TOWN OF DUNBARTON

BOARD OF SELECTMEN

MINUTES OF MEETING

MARCH 27, 2003

Present: Chuck Graybill, Chair

J.R. Swindlehurst III

Steve Kennedy

Janice VandeBogart, Town Administrator

7:00 p.m.,Other Business:

J.R. motioned to grant a 90 day extension to Zabadee Development and Rocko Dipetro for subdivision plans. Chuck seconded the motion. The motion carried.

J.R. motioned to appoint Chuck as Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, which was seconded by Steve. The motion carried.

Janice mentioned that the Historical Awareness Committee is setting up a bank account (at Merrimack County Savings Bank) for the proceeds of the sale of books and would like to have Bud Noyes as signer on the account, with Pam Milioto as alternate.

7:15 p.m. Police Chief Jeff Nelson, re: Recognition of Officers

Chief Nelson presented commendations to the following officers/staff of the Police Dept.:

1. Joe Milioto in recognition of his help with the state accreditation process

2. Scott Wilson in recognition of his help with the state accreditation process and renovations to the station

3. Rene Forcier in recognition of his help with the state accreditation process, the alarm system and his reading to the kindergarten students at the school. Chief Nelson praised the officers for all of the time and energy they devoted.

4. Barbara McCann in recognition of her resolving the Cushman snow dilemma and her help with the state accreditation process

5. Beth LaMarca in recognition of her help with the state accreditation process

6. George Patterson in recognition of his help with the state accreditation process.

Next, a lengthy discussion regarding the hiring of a Master Patrolman in the Police Dept. took place. Steve reviewed a meeting that took place with Chief Nelson, in which he spent 1 1/2 hours with him, reviewing the personnel policy of the Town and the requirements for accreditation. Steve expressed concern about the hiring process. Jeff Nelson wants the best candidate. Steve also indicated that he visited the Goffstown Selectmen to obtain pay scales of their police force who have worked for 10 years or more, including the step process, and is concerned about the career path. Jeff described the Department's career path and agrees with the concept of having a career path. He indicated that the new personnel plan includes longevity, and five pay scales.

Jeff indicated that he did publicly post the position on a Friday and Saturday in the Union Leader, seeking a Master Patrolman with at least 10 years experience. Jeff indicated that he received two applicants; one did not meet the 10 year requirement.

Steve indicated that he doesn't feel that we got enough applications, and that he doesn't feel that Jeff has benefitted the Town with just one qualified applicant. He would like to see a longer job posting period.

Chuck reviewed the procedure that was followed when the Town hired Jeff as Police Chief. He indicated that it was posted on the internet, they received 17-20 applicatns from all over the U.S. Out of state applicants were eliminated and 80% of the in-state applicants didn't meet the criteria. Chuck feels that the posting period was long enough.

J.R. noted that articles in the Union Leader announced the Police Dept.'s plans to expand, giving further opportunities for interested police officers to inquire about the expansion. Jeff indicated that the average salary for a sargeant was $65,000-$70,000. He feels 100% confident in this applicant. He feels strongly that he has found the right person.

J.R. feels that the high qualifications are necessary due to the nature of the job, including that there will be no direct supervision. Jeff indicated that the officers unanimously said this is the type of person they would like to work with.

Chuck emphasized his feeling that the Board accept and look for recommendations from department heads and committee chairs. He mentioned that previous Boards made these decisions and he doesn't think it is appropriate.

Steve feels that the written offer should include a statement that this is a second shift position. Jeff indicated that the office would work when Jeff needs him to work, which would normally be second shift, but that he could be called on to work at other times, if there is a significant incident. He indicated that his(the Chief's) position is 70% administrative and 30% patrol. Jeff also offered that since the Master Patrolman position is not an entry level position, he doesn't feel that he needs a larger pool of applicants.

7:55 p.m. Steve motioned to move to non-public session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3;II(b), to discuss a personnel matter. J.R. second the motion. The motion carried.

Steve motioned that Jeff Nelson make the conditional offer, and have the applicant come in and meet the Board. J.R. seconded the motion. The motion carried.

8:25 p.m. Chuck motioned, which was seconded by J.R., to end non-public session. The motion carried.

8:28 p.m. Lori Davis, re: recordkeeping

Lori came in to express her concern over what she feels is inconsistent bookkeeping at the Transfer Station. J. R. indicated that there is not always a category perfectly suited for every item. Chuck doesn't feel that it is materially significant and thanked Lori for bringing it to the Board's attention. Steve agreed to look over the bookkeeping.

8:40 p.m. Tom Gleason, re: inspection of bags at the Transfer Station

Tom Gleason accused Woody Bowne of "character assassination" by requiring that each bag be inspected. He feels that it is harrassment. Tom has been prohibited from using the Hopkinton Transfer Station until approved by the Selectmen. Chuck feels it is an inconvenience and that the checks should be random. J.R. feels that whatever Woody feels is necessary is okay with him. Steve asked Tom what he feels the remedy should be if a bag is found to contain trash from Hopkinton? He would like to have a discussion with both commercial haulers and determine the remedy. In the meantime, Steve impressed upon Tom to be cooperative with Woody.

9:02 p.m. Chuck motioned to adjourn, which was seconded by J.R. The motion carried.

________________________________________________________________

Chuck Graybill, Chairman

________________________________________________________________

J.R. Swindlehurst, III, Selectman

________________________________________________________________

Steve Kennedy, Selectman

Respectfully Submitted,

Joanne Johnson