Selectman Michael J. Hayward, Sr. called the regular session of the Selectmen's meeting to order on Wednesday, October 9, 2002 at 7:00 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 Hutchins

Town Administrator Tina Stearns

Building Permits - Approved

For Approval / Signature - Approved

Motion made by Selectman Jones to approve the regular meeting minutes of September 25, 2002 and the minutes of the September 25, 2002 ball field public hearing; motion seconded by Selectman Hutchins. Unanimously approved.

Health Officer Candidates: The current Health Officer, Dr. Kenneth Kerwin interviewed two candidates for the position. His recommendations are for Rob Nordgren (Old Spring Drive) for the position of Health Officer to begin November 1^st and Jim Whedon (Snow Hill) as Deputy Health Officer. Motion by Selectman Hutchins to appoint Rob Nordgren as Health Officer and Jim Whedon as Deputy Health Officer; seconded by Selectman Jones. Unanimously approved. Appointment certificates will be signed at the next Selectmen’s meeting.

Request for Interest Refund – Map 225 Lot 114: A letter was received from Daniel & Lorie McClory requesting a refund of property tax interest in the amount of $61.67. The McClorys state that they mailed their July tax payment but it was never received by the Tax Collector and therefore accrued interest. The Board agreed that to grant this request would be setting a precedent and a previous tax payer had been denied a refund stating the same scenario. Unanimously Denied

Police – The monthly report for September was reviewed and it was noted that Chief Lary has changed his shift from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. The reasoning is to provide coverage during the bus routes and to control the speeders on their way to work. The Board agreed that this coverage is needed but that the request should have been made and approved by the Board prior to the change in hours. Administrator Stearns to inform Chief Lary that proper procedure was not followed.

Town Administrator – The financial audit is complete and the MS-5 should be done by the end of the week. Administrator Stearns has contacted NH DRA with regard to setting the tax rate. The new computers are installed in the Selectmen’s Office and the staff is very pleased with them. One of the old systems was given to the Highway Department.

Transfer Station – An update on the recycling was given stating that the total monies received since July 1, 2002 is $2,130.70. Phil & Linda are to be commended on the job they are doing. The Transfer Station is paved and lined – seems to be working well.

Ball Field – Administrator Stearns to contact the people interested in serving on the ball field committee and have them meet with the Board of Selectmen. The Board will compile a list of guidelines for the committee prior to the meeting. Selectman Hutchins will serve as the Board’s representative on the committee.

Landfill Closure Update – United Construction is working to finalize the project. Springfield Fence has been contracted at $4,200 to extend the fence and will schedule it prior to the ground freezing.

School Board Lease Agreement – A joint meeting needs to be set with the School Board to approve the lease agreement with regard to the gymnasium. The Selectmen would prefer to schedule the first meeting in December. Administrator Stearns will contact Dr. Schnare to verify date.

Police Facility – Bruce St. Peter submitted the preliminary plans for the new Police Facility. The Board would like Mr. St. Peter and Chief Lary to attend the October 23^rd meeting to discuss the plans.

Forest Fire Warden – The Board unanimously approved the re-appointments of the following:

Kenneth O. Barton, Fire Warden

Everett Reney, Deputy Fire Warden

Robert Seavey , Deputy Fire Warden

Glen Jenkins, Deputy Fire Warden

Budget 03/04 – Administrator Stearns noted that she has requested budgets based on a 12-month & an 18-month basis. The purpose of the 18-month budget would be to return the financial year to a calendar basis rather than a fiscal. Auditors Plodzik & Sanderson are in favor of returning to a calendar year. The Board would like to meet with department heads during the month of November and have the budget finalized by January 1, 2003.

On a motion by Selectman Jones, seconded by Selectman Hutchins; the Board voted unanimously, by poll, to adjourn at 7:25 p.m. into non-public session under the terms of RSA 91:A:3 Para. II(a) to discuss personnel issues. Selectmen returned to regular session at 8:00 p.m. with no action to be voted on.

There being no further business, Selectman Hutchins moved to adjourn, seconded by Selectman Jones; the Board voted unanimously to adjourn at 8:25 p.m. The next regular meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 23, 2002 at 3:30 p.m. at the Town Office.

Respectfully submitted,