Members Present: Rick Alpers (RA), Bruce Van Derven (BVD), Joe Denning (JD), Paul Fraser (PF)

Steve Favorite (SF), Town Manager Elizabeth Corrow

Board Chairman Rick Alpers called the public hearing meeting to order at 7:00pm.

Mr. Jeff Chartier and Mr. Burt Williams gave the board of selectman and town manager an update on the various projects that the department has been working on. The Water and Sewer plant is in its final stage of the upgrade which will allow the plant to handle sewer to Newfound Lake. The department is currently in the preliminary stages of implementing the upgrade for sewer to Newfound Lake. Mr. Chartier explained that CDM is preparing a report for town meeting that will explain the process, the stages, and the funding for the upgrade to the Lake. Board member Steve Favorite questioned what the requirement will be for property owners to hook into the sewer system once in place. He also expressed concern that many property owners have recently replaced their systems and many others will have to do so before the upgrade is complete. Mr. Chartier explained that everyone would be required to hook into the system, however, some towns allow the citizens that have recently replaced their system to use the system they have for a certain period of time and then they would be required to hook into the system. He stated the board should consider this option and can discuss the final decision at a later time. Mr. Rick Alpers briefly questioned the current rates and what they planed to do for the future. Mr. Chartier explained they had increased the base rate last year which enabled them to pay off a bond. Mr. Williams stated the department is self funding and the surplus would go to capital reserves, however, the operating budget is determined by the budget committee. Mr. Burt Williams suggested the board review and reaffirm the water and sewer regulations since they are now the governing body. Chairman Rick Alpers thanked Mr. Williams for continuing to be involved with the project as he has become the clerk of the works and is working closely with the town manager and the water and sewer department. Mr. Chartier passed out the current rules and regulations of the water & sewer department and asked that the board review and adopt them at a future meeting.

Mr. St. Cyr and Mr. Neadeau came before the board to express the concerns they are having with the drainage on Shore Drive. The poor drainage is also causing various issues with property owners’ septic systems. Town Manager Elizabeth Corrow stated she has had many conversations addressing the issue. She explained the Highway Superintendent, Mark Bucklin stated the State would provide the materials if the property owners funded the rest of the project. Ms. Corrow explained she would be willing to assist with phone calls to get DOT and DES involved to fix the situation.

Steve Favorite:

Mr. Favorite stated he has made an appointment with PSNH to construct a plan to update street lights to ensure cost savings.

Rick Alpers:

Mr. Alpers would like to present the Boston Post Cane to the next oldest living Bristol citizen due to the passing of the previous citizen. He also stated the reorganization of town hall seems to be more efficient and is pleased. Ms. Corrow expressed the gentlemen in the Highway department were very helpful with the reorganization.

Regional Meeting:

Town Manager Corrow has been pleased with the positive feedback for the meeting. She explained that many other organizations had contacted her and would like to be involved. Mr. Bruce Van Derven questioned the original intent for this meeting and believed it was only for the area select boards to identify common goals and issues throughout the area. He is pleased to have the other organizations become involved in the future, but suggested the area select boards meet first. Ms. Corrow would select a date that the vast majority of the boards can meet.

Ms. Corrow has posted the advertisement for the Police Chief on various websites and in the newspaper and will discuss the rest of the hiring process at the next meeting.

Ms. Corrow would like to implement a policy for Street names to ensure every street is properly named in the town. Mr. Alpers expressed he would like to see the police and fire chief’s help implement this policy.

The board reviewed Homeland Cemetery’s finances.

Mr. Bruce Van Derven requested the board change the fireworks line in the budget from $9,700 to $10,000.00. Motion by JD to raise the fireworks line by $300.00; seconded by SF; vote was 5-0.

Ms. Corrow explained the police committee is finalizing the site location. They are hoping to pick a site before Town Meeting.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:20pm

Respectfully submitted,

Krystal Alpers

Administrative Secretary