TOWN OF ALLENSTOWN
SELECTMEN'S OFFICE
16 SCHOOL STREET
ALLENSTOWN, NEW HAMPSHIRE 03275
SELECTMEN'S PUBLIC MEETING 1/12/2004
Sandra A. McKenney, Chairperson of the Board of Selectmen in the Town of Allenstown, opened the meeting at 7:00 PM on Monday, January 12, 2004.
Present were Chairperson McKenney, Arthur G. Houle, Benjamin E. Fontaine, Jr., Selectmen; David M. Jodoin, Administrative Assistant; Robert and Debby Lee; and James Rodger.
Mr. Lee had an issue with one of the new Zoning Ordinances, in specific Article #6, To amend Open Space and Farming Zone Article VI, to change the minimum lot size by deleting subsection 601 a and replacing it as follows: "Single family dwellings, provided that no such dwelling shall be located on a lot with less than two hundred (200) feet of frontage along one street with a minimum of five acres in size. Two family dwellings may also be permitted on lots with two hundred (200) feet of frontage along one street with a minimum of ten (10) acres in size."
Mr. Lee feels he should be grandfathered because he is already in an approved subdivision. He presently has a 2-acre lot next to his residence that would become a non-forming use if this ordinance passes. Mr. Lee asked Jim Rodger why he had not called the members of the Board for another meeting when he was asked to have another meeting by Mr. Lee. Mr. Rodger stated that he had no opportunity for another hearing as there was no time to put an ad in the newspaper to publicize the new hearing. Board members were not called. Chairman McKenney told Mr. Rodger that the members should have been called and that was not right.
The Selectmen stated that nothing could be done this year but the article could be amended on next year's warrant. Mr. Lee requested the Selectmen confer with the Town Attorney and that they follow up with a letter or phone call.
Fire Chief Everett Chaput met with the Selectmen to ask for reconsideration on Article 12: To see if the Town will vote to enter into a ten (10) year lease purchase of a 780 gallon/1500 gallons per minute Rescue Pumper and a 1500 gallon/1500 gallon per minute Pumper at a cost of Six Hundred Forty Nine Thousand Dollars ($649,000), and to further raise and appropriate the sum of Seventy Eight Thousand Three Hundred Sixty Four Dollars $78,364) for the first year payment. (This article is not recommended by the Board of Selectmen and not recommended by the Budget Committee. Estimated tax impact is 37 cents). The Selectmen stated that the Town cannot afford this.
Reconsider Article 15: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Fifty Thousand Six Hundred Eighty Four Dollars ($50,684) which comprises salary and benefits for the hiring of two (2) new full time firefighters. The above salary and benefits is for six months only. (This article is not recommended by the Board of Selectmen and is not recommended by the Budget Committee). Estimated tax impact is 24 cents). The Selectmen did not change their vote.
The Selectmen discussed Purchase Orders with Fire Chief Chaput.
The Fire Chief wanted David to check if the part-time firefighters had gotten their 2.5% raise last July.
The Fire Chief would like the Selectmen to consider the Fire Department when a police cruiser becomes available. They would use the car for emergencies. Chairperson McKenney stated that the Building Department needs a Town car as she has been using her own car to go on inspections.
The Selectmen received a letter of resignation from Donald Bergevin of the Supervisors of the Checklist. The Supervisors appointed Gabby Daneault to replace him.
On motion of Arthur Houle, seconded by Benjamin Fontaine, to go into Non-Public, according to RSA 91-A 3 II c, motion passed. Roll call vote: Sandra McKenney, yes; Benjamin Fontaine, yes; Arthur Houle, yes. The Selectmen went into non-public at 8:12 PM.
Fire Chief Chaput discussed the Fire alarm charges which will be charges to Town businesses. There has to be a public hearing on this. Has the ordinance been drafted yet?
Chairperson McKenney stated there was a Joint Loss Management meeting on Monday, January 12th, with Tom McDermott from NHMA to go over violations of safety in town buildings. She showed the Selectmen and the Chief pictures taken at the Fire Station showing safety violations. Most of the violations are housekeeping ones and more organization is recommended.
Chairperson McKenney stated that Carol Martel of the Historical Society is getting a group together to go to the State for a meeting regarding the Allenstown Meeting house. Gabby Daneault should be asked to be on that committee.
Chairperson McKenney stated that there is a meeting on January 21, for the Allenstown Revitalization Association. She would like someone to take over as she has too many other commitments. The group will sponsor the Senior Luncheon again this year.
There was a meeting at the State House regarding bill 1292 regarding State representatives. Allenstown has no representative right now and we need to be recognized like Hooksett and Pembroke. Attending the meeting was Gabby Daneault, Arthur Houle, Peter Viar, and Jim Rodger.
The Selectmen discussed setting up a meeting with Tri-Town.
There is no meeting next week, in observance of Civil Rights Day
The next meeting is scheduled for January 26th. Holiday Acres personnel would like to meet with the Selectmen regarding additions to the Park. The group needs to go to the Planning Board. There is nothing the Selectmen can do.
The school public hearing is Tuesday, January 13th, and the Town public hearing is Thursday, January 15th. Both meetings are at Allentown Elementary School at 7 PM.
The meeting adjourned at 10:30 PM.
SANDRA A. MCKENNEY, CHAIRPERSON
BENJAMIN E. FONTAINE, JR., SELECTMAN
ARTHUR G. HOULE, SELECTMAN