Chairman Michael J. Hayward, Sr. called the regular session of the Selectmen’s meeting to order on Wednesday, April 24, 2002, at 3:30 p.m. The meeting was held in the Town Office, located at 34 Dunbar Hill Road, Grantham, NH.

Chairman Michael J. Hayward, Sr.

Selectman Constance Jones

Selectman William E. Hutchins (arrived at 4:00 p.m.)

Town Administrator Tina Stearns

Police Chief Russell Lary

• Building Permit - Approved
• Mellish, Benjamin & Penny – M215 L6 – 18 Draper Mill Road – Garage & Shed
• Ouellette, Mark & Connie – M222 L44 – 12 Fernwood Lane – New Residence
• Parent, Danielle – M211 L17 – 1060 Miller Pond Road – Deck
• Rand, Arthur & Cynthia – M222 L196 – 5 Trillium Lane – Garage & Screen Porch
• Wiltshire, Shane & Laura – M217 L1 – 90 View Place – Pole Barn
  
• ON HOLD – Brown, Gregory & Jennifer – M216 L4 – 95 Silo Lane – Garage
  This permit is on hold pending annexation of lots at the Planning Board meeting on May 2, 2002.

• For Signature - Approved
• 2002 Yield Tax Warrant - $5,822.18
• Release of Current Use Tax Lien – Geiger – M227 L29 & M227 L3 – 94 acres
• Tax Collector Refund Request – Drummond – M234 L114 - $118.19 (overpayment)
• Tax Collector Refund Request – Hastings – M204 L1 - $70.29 (overpayment)
• Tax Collector Amended Abatement Request – Shulman – M215 L64 - $16.34

Motion by Selectman Jones to accept the minutes of the April 10, 2002 regular meeting, the April 10, 2002 non-public meeting, and the April 15, 2002 special meeting as written; seconded by Chairman Hayward. Unanimously approved.

Frances Hastings – Mrs. Hastings was present to discuss the Hastings’ burial lot at Hilldale Cemetery. The lot is located on a corner which seems to receive a lot of abuse from vehicles. The corner has eroded so much that the lot is not the size it should be. Administrator Stearns had photos of the entire area that the Selectmen and Mrs. Hastings reviewed. Mrs. Hastings also spoke of the lot markers and stated that two of them are broken and believes that it was caused by the Town’s truck running over them. Mrs. Hastings brought this matter to the attention of the Cemetery Trustees and got no response. There is a burial planned for mid-May of Mrs. Hastings’ father-in-law, Merton W. Hastings, Sr. and Mrs. Hastings would like this matter resolved prior to that. It was agreed that Administrator Stearns will contact the Cemetery Trustees and inform Mrs. Hastings of what will be done.

Bob MacNeil – Mr. MacNeil is a member of the Sullivan County Economic Development Council (SCEDC) and informed the Selectmen that a meeting will be held on May 1, 2002 to discuss the future of SCEDC. Mr. MacNeil feels that currently SCEDC is more of a conduit with Claremont and that’s where a majority of the work is focused. Mr. MacNeil wants all towns located in Sullivan County to be involved and he will continue as a member providing that the area is broadened to include all towns. Selectman Jones stated that SCEDC has requested $65,000 from the Sullivan County budget and feels it is not fair that the effort is concentrated in one area. If the County is going to support this program than it has to look at the needs of the whole County. Mr. MacNeil feels it is a worthwhile committee and will continue as a member-at-large.

Mr. MacNeil also spoke that his is moving forward with road improvements leading to Grantham Indoor. He has spoken with Road Agent Joe Newcomb regarding a 42" culvert that should be changed and it would be best done prior to the road being paved. Mr. MacNeil informed that Brian Hastings will contact Joe Newcomb to coordinate the culvert replacement.

F. Robert Osgood, Emergency Management Director – Mr. Osgood informed the Selectmen of a meeting he attended in the Eastman development. He stressed to the participants the need to keep things simple especially in a time of emergency or disaster. Selectman Jones stated that Grantham is the command center which includes Eastman – we are the first responder. Eastman includes surrounding towns but the majority lies within Grantham’s boundaries. Mr. Osgood spoke that he will be meeting with the Village School Principal, Deb Trottier to go over emergency issues with her. Mr. Osgood noted that Nancy Wurtz has been replaced at the State level and he will continue updating the Emergency Management Plan. Once the Plan is updated a copy will be given to the Board of Selectmen for approval. Chairman Hayward thought that mock disasters would be a thing to look into – school bus or school situations. Selectman Hutchins informed Mr. Osgood that a good contact for him would be Wallace Stickney, formerly of FEMA to toss ideas around with regarding emergency management. The Selectmen thanked Mr. Osgood for his volunteerism on behalf of Grantham and for the excellent job he is doing.

Mountain Road – Administrator Stearns received a call from a resident on Mountain Road (off Miller Pond Road) informing of the road being in disrepair and that RSA 231:59-a Emergency Lanes would require that the Town make necessary repairs to this Class VI road. Administrator Stearns and Asst. Road Agent Jeff Hastings viewed the area and Police Chief Russell Lary drove his Crown Victoria cruiser through the area in question. Chief Lary did not have a problem traveling on this portion of road and stated that emergency vehicles would be able to respond. The Board of Selectmen agreed that is the residents on the Class VI portion wanted to go to the expense of putting a gate up they were allowed as long as the gate remained unlocked at all times.

Police Department – Chief Lary informed the Selectmen that he has begun to look for additional part-time officers as requested. He supplied names of two candidates he thought would be interested. The Selectmen agreed to table the issue to allow for further discussion.

Treasurer – The March 2002 Treasurer’s Report was received from the new Treasurer, Chris Morris. Administrator Stearns noted that the report was detailed and well done.

Johnson & Dix Fuel Corp. dba Grantham Mountain Mart – Administrator Stearns noted that the letter had been sent to Tom Frawley of Johnson & Dix but the Certified card had not been returned to the Town. Administrator Stearns to call Tom Frawley to see if the letter was received by Johnson & Dix.

Landfill Closure Update – Administrator Stearns informed the Selectmen that a meeting will be held on site Thursday, April 25^th at 9:00 a.m. – Selectman Hutchins will attend. The site is cleared and trash is being relocated; the closure seems to be proceeding as scheduled.

Ball Field – Chairman Hayward questioned the status of the ball field. Administrator Stearns informed that Peter Spear is working with Bruno Associates and has done a walk through and is working on the requested revisions.

A card of thanks was received from resident Katie Winner who was in an automobile accident. She praised the FAST Squad, Fire Department and Police Department and stated that Grantham is fortunate to have the staff and equipment that we do.

Under the terms of RSA 91-A:3 II (a) Selectman Jones made the motion to enter into non-public session to discuss health & legal issues; motion seconded by Selectman Hutchins. The members were polled: Hayward – Yes; Jones – Yes; Hutchins – Yes. The vote being unanimous, non-public session was entered at 4:15 p.m.

The Board of Selectmen returned to regular session at 4:30 p.m. with no decisions to be made from the non-public session.

There being no further business, Selectman Hutchins made the motion to adjourn; seconded by Selectman Jones. Meeting was adjourned at 5:45 p.m. The next regular meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 8, 2002 at 7:00 p.m. at the Town Office.

Tina M. Stearns, Town Administrator