SELECTMEN'S MEETING
July 26, 1999


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

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Mrs. Crisler introduced her granddaughter Allica, from Kentucky.

Mrs. Crisler reminded everyone of the Circus on August 9th at the Computer Parking Lot sponsored by the Community Band and the Police Association.

Mr. Barker reminded all voters that tomorrow will be the special town meeting to vote on the proposed ordinances.

LIAISON REPORTS: Mrs. Crisler reported that the Recreation activities held on July 4th were a huge success and extended a special thanks to Mike Sorter and Lions Club.

Mrs. Crisler reported that the Planning Board is meeting every week - working on the Master Plan on the off week. Last week they heard a conceptual plan for a new Post Office to be located across from the Village Green; two proposed subdivisions - Bear Hill and Morrison Road extensions and also Griffin Park and Fire Station Site Plans were moved forward.

Ms. Webber reported that the Historic District Committee met and discussed the Searles School NH Preservation Award and other items regarding Searles School.

Mr. Sullivan advised the Board that two proposals for Clerk of the Works for Griffin Park were received and opened today. They will reviewed by the Committee and brought to the Board for approval.

Mr. Sullivan also advised the Board that the Assessment Center for the position of Police Captain was held last week. Mr. Sullivan thanked the maintenance personnel and Mr. Case for their assistance with the preparations. Finalists will be notified in early September.

CORRESPONDENCE: Mrs. Crisler motioned and Mr. Stearns seconded to accept a road bond for Londonderry/Kendall Pond Roads in the amount of $5,000. Passed unanimously.

Mrs. Crisler motioned and Mr. Stearns seconded to approve partial release of $38,961.00 from the Road Bond for Sherwood Road. Passed unanimously.

Mrs. Crisler motioned and Mr. Stearns seconded to approve partial release of $11,240.00 from the Road Bond for Glenwood Road. Passed unanimously.

Mrs. Crisler motioned and Mr. Stearns seconded to approve partial release of $8,650.00 from the Road Bond for Nottingham Road. Passed unanimously.

Letter of resignation from Jack Gattinella from the Planning Board and Board of Adjustment, effective immediately. Mrs. Crisler noted that Planning Board has been meeting every Wednesday and causing stress for the members. The Planning Board has sent a letter to Mr. Gattinella asking him to reconsider and remain on the Boards. Mrs. Crisler motioned to lay this item on the table. Mr. Stearns seconded. Passed by consensus.

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE: Mrs. Crisler read the following notice: "In accordance with Article 3, Section 2c of the Cable TV Franchise Agreement between the Town of Windham and Harron Cablevision of NH, the Board of Selectmen will hold a public hearing on July 26, 1999 at 7:15 pm at the Town Hall for the purpose of considering the approval of the petition to transfer the franchise ownership of Harron Cablevision to Adelphia Communications Corporation.

Mr. Leo Hart, Vice Chairman of the Cable Advisory Committee, gave a brief history of the Cable Franchise and the present transfer procedure.

Terry Gould, General Manager of Adelphia, gave opening remarks regarding his company and the proposed transfer and offered to answer questions from the Board members. Mr. Gould answered questions concerning Vermont's issues with Adelphia, discussed; non-compliance legal fees bonding, local access service, rates increases, and any future plans to sell the Windham franchise. It was agreed that a file concerning the transfer will be available in the Selectmen's Office and the Library for the public to review.

Mr. Hart explained where the process is at present and how it will continue. The Board will again consider this matter is late August or early September.

FIRE STATION BUILDING COMMITTEE UPDATE: Mr. Cummings, Chairman of the Building Committee, reported that bids for the Site Work for the new station where reviewed by the Committee and Mr. Sullivan today. Bonnette, Page and Stone recommended approval of either of the low bidders. The committee requested to work with the two low bidders and negotiate for better price (within our budget). Mr. Sullivan noted that he had been previously authorized to award contracts on this project as noted in the charge. The Board has approved the bottom line figure and this was done in order to move process in a timely manner. The Board will be provided cost breakdowns throughout the project. Another update will be provided the Board in two weeks.

PERSONNEL POLICY CHANGES: Mr. Sullivan noted that the Department Heads did their yearly review of the Personnel Policy and have recommended changes regarding, Holidays, Bereavement Leave, Disability, Uniform Allowance and Probationary Fire Fighters. Mr. Sullivan explained each change. Mr. Doyle motioned and Mrs. Crisler seconded to approve the recommended changes. Passed unanimously.

Mr. Stearns motioned and seconded by many to approve the minutes of July 12, 1999. Passed unanimously.

OLD BUSINESS: Request received from Kenneth Keefe asking a waiver of impact fees for the building of his home as he had purchased the land in 1991, before impact fees were required. Mr. Sullivan noted that there is no provision to grant this request. The Board agreed and Mr. Keefe will be notified.

FLOW: Request received from Friends of the Library to use Searles School at the reduced rate for a Marionette show on August 17, 1999. Ms Webber stated that the Historic District Committee is looking at the regulations for use of Searles as they are concerned about the wear and tear from local organizations. Ms Webber recommended that the answer be no. Mr. Stearns disagreed as he feels it was refurbished it to be used by town organizations. Mr. Stearns motioned to allow FLOW to use Searles at the reduced fee. Seconded by Mrs. Crisler. Passed unanimously.

Mr. Sullivan stated that a meeting is necessary between Board and Historic District Committee and will schedule meeting for early September. Mr. Barker stressed the need for a liberal interpretation during next 18 months due to town meeting space crunch. Ms Webber asked if the schools could help.

HIGHWAY SAFETY COMMITTEE: Mr. Sullivan received the minutes from the Highway Safety Committee recommending their duties be delegated to department heads as they are not getting a quorum at their meetings. Mr. Sullivan noted that the process will not change - requests will be made through the Town Administrator's office. Comments were made by Margaret Case and Tom Case. The Board concurred and extended a special thanks to Bill Russell for his many years of service on the Highway Safety Committee.

OTHER BUSINESS: Mrs. Crisler expressed her disappointment that the Road Agent was unable to meet with them this evening. She expressed her concern that trees will be cut and stone walls removed unnecessarily on East Nashua Road. Mr. Barker stated that no action will take place until this Board approves the proposed work.

Mr. Stearns stated that he was distressed at not being informed on certain matters dealing with the beach and fire equipment. Mr. Sullivan apologized and will provide the Board with a copy of the present policy regarding notification of the Board.

Mrs. Case encouraged the Board to approve work on Rock Pond Road and leave trees and stone walls on East Nashua Road and leave Castle Hill till next year. Mrs. Case details the repairs she felt were most needed.

Mr. Barker, Mr. Sullivan and Ms Davis will work on a long range agenda into the first of next year for the Board at their meeting on August 30th.

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 - all member - yes. The Board and Mr. Sullivan were in attendance subject was personnel.

Mr. Stearns motioned and Mrs. Crisler seconded to approve the recommended hiring of two call firefighters pending normal background and medical checks. Passed unanimously.

The Board held a brief discussion regarding the department head evaluation process.

Respectfully submitted,

Kathleen Davis
Administrative Assistant

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

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