MEMBERS PRESENT: Galen Stearns, Carolyn Webber, Christopher Doyle and Roger Hohenberger. Margaret Crisler was excused. David Sullivan, Town Administrator, was also present. Meeting commenced at 7:00 pm.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Mr. Stearns thanked the residents who attended the school and town deliberative sessions over the weekend. He also expressed the Board’s appreciation to the Cable volunteers for their efforts in cable casting both meetings.

Mr. Sullivan stated that Mr. Allan Barlow, Maintenance Supervisor, had been named 'Employee of the Year' at the Town’s deliberative session on Saturday. Mr. Barlow was not present, therefore Mr. Sullivan presented his award this evening. Mr. Sullivan noted the many things Mr. Barlow has done in addition to his normal duties, including the remodeling of the old fire station which has saved thousands of dollars. Congratulations Al!

LIAISON REPORTS: Ms Webber reported that the Historic District Commission met to review the eligibility portions for a grant to restore the Bartley House which was submitted last week.

Ms Webber also reported that she and Mr. Hohenberger attended the Griffin Park Committee Meeting and noted that the update would be later in this meeting.

MINUTES: Mr. Hohenberger motioned to accept the minutes of January 22, 2001 as presented. Mr. Doyle seconded. Passed unanimously.

CORRESPONDENCE: Mr. Stearns read a request from the Planning Board and the Director of Planning for partial release of $70,711.00 of the road bond for Locksley Road from station 0+0 to station 17+19.68 to Yorkshire Realty Trust. Mr. Hohenberger motioned to approve the partial release as read. Ms Webber seconded. Passed unanimously.

A Balance Sheet for 2000 for the Town was received from our auditors, Vachon, Clukay & Company. This is not the final audit but a compilation and the audit will be completed in May. It is estimated that the Town’s fund balance will be approximately $491,000 of which $391,000 can be used to offset any tax increase.

Notice received from Adelphia stating that all customers will be receiving notification that shortly new programming services are being added and upcoming rate increases.

Mr. Hohenberger asked Mr. Sullivan for an update on the I Loop Contract. Mr. Sullivan reported that discussions are continuing and the proposed changes were emailed to Adelphia today. Hopefully this can be resolved later this week. Mr. Sullivan confirmed that the school will have it installed this year and the Town next year.

Ms Webber asked when Internet service would be available. Mr. Case stated that it is presently available. People interested should contact Adelphia.

PROPOSED BIKE PATH: Mr. Sullivan reported to the Board on asking the State about the possibility of installing a bike path on one side of Lowell Road instead of both sides. The response was this could be done, however, the requirements would be to have 4’ of shoulder, 5’ of separation and 10’ of pavement for a total of 19 feet. A 42' high positive barrier such as fence, railing, etc. could be installed in lieu of the 5’ separation area.

After much discussion of the new information, the Board decided to schedule a meeting with the Department of Transportation (if the Town vote is in the affirmative) which would allow the Board and residents to ask further questions and discuss options.

RECREATION: Frank Farmer, Chairman of the Recreation Committee, reported on the following upcoming activities.

Dancing - Swing/Ballroom dancing will be held at Center School beginning in March.

Yoga - Classes will begin soon at Searles School.

LaCrosse - A clinic will be held on March 11 from noon until 3 pm.

Easter Egg Hunt - will be held in April.

Watch for more information on these activities.

GRIFFIN PARK UPDATE: Frank Farmer, member of the Griffin Park Committee, gave an update on the construction of Griffin Park.

General Contract - Working is now continuing on the park on the Johnson side. Mr. Sullivan, Mr. Turner, Mr. Jordan, Mr. Maranto and Mr. Nickerson will meet with the contractor tomorrow morning.

Mr. Farmer asked the Board if they would now agree to have the excess loam removed from the site, as per the contract. He stated they need to remove it to proceed and it would be better to do it when the ground is frozen. Mr. Sullivan told the Board that Mr. Turner felt if 80% of the loam were removed, there would still be more than enough for the fields. After discussion, Mr. Hohenberger motioned to allow 60% of the loam presently on site, screened or unscreened, to be removed from the site. Ms Webber seconded. Passed unanimously.

Budget - Since the last report $80,000, has been paid out for earthwork and drainage.

Dredge Permit - Mr. Nickerson reported that they are continuing to pursue a Wetland’s permit. Mr. Gove, Soils Consultant, will meet with the Board at the next meeting to discuss establishing a conservation easement on the back land due to a wetland’s area which needs to be disturbed. Mr. Sullivan noted that the land involved will be used for passive recreation and conservation as was originally intended.

Bond Interest Article - Mr. Farmer explained that the article on the warrant requesting use of the interest of $45,000 can be used for ball fields or in other areas but that no final recommendation will be made to the Selectmen until after Town Meeting.

HIGHWAY SAFETY COMMITTEE: Mr. Sullivan explained the following recommendation made by the Highway Safety Committee regarding the intersection of Church Road and Route 111. The recommendation is to install a raised pavement island on Church Road at the intersection of Route 111 and to install no left turn signs on both Church Road and Route 111 heading onto Church Road. This could be done for approximately $1000 and permission from the State would be required for the sign on Route 111.

Mr. Hohenberger agreed that this is a dangerous intersection but so are many others off of Route 111. He asked if the State could phase the traffic light for a quicker flow off North Lowell Road. After further discussion, the Board agreed to talk with the State about the signalization and holding a public hearing for public input. The public hearing will be scheduled after consultation with the State, hopefully in March.

OLD BUSINESS: Mr. Doyle asked about the leasing or repairs to the Bartley House. Ms Webber responded that the grant has been submitted in the eligibility stage and that leasing has gone nowhere. Mr. Sullivan told the Board that if the eligibility application is accepted, the final application will require estimates. He has contacted a contractor who specializes in restoration and will provide this estimate for $1,500. Mr. Sullivan recommended having this estimate done. Mr. Stearns expressed concerns about the amount of money it would take to rehab the building. Ms Webber motioned to approve the expenditure of $1,500.00 pending acceptance of the eligibility phase. Mr. Doyle seconded. Passed 3-1 with Mr. Stearns opposed.

Mr. Doyle asked the status of the remodeling of the old fire station and when it would be complete. Mr. Sullivan responded that 80% of the sheetrock is finished, that alarm, plumbing and electric are roughed in and the cable equipment for the meeting room is here. They hope to be finished in April.

Mr. Hohenberger inquired as to the status of our input to the DOT regarding the proposed Route 111 By-Pass. Mr. Sullivan stated that he had spoken with the project manager and that the draft plans were 85% finished and suggested that we review them and then make our recommendations. The Board agreed to wait until the plans were available.

NEW BUSINESS: Mr. Sullivan stated that he received a request from the Cobbetts Pond Village District to be added to the list of official government bodies allowed to use the Searles School without charge for meeting. Mr. Doyle so moved. Mr. Hohenberger seconded. Passed unanimously.

Mr. Sullivan told the Board that he has instruction manuals for the new accounting procedures GASB, if they wish to review them.

NON-PUBLIC SESSION: Mr. Doyle motioned to go into non-public session in accordance with RSA 91-A:3, IIa. Mr. Hohenberger seconded. Roll call vote: all members: yes. The Board and Mr. Sullivan were in attendance. The subject was personnel.

Mr. Hohenberger motioned and Mr. Doyle seconded to deny a union grievance. Passed unanimously.

Ms Webber motioned to adjourn. Mr. Doyle seconded. Meeting adjourned at approximately 9:00 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Kathleen Davis
Administrative Assistant

NOTE: These minutes are prepared in draft form and have not been submitted to the Board for approval.