SELECTMEN'S MEETING
MAY 21, 2001


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

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Mrs. Crisler stated that the Garden Club’s plant sale on Saturday was a huge success. They raised $1200 for the Nancy Surette Scholarship Fund.

Mrs. Crisler reminded everyone that the Strawberry Festival will be held on June 2nd.

Mr. Sullivan presented a bronze plaque to the Windham Professional Firefighters Union Local 2915 and the Windham Firefighters Association for their construction of the new garage. Their hard work saved the Town thousands of dollars and Mr. Sullivan expressed the Town’s appreciation and sincere thanks. The plaque will be hung in the new building. FF Don Worthington, FF Tim Dunn and Call FF Eric Hildebrandt were present to receive the award.

LIAISON REPORTS: Mrs. Crisler stated that the Planning Board will hold a public hearing on the proposed Bear Hill subdivision on May 23rd and will have the next meeting on the proposed Klemm project on June 6th.

Mr. Hohenberger reported that the Resource Planning Group for the planned expansion of Interstate 93 met last week. They are awaiting the appraisal on the Castle Reach property which is due in June. Mr. Hohenberger stated that our Conservation Commission made a great presentation on this property and he received many compliments on their behalf.

ADDITIONAL ANNOUNCEMENTS: Fire Chief Fruchtman announced that this week is National EMS week. Anyone wishing to have their car seat inspected should call for an appointment. The procedure takes about an hour. The Chief also reminded residents that the department has life vests in all sizes which can be borrowed. He also reminded everyone that the State has not lifted the ban on burning. No open fires are allowed. Call the station for an update, however, he noted that one day of rain will not be sufficient to lift the ban.

Wayne Bailey, Transfer Station Manager, announced that the Transfer Station will be closed on May 30th in observance of Memorial Day.

Mr. Hohenberger thanked everyone, particularly Bob Devlin, involved in the reopening of Church Street – One Way. This is a temporary fix and the road will again be closed for permanent repair sometime this summer.

PUBLIC HEARING: Ms Webber read the following notice: “In accordance with RSA 31:95-3, the Board of Selectmen will hold a Public Hearing on May 21, 2001 at 7:15 pm at the Town Hall for the purpose of considering the donation to the Town of a Bacharach Portable Carbon Monoxide Analyzer with a breath analyzer module (BAM)”.

Chief Fruchtman and Call FF Hildebrandt displayed the equipment which was procured through donations to the Fire Association, which in turn is donating it to the Town. Donations of $500 were received from the Granite State Realtors, represented by Peg Walthers, and an anonymous donation of $300. The Chief expressed gratitude for the generous donations.

Mr. Stearns motioned to accept the donation with sincere thanks. Mr. Doyle seconded. Passed unanimously.

CONSERVATON COMMISSION: Cheri Howell, Chairman of the Conservation Commission, discussed the possible purchase of Castle Reach by the State for wetlands mitigation for the I 93 expansion. She told the Board that the State is awaiting the appraisal which is due next month therefore, no price has been discussed. She further stated that the Conservation Commission voted unanimously to recommend to the Board of Selectmen that funds from the Conservation Land Acquisition Fund be used to contribute toward the purchase.

After some questions and discussion, Mrs. Crisler stated she supports this and Mr. Hohenberger and Mr. Stearns felt this is premature and there is a lot of negotiating to be done. The Board will discuss this further at a future date.

ESTY ROAD: Mr. Sullivan told the Board that the Town is a main abutter on Esty Road and as such has contributed to the maintenance in the past. A request was received for the Town to contribute $250 (one fourth) to have Esty Road graded and graveled. Mr. Hohenberger motioned to approve, not to exceed, $250 for the Town’s share of the improvements to Esty Road. Mr. Stearns seconded. Passed unanimously.

VAN USAGE: Mr. Sullivan told the Board that the Historical Society has requested use of the Town van for their members to take their annual tour of historic sites. This usage is not explicitedly allowed for in the van policy, however Mr. Sullivan recommended to the Board that they approve this request under their authority recommend additional uses on a case by case basis as allowed by the policy. Dennis Root would drive as he is a member of the group and a driver certified by the Town. Mr. Hohenberger motioned and Mr. Stearns seconded to approve this request. Passed unanimously.

MINUTES: Mr. Stearns motioned to approve the minutes of May 7, 2001 as presented. Mr. Doyle seconded. Passed unanimously.

CORRESPONDENCE: Notice received from MU Connections that a preconstruction meeting on the Londonderry Replacement for the Tennessee Gas Pipeline will be held on May 30th at 11:00 am at the Town Hall.

REDC: Mr. Jim Finch, Project Manager for Rockingham Economic Development Corporation, asked the Board for a letter of support to build upon last year ’s effort in developing the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy for the Economic Development Administration. Mr. Finch explained the work the group does to help our town attract businesses. Mr. Stearns motioned to send a letter of support for the REDC as requested. Mr. Hohenberger and Mr. Doyle seconded. Passed unanimously.

OLD BUSINESS: Mr. Sullivan reviewed the proposed agenda for the Board’s joint meeting with the School Board with the Selectmen. The Board added the following items: I Loop, 24 foot roads and cul de sacs radii (any problems for buses) and sportsfields maintenance.

Mr. Sullivan told the Board that he spoke with Jeff Brillhart from the DOT and the plans for the proposed Route 111 By-Pass should be ready the first week in June. When Mr. Brillhart receives the plans, he will schedule a meeting with the Board.

Mrs. Crisler stated that she received calls from residents on Hayes Hart Road complaining about the parking on the road and activity at the boat ramp during the nights. Mr. Sullivan stated that he had talked with the Police Chief and had checked the road himself today. He explained the present signage – 4 no parking signs, 2 slow children signs and several signs near the boat ramp stating restrictions. He stated that the police have been enforcing the parking violations and that if the residents have concerns, they should call the police department directly so that the matter can be handled immediately.

Mr. Sullivan stated that the Highway Safety Committee will review this matter.

Mr. Doyle stated that the new building department has had the walls and woodwork primed and the painting should be finished in a week or two.

NEW BUSINESS: Mr. Stearns told the Board that with Windham’s recent population increase, we can now have three representatives on the Rockingham Planning Commission.

NON-PUBLIC SESSIONS: Mr. Hohenberger motioned and Mr. Stearns seconded, to go into non-public sessions in accordance with RSA 91-A:3, IIa, c and d. Roll call vote – all members – yes. The Board and Mr. Sullivan were in attendance. Subjects were union grievance, reputations and land acquisition.

Union Grievance – Mr. Stearns motioned and Mr. Doyle seconded to deny a grievance from the police union. Passed unanimously.

Appointments – Mr. Hohenberger motioned and Mr. Stearns seconded to appoint the following slate:

    Board of Adjustment

      Alfred Souma – Regular Member
      Jack Gattinella – Alternate Member

    Cable Advisory Board

      J Gross – Regular Member

    Conservation Commission

      Cheri Howell - Regular Member
      Christe Davis – Regular Member

    Historic District Commission

      Tom Furlong – Regular Member
      Miriam Stoltz – Regular Member

    Housing Authority

      Denise Ryan – Regular Member

    Recreation Committee

      Jodi Coppetta – Regular Member
      Sam Maranto – Regular Member
      Carol Fronduto – Alternate Member

    Trustees of Museum

      Jean Manthorne – Regular Member

Motion passed unanimously.

Land Acquisition – Mr. Sullivan updated the Board on a proposed land swap.

GRIFFIN PARK UPDATE AND BID AWARDS: Frank Farmer, member of the Griffin Park Committee, gave the Board the following update and bids.

Budget – No expenditures since last update.
General Contractor – Contractor is on site – if the weather holds, Phase I will be completed in June.
Dredge Permit – is at the State awaiting action.

Bid #1 - One bid was received to put pumps in wells 2 and 3 from Hamilton-Wood Inc. for $12,400.00. Mr. Farmer noted that this was consistent with the Committee’s estimate and within the allowance for this item. After discussion which included location of wells 2 and 3, horsepower of pump, gallons per hour, who contractor coordinates with etc. Mr. Stearns motioned to award the bid for the pumps to Hamilton-Wood Inc. at a price not to exceed $12,400. and to have Hamilton Wood Inc. coordinate their schedule with the owners of the land (Town). Mr. Hohenberger seconded. Passed unanimously.

Bid #2 – Parking Guard Rail – contract is to place a 32” tall, flat faced 3’ x 12’ pressure treated wood barrier along the parking lot to keep vehicles in parking lot. One bid was received from David White for $15,275. The Committee recommended the Board approve this bid. Mr. Stearns motioned to award the bid for the parking guard rail to David White for a price not to exceed $15,275. Mr. Hohenberger seconded. Passed unanimously. Ms Webber requested the Committee consider a stone wall near the maple trees.

Bid #3 – Well Hookup – this bid was for the installation of electrical service for the pumps. No bids were received – this was the second request for bids. The Committee recommended that the Selectmen approve the Committee and Town to negotiate with interested parties and secure a contract that is in the best interest of the Town. Mr. Sullivan stated that the Board should waive the bid process to allow the negotiations. Mr. Stearns motioned to waive the bid process for the electrical service for the pumps and to allow the committee and Mr. Sullivan to negotiate a contract in order to expedite the pump installation with a price not to exceed $6000. Mr. Doyle seconded. Passed unanimously.

Bid #4 – Paving of Pathways – proposed contract provides paving of the perimeter and service pathway. Three bids were received: Tate Brothers - $56,669; Taylor Paving - $66,660 and David White - $67,640. All bids exceed funds available for this item. After discussion, Mr. Hohenberger motioned to reject all bids and allow the Committee to negotiate with bidders and report back to the Board. Mr. Doyle seconded. Passed unanimously.

The Board discussed some trenching work and the possibility of a partial donation. Mr. Sullivan will follow up.

RECREATION: Mr. Farmer, Chairman of the Recreation Committee, announced that Beach Clean Up Day is June 6th at 9:00 am and the beach will open on June 17th.

OTHER BUSINESS: Mr. Sullivan noted that the Strawberry Festival on June 2nd will be held at the Library.

Mr. Sullivan told the Board that the closing on the approved land purchase next to Transfer Station will be on May 30th.

Mr. Stearns motioned to adjourn. Mr. Doyle seconded. Meeting adjourned at 8:40 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.


Copyright © 2001 All Rights Reserved
05/23/2001