Present: Leslie Hammond

John R. Swindlehurst, III

Janice VandeBogart, Town Administrator

7:00 PM

Chairman Graybill was out of town and unable to attend.

The Selectmen reviewed an invoice submitted by the Librarian regarding repairs to the alarm system, (upstairs in the TownHall) due to a recent lightning strike. Although the alarm system was put in by the Library Trustees and considered part of their maintenance, the Selectmen agreed to pay the bill. The amount of the invoice was $114.00.

Meeting with Planning Board members: Planning Board members James Marcou, Ken Swayze, Carter Higginbotham, George Holt and Alison Vallieres were in to go over next Wednesday’s agenda of the Planning Board.

Planning Board Agenda for September 18, 2002:

1. Belanger proposed subdivision off Stark Lane. The engineering plans were not up to speed at the last month’s meeting and as of this date the board still has not received copies of the revisions. The Planning Board is considering just answering questions that the public may have at the 9/18/02 meeting because they cannot proceed without these revised plans.

2. Keefe proposed 9 lot subdivision off Route 77. This meeting would deal only with the acceptance or denial of the application.

3. Swindlehurst/Neer subdivision and lot line adjustment. No plans have been received to date so this will have to be tabled until October.

OTHER:

A letter was submitted to the Planning Board from Jan VandeBogart, Road Agent and Jon Wiggin, Fire Chief outlining their recommendations for the size of “hammerheads” and “culdesacs” acceptable for all future subdivisions in town (see attached).

Master Plan: The boards discussed putting the job out to bid for RFPs. The Planning Board has spoken to RKG Associates, the firm that wrote the present Master Plan, and to Central N. H. Regional Planning Commission about coming to meet with them at their next work session which is scheduled for 11/6/02. They would discuss the possibility of updating the present master plan which would save lots of money or completing a whole new plan. (There would be no charge for the visit.) The boards discussed the possibility of putting money aside for this purpose and having the Master Plan done over a period of 2 to 3 years to cushion the cost.

Bob Perry: The boards reviewed a letter received from Bob Perry (see attached) Mr. Perry proposes to build four (4) four-family units (total of 16 units) on a 52 acre piece of land off Morse Road. Questions were asked regarding the possibility of him having to have a Site Plan Review, and how fire suppression should be handled. A copy of the letter will be forwarded to the fire chief. Mr. Perry will be in for an informal discussion at the 9/18/02 meeting of the Planning Board.

Vacancy on Planning Board: There is still a vacancy on the planning board for one alternate. The Planning Board requested a list of all those interested for their review and they will in turn make recommendation to the Board of Selectmen for appointment.

Meeting with Planning Board adjourned at 7:40pm.

Jon Wiggin, Fire Chief: Chief Wiggin reported that Billy Don Smith had completed the work at the fire station, installation of windows and siding, to his and the building department’s satisfaction. He did say that Billy Don would be doing a few other things that the Chief requested which were extra and the Selectmen gave their blessing.

The Chief reported that with the help of Senator Bob Smith and Congressman Charlie Bass the fire department would be receiving a Federal Grant in the amount of $38,700. This money would be for the purchase of new breathing apparatus – the present equipment is over 20 years old – and the purchase of an air compressor to fill the packs. The grant must be used within one year. Also, 10% of the costs would be paid by the Fire Department and Chief Wiggin stated that he has money in his budget to cover this. The Selectmen were extremely pleased and would follow up with a letter of gratitude to Senator Smith and Congressman Bass.

Jeff Nelson, Police Chief: The Chief presented a Letter of Commendation to Officer Rene Forcier for his job performance regarding the Bruzga Burglary. The Chief stated that Officer Forcier demonstrated good restraint and judgment in detaining four suspects until backup could arrive. Officer Forcier was present to accept. Congratulations to Officer Forcier!

The Chief also awarded a Letter of Commendation to Auxiliary Officer Lennie LaMarca for his actions in regard to two recent arrests. (Officer LaMarca was not present.) Congratulations to Officer LaMarca!

The Chief presented the Selectmen with a copy of the Police Department’s new Training Manual. This manual will be used to train new officers as well as used by the present department.

Police Secretary, Pam Goodick, left in August to accept another job. Through the efforts of a view board made up of non-department personnel, and interviews done by the Chief, Barbara McCann of Morse Road in Dunbarton was chosen to replace Pam as Secretary. Barbara started the Wednesday after Labor Day and Chief Nelson stated that he and the department are very pleased with her work.

The Chief proposed the following changes in the department: He would like to move Lennie LaMarca from Auxiliary Officer to part time police officer. He would attend the Police Academy in February of 2003. To appoint Bethia LaMarca and George Paterson as Auxiliary Officers. (Auxiliary Officers are volunteers, no compensation)

J R. Swindlehurst made the motion to appoint Leonard LaMarca as a part time Police Officer and George Paterson and Bethia LaMarca as Auxiliary Officers. The motion was seconded by Les Hammond, vote was in the affirmative.

The Chief presented the Selectmen with the following items:

1. Traffic survey of Stark Highway South, Barnard Hill Road and Gorham Pond Road. Based on the survey, he recommended that the speed limit on Gorham Pond Road be changed from 35 MPH to 30 MPH. Stark Highway South, he recommended no passing zones, that the road be striped with double yellow lines. The Chief also made a comment that he had received a complaint about the shoulders on Robert Rogers Road. The Selectmen stated that the Highway Department was working on a machine to take care of fixing the shoulders and would be working there within the next couple of weeks.

2. Ordinance-Parks, Recreation and Conservation Land: The Chief reviewed this ordinance with the Board of Selectmen. It was decided to hold a public hearing on the acceptance of the ordinance and to place the proposed ordinance on the web page for public review. (See attached copies).

3. Officers: The chief had compiled information regarding departments within the state of towns our size and how they compare with Dunbarton. (See attached copies).

4. Budget for 2003: The chief discussed the hiring of another full time officer and the costs related. He discussed other items added to the budget such as the installation of DSL, alarms, uniforms for new officer, etc. Under physical plant the chief stated that he would like to construct an entrance where the secretary could view who was there with an installed video camera and the person could state their business before entering the office. Also, the installation of new locks on the doors and to build more storage space in the basement. He discussed two proposed warrant articles, one for the purchase of all new portable radios and the purchase of a computer reporting system. The second item could be funded with the aid of a grant and the town would only pay 10% (see attached copies of complete report.)

Motion to adjourn was made by Les Hammond, all in favor.

Meeting was adjourned at 9:25PM

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Leslie G. Hammond

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John R. Swindlehurst

Dunbarton Board of Selectmen

Minutes recorded by: Janice VandeBogart, Town Administrator