Selectman Michael J. Hayward, Sr. called the regular session of the Selectmen's meeting to order on Wednesday, November 27, 2002 at 3:30 p.m. The meeting was held in the Town Hall, located on Route 10 South, Grantham, NH.

Chairman Michael J. Hayward, Sr.         Selectman William Hutchins

Selectman Constance Jones

Town Administrator Tina Stearns

Police Chief Russell Lary

Building Permits - Approved

For Approval / Signature – Approved

Motion made by Selectman Jones to approve the regular meeting minutes of November 13, 2002 and the special meeting minutes of November 21, 2002; motion seconded by Chairman Hayward. Unanimously approved.

Ball Field Committee: Present were Bob MacNeil (Grantham Indoor), Peter Phipps & Niel Cannon (Capital Regional Development Council), Gary Broughall, Cindy O’Brien, Alden "Chick" Pillsbury, Ken Ryder.

Mr. MacNeil informed that he has completed a partial topo including wetlands on his property located off Yankee Barn Road. There will need to be a study done to determine the flood plains. He would like to construct up to five fields (soccer, baseball, etc.). He reviewed his entire concept plan for Grantham Indoor. Mr. MacNeil stated that he is a member-at-large of the Western Region Development Council and is working on getting the smaller towns involved. He feels that the smaller towns should be able to reap the same benefits as the larger towns. There is initial work that needs to be done on the property. If a feasibility grant can be applied for by the town that will speed up the process, otherwise the work will be completed as Grantham Indoor has the funds. If an agreement is reached with the Town regarding use of field space it would be pertinent to have a legal opinion on the route to take as far as liability issues.

Mr. Cannon stated that on the federal funding level with Western Region Development Council it covers four counties including Sullivan. For state funding it covers Merrimack County only. He will speak to the Office of State Planning regarding a feasibility grant.

Mr. Ryder informed that Eastman Community is potentially doing a new ball field and soccer field that could be used by the Town.

Mr. Pillsbury recommended having soil samples and testing done on the school site to rule out the use of that property.

Selectman Jones stated that she wants the area cut and allow it to dry out.

Gary Broughall was appointed as Chair of the Ball Field Committee.

GVS Beautification – The Best Schools Committee along with the Parent Teacher Group are working on a beautification project around the elementary school and requested Select Board approval in applying for grants to fund the project. The Town retains the ownership of the land under and around the school. The Board approved any improvements on the GVS property immediately adjacent to the building.

Land Purchase Information – Map 233 Lot 4 – Information was sent to the Selectmen regarding a parcel of property surrounding the current Town Offices. The Board discussed the needed expansion for the Town Offices and agreed to research the property further. Any offer made on the property would be contingent upon approval of Town Meeting in March 2003. On a motion by Selectman Jones, seconded by Chairman Hutchins it was approved to contact the realtor listing the property and have the property appraised to make an educated offer.

Fire Department – The Board of Selectmen reviewed the Fire Department’s budget with Fire Chief Bob Seavey.

There were no major increases in the Fire Department’s budget requests this year. Chief Seavey would like to increase the capital reserve amount slightly and look to replace the tanker the following budget year. Dry hydrants were discussed and Chief Seavey informed that Bill Willis on Willis Avenue has agreed to have his pond used as a fire pond. Chief Seavey asked about the replacement schedule program for the fire trucks that was put in place a while ago. Administrator Stearns will try to locate the schedule.

Police Department – Chief Lary requested reimbursement be made to Officer Glen Jenkins for continuing education courses he has taken. Administrator Stearns stated that this is a plus for any town employee to continue their education and thinks it is wise for the Selectmen to encourage this. On a motion by Selectman Jones, seconded by Chairman Hayward, the Board unanimously approved the reimbursement of $1,263.50 to Glen Jenkins for continuing education expenses.

Butternut Pond Road – The information has been sent to Attorney Mayer regarding the classification and this issue may not be resolved for months.

Police Department Facility – Police Chief Lary and Administrator Stearns met with Architect Randy Mudge to begin the plans for the Police Facility. It was also discussed to see what the added costs would be to design and construct an entire municipal building. Administrator Stearns expressed the need for added space in the Town Offices and would like to combine the buildings. The Board was in agreement and will have the architect look at a combined building.

There being no further business, Selectman Jones moved to adjourn, seconded by Chairman Hayward; the Board voted unanimously to adjourn at 4:50 p.m. There will be a regular Selectmen’s Meeting on Wednesday, December 11^th at 7:00 p.m. at the Town Office.

Respectfully submitted,