick up in lots then they are going to need the money. Ms. Cady stated that the building secretary position was not filled until late this year and she comes in at nine dollars and fifty four cents ($9.54) per hour 20-25 hours per week. Mr. Witham stated he was ok with the figures and wants to leave them. Mr. Bryer stated this was ok.

Health budget
Dave Hickey and Don Arsenault – page 74

Mr. Bryer asked if they had given the 3.3% and COLA to Mr. Arsenault. Ms. Cady stated they had not. Mr. Bryer stated to give him the COLA. Mr. Arsenault stated that he has been making fifteen dollars ($15.00) per hour for the last few years. Mr. Bryer asked Ms. Cady to adjust for the COLA in his salary.
Mr. Bryer stated he was ok with the figures but to put the travel line to five hundred dollars ($500.00) and agrees with all other lines. Mr. Hickey stated he was not sure where the numbers came from they are not the ones he put in, he had recommended higher salary because of doing the witnessing of test pits and bed bottoms.

Mr. Bryer asked who in the neighboring towns do these septic inspections. Mr. Hickey stated that all but Strafford as far as he knows. Mr. Witham stated he would rather give Mr. Arsenault a raise than mess around with this. Mr. Hickey stated that they wanted to witness test pit to see perk rate. Mr. Bryer stated he wanted the other fee schedules from other towns that do this. Mr. Hickey stated that he thought he had provided the board with this information already. Ms. Cady stated that she had not seen this. Mr. Hickey stated he would get this for them. Mr. Arsenault explained to the board what he does for these tests.

Mr. Hickey stated he put in the budget nine thousand dollars ($9,000.00) and one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) for the deputy. Mr. Witham stated he would like to see how other towns are doing this first. Mr. Hickey stated that they are just trying to protect these people that are trying to buy these homes. Mr. Bryer asked if Mr. Witham was for putting the money in the budget. Mr. Witham stated everyone already knows what the rock bottom is in town. Mr. Bryer asked if Mr. Witham wanted to put the money in or move on. Mr. Witham stated move on. Mr. Bryer stated that the board members can’t agree then it doesn’t go in.

Ms. Cady referred to page 48 personal Administration Maintenance was the wage study and are not going to do again so line can be reduced. Mr. Bryer stated that all else on budget can stay same.

Planner Budget

Ms. Cady stated the planner is at Grade sixteen (16) Step three (3) and wants her to go to Grade sixteen (16) Step Four (4). Mr. Bryer stated the 3.3% should be put in. Mr. Bryer asked if they were increasing their hours and Ms. Cady stated no they will stay at 15-20 hours per week. Mr. Bryer stated to give them twenty five thousand dollars ($25,000.00). Mr. Witham stated that it is a lot of money for 15-20 hours per week. Mr. Witham stated he was ok with the twenty five thousand ($25,000.00) with the planner. Mr. Bryer stated that the legal line was a little under four thousand dollars ($4,000.00) in expenditure.

Mr. Bryer stated that he was ok with what the Zoning Board of Adjustments is asking on the budget. Mr. Bryer asked to make the legal line for ZBA ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00).

Ms. Cady stated that she cut the cell phone charge. Mr. Bryer stated it looked like the total was cut about sixteen thousand dollars ($16,000.00) for the Government Buildings.

Ms. Cady asked about the doubling of the propane cost at the transfer station. Mr. Bryer stated that Mr. Wilson was using the building all the time now that’s why it has doubled. Mr. Witham said the building had been completed this year.

Mr. Bryer stated that on the grounds maintenance they had already increased the highway line five thousand dollars ($5,000.00) so it needs to be taken out of one of the lines.

Ms. Boulay did the revisions for the Transfer Station pamphlet during break and the board signed with the revisions.

Animal Control Officer

Mr. Bryer reiterated the fact that the Animal Control Officer wants a new car and his opinion they should go to White’s. Ms. Cady stated that she put two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) in for vehicle and maintenance. Mr. Bryer expressed his concerns about it not being enough including maintenance. Five hundred dollars ($500.00) for gas and Mr. Bryer stated to put in $5,000 for car and maintenance. Mr. Bryer asked where the car was going to be stored. Ms. Cady stated out back of the town hall.

Mr. Witham stated that the town has to provide the car, insurance, maintenance, etc. Mr. Witham stated he would rather pay mileage. Ms. Cady stated that the mileage rate was 44.5 cents per mile. Mr. Bryer stated he thought that we should put the money in the budget and pay mileage out of it and not buy a car.

Ms. Cady spoke about the heath organizations donations for the budget and stated that we have not received a call back from three of the organizations on how much they are asking.

Mr. Bryer stated to Ms. Cady to put in budget what was paid last year. Mr. Witham stated he was ok with this.

Parks and Recreation
Page 80

Ms. Cady brought up the issue of the Recreation Director being made full time. Mr. Bryer asked if this needs to be in a warrant article. Mr. Witham stated that he felt that Amanda should get the job. Mr. Bryer stated that it had to be advertised. Ms. Cady stated that it was budgeted for last year so it doesn’t need to be advertised. Mr. Bryer stated again that it does need to be advertised. Ms. Cady stated she didn’t see that in the policy. Mr. Bryer stated that he will check the policy. Mr. Bryer also stated he thought it needed to posted for five (5) days in-house and if she is qualified then she gets the job.

Library
Page 83

Ms. Cady stated she did not touch their budget but something is wrong with the health and dental line. Mr. Bryer asked Ms. Cady to call the Library and discuss with them because the numbers do not make sense. Library asked for one hundred fifty one thousand ($151,000) last year and one hundred fifty three thousand dollars ($153,000) this year. Mr. Bryer stated that the line for health and dental can be cut down because they budgeted for a family plan and only asked for a single plan.

Discussion was held on the line for Patriotic events. Mr. Bryer stated that they use the police for detail and the prices have gone up. Mr. Witham stated that the police detail never showed up last year and Ms. Cady stated that she received a bill for police detail.

Ms. Cady stated that the board needs a warrant article for the tearing down of the Teen Center.

Mr. Bryer asked Ms. Cady if she could have a finalized budget for the board for the next board meeting. Ms. Cady stated yes if nobody touches it.

Ms. Cady stated to the board that the board did not have a figure in the AVITAR line. Mr. Bryer told Ms. Cady to put in the actual figure.

2nd Public Comment

Mr. Joseph McCaffrey stated that he needed clarification regarding the newsletter. Mr. McCaffrey stated that it is very effective in other towns. The issue of the Finance Technician being made full time, Mr. McCaffrey stated in his opinion that Mr. Covey outlined the issue and did a good job because last year the Finance Technician did all of her work in the twenty eight hours a week allotted to her with time left over to do the computer input work, now that the computer work is done she should be fine with doing her 28 hours a week. Mr. McCaffrey stated in his opinion that giving her more hours doesn’t make sense to him and should be less and this is something the board should seriously consider changing

Mr. Bryer stated that the concept with the town paper to get revenue from ads is good but doesn’t see that we can run ads. Ms. Cady stated that if you have a non profit stamp you can only have 25% in ads in the paper. Mr. Bryer stated this would open a whole new can of worms if we had ads in a town sponsored publication.
Mr. McCaffrey stated his opinion on information for the news letter makes sense even if you don’t have ads.

Ms. Cady stated to the board that she had contacted two friends about the website, it might be at a cost to the town but she thinks they can fix. Mr. Bryer stated that it would be nice to get it for free. Mr. McCaffrey stated that maybe students at Coe-Brown would be interested, maybe could have a contest for the kids and get the website done for free in the meantime.

Mr. Bryer recessed the meeting until Thursday December 28, 2006 at 7pm to discuss encumbrances.

Continuation of December 26, 2006 Board of Selectmen meeting
December 28, 2006 Northwood Town Hall

Mr. Bryer called the meeting to order at 7:03 pm

Roll call: Chairman Scott Bryer, Selectman Kenneth Witham, Administrator Harriet Cady, and Executive Secretary Jennifer Boulay

Mr. Bryer started the meeting with asking for the Encumbrance report from Ms. Cady.

Ms. Cady presented the board with the bills and stated twenty eight thousand six hundred, fifty one dollars ($28,651) for workers comp. Two thousand eight hundred ninety two dollars and seventy cents ($2,892.70) for LGC dues.

Mr. Bryer stated that this would be coming out of next year’s budget.

Motion was made by Mr. Witham to accept the encumbrance of twenty eight thousand six hundred fifty one dollars ($28,651) for workman’s comp. seconded by Mr. Bryer, passed 2/0

Motion was made by Mr. Witham to accept the encumbrance of two thousand eight hundred ninety two dollars and seventy cents ($2,892.70) for dues, seconded by Mr. Bryer, passed 2/0

Ms. Cady stated the encumbrances total one hundred eighty six thousand, three hundred fifty two dollars and sixteen cents ($186,352.16). Mr. Bryer stated that this was a lot of money to encumber. Ms. Cady stated that Ms. Garrett had given it to her at 4:30 pm today and she didn’t have time to review it fully. Mr. Bryer reviewed to see if there was something in the report that might be inflating it. Mr. Bryer stated that he felt the assessing payments should come out of next year’s budget. Ms. Cady agreed. Mr. Bryer stated that if there wasn’t a pending purchase order then they should not be encumbered.

Mr. Bryer called a recess of the meeting so that he could call Ms. Garrett to ask about the encumbrances.

Motion was made by Mr. Witham to accept the encumbrance report, seconded by Mr. Bryer, passed 2/0

Ms. Cady stated that this was the last night that these could be encumbered. Mr. Witham asked why this is being submitted so late and Ms. Cady stated that she asked for the encumbrance report last week and did not get it until 4:30 pm today.

Ms. Cady stated that on December 26, 2006 board of Selectmen meeting she was waiting for a fax from Underwood. Ms. Cady finally received the report in the mail today and Underwood suggests that the Town of Northwood retain one hundred thirty six thousand, three hundred twenty nine dollars and seventy cents ($136,329.70)

Motion was made by Mr. Witham to release the sum of seventy one thousand dollars ($71,000.00) for Masten Estates irrevocable letter of credit seconded by Mr. Bryer, passed 2/0

Mr. Bryer asked Ms. Cady if the budget they had in front of them was the final budget. Mr. Bryer stated that it was seventeen million dollars and that did not make sense to him. Ms. Cady stated that it was because the capitol reserve was in there also.

Mr. Bryer asked Ms. Cady if the recommended salaries were in her budget for the executive office. Ms. Cady stated that she had corrected them and put what the board had suggested for salary. Mr. Bryer stated that he spoke with Barry Cox about the wage study and he suggested it would be done at the end of January but that Mr. Cox had stated he might be able to get preliminary figures to the office within a week.

Mr. Bryer stated that the board should not sign off on the budget because it needs to be cleaned up but they should submit it to the Budget Committee and let them know it still needs some work.

Ms. Cady stated to the board that the first draft of the Warrant Articles is in their folders for their review.

Discussion continued on COLA and STEPS for employees. Mr. Witham stated in his opinion the town was going to be faced with the same problem as last year. Mr. Bryer stated that he does not want to see employees get a 7.1% raise this year. Mr. Bryer stated he wants to wait for the wage study and then go from there. Mr. Bryer stated that the employees are getting paid a fair wage now.

Ms. Cady presented the board with a benefit plan that shows what every employee is costing the town in benefits.

Ms. Cady stated to the board that she had taken the Police cruiser out of the operating budget today and put in a Warrant Article.

Motion was made by Mr. Witham to release a preliminary budget to the budget committee, seconded by Mr. Bryer, passed 2/0

Warrant Articles

Ms. Cady presented the board with the rough draft list of Warrant Articles.

FIRE/RESCUE DEPARTMENT CAPITAL RESERVE FUND
Article 1: To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of sixty thousand
dollars ($60,000) to be added to the Fire/Rescue Department Vehicle Capital Reserve Fund held by the Northwood Trustees of Trust Funds. This is the same amount received by the town from ambulance billings during the year 2006, which receipts have been deposited into the Special Ambulance Replacement Fund. This appropriation is to be funded by a withdrawal from the Special Ambulance Replacement Fund.

Motion was made by Mr. Witham to discuss Article 1, seconded by Mr. Bryer, passed 2/0
Selectmen agreed 2/0 on Article

TO MAKE THE FINANCE TECHNICIAN POSITION FULL TIME
Article 2: Shall the voters make the Finance Technician position full time by adding Twelve
(12) Hours per week at a cost per year of sixty three thousand, eight hundred sixty one dollars and ninety three Cents ($63,861.93) including all benefits. The budget
already has budgeted twenty nine thousand one hundred thirty two dollars ($29,132) for the 28 hours per week position as part time so the amount to be raised by taxes for the extra 12 hours per week is for remainder of year at a cost of thirty two thousand nine hundred sixty three dollars ($32,963).

Motion was made by Mr. Witham to discuss Article 2, seconded by Mr. Bryer, passed 2/0
Selectmen disagreed on placing article in warrant Bryer for and Witham against.

Mr. Witham stated he was not in favor of this article and wants all the information left in the article so the public knows exactly what they are voting on. Mr. Bryer stated that he agreed with this warrant but feels that the figures should be put in the article in more of an informational line.

Highway Laborer
Article 3: To see if the Town will vote to hire a additional full- time highway laborer, at a Grade and Step comparable to the 2003 Wage Survey Plan used for the 2006 budget, and to raise and appropriate the sum of twenty six thousand dollars ($26,000) for seven (7) months to cover the 2007 hourly wages and benefits for the position with a starting date of June 1, 2007.

Motion was made by Mr. Witham to discuss Article 3, seconded by Mr. Bryer, passed 2/0

Mr. Bryer stated that he did not support hiring an additional Highway person. Mr. Bryer and Mr. Witham stated that they both do not support this article and want it to be taken off as a warrant article.

Selectmen do not support this article

TO MAKE THE TRANSFER STATION SUPERVISOR FULL TIME
Article 4: shall the voters make the Supervisor of the Transfer Station a full Time position by adding 20 hours per week at a cost of forty three thousand two hundred sixty five dollars and sixty six cents ($43,265.66) per year with benefits. The budget already has budgeted $15,787. For the position as part time so the amount to be raised by taxes for the additional 20 hours per week is twenty seven thousand four hundred seventy eight dollars and forty six cents ($27,478.46) including benefits.

Motion was made by Mr. Witham to discuss Article 4, seconded Mr. Bryer, and passed 2/0

Mr. Witham stated that he did not agree with the article to make the Transfer Station Supervisor full time. Mr. Witham stated that twenty hours was sufficient for what he has to do and can not see the need. Mr. Bryer stated that he was in favor of article four and would fully support this. Mr. Witham explained that the town is too small to be self sufficient for recycling center and continued to explain that at Lamprey Regional Meetings it was stated the town would need to take in four times the rubbish in order to make recycling pay for the salary of a person. He was definitely not in favor of this and would not support it. Further discussion was held on Article four and the pros and cons

Mr. Bryer stated in his opinion the town has skimped a lot on the town matters and the town has always suffers. Mr. Witham stated in his opinion the town could not support the Supervisor position being made full time.

The selectmen did not agree on this article it was a one to one vote to put it in and one to one to support

To create a newsletter
Article 5: To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of twelve thousand dollars (12,000.00) for the purpose of funding the printing and mailing cost to distribute a quarterly town community newsletter to residences and businesses as a public service for informational purposes to the residents of Northwood beginning in the summer of 2007 and to be partially offset by appropriate advertisement revenues.

Motion was made by Mr. Witham to discuss Article five (5), seconded by Mr. Bryer, passed 2/0

Mr. Bryer stated that he was in favor of a newsletter in the town but was concerned about the advertising part of it. Mr. Witham stated that he felt it was vital to the community to have a newsletter. Mr. Witham and Mr. Bryer stated they were both in favor of Article five.

Selectmen voted to support the article 2/0.

FACILITY COMMITTEE EXPENDABLE TRUST FUND
Article 6: To see if the town vote to raise and appropriate the sum of thirty thousand dollars ($30,000) for deposit in the general government buildings trust fund.

Motion was made by Mr. Witham to discuss Article 6, seconded by Mr. Bryer, passed 2/0

Ms. Cady stated that Article six was a recommendation from the Facilities Committee. Mr. Witham stated that he was in favor because of the tremendous work that has been done in government buildings repair this year. Mr. Bryer stated he was in favor of the article.

Selectmen voted to support article 2/0.

TOWN HALL IMPROVEMENT CAPITAL RESERVE
Article 7: To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate ten thousand dollars ($10,000) to add to the Town
Hall Improvement Capitol Reserve Fund as established in March 2006.

Motion was made by Mr. Witham to discuss Article seven, seconded by Mr. Bryer, passed 2/0

Ms. Cady stated that Article seven was also a recommendation from the Facilities Committee.

Selectmen voted to support Article 7, 2/0.

Mr. Bryer called for a break at 8:00 pm
Resumed meeting 8:10 pm

OPERATING BUDGET
Article 8: To see if the municipality will vote to raise and appropriate the budget committee
Recommended sum of which represents the operating budget for the year 2007. (This amount was approved by the budget committee by a vote of this amount will have an estimated tax impact) The selectmen recommend by a vote of, Said sum does not include special or individual articles addressed. (Majority vote required)

Selectmen stated Article eight ok.

HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT VEHICLE PURCHASE
Article 9: To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000.00) for the purchase of a new one ton highway truck with Fisher plow; to trade in the present one ton truck, plow and wing (the present sander will be used on the new truck), and to authorize the withdrawal of twenty thousand dollars ($20,000.00) from the Highway Equipment Capital Reserve Fund for the purchase of the new truck. Tax Impact: 0

Motion was made by Mr. Witham to discuss Article nine, seconded by Mr. Bryer, passed 2/0

Mr. Bryer stated that he feels Article nine and Article fourteen can be combined and do in just one Article. Mr. Bryer instructed Ms. Cady to combine Article nine and Article fourteen into one Article.
Mr. Witham stated that if they can get the new truck for thirty nine thousand dollars ($39,000.00) and get six thousand dollars ($6,000.00) for the old truck then the town should be able to buy outright.

POLICE VEHICLE PURCHASE
Article 10: To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of twenty-eight thousand nine hundred and fourteen dollars ($28,914) for the purpose of purchasing and equipping a new cruiser for the Northwood Police Department.

Selectmen agreed Article 10 is needed and done every year vote to recommend 2/0.

TRANSFER STATION
Article 11: To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate thirty thousand dollars ($30,000.00) to buy a compactor and motors with installation costs.

Mr. Bryer asked that Article eleven be tabled for further discussion with Mr. Preston so moved.

TRANSFER STATION EXPENDABLE TRUST FUND
Article 12: To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of five
thousand ninety-four dollars and forty five cents ($5,094.45) to be added to the Transfer Station Expendable Trust Fund, established in 2001 under RSA 31:19-a and to fund this appropriation by authorizing the withdrawal of that amount from the surplus remaining in the unexpended fund balance as of December 31, 2006. This amount is equivalent to the amount received by the town from the sale of recyclable materials received at the transfer station.

Motion was made by Mr. Witham to discuss Article twelve, seconded by Mr. Bryer, passed 2/0

Mr. Witham referred back to Article four and stated in his opinion this is what was wrong with hiring a full time person, the town isn’t making enough money to offset this for recycling.

Selectmen recommend Article 12 be voted. 2/0.

BENEFIT PAY VESTED TIME EXPENDABLE TRUST FUND
Article 13: To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate ten thousand dollars
($10,000.00) to be added to the Benefit Pay Expendable Trust Fund previously established.

Motion was made by Mr. Witham to discuss Article thirteen, seconded by Mr. Bryer, passed 2/0.

Mr. Bryer asked what was currently in the fund. Ms. Cady stated that there was a little over Six Thousand Dollars ($6,000.00). Mr. Bryer stated in his opinion Article thirteen should have Twenty Thousand Dollars ($20,000.00) in it. Mr. Witham stated he felt the Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) is sufficient. Mr. Bryer stated that the amount should be higher so he is voting no on Article thirteen.

Selectman Bryer voted not to recommend and Selectman Witham voted to recommend. 1/1

HIGHWAY EQUIPMENT TRUST FUND
Article 14: To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of ten thousand dollars
($10,000.00) to be added to the Highway Equipment Capital Reserve Fund held by the Trustees of Trust Funds.

Selectmen agree that Article 14 should be combined with Article 9 and eliminated for this year vote 2/0.

CABLE EXPENDABLE TRUST FUND
Article 15: To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of twenty-four
thousand dollars ($24,000.00) received as cable TV franchise fees in the year 2006, to be deposited in the previously established Cable Expendable Trust Fund under the provisions of RSA 31:19-a, and to fund this appropriation by authorizing the transfer of that amount from the surplus remaining in the unexpended fund balance as of December 31, 2006.

Motion was made by Mr. Witham to discuss Article fifteen, seconded by Mr. Bryer, passed 2/0

Mr. Witham and Mr. Bryer both agree on Article 15, 2/0 vote.

LAGOON MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR EXPENDABLE TRUST FUND
Article 16: To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of ten thousand
five hundred ($10,500.00) to be placed in the Lagoon Maintenance and Repair Expendable Trust Fund, and to fund this appropriation by the withdrawal of ten thousand five hundred dollars ($10,500.00) from the Lagoon Fee fund, held by the Northwood Treasurer.

Motion was made by Mr. Witham to discuss Article sixteen, seconded by Mr. Bryer, passed 2/0

Mr. Witham and Mr. Bryer both agree on Article 16 recommended 2/0.

CEMETERY IMPROVEMENT EXPENDABLE TRUST FUND
Article 17: To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of one
thousand eight hundred dollars ($1,800.00) to be added to the Cemetery Improvement Expendable Trust Fund previously established, and to fund that appropriation by authorizing the transfer of one thousand eight hundred dollars ($1,800.00) from the surplus remaining in the unexpended fund balance as of December 31, 2006. This amount is Four Hundred Dollars ($400.00) less than was raised in 2006 on the sale of cemetery lots.

Motion was made by Mr. Witham to discuss Article seventeen, seconded by Mr. Bryer, passed 2/0

Mr. Witham and Mr. Bryer stated they both agreed with Article 17 recommended 2/0

SPECIAL DUTY COVERAGE
Article 18: To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000.00) for the purpose of special duty coverage provided by the Northwood Police Department. This amount to be reimbursed by the person/company that requires this coverage.

Motion was made by Mr. Witham to discuss Article eighteen, seconded by Mr. Bryer, passed 2/0

Mr. Witham and Mr. Bryer both stated they were ok with Article 18 recommended 2/0.

New Hampshire Climate Change Resolution
Article 19: To see if the Town Of Northwood will go on record in support of effective actions by the President and the Congress to address the issue of climate change which is increasingly harmful to the environment and economy of New Hampshire and to the future well being of the people of Northwood.

These actions include:

1. Establishment of a national program requiring reductions of U.S. greenhouse gas
Emissions while protecting the U.S. economy.

2. Creation of a major national research initiative to foster rapid development of sustainable
Energy technologies thereby stimulating new jobs and investments.

In addition, the town of Northwood encourage New Hampshire citizens to work for emission reductions within their communities, and we ask our Selectmen to consider the appointment of a voluntary energy committee to recommend local steps to save energy reduce emissions.

The record of the vote on this article shall be transmitted to the New Hampshire Congressional Delegation, to the President of the United States, and to declared candidates for those offices.

Motion was made by Mr. Witham to discuss Article nineteen, seconded by Mr. Bryer, passed 2/0

Mr. Bryer gave examples of the New Hampshire Climate Change Resolution/ Global Warming

General Government Expendable Trust Fund
Article 20: To see if the Town of Northwood will vote to raise and appropriate thirty thousand dollars ($30,000.00) for the General Government Expendable Trust Fund.

Mr. Witham made a motion to discuss Article twenty, seconded by Mr. Bryer, passed 2/0

Mr. Bryer asked Ms. Cady what the difference was between Article twenty and Article six (6). Mrs. Cady to check on this article.

Northwood Water Rights Ordinance
Article 21: To see if the town will vote in favor of the adoption of the Northwood Water Rights and Local Self-Government Ordinance. (Complete ordinance is on file at the Northwood Town Offices. Posted at the Library and the Northwood Post Office) Submitted by petition (Recommended by Selectmen)

Motion was made by Mr. Witham to discuss Article twenty one, seconded by Mr. Bryer, passed 2/0

Mr. Witham stated that in the December 26, 2006 board of selectmen meeting Article twenty one was discussed. Mr. Witham stated he would like more information on this Article. Ms. Cady explained to the board what the Article was about.

Teen Center Demolition
Article 22: To see if the Town Of Northwood will vote to demolish the Teen Center, Are you in favor of demolishing the structure

Motion was made by Mr. Witham to discuss Article twenty two, seconded by Mr. Bryer, passed 2/0

Mr. Witham asked if they had any numbers on what it would cost to either fix up or demolish the teen center. Mr. Witham stated in his opinion that the kids in the Town Of Northwood have no place to go and the town has done allot of work on the building in the past eight to ten years.

Mr. Bryer stated that if they could refurbish for a low cost he would be in favor. Mr. Bryer stated there needs to be more research on the cost to get up to code or to demolish.
Mr. Bryer stated that there needs to be two warrant articles with the prices, one for repairing and getting the teen center up to code and one to demolish and the cost to do this.

Ms. Cady stated she needed signatures on the current years findings and recommendations and the management rep. letter. Ms. Cady stated there are two copies for the board to sign, one for the auditor and one for the town report.

Motion was made by Mr. Witham to sign Current Years Findings and Recommendations and the Management Letter. seconded by Mr. Bryer, passed 2/0

Ms. Cady presented the board with a letter and donation from Ms. Janet Delfucco-Goad in the amount of one hundred twenty five dollars ($125.00) to pay Twenty Five Dollars toward electricity used by the Christmas lights and One Hundred Dollars to pay for the Christmas lights.

Motion was made by Mr. Witham to accept the donation from Ms. Delfucco-Goad in the amount of one hundred twenty five dollars ($125.00) with gratitude, seconded by Mr. Bryer, passed 2/0

Mr. Bryer and Mr. Witham stated there should be a letter of thanks to Ms. Delfucco-Goad for the donation.

Ms. Cady stated to the board that Mr. Ellis Ring is requesting that the Board of Selectmen abate the interest for taxes in the amount of two thousand nine hundred ninety six dollars and eighty six cents ($2,996.86) and he will pay the taxes owed in the amount of seven thousand eight hundred forty three dollars and eighteen cents ($7,843.18) by December 31, 2006.

Motion was made by Mr. Witham to abate the interest owed for Mr. Ring’s property in the amount of two thousand nine hundred ninety six dollar and eighty six cents $2,996.86 if paid by January 5, 2007 if they are not paid in full by January 5, 2007 the total amount of taxes and interest will be owed by Mr. Ring and the previous agreement will be null and void, seconded by Mr. Bryer, passed 2/0

Mr. Bryer reiterated that all taxes owed by Mr. Ring will need to be paid by January 5, 2007; if they are not paid by January 5, 2007 then Mr. Ring will have to pay back taxes and interest owed to the Town Of Northwood in full.

Ms. Cady stated that the payment of five thousand dollars ($5,000.00) that she received from Mr. Callioras has still not been cashed due to waiting for the decision of the board. Ms. Cady stated that if the board was in favor of Mr. Callioras making a five thousand dollars ($5,000.00) per month payment to the Town Of Northwood until taxes are caught up, there needs to be a tax agreement written to this effect. Ms. Cady stated that Mr. Callioras has not asked the town to abate any of the interest or fees.

Motion was made by Mr. Witham to write a tax agreement for Mr. Calliorias to make payments of five thousand dollars ($5,000.00) per month to the Town Of Northwood until back taxes are caught up, seconded by Mr. Bryer, passed 2/0

Ms. Cady presented the board with the Letters of Intent for Selectmen. Mr. Bryer read the candidates as being:
1. Mr. Jim Hadley
2. Mr. Ken Curley
3. Mr. Tim Jandebaur
4. Mr. Steve Bailey
5. Mr. Alden Dill

Mr. Bryer stated there should be a special meeting to discuss the candidates. Mr. Witham stated that he felt the Board of Selectmen should get together first. Mr. Bryer stated that if one man was going to be interviewed all should be interviewed. Mr. Bryer stated that in his opinion there should be a meeting next week to interview.

Mr. Bryer stated he has a business trip to Arizona from January 17 – 20, 2007. Mr. Bryer asked Mr. Witham to look at his schedule and see when he is available and they will schedule something around that. Mr. Bryer stated that the interviews should be limited to 15 – 20 minutes per interview.

Mr. Witham presented the board with a letter from Kelly Adams of 68 Lynn Grove on the conditions of Gulf Rd. Mr. Witham read the letter for the record. Mr. Bryer stated that in years past the Warrant Articles for Gulf Rd have not even made it to the floor and in his opinion the people living there should pay for the work.

Ms. Cady stated that she was concerned that the letter was read into record due to the fact that if there is anything that happens on Gulf Road now the Town Of Northwood can be held liable. Ms. Cady stated that the town of Deerfield has already stated that they will not pay to have the road fixed so that Northwood can have better access. Mr. Witham stated that letting the growth continue is a big problem. Mr. Bryer stated that the letter was read and this is a citizen’s opinion of the road. Discussion continued on more houses being built on class VI roads off Gulf Road. Ms. Cady stated the Supreme Court case on Premature Development would be a good reason for Northwood to consider not letting any more growth off Gulf Road.

Ms. Cady stated to the board that Ms. Linda Smith sent out a memo to all departments that all reports are to be in by January 3, 2007. Mr. Bryer stated that he could have them in two weeks.

Ms. Cady presented the board with a memo from Dave Hickey to the Planning Board and the selectmen in regards to Deer Ridge Rd. Mr. Hickey stated he had two concerns about Deer Ridge. The first concern was about the two drainage areas adjacent to Bow Lake Road and Pender Rd. as it could be potentially hazardous due to no protection around the drainage area. The second is the drainage area that crosses under Pender Rd. where the water passes through a 15” ADS pipe, crosses under Bow Lake Rd. into a 12” CMP, if the ADS pipe is sized properly then the CMP is too small in his opinion.

Ms. Cady stated Mr. Wenninger has looked at Newbury North (AKA Deer Ridge) and feels the problems Mr. Hickey speaks of have been addressed by the developer until next spring at least. Mr. Wenninger stated that if this was a problem in the spring he would discuss repairs with the developer who has promised to put new culvert in on Bow Lake Rd. if need be.

Mr. Bryer called for a cell phone in order to call the finance technician, Ms. Garrett regarding the encumbrances report was a huge number. Shortly thereafter Ms. Garrett arrived at the meeting. She stated that she had sent out a memo in November concerning blankets and what needed to be encumbered. Ms. Garrett came to the meeting after Mr. Bryer’s phone call not at his request.

Mr. Bryer expressed to Ms. Garrett that he would like the encumbrances cleaned up by January 15, 2007

Ms. Garrett asked the board if they wanted to sign the payroll manifest for next week that she had done. Mr. Bryer stated he would do it on Wednesday of next week.

Mr. Bryer stated that when writing the minutes; write out the numbers in full lettering put the numeric number in parentheses. Mr. Bryer stated to remember to put the paragraph breaks in.

Mr. Witham stated that the board needed to discuss raising Gary Garnett’s hours. Ms. Cady stated that she felt the public wants to see the other meetings on TV such as planning board etc. Mr. Bryer stated that he would like to see the school board meetings televised.

Mr. Bryer stated that if Mr. Garnett gets more hours they need to put in budget. Ms. Cady stated there needs to be a warrant article for increasing hours.

Respectfully submitted,

Jennifer M. Boulay
Executive Secretary to the Board of Selectmen

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