TOWN OF ALLENSTOWN

SELECTMEN’S OFFICE

16 CROSS STREET

ALLENSTOWN, NEW HAMPSHIRE 03275

SELECTMEN’S PUBLIC MEETING 8/12/2002

Benjamin E. Fontaine, Jr., Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, opened the meeting at 7:01 PM. Present were Chairman Fontaine, Arthur G. Houle, Sandra A. McKenney, Selectmen; and David M. Jodoin, Administrative Assistant.

The Selectmen and the Administrative Assistant discussed the budget cycle and David will get handouts ready for distribution to Department Heads. The budgets went up this year and the Selectmen will be looking for zero based budgets not to exceed 2%. The Selectmen will get together with the Budget committee to co-ordinate meetings.

The Selectmen discussed the double-decker bridge plans. Chairman Fontaine likes the security of 2 bridges instead of one. The Selectmen would like a recommendation from the Police Department, the Fire Department and Tri-Town ambulance Service. Selectman Houle will contact the departments.

The Selectmen met with Armand and Claudette Verville regarding their land on Dodge Road. Mr. Verville stated that a road going through adjacent to his property is no longer on the Town map. Cartographics Associates who did the Town maps are calling it a trail. Mr. Verville disagrees. In 1904, the road was known as Reservoir Road. Cartographics Associates did aerial photography for the maps and they claim that if a road is not seen, it does not exist. No decision was made. The Selectmen will get back to Mr. and Mrs. Verville.

The Selectmen met with Karen Gendreau and Jim Rodger, commissioners of Parks and Recreation. Several items needed discussion; volunteers, advertising in the newspapers, changing keys, fire box, repairs, which include the roof, fence, siding, back deck, indoor repairs. It was suggested that they contact Tony Silva at school to see if a flyer can go home with the children when school starts to advertise for volunteers at the center. On motion of Benjamin Fontaine, seconded by Arthur Houle, the Parks and Recreation commission is responsible for the care of the park in front of Town Hall. Motion passed unanimously.

Karen reported that the Renaissance program is working well this summer . A meeting is scheduled on September 10th to discuss a program for next year.

The Administrative Assistant discussed the cutting of trees, one on Riverside Drive and one on Ferry Street.

The owners of the properties feel that the trees are on Town property. David will contact Jim Boisvert to find out how much it would cost to have them removed.

There was a discussion on which account the dog fines should go. It was decided to invite Jim McGonigle, Police Chief, and Ed Cyr, Town Clerk at the Selectmen’s next meeting, to discuss the issue.

Armand Verville has made a cane to be given to the oldest citizen of the Town. The cane will be engraved. David will call a trophy company to find out the cost and will also call Mr. Verville to get a price on making them.

The Selectmen discussed the web page. Colin Egan has put a page together for a class project and would like to take over doing the Town’s web page. Don Coulsey is working on the present web page for the Town. Software is needed for the front page. Karen Gendreau will ask her husband, Rick Gendreau, if he could help with this project.

A computer upgrade is needed for the new accounting software. The bids are as follows:    

    Cocci, $1,410.00

    Grolen 1,349.00

    P.C. Masters 1,145.00     

On motion of Sandra McKenney, seconded by Arthur Houle, P.C. Masters bid of $1,145.00 was approved. Motion passed unanimously.

On August 26th, from 8-10 PM, the Selectmen will have a workshop and go over the updated personnel handbook.

The Selectmen will meet with the welfare officer, Donna Meadows, to discuss the rules and regulations of the department with regards to the toys that are housed on the second floor.

There is a commemoration for the 9/11 tragedy being held at Memorial Field at 6:00 PM and the Selectmen will attend. Posters have been put out for the occasion.

The minutes of July 15th have been amended to read: During the summer months, Jim Rodger is available during off hours to clean some of the offices, however, other offices are locked and he is requesting a key.

Also, David Jodoin will call Attorney Bedard to find out if a Board Member or Chairperson can be paid to do clerical work for the Board.

Don Peloquin is requesting a public meeting to discuss a personnel issue.

Don Peloquin will be contacted to put his request in writing.

On motion of Arthur Houle, seconded by Sandra McKenney, the minutes of 7/29/2002 were accepted as read. Ben Fontaine was excused from this meeting.

Arthur Houle will attend a meeting sponsored by NHMA, representing the Board. On motion of Sandra McKenney, seconded by Benjamin Fontaine, Selectman Houle will attend the meeting. Motion passed unanimously.

On motion of Sandra McKenney, seconded by Arthur Houle, the resignation from Steve Gardner of the Parks and Recreation Commission was accepted unanimously.

On motion of Sandra McKenney, seconded by Arthur Houle, the meeting adjourned at 10:17 PM.

APPROVED:

BENJAMIN E. FONTAINE, JR. CHAIRMAN

ARTHUR G. HOULE, SELECTMAN

SANDRA A. MCKENNEY, SELECTPERSON