Alexandria Board of Selectmen
July 3, 2008
Members Present: Cindy Williams, Don Gangemi and Tom McGowan
WORK SESSION: The work session came to order at 5:04 p.m. with all members present. The selectmen asked to meet with Ernie Parmenter, who has agreed to be interim chief for Alexandria. Cindy Williams welcomed Ernie and asked if he has been sworn in….he has. Ernie stated in a memo that he would be willing to serve up to a year, would average 25 hours per week and is requesting a salary of $2500/month, payable once a month. Ernie said he would like to hire a part-time officer. Christie said that the personnel action request for one had already been signed. Cindy asked if there is enough equipment for another officer. Ernie replied that he would need to purchase a new vest and some uniform items. The best is a big ticket item, but cannot be passed from one officer to another because it is fitted to the individual. The cost for everything would be about $1,000. The selectmen asked Ernie to hold off hiring until it is determined if one of the three applicants for chief is chosen. A new radio may need to be purchased in order to provide adequate communication for the new cruiser. In the meantime, the radio from the old cruiser will be placed in the new cruiser. Further information will be forthcoming. Ernie suggested that he might consider being the full-time chief of the town, with the addition of a full-time officer. Don Gangemi suggested that Ernie submit a proposal of how this would work. Don explained that the selectmen would like to see a flow of non-confidential information to the selectmen’s office such a monthly calls for service, etc. The selectmen request that department heads meet with them once a month with an update of activity. They are welcome to come to every meeting if they wish. Ernie explained that all three of the people he has on staff right now are people he needs. Ernie let the selectmen know that he is not a real fan of e-mail. He also let the selectmen know that Officer Williamson will be on duty for community day. Cindy reminded Ernie that he has a fairly new animal control officer under his department. Ernie said that he has met her and will talk with her soon. Ernie would like the animal control ordinance put on the warrant for consideration again this year. Christie explained to Ernie that the selectmen approved a $25 transport fee to be collected by the NH Humane Society from the owners of animals that are taken there by the town. They will keep track of the money they collect and remit it to the town once a month.
DELIBERATIVE SESSION:
Pledge of Allegiance given.
The members of the Alexandria Recreation Advisory Council, ARAC, came to talk with the selectmen about what they would like to do with the Alexandria Village School until such time as it is decided whether or not it will be a charter school. They would like to offer varying programs in the building. They are suggesting that the town lease the building to them, in a similar fashion as the Tucker House, or a memorandum of understanding as suggested by Don Gangemi. Don requested that ARAC prepare a narrative of what the activities would be, what the responsibilities of the committee would be for the ongoing care and feeding of the building. Don said that paragraphs 2 & 3 of the memo that the committee submitted might be able to be used by the attorney to prepare the memorandum of understanding.
The next meeting will begin with a work session at 5:00 p.m.
Items Requiring Signature: The following items were signed—
An intent to cut for George Morrison
A delinquent tax repayment agreement
For B for Frank and Ernie
Payroll check for Sue Cheney
Old Business:
Cole Hill Road has a new railing and will soon have new running planks
CERT Team-Christie was asked to contact the person who heads the CERT
Team for Bristol and ask them to meet with the selectmen
New Business:
A regional selectmen’s meeting will be held on July 17 at the old Bristol Town Hall at
7:00 p.m.
The Board of Tax and Land Appeals is now requiring town to attempt a mediation meeting
with anyone who has filed with BTLA prior to a hearing date being set.
Colin Brown needs the width of Mundy Road before he can complete the survey. Jeff suggested
four rods; 22’ pavement, 2’ shoulders, 26’ traveled way.
The selectmen set a time and date of 4:30 on July 17 to review a potential problem on King Road.
Doug Paterson wrote a memo to the selectmen indicating that he does not want the transfer station
to be opened on Sunday again. He does not want to work Sunday and feels that people from other
towns try to bring trash to Alexandria because their town is not open.
Christie has been asked about the Huckins property and who jurisdiction it is to declare it unfit
for habitation. Christie told the selectmen that she has suggested that the property owner have a
certified home inspector look at the building.
Other Business:
Chip Sawyer, Chief of New Hampton and a member of the Police Search Committee came to ask the selectmen what they are looking for in a new chief. The selectmen and the audience members all gave their opinions. Mr. Sawyer said the information would help him to determine some of the questions he would be asking during the interview process. Interviews will be held on July 16.
Adjournment:
The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Christie Phelps,
Town Administrator