MEMBERS PRESENT: Carolyn Webber, Margaret Crisler and Galen Stearns. David Sullivan, Town Administrator, was also present. Meeting commenced at 4:00 pm.

MINUTES: Mr. Stearns motioned and Mrs. Crisler seconded to approve the minutes of December 20, 2001 as presented. Passed unanimously.

OTHER BUSINESS: Mr. Sullivan and the Board discussed the following items.

1. The following bids were received for the Church Road culvert installation:

   Frank Whitcomb	$157,790.00
   Nesenkeag, Inc.	$114,700.00
   Construction Divers, Inc.	$246,900.00

   These bids will be reviewed by staff.
   
   

2. One bid was received for the proposed renovations to the Bartley House.

   Yesteryear Restoration   $133,900.00

   This bid is over funds available but will be reviewed along with in house staff doing some of the work.
   
   

3. Electrical work was done at Griffin Park without prior approval from the Board. The Baseball Association has agreed to pay one half of the $2400 cost and asked the Town to also pay half. The Board agreed, under protest, to pay $1200.00 for the work. Mr. Stearns motioned to approve the payment of $1200 for the electrical work, under protest and stipulated that a letter will be sent to all parties that no work will be paid for if not approved by the Selectmen prior to any work commencing. Mrs. Crisler seconded. passed unanimously.
   
   
4. Griffin Park Driveway - Mr. Sullivan informed the Board that a letter was received from the Department of Transportation stating that the driveways at Griffin Park have to be rebuilt to match the approved plans (changes were made to leave historic stonewalls in place). This work is to be done in the spring. Mr. Turner will follow up on this matter and inquire about any alternatives.
   
   Chief Fruchtman also wishes that the parking spots lined in front of the emergency access gate be eliminated for the Fire Department access.
   
   
5. Road Bond Partial Release - Request received to release $3000 and retain $1000 on the bond for the Heritage Hill walking easements. Mrs. Crisler updated the Board on this issue. Mrs. Crisler motioned and Mr. Stearns seconded to approve the partial release of $3000 to Everett Ryan for the Heritage Hill walking easement. Passed unanimously.
   
   
6. Bartley House - Mr. Sullivan requested that the Board approve the expenditure of $2500 from the Property Trust to do the required testing for asbestos in the Bartley House. Mrs. Crisler so moved and Mr. Stearns seconded. Passed unanimously.
   
   
7. Mr. Sullivan requested that the Board sign a Purchase Order for a sander for the Highway Department as there are sufficient funds available for the purchase. The Board signed the order.
   
   
8. Request received from Lewis Companies who are representing Pennichuck Water, Inc. of Nashua, the owner of the W & E water system on West Shore Road, to have a portion of West Shore Road a "No Salt" zone as required by DES. Mrs. Crisler moved to establish the "No Salt" zone as requested pending approval from the Highway Agent. Mr. Stearns seconded. Passed unanimously.
   
   
9. Mr. Sullivan presented the Board a recommendation from the Town Assessor, Rex Norman, to amend the elderly exemptions. Mr. Norman recommended that the exemptions be increased for ages 65-75 to $80,000 and ages 75-80 to $100,000 and the asset level increased to $250,000. After discussion, Mr. Stearns moved and Mrs. Crisler seconded to hold a public hearing to hear testimony concerning amending the elderly exemptions as described above and increasing the asset level to $150,000. Passed unanimously.
   
   
10. Mr. Sullivan and the Board reviewed changes to the warrant.

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

Mr. Stearns motioned and Mrs. Crisler seconded to grant a discretionary wage adjustment of $500 to the Transfer Station Supervisor for assuming additional responsibilities during absence of fulltime manager from September to December 2001. Passed unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

Kathleen M. Davis
Administrative Assistant

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