The Town of Northwood, New Hampshire

Election of Officers:
Chairman: **Motion** Ken Curley nominated Scott Bryer for chairman. Alden Dill seconded. With no further nominations the motion passed; 3/0.

Vice-Chairman: **Motion** Alden Dill nominated Ken Curley for vice-chairmen. Scott Bryer seconded. With no further nominations the motion passed; 3/0.

Representation to the Boards:
Budget Committee: **Motion** Mr. Dill nominated Scott Bryer to be the selectmen’s representative to the budget committee. Seconded by Mr. Curley. Mr. Bryer made the motion unanimous; 3/0.

Planning Board: **Motion** Mr. Curley nominated Alden Dill to be the selectmen’s representative to the planning board. Seconded by Mr. Bryer. Mr. Dill made the motion unanimous; 3/0.

Highway Advisory Committee: **Motion** Mr. Curley nominated Scott Bryer to be the selectmen’s representative to the highway advisory committee. Seconded by Mr. Dill. Mr. Bryer made the motion unanimous; 3/0.

Cable Committee: **Motion** Mr. Bryer nominated Ken Curly to be the selectmen’s representative to the cable committee. Seconded by Mr. Dill. Mr. Curley made the motion unanimous; 3/0.

Lamprey Regional: **Motion** Mr. Bryer nominated Ken Curly to be the selectmen’s representative to the Lamprey Regional committee. Seconded by Mr. Dill. Mr. Curley made the motion unanimous; 3/0.

Recreation Committee: **Motion** Mr. Bryer nominated Ken Curly to be the selectmen’s representative to the recreation committee. Seconded by Mr. Dill. Mr. Curley made the motion unanimous; 3/0.

Facilities Committee: **Motion** Mr. Curley nominated Scott Bryer to be the selectmen’s representative to the facilities committee. Seconded by Mr. Dill. Mr. Bryer made the motion unanimous; 3/0.

Citizen Forum
Steve Bailey stated that there has been some interest in reestablishing a recycling committee. Mr. Bryer suggested that a notice be put into the Suncook Sun, Forum, and on the website soliciting volunteers; perhaps a 5 member board. Mr. Curley mentioned that there is a need for volunteers to the cable committee.

Danielle Fortin, library staff, invited the selectmen, public, and Ms. Cady to the edible book festival, Saturday, March 31.

Doug Chamberlin stated that he was struck by an editorial recently in Foster’s Dailey Democrat and he provided copies. He felt compelled to bring the article to the attention of the audience and selectmen. He stated that it was his opinion that the spirit of the article was for hopes that the town would get on to the approach of cooperative town government.

Lucy Edwards requested that as Ms. Cady would be writing the press releases and advertisements for volunteers on committees that she would work with Mr. Curley regarding the description of what the cable committee does.

Mr. Bailey stated that he would like to go ahead with the maintenance of the town hall; mainly painting. He also asked if the facilities committee could go ahead with requests for bids regarding warrant article 3 for the parking area at the library, painting of the outside of town hall, etc. Mr. Bryer replied that they could put the bids together and the selectmen will review them. Mr. Bailey also stated that he would like to see the town hall cleaning contract be sent out for bid again.

With no further comments, Mr. Bryer closed the public comment portion.

Appointments:
6:15 p.m. Barry Cox, Local Government Center (LGC) ~ Wage Study:
Mr. Bryer stated that the document is still a working draft and is not an official town document until it is accepted by the board. **Motion** Mr. Curley to go into a non-public session under RSA 91A:3II(a). Seconded by Mr. Dill.
Roll Call Vote:
Selectman Curley – yes
Selectman Dill – yes
Selectman Bryer – yes
Motion passed; 3/0.

7:10 p.m. **Motion** Mr. Dill motioned to come out of the non-public session. Seconded by Mr. Curley. Mr. Bryer made the motion unanimous; 3/0.

**Motion** Mr. Dill motioned to seal the minutes of the non-public session. Seconded by Mr. Curley. Mr. Bryer made the motion unanimous; 3/0.
Mr. Bryer explained that the board met with Mr. Cox and discussed the wage study. Mr. Cox will now finalize the document. He added that the final wage plan will is anticipated to be completed in two weeks and it will then be released if it is accepted.

Town Administrator’s Report:
Elderly Exemptions:
Ms. Cady presented the board with the elderly exemptions for signatures. The credits are a result of the changes made at town meeting, March 17. These were signed by the board.

Timber Tax Levy:
Ms. Cady presented the board with a timber tax levy against Hathaway for the amount of $3025.33. This was signed by the board.

CDBG Agreement:
Ms. Cady requested a motion for the chairman to be the signatore for the CDBG professional services agreement. **Motion** Mr. Curley motioned for Mr. Bryer to continue to be the signatore for the CDBG professional services agreement. Seconded by Mr. Dill. Mr. Bryer made the motion unanimous; 3/0. Ms. Cady also stated that there needs to be a draw down for the Tower View project for costs incurred. The board members signed for the draw down.

Insurance Buy Out:
Ms. Cady presented an insurance buy out form to be signed and accepted for Officer Zobel. **Motion** Mr. Dill motioned to accept and sign the insurance buy out option for Mathew Zobel. Seconded by Mr. Curley. Mr. Bryer made the motion unanimous; 3/0.

License and Petition for Verizon Pole:
Ms. Cady presented the board with a license and petition for a Verizon pole, which was signed by the board.

Veterans Exemption:
Ms. Cady presented the board with a veterans exemption for Turner, which was signed by the board.

MS - 11 Appropriations:
Ms. Cady presented the board with the MS 11 for signatures; however, she stated that she has not completed entry the figures as she was not sure as to what the board would like for the appropriations. She explained that there is a deadline of 20 days after town meeting and when it is needed to be submitted will be after the board’s next meeting. She suggested a work session otherwise there is a late fee assessed of $5 per day. The board agreed to set a work session. Further discussion was held regarding a meeting with town counsel for the new selectmen. Ms. Cady will schedule this meeting.

Payroll:
**Motion** Mr. Curley motioned to sign the payroll manifest, $55,637.28. Seconded by Mr. Dill and Chairman Bryer made the motion unanimous; 3/0. Mr. Bryer stated Ms. Cady had called him regarding her comp time and going over hours. Mr. Bryer stated that he had approved the administrator’s time sheet and they had come to an agreement for this pay period regarding the approval of comp time. **Motion** Mr. Curley motioned for Chairman Bryer to continue to sign the administrator’s time sheets. Seconded by Mr. Dill. Mr. Bryer made the motion unanimous; 3/0.

Manifest:
Ms. Cady stated that there is a welfare and police cruiser purchase on one manifest. The other manifest is for the highway truck, warrant article 5. **Motion** Mr. Dill motioned to approve the welfare manifest. Mr. Curley seconded.
**Motion** Mr. Dill amended the motion to include the police cruiser in the manifest. Mr. Curley seconded and Chairman Bryer made the motion unanimous; 3/0.

**Motion** Mr. Dill motioned to approve the purchase of the one ton highway truck for $34,479. Mr. Curley seconded and Chairman Bryer made the motion unanimous; 3/0. Ms. Cady stated that Mr. Wilson will be taking the truck to Poulins on Thursday. Ms. Cady stated that the board needed to approve a signature for the title to be transferred. **Motion** Mr. Curley motioned for Jim Wilson to sign the title for the old truck. Mr. Dill seconded and Chairman Bryer made the motion unanimous; 3/0.

Building Maintenance:
A discussion was held regarding maintenance to town hall. Mr. Bailey explained that $10,000 was put into the budget this year under General Government Buildings. He stated that when town hall was painted last the offices were closed for a week and staff was paid to assist with the painting and moving furniture. To avoid doing any of this again, he suggested that he, as the maintenance person, will paint one wall at a time. He explained that should the project go out to bid it will be costly and he will quit as the maintenance man and bid on the project. He explained that the bathrooms and lobby will be the first sections to be painted.

Mr. Curley asked what makes this project different from other projects. Mr. Bailey explained that the projects that go out to bid are typically the maintenance for the outsides of the buildings and that money is in the trust fund. These are usually addressed by the facilities committee. He added that there will not be enough money to paint the interior of town hall should they contract out as there is not enough money in the budget this year. He also noted that the offices would need to be closed if the project were contracted out. He added that he feels that this is not a large project; it is a maintenance thing if done as such.

Mr. Dill asks what the options are. Mr. Bryer replied that the town could go out to bid or continue with the project being addressed as a maintenance issue. Mr. Bailey stressed that maintenance is an ongoing matter and for about 10 years the buildings were ignored. It has taken about 3 years to bring the conditions of the buildings to where they need to be and to be on a schedule. He further explained the items that have been done to the outsides of town buildings and now those items now are just upkeep and general maintenance. Mr. Bailey added that is the goal for the inside too and one room or so will be done at a time, on a yearly basis, from this point forward once the project is completed this year. Mr. Bailey stated that he would like to begin with the lobby area tomorrow, then the hallway and bathrooms. **Motion** Mr. Curley motioned for the painting of the interior of town hall be completed by Steve Bailey. Mr. Dill seconded and Chairman Bryer made the motion unanimous; 3/0.

Technology Contract:
A discussion was held regarding the current technology contract. The current company has provided their contract to Ms. Cady for $2,500. She explained that this amount was over expended by $2,900 due to the set ups for the additional computers purchased. Mr. Bryer stated that he has contacted the school to see if the school would share their technology manager. Mr. Bryer suggested that a meeting be scheduled with the school board regarding establishing a shared contract.

Advanced Data Systems (ADS):
Ms. Cady stated that she has reviewed the current contract for ADS regarding training. She explained that the contract references training for two people; however, is not specific to the amount of training hours which were included. She stated that she has contacted Gene Robinson from ADS regarding this matter and she has not received anything definitive to date. Mr. Curley asked the cost for maintenance of the contract and if it has been paid for this year. Ms. Cady replied that the cost is $3,800 and she is not sure if this has been paid for 2007. She will check into this with the finance department. She received three hours of training from ADS. Mr. Bryer requested that a representative from ADS meet with the board for an explanation of training.

Seacoast and Strafford Regional Planning Commission:
Ms. Cady stated that Seacoast and Strafford Regional Planning Commission have requested a meeting with the board to present regarding the re-alignment and re-designation of the Seacoast Metropolitan Planning Organization. Mr. Bryer suggested this be scheduled for two weeks.

Health/Dental Insurance:
Ms. Cady provided the board with a comparison of costs for insurance plans from LGC and Primex. The savings is approximately $49,000 per year. Mr. Bryer asked for a breakdown of costs. Ms. Cady stated that she had previously provided this information. Mr. Bryer stated that he would like the employees to see the breakdown. Ms. Cady stated that she has provided each department with booklets regarding the information. Mr. Dill requested a Harvard Pilgrim Representative meet with the employees. Mr. Bryer noted that this is a tremendous savings to the town and seriously needs to be addressed due to events at town meeting. He would like to get some feed back from employees. Ms. Cady also noted the savings to the employees.

Legal Policy:
Ms. Cady stated that the town’s legal policy needs to be amended. She explained that the board had discussed changes; however, nothing had been finalized. Mr. Bryer stated that the planning board can contact counsel; however, the selectmen want to be informed so that expenditures can be tracked accurately.

Wage Study:
Ms. Cady presented the board with a copy of the Town of Barrington’s Wage Study for comparison purposes.

Selectmen’s Comments
Ken Curley stated that he was happy to be a part of the board and looked forward to a positive year. He thanked the public for putting their trust in him.
Alden Dill thanked the public for their turnout and there needs to be more involvement in town, which he hopes to see from the committees.

Scott Bryer stated that he is looking forward to a much more amicable year. He added that he appreciates the voter’s turnout and feels that he can work well with the people that were elected to the board.

Compactors:
Ms. Cady stated that Mr. Preston has noted that Atlantic Leasing bid for the transfer station compactors is $28,000 with $3,250 for the electrical and hookup. This is a four year lease purchase. The warrant article was approved for $42,000. Mr. Preston explained that there are leasing companies that will need to be gone through and the cost may decrease. He will know more tomorrow. Bids were reviewed. Mr. Preston stated that the town will be happy with the company.

Fields:
Ms. Cady stated that Russ Eldridge would like to have the playing fields under the direction of the facilities committee. Mr. Bailey stated that this issue has been dropped. Mr. Bryer stated that he attended a recent meeting and noted that the people on the recreation committee and facilities committee have been making significant progress and are working well together and he does not feel anything should change; however, it is up to the entire board. The board is okay with the way things are occurring at this time.

Website Terms of Service:
A discussion is held regarding the links on the website. Mr. Bryer expressed concern with allowing links from the website. Mr. Jones stated that that is not the process and explained that there are three people who can add items to the website; himself, Donna Bunker, and Danielle Fortin. He provided a proposed revised policy, which has been updated from February 2005. He stated that a new section for content has been added. Content is only for committees not the general public. Further discussion was held regarding the content. Mr. Jones updated the board has to what typically is on the website.

Mr. Dill asked how the minutes can be added to the website faster. Mr. Jones explained that there were discussions of what kind of minutes should be on the website; drafts, etc. Mr. Bryer added that the drafts are reviewed for grammatical errors, etc. and added that the drafts are available to the public from within town hall. Mr. Jones stated that approved minutes are only being added to the website and sometimes boards do not approve minutes on a regular basis. He added that the people with access to the approved minutes do not add them to the site as soon as they are approved; however, this has been improving. Mr. Jones noted that some committees do not post any minutes at all. **Motion** Mr. Dill motioned to approve the updated website terms of use as proposed. Mr. Curley seconded and Chairman Bryer made the motion unanimous; 3/0.

DARE Graduation:
Mr. Bryer stated that Sargeant Glen Drolet was present. Mr. Bryer stated that he received a letter of invitation for the selectmen to attend the DARE graduation tomorrow night, 7 p.m. at the elementary school. He noted that he was planning to attend.

Final Public Comments
Jean Lane asked what has happened to the extra hours for the cable coordinator. Ms. Cady stated that the money was placed in the budget. Mr. Bryer stated that the selectmen will be reviewing the wage plan. Mr. Bryer stated that the cable coordinators salary is from the trust fund; however, it still needs to be appropriated into the operating budget. Mr. Bryer further explained the appropriations process. Mr. Garnett asked why the additional hour increase was not presented as originally planned as a warrant article. Mr. Bryer stated that it was added into the operating budget. Ms. Cady explained that a warrant article was proposed for the additional hours for the school. Additional discussion was held and Mr. Bryer explained that the salary is reimbursed from the cable expendable trust. He added that this will be further reviewed in the selectmen’s work session next week.

Joe Knox mentioned the recent article in Foster’s which inferred that the recreation director salary figures presented at town meeting were presented incorrectly by the finance technician. Mr. Knox explained that the figures were presented correctly based on the actual figures that she was asked by Mr. Bryer to have based on 52 weeks, not 39 weeks. Mr. Knox stated that the recreation director may not have received the job due to the fact that the figures for 52 weeks and insurance were provided rather than the cost for 32 weeks. Mr. Bryer thanked Mr. Knox for his comments.

Steve Bailey asked about lawn mowing. He stated that he does not want to see this go out to bid. He explained that this has not worked well in the past. Mr. Bryer explained that $5,000 was added to the budget this year for mowing. Mr. Bailey replied that the facilities committee is in charge of mowing and was never approached for input. He added that if the hours were added up for grounds work for the laborers hours from April to October, it comes out to be more than $5,000. It is not just mowing and mentioned other duties. He recommends that this should not be contracted out and feels that the lawns will not be addressed accordingly.

Ms. Cady stated that the tree that is still standing also needs to be removed. Mr. Bailey stated that it too should be taken down as it is any infested.

With no further comment, Mr. Bryer closed the public portion at 8:25 p.m.

Executive Secretary Position:
Ms. Cady stated that she was asked to hold off on hiring an executive secretary until after the elections. Mr. Bryer explained that interviews were conducted and felt that there were two applicants that could be contacted for re-interviews. Ms. Cady was asked who is presently doing the work. She replied she and other office staff. Mr. Bryer stated that he feels it is a must have position. After discussion, the board agreed that Ms. Cady should contact the two candidates and then re-advertise if they are not available.

Zoning Board of Adjustments Appointments:
Mr. Farr was present regarding reappointments of the ZBA. Ms. Cady presented that board with three person’s to be appointed to the ZBA as follows:
Robert Bailey
Andrea Korson
Jean Lane
All are current members and are looking to be reappointed with term through March 2010.
**Motion** Mr. Curley motioned to appoint the following to the ZBA:
Robert Bailey for a three year term,
Andrea Korson for a three year term,
Jean Lane for a two year term. Mr. Dill seconded and Chairman Bryer made the motion unanimous; 3/0. Mr. Farr stated that in the past when a term was going to expire letters were sent out to the members asking if they were interested in continuing to serve as a volunteer on the board/committee. He stated that this process did not occur this time. He requested that it be looked into to see if this procedure was still the process. Mr. Bryer replied that the selectmen will take this under advisement. Mr. Dill thanked the people for volunteering. Ms. Cady added that she had the office assistant go through the appointment book to determine terms that will be expiring as she was informed of that letter process today.

Non Public Session:
**Motion** Mr. Curley to go into a non-public session under RSA 91A:3II(c). Seconded by Mr. Dill.
Roll Call Vote:
Selectman Curley – yes
Selectman Dill – yes
Selectman Bryer – yes
Motion passed; 3/0.

9:35 p.m. **Motion** Mr. Curley motioned to come out of the non-public session. Seconded by Mr. Dill. Mr. Bryer made the motion unanimous; 3/0.

**Motion** Mr. Curley motioned to seal the minutes of the non-public session. Seconded by Mr. Dill. Mr. Bryer made the motion unanimous; 3/0.

Motion to adjourn the meeting was made at 9:50 pm. Motion passed unanimously; 3/0.

Respectfully Submitted,

Lisa Fellows-Weaver
Board Secretary

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