Members Present: Bob Bacon, H.R. Reilly and Cindy Williams

Work Session:

Christie asked to review the health insurance premium increase so that LGC and the employees can be notified of any changes. It was decided to let the employees vote on whether they want to increase their premiums or go to a program with deductibles. Cindy said she would like to see the town pay for a single coverage insurance policy without any contribution from the employee. If the employees vote for an increased premium the change would be from $100 to $117 per month for two-person coverage and $125 to $158 +- per month for family coverage. Cindy asked to see the premiums from Cigna for the same program Blue Cross is proposing. Christie will provide them at the next meeting.

Court Appointed Special Advocates has submitted a first-time request for funds in 2007. This will be added to the budget process so the town can decide. Bob stated that while these organizations are all good, the budget requests need to be watched so they do not get out of hand.

The people who did the deed research for Barbara said for $50 they will take a look at our unknown properties and get back to us with a price of what it will take to complete the task. Bob asked if they are insured; Christie said she does have a certificate of insurance upstairs.

Christie asked if there is any interest in a Waste Management dumpster out back for the trash. It would cost $70/month. Bob asked her to check with Bestway and Reliable for pricing as well. Dumpster Depot was contacted, but they do not have any closed dumpsters. The recyclable paper will still be put in boxes for disposal in the paper container at the transfer station. Peg said that she got a complaint about Doug’s use of the word “flatlanders” in the newspaper. It was pointed out that Doug came from the “flatlands” as well.

Hardwick Timber has been contacted and informed that the selectmen still need to see them. Cindy commented that she went to a forestry seminar on Tuesday and they talked about requiring bonds on something like that. You have to be careful as other heavy trucks would be continuing to use the road and may cause damage other than the company posting the bond. Bob said the road has been posted for weight limits, but had no problem perhaps posting a bond for a percentage of problems that might occur.

The planning board is going to write to members who do not come to meetings to see if they are interested in continuing their membership. The selectmen need not do anything at this point.

The painting on the end of town hall will further overdraw the general government buildings maintenance fund. Are the selectmen still interested in having it done? Overall, the operating budget is fine; there is enough in other areas to fund it. The selectmen would like to have it done. BPS plans to have the side where the construction trailer is done by the end of the year.

Peg asked about the water easement. Cindy suggested that it be looked at and talked about. Cindy said that the Fraser’s subdivision has been approved and they have given the town an easement for a turnaround in front of their house. Bob asked if the erosion problem is going to be addressed. Cindy said it is.

Peg said Virginia Duggan was at the budget committee meeting last night and said that she cannot make the November 29 meeting with the community center. Peg reviewed the information that the center had provided in advance of their meeting. It said that there was a Travel Raffle held and the center made $9,500 on it. They are going to have one every month; the next one is Bermuda. There are fifty tickets to be sold. Cindy asked if the $10,000 donation is in the revenues. Peg said Skip asked about that and was told that the property is not finished yet and the donation is not due yet. They expect to get it in 2007. Cindy said she understood that, so is the amount listed in the revenues. Cindy asked if they are set up as a charity; Peg did not know.

Rental of Town Hall: The town hall has been rented at a price of $50/4 classes for a dance instruction class that has been shifted from the community center due to the Christmas Village. Cindy said the instructor cannot sign the agreement because she is not a town resident—that was a warrant article passed at a previous town meeting. Peg reminded everyone that the town will need a certificate of insurance. Need to review the policy to see if it needs upgrading.

Alexandria Village School Concert: Peg asked if it is open to the public….she was told yes and it is held here at town hall.

Cindy talked with Local Government Center about grade levels. She was told to send some information along to LGC and they will look to see if they need to be updated.

Cindy asked if the town does temporary accesses for logging roads. Bob said he did not think so. Cindy suggested that when an intent to cut form is given out, the applicant also be given an application for a driveway permit. There is a section on there for logging roads. These need to be checked by the road agent. An intent came in today and Christie will have Jeff check it before the selectmen sign off.

Backhoe on Berry Road: Jeff is taking care of this.

Cindy asked for the town’s attorney to be contacted to weigh in on the issue of a contract with the town clerk/tax collector. Bob said the only way you can change what the town voted some years ago, which was salary and benefits, is to make another proposal at town meeting. Peg stated that she thinks most people in the town are very satisfied with the tax collector as it is now. She doesn’t believe an article diminishing the benefits would pass. Cindy is concerned that the tax collector is not working forty hours as outlined in the letter of employment. Bob said the letter of employment only covered until election time. Peg said the statutes outline different requirements for different positions. Bob said he hasn’t heard any complaints and he thinks the issue is a can of worms that, if opened, will not have any winners. Cindy agreed the tax collector has done a good job; there just aren’t a lot of hours open to the public. Bob asked how many complaints have been received; Christie said none. Bob suggested to Cindy that if she receives any complaints, she should direct that person to the selectmen’s office to fill out a complaint form.

Pledge of Allegiance: Led by Ed Skroback

Distribution of Minutes:

November 9, 2006

Approval of Minutes:

None

Department Heads:

George Whittaker: Alexandria Town Hall has been designated as a pandemic meeting place. He will be attending more meetings on the subject of pandemics. Peg asked if Frank has been added to the list of people to be notified of meetings. George said that has been done.

Frank Hinkle: Since taking over on October 15, his department has responded to four vandalism calls, three downed wires, three police service calls, two domestic disturbance calls, three motor vehicle accidents as well as some ongoing investigations. He has visited the one-room school house, has met with the Newfound Area Chiefs Association, the historical society, and he has signed mutual aid agreements with several towns. He has also met with Mr. Bedard in order to reopen the pistol range. There are area departments that wish to use the range in addition to Alexandria. Three members of the department will be attending a Hostage Negotiation class tomorrow.

Jeff Cantara: Brought in some purchase orders to fix the bridge on Bailey Road.

Selectmen’s Meetings: November 9, 16, 21, 29 and 30

Budget Committee: November 8, 15 and 29

Budget Hearings for Newfound School District-5 p.m. on 11/14, 11/16, 11/27

Alexandria Village School Christmas Concert-December 14, 2006 @ 6:00 p.m.

License agreement signed with Barck for turnaround on Knowles Hill Road

Purchase Order for Cohen Steel signed-$1280

Purchase Order for Office Depot signed-$864.88

Two purchase orders for BB Chain-$619.00 each

Purchase Order for Wild Horse Welding-$5,000 maximum for Bailey Road

Classification of Roads for Building Permits

Policy Review

R.A./Pl. Bd./Sel. To work on updated road ordinance

Use of Town Equipment:

Attorney Retainer:

Washburn Bridge:

Russ Lowell: Asked for permission to fill in some low spots on unmaintained portion of Gale Road for snowmobile trails. Selectmen told him to get permission from abutting landowners.

Bob Bacon announced his resignation as selectman as he has sold his house in Alexandria and is no longer a resident.