Discussion took place over a recent request to refund the amount paid for a veteran’s credit not received for several years. Mr. Vincent pointed out that the state statute was quite specific about the timing of the application and that it was not to be applied to previous years. The Board concurred and asked that a letter explaining the statute be sent.

The contract for the 2006 update was presented and briefly discussed. Mr. Vincent advised the Board that currently there are some proposed changes to the rules set by the State Assessing Standards Board that may change the requirements and may increase the overall costs involved. He could not give the Board a definite dollar amount, but gave an estimate of potentially $2,000 to $3,000 more. The proposed contract for the statistical update is in addition to the regular yearly contract. The Board will send the contract to Town Counsel and NH DRA for review.

The Board was informed that the assessor would like to do some public forums at either the old town hall or here in the town office building. He recommended at least 2 to 3 different days/times so that everyone one wishing to attend would have an opportunity to do so. He stressed that getting the information out to the public and doing some PR is important so tax payers are shocked with new numbers and no notification. The Board suggested beginning these after Town Meeting since so many meetings are already scheduled in the upcoming weeks.

Mr. and Mrs. Bob Fellows from Beech Street stated that they were very upset with a recent incident where someone had been taking a picture of their house after getting a copy of the assessment card from the Town Office. They had then called the Police Department and given them the license plate number. They felt they had a right to know who had come to the office and got a copy of their assessment card. The administrative secretary explained that all assessing records are available to the public under the right to know law. She also stated that when receipts are given they don’t include the name of the person purchasing the copy of the tax card. Discussion took place over what information is public and what is not released. The secretary stressed that the Town encourages people to call if there is a suspicious person in their neighborhood. The Selectmen’s office can confirm if the Town assessor is out doing inspections and they all carry Town of Bristol ID cards as well. As Mr. and Mrs. Fellows were concerned by the police officer’s ambiguous information regarding this individual, the Board suggested that they contact the Police Commissioners. The Board felt that most likely the person photographing their house was preparing a list of comparable sales for a pending real estate sale and that the incident was probably harmless. They did agree that the behavior of the individual was suspicious and could have been avoided had the person just let the Fellows know what he was doing and why. The police could have also been more helpful in reassuring them regarding the individual when they had given them the car’s license plate.

Mrs. Dawn Reynolds stated that she has placed five complaints with the Town regarding the old mica building in the past year and a half and the problem has not been resolve. She also brought in another complaint signed by the abutting neighbor on the other side of the building. The Board reviewed pictures of the fallen/broken glass on the sidewalk and roadway. The Board stated that they would contact Mr. Suldenski immediately and give him 14 days to correct the hazard or further legal action may be taken.

Mr. Richard Walenda addressed the Board, "I have a whole bunch of issues for you guys." He thanked Bruce Van Derven for taping the meetings stating it was the best thing to happen in this town. Mr. Walenda expressed his opinion on the previously discussed purchase of the property next to the library. He feels that the library has enough money to buy it with their own funds and not to use more tax payer’s money. He also felt that buying the Homeland Cemetery land would not be a wise investment. He feels that it is a time to keep spending down and keep costs under control. Several other issues were briefly discussed: part-time employees not receiving holiday and vacation benefits, elderly exemptions, cost of the chairs in the meeting room, new Board table(s), and overall cost of running the Town government. The Board thanked Mr. Walenda for his input, but no decisions were made.

Email from Chief Skantze was received asking for approval of an emergency purchase order to repair Ambulance 1. The email explained that it is estimated to cost between $1,500 and $2,000 for brake and spindle replacement/repair. Motion by Bruce Van Derven to approve the emergency purchase order for repairs to ambulance 1 as reviewed by the TA and by email from Fire Chief Skantze; motion was seconded by Rick Alpers; vote was 3-0.

The Board received a request for a release of lien for a property which required BOS approval and signatures. It was reported that all liens (welfare) had been repaid but the previous welfare director had not sent the release to be recorded at the registry of deeds. Motion by Bruce Van Derven to sign the release/satisfaction of lien; seconded by Rick Alpers, vote was 3-0.

Contract for uniform cleaning for water/sewer department with Uni-first. The Board authorized the TA to sign on their behalf.

The TA reported that Mark Bucklin is applying for a Federal grant for the work that needs to be done (flood control) on Smith River Road.

The Town Administrator reported that he has removed one of the "town" cars from service as it needs a lot of work and isn’t worth the money it would take to repair it. A brief discussion took place on rotation of cruisers and the high mileage on all of the vehicles. Selectman Alpers stated that he believes the PD may have to shorten their rotation schedule as there is "nothing left" by the time they are rotated out of the department. No formal Board action was needed.

Administrator Veloski reported the Rt 3A project scheduled for next year will not include the Lake Street portion; therefore, $30,000 for outside details can be taken out of the budget.

Recycling – BOS received updated numbers.

Lights at the Town Office Building will be replaced starting tomorrow morning at 8am.

Welfare Office Hours – request for change in hours was reviewed and approved by the BOS.