Chairman William Hutchins called the regular session of the Selectmen’s meeting to order on Wednesday, February 13, 2002, at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was held in the Grantham Town Offices, located at 34 Dunbar Hill Road, Grantham, NH.

PRESENT                                         ABSENT

Chairman William Hutchins                 Selectman Michael J. Hayward, Sr.

Selectman Constance Jones

Town Administrator Tina Stearns

• Building Permits – Approved
• Breed Properties II Ltd Partnership – M233 L27 – 84 Route 10 South – Addition
• Caponigro, Mike – M222 L116 – 30 Slalom Drive – Residence
• Tarand Builders LLC – M235 L7 – 63 Brookridge Drive – Residence

• For Signature - Approved
• Veteran Tax Credit: Genereux, Robert C. – M215 L71 – 11 Trillium Lane

The minutes of the January 23, 2002 meeting were held for approval until Selectman Hayward could be present.

Emergency Management Director – F. Robert Osgood attended a course on Emergency Response to Criminal/Terrorist Incidents in Concord on January 31^st. Attached is a report of that course.

Police Department – Chief Russell Lary informed the Board of Selectmen that William Ruger, Jr. has agreed to donate a number of guns to the Town of Grantham for use by the Police Department. A presentation has been scheduled for February 27^th at 2:30 p.m. in the Town Hall.

Chairman Hutchins called the Public Budget Hearing to order at 7:05 p.m.; there were approximately 15 people in attendance.

Chairman Hutchins began with an overview of the tax rate overall increase and the use of fund surplus to lower the tax rate. He also spoke regarding the County and State Education taxes that the town has no say in and they continue to rise every year.

Deborah Cheever questioned what can be done about the County.

Chairman Hutchins spoke of the possibility that Grantham, along with surrounding towns, may withdraw from Sullivan County. The town officials will be meeting with the County Commissioners this month. The State dictates to the County in areas that the public is not aware of. The Commissioners seem to be taking an interest in getting the public informed.

Selectman Jones informed of the County budgets and the costs to run the nursing home. There has been a study committee formed to offer suggestions regarding the nursing home but the changes need to come from the County Commissioners. The county budget meetings of the finance committee are open to the public. Selectman Jones gave a brief history of the nursing home and how the home is losing money primarily because it isn’t being administered correctly.

Bob Goyette questioned the $375,000 cost of the landfill closure. Mr. Goyette was a selectman when the landfill was closed in 1984. Chairman Hutchins stated that the records were lost and the State of NH is not recognizing this landfill as being closed. Hutchins continued by informing that changing engineers and relocating the Transfer Station reduced the cost of the closure from $700,000 to $375,000. Town Administrator Stearns referred to the bond sheet which shows a five-year bond and an increase of ~$0.30 per year added to the tax rate. This is based on a $350,000 bond and $25,000 would come from Capital Reserve.

Bob Barnes inquired how the fund surplus increases and what the projected tax rate will be should this budget pass.

Administrator Stearns answered that the fund surplus is derived from the overall budget coming in under what was appropriated. In previous years there was a minimum of $200,000 every budget year going into fund surplus (unreserved fund balance) but budgets have been tightened so that the amount is not as high.

Selectman Jones spoke of the proposed tax rate staying around $3.00 - $3.40 per $1,000 of assessed valuation.

Deborah Cheever questioned the Article 4 which is a petitioned warrant article for the town to take over Yankee Barn Road leading to Grantham Indoor. Selectman Jones explained that there will be a presentation at Town Meeting and that this being a petitioned warrant article the Selectman should not speak for it. Chairman Hutchins spoke of the required road frontage needed should that property wish to be developed or subdivided. The road will need to be brought to Class V standards prior to the town accepting it. Cynthia Towle questioned if an impact study will need to be done on the road. Selectman Jones responded that if the land should be developed then an impact study would be required.

Don Noordsy asked about the Transfer Station attendants not assisting the public. Administrator Stearns responded that she will speak with the attendants regarding this. Chairman Hutchins spoke of the improvements to the Transfer Station. Cynthia Towle asked about the possibility of mandatory recycling. Administrator Stearns responded that it is very hard to enforce. Selectman Jones spoke of creating a recycling committee.

Deborah Cheever questioned the replacement of the Police Department Tahoe. It was her understanding from Town Meeting last year that the unmarked cruiser was to prevent the mileage being placed on the Tahoe which would prevent replacing a cruiser every year. Chief Lary responded that due to the increase in calls and demands on the Police Department, the mileage has also increased on all three vehicles. Trading the Tahoe prior to having 100,000 miles on it will add $3,000 - $4,000 to the value. Cynthia Towle questioned if the article does not pass would the Police Department continue to run the Tahoe. Chief Lary answered yes.

Chairman Hutchins announced that Candidates Night will be held on February 26^th at 7:00 p.m. at the Town Hall.

There being no further business, Selectman Jones made the motion to adjourn; seconded by Chairman Hutchins. Meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m.

Tina M. Stearns, Town Administrator