GILFORD BOARD OF SELECTMEN’S MEETING
May 28, 2008
Town Hall
The Board of Selectmen convened in a regular session on Wednesday, May 28, 2008, at 7:00 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 Interim Town Administrator Debra Shackett and Administrative Secretary Sandra Bailey.
1. Pledge of Allegiance – The Selectmen recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Chairman Grant announced that the meeting would be videotaped and broadcast on Lakes Region Public Access TV.
2. Review/Approval of Minutes – The Board of Selectmen approved the minutes of the May 14, 2008 Public Hearing and the regular and non-public minutes of the meeting of May 14, 2008.
3. Appointments
3.1. Belknap County Juvenile Justice System Presentation – Lee Duncan, a Gilford resident and volunteer member of the Youth Services Bureau, provided a brief introduction to the Board, stating that after Town Meeting the Bureau felt the need to better inform the citizens of Gilford of how the program operates. He then introduced Alan Robichaud, who provided the Board with an informative PowerPoint presentation.
Chairman Grant advised Mr. Robichaud that she appreciates and supports the Youth Services Bureau. Captain Keenan of the Gilford Police Department then provided the Board with some data on costs incurred by them in transporting youth to out-of-town placements.
4. New Business
4.1. D.A.R.E. Donation – Selectman Benavides moved to accept a donation in the amount of $297.39 from Patrick’s Pub & Eatery, for a D.A.R.E. fundraiser held there on May 4, 2008. Selectman Hayes seconded. Motion carried.
4.2. Cybertron – MAAP Project – Interim Town Administrator Shackett explained that as a result of the Town Clerk’s MAAP Project, Cybertron has incurred unanticipated expenses. As a result, he is asking for an additional $1,000 to offset ten (10) hours of labor. Following discussion on this matter, the Board concurred that Cyberton should be paid an additional $1,000 for labor related to the MAAP Project.
4.3. Resignation – DPW Director Sheldon Morgan advised the Board that Kari Dami has resigned as the Executive Secretary to the Department of Public Works, effective May 30, 2008, after close to twenty (20) years of service.
Selectman Hayes moved to accept the resignation of Kari Dami with deep regret and sincere thanks for her many years of service.
4.4. Laconia Savings Bank – Selectman Hayes moved re-affirm the telephone poll of May 15, 2008, granting permission for Laconia Savings Bank to have Ten Pin Lane paved, and that a letter be sent to them thanking them for the paving donation. Selectman Benavides seconded. Motion carried.
4.5. Lease Agreement with SAU #73 – Selectman Benavides moved to extend the lease with SAU #73 for a one year period, commencing on July 1, 2008, for $3,400.00 annually. Selectman Hayes seconded. Motion carried.
4.6. New England Grassroots Environmental Fund – Selectman Hayes moved to accept a $1,000.00 donation from the NE Grassroots Environment Fund, on behalf of the Gilford Energy Committee. Selectman Benavides seconded. Motion carried.
4.7. DPW Summer Hours – DPW Director Sheldon Morgan advised the Board that he would like to change the Highway Division’s hours, from June 2 through August 29, 2008, to 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., due to weather and traffic issues.
Selectman Benavides moved to change the Highway Division’s hours, from June 2 through August 29, 2008, to 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Selectman Hayes seconded. Motion carried.
4.8. Town Buildings Trash Removal Bids – Selectman Hayes moved to award the Town trash removal contract from the period March 2008 to February 2010, in the amount of $19,666, with an option of a one-year extension by mutual agreement, to Waste Management of Londonderry, NH. Selectman Benavides seconded.
Discussion ensued on the trash issue at the Glendale Docks, specifically as it relates this past holiday weekend. Possible solutions to the trash problem were explored. Following this discussion, the motion carried.
5. Old Business
5.1. Potter Hill Road Lot – Interim Town Administrator Shackett provided the Board with a list of issues to consider in the disposition of the Town’s Potter Hill Road lot. Chairman Grant inquired if there were any legal issues if the land is sold directly to one party. Interim Town Administrator Shackett stated that during the public process, it is very important to disclose the Town’s intention to sell the property to Gilford Village Knolls.
Selectman Hayes moved to enter into an agreement with Gilford Village Knolls for $150,000 plus costs, for the purpose of developing a senior housing project, to enable the Gilford Public Library to receive the proceeds of the sale. Selectman Benavides seconded. Selectman Hayes further stated that this is the right thing to do for Gilford and he is concerned of the affordability of the senior housing if another party buys the property. Selectman Benavides asked if there is any legal recourse for the other party. Interim Town Administrator Shackett reminded the Board that a petition could force the question to be presented on next year’s ballot.
At this time, Tony Ferruolo confirmed the fact that Gilford Village Knolls is prepared to pay $150,000 for the property, plus costs associated with the sale. Following this discussion, the motion carried. The process will begin with a review by the Planning Board, which Interim Town Administrator Shackett will initiate as soon as possible.
5.2. Glendale/Beach Passes – Interim Town Administrator Shackett asked the Board to make a decision on the request of Mr. Robert Casale, regarding the purchase of two (2) additional parking passes for Glendale. Chairman Grant stated that it is not the intent of the Glendale Ordinance to include commercial businesses. Director Morgan stated that he is attempting to convene the Glendale Committee so that this matter can be discussed. Selectman Hayes agrees that the intent is for residents and that the ordinance should be clarified as soon as possible.
Selectman Hayes moved to deny the issuance of the guest passes and to correct the ordinance as soon as possible to show that the intent is not for commercial properties. Selectman Benavides seconded. Motion carried.
5.3. Facility Planning Committee – Committee Chairman Jim Mull recommended to the Board of Selectmen that Amoskeag Architects be awarded the contract for architectural and engineering services for the police station renovation and addition. In addition to being the lowest bidder, Amoskeag has also offered the best quality service. Chairman Mull feels that they will work well with the FPC, Board of Selectmen and Police Department. Selectman Benavides moved to contract with Amoskeag Architects, in the amount of $60,667.50 for architectural and engineering services for the police station renovation and addition. Selectman Hayes
seconded. Motion carried.
5.4. Zoning Board of Adjustment – Chairman Andrew Howe was in attendance to explain a letter he has written to the Board of Selectmen, requesting that they appeal their decision of May 27, 2008 for a variance for McGinley Development Company. Chairman Howe stated that new information came to the attention of the ZBA after the hearing, which may have affected their vote. Selectman Hayes stated that he has represented Mr. McGinley and will not be voting on this matter.
Extensive discussion followed on procedural issues regarding this request. Selectman Hayes has concern with the information that was not presented. Planning Director John Ayer did provide some additional information on this matter, since Chairman Howe did not feel that he could discuss any specifics of the case outside of a ZBA hearing. Chairman Howe feels that the request for an appeal of the decision is in the best interests of justice for the case. Selectman Hayes stated that the Board made the best decision they could with the information they had at the time and the matter should rest there.
Chairman Grant asked if this application needs to return to the Planning Board. Director Ayer stated yes, it would because of site plan amendments.
Selectman Hayes then asked to speak as a private citizen. He stated that this has been a very long process for Mr. McGinley and the ZBA heard the pertinent information and made a decision based on that information. He feels that the decision should stand and allow the project to move forward.
Interim Town Administrator Shackett provided Chairman Grant and Selectman Benavides with an e-mail from John Ayer regarding a discussion with Town Counsel.
Selectman Benavides moved to deny Chairman Howe’s request for the Board of Selectmen to appeal the decision of the Zoning Board on Tuesday, May 27, 2008, regarding McGinley Development Company. Chairman Grant seconded. Motion carried with Selectman Hayes abstaining.
6. Public Input – Leo Sanfacon encouraged the Board of Selectmen to support the Youth Services Bureau and to do their research on outside agencies before making a determination on whether or not to support them. Chairman Grant advised Mr. Sanfacon that the Board of Selectmen did support all of the outside agencies that requested funding for 2008. Mr. Sanfacon apologized for the misunderstanding.
Alida Millham spoke in favor of the Juvenile Justice System, which is making great strides with the youth of Belknap County.
Christina Callahan also provided positive comments on the program. She stated she was highly impressed with how it helped her child.
Lee Duncan thanked the Board of Selectmen for allowing the presentation on the Juvenile Justice System and encouraged members of the public and the Board to full out the survey form that is at the back of the room.
7. Signatures
DATE SIGNED |
DOCUMENT |
MAP/LOT # |
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04/01/08 |
Change of Status - Latosek |
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04/01/08 |
Change of Status - Aselton |
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04/01/08 |
Change of Status - Balcom |
|
04/28/08 |
Payroll Register |
|
04/30/08 |
Accounts Payable Manifest (2) |
|
05/05/08 |
Payroll Register |
|
05/08/08 |
Accounts Payable Manifest (2) |
|
05/12/08 |
Payroll Register |
|
05/14/08 |
Accounts Payable Manifest |
|
05/14/08 |
Change of Status - Buckner |
|
05/15/08 |
Change of Status - Clark |
|
05/16/08 |
Tax Collector's Warrant - 1st Issue Property Taxes |
|
05/18/08 |
Change of Status - DiCarli |
|
05/19/08 |
Change of Status - Denver |
|
05/19/08 |
Payroll Register |
|
05/20/08 |
Accounts Payable Manifest |
|
05/22/08 |
Accounts Payable Manifest |
|
05/23/08 |
Tax Collector's Warrant - Supplemental |
|
05/27/08 |
Abatement - Watson |
201-009.109 |
05/28/08 |
Notice of Intent to Excavate |
228-081.000 |
05/28/08 |
Certification of Yield Taxes Assessed |
215-020.000 |
05/28/08 |
Certification of Yield Taxes Assessed |
231-003.000 |
05/28/08 |
Notice of Intent to Cut Timber |
228-003.100 |
05/28/08 |
Letters to Firefighter & EMS Provider of the Year |
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05/28/08 |
Letter - Wesley Stevens |
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05/28/08 |
Lease with SAU #73 |
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05/29/08 |
Change of Status - Tanner |
|
06/01/08 |
Change of Status - McCarthy |
|
06/01/08 |
Change of Status - Melendez |
|
06/01/08 |
Change of Status - Taft |
|
06/01/08 |
Change of Status - Jones |
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06/01/08 |
Change of Status - Attar |
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8. Selectmen Issues – Chairman Grant read a statement thanking Interim Town Administrator Shackett for her years of service to the Town of Gilford.
She also thanked everyone who participated and planned the Memorial Day commemoration.
Chairman Grant announced the St. Baldrick’s event at Gunstock on Saturday. Selectmen Hayes agreed to be in attendance to read a proclamation.
Selectman Hayes suggested that the Memorial Day commemoration be taken over by the Parks and Recreation Department.
Selectman Hayes brought up the issue of designing a geothermal heating system for the existing portion of the Town Hall. He would like to authorize the Energy Committee to investigate the feasibility of using this method of heating.
Selectman Hayes moved to authorize the Facility Planning Committee to design the new police department addition with geothermal heating, rather than conventional hearing. Selectmen Benavides seconded. Motion carried.
Selectman Hayes moved to authorize the Facility Planning Committee and Energy Committee to investigate the effectiveness of having the original Town Hall building use geothermal energy. Selectman Benavides seconded. Motion carried.
Selectman Benavides provided a detailed proposal from the Local Government Center for professional recruiting services for a Town Administrator, at a cost of $3,500.00.
Selectman Hayes moved to utilize the Local Government Center’s recruitment services for the Town Administrator position. Selectman Benavides seconded. Motion carried.
9. Administrator’s Report – Interim Town Administrator Shackett provided her regular update to the Board.
10.0 Next Meeting – Wednesday, June 11, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.
11.0 Adjournment – With no further business before the Board, the Board of Selectmen’s May 28, 2008 meeting was adjourned at 9:26 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Sandra J. Bailey
Administrative Secretary
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