Town of Gilford, NH - Selectmen's Minutes 03/01/2006

The Board of Selectmen convened in a regular session on Wednesday, March 1, 2006 at 3:00 p.m. at the Gilford Town Hall, 47 Cherry Valley Road, Gilford, NH. Selectmen present were Chairman Alice H. Boucher, Dennis J. Doten and Kinney O’Rourke. Also present was Town Administrator Evans E. Juris, Assistant Town Administrator/Finance Director Debra Shackett and Administrative Secretary Sandra J. Bailey.

4.1 Steve Smith – On behalf of the First United Methodist Church, Steve Smith of Steven J. Smith & Associates was in attendance to discuss the expansion of the Laconia Water Works Franchise to include the area of Maple Street, which includes OPA, Laconia Animal Hospital, the Elks Lodge, the Methodist Church and Wesley Village.

Mr. Smith provided a color-coded plan of the area and described where the existing water lines are and where the proposed lines could be located. He also explained that he has been working with Michael McGinley, who owns the former Lemay property, regarding the location of a proposed easement for the water line. He further clarified that Mr. McGinley has no problem in granting the easement, but he has to determine the location.

Mr. Smith stated that he is looking for a letter of support regarding the expansion of the Laconia Water Works and also assurance from the Board that any conveyance of Sawmill Road would be subject to an easement permitting the extension of municipal water through to the eastern portion of the former Lemay property. Kinney O’Rourke suggested that this could be accomplished by requesting that the Planning Board impose conditions on any site plan approval of Mr. McGinley’s property.

Kinney O’Rourke moved to authorize the Town Administrator to prepare a letter to the Public Utilities Commission supporting the expansion of the Laconia Water Works to the following parcels: TM# 211-002.000, 211-002.001, 211-002.002, 211-003.000, 211-004.000 and 211-005.000. The above listed parcels include property owned by OPA, Laconia Animal Hospital, Laconia Elks Lodge and First Methodist Church of Laconia. Dennis Doten seconded. Motion carried.

Kinney O’Rourke moved that a letter be written to the Planning Board, requesting that during the course of reviewing a site plan for the McGinley property, that the Board impose conditions that would make it possible for a water line easement to be granted to the above mentioned properties. Dennis Doten seconded. Motion carried.

4.2 Eliza Leadbetter (4:00 p.m.) – of the Belknap County Economic Development Council was in attendance to explain the role of an incorporator on the Council. She stated that John Ayer is presently serving in this capacity as a representative from the Town of Gilford. She also provided additional information on the Annual Meeting, which will be held in March. Ms. Leadbetter provided a brief presentation on the marketing packet that is available for businesses and guests in the Lakes Region.

5.1 2006 United Way Campaign – Kinney O’Rourke moved to authorize a drawing for participating employees in the 2006 United Way Campaign for one day off with pay and three - $25.00 gift checks. Dennis Doten seconded. Motion carried.

5.2 2006 Board/Commission Reappointments – Dennis Doten stated that he would like to have the persons who are due for re-appointment to appear before the Board and, if that is not possible, they should send a letter to the Board expressing why they would like to continue serving. He also suggested that the Town Administrator prepare a notice on the available openings. It was the consensus of the Board to request all candidates requesting re-appointment appear at the March 22, 2006 Selectmen’s meeting.

5.3 USDA Request – Town Administrator Juris briefly explained this request. He stated that the request is the same as last year – that the USDA would like to be able to utilize the Glendale Docks to launch their boat for monitoring birds. Dennis Doten moved to approve the request, with the stipulation that the boat not be left in the parking lot at night. Kinney O’Rourke seconded. Motion carried.

5.4 Rotary Donation – Kinney O’Rourke moved to accept a $100.00 donation from the Gilford Rotary Club for the Police Department D.A.R.E. Program. Dennis Doten seconded. Motion carried.

5.5 Abatement Request – Clare Drew – Dennis Doten provided a brief explanation of the circumstances with this request. He stated that after discussing the situation with Town Clerk/Tax Collector Denise Morrissette, that the abatement should be granted. Dennis Doten moved to grant the abatement request in the amount of $29.43 for the late fee that was assessed on their property at 3005 Lakeshore Road. Kinney O’Rourke seconded. Motion carried.

Entertainment Ordinance – Selectman O’Rourke moved to approve a yearly permit fee in the amount of $200.00 for businesses and $50.00 per year for non-profit organizations. Dennis Doten seconded. Motion carried.

8.1 Radio Equipment – Town Administrator Juris asked the Board to re-affirm their telephone vote of 2/17/06 authorizing the acceptance of radio console equipment in the amount of $101,337.91. Kinney O’Rourke moved to re-affirm the telephone vote of 2/17/06 authorizing the acceptance of radio console equipment in the amount of $101,337.91. Dennis Doten seconded. Motion carried.

8.2 Gilford Police Department Rules/Regulations Manual Update – Town Administrator Juris stated that the Police Department has made some minor changes in their rules/regulations manual, which primarily consist of some spelling corrections and removing Evans Juris’ name from the manual. Kinney O’Rourke moved to approve the changes as outlined in the February 15, 2006 letter from Chief John Markland. Dennis Doten seconded. Motion carried.

8.3 Town Policy – Town Administrator Juris explained proposed changes to: Chapter 3 Compensation System, which included Lump Sum Performance Award and Performance Evaluation. Discussion ensued with the Board on this document. Kinney O’Rourke questioned how the “Meritorious Effort Pay” would be handled. Town Administrator Juris explained the type of situation where this could be utilized. Kinney O’Rourke moved to approve the policy changes with the following: Correction of minor typographical errors and addition of the words “Heroic and” to the title of Meritorious Effort Pay.

8.4 Abatement Request – Assistant Town Administrator Shackett explained a situation with a mobile home park last year, where a mobile home was removed from the park and after the paying the jeopardy taxes on it, the park has requested that the money be refunded to them and other taxes abated. She further stated that due to a recent court decision, it is unlikely that the Town would prevail if litigation were to occur. Kinney O’Rourke moved to approve the abatement in the amount of $1,304.99 (Marrotte Property) Dennis Doten seconded. Motion carried.

8.5 Non-Public Session – RSA 91-A:3 II (a) (c) - The Board of Selectmen on a roll call vote entered Non-Public Session at 4:13 p.m. Present were Selectmen Alice Boucher, Dennis Doten and Kinney O’Rourke, Town Administrator Evans Juris, Assistant Town Administrator Evans Juris and Administrative Secretary Sandra Bailey.