MEMBERS PRESENT: Charles McMahon, Douglass Barker, Carolyn Webber, Margaret Crisler and Galen Stearns. David Sullivan, Town Administrator, was also present. Meeting commenced at 7:10 pm.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Margaret Crisler announced that the Sisters of Mercy will hold a fund-raising fashion show on September 13. She also announced that an Apple Festival, sponsored by some 25 organizations, will be held on September 20. Tee shirts are now available for purchase, as well as raffle tickets.

Mr. McMahon announced that Dick Forde will accept community announcements from organizations, etc for posting on Windham's website. Written notices or discs may be left at the Police Station.

Mr. McMahon reported that the Star Vector Gun Range lawsuit will be heard by Judge Gray in about 75 days. He said that there are rumors in town that there are town officials or volunteer board members taking payoffs and urged anyone who can substantiate these allegations to contact the Selectmen so appropriate action can be taken. He said that the practice of spreading rumors is unfair and disturbing and if the allegations are not factual, those responsible should keep their mouths shut.

Mr. Barker announced that the State Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, September 8, from 7 am to 8 pm, at Center School.

LIAISON REPORTS: Mrs. Crisler reported that the Master Plan Committee is making good progress, and the Sub-committee on Water Supply will meet on Tuesday, September 1.

Ms. Webber reported that the Historic District Commission held a public hearing on August 19 relative to the front steps at Town Hall. Due to repaving of the driveway, the Commission approved the following: removal of existing concrete step; addition of two granite steps to be added to existing granite step; removal of existing railing and installation of new railing, to be painted green; removal of all shrubbery in front of Town Hall and replacing with smaller shrubs, and installation of sloped granite curbing in front of steps extending out to the limits of the front of the building.

Ms. Webber also reported that the Historic District Commission, acting as the Heritage Commission recommended that the Town retain the name of Johnny Hill Road and not change it as proposed by the developers of a Castle Hill Road parcel.

Mr. Barker reported that he and Fire Chief Lipe attended an EMS meeting on mitigation relative to the recent flood. He said the Town would be applying for a grant.

Mr. Stearns reported that the Highway Safety Committee held an on-site meeting on Marblehead Road to discuss several safety concerns. The Committee agreed to recommend different curve signage and removal of some brush and trees. No action was taken on a stop sign at intersection of Hawley and Marblehead Roads.

Mr. McMahon reported that a communication from the State DOT indicated that they see some merit in a linkage between the Wal-Mart expansion and Route 111 improvements. He said they would not object to making the Route 28/Route 111 intersection four-way by eliminating Lake St. He recommended that the Board hold a joint meeting with Salem to discuss this issue further. Mr. Sullivan said Salem had offered September 21 as a date, but it was not convenient for all members. Mr. McMahon asked Mr. Sullivan to schedule the soonest date possible which was acceptable to everyone.

CONSENT AGENDA: Mr. Barker moved to approve the minutes of August 17 and Manifest of September 1. Seconded by Mr. Stearns. Passed unanimously.

CORRESPONDENCE: Letter from Supt. Raymond Raudonis outlining agenda for tonight's joint meeting with the School Board.

Request from Planning Board for partial release of road bond on Bayberry Road to CAY Corporation. Mrs Crisler moved to release the sum of $15,000 to CAY Corporation for Bayberry Road, and retain the amount of $10,863.74. Seconded by Mr Stearns. Passed unanimously.

Mr. McMahon displayed two sign entries for the new Town Complex, one of which was a humorous entry from Margaret Case, and the other was from Carol Babineau. It was agreed to post the contest on Windham's website as there had been little response from other ads.

Letter received from Bill Peterson expressing appreciation for Joan Tuck's assistance in providing information to his son, Alex, who is striving to complete his Boy Scout merit badge on Dog Care.

Memo received from Police Chief Moeckel recommending that one of the old cruisers be retained for other town needs (i.e., assessing, EMS director) and the second surplus vehicle be sold by sealed bids. Mr. Stearns felt there should be an inventory of town vehicles, their conditions, costs, etc, and make a study of the placement of excess vehicles.

Ms Webber recommended that a standard form be used by all departments for vehicle records, and Mr. Sullivan said one was being drafted. He said he has requested last year's maintenance records on all vehicles, and that a vehicle policy will be ready for review in about 2-3 months.

Memo from Wayne Bailey, Site Manager, requesting approval to install a steel ramp to load glass into new trailers at a cost of $1,300. Mr. Stearns moved to approve the steel ramp installation at a cost of $1,300 at the Transfer Station. Seconded by Mrs Crisler. Passed unanimously.

Notification received of the annual NHMA Law Lecture Series. Persons interested in attending should notify Mr. Sullivan.

Petition with 192 signatures was presented urging the Town to support school construction for additional classrooms needed for 1999-2000, and to fund this need even if it means an increase in the CIP tax rate.

GRIFFIN PARK - HAY CUTTING: Mr. Sullivan said a request had been received from Scott Johnson, abutter to Griffin Park, for permission to cut hay as he had done when the Griffins owned the property. Mr. McMahon felt other interested persons should have the same opportunity and the Board agreed to advertise for one week. It was the consensus of the Board that in the absence of any response to the ad, Mr. Johnson will be notified to proceed with the hay cutting.

SPECIAL TOWN MEETING REQUEST: Mr. Sullivan questioned the Board on setting a date to hold a Special Town Meeting for the purpose of adopting a Public Indecency Ordinance. This proposed ordinance will be more restrictive than the Adult Entertainment Ordinance in the Zoning Ordinance and also have a companion Health Ordinance. It was pointed out that this ordinance, if adopted, would also apply to the proposed Adult Shop on Route 28. The dates in September proposed by Mr. Sullivan (16, 17, 23 & 24) were not convenient for all Board members, and the Board suggested October 5 or 8 at any school available.

OLD BUSINESS: Mr. Barker questioned the status of the Motor Vehicle Registration policy, and Mr. Sullivan said that Town Counsel was working on it.

NEW BUSINESS: Mr. Barker requested time with the Board to discuss EM issues including a standard declaration announcement. No date scheduled.

Mr. Sullivan asked the Board to review a revised Safety Policy in their packets and be ready for discussion at the next meeting.

BOARD INTERVIEWS: The Board interviewed Thomas Seniow who is interested in serving on the Conservation Commission.

HIGHWAY SAFETY COMMITTEE REPORT: Mr. Stearns said that the Highway Safety Committee recommended the following at their August 20th meeting: new curve signage on Marblehead Road; one stop sign on Thomas Street. Another recommendation to paint center lines on Marblehead Road has already been done.

Mr. Stearns made a motion to approve the recommendations of the Highway Safety Committee. Seconded by Mr. Barker. Passed unanimously.

Mr. Stearns also reported that the Salem Police are satisfied with the Harris Road traffic arrangements and if residents are dissatisfied, they should send letters or a petition to the Town of Salem.

SCHOOL BOARD JOINT MEETING: School Board members and school officials met in workshop session with the Selectmen to discuss school issues. Also present were Police Chief Moeckel, Fire Chief Lipe, Planning Director Turner and members of the Planning Board. Roger Hohenberger, School Board chairman, read the following agenda items to be discussed:

1. The mechanism or process for the distribution of impact fees. How are funds accessed or applied against a budget?
   
2. The available of police officers to perform services to schools, particularly in such areas as drug and alcohol programs.
   
3. Discussion around town and school building programs. The School Board will have a report from the consultants studying school building needs.

The first discussion was held with Chief Moeckel relative to police interaction and presence at Windham schools. The School Board is seeking a teaching program, such as DARE, to help children eliminate fear of police and teach them respect for the law. Various aspects of such a program were discussed, as well as the fact that there would be additional costs involved. It was felt that any additional costs should be shared by both town and school.

The consensus of the Board was that they would support a program of police interaction at the schools. The School Board and Chief Moeckel were advised to tailor a program for Windham needs and determine costs for possible action at Town Meeting. Chief Moeckel will meet with Supt. Raudonis to discuss further.

The second issue discussed was impact fees and what the mechanism was for access and distribution to the School District. Planning Director Turner read the ordinance outlining the process for distribution. Mr. Hohenberger said the School Board felt that fees should be used towards the first payment on the bond allocated in CIP funds. Mr. McMahon indicated that paying down the initial note would be more beneficial and the impact fees would be considered revenue in the CIP.

Questions also arose as to the affect of impact fees on the CIP since the amounts of revenue will fluctuate. Mr. Barker recommended that the CIP be allowed to determine the best usage of the fees. No consensus of the Board was taken.

The final discussion centered around options for added classrooms as suggested in an assessment report prepared by Trace Educational Services Inc. The four options were: construct a new 16-room facility; add 14 classrooms to Middle School and two at Center School; add six classrooms at Middle School, six classrooms at Center School, and 4 classrooms at Golden Brook School; demolish original Center School building and replace with 10-classroom structure and add new six-classroom wing in open "courtyard" area.

The School Board intends to submit a warrant article for approval of a bond issue to construct 16 new classrooms at Center School. A lengthy discussion ensued on the ramifications of the bond issue on CIP funding.

NON-PUBLIC SESSION: Mr. Barker made a motion to go into Non-Public Session in accordance with RSA 91-A:3, IIa, b and c. Seconded by Mr. Stearns. Roll call vote - all members - Yes. Subjects were personnel and reputations.

First session - The Board, Mr. Sullivan and Chief Moeckel were in attendance. The hiring of a new police officer was discussed. Mr. Barker made a motion to approve the hiring of a new police officer as recommended by the Police Chief pending a background check and health exams. Seconded by Mrs. Crisler. Passed unanimously.

Second session - The Board, Mr. Sullivan and Chief Moeckel were in attendance. The hiring of a new police department secretary was discussed. Mr. Stearns made a motion to approve the hiring of a secretary as recommended by the Police Chief pending a background check and health exam. Seconded by Mrs. Crisler. Passed unanimously.

A management review of the Police Department was also discussed. Chief Moeckel will follow-up.

Third session - The Board and Mr. Sullivan were present. A cable contract with MediaOne (along Route 28) was discussed. Comments from Selectmen are to be submitted to Mr. Sullivan.

Fourth session - The Board and Mr. Sullivan were present. The Board held an evaluation of a town employee.

Fifth session - The Board and Mr. Sullivan were present. A draft copy of an Option to Lease Agreement for elderly housing was reviewed. Mr. McMahon will follow-up.

Sixth session - The Board and Mr. Sullivan were present. A discussion was held on providing benefits to an employee who is working full-time on a temporary basis. Mr. Barker made a motion to approve the recommendations for additional benefits to the respective employee. Seconded by Mrs. Crisler. Passed unanimously.

Meeting adjourned at 12:30 am.


Respectfully submitted,

Elaine Keefe
Secretary


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