GILFORD BOARD OF SELECTMEN’S MEETING
March 17, 2008
Town Hall
The Board of Selectmen convened in a special session on Monday, March 17, 2008, at 4:35 p.m., at the Gilford Town Hall, 47 Cherry Valley Road, Gilford, NH. Selectmen present were Connie Grant, Gus Benavides and Kevin Hayes. Also present were Acting Town Administrator Debra Shackett and Administrative Secretary Sandra Bailey.
Pledge of Allegiance – The Selectmen recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
Vice Chairman Grant opened the meeting. She stated that she would like to review anything that needs to be addressed prior to DES’ March 24, 2008 Public Hearing.
Selectman Benavides suggested asking DES for an agenda of what will take place at the meeting. Vice Chairman Grant indicated that she has some specific questions on the remedial action plan and would like to know if the Board will be able to speak at the meeting. She also stated that she would like to have a contact sheet with government officials and DES contacts at the meeting for a handout.
Discussion ensued on the possibility of moving the meeting to a larger room than the Town Hall conference rooms. Vice Chairman Grant also suggested a press release on Liberty Hill. Selectman Hayes pointed out that with concerns with Jewett Brook, this issue could also affect the residents of Laconia. Acting Town Administrator Shackett will contact the necessary parties tomorrow to determine if the meeting location can be changed.
Further discussion ensued on the matter of working with a consultant or environmental attorney. Selectmen Benavides and Hayes pointed out that there is a period of time following the March 24th meeting for further comments and a final determination from DES. Selectman Benavides expressed concern with who would monitor the cleanup if DES is willing to change their decision to allow for 100% removal of the contaminants. Brief discussion followed on whose responsibility this would be.
Acting Town Administrator Shackett stated that Town Counsel does have an environmental attorney scheduled to be at the March 24th meeting. Selectman Hayes suggested that Acting Town Administrator Shackett cancel her scheduled meeting with a consultant tomorrow, but have the environmental attorney attend the March 24th meeting.
Acting Town Administrator Shackett asked Selectman Benavides if he had his position in writing. He stated that he did not but would be able to do so. Assistant Town Administrator Shackett will ask DES if the Selectmen will have an opportunity to speak and advise Selectman Benavides.
Police Chief John Markland inquired if non-residents would be permitted to speak. This question led to discussion on the regional impact of the Liberty Hill Disposal Site.
Assistant Town Administrator Shackett stated that with her additional workload and added responsibilities, she would like to discuss her compensation with the Board at the next regular meeting.
Adjournment – With no further business before the Board, the Board of Selectmen’s March 17, 2008 meeting was adjourned at 5:01 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Sandra J. Bailey
Administrative Secretary
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