The meeting of the Board of Selectmen was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Selectman Constance Jones. Selectman Jones welcomed newly elected Selectman Harold Haddock to the Board. Selectman Hutchins made the motion to appoint Selectman Jones as the Chairman for the ensuing year; motion seconded by Selectman Haddock. APPROVED Present were: Constance A. Jones, Chairman; William E. Hutchins, Selectman; Harold Haddock, Jr., Selectman; Tina Stearns, Town Administrator; 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 26, 2003; motion seconded by Chairman Jones. The Board voted unanimously to approve.

Resident Philip Schaefer: Mr. Schaefer had questions with regard to the state education property tax and how the state determines Grantham’s portion. Chairman Jones explained how the tax rate is set and the components of the education property tax. Administrator Stearns will acquire information and get a clear understanding for Mr. Schaefer. Mr. Schaefer feels that it would be beneficial and eliminate confusion if the Board of Selectmen had a clear understanding of the state education property tax portion that Grantham pays.

Mr. Schaefer has concerns with the assessing in Grantham. The discrepancies in sales price to assessments is a serious problem. The condominiums definitely require re-assessment. There are serious inequities within the Town of Grantham.

Chairman Jones spoke of the non-attention given by our current assessor and with the stricter regulations coming out of the State of NH the assessors are in big demand. Selectman Hutchins spoke of the ongoing problems and agrees that there are inequities with the assessed values; Grantham is in the lag.

Mr. Schaefer wanted a clear answer from the Board as to when the condos were going to be revalued. Administrator Stearns stated that the tax rate is based on what the valuation of the town is as of September 1^st. Chairman Jones informed Mr. Schaefer that the Board is confident that the condos will be revalued by that date. Mr. Schaefer informed that he will be periodically checking in with the Board as to the status.

Fire Department Members: Jim Palermo, Chris Palermo and Doug Demers were present to discuss the Police Department being located on the same parcel with the Fire Department. Jim informed that they were not aware of the placement until it was put on the warrant. He presented the Board with a list of points that would be detrimental to the Fire Department if the Police Facility were placed at this location.

Administrator Stearns informed that Fire Chief Robert Seavey had met with Police Chief Russell Lary on a couple of occasions and was fully aware of the placement of the building.

Jim continued that there would be the issue of snow removal, plowing, and that winter parking would be a severe problem. There would be no room for future expansion of the Fire Department. Events that the Fire Department currently holds would no longer be viable due to space constraints. Parking seems to be the big issue. There are currently 38 combined members of the Fire Department and FAST Squad and every second counts when responding to an emergency call.

Selectman Hutchins stated that the Fire Department needed to come forward before now and feels that there is a lack of communication between the members. He continued that the design of the Police Facility would remain the same but the location could change. Selectman Hutchins apologized on behalf of the Board for any lack of communication on their part.

Chairman Jones spoke of the resolution that was passed at town meeting to review all of the municipal buildings. There are many acres that the town currently owns but very little of it is centrally located.

The Board thanked the gentlemen for coming in and informed that they will be notified of future discussion/meetings pertaining to the review of buildings, etc.

Coalition Request: The Coalition is requesting an annual contribution from Grantham. Chairman Jones noted that the House of Representatives voted to send HB717 to the House Finance Committee. Administrator Stearns will write a letter to the Coalition thanking them for their continued efforts. On a motion by Selectman Hutchins; seconded by Selectman Haddock, the Board unanimously voted to contribute $1,500 towards the Coalition.

Police Department – The February report was distributed to the Board and reviewed.

Town Administrator – Review of yesterday’s town meeting.

Hazardous Materials Response Team: Administrator Stearns informed the Board that she had forwarded a copy of the request to Fire Chief Robert Seavey asking for a prompt response. To date no response has been received. Administrator Stearns to follow up with Chief Seavey.

Administrator Stearns requested Board permission to attend a Fire Department meeting to go over procedural issues pertaining to invoices, purchase orders, etc. The Board unanimously approved the attendance.

Department Overseer: For the upcoming year:

Office Staff Chairman Constance Jones

Highway Department Selectman William Hutchins

Public Safety (PD/FD/FAST) Selectman Harold Haddock, Jr.

Long Range Planning: Administrator Stearns to compile capital reserve information and contact department heads for wish lists. Chairman Jones stated that it would be wise to include Bill Zimmerman, Bob Kessler and Andy Anderson on the Master Plan Committee.

There being no further business, Selectman Hutchins moved to adjourn, seconded by Selectman Haddock; the Board voted unanimously to adjourn at 8:45 p.m. There will be a regular Selectmen’s Meeting on Wednesday, March 26^th at 3:30 p.m. at the Town Office.

Respectfully submitted,