Town of Bristol

Board of Selectmen

Minutes of 03-29-07

Members Present: Rick Alpers (RA), Paul Fraser (PF), Steve Favorite (SF), Town Manager Elizabeth Corrow

Members Absent: Bruce Van Derven (BVD)

Mr. Joe Denning attended another meeting as a representative for the board of Selectmen.

Chair Selectman Rick Alpers called the Regular meeting to order at 7:00pm.

PSNH Presentation – Street Lighting

Sue Blothenburg and Jack Schelling from Public Service of New Hampshire came before the board to present a proposal for new street lighting in the Town of Bristol. Mr. Jack Schelling stated the packet that they have put together gives an overview of what PSNH has to offer, as well as an estimate of costs for this project. This estimate that was put together would replace what is currently in place. They did recommend looking at the placement of the current lighting and move some around, add new ones where needed, and possibly take some out that are not needed. Mr. Schelling stated the town would need to provide the traffic control for the project, which is more cost effective. The lights are both energy and environmentally efficient. Currently, the Town of Bristol spends about $43,000.00 a year with the current lights installed. With the new lights, the savings will be $13,000 - $19,000 depending on the type of lights. Mr. Schelling suggested the Selectmen involve Safety Officials such as the Fire and Police Chief’s for input. He stated he would redo the estimate once they decided on what kind of lights they want and how many lights they will need. He would hope to do the whole town, but it can be done in phases if there was a certain project that is planned that needs to be completed before the installation of the lights. Ms. Blothenburg explained an option of funding that is specifically allowed for municipalities. Mr. Paul Fraser suggested forming a committee that would allow everyone to be aware of the project and to find the proper placement of all the lights. Once the committee makes the recommendation to the Board then they can redo the estimate accordingly. Mr. Steve Favorite questioned the use of decorations on the light posts. Mr. Schelling stated the decorations are allowed, but there are certain specifications. A member from the audience questioned whether there are certain places that are legally required to have lights. Mr. Schelling stated if the state requires specific lights, they will generally pay for those. Ms. Blothenburg stated the RSA 231 series refers to transportation. Mr. Schelling stated they do try and place the lights in a way that are not bothersome to residents or business owners. They ended the meeting with discussion regarding the responsibility of the Town and PSNH pertaining to replacing the lights if they break and who is responsible for maintenance and cleaning.

Motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Steve Favorite; seconded by Mr. Paul Fraser; vote was unanimous.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:35 pm

Respectfully submitted,

Krystal Alpers

Administrative Secretary

 

 

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Richard Alpers, Chair Steve Favorite

 

 

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Joe Denning Paul Fraser

 

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Bruce Van Derven