MEMBERS PRESENT: Charles McMahon, Douglass Barker, Carolyn Webber, Margaret Crisler and Galen Stearns. David Sullivan, Town Administer, was also present. Meeting commenced at 7:00 pm.

NON-PUBLIC SESSION: Mr. Barker motioned to go into non-public session in accordance with RSA 91-A:3, IIc. Mr. Stearns seconded. Roll Call Vote - all members - yes. The Board, Mr. Sullivan and Margaret Case and Leo Hart, members of the Cable Advisory Board, were in attendance. Subject was contract negotiations. This session was held in the cable studio in the Armstrong Building.

PUBLIC MEETING: Public meeting commenced at 7:45 pm. Mr. McMahon stated that no decisions were made in the non-public session - it was an informational meeting.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Police Officer David Comeau announced that their funding raising effort to purchase exercise equipment for the new station was a huge success. The department also received a grant from the NH Municipal Association and funds from the Town for this equipment. Officer Comeau stated that the fund raising exceeded their needs and they are donating $1500 to NH Special Olympics. He extended special thanks to Southern NH Bank, the Fineman Family, Ron Coish and Rich Harris for their help and support, as well as the Town.

Officer Comeau announced that the Police Association will sponsor an Open House at the new Police Station on Sunday, May 17th from 10 am until 4:00 pm. Events scheduled include a K-9 demonstration, fingerprinting for children and the Safety Bug will be on display. Tours will be given of the station.

Mr. Barker announced that the Police Station dedication will be held in June.

Mr. McMahon announced that WCTV 51 will host an Open House of their new studio in the Armstrong Building (former Nesmith Library) on Sunday, May 17th from 1:00 pm to 4:00pm with Studio Dedication at 2:00 pm. There will be door prizes, live interviews, tour, demonstration and refreshments.

LIAISON REPORTS: Mrs. Crisler reported that the Recreation Committee has set the fees for the following programs: Beach Pass - $25; Daily Pass $2 per person and $5 per family; Swim Lessons - $15 and Beach Camp - $15. In the near future, the Recreation and Fire Department will jointly sponsor First Aid and CPR classes. More details will follow. Mrs. Crisler also stated that no baseball games will be held at Rogers Field until after 1:00 pm on Memorial Day so as not to interfere with the Memorial Day services.

Mrs. Crisler reported that the Planning Board is reviewing a conceptual plan of a proposed industrial park on Ledge Road and Route 111. Traffic is a concern in this area. Mrs. Crisler also noted that the impact fees collected, since the inception of the fees in December, is over $90,000.

Mr. Barker reported that representatives from the Cemetery, Recreation, Friends of the Library, Supervisors of the Checklist and Emergency Management reviewed the plans for the reuse of the basement of the old police station. Work will be continuing on this project as the school will be using the building in September.

COMMITTEE INTERVIEWS: The Board interviewed Bruce Breton and Jack Gattinella for appointment to the Planning Board.

CONSENT AGENDA: Mr. Barker motioned to approve the minutes of April 27th and May 4, 1998 and the Manifest dated May 11, 1998. Mr. Stearns seconded. Passed unanimously. Mr. Sullivan told the Board that Ms Webster wished to note that she, as Cemetery Trustee, did not meet with Mr. Farmer and Mr. Drury regarding the well in the cemetery but rather spoke to them on the telephone.

ROCKINGHAM PLANNING COMMISSION UPDATE: Tom Case, Chairman of the Rockingham Planning Commission, gave the Board an update of activities of the Commission. One of their major project this year is to identify and protect the historical and cultural resources of the area. Mr. Case met with Windham representatives of the Historical Committee and Conservation Commission to assist in identifying these resources, i.e. Foster's Pond, Deer Leap, Butterfield Rock, etc and also with a representative from Salem to identify some of their resources.

Mr. Case reported that the Rockingham Planning Commission has moved their office to the old Citizens Bank in Exeter. He also stated that they are considering raising their fees five cents per capita - the last increase was 10 years ago.

BOY SCOUT PROJECT: Mr. McMahon welcomed the Boy Scouts in attendance at tonight's meeting - a requirement of a badge they are working to obtain.

CORRESPONDENCE: Mrs. Crisler motioned to authorize the partial release of a road bond for Coventry Road in the amount of $74,585. Mr. Stearns seconded. Passed unanimously.

Mrs. Crisler motioned to authorize the final release of a road bond for Washington Road in the amount of $8,425.00 plus interest. Mr. Stearns seconded. Passed unanimously.

Letter received from Jack Gattinella, Chairman of the Board of Adjustment, stating the BOA recommends that the Selectmen increase the Abutters Fees for Appeals from $3.50 to $5.00. Mrs. Crisler moved to hold a public hearing to increase the fees as recommended by the BOA. Mr. Stearns seconded. Passed unanimously. Mr. Sullivan will schedule the public hearing for June 8, 1998.

Letter of resignation was received from Renee Solomon from the Conservation Commission. Mrs. Crisler motioned to accept the resignation with regret and thanked her for her service. Mr. Barker seconded. Passed unanimously.

Letter of resignation was received from Tim Roache from the Conservation Commission. Mrs. Crisler motioned to accept the resignation with regret and thanked him for his service. Mr. Stearns seconded. Passed unanimously.

Letter received from the Department of Transportation announcing Regional Safety Conferences on highway related issues in each county. The conference for Rockingham County has been scheduled at the Exeter Town Hall, 10 Front Street, Exeter on June 18th at 10:00 am. Mr. Turner, Planning Director, is scheduled to attend.

OLD BUSINESS: Mr. Barker motioned to approve the Re-codification of the Ordinance Book. Mr. Stearns seconded. Mr. Sullivan explained that this vote will approve the set up of the ordinances and later individual ordinances will be reviewed and updated as required. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Barker thanked Mr. Sullivan and Mrs. Devlin for their work on this project. The ordinances will be on the Web Page in the near future.

Mr. Sullivan stated that discussion of the Transfer Station CCTV Bid was withdrawn for this evening's meeting. It will be rescheduled.

The Board discussed the new job description for the Town Administrator. Mr. Barker suggested minor changes. Mr. Stearns moved to approve the job description for the Town Administrator as amended. Ms Webber seconded. Passed unanimously.

Mr. Barker asked if their would be any problem with the paving of Fellows Road due to the sensors for the traffic lights. Mr. Sullivan stated that there was no conflict.

NEW BUSINESS: Mrs. Crisler stated that the Planning Board has approved a sub-division on a Class VI road and approval by the Board of Selectmen will be needed for building permits. Mr. Sullivan and Mr. Turner are looking into this matter and reviewing the law. This will be coming to the Board on a case by case basis.

GRIFFIN PARK: Mr. Sullivan noted that on Thursday, April 30 the Board toured the Griffin Homestead, barn and surrounding areas.

Mr. Stearns motioned to allow the Fire Department to utilize the homestead for training and for a training burn which will be done by the end of June. Mr. Barker seconded. Passed unanimously.

Mr. McMahon suggested that some of the barn planks may be useful at some of our Conservation areas. Mr. Sullivan will check with the Conservation Commission.

Ms Webber told the Board that a resident has asked her if they could have a cabinet from the barn. Mr. Sullivan stated that the Board had decided that all items would first be offered to all departments, boards and committees first. He will let the Board know what is still available at their next meeting. If anyone then wishes anything, they can contact Mr. Sullivan and they will be accompanied to the site. The Board requested that no one go without permission.

Mr. Barker motioned to have Mr. Sullivan get estimates for demolition and burning of the barn and farm stand and also the removal of the old junk wood. Mrs. Crisler seconded. Passed unanimously.

Mrs. Crisler made a motion to have Mr. Sullivan arrange to have the forester mark and remove the dead trees from along Range Road and the boundary line to the Johnson Farm. Mr. Stearns seconded. Passed unanimously.

Mr. Stearns made a motion to save the two old apple trees and the maple tree in front of the house and make them an integral part of the site. Mr. Barker seconded. Mrs. Crisler expressed concern that the apple trees may be diseased and that we should have a tree specialist check the trees before making this decision. Mr. Barker motioned to delay the previous motion. Mrs. Crisler seconded. Passed 3-2 with Mr. Stearns and Ms Webber opposed.

Mrs. Crisler motioned to allow the Garden Club to remove rhubarb and other plants to sell at their spring plant sale. Mr. Stearns seconded. Passed unanimously.

Mr. Barker asked Mr. Sullivan to have the property posted off limits. This will be done by the end of the week.

The Board recessed the meeting into a workshop session with the Griffin Park Committee to discuss the Committee's future charge and the future plans for development of the park.

NON-PUBLIC SESSION: Mr. Barker motioned to go into non-public session in accordance with RSA 91-A:I, IIa and c. Mr. Stearns seconded. Roll Call Vote - all members - yes. The Board and Mr. Sullivan were in attendance. Subjects were hiring and reputations.

Mr. Stearns motioned to hire a deputy for the Tax Collector and a part time assistant for the Town Clerk pending successful completion of medical exams and background check. Mr. Barker seconded. Passed unanimously.

The Board and Mr. Sullivan discussed corrections to alternate appointment to board and committees as researched by Mr. Sullivan. The Board concurred with Mr. Sullivan's findings and he will follow up the changes with the various individuals affected.

Ms Webber motioned to adjourn. Mr. Barker seconded. Meeting adjourned at approximately 11:00 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Kathleen M. Davis
Secretary

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