Members Present: Rick Alpers (RA), Joe Denning (JD), Bruce Van Derven (BVD), Town Manager Elizabeth Corrow

Members Absent: Paul Fraser (PF), Steve Favorite (SF),

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

Ms. Leslie Dion from the Tapply Thompson Community Center (TTCC) came before the board to recognize the Tucker Family for many hours of volunteering from the entire family. She stated this is the 60^th year for the TTCC and would like to begin recognizing the volunteers that are continually helping as Mr. Tapply had originally done. She stated the Tucker Family helps out with many aspects for the baseball and softball teams. Ms. Dion presented an award to the Tucker Family, followed by a special recognition award presented by Chairman Alpers on behalf of the Selectboard.

Mr. Alpers stated there were two openings for the Trustees of the Trust Fund and have two recommendations to fill the positions. He stated the two people have accepted the position and asked Ms. Beth Guyer to introduce herself. He also thanked her for taking the position. Ms. Guyer stated she lives on Bristol Hill and has been a CPA for an independent firm in Franklin for many years. Mr. Denning encourages the Trustees to review the current investments and make any recommendations for improvements. Mr. Denning stated it was the least time consuming board, but is a very important position. Mr. Alpers thanked her and stated she would be contacted to be sworn in with the Deputy Town Clerk. Motion by JD to appoint Beth Guyer as a Trustee of the Trust Fund; seconded by BVD; vote was 3-0.

Mr. Denning thanked Ms. Dorcas Gordon for staying on as a Trustee until the Board of Selectmen could appoint a new Trustee.

Mr. Boyd Smith came before the Board with a request for a sign at the Plankey Spring. In an effort to collaborate with the community and the Schools, Mr. Chip Dugan from the Newfound Area School District will be implementing a new course next year that will be studying the spring. Mr. Smith stated the sign would be an educational sign that would present information and facts that the students would assist with. He described the layout of the sign and stated he is requesting the Boards approval because it is Town Property. Mr. Alpers questioned who would maintain the sign. Mr. Smith stated the Newfound Lakes Region Association would maintain it. Mr. Van Derven questioned what type of information would be displayed on the sign. He stated the students would keep the board current with information and facts pertaining to the spring. Mr. Alpers assured there would not be any type of advertising. Motion by JD to approve sign permit for Plankey Spring; seconded by BVD; vote was 3-0.

Mr. Alpers stated the sign application had been approved by the Land Use Enforcement Officer and verified with Mr. Smith that the sign would be out of the way.

Mr. Barry Cox from the Local Government Center came before the Board to explain the process of the study and answer any questions. He stated the last study was done in 1998 with 20 positions studied. In 2003, 6 fire positions were looked at, in 2004 the Police Departments, administrative assistant was created and studied, and in 2005 the Town Clerk / Tax Collectors and Town Clerk / Tax Collectors assistant was reviewed. However, he stated this would be a study of all the positions in the Town of Bristol. There is a pay analysis done with comparable communities, the job descriptions are written with the help of the employees to ensure accuracy, and once the study is complete there is a meeting with any employee that has question with the findings. He stated Ms. Corrow already had the employees briefly review there descriptions which will expedite the beginning stages of the study. Mr. Van Derven questioned whether they compare with other towns that are the same size as Bristol and stated this is something that is finally being addressed which is much needed. Mr. Cox stated the study will look at many things such as cost of living as well as compare pay scales with other towns. Ms. Corrow thinks it is good to have the employees involved to state what they do because in a small town like this many duties vary and some employees are doing more then one specific job. Mr. Alpers questioned what the turn around time is for this. Mr. Cox stated about 3 months after they receive the employee questionnaires back. Ms. Corrow questioned how they compare certain positions with other towns our size if they do not have a specific department for example some places do not have a water & sewer department. Ms. Corrow asked about the process for selecting communities and if it is possible to have more than one pool of communities to use for the study. Mr. Cox stated they look at numerous communities and will compare positions that are similar. Mr. Alpers stated this is long over due and knows the employees are excited. Mr. Van Derven questioned Mr. Cox’s qualifications and he listed his various career milestones which many were in Municipal Government. Mr. Chartier questioned how performance evaluations would be addressed and wondered if the outcome of the study would give new evaluations. Ms. Corrow stated performance evaluations were not included in the study and would be an additional cost. She stated she is recommending an evaluation process that would include the cost of living adjustment to employees and the range as well as a performance piece. She would like to see all employees receive the cost of living portion of their raise each year and then each department would have a pool that would be broken down among the employees in that department based on their performance.

Mr. Alpers wanted to clarify the decision the Board had made regarding the CIP Committee. Mr. Alpers stated the Planning Board itself is the CIP Committee since the amendment at Town Meeting was illegal, however, the CIP can not appoint a CIP Committee. The Planning Board can create a sub committee that could assist in creating a plan, but they could not vote on a CIP plan; they would make their recommendations to the Planning Board. Mr. Van Derven stated the CIP committee could continue the way it has been, a few members from the Community and a few members from the Planning Board that would make recommendations to the Planning Board as an advisory committee or the advisory committee could be made up as the amendment suggested. Mr. Dan Paradis understood the amendment is now status quo even though it passed at Town Meeting, however, he feels the spirit of the amendment is for the Selectboard to appoint the committee. He stated the Selectboard had to choose which way they wanted to proceed. Ms. Corrow stated the Board needed to decide, they could still follow the spirit of the amendment by the recommendation of the Attorney. Mr. Alpers believes they have made their decision and the Board of Selectmen need to submit their recommendations to the Planning Board. He stated an advisory committee could be formed using the members that the amendment suggested or the Planning Board would be the CIP Committee. Mr. Paradis stated the planning board would need to make an advisory committee however; they do not have time to interview from the lists that are submitted from each Committee or Board. Mr. Denning stated if the Planning Board does not want to follow through the Selectboard should do it. Mr. Paradis stated he would need to talk to the Planning Board to see how they would like to handle it and where they stand.

Mr. Bruce Van Derven stated they should make a motion on the location. Mr. Denning stated they should sign the contract and not postpone it any longer. Mr. Denning did take Mr. Van Derven’s advice and has scheduled a rain date of July 8^th. Mr. Denning made a motion to hold the fireworks on Holiday Hills and was seconded by Mr. Alpers. Mr. Alpers suggested Chief Skantze review the security plan with the Board. Mr. Alpers stated it is a tough location, but they can’t find a permanent location since the Multi-purpose dock did not pass at Town Meeting. Though Selectmen Paul Fraser is not here, he did want to hear the safety plan for the site and Mr. Alpers agreed. Chief Skantze gave the Board a copy of the safety plan which included an organizational chart and explained the placement of the crews and apparatus. He explained the Local Government Center had provided him with a guidebook for planning events like this. He stated this site has been approved by the state police and there is still some final planning that needs to take place. Chairman Alpers questioned if there is enough staff and resources for this event allowing them to easily respond to calls. Chief Skantze confirmed. Mr. Alpers questioned whether they would again block off the 50 foot span from Shore Drive and West Shore. Chief Skantze stated it would be similar to last year.

Chief Skantze stated he has his safety plan set for the Mooseman Triathlon event and is continually working on the other events that will be taking place over the summer.

Town Manager Corrow stated Mr. Van Derven had items of concern with the contract. She suggested the Board authorize her to sign the contract once she reviews the concerns. The Board voted to hold the fireworks on Holiday Hills and authorize Town Manager Corrow to sign the contract. Vote was 2 with 1 abstention.

Chairman Alpers stated the Highway Department had a request to dispose equipment from the Highway Department. Mr. Alpers questioned whether the items would be going to the white farm. Town Manager stated they would try and sell them by bid first and stated the Highway Department looked at another F150 from the Water and Sewer Department today that needs to be added to the list. Mr. Alpers listed the items that would be disposed. Motion by RA to approve the request to dispose equipment from the Highway Department including the F150 from the Water and Sewer Department; seconded by JD; vote was 3-0

Town Manager Corrow stated she has hired Chief John Clark as the next Bristol Chief. She stated he has been in law enforcement since 1974 and grew up in the area. He has a great deal of experience, education and motivation. He will begin June 18^th, 2007 and she his very excited for him to bring the department to the next level. Mr. Alpers stated he is very pleased with the Town Managers decision. He has known Chief Clark for a few years and he is very motivated, creative, very involved, energetic, knowledgeable, and will help promote and bring the department to a new level. Mr. Denning stated Chief Clark was part of the emergency management team during the flood last year and did a great job. Mr. Alpers stated he was very well known throughout the state. Mr. Richard Walenda questioned how old he was and Ms. Corrow stated she did not know since it is illegal to ask on the application or during the hiring process. She stated he is certified with the Police Standards and Training Council. Chief Clark has done many things throughout his career to prove his motivation. Mr. Van Derven congratulated Town Manager Corrow on her first big hire and stated she made an excellent selection. Town Manager Corrow stated she got a sense from the board of the type of Chief they were looking for and Chief Clark fits this person perfectly. She stated he has great ideas, will be a great mentor to his employees and will bring the department to a new level. The Board decided to hold a ceremony on June 18^th at 5:30 to welcome him and swear him in. Ms. Corrow wanted to recognize the members of the search committee. The search committee was very diligent and consisted of local members of the community, a Town Manager and a Police Chief. Ms. Corrow stated this was very time consuming, as they conducted many interviews and were very thorough. The committee made unanimous decisions on all the candidates. The committee members were: Fran Parkhurst a local business owner, Tom Winn a local resident with a State Police background, Pete Carrie a retired JAG, Steve Hankard who has a policing background, Carol Granfield the Town Manager of Meredith who has experience in hiring a Police Chief, Chief Seastrand the Chief of Police in New London and Lloyd Belbin was selected to be on the committee but was unable to participate due to a conflict. Mr. Alpers thanked the committee for all their time and effort and will await Chief Clarks arrival on June 18^th.

Town Manager Corrow stated the policy was drafted by Chief Skantze and Chief Wingate, and then reviewed by the Highway Safety Committee and town council. Mr. Alpers questioned the signs at Sunset Heights. Chief Skantze stated he also has concern with them since mutual aide would not be able to locate them. Mr. Skantze stated this issue should be now be addressed in the ordinance and Ms. Corrow confirmed. Mr. Van Derven questioned the process for street naming and numbering. Ms. Corrow stated one would be given a copy of the ordinance, they would make the request, the request would be given to the Highway Safety Committee and then to the Board of Selectmen. The Land Use Enforcement Officer would do the numbering. Motion by BVD to approve the Street Naming and Numbering Policy; seconded by JD; vote was 3-0.

Town Manager Corrow stated the Town currently does not have a Drug and Alcohol Policy for the DOT employees. She stated this is a law and it is required for all CDL holders. She stated she would like to implement it throughout all the town employees and would budget for the additional employees next year. Mr. Van Derven questioned why we would not do all the employees now and Ms. Corrow stated it is expensive to implement at the beginning but not expensive to maintain. Ms. Corrow discussed this with all the Department Heads and they are all supportive. Motion by JD to approve the Drug and Alcohol Policy; seconded by BVD; vote was 3-0.

Town Manager Corrow stated Bristol Shores planted a line of trees in front of the property as a buffer. She explained there were some issues with safety as well as water lines that are now covered. The Highway Superintendent, Water Superintendent and the Land Use Enforcement Officer meet with the owner of Bristol Shores Ralph Meisner and have made an agreement. Ms. Corrow stated Mr. Meisner has been very good in cooperating with the town on various concerns. Mr. Alpers questioned whether Town Council had reviewed. Ms. Corrow did not feel it is necessary, it is just an agreement and they she feels they have come to a good resolution for this issue. Mr. Alpers questioned some of the wording and suggested an amendment. Motion by BVD to approve the agreement as amended and authorize Mr. Nebesnik or Ms. Corrow to approve; seconded by JD; vote was 3-0.

Mr. Denning stated the Planning and Zoning Boards have questioned why they were not provided the Selectmen’s Meeting minutes. Ms. Corrow stated they are available online.

Mr. Van Derven stated a resident complained that Bristol Shores does not have dumpsters and they need dump permits. Ms. Corrow stated numerous dump permits were issued last year and they should not have been. Mr. Nebesnik has contacted Mr. Meisner to deal with the issue. He will be putting out dumpsters for the residents. Ms. Corrow read a letter from Mr. Meisner which stated he would also send a letter to the property owners to let them know the dumpsters would be provided.

Town Manager Corrow does not think we will need the TAN because the Tax Bills are going out very soon. However, she did receive a bid from Northway at 3.71% interest which is lower then TD Banknorth. She did ask them to prove they had sent their bid within the time frame, and they did. Motion by JD to rescind the previous motion to accept TD Banknorth’s bid; seconded by BVD; vote was 3-0. Motion by BVD to accept Northway’s bid for a TAN; seconded by JD; vote was 3-0.

Mr. Richard Walenda questioned why a Town Manager from another town was on the Chief of Police’s search committee.

Town Manager Corrow questioned whether the Board would like to schedule the Conservation Commission for the June 7^th meeting. Mr. Van Derven wants to make sure the invite does not come across as an inquisition because this is the rumor since the Board decided to begin meeting with other Boards and Committees. Town Manager Corrow stated this was certainly not the message that was originally sent out. She stated the meetings are to allow the Board of Selectmen to see how they can help, what the Boards and Committees need, and to improve communications. She was not sure how it was perceived but it was not to be an inquisition. Mr. Denning stated it is just something different and it is nice for people to know who the Board and Committees members are and what they do. This will give citizens even a better understanding when reading the town report. Mr. Bruce Van Derven felt it was inappropriate for someone to walk away from a Board or Committee before they even met with the Selectmen. Had they me with the board they would have seen that it was not an inquisition and the Selectmen are not trying to micro manage. They are just trying to work together and move forward.

Town Manager Corrow questioned if the Board could meet on June 18^th or 19^th due to a conference that both she and Chairman Alpers will be at on June 21^st. Mr. Alpers suggested moving the meeting to the following Thursday the 28^th. Ms. Corrow reminded Mr. Alpers he would not be attending that meeting and he stated that Mr. Fraser could facilitate the meeting. Therefore, the Selectmen will meet on June 7^th and June 28^th.

Mr. Denning stated he spoke with Mr. Mason Westfall who attended a meeting regarding the Hazardous Waste day. Mr. Denning stated we needed a letter of commitment for August 4^th to hold the Hazardous Waste Day at the Transfer Station.

Mr. Alpers went over the upcoming events. He stated the Memorial Day Parade will be the 28^th at 9:30am. The Ribbon Cutting for the opening of the Bike Path will be on May 28^th at 11:00am. The Bristol Recreation Advisory Council Annual Meeting and Pot Luck Dinner is May 31^st at 6:00pm and the Board of Selectmen has been invited.

Mr. Alpers would like to follow up with Freudenberg. They gave the Board an update which was much appreciated and then nothing happened all winter. Mr. Denning stated the project was stopped due to the state. Mr. Alpers questioned the expenses that were incurred during the flood and feel Freudenberg still needs to assist with the expenses. He feels the Board owes it to the Tax Payers to try and recoup some of the expenses. Mr. Denning stated he would call again since he has begun forming a good relationship with them. Ms. Corrow stated since they are having issues with cash flow, now would be a good time if they were planning on helping, but she has had no contact with them. Mr. Denning stated they had originally talked about making a donation to the town that would have covered the costs. Mr. Denning suggested looking at some of the projects like the Downtown that could use some upfront money or money for a new fire truck in the future. Mr. Denning stated Freudenberg is a good partner to have. Mr. Van Derven stated Mr. Denning has done a good job keeping in touch with Freudenberg. Mr. Van Derven hopes the press will get involved in an effort to try and move this forward. He felt they are a good partner; however, we now have a jersey barrier that looks awful. He stated enough is enough, we have been waiting along time and working the best we can with them but we need to move forward. Mr. Denning stated he would contact Freudenberg in an effort to move forward.

Mr. Van Derven would like to look into different ways of raising revenue. His first possibility is to collaborate with other towns. Second he would like to look into lowering health insurance costs. Finally he would like to see how to go about selling town property. Town Manager Corrow stated now is the time to begin looking into combining workmen’s compensation and health insurance with one carrier which could possibly save money. Mr. Van Derven stated that even with department heads and the budget committee cutting the yearly budget, costs are continually raising and there is a need to look into combining services to reduce costs.

The Board discussed their concerns regarding the Grafton County Budget. A regional meeting was set for June 30^th at 6:30 at the Bristol Fire department for the local Selectboards to meet and discuss the budget.

Town Manager Corrow stated we have begun compiling the list of equipment from the local towns. We have also asked the local towns if they would like to partake in the bid for this years paving projects in an effort to do some bulk purchasing.

Mr. Alpers suggested inviting the County Commissioners to attend the Regional Meeting.

Mr. Walenda questioned why the dump rents containers for $5000.00 a year when you can buy them for $5300.00. Ms. Corrow stated they have begun working to improve the Transfer Station and believes the containers were ordered.

Mr. Walenda questioned why the Board has not gone forward with the Cell Towers. Mr. Alpers stated they had. Mr. Fraser has filed an application, been communicating with the company, and the company will be coming to the site soon. Mr. Alpers stated the company needs to do extensive research to narrow down a specific location that will allow the tower to communicate with the other towers for the best cell phone service possible.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:35 pm

Respectfully submitted,

Krystal Alpers

Administrative Secretary