BOS Meeting on Sept. 25, 2023

Agenda and related documents on town web site

• Citizen's Comments – Mr. Frascinella reported on the upcoming Movie Night on Sept. 30th. He also mentioned the Historical Society's Old Time Baseball Game on Oct. 22 and the Hillsbrook Village Grand Opening on Oct. 26th.
• Houle Ave. – The TA reviewed several old meeting records w/r/t the cul-de-sac problem. The TA showed a drawing from 1989 showing a proposed cul-de-sac to the condos but the town never accepted it. Based on this research, the TA determined that the cul-de-sac was not a town road. The Road Agent suggested getting an easement from the homeowners to create a drainage ditch around the cul-de-sac.
  The BOS instructed the TA to draft a drainage easement and get a legal cost estimate. Selectman Higham said attorney's fees could be as high as $500/hr. If the estimate was easonable, then he should get the homeowners approval. The road agent said his department could do the work in a few hours.
• Budget Update – The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) was 3.7%. The BOS acknowledged that town pay rates were not as competitive as surrounding towns. Mr. Klawes did not like the ide of using the federal CPI as a gauge. Ms. McKenney proposed a 6% increase (on top of the 2% step increase). The vote was 3 Yes and 2 No. The motion passed.
  Remember that vote, you voters on fixed incomes. On October 12th, Social Security announced only a 3.2 percent Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) to retiree benefits for 2024.
• Eversource Contract – This contract is for legal representation for potential tax appeals to Eversource for 2017, 2019, 2020, and 2021. The BOS authorized the TA to sign the contract with DTC Laywers and Sansourcy Associates.
• Transition Plan – The Town Clerk/Tax Collector was to be fully open next week. The new Town Clerks/Tax Collectors should be fully trained.
• Dissolution Plan for Tri-Town EMS – Further discussion was needed for handling financial assets.
• Family Movie Night – Selectman Keith Klawes had purchased all the food and supplies needed. Road Agent Chad Pelissier was to lend his popcorn machine. Firefighters have tested the movie projection system.
• Community Power Project – Electric prices have dropped below the price that the Community Power group could offer so no further action was planned untill Spring 2024.
• Town Administrator's Report:
  - The TA reviewed several topics.
  - The town flag pole was to be renovated.
  - Picnic tables for the boat launch arrived and were assembled at the Highway Dept.
• Road Agent's Report:
  - The Highway Dept. put a base coat on Ridge Road and Canal St. and finished the last culvert on Deerfield Rd.
  - They plan to evaluate a machine to make asphalt curbing. Vendors were now charging around $14/ft. for curbing.
  - They planned to start work on the rail trail to Hooksett.
  - The first bid for road salt was 20 cents lower than last year.
• Meeting Minutes – The BOS approved the meeting minutes for August 21 and Sept. 11, 2023.
• The meeting then went into non-public session.

BOS Meeting on Sept. 11, 2023

Agenda and related documents on town web site

• Citizen's Comments – Mr. Frascinella reported on the Sept. 10 EDC concert which was cancelled due to rain. He noted that the Fire Dept. would be providing food service at Catamount Pond for the Reach the Beach Relay Race on Sept. 15. The EDC was also collaborating with the Fire Dept. on a Family Movie Night at the Fire Station on Sept. 30th.
• Trust Funds – Mr. Adinolfo reported on changes and improvements for town funds to ensure a better return on the town's investments.
• Public hearing – Fire Chief Lambert reported on a donation of building materials for renovations for the second floor of the station. The donation was from New England Gypsum totaling $9,121.00.
• Houle Avenue – The end of the road was private so the town was not responsible for maintaining it but has used the cul-de-sac for plow trucks to turn around. Due to its deterioration, it might no longer be usable by plow trucks. Road Agent Pelissier said that if the Highway Dept. filled the potholes with gravel, they might be washed out in a few weeks due to poor drainage. One option would be for plow trucks to plow Houle Ave. and then back up to Ferry St.
  Selectman McDonald told Houle Ave. resident Mrs. Foss that the BOS needed time to study the situation. The road agent said he had an amount of reclaimed asphalt that he could apply as filler. The BOS approved a motion to allow the Highway Dept. to temporarily fix the cul-de-sac so that plow trucks could use it to turn around.
• Police Detail Rate – Chief Stark asked for an increase in the rate they charge businesses that hire police details for traffic control. The BOS approved the new rate of $85/hr.
• Town Clerk/Tax Collector Transition – Town Hall would be open more hours. Town Clerk Brittany Bolstridge was taking training at the DMV. Town Clerk Diane Adinolfo would take DMV training the following week. The plan was to be open Monday to Thursday October.
• Dissolution of Tri-Town EMS – The TA stated that several details still needed to be determined.
• Full-time equivalent benefits – The issue seemed to be about elected officials being eligible for benefits.
• Gift to Fire Dept. – The BOS voted to accept the generous donation of sheet rock from New England Gypsum.
• Fire Dept. Equipment – Numerous pieces of fire hose needed to be replaced after failing recent testing. The BOS approved $8,700 for hoses and other equipment to come from the Fire Dept. Capital Reserve Fund. Also $2,500 was approved for a new stretcher for the ambulance.
• Fire Dept. Renovations – Chief Lambert said the donated sheet rock, electrical wiring, and other tasks needed to be done. The BOS approved $9,615. They also approved $9,053 for flooring on the second floor and $8400 for installing the sheet rock, all coming from the Public Safety Capital Reserve Fund.
• Second Ambulance – Chief Lambert requested approval to purchase a second ambulance since the current one was 14 years old with 124,000 miles on it. Future payments on the new ambulance would come from insurance reimbursements.
• Kettle Rock Road – The TA reported the latest status of the investigation.
• Town Administrator's Report:
  - A recent state survey showed that the biggest demand was for more affordable housing and changes to town zoning regulations.
• Road Agent's Report:
  - None
• Meeting minutes – The BOS approved the meeting minutes for August 21, 2023.
• The meeting then went into non-public session.

BOS Meeting on Aug. 21, 2023

Agenda and related documents on town web site

• Citizen's Comments – Mr. Frascinella reported on the August 13 concert which experienced about 20 minutes of rain at mid-concert but was otherwise successful with about 50 attendees. The next concert was scheduled for Sept. 10th.
• Plans for Town Clerk/Tax Collector – The TA said that residents could register a vehicle in Bow on Tuesdays and in Hooksett on Wednesdays. Diane Adinolfo and Brittany Bolstridge were still in training.
• Appointments – Judy Silva was re-appointed as Asst. Town Clerk/Tax Collector. Erika Anthony was approved as a contract Asst. Town Clerk/Tax Collector.
• Tax Commitments – The BOS approved a notice from the state regarding taxes.
• Pelissier Boat Launch – The TA displayed photos of a heavy duty 8-ft. walk-thru picnic table and also fire grills. The cost for two tables and two charcoal grills would be $4735.00 including shipping. The BOS was reluctant about the grills because there was the problem of who would clean and remove the charcoal ashes after each use. The BOS did agree to approve three picnic tables but no grills. Residents could bring their own grills. The TA would obtain a new quote for the estimated cost. The funds were to come from the Parks & Recreation Capital Reserve Fund.
• EMS Training Grant – The fire chief spoke about fire fighters who were signed up for training.
• Forestry Grant – The BOS gave the fire chief permission to apply for a Volunteer Forestry Assistance Grant.
• Emergency Services Fund – The fire chief sought reimbursement for various equipment expenses. The BOS approved a $15,419 transfer to the Fire Dept. budget.
• Kettle Rock Rd. – The TA paid for much documentation about the origins of the road. Evidence might show that it was a town road after all.
• Town Administrator's Report:
  - Community Center - Building drain pipes needed cleaning. Also, rain water in the upper lot needed to be diverted away from the building.
• Road Agent's Report:
  - no news
• Meeting minutes – The BOS approved the non-public meeting minutes for July 24, July 28, Aug. 2, and Aug. 7, 2023 and public meeting minutes for Aug. 7, 2023.
• The meeting then went into non-public session.

BOS Meeting on Aug. 7, 2023

Agenda and related documents on town web site

• Citizen's Comments – Mr. Frascinella reported on the upcoming BoneShakerz Concert & Cruise Night. He also informed the BOS about the new quarterly newspaper, The Hooksett Bridge, a 24-page issue which contained four pages of news about Allenstown, much of which he contributed.
  Mr. Adinolfo spoke about making improvements to the way that town funds are invested, so as to protect the town's assets.
• New Town Clerk & Tax Collector – Diane Adinolfo was appointed temporary Town Clerk/Tax Collector. Judy Silva was re-appointed as Deputy Town Clerk/Deputy Tax Collector. The TA was to request an Intermunicipal Agreement with several other towns to supply part-time services, specifically Bow and Hooksett.
  Brittany Bolstridge, a resident of Bear View Crossing, offered to start as Town Clerk/Tax Collector as of August 20, 2023. The BOS approved her appointment.
• MRI contract – This was for as needed help with financial services. The BOS approved a contract at $110.00/hr.
• Kettle Rock Rd. – No news.
• Community Power – This is still in progress but electric utilities have recently lowered their rates. NH Electric Coop for example was now at 11.4 cents/KWH. Last August they went from 9.62 cents/KWH to 16.98 cents/KWH.
• Town Administrator's Report:
  - New credit card - The BOS approved a new municipal credit card account.
  - Training for town clerk - Training on Interware was needed for processing online payments. BOS Approved.
• Road Agent's Report:
  - Canal St. - Pipe work being done.
  - Deerfield Rd. - Repairs to be done near Clearview Drive.
  - Mowing was ongoing around town.
  - Community Center rain water - Curbing was needed in the upper parking lot to divert rain water way from the building.
• Meeting minutes – The BOS approved the meeting minutes for July 24, July 28, and Aug. 2, 2023.
• The meeting then went into non-public session.

BOS Meeting on July 24, 2023

Agenda and related documents on town web site

EDIT THE LINK TO THE TOWN WEB SITE

• Citizen's Comments – None?
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• Town Administrator's Report:
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• Road Agent's Report:
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• Meeting minutes – The BOS approved the meeting minutes for ???, 2023.
• The meeting then went into non-public session.

BOS Meeting on July 10, 2023

Agenda and related documents on town web site

• Citizen's Comments – None?
• Laborer/Plow Driver –
• School Resource Officer –
• Committee Updates –
• Deputy Clerk/Admin. Assistant –
• Update of Personnel Policy – The BOS signed the updated policy.
• Old Home Day – Pembroke & Allenstown Old Home Day would be held on Saturdau August 26 starting with a parade at 10 a.m.
• Approval of Fire Dept. EMS grant –
• Kettle Rock Rd. – postponed till next meeting.
• Community Power update –
• Emergency Operations Plan – Hearing postponed till next meeting.
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• Town Administrator's Report:
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• Road Agent's Report:
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• Meeting minutes – The BOS approved the meeting minutes for June 19, 2023.
• The meeting then went into non-public session.

BOS Meeting on June 19, 2023

Agenda and related documents on town web site

• Citizen's Comments – None?
• Fire Department – Chief Lambert had several items to discuss.
  -Inspector Salary Discussion
  -Approval of Fire Students for EMS Grant
  -Approval of New Hires
• Planning Board topics – Chair Diane Adinolfo discussed several topics.
  -Rules of Procedure
  -Proposed Short Term Rental Ordinance
  -Rules of Procedure for other Boards
• Deputy Clerk/Admin Assistant Positionn –
• Juneteenth Holiday Discussion –
• Various Capital Reserve Fund Authorizations –
• Library Employees' Deferred Compensation –
• Boys and Girls Club Update –
• Kettle Rock Road Update – Moved to the next meeting
• Community Power Update –
• Audit Questionnaires –
• Resource Officer Grant – Topic to bhe discussed in July
• Town Administrator's Report:
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• Road Agent's Report:
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• Meeting minutes – The BOS approved the meeting minutes for June 5, 2023.
• The meeting then went into non-public session.

BOS Meeting on June 5, 2023

This was the annual meeting held at the Old Allenstown Meeting House.

Agenda and related documents on town web site

• Citizen's Comments – Mr. Frascinella reported on the upcoming June 25th concert. He also mentioned two new businesses in town: Andrew Thomas Landscaping and E&I Home Improvements.

Selectman McDonald thanked Armand and Claudette Verville for permission to use the meeting house. Mr. Verville gave a brief history of the building and burial ground.

• Fire Department – Chief Lambert asked Mr. Goodine to get the FD Capital Reserve Fund sorted out so they could submit a P.O for heating equipment..
• Capital Reserve Fund Transfers – Mr. Goodine said there were some transfers from 2022 that needed to be done. Mr. Adinolfo, a trustee, said the trustees are developing policies and procedures to properly manage the trust funds. He also requested a secure PC at town hall that the trustees could use to manage the funds.
• Library Employees – The TA is working with the town attorney to determine what benefits might be allowable for part-time employees.
• Boys and Girls Club Update – They have hired a contractor and work on the new playground should start soon. THe BOS approved use of a storage container on the property.
• Grant for Emergency Operation Plan – The BOS approved applying for a $4,000 grant for Chief Stark to develop this plan on his own time.
• Update on Kettle Rock Road – The TA was still collecting information.
• Update on Community Power – The state needed clarification of the "opt out" provisions. Chairman McDonald would attend a meeting on June 6th to get some updates.
• Grant for School Resource Officer – Chief Stark was attending a school board meeting this same night to discuss a grant for this position.
• Update on Hillsbrook Village – There were still a few items regarding fire safety to be completed before clients could move in.
• Town Administrator's Report:
  - Deputy Town Clerk - Mr. Goodine said they needed to bring Dawna Baxter back for a short term until they hire a new clerk. They authorized the TA to place an ad seeking a person to work as deputy clerk/welfare assistant/building inspector assistant.
• Road Agent's Report:
  - The dept. needs to replace an employee who recently resigned. The TA would work on an ad for that position.
• Meeting minutes – The BOS approved the meeting minutes for May 22, 2023.
• The meeting then went into non-public session.

BOS Meeting on May 22, 2023

Agenda and related documents on town web site

[Attended the meeting via Zoom conference. Gaps in the notes were caused by poor audio quality.]

• Citizen's Comments – Mr. Frascinella (EDC Chairman) gave a wrapup of the May 21st concert. Over 60 people attended. People commented that the band was excellent and the sandwiches at the food concession were great. At the beginning of the concert. Selectman Scott McDonald pointed to the two Fire Department vehicles that had arrived and emphasized the ambulance was recently purchased and has been outfitted to be the Allenstown Ambulance. The next concert was scheduled to be on June 25th.

  The town was still trying to get volunteers for the Parks & Recreation Commission. Rich and Trish Caruso mentioned their interest in the commission.

• PD Hiring – Chief Stark presented a new candidate, Lucas Beteau to be hired at step 1. He would attend the police academy in May. The BOS approved.
• Fire Dept. Training – Chief Lambert discussed a new military program called DOD Bridge. He wanted to hire Coast Guard member Ryan Dignin as a fire fighter trainee. The BOS approved.
• FD Promotion – The BOS approved the promotion of Melissa McCourt, a new paramedic, to the rank of Lieutenant in charge of EMS training..
• Stretcher – The Londonderry Fire Dept. offered a our fire dept. a used stretcher for $2500, which would eliminate fixing the original ambulance stretcher or buying a new one for $10,000. The chief planned to make the purchase.
• FD Part-Time Inspector – The fire chef requested a part-time fire inspector due to Hillsbrook Village and China Mill becoming operation soon.
• FD Safety Equipment – The chief stated the need for replacement equipment. He requested this to come from the fire safety equipment capital reserve fund. THe BOS approved $36,340.
• Transfers from CRFs – The BOS approved transfers from several capital reserve funds.
• Library Request – The town library wanted to use the town hall gazebo for summer children's programs. THe BOS approved.
• June 5th BOS Meeting – To be held at the Old Allenstown Meeting House on Deerfield Rd.
• Appointments – George Lemire was reappointed as Cemetery Trustee and Trust Fund Trustee.
• Abatements – The BOS approved an abatement for 22 Sullivan Drive..
• Property Tax Commitment – The BOS approved this.
• NHEC ballot – The BOS discussed the candidates for the NH Electric Coop's Board of Directors.
• Kettle Rock Road – The TA found several old maps that seemed to indicate this was an old town road. So far $1800 has been spent on this issue. The BOS approved and additional $800.
• Deputy Clerk opening – The town was trying to fill this position formerly held by Sarah Rundlett whose resignation was accepted.
• Community Power Update – The TA stated that the town received conditional approval from the Public Utilities Commission for our power plan.
• Town Administrator's Report:
  - An ad has been placed for a new Deputy TOwn Clerk since Sarah Rundlett resigned.
  - A resident on Dowst Road new the power lines has posted No Trespassing signs to keep out target shooters.
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• Meeting minutes – The BOS approved the meeting minutes for April and early May 2023.
• The meeting then went into non-public session.

BOS Meeting on March 6, 2023

Agenda and related documents on town web site

• Citizen's Comments – Mr. Frascinella reviewed the upcoming EDC events.
• OAMH – The BOS appointed Armand and Claudette Verville to the Old Allenstown Meeting House Committee.
• Comm. Center Solar Project – A contractor (Andrew ???) discussed the possible addition of solar panels on the Community Center roof. It was to be done at no cost to the town, but the vendor would benefit from the power produced. The BOS questioned whether the shingles would last longer than the solar panel lifetime. The vendor was asked to assess the type and age of the roof shingles.
• Short Term Rentals – Planning Board members Diane Adinolfo and Michael O'Meara gave an overview of these rentals, which were typically for 1-30 days. They described current rental sites in town and the pros and cons. The Planning Board would be giving out survey forms at the town election to get opinions from residents.
• Fire Dept. – Chief Lambert displayed designs for new FD patches, one of which featured a black bear.
• FD Grants – The FD was to apply for some grants for equipment.
• EMT Training – The FD planned to use $3750 for EMT training.
• Posting Roads – The Road Agent would be posting load limits of 26,000 pounds due to Spring frost heaves. The BOS approved this.
• Eversource Pole Repairs – They would be replacing wooden power line crossbars with metal ones.
• EB2GOV Fees – Service charges were to increase slightly for using the online fee payment service.
• Kettle Rock Road – One resident claimed to own the road and other residents wanted access to this unpaved road. THe TA gave an update.
• May Meetings – These were to be rescheduled due to conflicts with other events.
• Town Administrator's Report
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• Road Agent's Report
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• Meeting minutes – The BOS approved the meeting minutes for Feb. 21, 2023.
• The meeting then went into non-public session.