The meeting of the Board of Selectmen was called to order at 3:30 p.m. by the Chairman, Michael J. Hayward, Sr. Present were: Michael J. Hayward, Sr., Chairman; William E. Hutchins, Selectman; Constance A. Jones, Selectman; Tina Stearns, Town Administrator; Sarah Barton, Administrative Assistant; Russell Lary, Police Chief; Jerry Whitney, Deputy Police Chief; and members of the public. The meeting was held in the Town Office on 34 Dunbar Hill Road.

Building Permits - Approved

For Approval / Signature – Approved

Motion made by Selectman Hutchins to approve the regular meeting minutes of February 12, 2003; motion seconded by Chairman Hayward. The Board voted unanimously to approve.

Police Chief Russell Lary: Chief Lary was present to discuss the proposed Police Department Facility. He stated that Selectmen Jones & Hutchins visited the Town of Warner’s Police Department which was built 3½ years ago at a cost of $500,000. The building is almost a mirror image of what Grantham needs. Selectman Hutchins added that the building was put together using local people and that no architect was used.

Chief Lary is confident that the building cost will come in under the $1.1 million request. It is difficult to predict the cost without having received bids for the project. He also informed the Board that a mailer will be sent to all residents informing of the project and requesting support.

Chairman Hayward feels that this project does require an architect due to the fact that Grantham does not have a building inspector. The new police facility building will add value to the town.

Line Item Budget Transfer: The Highway Department requested a budget line item transfer from 01-4311-1-430 to 01-4311-1-365 in the amount of $3,450 to purchase a new front mounted york rake. On a motion by Selectman Hutchins; seconded by Selectman Jones, the Board voted unanimously to approve the budget line item transfer.

Generator Grant Award: Notification was received from the NH Division of Fire Safety & Emergency Management that Grantham has been awarded funds for the purchase of a generator. This grant will provide 75% of the cost for a generator and must be purchased by September 30, 2003. Administrator Stearns has informed Emergency Management Director F. Robert Osgood.

New London Ambulance Service: A letter was received from New London Hospital requesting a contribution for the year 2004 of $17,000 for ambulance service. The Town switched from Newport Ambulance to New London Ambulance in 2002 because of cost and service. Administrator Stearns has contacted FAST Squad Coordinator Jill Davis regarding this and a meeting has been set for Thursday, February 27^th at 1:30 p.m. to discuss options.

Midwestern NH Regional Hazardous Materials Response Team Fund Request: An agreement was received from the Business Plan Committee requesting $2,000. Police Chief Lary stated that this agreement would be a good idea as it would provide the initial response to a chemical spill with Grantham’s boundaries. Administrator Stearns will contact Fire Chief Seavey and Emergency Mgmt. Director Bob Osgood to discuss.

Town Administrator – The 2002 Annual Town Report is at the printers and will be ready for distribution on Tuesday, March 4^th.

Olde Farms Recreational Easement: A letter was presented for Selectmen signatures to be mailed to the abutting property owners of Olde Farms for the recreational trail along the easement. Chairman Hayward feels that the letter should come from the Blue Mountain Snowdusters not the Board of Selectmen to avoid the Town Office receiving questions. Merle Schotanus explained that the letter needs to come from the Selectmen to avoid any confusion and that the Club Officer’s names are on the letter as contacts to call with questions. Selectman Hutchins stated that it is a standing deeded easement and does not have issue with it coming from the Selectmen. On a motion by Selectman Jones; seconded by Selectman Hutchins, the Board unanimously approved signing the letter.

There being no further business, Selectman Hutchins moved to adjourn, seconded by Selectman Jones; the Board voted unanimously to adjourn at 4:55 p.m. There will be a regular Selectmen’s Meeting on Wednesday, March 12^th at 7:00 p.m. at the Town Office.

Respectfully submitted,