Town of Bristol

Board of Selectmen

Minutes of 1-24-08

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

Members Absent: Bruce Van Derven (BVD)

Chairman Rick Alpers called the regular meeting to order at 7:00pm.

Water and Sewer Recognition for Award from EPA

Town Manager Corrow stated the Water and Sewer Department, the Selectmen and herself would attend a ceremony in Boston for a presentation of an Award from EPA given to the Water and Sewer Department.  Ms. Corrow also wanted to recognize the Department at the Board level.  The Department was given the award for improvements made to the Water and Sewer Treatment Plant over the years.  The Department has done many improvements that have saved the town money and found creative solutions to many problems.  The EPA award was given for the most improved plant.  The Board gave each Department member a monetary reward for all the hard work and effort they have put forth.

Educational Facilities Planning Committee Update

Bill Gabler, the chair of the Committee came before the board to give them an update and keep them aware of their progress.  Mr. Gabler explained there would be a warrant article this year requesting $65,000 to do a master plan and hire an architectural engineer to do a study.  They received 4 estimates which is why they are proposing $65,000.  They plan to map out the 24 acres at the High School, draft a master plan and survey the property to see what can be done.  Mr. Denning questioned whether the $65,000 was for the entire School District or just the parcel of land at the High School.  Mr. Gabler stated it would be soley for the High School parcel but would create a master plan and do a survey to ensure the best utilization of the property.  Mr. Denning questioned if the plan would also include a football field.  Mr. Gabler stated the Football field is being done through the Friends of Newfound Football.  They have solicited for donations and volunteers so that the project will be at no cost to the school district.  There is a separate warrant article to construct the field under agreement through the school district and the Friends of Newfound Football.  The second part of the funding is for the architectural study of the Middle School, Danbury, and New Hampton Community School.  Mr. Gabler stated it is not worth doing any renovations if the cost exceeds 60% of the cost of new construction.  The Elementary School does not meet many codes and the renovation costs exceed the 60%.  They need to compile reports on all the school facilities to see what it will cost to update and renovate the existing schools.  One possible plan if the dynamics work is to build a new Middle School on the High School land and move the Elementary School to the Middle School.  They have determined they need a minimum of 8 acres to build an Elementary School and there are not many options in town.  The committee is also looking into moving the SAU to the basement of the Middle School if the Elementary School is moved there as well, as the building the SAU is currently in is leased from TD Banknorth.  The Elementary School would then be abandoned and would go back to the Municipality.  The Committee expects to propose another warrant article in 2010 to do the design study.  They expect the Elementary School would be vacated in about 7 years.  Mr. Fraser stated the CIP Committee is now meeting and to please keep them informed.  Mr. Gabler stated the Elementary School has numerous life safety issues and if the committee does not move forward with a plan to show an effort is being put forth then the building will be shut down.  Mr. Gabler stated the committee meets the third Monday at 6:30pm.  Ms. Kathleen Girona questioned what the code violations were.  Mr. Gabler stated there are many.  A couple are open stairways, wall coverings are pressed cardboard put in back in the 1930’s, lack of fire suppression system, no fire doors, the fire alarm system is inadequate, the heating and windows are insufficient and there are fire exit issues to name a few.  Chief Skantze does regular inspections and has put together 1½ inch binder of deficiencies and some need to be addressed immediately.            

Cell Tower

Ms. Corrow stated the company interested in placing a cell tower in Bristol has identified a site which is a current tower site.  There are legal aspects of the site that need to be looked into and the town’s attorney has provided an opinion.  Ms. Corrow questioned how the board would like to proceed.  Mr. Fraser stated this company would build and invest in a tower that can be used for our municipal needs as well.  The company will invest a considerable amount of capital but would like to ensure there is no question as to who owns the right of way.  Mr. Alpers stated the company would need to go through the Planning Board for approval but the Selectboard can support it.  Mr. Favorite questioned how far the service would reach.  Mr. Fraser stated it would reach the downtown area, down Route 104 and out to the lake.  Ms. Corrow stated they are trying to solve a variety of issues.  First there is currently very poor cell phone service but the biggest factor is the current issues with our town communications.  To replace the tower, would cost about $225,000.  However, this company is willing to do this for if they locate here.         

Proposed Settlement for 831 Union Avenue

Ms. Corrow stated the assessor has reviewed the documents and is recommending a settlement.  The BTLA case goes back to 2004 and 2005.  The assessor is recommending settling for the Newfound Storage for 2004 and 2005 and 831 Union Avenue will withdraw 2006 and 2007.  Ms. Corrow stated the Homestead was under assessed and the owner is aware this will be corrected as we move forward.  The assessor recommends settling and a refund will be issued in the amount of $3982.00 plus interest.  Often times the town will incur more charges by going to BTLA.  Motion by SF to settle with 831 Union Avenue for 2004 and 2005: seconded by PF; vote was 4-0.  Mr. Fraser agreed that the settlement seemed reasonable.  Mr. Denning believes Mr. Bodwell the assessor puts a lot of time into his recommendations.  Mr. Alpers stated Mr. Bodwell is very good at what he does.      

Update from Police Chief Clark

Chief Clark stated Hill has appointed a special budget committee to explore law enforcement through a different agency.  He explained Hill has always had a part-time Police Department.  Many would question why one would go out and help other communities, and Chief Clark stated it is ethically appropriate.  Chief Clark stated Hill contacted Bristol to see if we would be interested in preparing an agreement/contract and a breakdown of costs to provide Policing Services to their community.  Chief Clark stated we would provide the same level of services as we do in our community.  Chief stated he came up with a budget based on their requirements of $192,500 which would include 2 additional officers.  We are currently assisting now as they are a part-time department.  State police is not always in the area and the Bristol officers ethically can not respond to a call knowing there is an emergency taking place.  Chief stated he would not provide the services for any less.  The contract would also provide Bristol with an additional police car.  He assured we did not go out recruiting this request, Hill contacted us and we are responding.  Chief Clark stated there needs to be some type of a service charge if Bristol is responding to the other communities.  Mr. Alpers questioned whether Hill has responded to the agreement.  Ms. Corrow stated they are meeting Monday night to discuss the proposal.  Mr. Alpers questioned what Hill’s current budget is for their Police Department.  Chief Clark stated their current budget is $93,000 which is for a part-time department and feels this is a good deal for both Hill and Bristol.  Chief Clark is looking for the Boards support should they move forward.  Mr. Alpers suggested waiting for the decision from Hill before the Board moves forward with specific questions but thinks this is a great idea.  Chief Clark explained this would also include investigations, public relations in the town and in the schools.  Mr. Alpers stated the members of the Board are constantly questioned as to why we are responding to the other communities and agrees we need to be paid for the services we are providing.  Chief Clark stated there is leadership in the department now to address these issues.  Town Manager Corrow stated the main reason they are looking into this is because our Police and Fire Department are getting called into communities that are part time and at times no one is responding from that particular town.  Bristol is not being paid for the service and therefore, Ms. Corrow along with the police and fire chief are looking into the possibility of a fee for each call Bristol responds to that would not be considered Mutual Aid.  Chief Clark stated the interaction they have had with Hill’s Police Department has been excellent.  Mr. Alpers questioned if there is an annual increase of 5% per year in the contracts set in place.  Ms. Corrow explained we are in the investigation stage.  We heard the concerns of citizens and are trying to find ways to address the concerns and this is one possible way.

Public comments – none

Town Manager Items

Town Manager Corrow stated she received an updated schedule for the Central Street Bridge.  It is expected to open in October of 2008 and they are currently ahead of schedule.  There are a couple of utility concerns that are currently being addressed.  There was a second archeology study done as there were some items of historical significance found.  The area can either be avoided to protect it or the items would need to be removed.  There was a safety concern on site which has since been resolved with additional barriers. 

Ms. Corrow stated Bristol has been selected for a smart growth audit.  This is entirely funded through a grant.  It looks at our community, population and trends and recommends changes and additional items to the ordinances to ensure smart growth.

Ms. Corrow stated interviews are being conducted for the Assessing Assistant and would like to make a selection soon and do reference checks.

Ms. Corrow stated she has held off on interviews for the Land Use Enforcement Officer as it is a difficult position to fill.  She explained the number of applicants is not as large but looks encouraging as some do have a planning and zoning background.  Ms. Corrow stated she hired a circuit rider planner from Lakes Region Planning Commission to help on Fridays to handle the more difficult cases.  Ms. Corrow stated if need be, she will re-advertise.  Mr. Fraser agrees.  Mr. Denning stated we had two good people but we need to find someone that will stay as this is a needed position.  Ms. Corrow stated there is a lot of pressure to get this position filled as the board’s are looking for help.  Ms. Corrow stated the salary study will help as both people in this position left for another position that offers more money.   

Ms. Corrow stated she attended the pre-bid meeting with the Water and Sewer Department project and she attended a worksession with CDM regarding the preliminary design for Water and Sewer to the lake.  Ms. Corrow stated she would like to schedule a meeting with the Board to give them an overview of what the next step will be and how the different phases will move forward for this project.  Ms. Corrow stated she would like the finalized plan before town meeting to allow discussion of the priorities of each phase. 

Ms. Corrow stated there is a serious issue in the current Retirement system.  If the situation is not addressed then there will be a significant change in the town’s contribution.  There is currently a request for a contribution from the communities to fund a legal fight.  Ms. Corrow stated there is a request from the Town of Bristol of $631.71 which is the last hope to try and resolve the issue without pushing the cost to the tax payers.  The Local Government Center has been working hard to try and figure out what to do.  Ms. Corrow stated the goal is to try and make sure employees are contributed their fair share and all of the increase isn’t being pushed onto the tax payers. Motion by PF to authorize payment of $631.71 to the retirement system: seconded by JD; vote was 4-0.         

Mr. Alpers made a motion to enter non-public session under RSA 91-A:3 II(c) seconded by Mr. Favorite: roll call vote taken all members agreed to enter into non-public session.  At 8:05 PM the BOS entered a non-public session.

Motion to return to public session made by Mr. Favorite, seconded by Mr. Fraser; vote was unanimous.

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

The meeting was adjourned at 9:10 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