TOWN OF ALLENSTOWN

SELECTMEN'S OFFICE

16 SCHOOL STREET

ALLENSTOWN, NEW HAMPSHIRE 03275

SELECTMEN'S PUBLIC MEETING 4/7/2003

Chairperson Sandra A. McKenney, opened the meeting at 7:00 PM. Present at the meeting was Arthur G. Houle, Benjamin E. Fontaine, Jr., and Chairperson McKenney, Selectmen; David A. Jodoin, Administrative Assistant; Acting Fire Chief Robert Martin.

Arthur Houle made a motion, seconded by Benjamin Fontaine, to go into Non-Public meeting under RSA 91-A, II to discuss a personnel issue. Roll call vote: Benjamin Fontaine, yes, Arthur Houle, yes, Sandra McKenney, yes.

The Public meeting resumed at 7:20 PM.

Acting Chief Robert Martin inquired about the pay raises for Keith Lambert and Robert Martin, full-time firemen, which have been approved by the Budget committee. The raises are retroactive to January 1^st. The Selectmen signed the payroll increases for the two full-time firefighters.

Chairperson McKenney asked Robert Martin if the volunteeers were paid when there was a meeting held at the Fire Station by other departments. Robert said no. She emphasized that there should be no borrowing of tools and equipment that belong to the Fire Department. Employees also should not put their personal vehicles in the bay area.

Chairperson McKenney mentioned that she has not heard from Tom McDermott regarding safety issues brought out at the last meeting of the Joint Loss Management Safety Committee. Mr. McDermott showed us pictures of areas at the Highway Department, and the Fire station that need to be fixed. Chairperson McKenney will take a tour of the buildings.

Robert Martin discussed invoices and grants with the Selectmen. Robert presented an application for a FEMA grant, which needs the approval of the Selectmen before it is mailed out. The Selectmen will review and sign.

Chief Jim McGonigle introduced two new workers in the Police Department.

Tracey Robinson is the new evening secretary receptionist and is being trained by Donna Barnett. Her hours will be 2:30 - 8:30 PM.

Chief McGonigle introduced a new police officer, Jonathan Duchesne, who comes from Dunbarton. He is in training for a month. The Chief said that there is still one vacancy in the department and interviews are being held.

Chief McGonigle discussed a Governmental Program with the Selectmen which provides cruisers for the Police Department at a charge of $1 and you agree to have appropriate advertising on the vehicles. After 3 years, you sell it back to the Company for $1. The Chief has submitted an application, has been approved and needs the Chairman's approval before proceeding further. The Chief mentioned that if this happens, the company will provide Allenstown with 4 vehicles so that the employees will have a vehicle assigned to each officer that they will be able to take home with them.

There was a discussion about ATVs for the Police Department through grants, one from the Bombadiers Company in Canada and the other from John Deere company.

Chief McGonigle went over the Taxicab ordinance with the Selectmen. Discussed was a licensing Board that could consist of the Police Chief, the Town Clerk, and the Administrative Assistant. Also discussed was the application fee of $100 a year. If a customer requests a receipt, it should be granted. The taxi owner should also carry insurance. The Chief will finalize the document so that a public hearing can be held.

The Police Chief also discussed street lights at Cross Street and Hamel; Letendre Avenue and Granite Street. The Chief had his officers review Granite Street for speed. The results showed that the highest speed was 38 and the lowest 18 mph. The vehicles look like they are going faster because of the narrow road and the close proximity of the houses next to the street. The stop signs at Granite and Highland Street were also reviewed. It appears that the stop signs are not serving a purpose. People don't see them, go through them or roll through them. There will be a public hearing on April 21 to discuss the findings.

The Police Department has re-instituted an explorer's program whereby young men and women can observe police officers at work. They range in age from 14-21 and 4 young ladies are now in the program. This program helps young people determine if this is what they want for their future career.

Chairperson McKenney reminded Chief McGonigle that there will be department head meetings on the last Monday of each month.

Selectman Houle discussed a property in Town that does not qualify for current use according to the Town assessor. You must have 10 acres to qualify for current use. Selectman Fontaine mentioned that it was only 5 acres. David Jodoin will check into it and report back to the Selectmen.

Chairperson McKenney will attend a meeting on Thursday regarding a Bike trail going through Allenstown. If that goes through, the federal would pay 80% and the Town or State would pay 20%. The Town would maintain this trail.

The Selectmen inquired if they would be notified of the next meeting to find out how this trail will affect our Town.

Judy Silva is interested in being on the committee which will meet with Commissioner Bald of the Department of Resources and Economic Development regarding ATV trails in Bear Brook State Park.The committee consists of Armand Verville, Philip Trowbridge, Benjamin Fontaine, Carol Martel and Scott Lane. Selectman Fontaine will call Judy to discuss the matter with her and to see if she is interested in being an alternate.

Chairperson McKenney will go to Hooksett for a meeting on Tri-Town ambulance. Ron Adinolfo will also attend the meeting.

Arthur Houle made a motion, seconded by Benjamin Fontaine, to accept the minutes of the Selectmen's meeting of 3/31/03. Motion passed.

Sandra McKenney made a motion, seconded by Arthur Houle to amend the minutes to include old business discussed:

Employee policy is being worked on by the Selectmen and David.

Renumber River Road - Ordinance Numbers. David will see how other Towns are doing it.

Vehicles for Hire - a Public Hearing will be held

Stop signs at Granite and Highland Streets - a public Hearing will be held.

Track hours and cost for ATV calls.

The committee that will meet with Commissioner Bald has alternates: Claudette Verville, Roland Martel, Bob Carney, and Rodger Ferguson.

David is waiting for a letter from Keyspan telling the Town that they will proceed with the work on River Road for the baseball fields. Once we get the letter, David will notify Pine Haven.

The Assessing clerk, Penny Touchette is now working full time.

The meeting adjourned at 9:45 PM.

SANDRA A. MCKENNEY, CHAIRPERSON

ARTHUR G. HOULE, SELECTMAN

BENJAMIN E. FONTAINE, JR. SELECTMAN