Alexandria Board of Selectmen
February 17, 2009
Members Present: Cindy Williams and Tom McGowan
Work Session: At 5:00 p.m., the selectmen began their work session on possible changes to the personnel policy. The changes discussed will be brought up for vote at a subsequent meeting.
Public Hearing: At 5:30 representatives from the Newfound Area School District, Marie Ross, Sue Cheney, Mary Campbell and Archie Auger, were present in order to hold a public hearing on Article 6 of the school district’s 2009 warrant. Article 6 asks whether or not the voters wish to give authority to the school budget committee to form the default budget. It is presently determined by the school board. Mr. Auger spoke for the article; the others against. Questions from the audience were fielded; however, the final outcome will not be known until the votes are tallied on March 10. Marie Ross stated that there have been some changes in the reporting structures of expenditures and budgets, using a gross base budgeting method that is required by the state. The public hearing was adjourned at 6:35 p.m.
Deliberative Session:
The minutes of January 27 were approved by a vote of 2-0.
Fire Chief, Dennis Manchester, was in to clarify an amendment that his department would like voted on at town meeting. Christie said that she would write it. Cindy asked how many certified firefighters are in the department. Dennis replied that there are 12 and the Ladies Auxiliary is buying them new turnout gear.
Police Chief, Donald Sullivan, was in to give his monthly report and the stats on last month’s activity. He is making changes to his department to bring it in line with the proposed budget. This will include an increase in the number of hours that State Police will be on call. The statistics generated by the department will be used to determine what days and hours require the presence of an Alexandria officer. Animal Control calls will be filtered through to an officer on duty rather than the ACO unless a transport is necessary. Don has applied for an Irving fuel cards for the department in order to save some money. At the present time, the vehicles go to New Hampton to fuel up. If the Irving station in Bristol is closed, New Hampton or Hill may be used as alternatives. Christie asked if the town would be eligible for patrol grants through N.H. Highway Safety. Don said that is a possibility if there is a Highway Safety Committee in town. Christie stated that there is and she will ask Jeff to put Don on the list of members.
Transfer Station: Christie said that members of the recycling committee met with Adam Clark today at the transfer station. The questions to be answered at this time are: Is the 40 yd. container at the station too large to use for glass; is it cost effective to use Bestway as a co-mingled container vendor; what are we going to do with aluminum cans; what are we going to do about white goods. Christie was directed to work with Helen and Steen Gilpatric to get some answers. Adam will be gathering some information for the town to use in making decisions. There is, however, an answer to one question---there is no need for a cover over the paper container.
Cindy asked if the smoke detectors are in place yet. Christie said they are not, she needs to talk with Bob McArthur at 1-2-3. Cindy asked about the parking lot lights—Christie said that Cat had called the electrician again and will keep after him.
There will be no meeting next week.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Christie Phelps,
Town Administrator