TOWN OF ALLENSTOWN

SELECTMEN'S OFFICE

16 SCHOOL STREET

ALLENSTOWN, NEW HAMPSHIRE 03275

SELECTMEN'S PUBLIC MEETING 2/3/2003

Benjamin E. Fontaine, Jr., Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, opened the meeting 0f 2/3/03 at 7:00 PM.

Present at the meeting were Benjamin E. Fontaine, Jr., Chairman; Arthur G. Houle, Selectman; Sandra A. McKenney, Selectperson; and David M. Jodoin, Administrative Assistant.

Also present were citizens of the Town; Ken Messing, Robin McAfee, Rick Morin, Jennifer Morin, Ray Hamel, Paul Genest, Mike Smith and Police Chief Jim McGonigle.

A public hearing was held to determine if the stop signs at Highland Street and Oak Street and Granite Street should be removed or left on. Mr. Messing spoke against keeping the signs because he felt there should also be stop signs at Letendre and Lincoln and Granite Streets and his proposal was denied. The people who live on Granite and Highland Streets were in favor of keeping the stop signs. Discussion ensued stating that the real problem in the area was speed and that the stop signs were not working. After much discussion, Chief McGonigle suggested tabling the matter for 60 days, while his department tries to enforce the speed limits and emphasize the safety of the children to the speeders.

Arthur Houle made a motion, seconded by Sandra McKenney to table the matter for 60 days and then reconvene the public hearing after the police department offers more information on the matter.

The Selectmen met with Karen Gendreau and Jim Rodger, Parks and Recreation Commissioners, to discuss the Boys and Girls proposal to operate the Recreation Center as a pilot program, to be open on Friday evenings, starting on February 21, from 3-7 for ages 6-12.

Patricia Gardner, another Parks and Rec. Commissioner, could not be present but wanted to know if she could operate the Center on Saturday for a program for young children. Chairman Fontaine suggested she come in at a later date to discuss her program.

Shaun Mulholland of the Police Department spoke about the ballfields on River Road. The work has not been completed and Keyspan has not returned a phone call to David regarding their help with the project. Chairman Fontaine suggested someone from the Rec. Department meet with the priest at Pine Haven to let him know that the Town cannot fulfill their commitment at this time but are working on it. As soon as the weather permits, the ground will be leveled and a fence will be erected.

A motion was made by Arthur Houle, seconded by Sandra McKenney, to encumber $22,000 from the Parks and Recreation budget to apply towards the ball field project. Motion passed unanimously.

There was a discussion on the Renaissance project regarding the charge for the summer program. The price has gone up 50%. A full day at the school will now cost $130.00. Karen Gendreau did not know that the price went up. She will contact Mark Maroney, Director of Renaissance to discuss the matter.

The Selectmen met with Brenda LaFratta, who has a Day Care center on Chester Turnpike and who is interested in having a summer program at the Recreation Center. The Selectmen have to come up with a policy as to who is allowed to use the Center. When they do, they will inform Brenda and go from there.

The Selectmen discussed a citizen's request for a street light at the corner of Hamel and Cross Streets and another at the corner of Granite and Letendre Avenue. After some discussion, the Selectmen asked the Police Department if they can check these areas and tell the Selectmen if they feel street lights are needed in those areas.

The Selectmen met with Don Peloquin and Rob Martin to discuss the potential charges for master boxes. There is a meeting at City Hall in Concord next week. It was suggested that someone from the Board attend; David will stop in to get an agenda for that meeting.

David will post two Town positions in the Monitor and Union Leader regarding the Fire Chief position and the Code/Building Officer position.

Sandra McKenney reported on the meeting of the Joint Loss Management Plan held Monday afternoon. Mr. McDermott, from NHMA has taken pictures of different departments in Town and will prepare a summary and meet with Department Heads to discuss his findings of safety issues that need to be taken care of. In the meantime, any housekeeping that needs to be repaired should be done.

Sandra McKenney reported that David is writing a letter to the State Representatives regarding ATVs and a flyer is being prepared for the upcoming meeting of 2/26. Chairman Fontaine would like to read the flyer before he discusses the matter.

The Selectmen will discuss what they want to do with the Fire Chief's position and send their decision to the Attorney for approval or disapproval.

Sandra McKenney made a motion, seconded by Arthur Houle to accept the minutes of the Selectmen's meeting of 1/27/02. Motion passed unanimously.

David reported that he would like to finalize the personnel plan before the elections.

The meeting adjourned at 9:30 PM.

BENJAMIN E. FONTAINE, JR. CHAIRMAN

ARTHUR G. HOULE, SELECTMAN

SANDRA A. MCKENNEY, SELECTPERSON