Present: Chairwoman Susan Duncan, Rick Alpers and Bruce Van Derven, Town Administrator Bob Veloski and the administrative secretary.

Susan Duncan called the meeting to order at 7:00pm.

Chairwoman Susan Duncan called the meeting to order at 7:02pm. She made the usual introductions of Board members and staff present while reminding everyone that the meeting was being taped both on audio and for broadcast on Lakes Region Public Access.

A quick discussion took place over the times/dates for voting and for the annual meeting. Voting will take place at the old Bristol Town Hall on Summer Street on Tuesday, March 14^th from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm and the annual town meeting will begin at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, March 15^th at the same place. A second night may be necessary, if so, the meeting will continue on Thursday, March 16^th. Chairwoman Duncan reminded everyone that the Planning and Zoning articles as well as Article #2 (RSA 37 – Town manager form of government) are on the printed ballot and the other warrant articles would be voted on at town meeting.

The public hearing was then declared open on the "non-money" warrant articles (proposed articles which require no funding within the regular Town budget.

Chairwoman Duncan asked if Selectman Van Derven would like to speak first on the warrant article which deals with the Town Manager form of government (Article #2). Mr. Van Derven summarized his view of the daily running of the Bristol town government by saying, "In the day to day operations of this Town, there is no one person in charge." His viewpoint stressed that all branches and departments of the system need to work together in a cohesive and organized manner rather than each considering themselves and autonomous unit. Selectman Rick Alpers agreed, saying that currently there is no consistency and "it’s just not working!"

Mr. Lloyd Belbin stated that one of the reasons he is running is that he’s (previously) worked under all forms of government. He listed a town manager form of government, a town administrator, as well as for state government, each having its own good points and bad. He added that he feels a five-member Selectboard will make some significant changes. "There’s lots that can be done to iron this stuff out." But he made no specific points or recommendations to that comment.

Mr. Richard Walenda referred to a previous Board in the 1980’s saying that a Selectboard member had asked for a "cut" and wanted his "kickback." Mr. Walenda did not elaborate on this comment, nor did the Board ask for any clarification to this statement.

Article # 11 – This article would discontinue the current Municipal Budget Committee pursuant to RSA 32:14 II and would create a 5-member (budget) advisory committee. Mr. John Bianchi stated that he was speaking as a member of the current Budget Committee, he doesn’t agree with the method of "cutting" currently used (by the Budget Committee). "If you’re going to make adjustments to a department’s budget, you should first walk in their moccasins." He added that he felt many cuts were made without understanding the needs of that department. Mr. Bianchi felt that a five-member Budget Committee would be a good idea to work with the five-member Board of Selectmen.

Article #16 – (Acceptance of purchased property by the Town). This article would allow the Town of Bristol to accept the building located next to the library as "town property" after it is purchased by the Minot Sleeper Library. According to state statute, the Library would not be able to be the "owner" and therefore, the property would have to be accepted as "town property" under this article. Mr. Walenda objected to the purchase of this property by the library, stating instead, that it should be used as a police department.

Article #18 – This article is considered "housekeeping" as the Town had not previously adopted it. The article authorizes the BOS to acquire, sell or accept real estate on behalf of the Town. Chairwoman Susan Duncan stated that it would mean the Board could place a deposit on a piece of land or sell property that the Town did not need in order to get it back onto the tax rolls. Mr. Lloyd Belbin stated that he didn’t feel this was a good idea as it took the choice away from the voters and gave it solely to the Select Board. The Board assured Mr. Belbin that that was not the case, as they would have to hold a public hearing on the matter. Mr. Walenda felt that the article would be "a blank check" for the BOS to use as they saw fit. The Board stated that they only had the authority to spend money that was budgeted for that purpose, citing the $90,000 for the Police Department building was earmarked for engineering design/study, land purchase or for a deposit. They pointed out that they had lost several opportunities in the past as there was no money set aside and by the time Town meeting rolled around, the property had been sold to another party. Selectman Van Derven stated that he didn’t care for the insinuation that he was dishonest or a "thief in the night" and that the Board somehow hiding something from the public. He stressed that he for one listens to the people of the Town and would do their bidding (from input and from the public hearings). All three Board members agreed that this is not to try to hide anything, but to simply expedite the process if land should become available. Mr. Belbin stated that there are several parcels in town that would be suitable for a new police station, but the Town had failed to approach the owners to make any deals with them. He refused to state a specific location or owner, but said he knew there is a bunch of properties that hadn’t been looked at.

Article #19 – It was explained that this is non-binding financially, but an expression of support. Mr. Steve Favorite stated that he is greatly in favor of the purchase of this property. He added that it gives them (the Minot-Sleeper Library) a "foot up" in obtaining Federal monies/grants. "By providing adequate parking for library patrons, it shows there is a commitment to moving forward with their expansion plans."

Article #22 -- This article would include TTCC’s summer carnival and the NH Marathon on the list of public/private partnership events. Police coverage for these two events would be supplied at no additional cost to the event sponsors.

Article #23 – Elderly Exemptions: This article would increase the exemption amounts, asset and income limits.

Article #24 -- This article pertains to the organization of the Fire Dept. Fire Commissioner John Bianchi stated that it would ratify what is currently in place.

Article #25 -- Ordinance submitted by Eric Rottenecker pertaining to all residential and commercial garbage would have to be "bear proof," meaning a secure location/containers.

Article # 26 -- (Submitted by Mr. Walenda) Article to model the Town of Bristol’s policy against "conflicts of interest" after the State of NH’s policy. Mr. Walenda states he did it "to keep the town’s people honest, especially the Selectmen, especially if they hold office."

Public Input:

It was reported that the new fire truck has arrived at the dealership. The Fire Dept. submitted three purchase orders for equipment needed for the new truck. It was reported that the balance due on the truck is $137,000 which includes the dealership taking the trade in of the 1982 vehicle. (Reported to be approximately $2,348 in trade-in value.)

Motion by Bruce Van Derven to release the funding as outlined by Chief Skantze; Seconded by Rick Alpers for discussion. Discussion took place over Mr. Alper’s concerns with handing the money over the day the truck arrives. He stated that he feels the Town should have a few days to go over the truck to make sure it’s right. Chief Skantze assured the Board that the truck is inspected by an independent third party (quality assurance) and that if any defects/deficits were found, they would be handled under the product warranty. The Board chair noted there was no further discussion on the topic and called for a vote: vote resulted in 3-0 in favor.

Mr. Auger introduced himself, stating that he had been a resident of Bristol since 1963. He added that his purpose in addressing the Board was to discuss two issues: He has some serious concerns with the total amount of $ budgeted for the School District and secondly, he has some concerns with the process of how the budget is prepared and how the default budget figures are calculated. He gave specific examples of how he felt there was too much "float" (overages) in their salary lines and other areas. Mr. Auger stated that he found the answers given to him during the budget hearing "were not forthright, not comprehensive or not answered at all." His major point being, "It is a significant impact to the taxpayers of Bristol." He stated that the student population is going down; however, the cost of the school budget continues to dramatically increase. Mr. Auger also pointed out that the school has stated there were no new positions, "however there are four new names on the 60/40 grant. "That doesn’t fit my definition of no new positions."

The Board requested that the Town Administrator compose a letter to the SAU saying that the Town is interesting in talking more about budgeting concerns (and to also so inform the School Board).

Mr. Gordon stated that he was here to address any questions/concerns from the Board regarding the upcoming Town Meeting. Selectman Van Derven asked about the rules for ballot voting on the warrant articles (May be requested by 10 citizens in writing). It was stated that every warrant article is read in its entirety at least once. However, lengthy or numerous amendments will not be re-read in their entirety every time it is changed. If anyone requests a full reading before a vote is taken on it, it will be reread for clarification. Discussion took place on the job responsibilities of the moderator, the processes involved and the rights of the moderator to speak as a citizen of the Town of Bristol.

The Board returned to regular session at 10:39pm.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:40 pm

Respectfully submitted,

Angela Mahoney

Administrative Secretary