Alexandria Board of Selectmen

September 13, 2007

Members Present:     Peg Reilly, Cindy Williams and Don Gangemi

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by George Whittaker

Distribution of Minutes:        August 23 and 30

Approval of Minutes:                        Tabled until next week

Department Heads:              

            Barbara Emery was not available, but Christie reported on her behalf that there is some
            $650,000+ in outstanding taxes, interest and penalties as of August 31.

            Jeff Cantara:  Fowler River Road is done.  There are two rented mowers out doing
            roadside brush cutting.  Jeff has four weeks of demos lined up for rubber-tired excavators.
            Peg asked if this was in anticipation of requesting one at the town meeting; he said it was.

The machine that the transfer station is now using is very old and tired.  It might be able to be used on an occasional basis by the cemetery department as long as it did not begin to cost too much in maintenance. The present machine used by the highway could then go to the transfer station.

Frank Hinkle:  Ernie Parmenter is retiring as of this week.  Frank wished him well and thanked
him for his service to the town.  A round of applause was given.  Frank said that he made a mistake on the report he recently put out listing positive accomplishments of the department since he came on board last October.  The savings on the cruiser are approximately $2,500, not $4,000.  Some additional invoices came in once he had compiled the report.  His point is that the purchase came in under budget.  He said there are a lot of negative comments floating out there; a lot of things that are not true and half of his time is spent correcting rumors.  It is not conducive to town business.  The town has a great communication system; however, he wishes it would work in a positive note, not only for negative.  Frank said that if the discussion that was tabled a couple of weeks ago should be brought back up, that is up to the selectmen to address it.  Don Gangemi asked if a person calls dispatch to report a crime, does their name become public information.  Frank said that it does unless the person states that they wish to remain anonymous.  Cindy Williams said that the issue that was tabled was voted on last week, which she was disappointed in because it was tabled in the first place until the full board was present.  The full board was not present last week.  Peg congratulated Ernie on his retirement. 

Kate Barrett:  The Ledges have been denied the dredge and fill permit that they applied for as it was submitted.  They can reapply if they wish.  Kate also asked for the selectmen to support a warrant article requesting that a percentage of the Land Use Change Taxes be reserved for use by the Alexandria Conservation Commission.  The selectmen said that they would.  Christie said that she has received a copy of a letter that states that Andrew DeRoma will not be disturbing any wetlands as a part of some work he is doing on his Town Pound Road property. 

Items Requiring Signature

            An intent to cut was signed for Bonnie O’Brien-Poire

            A building permit was signed for Frank Sabbio on McMurphy Road

            A veteran’s credit was signed for Daniel Milligan

            The addendum to the flood insurance ordinance was approved by a vote of 3-0.

            The MS-1 Summary Inventory of Valuation was signed.

            A blanket purchase order for Circle 3 to provide winter sand was signed for $18,000
            An intent to cut for Richard/Hinchliffe on Foster Pond Road was signed

            A supplemental intent to excavate was signed for Joseph Morrison

            An abatement was signed for Nancy Kahler

            A purchase order was signed for 1-2-3 Lock & Key to install security cameras

            A purchase order for Bonnette, Page and Stone was approved by a vote of 2-1.  The
            roll call vote was Gangemi-Yes; Williams-No; Reilly-Yes.

Follow-ups

            Flagpole:  No new information. Don Gangemi said he would order the solar light for the
            pole.

Old Business

Building Issues-Cindy asked if the old camera in the selectmen’s office next door could
be incorporated into the new one.  Frank will check into it.  It was explained that the camera
in the cell area would not be accessible by anyone who is being held.  Cindy asked if the estimate had been received for the installation of a handicapped door.  Christie said the estimate is $4-5,000.  She explained that the expenditure of that money does not alleviate the problem of people getting into the selectmen’s office because that door is difficult to open.  To get into the hallway to access the bathrooms is difficult because of the tension on the doors.  Christie said that she and Barbara are aware of who is coming in and are willing to assist them as necessary with the doors.  Don Gangemi suggested a bell that people could ring outside indicating they need assistance.  Don Gangemi asked George Whittaker if that would make the building ADA compliant.  George said he would check into it.  Cindy said the building is ADA compliant because the insurance company did not mention the door issue.  George pointed out that a person in a wheelchair might be able to get in the outer door, but once they do the inner door opens outward toward the person in a chair and there is no room for both.  George said that ADA requires no more than a five pound pull on a door.  Cindy asked where we are with the smoke/fire alarms.  Christie said we are no where because the specifications were followed.  To replace them is some $1475 for all.  Cindy asked what else needs to be done on the building.  Christie replied that the generator is still a proposed project.  Someone asked about the door at Barbara’s office; it was stated that it has been repaired for the time being.  Frank said he still needs a rain diverter at the police department’s back door.  Christie said one could be purchased at R.P. Williams. 

Survey Results:  150 postcards were sent out asking for comments on the Avitar hearings.  There
have been 30 replies to date.  Meeting Held on time:  Yes-24, No-4.  Responsive:  Very-9, Good-11, Fair-3, Poor-4.   Allow Interior Inspection:  Yes-15 No-4 N/A-9.  Understand Information:  Yes-24, No-3.  More Information Needed:  Yes-20 No-7.  Where Should Information be Given:  Tax Bill Insert-16, Town Report-9, None-5.  Were Questions Answered-Yes-21, No-7.  Comments will be put on a separate sheet.  Christie spoke with Jo Jo Belville of the NH Dept. of Revenue Administration regarding their overview of Avitar’s work.  It was stated that ten mobile homes needed to be changed from crawl space to piers and one neighborhood code needed to be corrected.  Other than that, the state is satisfied with the work that was done.  A letter will be forthcoming outlining these comments.  Our new property assessment officer from NHDRA will be Sam Greene.  Don Gangemi said that he will feel a lot better when the final results of the survey are in. 

Audit:  The auditor said that the certification needs to be sign on the audit.  This means that
someone needs to review the reports and sign that they believe them to be correct.  Greg had
recommended that Peg review it because of her financial background.

Walkway to Millstone:  Christie is waiting for information from the Holderness Masonic|
Association on how they did their walkway with engraved bricks.

            FEMA Money:          Peg asked if a public hearing is necessary to accept the FEMA money: 
            Christie said that it is.

New Business:

Health Officer:  Peg suggested that since George has completed a certification for health
officers that he once again become the primary health officer rather than the selectmen.  Cindy asked if the selectmen have to fill out the term that they were approved for before George can take over.  Christie explained that she had talked to Louise Hannan who said it could be done before hand and that she would send out new nomination papers.  George said that he would like to be the health officer once again.  Cindy asked if this is a state certification.  George said it is from the Manchester Department of Public Health.  Cindy asked George about a septic system he went to check on.  George said the owner of the property was gracious enough to make him a copy of the septic design.  He explained that for a number of years the town did not receive copies of plans from the state.  They were required to request them; this happened in approximately the early 90’s.  Earlier plans are rare.  Cindy asked for a copy of the approval of operation; Christie said the approval number is on the plan.  Christie will check with the NH Dept. of Environmental Services. Peg made a motion that George Whittaker be nominated as the health officer for Alexandria; Don Gangemi seconded the motion.  Cindy asked George to keep the board informed of cases as they come up. George said he has been doing it.  The vote was 3-0.  A round of applause was given. 

Hazard Mitigation:  George said he picked up paperwork from Richard Verville on the
hazard mitigation program for two projects in town on Washburn Road.  These funds are
available without the emergency management plan being updated.  They are available now because the town has joined the National Flood Insurance Program.  There are 109 residences
that are affected by the problem that would be corrected by hazard mitigation funds.

Memos from Maggie LaBerge:  Two memos have been received from Maggie LaBerge
listing questions and a complaint that she has about the police department; one of September 1 and the other dated September 10.  Some of the questions had to do with the certification process and whether or not the chief has requested a waiver.  Peg said she wanted Frank to reply to the memos.  Frank asked what the complaint is.  Peg replied that is the Bog Road situation.  Frank said that when Maggie came in to talk to him about it, he had just been on Bog Road and had spoken to the people at the firing range. Maggie indicating that the people there were firing improperly.  Frank said when he went by, they were not shooting improperly.  Maggie did not appear to be satisfied with Frank’s answer.  Frank said she came in to complain about something that he had already taken care of.  Peg said the complaint states that Frank began a loud verbal attack on Maggie.  Frank said that he wanted to respond to an e-mail that Maggie had sent stating that he was requesting a waiver of the council.  Frank said he has never requested a waiver of the requirements of NH Police Standard and Training.  Cindy asked what Frank is requesting as she understood it was a waiver. Frank said it is not a waiver.  Cindy said she understood Frank was hired in a probationary period and was given credit for all his prior police experience.  He will be certified once he completes the entrance physical fitness test and completes the NH Law Package.  Cindy said currently Frank is not certified.  Frank said he can act as a police officer until then.  Cindy said Frank mentioned three times in a recent meeting that he is certified when he is not.  Frank said the state is recognizing the certification from Florida and the extension has been filed for which is granted up to two years.  Cindy said there are only certain circumstances under which they grant an extension and that extension form must be approved by the hiring authority, which is the board of selectmen.  She said the last two were not brought to the board for approval and she only knew about one of them.  Don explained that if he signed without authority he apologizes for that, but cites inexperience as a possible reason.  Frank said it is not the selectmen that grant the extension, it is the training council that votes to extend.  Cindy said the hiring authority did not review the requests; Frank said that the council has accepted the one signature.  Cindy said there are other items that the chief has sign that were not within his authority such as the 4-wheeler.  Cindy explained that the board of selectmen is supposed to vote to allow the extension; Frank again pointed out that the selectmen to not allow the extension, the training council does.  Cindy said that the selectmen have to request it.  Chief Hinkle explained that part of the physical fitness test includes aerobic ability, which is normally tested through the mile and a half run, which Frank completed.  He completed it approximately a minute over the allotted time.  There is an alternative which has been used when officers go back for their 3 year test—a bike.  He has not asked for the alternative to be given to him yet; he would like to continue trying to finish the run in the allotted time.  He has made the effort to train and has purchased orthodics at his own cost in order to try to correct the problem.  Don Gangemi pointed out that the hiring letter did not state that Frank was probationary; it simply said that he had to become certified.  Don is not concerned about the law package that needs to be taken because Frank has a Juris Doctorate.  He has passed every portion of the physical fitness test with the exception of the running.  Don does not know what basis there would be not to request that Frank be allowed the extension.  Cindy said that during the interview process she was impressed that the chief had researched the position and knew what the budget was that he would have to work with.  He assured the selectmen that there was nothing at all that would keep him from passing any of the requirements. She said that is where she is disappointed.  Frank asked what the inferred allegation is; that he tried to mislead the selectmen?  Cindy said she is not sure.  A portion of the council’s rules explaining what needs to be done for certification.  It states that no person shall be appointed as a full-time police, corrections or probation parole officer except on a temporary or probationary basis unless she or he has completed the basic training program as appropriate. The council shall grant an extension of the time limit for the complete of the basic training program upon receipt of a written request from the hiring authority setting forth the reasons therefore with a good cause. For the purposes of this section, good cause shall include, but not be limited to, the unavailability of such a program or an officer being unable to complete the training within the prescribed period due to illness, injury or military service or special duty assignments made in the public interest.  Cindy said that is what the policy requires. Cindy stated that she is concerned that Frank is going to be injured trying to pass his run again and that he cannot pass the fitness test.  Cindy said that people come up to her and ask why the town hired t his man when he cannot pass the physical fitness test.   When asked who the people are, Cindy refused to provide names.  Craig Williams and Chet Caron stood up and said that they are two of the people who are concerned.  Cindy said she does not have to give people’s names.  She said she has contacted several people to get more information on the situation.  Merry Ruggirello asked if the last police chief was certified; Cindy said that he was.  Merry said Chief Hinkle should be allowed to do his job, work to fulfill the requirements and not be constantly harassed.  Craig Williams said that everybody has their opinion and he wants the selectmen to act on the facts.  Don said that Cindy makes a good point in that Frank could be further injury in attempting to complete the run. That being the case, he suggested that the board support a request for the use of the aerodyne bike.  Don asked Frank if requesting the use of the bike is a waiver.  Frank said it is not, it is a substitute test.  Don asked if Frank would sign a waiver of injury if one occurs due to the certification process.  Christie said that she did not believer worker’s compensation rules would allow that.  Cindy said she would not have a problem with all of this if Frank had been hired as an administrative chief, but he was not.  He was hired as a working officer.  Frank said that his shin splints do not start bothering until after a mile, and he does not know of any officer who is going to chase a criminal for a mile.  Someone said that the problem appears that some of the selectmen want to try to sway the council.  Don Gangemi said that is what has happened; the extension request has been signed and it is up to the council to decide whether or not to allow it.  Cindy said Frank has asked the board to accompany him to the council meeting.  Frank said the board has been invited at the recommendation of Don Vittum.  He said the members do not have to attend.  Cindy said she would go, but she will say what she thinks and she has that right.  Cindy said she has a problem with the fact that these extension requests were not brought before the full board.  Cindy said she had been accused a couple of weeks ago of making decisions on her own and she would like to know what those decisions are because she feels she is very cautious about that.  Peg said one of the things is that she makes calls to the attorney without consulting the other members.  Peg feels if there are questions to be asked of the attorney, then all members should be made aware of them.  Cindy said that policy needs to be made, then, because the attorney said she could do that.  She said that calling the attorney isn’t making a decision.  Peg said there was something else, but she cannot remember what it was.  Cindy said she has a right to call the state agencies so she can understand the issues.  Frank again asked what allegations are being made from Maggie’s questions.  Cindy explained that it is just 91-A; just respond to her questions.  Peg said she believes that people are just trying to catch someone in a lie because the same questions are being asked in different ways.  You are certified or not; part-time or full-time.  How many times do we have to answer the same questions?  There is so
much time being wasted.  Cindy said that it is the law and you just have to respond.  Peg said that she and her cronies are wasting the board’s time and she wants that to be part of the record.  She said everybody might as well know it because she knows it is going on.  Cindy said that since Bob Bacon is here, perhaps she can get her questions on the 4-wheeler answered.  She asked him if he recalled the meeting when Jim Kneeland was present and discussed the 4-wheelers and what is not allowed.  She believes that he stated that they are not allowed on private property without permission or on Class VI roads unless they have permission from the town.  The issue, she thought, came up because of someone who was going to patrol the roads at that time.  Bob said the issue was the 4-wheeler itself.   Cindy said he (Jim) said you cannot drive on Class VI roads.  Bob replied that you can drive on Class IV, V and VI roads.  It is up to the selectmen to decide if that happens or not. Cindy said that has never happened.  Bob replied to the best of his knowledge, it had not.  Cindy asked why it is being allowed now when it wasn’t back then.  Bob said it is not.  Cindy said that the police department has been driving all over the place, Route 104, etc.  She reported that Norm Wiley uses his personal machine, so she does not see why it is any different.  Bob explained that if Norm Wiley wrecks his own machine, his insurance will cover it.  The issue in Alexandria was that someone was going to let the town use a privately owned machine.  The town’s insurance would not have covered it.  Cindy asked what gives the police department authority to be on Class VI roads if it has never been approved by the selectmen.  If there is an RSA, she would like to see it.  Bob said it is because it is a police vehicle.  Cindy said Fish and Game’s 4-wheelers are not allowed on town roads.  Bob said that may be Fish and Game policy.  According to Cindy, RSA 215:6 states that you are not to drive on Class V or Class VI roads.  Bill Hall asked if it stated that police vehicles are not allowed….Cindy said it doesn’t, it is 4-wheelers in general.  Cindy said Fish & Game is not allowed unless there has been noticed to the public and you have to have the minutes of the meeting where the decision was made.  Don said he did not know whether that applied to police vehicles.  He requested from the director of Fish & Game their regulations on ATV’s.  They have not been forthcoming and they have been requested three times. Cindy said she would like to see the RSA that gives authorization to the police to travel the town roads.  Frank said if there is absolutely no way that they are allowed to be on any of the roads, they won’t ride on the roads.  Peg said it is a moot point because the ATV is being turned in.  Frank said it is at the end of October.  Frank inherited a grant and he used it.  Cindy asked how many citations were issued.  Bob and Frank said that none were issued; people were given warnings.  Frank said if they were wrong in riding on the road, he apologizes for that. Perhaps they did not do their research completely.  If they are right, there is no problem.  Ed Skroback stated that he felt the ATV had been a positive thing and he recalled that there were times when the ATV was the only vehicle that could get around in town.  Frank said one of the problems he has is that over and over again there is an attitude of finding out how not to do something, instead of having a positive impact on anything.  If there was a technical violation, Frank apologizes for that, but it was always done in the spirit of doing something good for the town.  That has always been his attitude.  Cindy made a comment about the amount of money being earned for riding around through that grant.  Frank again said he inherited the grant.  Cindy said it was made clear at town meeting that the people did not want a 4-wheeler.  Frank said it was the trailer that was not approved.  Frank said if Cindy wants to sit there and try to find ways not to do something, he thinks that is fairly pathetic and he feels sorry for her.  Bill Hall asked when Cindy’s witch hunt on Frank is going to stop.  Craig Williams made a suggestion to move the meeting along as they have all heard enough of this subject.  Sue Cheney stated that she is glad that the town has a police chief that is respected by the chiefs in the other towns, is respected and works with the other departments.  She believes the town has come a long way.  He is a decent person and she is not sure why people are trying to get rid of him because he is doing a really good job. 

Peg said the issue at hand is still the Maggie memos.  Cindy asked Frank to respond to the memos.  Merry Ruggirello said that the planning board made a policy that it does not respond
to complaints unless they are in writing and signed. She suggested that the selectmen might want to do the same.  Bill Hall said that Maggie has done some thing illegal as far as pit wise goes.  Peg said that is a matter to bring before the planning board.

            Firing Range Lease:  Frank submitted a draft lease to use the Bedard gravel pit as a firing
            range for the police department’s use.  He suggested that the board may want to pass it by
            town counsel before signing it.  There were audience member who pointed out that the
            planning board is having some issues with the Bedard property at this time and requested that
            the town wait until those issues are resolved before signing a lease.  All parties agreed to this.

Don Gangemi:   Don Gangemi set a stack of paper on the table that was approx. 3 inches thick. 
He informed the audience that he has been ill and finally got around to looking at his e-mails. 
The stack of paper in front of him represented a week and a half worth of information relating to the selectmen.  His comment was that it is no wonder people do not want to run for the office.

He said it is difficult to keep up with all the issues before the board.  With Merry’s permission, Don read an e-mail from her in support of the police chief.  She feels that the town has been headed in a positive direction and should continue to due so.  Don said that a few years ago this
town was almost a laughing stock.  He stated he knows of two events from Alexandria that have been studied as case studies and are used as examples of the wrong way to do things for selectmen and towns.  To him that is sad.  He told people when he ran for office that he does not have any hidden agenda; e does not know people in town well enough to side with anyone.  He tries to find out what really is the case and act on it the way he believes the people want it acted on; whether it is his opinion or not.  He has not heard any negative comments on his actions so far.  If the town starts heading back down the road it was a few years ago, Don said he would not be here.  He would not have a problem asking for a vote of confidence or no confidence in each selectman at the annual town meeting.  If the vote is no confidence, the other members could ask that person to resign.  He did state it is probably not legally binding.  Don was given a round of applause.  Cindy said it is not legal; Christie stated it could be brought up in order to get the audience’s opinion.  Local ordinances can be made stricter than state law; perhaps that is what the town should do, said Don.  Don feels that the board is working very hard, even if they do not agree on anything. 

Health Insurance:  Christie said that legislation has passed that allows a child to be covered by his or her parents insurance up to age 26 as long as that child can be considered a dependant under the rules of the Internal Revenue Service.  In order to qualify, the child does not have to be a full-time student.  This was a requirement in years past.  She suggested that the selectmen may want to review the town’s personnel policy in light of this ruling.

Public Input:

Larry Stickney:  Larry said he did not about a committee researching zoning until he read it in the paper the other night.  He is not asking any question about it, he just did not know about it. 

With regard to Town Pound Road, he feels that the state should make the determination whether
or not a wetlands permit is needed, not a soils scientist.  Larry urged the selectmen not to sign anything until they are sure the wetlands permit is not needed.  Christie let him know that a copy of the letter has been sent to the state for determination.  She also stated that a permit is not needed from the town in order for the structure to be built.

Ed Skroback:  He is very happy with the present police department.  There is a person who is
setting up policies and procedures.  He is pleased with the way things are going. 

Jeff Cantara:  Highway department is starting their grading process.  He has already has several reports of roads that have been shredded by vehicles.  He would appreciate the board’s support in his responding to the situations his way. He has gotten in trouble for it in the past.  He will work with Frank if he wants to work on it.  His way is going to speak with the person doing the damage if he knows who it is.  Jeff was told before that he has no authority to do that.  He stated he is here to protect the road and these people are abusing the roads.  Frank suggested that both he and Jeff work to talk with the ones doing the damage.  Frank let the board know that the department is changing their schedule around so people are not so used to the times they are out on patrol.

Don Gangemi:  Don asked Frank if he is using the new vehicle to go back and forth.   Frank said he is but once the vehicle is fully in service, it will be used by the rank and file officers.  He will take the Tahoe for his use.  The Tahoe will be getting a radar unit through Car 54.  Don asked where the gas is coming from that the cruiser uses back and forth from Plymouth. Frank explained that he feels it is a privilege to be able to use the vehicle and he is paying for the gas out of his own pocket.  Cindy said that she appreciates that.

Skip Reilly:  Skip said that he was told someone is looking into money he has received as the firearms instructor for the police department.  He stated he has been paid $94.00 this year. 

He asked who was doing this; Cindy told him she was because someone raised a concern to her about his voting on police department issues because he is paid by the department.  She said that it makes a conflict of interest for him to be on the budget committee.  Skip replied that he does not make the budget, he does not submit the budget, he is not a department head; therefore under 32:15 he is able to serve on the budget committee.  Skip said he can recuse himself from voting on police department issues on the committee.  Cindy also asked about Peg voted on police department issues as well.  When Skip asked who contacted Cindy, she replied that she did not have to tell him. 

Merry Ruggirello:  Merry asked if this issue was discussed with the board or did Cindy go out and investigate it on her own with discussing it with the other members. Cindy said she has every right to ask questions.  Two or three people asked her about it.  Cindy explained that she has talked with a lot of people in the past two weeks to find out if she stands alone on her view regarding Frank.  Merry asked if Cindy is doing this as a private person or as a member of the board of selectmen.  Cindy said as a selectman.  Cindy said she called LGC because she did not know how to respond to the question. 

Peg Reilly:  Peg stated that she is resigning as of the end of this meeting and she would like to tell people why.  In all her years in business, she has never seen a group of people as vicious, malicious and vindictive as there are in this town.  There is a telephone campaign going on, and there are detrimental statements being made about the previous board, about her, about the chief, about anybody who does not agree with someone’s agendas and vendettas.  Peg will not stand for it.  Peg stated she did not realize that Don felt the same way, but in some past years the board of selectmen was the laughing stock of neighboring towns.  People would sit out in the street and listen to the screaming going on in the selectmen’s meetings.  She did not hear them herself, but people have been talking about it for years.  She thought that it had been taken care of, but it is starting again.  The town is once again the laughing stock.  She cannot put up with it; she is not going to be associated with that kind of thing.  She has worked a long career and has built a professional reputation and she will not have them destroyed by being involved in this.  Ethically and professionally, she just cannot do it.  There have been times when the audience has been bullied and she feels that they probably go home feeling like a battered wife or husband.  She has felt that way herself at times.  It is not right, and she is not going to have any part of it.  Peg thanked the audience members for their support, for the people who came to the meetings and participated.  She appreciates their time, especially since everyone is so busy.  It is very important for them to come because the board learns by listening to the audience.  Peg thanked Christie for all her help.  She said that without her, a lot of things wouldn’t happen.  Peg thanked Don for his input over the last months and wished him luck.  To all the department heads and the volunteers---you are so important to the town and you do not get recognized enough.  Peg wanted them to know that they are important.  The audience gave her a round of applause.
Peg said the resignation is non-negotiable.  She there are a lot of things being said that people should not believe.  If the government of this town implodes, it is because of unfounded rumors.  She turned her keys and her resignation letter over to Christie. 

Ann Hall:        Ann said that the wrong person is resigning.

Sue Cheney:   A few years back she looked at how many good people have resigned from service in this time, and it was a large number.  They resigned because they could not work with the powers that were in place or associated with them.

Terry Willette:              Terry said that he hauls water all over and what Peg said about people laughing about this town is true.  He has heard it from people in Wolfeboro, on the Vermont border, in Maine, etc.  What a joke!

Frank Hinkle:  Frank said that he came to this town because he felt New Hampshire was really where he wanted to live and he still believes that.  When he first got to this town and he or Cat would call another agency, they would literally hang up when they found out it was the Alexandria Police Department.  Since then, mutual aid agreements have been signed with Bristol, Hebron, Groton, Danbury, Hill, Orange and Plymouth.  He has been named to the board of directors for Voices Against Violence, a position which typically went to the Plymouth chief.  Frank said he has worked very had to gain credibility in the area.  It’s not going to help that Peg is resigning.  He doesn’t have any iron in this fire because he doesn’t live in Alexandria; however, he does work here and wants to do the best for the town.  He will continue to try to stick it out because he does not believe in laying down for bullies.  Don’t ever mistake the department’s nice face and their community policing as a sign of weakness.

Terry Willette:  Terry said he would hate to see a Colebrook in this town.  There are a lot of people in this town getting sick of what is going on. 

Merry Ruggirello:   She said her heart goes out to Peg; she realizes why she is doing this.

            Peg:  She asked Jeff when the five day work week begins.  Jeff said when the time changes.

Jeff.  Jeff stated he is sorry to see Peg go.  He hopes the room is paying attention to all the good people that the town is losing.  He was laughed at when he told people he was leaving Wickes for Alexandria. 

Adjournment:  Meeting was adjourned at 8:41 p.m. by a vote of 3-0.

Respectfully submitted,

Christie Phelps, AA

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