The Town of Northwood, New Hampshire - Board of Selectmen Minutes 10/30/07

6:30 p.m. – Award Ball Field Bid
Russ Eldridge and Steve Bailey were present Mr. Bryer reviewed the recommendations provided by the facility committee. Mr. Dill explained that no decision was made at the October 23 meeting. Mr. Bryer stated that the facilities committee recommendation was Hodgdon & Son. Mr. Bryer noted Phoenix Excavation, Inc. and Desmarais & Sons Construction were relatively close bids and Ford Construction was the lowest bid received. He asked what the separation factor was for the bids. Mr. Bailey replied that when adding the bids together for the job and the hauling of the loam, the bid was higher than the bid submitted from Hodgdon & Son. Mr. Eldridge added that the facilities committee was not sure as to how much hauling would be involved. Mr. Dill referred to the Ford bid for $47,600 and noted nothing was provided for trucking the loam. Mr. Bryer asked if references were provided of jobs that these companies have done in the area. Mr. Bailey replied that the only information provided to the facilities committee was copies of the bids.

Mr. Bailey referred to the October 16 meeting minutes and noted that he abstained from voting on the bid and it is not a conflict of interest for him to participate in the process of reviewing bids. Mr. Bailey added that he is related to one of the bidders. Mr. Bryer stated that the conflict of interest policy, accepted at town meeting, clearly states the relationship is for immediate family.

**Motion** Mr. Curley motioned to grant the bid to Hodgdon & Son based on the recommendation of the facilities committee. Seconded by Mr. Dill. Mr. Dill stated that the town has seen Hodgdon & Son’s work, the bid is competitive, and he does not see a problem with going along with the facilities committee’s recommendation. Mr. Bryer asked if anyone was familiar with any of the other companies work. Mr. Martel added the board and facilities committee received copies of all the information that had been provided with the bids. The motion passed unanimously; 3/0.

Town Administrator’s Reappointment
Mr. Curley stated Mr. Martel’s appointment as the town’s interim administrator would be up. Mr. Bryer stated that no contract was signed; the term was agreed to end on October 31, 2007. Mr. Bryer asked when interviews would be scheduled. Mr. Curley replied there has not been an opportunity for interviews as the Tuesday meetings have just been for regular town business. Mr. Dill expressed concern with the applications that were provided back in July. He stated that the applicants may not be available or interested. He suggested that these applicants be contacted again to determine if they are still interested. Mr. Bryer suggested that the board review the letters submitted and come up with candidates, have Mr. Martel contact, and schedule appointments for the next meeting. **Motion** Mr. Curley motioned to extend the current town administrator’s employment for 90 days. Seconded by Mr. Dill. Mr. Martel stated that he would not hold the town to the 90 days should the town find another qualified person. **Motion** Mr. Curley amends the motion to extend the current town administrator’s employment for 90 days or until a replacement is found and to include a transition period, not to exceed 90 days. Amendment seconded by Mr. Dill. Amendment passes unanimously; 3/0. Motion passes unanimously; 3/0.

Town Administrator’s Report
Guard Rail Installation
Mr. Martel stated the road agent has informed him that guard rails will be installed tomorrow on High Street, and Old Turnpike Road.

Ballot Clerks
Mr. Martel stated that he has received a request from the ballot clerks for a pay increase. The board requested that Mr. Martel check the neighboring town’s rates for ballot clerks. The item was tabled to the next meeting.

Strafford Regional Planning Commission (SRPC) Request
Mr. Martel stated that he has received a request from SRPC for their 2008 dues. He explained that the increase is $100 from 2007.

Water Division Dam Bureau
Mr. Martel stated he has received an invoice for $750. from the Water Division Dam Bureau for work on the Gulch Mountain Road Dam. He added that this is only one-half. Mr. Bryer explained that the dam is a road for the homeowners to get to their land. He added he has previously stated he would like to drain the pond. Mr. Martel replied the board will need to make that decision, at some point. Mr. Bryer asked if the pond were drained, there would be no issue. Further discussion was held regarding the yearly fees associated with the pond. The board requested Mr. Martel contact NHDES regarding draining the pond and contact abutters letting them know that the pond will be drained if the fees are not submitted. Mr. Bryer stated that this matter was discussed when the town agreed to fix the dam; the abutters agreed to form an association and pay. Mr. Dill noted that the association has not been created. All selectmen concurred. Mr. Bryer suggested the state representatives be contacted as well.

Consent Calendar
Veteran’s Exemption - Barnhart. Map 209; Lot 25
Mr. Martel presented the board with a Veteran’s Exemption for Barnhart, Map 209; Lot 25. **Motion** Mr. Dill motioned to approve the Veteran’s Exemption for Barnhart, Map 209; Lot 25. Seconded by Mr. Curley. The motion passed unanimously; 3/0. The exemption was signed by the board.

Contract - EnviroVantage
Mr. Martel presented the board with a contract for EnviroVantage for asbestos removal at the Teen Center. **Motion** Mr. Dill motioned for Chairman Bryer to sign the contract for EnvironVantage for asbestos removal at the Teen Center. Seconded by Mr. Curley. The motion passed unanimously; 3/0. The contract was signed by the chairman.

Intent to Cut Timber - Barbara Hann. Map 212; Lot 65.
Mr. Martel presented the board with an intent to cut for Hann, for Map 212; Lot 65. **Motion** Mr. Dill motioned to approve the intent to cut for Hann, Map 212; Lot 65. Seconded by Mr. Curley. Mr. Dill asked Mr. Wilson if there were any issues with the request to cut as it is rather large. Mr. Wilson replied he did not have any issues. The motion passed unanimously; 3/0. The intent to cut was signed by the board.

Purchase Order - Target NE
**Motion** Mr. Curley motioned to approve a purchase order for payment to Target New England in the amount of $2,800. Seconded by Mr. Dill. Mr. Dill noted that this was for the additional work previously approved. The motion passed unanimously; 3/0. The purchase order was signed by the board.

Purchase Order - RPF Associates
**Motion** Mr. Dill motioned to approve a purchase order for payment to RPF Associates for $700. for the asbestos survey. Seconded by Mr. Curley. The motion passed unanimously; 3/0. The purchase order was signed by the board.

Lamprey Health Care - Budget Appropriation
**Motion** Mr. Dill motioned to approve the 2007 budget appropriation received from Lamprey Health Care for $3,800. Seconded by Mr. Curley. The motion passed unanimously; 3/0.

Purchase Order Town of Epsom Ambulance Back UP
Mr. Martel presented the board with a purchase order from the Town of Epsom for ambulance back up services provided to Northwood. Mr. Bryer asked if the billing is split up biannually. This item was tabled for additional information relative to the amount appropriated.

Vendor Manifest
Vendor manifest in the amount of $214,185.46. **Motion** Mr. Dill motioned to approve the vendor manifest in the amount of $214, 185.46. Mr. Curley seconded. Motion passed unanimously; 3/0. The vendor manifest was signed by the board.

LGC Employee Benefit Renewal Rates
Mr. Bryer stated that he has received the LGC renewal rates for employee benefits. He requested that Mr. Martel review the information provided and present it at the next selectmen’s meeting.

The consent calendar was signed by the board.

Non-public Session
7:10 p.m. **Motion** Mr. Dill made a motion, seconded by Mr. Curley, to go into a non-public session under RSA 91-A:3II(c), personnel.
Roll Call Vote:
Selectman Curley-yes
Selectman Dill-yes
Selectman Bryer-yes
Motion passed unanimously; 3/0.

7:30 p.m. **Motion** Mr. Curley motioned to come out of the non-public session. Seconded by Mr. Dill. The motion passed unanimously; 3/0.

**Motion** Mr. Dill motioned to seal the minutes of the non-public session. Seconded by Mr. Curley. Motion passed unanimously; 3/0.

Mr. Bryer stated that during the non public session the board discussed a personnel issue.

Selectmen’s Comments
Mr. Dill stated that he will not be able to attend the Selectmen’s Institute, November 4. Mr. Bryer and Mr. Curley noted that they are planning to attend.

Mr. Curley stated that Steve Preston has an update from the recycling committee regarding the compactors. Mr. Preston provided information relative to the compactors. He explained two different options he received from East Coast Compactor. He recommended that the town go with the option to purchase and install all new equipment with no wiring necessary. Mr. Bryer stated that this is a change than what was presented at town meeting as they were told that the town was purchasing a 4 yard compactor and this proposal is for a 3 yard. Mr. Bryer suggested town counsel be contacted and review the warrant article to see if this is changing the intent. Mr. Preston stated that there are enough funds to complete the project and noted that this is a savings of $24,000.

Mr. Bryer stated he has received a letter from Fairpoint Communications/Verizon. He stated that several months ago he suggested a letter be sent out to Verizon asking if they were planning to extend their DSL service further into Northwood. Further discussion was held regarding the distance of service as it is only provided within 5 miles from the switching station. He requested that this be followed up and addressed.

8:00 p.m. **Motion** Mr. Dill motioned to adjourn. Seconded by Mr. Curley. The motion passed; 3/0.

Respectfully submitted,

Lisa Fellows-Weaver
Board Secretary

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