Town of Amherst

Board of Selectmen

January 28, 2008
Meeting Minutes

 

Chairman Bruce Bowler called the meeting to order at 6:06 p.m.  Selectmen present:  George Infanti, Reed Panasiti, Thomas Grella and Brad Galinson.  Also present:  Town Administrator Gary MacGuire and Executive Assistant Sharon Frydlo.

 

Recognition of Softball Team

 

Mr. Bowler announced that the Souhegan Valley Girls Softball Team (12 years old league) went to the World Series and the Board wanted to recognize them.  Coach John Stover thanked the Town of Amherst,  the Board of Selectmen, the Recreation Department and Nancy McMillan, Souhegan Valley Softball League, parents and players.  The Coach named the tournaments won by the team that lead them to North Carolina as one of the ten top teams in the U.S.  He thanked the girls for having fun, for providing a summer to tell their children and grandchildren about for years to come.  Certificates of recognition from the Board were handed out to each team member and coaches amidst applause from the audience. 

 

Recognition of New Police Officer

 

Police Chief Peter Lyon recognized the Department’s newest member, Derek Mahoney.  He lives in Bedford with is wife Susan and three daughters.  While Susan was at home with two daughters who were ill, his daughter Caroline was with him that evening.  He attended the 144th Police Academy beginning August 1st and graduated in the top 5% of his class.  After 22 weeks of training, Officer Mahoney will go out solo the next morning.  He comes from the Manchester Police Department as a former Dispatcher. 

 

Promotion Ceremony for Lt. James Brace, APD

 

Police Chief Peter Lyon called upon Jim Brace, his wife Diane and his son and daughter.  He told the audience that Jim had joined the Department in the summer of 2003 and approximately one year later had been promoted to the Sergeant’s position to manage the Department.  They were there to recognize him as he goes forth into a new position of Lieutenant managing the operations of the Police Department.  He was pleased that he would be working with them and Lt. Reams in this capacity.  Chief Lyon then asked Town Clerk Nancy Demers to swear James Brace in.  After the swearing in, Chief Lyon explained that at Jim’s request, his wife will remove his Sergeant’s badge and his mother, Judy Stone, will pin on his new Lieutenant’s badge.

 

Recognition of Communications Specialists

 

Mr. Bowler asked Dispatcher Gerry Beland and Fire Chief Rick Todd to come to the microphone.  He commented that there had been several major incidents in the Town of Amherst over the past few months.  On the night of November 23, Dispatcher Beland was on duty and received numerous 9-1-1 calls for the fire on Amherst Street and asked Chief Todd to speak about this incident.  The Chief explained that the first 5-10 minutes of an emergency incident was very critical and he would like to recognize Gerry for the outstanding job he had done first as a part time dispatcher for two years and now a full time dispatcher andgot this information to him flawlessly and quickly to Mutual Aid.  He told Gerry that he thought he was a good dispatcher, but he was actually a great dispatcher.  Department Head Liaison Brian Gleason presented him with a Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of his outstanding performance of duty. 

 

Mr. Bowler asked Dispatch Supervisor Shawn Brewer to come up front.  There had been two major incidents recently – the fire at a home in the Village and a propane tanker rollover on 101 and he had done an outstanding job in dispatching.  Chief Todd remarked that the minute he heard dispatch announce a propane rollover with entrapment, he knew Shaw would have his hands full.  This called for a major response from Milford firefighters, Hazmat response, a medical helicopter, mutual aid engine rescue to name a few.  There were 25 different agencies from Police, Fire, EMS, DPW, Division 5, State Police and Shawn handled it without a flaw and had done a fine job.  Mr. Gleason read a letter from Jason Smedick, Milford Fire Captain, commending the actions taken by Dispatcher Brewer on the evening of January 17, 2008.  He presented Shawn with a Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of his outstanding performance of duty. 

 

The Board recessed their meeting at 6:34 p.m. and invited everyone to partake in punch and cookies.

 

Regular Meeting

 

Mr. Bowler indicated that prior to opening the public hearing, Police Chief Lyon had an announcement.  The Chief advised that they had received a letter from the Department of Safety indicating that the Town of Amherst was the recipient of $20,000 worth of radio equipment, including two base station radios, from the State for the Communications Center.  Mr. Infanti so moved to accept the funds, second by Mr. Grella.  Mr. Bowler asked for further information.  The Chief advised that in an effort to further enhance interoperability with the Departments, these funds will help them in this endeavor.  Vote: Unanimous.

 

Public Hearing

 

Mr. Infanti moved to open the public hearing at 7:05 p.m., second by Mr. Grella.  Vote: Unanimous.

 

Mr. Bowler read the public hearing notice pertaining to invoking the authority provided to the Board of Selectmen by the passage of Warrant Article No. 2 at the 2005 Annual Meeting in order to expend the sum of $300,000 to acquire a portion of Map 7 Lot 47 consisting of approximately 40.992 acres.  The portion being purchased will consist of 25 acres and subdivided from the larger tract, with the Seller retaining title to the 16-acre balance. 

 

Bill Wichman, OSAC, presented several slides which showed the 25 acre parcel on Austin Road that will fill in the gap between conservation lands.  The cost is $300,000 and the appraised value of the parcel, with a road, was $520,000.  He spoke of the Bicentennial Trail and more trails that can be made.  A slide also showed the established criteria checklist that each parcel the Committee is considering must meet.  OSAC Chairman Peter Rotch added that as was mentioned at the last public hearing, the Planning Board and Conservation Commission has looked at the acquisition and took a vote, at their appropriate meetings, to support this.

 

Mr. Bowler opened the hearing to the public for comments.  A question was raised from someone in the audience as to who was the current owner.  Mr. Rotch advised it was Steven Desmarais.  Rick Katzenberg spoke in favor of moving further along with the acquisition.  He cited growth along major corridors in the State and people purchasing land along the 101 corridor would significantly impact the Town, school system, roads, snowing plowing, etc.  The sooner they use these funds dedicated to open space, the better it will be for the Town.  Mr. Bowler explained that the Committee has been looking at several parcels, but they needed to have a willing seller. 

 

Peggy Silva, Davis Lane, said she was a teacher and she would rather raise grass than additional children.  She recommended they buy every blade of grass for the next millennium. 

 

John Silva, Davis Lane, also spoke in favor of the purchase.  He has hiked along the Bicentennial Trail and it is a beautiful piece of land.  It would be a welcome addition to the Conservation land they have.  Shaye Hardner, Woodland Drive, was in favor of purchasing the land.  She said she was curious about the strategy of using the money before it was lost.  Mr. Rotch gave her a copy of the criteria checklist.  He explained that members of their Committee know who owns every parcel in Town over 50 acres in size.  Liz Overholt, Horace Greeley Road, asked what part of the funding was earmarked for Recreation.  Board members indicated it was 15%.  Mr. Galinson commented they were looking at Recreation options, but this parcel was strictly for Conservation.

 

With no further public comments Mr. Infanti moved to close the public hearing, second by Mr. Grella.  Vote: Unanimous. 

 

Mr. Galinson indicated he was in favor of this parcel.  It was a terrific price, it nearly completes the greenway and he strongly purposed they support this.  Mr. Panasiti agreed with the open space concept as well.  He asked Steve Desmarais about the cost if someone was to build on this lot.  Mr. Desmarais advised he had submitted this information to the Selectmen at the last hearing.  He received an estimate from a contractor that walked the site and his price was approximately $250,000 to build the road.  Personally he thought he could build one for $125,000, but couldn’t submit an estimate for himself.  Mr. Grella said if John Silva walked the land he would agree with his opinion that it would be a good purchase for the Town.  Mr. Infanti had nothing further to add other than it was an excellent price.  He acknowledged the Committee that had worked the many hours for the Town in this regard.  Mr. Bowler also thanked OSAC – this was a good addition to what they have in the area.  He explained the Selectmen cannot vote on this this week, but will do so at their next meeting.  It most likely will be a unanimous decision to purchase this parcel, he said. 

 

Citizen’s Forum

 

Libby Crocker, Boston Post Road, said she had been following the budget discussion from home and had several questions.  She was told that the default budget had last year’s capital reserves included in it as well as the $400,000 in road repair and the proposed operating budget had another $400,000 in the DPW budget for roads.  DPW budgeted for funding an exhaust system for the DPW garage.  There has not been a capital reserve for fire trucks for the past 4-5 years.  The Selectmen several years ago, decided not to use capital reserves, but rather go with lease/purchaseing for future fire trucks.  The Selectmen had decided to go forward with capital reserves for other trucks, but not fire trucks. 

 

Accept Resignation from Planning Board

 

Mr. Infanti indicated he had not seen the letter, however, Melissa Mellon is resigning due to business and personnel issues.  He then moved to accept her resignation as an alternate to the Planning Board, second by Mr. Grella.  Vote: Unanimous. 

 

Approve 2008 Cruiser Purchases

 

The Police Chief reported he had received quotes from three different Ford dealerships for two 2008 Ford Crown Vic Police Packages – Irwin Ford $21,989, Hillsboro Ford $22,205, Grappone Ford $22,317.  Mr. Infanti moved to accept the bid of Irwin Ford for $21,989 for two 2008 police cruisers, second by Mr. Grella.  The question was asked what was the budget number.  The Chief replied it was within $50.00 of the low bid amount.  Vote: Unanimous.

 

Veterans Tax Credits Qualified

 

Mr. Infanti moved to approve Veterans Tax Credits for:  Joseph Pizzigno, Thomas Tresvik, Lawrence Swartzell, Paul Harden, Brian Lohnes, William Modis, George Schmidt, Patrick McGuire, Edward Costa, Daniel Cuoco, James Mirazita, David Mullen, Peter Wolczko, Daniel Breault Jr., Peter Thomson, Roger Desrosiers, Kevin Tucker and Leonard Pacine, second by Mr. Grella.  After a brief discussion on the large number of requests and the possible reason the vote was unanimous.

 

Veterans Tax Credit Unqualified

 

Mr. Infanti moved that Andrew Edwards not receive a Veterans Tax Credit as the request for dates were not in the proper time period, second by Mr. Grella.  Vote: Unanimous.

 

Elderly Tax Deferral

 

Mr. Infanti moved that the Selectmen allow an Elderly Tax Deferral for David McGarr, M/L 5-18-8 as recommended by their Assessor, second by Mr. Grella.  Discussion:  Mr. Panasiti asked that this tax deferral be explained to the television audience.  The various criteria to qualify were mentioned by Board members with Mr. Bowler recommending that interested parties check with the Tax Collector.  Vote: Unanimous. 

 

Land Use Change Tax

 

Mr. Infanti moved to accept the Land Use Change Tax on M/L 7-80-4 in the amount of $17,500.00, second by Mr. Grella.  Vote: Unanimous.

 

Mr. Infanti moved to accept the Land Use Change Tax on M/L 7-40 in the amount of $13,500.00, second by Mr. Grella.  Vote: Unanimous.

 

Mr. Infanti moved to accept the Land Use Change Tax on M/L 7-56 in the amount of $30,000.00, second by Mr. Grella.  Vote: Unanimous.

 

Abatements

 

After reading the recommendation by the Assessor for an attached residential condo, Mr. Infanti moved to issue an abatement on M/L 2-2-8 in the amount of $562.29, second by Mr. Grella.  Vote: Unanimous.

 

After reading the recommendation by the Assessor, Mr. Infanti moved to issue an abatement on M/L 17-98 in the amount of $1,771.77, second by Mr. Galinson.  Vote: Unanimous. 

 

Yield Tax

 

Mr. Infanti moved to accept a yield tax for M/L 5-121 in the amount of $739.93, second by Mr. Grella.  Vote: Unanimous. 

 

Old Business

 

Mr. Panasiti reported at the last Recreation Commission meeting they discussed some Master Plan issues and when they come in to talk to the Selectmen about the fee structure, he would like to also ask them to discuss their Master Plan.  Nancy McMillan had brought in a company for information purposes prior to her coming in and is not budget generic.  Mr. Infanti advised there was someone in the Master Plan group who was handling this type of information.  Mr. Panasiti explained this was an outside agency that came in and talked about things no one thought about before.  Mr. Panasiti confirmed that this would be a money issue after Mr. Bowler’s question.  Mr. Infanti requested that they wait for further discussion on this matter until after the Deliberative Session. 

 

Relative to PMEC, Mr. Galinson recognized Lowe’s who supplied the merchandise to outfit bathrooms, kitchens and microwaves at their cost.  Also the Milford Rotary gave them $3500.00 for computers for the Center. 

 

Mr. Grella reported he spoke to Mr. MacGuire last week about Perry Day’s appointment as Tree Warden and whether he should make recommendations to remove trees on Historic District’s private property in the Village.  While he knew Perry had the expertise, he did not know if this was something he had time to do.  Mr. Bowler remarked that if he had to make a decision now, he did not think he would let an employee go onto private property and make recommendations.  Mr. Grella remarked that the standard procedure was for a homeowner to come in with an application for removal.  During the discussion that ensued, Mr. Bowler did not think the Town should be in the business of making this recommendation.  If the trees were on Town property, he would have no problem, but on private property he did.  Mr. Grella will talk further with Bruce Berry and then get back to the Historic District Commission. 

 

Mr. Infanti and Mr. MacGuire had nothing further to add.

 

Other Business

 

Mr. Bowler reported the Board would be meeting next Monday, February 4, 2008 prior to the Deliberative Session.  He indicated all the Selectmen received copies of the Power Point presentations  over the weekend.  Mr. Infanti indicated he read them all and felt it would be a good presentation - they needed to have good backing from W&M.  Mr. Grella indicated it was good to have the Deliberative Session and he hoped more people will attend and then go out and vote. 

 

The Board briefly discussed the slide presentation prepared by Mr. MacGuire for the Deliberative Session.  Mr. MacGuire advised that a lot of work went into it by all the Department Heads and was a team effort.  Mr. Bowler reported he had gone to the staff meeting last Wednesday morning and thanked all the Department Heads for the time and effort they had put into preparing the budget.  He watched as they worked together on the Power Point presentation coming up with suggestions and this was a great reflection on the Town Administrator for getting them all involved.  He told the other Selectmen to feel free to sit in on a staff meeting. 

 

Mr. Bowler asked Mr. Panasiti to step down from the discussion regarding NH Retirement because he was a member of it.  A letter was received from the Local Government Center and he also had a discussion with Rep. Peter Bergin recently about possible increases in the System being levied on the citizens and towns.  The Municipal Association sent out a notice about the mandated legislation.  There were two State bills passed last year which would allow a member from the Board of Trustees to be appointed and a good step in getting information back to them.  LGC felt it necessary to begin litigation towards the mandate and the cost to Amherst would be $676.23.  He felt this would be money well spent.  If Peter received further information, he suggested they invite him in next week as they needed to look out for the taxpayers in Town.  Mr. Infanti agreed and felt that even though the Retirement System may have been mismanaged, they as a Town cannot afford to take this kind of hit.  What he has seen so far, every town needs to be represented.  Mr. Grella also thought this would be money well spent.  Mr. Galinson agreed.  What he felt disturbing was that the towns had to pay for mistakes the Retirement System has made and looked for more information from Peter.  Mr. Panasiti returned to the Board.

 

Minutes

 

Mr. Infanti moved to approve the minutes of January 14, 2008, second by Mr. Grella amended as follows:  Line 46 – Change “Selection” to “Selectmen”.  Vote: Unanimous.

 

Non-Public Session

 

Upon a roll call vote, the Board unanimously entered non-public session at 8:10 p.m. under RSA 91-A:3 II (d) land acquisition. 

 

While in non-public session the Board received an update on land negotiations.

 

The Board exited non-public session at 8:20 p.m. and voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Sharon L. Frydlo

Executive Assistant