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Town of AmherstBoard of SelectmenApril 30, 2007
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Chairman Bruce Bowler called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Selectmen present: Thomas Grella, Reed Panasiti, Brad Galinson and George Infanti. Also present Town Administrator Gary MacGuire and Executive Assistant Sharon Frydlo.
Mr. Bowler thanked everyone for attending and asked those present to introduce themselves. He called upon Senator Peter Bragdon to begin the discussion. Senator Bragdon told the group that on the Senate side things were fairly quiet. The Governor’s Constitutional Amendment sailed through the House with the definition of an “adequate education” coming from them – the Senate hasn’t seen it yet. He has continued to check on the Route 101 situation and the solution they brought forth seems reasonable. Mr. Bowler advised the State DOT would be meeting with the Selectmen in two weeks. Senator Bragdon commented that many of the bills that passed in the House, the Senate has not seen them.
Rep. Peter Bergin spoke about the Seat Belt Law in that New Hampshire was the only State in the Nation not having one. The primary Seat Belt Law passed the House and was in the Senate. A Real ID bill that would force everyone to carry a National ID was voted down. It was an unfunded mandate that would cost the State $55 million dollars to fund. Relative to educational funding, it was approved by the House, but there were a number of questions and the Court was still involved. He felt there would be a number of amendments brought forth.
Rep. Robert Rowe talked about the liability limit for lawsuits for each Town with Amherst being $1 million dollars and may end up being $6 million dollars. He, too, spoke about education in that nine years ago they talked about money and not education. He commented on the litigation Amherst was involved in along with Londonderry. He also spoke briefly about the bill he had presented, although he did not think it would pass. Mr. Rowe spoke about educational funding as it related to both Amherst and Milford.
Rep. Tim O’Connell advised he served on the Environmental and Agriculture Committee and voted against the “Balloon Bill”. He spoke about the bill retained from last year relative to the institution of recycling fees. The second issue was about construction and demolition debris and how to dispose of it. The third issue that was fascinating to him, was a paper distributed in 1999 that contained lessons learned regarding school funding from 1642 to 1998 where it talked about “adequacy” back in 1642. There were initiatives in both 1919 and 1947 and here they were in 2007, basically talking “about the same old thing”. Mr. O’Connell indicated he could not support the Constitutional Amendment because they did not have enough money in the State to support it.
Rep. Ryan Hansen indicated he was on the Science & Technology Committee. He also spoke about the construction and demolition debris, with Amherst hauling debris to ERRCO and commented that the State did not have a comprehensive plan from DES. He talked about renewables to generate energy and has seen a lot of renewable legislation and folks wanting to install their own wind turbines which was affecting zoning issues. The State has a $10.6 billion dollar budget, was the largest the State has put out and briefly spoke of the ten year plan as it related to it. There was also the issue of pension funding in getting it from where it is now at 67% to 85% and everyone was trying to figure out how to get to that level.
Rep. Cynthia Dokmo was on the Legislation & Administration Committee. A bill of interest to the Towns and School Districts was an Apportion Damages Bill that passed the House over a strong objection, Towns should be concerned about this and she urged them to contact their Senator to vote against this. Also passed was a bill giving five business days to present amendments. There were many Right-to-Know Bills, but they do not say anything about communications outside a meeting. It is currently in the Senate. She briefly spoke of a call from Charlie Tiedemann about regulating small wind energy systems. The Bill was written by technical people and would be hard for Towns to handle, review and regulate in some way. A bill she sponsored was no smoking in restaurants. Educational funding was one she would support as each Town would receive some funding. Both Amherst and Milford will be getting more money than they had this year.
Mr. Bowler opened discussion to the Amherst Selectmen. Mr. Panasiti mentioned restrictions that ban the “Live Free or Die” motto as it related to seat belts and no smoking bans and asked if this was something the Legislators thought about? Rep. Bergin spoke about the helmet law not having been instituted in this session, but that the Department of Safety, Department of Transportation, doctors, nurses, medical people testify that New Hampshire would be better off with a policy. He also spoke briefly what insurance agencies advocate. Mrs. Dokmo talking about smoking endangering one’s health. She did not think this was an individual liberty, but rather “Breath Free or Die”. Senator Rowe added that smoking harms you, second-hand smoke can kill you and they should not get into the issue of private enterprise – the primary issue is the children.
Mr. Galinson questioned revenue projections and if they were realistic. If they were off, what happens in January of next year in what gets cut and how do they balance the budget. Senator Bragdon advised there were some revenue estimates last year and they have been holding up. This was hard to say and up to the Governor to say what was sound and what wasn’t. Mr. Galinson asked if there was a moment when a broad base tax was becoming closer to reality - is the politics changing? Senator Bergin indicated there was no momentum for a broad base tax in the House. There has not been a discussion on income tax, also there hasn’t been any discussion on bringing revenue into the State. The only thing brought in was a cigarette tax. Rep. Hansen indicated that most of them were in the minority with the exception of Rep. Peter Leishman and they were looking to see what the majority want to work on.
Mr. Grella asked about income and wondered why there hasn’t been more emphasis on how to find more funds? Rep. Hansen mentioned there was an increase in the cigarette tax. Relative to educational funding, they were looking at ways to cut spending. Rep. Bergin added they were looking for more revenue because of the educational funding and they tended to be frugal.
Mr. Infanti commented that the windmill bill scared him because it was a major problem for Zoning Officials in any town. Another bill that scared him was putting in a Union with three or more people. He also commented that gambling brings in another element into the State with a bit of it going on in the State of New Hampshire by service clubs. He asked if gambling was seriously being look at? Relative to the bill on Unions, Mr. Bragdon indicated it sailed through the Senate. He believed it was much more liberal when the contract ended and believed it caught everyone by surprise – he believed there was a lot of organized opposition in the House. Gambling was always an option, he said and had not been one to support gambling in the past. His grandfather was a representative many years ago from Amherst and the social clubs back in the 60’s were the same as they are now.
Mr. Bowler mentioned that he and Rep. Rowe talked about the liabilities of additional insurance. Mr. Rowe advised it has come up in a compromised amendment and is now in the Senate. Mr. Bowler indicated that Mr. Hansen had touched upon one of his issues – that of demolition debris. Another concern was the State retirement and that someone would have to pick up the increase from 67% to 85%. Senator Bragdon explained this was now in the Senate and stakeholders met several weeks ago. The towns would continue to have increases and employees have to give more – it was a good compromise meeting. In the House, the coalition has fallen apart and the Governor wants to study it. Relative to HB 88, a Labor Bill, he told the group that it passed in the Senate, was in the House and there were several pieces to that bill. Rep. O’Connell spoke about the special fund for COLA and the health insurance subsidy for the retirement system and that the health insurance subsidy will expire in 2011.
SAU Superintendent Dr. Mary Jennings was encouraged to hear that they were not supporting the Constitutional Amendment for adequacy. Amherst and Mont Vernon would receive less in the long run and they hoped the House will staunch efforts to support it. Amherst School Board Chairman Dwight Brew thanked the Selectmen and State Representatives for coming. Relative to the proposed Constitutional Amendment, he asked what could they do. Rep. Steve Stepanek remarked that unfortunately Amherst is held as the “poster child”. He agreed with others that the Constitutional Amendment would not fly and did not understand what the Governor wanted to accomplish. They will continue to fight for both Amherst and Milford – it was a money game and he wanted what was fair for everyone concerned. “This was going to be a very difficult fight”, he said. He hoped Amherst and Milford got their fair share, but there was no easy answer. They were looking to see who needed it the most and Amherst was not looked upon as needing it.
Amherst School Board Member
Pam Dudoff commented that there did not seem to be a sense of urgency. She
spoke about people living on fixed incomes and that people can’t afford to live
in Amherst. The Souhegan budget didn’t pass and Amherst’s passed by only two
votes. They were at a point where they couldn’t do anything. People were
saying no more money and it was frustrating for her to hear there is not a will
in Concord to fund education. Rep. Dokmo commented there didn’t seem to be a
connection on who they send to Concord and property taxes. There was not a
majority in the State that will pick one of the forms for funding. Gambling was
first, a sales tax was next and an income tax was at the bottom.
Souhegan School Board Chairman Steve Coughlan indicated the pension fund was a
huge issue for their school and Peter was the last bastion of help. He asked if
the liability issue also applied to School Districts. Rep. Rowe replied that it
did. Souhegan School Board Member Dana Redmond spoke about the No Child Left
Behind Program and adequate education and hoped one would work with the other.
Jerry Griffin, Mont Vernon Selectman, commented that the towns were paying the price and nothing was being done. Marilyn Peterman mentioned that the legislature passed an educational bill which was the first step. She talked about HB 927, the courses required and that it also included kindergarten. This bill had no money attached to it yet. She talked about the Governor’s Constitutional Amendment and targeted aid. She remarked that Amherst’s Representatives needed to stand up and support something that was fair to all communities, even though Amherst was considered “a poster child”. The Constitutional Amendment was not fair and if passed, Amherst would not get anything.
Cal Wood remarked that what they heard was the same thing they heard a year ago. He did not think anything in the State would help them. The taxes in Amherst will not go down, they will go up and no one was making the Legislators do anything. The thing that permits taxes to continually rise is the apathetic majority, he said. People complain that taxes are high particularly for folks on a fixed income. The budget is determined by a vote in March of each year. He thought approximately 40% voted indicating that 60% of the taxpayers did not care how high the taxes got. He suggested that taxpayers go out and vote if they did not like their tax bill.
Mr. Bowler thanked every one for attending before the Board took a brief recess at 7:35 p.m.
Citizens’ Forum
The Board resumed the meeting at 7:50 p.m. Deirdre Rogusky told the Board that the next Master Plan visioning meeting was on May 15, 7:00 p.m. at the Middle School. The last one 40 people had attended and their voices were being heard. She asked that suggestions be posted on the web site and that they needed more participation from residents.
Brian Dillon, 5 Terrace Lane, talked to the Board about the recent flooding of the Souhegan River in front of his home and the lack of notification from the Town. He expressed the need for some type of notification system. He left his home at approximately 7:00 p.m. and when he returned around 9:30 p.m. the Fire Department boat was being launched. Mr. Bowler remarked that he was right and that there had been a lot of finger pointing about a dam. At 6:15 p.m. water had already closed 101 at the Transfer Station. They have learned a lot of things about getting information up on the Town’s web site along with Channel 20. They were going to try and learn about this lesson. They also rely a great deal on mutual aid and look to different ways to notify the people. It was an unbelievable flood.
Mr. MacGuire added that obviously they were still looking at ways to improve the notification process and this one caught them all by surprise. It pointed out the issues they had with their Hazardous Mitigation Plan. He spoke about raising the road near Mr. Dillon’s house in order to keep the road open. They have been working on this process since last fall to get money available from grants to improve some of their issues. This was a rapidly changing situation both in Amherst and all other towns. They were a day late in putting on a map on the Police Department’s web site so that people could get around the Town. The speed at which things were changing was very unusual.
In response to Mr. Panasiti’s suggestion, Mr. MacGuire advised the Departments regularly sit down and review the work done in response to a disaster and if the Selectmen would like to be a part of this, it was their choice. Mr. Panasiti felt they needed to find out if someone was at fault in not notifying towns downstream relative to the Greenville/Wilton dams being released. Mr. Infanti spoke briefly about the frozen ground along with all of the rivers and streams and the matter was being looked into.
Cal Wood mentioned that last November during the Police Department budget, the Selectmen had concerns about the Traffic Aids salaries. He asked if those ladies received their increases. Mr. Bowler advised that the budget that was approved doesn’t take effect until July 1st. In response to Mr. Wood’s question, Mr. Bowler indicated he did not know what their specific increases were, but would get that information to him.
Boards & Commissions Interviews
Jack Gleason – Conservation Commission
Mr. Gleason told the Board he lived in Amherst since 1978 and was retired. He never had time to volunteer during his professional career and since then he has been doing extensive work in many areas. He has been an alternate for three years on the Conservation Commission. During the last 1 ½ to 2 years he had written a Meadow Plan and a comprehensive management plan for farms in Amherst. He was working with the UNH people and they want it to be very precise. He has a strong interest in Conservation issues especially with water and water resources. He has also taken a strong interest in agriculture problems and talked to Planning Board on changing some of their regulations.
Mr. Panasiti indicated he had been a representative on the Commission for the past several years and Jack was the voice of reason. He mentioned that Jack was a lightening rod and asked him to speak about a position he has taken on a specific item. Whose opinion did he consider it? Mr. Gleason advised it was his own opinion vocalized to State officials and regulation people. He had been silent on it for the most part until recently when he went to the Planning Board. Things had gotten done, not through him, but through State people.
Mr. Grella asked if he envisioned anything he could improve on insofar as working with other departments. Mr. Gleason felt things were better because they were working as a group and it was better organized. They, however, need better prepping from departments in getting them information before a meeting and felt there was a lot to be done to improve it.
Mr. Infanti asked what did he think was a major issue of concern and what would he do to improve or change it. Mr. Gleason would like to see things being done more as a group rather than individually and getting a group consensus on how to get things done. Mr. Bowler asked if he contacted the State as a resident or a Conservation member. Mr. Gleason advised originally he did it as a resident and then he got the Commission and Lake Association to sign on and vocalized it outside the circle he was in.
Cliff Harris – Planning Board
Mr. Harris was not present to meet with the Selectmen regarding his interest in remaining on the Planning Board.
Education Incentive – APD Employee
Mr. MacGuire advised this request was a continuation of a previous one in which Officer Ian Day-Lewis was pursuing his Master’s Degree. To date he has spent $8,000 of his own money and was eligible for reimbursement. Mr. Infanti moved to reimburse Officer Ian Day-Lewis the education incentive of $1,095.00, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Sign & Approve Recommendations
Current Use Penalty
After a brief discussion the Board again had some questions as it related to a current use penalty of $50.00 for Benjamin & Rosemary Brewster M/L 4-65-1. Mr. Infanti moved to table it until the 14th, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Veterans Tax Credits
Relative to questions from the Board at their last meeting, Mr. Bowler advised that the DD214’s had to be returned. Mr. MacGuire added that they could keep the DD214’s with the application and then return them after approval. It was the Board’s consensus to not include the DD214’s for their review with the application. Mr. Panasiti read the following requests from: Raymond Iannuzzelli M/L 1-35-17, Jon Carroll M/L 6-104-3, Dana Haws M/L 2-2-12, Edward Browsseau M/L 2-154, Michael Badzinski M/L 6-24-1, David Cox M/L 1-35-19, Christina Zlotnick M/L 3-56-11, Richard Little M/L 5-101-1, William Overholt M/L 10-63-7, John Rubery M/L 2-43-5, and Kevin Wilson M/L 5-132-3. Mr. Infanti moved to accept the list as read by Selectman Panasiti for the Veterans Tax Credits, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Veterans Tax Credit & Elderly Exemption
Mr. Infanti moved to approve the Veterans Tax Credit and Elderly Exemption to Patricia Cote M/L 8-110 and Arthur Cateras M/L 5-154-1, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Elderly Exemption
Mr. MacGuire reported that he had checked with Michele regarding their question last week and that if one person qualified for the elderly exemption the spouse also would. The percentage indicated on the application was in error and had been corrected. Mr. Infanti moved to grant the elderly exemption to Geraldine Huyck M/L 3-86-4, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Continuation of Farmers’ Market Approvals
Mr. Bowler thanked Eileen Cavallaro for coming back to meet with them. The Selectmen, he said, had put a letter in the newspaper regarding the Farmers’ Market. Mr. Infanti advised he did not have much to say, but as a Board they definitely supported the market and there may have been some misunderstanding because of lack of communication. He had no major problems with the exception of perhaps signage. He acknowledged her persistence and patience and had given them the information they requested. “I truly believe this Board has supported the Market in the past and I don’t believe it has changed – we all enjoy it”, he said. Considering the turnout in the audience, it was a tribute for what she had done.
Mr. Grella reviewed all the information she had provided and he thanked her for it. His position had not changed, Mrs. Cavallaro had increased the number of signs, the Board approved two, and she was asking for more. She also was asking to increase the number of vendors from 17 to 25 and wondered whether they could negotiate the number. He felt the number of signs would not affect the turnout and three additional signs were not going to matter and he would hate to see too many signs put out.
Mr. Galinson commented that the last two weeks have been interesting and it was very nice to see everyone there. They wanted to make sure that the rules were followed because they were important and in his mind, they had been followed. He supported the increase of membership to 25 as long as the rules were followed.
Mr. Panasiti indicated he had read a great deal about goals and objectives of Farmers’ Markets and they could have 100 competing vendors in accordance with the rules and regulations. His initial concern was also letting vendors in that had retail stores. Mrs. Cavallaro’s response was that the rooms and meals tax didn’t apply. He had a concern about whether or not the Police and Fire Departments could handle the amount of people. He had no problem with 25 vendors and never had a problem with the Farmers’ Market. His concern was strictly safety.
Mr. Bowler felt the signs would be an issue because they have sign issues already in Town. In the past, Mrs. Cavallaro had asked for five and they approved two and this was where he would like to leave it as well. She could apply downstairs with Charlie Tiedemann for a temporary sign permit. They have to be consistent across the Board with all of their organizations such as for Realtors. He had no problem with two signs, but she needed to apply for more. Regarding 25 vendors, she was okayed for 20 and he suggested it be left with that amount for now. He had no problem with her coming back requesting more vendors that the Selectmen needed to approve. In response to his question, Mrs. Cavallaro indicated that as of that morning she had 19 vendors. Relative to the matter of 25 vendors, she explained that there were some people who don’t show up, but most of them do. Regarding electricity, there is no use of it. Mr. Galinson added that he had no problem with granting permission to park a pumpkin trailer at the end of the season in the requested space near the milk truck. Mr. Bowler summarized that “he believed the support is here”.
Mr. Infanti moved to approve the Farmers’ Market as defined by NH State RSA 21:34 A for the 2007 season for up to 25 vendors and to allow two standing signs to be placed in two of the five locations requested at the choice of the Market Board and to approve the trucks that have been requested by the Market which consists of the cheese/milk truck and pumpkin truck in the fall with the Selectmen’s blessing, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous. Mr. Bowler’s comment that the Farmers’ Market continues met with applause from the audience.
Mr. Bowler added that at no time at all did evicting ever come up in the conversation. The “Amherst Citizen” printed the Selectmen’s minutes of that meeting and it was unfortunate that it was taken in this context and that many folks had to attend this meeting - he thanked everyone for coming. If the Board went by what was said four years ago, they might not have had a Market. Much of their response was positive. He thanked Cliff Ann Wales of the “Citizen” for printing their April 16, 2007 minutes.
Mr. Infanti reported he had received a request from a citizen not to list the names of residents requesting abatements. The Town web site, linked to Vision, does not list the names of property owners at their request. In fairness, he felt they should go along with the Town’s policy. Mr. Bowler asked that Town Counsel be consulted on the matter and they would leave the names off at this time.
Mr. Infanti moved to approve an abatement on 17 Eaton Road M/L 5-133-1 from the previous assessment of $417,400 to the new assessment of $326,000, an abatement of $91,400, tax dollars $1,721.06, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Mr. Infanti moved to approve an abatement on 15 Eaton Road M/L 5-133-5 from the previous assessment of $145,000 to the new assessment of $130,500, an abatement of $14,500, tax dollars $273.94, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Mr. Infanti moved to approve an abatement on 65 Christian Hill Road M/L 5-128-2 from the previous assessment of $363,500 to the new assessment of $311,200, an abatement of $2,300, tax dollars $984.81, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Mr. Infanti moved to approve an abatement on 41 The Flume M/L 11-12-17 from the previous assessment of $1,126,600 to the new assessment of $1,046,100, an abatement of $80,500, tax dollars $1,515.82, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
After a brief discussion relative to 3 Carriage Lane abatement request, Mr. Infanti moved to table this for questions to be answered, second by Mr. Grella. Discussion: Mr. Bowler requested to know when this property was inspected. Vote: Unanimous.
Mr. Infanti to approve an abatement on 41 Border Street M/L 3-72 from the previous assessment of $232,500 to the new assessment of $184,500, an abatement of $50,700, tax dollars $954.68, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Mr. Infanti moved to approve an abatement on 2 Lund Lane M/L 6-12-3 from the previous assessment of $334,800 to the new assessment of $322,200, an abatement of $12,600, tax dollars $237.60,, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Mr. Infanti moved to approve an abatement on 63 Chestnut Hill Road M/L 11-11-8 from the previous assessment of $698,700 to the new assessment of $681,300, an abatement of $17,400, tax dollars $327.64, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Mr. Infanti moved to approve an abatement on 4 Lund Lane M/L 6-12-4 from the previous assessment of $327,600 to the new assessment of $315,700, an abatement of $11,900, tax dollars $224.08, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Mr. Infanti moved to approve an abatement on 16 The Flume M/L 10-30-40 from the previous assessment of $740,200 to the new assessment of $662,500, an abatement of $77,700, tax dollars $1463.09, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: 3-2, Mr. Bowler and Mr. Galinson opposed.
Mr. Infanti moved to approve an abatement on 23 Standish Way M/L 8-35-11 from the previous assessment of $475,200 to the new assessment of $430,800, an abatement of $44,400, tax dollars $836.05, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Mr. Infanti moved to approve an abatement on 27 Greenbriar Lane M/L 10-5-21 from the previous assessment of $407,200 to the new assessment of $366,700, an abatement of $40,500, tax dollars $762.62, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Denials Recommended
Mr. Infanti moved to deny an abatement on 23 Eaton Road M/L 5-133-2, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Mr. Infanti moved to deny a Veterans Tax Credit for Kempton Johnston of 31 Route 101A M.L 2-104, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Mr. Infanti move to deny a Veterans Tax Credit for Michael Dodge of 1 Fernwood Lane M/L 4-52-44, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Mr. Infanti moved to deny a Disabled Credit for Deborah Thibeault of 361 Boston Post Road M/L 4-95, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Mr. Infanti moved to deny an abatement for a Veterans Tax Credit for William Powell of 20 Nichols Road M/L 3-31-7, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Untable & Deny
Relative to David Hall’s request, 83 Georgetown Drive, Mr. Infanti moved to untable, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous. After a brief discussion, Mr. Infanti moved to not deny Mr. Hall’s request, second by Mr. Grella. After another discussion, Vote: Unanimous. Mr. Infanti then moved to table this request until the next meeting in order to receive further information on what the prior assessment was, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Conservation Commission: Mr. Infanti moved as recommended by the Chairman of the Commission to appoint Jack Gleason as a full time ACC member, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: 4-1, Mr. Bowler opposed. Discussion: Mrs. Frydlo asked what the term was and it was determined to be three years.
Road Commission – Chris Kaiser: Discussion: Mr. Kaiser worked the 2nd and 3rd shifts he had sent in a letter of continued interest. Mr. Grella indicate the Commission had only three meetings in the past year and Chris met with the Commission at the last meeting. After a brief discussion relative to attendance, etc., Mr. Infanti moved to appoint Chris Kaiser for a one year term on the Road Commission, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Historic District Commission: Mr. Infanti moved to appoint James Emmond as a regular member to the HDC for a three year term, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Mr. Infanti moved to appoint Richard Kimball as an alternate member for a three year term to the Historic District Commission, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Mr. Infanti moved to appoint Juli Harvey for a one year term as an alternate position on the Historic District Commission, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Mr. Infanti moved to appoint Charles McGuire to the CIC Committee for a three year term, second by Mr. Grella. Discussion: Mr. Bowler personally spoke to him on the phone when he was to meet with the Selectmen, but couldn’t get to Town Hall because of the flood. Vote: Unanimous.
Mr. Bowler advised that Ted Krantz is a member of the Recycling Committee and has expressed an interest in serving on Souhegan Regional Landfill District Commission after Rod Ward’s resignation and he would be a huge asset to the District. Mr. Grella moved to appoint Ted Krantz for a three year term on the SRLD, second by Mr. Infanti. Vote: Unanimous.
Mr. Infanti moved to appoint Arnie Rosenblatt to a three year full term on the Planning Board, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Mr. Infanti moved to appoint Richard Hart as an alternate for one year representing the Conservation Commission on the Planning Board. Discussion: Mr. Bowler thought they should vote to make him a permanent member. Vote: 0-5, all opposed. Mr. Infanti then moved to appoint Richard Hart as a full term Planning Board member for a one year term, second by Mr. Panasiti. Vote: Unanimous.
Mr. Infanti moved to appoint Marilyn Peterman as an alternate member of the Planning Board for a one year term, second by Mr. Panasiti. Discussion: Mr. Bowler advised that she has requested that the Board appoint her as the NH Café representative for the Town. The School Board will be making an appointment on Thursday night. Mr. Grella spoke about conflicting meetings several days a month. Mr. Infanti did not think missing a meeting was a major detriment. Mr. Galinson agreed with Mr. Grella because they were talking about half of the meetings and was it reasonable to continue with this person. This was not a reflection on anyone but the Planning Board is one of their most important committees. Mr. Infanti explained that the NRPC goes hand and hand with the Planning Board and Mrs. Peterman gives input from them. Mr. Galinson said he was concerned about a 45% absence rate. Vote: 3 to 2, Mr. Grella and Mr. Galinson opposed.
Mr. Infanti moved to table the last appointment to the Planning Board until the next meeting, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Mr. Infanti moved to appoint Melissa Mellen as an alternate member for one year on the Planning Board, second by Mr. Galinson. Vote: Unanimous.
Other Business
Mr. Panasiti reported Recreation had a contractor’s meeting and everything was going well. Mr. Galinson reported there will be a conference call meeting about Comcast on May 10. PMEC was proceeding with another Mission Statement and he will come back with recommendations. Mr. Infanti attended a Cemetery Trustees meeting and the laying out of Cemetery Fields was moving along. On Tuesday, May 15 at the Middle School there will be another visioning meeting and it was important that people attend. Some messages from groups that are attending could change the future of Amherst. There are some major things coming up in Amherst as they relate to the Planning Board.
Mr. Bowler asked if they had any estimates on the flooding. Mr. MacGuire advised the preliminary number was $100,000 and he hasn’t seen anything additional. The last road that will be completed the next day was Brook Road. Mr. Bowler commented on the entrance to the Transfer Station and that they were waiting for the State to do that side of 101. He wondered if the Town could do a little something, such as putting in extra gravel if they had some, because the area was pretty tight.
Minutes
Mr. Grella moved to approve the minutes of April 16, 2007, second by Mr. Infanti amended as follows: Line 50 – Strike “Hill”; Line 57 – Strike “short”. Vote: Unanimous.
Mr. Infanti moved to table the minutes until the next meeting to review the first paragraph under the Citizens’ Forum per a request from Susan McCarthy via email so that they could read her comments into the minutes, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Non-Public Session
Upon a unanimous roll call vote the Board entered non-public session at 10:17 p.m. under RSA 91-A:3 (d). While in non-public session the Board discussed the execution of a lease for municipal property and possible acquisition of property. The Board exited non-public session at 10:35 p.m. By a vote of 5-0 they signed a lease with White Cliff Communications for the Public Safety Center site on Amherst Street. By a vote of 5-0, Marilyn Peterman was appointed to the NH Café pending Amherst School District’s approval.
Upon a motion made and duly seconded, the Board adjourned the meeting at 10:38 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Sharon L. Frydlo
Executive Assistant