The meeting of the Board of Selectmen was called to order at 3:30 p.m. by Selectman William Hutchins. Present were: William E. Hutchins, Selectman; Harold Haddock, Jr., Selectman; Tina Stearns, Town Administrator; and Police Chief Russell Lary. Absent was Chairman Constance A. Jones who was fulfilling her representative duties in Concord. The meeting was held in the Town Office on 34 Dunbar Hill Road.

For Approval / Signature – Approved

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

Police Chief Russell Lary: Chief Lary was present to follow up on the results of Town Meeting. He told the Board of his disappointment but his main concern is for the safety of his officers and secretary. The Police Department is becoming busier and with the defeat of the police facility at Town Meeting it has become an emergency situation to find an adequate home for the department. There was no voter approval to move forward with any type of move and Chief Lary feels that it will be impossible to remain in the current facility for another 2-1/2 years should something pass Town Meeting 2004. Chief Lary gave a history on the police facility and stated that when the department was moved to the Town Office basement it was to be on a temporary basis; that was ~15 years ago.

Chief Lary would like to see one building designed to house all the town departments. He would like the Board to look for either a permanent solution or a rental/lease situation. If something is to be brought to 2004 Town Meeting the process has to begin now. The taxpayers want a complete price not a per square foot price.

Selectman Hutchins questioned the temporary housing versus a permanent solution.

Chief Lary responded that the department can make due with temporary housing until something permanent can be built or purchased. The Board needs to show that steps are being taken to alleviate the liability to the town. Need to find a solution that is in the best interests of the town and cost efficient. The Board needs to look at a combined building and work toward a reasonable and suitable goal.

Selectmen Hutchins and Haddock agree with the Chief that something needs to be done and started now.

Selectman Hutchins would like to see a facilities committee established to research the options that the Town has.

Board Appointments – The Selectmen unanimously approved the following appointments:

Zoning Board of Adjustment – Peter Gardiner

Conservation Commission – Richard Hocker & Jerry Ellsworth

Conservation Commission – Andy Eastman, Alternate

Dunbar Free Library Trustee – Cathy Seavey (replaces Sheara Bailey)

Long Range Planning Committee – The Board received a letter from William Zimmerman with regard to establishing a Long Range Planning Committee. The Board feels this committee would be shadowing what the Master Plan Committee is doing. What is needed is a building facilities committee which the Board will discuss further at the next meeting.

Consultant/Mediator – Letter was received from L.A. Tyska, CPP offering services to mediate between the Police Chief and the Board of Selectmen. This letter will be placed on file.

RISSOLO, Bob & Marianne – The Rissolos own a camp on Stocker Pond which is located on Lumber Lane and known as Tax Map 236 Lot 13. They are unhappy with their current assessment. Administrator Stearns drafted a letter which the Board signed informing the Rissolos that the majority of their assessment is land value due to it being waterfront property. It also informs that the assessor will review the property this summer.

Equity Group Realtor Signs – Fax received from Jim Ward with regard to temporary signs being placed on the property of Grantham Indoor. The dimensions Mr. Ward stated are in full compliance with the Zoning Regulations.

Town Administrator:

Town Clerk – Certified report of approved transfers to capital reserve accounts was distributed. This is a formality and required by RSA 35:11. The funds will be transferred the first payables of July which is the beginning of the new budget year.

Treasurer – February 2003 report was distributed.

Trustee of Trust Funds – February 2003 report was distributed.

Hazardous Materials Response Team: Administrator Stearns spoke with Fire Chief Bob Seavey and he would like to see these monies added to the next budget. This is a valuable resource that the Town needs to sign on with.

New London Ambulance Service – A retraction letter was received stating that the original letter was hastily sent out. New London is still reviewing the process and may eventually be asking the towns it services to contribute toward the cost.

Police Facility Architectural Services – The final bill was received from Randall T. Mudge & Associates in the amount of $724.00 which will bring the total for services to $11,438.

Planning Board Representative – It was agreed that Selectman Haddock will be the Representative on the Planning Board.

There being no further business, Selectman Haddock moved to adjourn, seconded by Selectman Hutchins; the Board voted unanimously to adjourn at 4:25 p.m. There will be a regular Selectmen’s Meeting on Wednesday, April 9^th at 7:00 p.m. at the Town Office.

Respectfully submitted,