SELECTMEN'S MEETING
OCTOBER 21, 2002


MEMBERS PRESENT: Margaret Crisler, Roger Hohenberger, Galen Stearns and Alan Carpenter. Christopher Doyle was not present. David Sullivan, Town Administration was also present. Meeting commenced at 7:00 pm.

JOINT MEETING WITH SCHOOL BOARD: School Board representatives were: Marcia Unger, Rick Horrigan and Daphne Kenyon. Mrs. Unger discussed the School Board's actions in reviewing various parcels of land for future school needs, including a possible high school.

Gage Land - The School Board commissioned a topographic study and found that of the 100 acres only 35 acres (in two parcel of 17 and 18 acres) were suitable for use for school development. However, findings showed this was not to be considered for high school usage but may fit for elementary needs. The School Board decided that they would not pursue this land for now and concentrate their efforts on other lands. The topo of the Gage land will be supplied to the Selectmen to use as needed.

Mr. Hohenberger discussed the potential of use of some of the Gage land for elementary use but the School Board questioned the financial feasibility of that development. It was noted that the School Board is working with the Planning staff on these issues.

Lisa Linowes, Conservation Commission, submitted a letter requesting a Warrant Article to preserve the Gage land and further that the Commission wishes to work with the School Board to find suitable land for school development. Mr. Finn echoed Mrs. Linowes comments.

Joint Field Maintenance - Mr. Sullivan updated the Boards on the joint bid going out for field maintenance. The bids are due on November 5th.

Budget Priorities - The School Board discussed their CIP submittal. The Selectmen noted they are working on their budgets and noted it will be a difficult year.

High School - In response to a question from Mr. Hohenberger, Mrs. Kenyon noted that the Ad Hoc Committee Report estimates that $1000 more per student will be needed for operating costs and between $20 - 30 million for capital costs to build a high school.

It was noted that interest has been shown by the Pelham Board to work with Windham on a regional school, but Windham needs to finalized discussions with Salem before pursing any more with Pelham. The Selectmen were encouraged by these discussions.

Coalition of Receiver Towns - The Town joined the Coalition but have no update yet. This coalition will provide input for upcoming legislation on behalf of the receiver communities.

School/Old Police Station - The School Board wished to look into the potential of expanding the old police station for their 3-5 year old school program. Mr. Stearns motioned and Mr. Hohenberger seconded to allow the School Board to consider the opportunity to add on to the old police station and the Board of Selectmen would not exercise option to repurchase property for a minimum of 20 years. Passed unanimously.

The Selectmen then moved into their regular agenda for the evening.

MINUTES: Mr. Carpenter motioned and Mr. Stearns seconded to approve the minutes of October 7, 2002 as presented. Passed unanimously.

Mr. Stearns motioned and Mr. Hohenberger seconded to approve the minutes of October 11, 2002 as presented. Passed 3-0-1 with Mrs. Crisler abstaining.

HIGHWAY SAFETY COMMITTEE: Mr. Stearns motioned and Mr. Hohenberger motioned to approve the HSC recommendation to place a "Stop Ahead" sign near #140 Londonderry Road. Passed unanimously.

OLD BUSINESS: Mr. Sullivan recommended that the Board waive the bid process and award a bid for to widen the entrance and exit to Griffin Park for a cost of $5,700. Mr. Carpenter moved to waive the process and award the bid as recommended by Mr. Sullivan. Mr. Stearns seconded. Motion failed 2-2 with Mr. Stearns and Mr. Hohenberger opposed.

Mr. Sullivan gave an update on the Church Road culvert - it will begin in approximately two weeks. Mr. Sullivan also updated the Board on the Bartley House renovations - work is underway on the demolition process.

Mr. Sullivan announced that a Retirement Party will be held for Elaine Keefe on November 15th at the Harris Pelham Inn. Everyone is invited to come and wish Elaine well. Cost is $30 per person for dinner and dancing. Tickets are available at the Town Hall. Please purchase by October 31st.

Mr. Sullivan gave update on perambulation process.

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

Mr. Sullivan updated the Board on various personnel matters.

Tax Deeding - Mr. Stearns motioned and Mr. Carpenter seconded to delay a tax deeding until November 4th. Passed unanimously.

Mr. Stearns motioned Mr. Carpenter seconded to adjourn. Meeting adjourned at approximately 9:45 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

David Sullivan
Town Administrator

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


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10/22/2002