The meeting of the Board of Selectmen was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairman Constance A. Jones. Present were: Constance A. Jones, Chairman; William E. Hutchins, Selectman; Harold Haddock, Jr., Selectman; and Tina Stearns, Town Administrator. 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 April 9, 2003; motion seconded by Selectman Hutchins. The Board voted unanimously to approve.

Motion made by Selectman Hutchins to approve the regular meeting minutes of April 23, 2003; motion seconded by Selectman Haddock. The Board voted unanimously to approve.

Fred & Deb Bailey – 70 Haystack Road – Driveway Issue: Mr. Bailey explained to the Board that his driveway cuts across the abutting property owner’s and wanted advice from the Board as to the steps needed to correct the situation. He also informed that his utilities are underground across the neighbor’s property. The Board directed Mr. Bailey to contact the abutter to find an amicable solution. Mr. Bailey was given the driveway regulations and application should he need to relocate his driveway.

Phil Schaefer – Education Funding: Mr. Schaefer informed the Board that he has spoken with the School Board regarding the inefficiencies in the state education funding. The School Board will support the efforts to correct the situation and Mr. Schaefer requests that the Board of Selectmen do the same.

Mr. Schaefer explained that the Town of Grantham is being shortchanged with the current formula. The formula is using student population figures from three (3) years ago and it is clear that Grantham’s student population has increased significantly in three years. Calculating the amount using figures from 1999 leaves a large gap in students that Grantham is not getting credit for. He has written letters to state representatives and senators to make everyone aware of the inadequacies and work on a solution. Mr. Schaefer has reviewed the forms that school administration complete for the State of NH and feels there is no need for such lengthy forms. This process could be done using a simple computer program. If the student population figures were even one (1) year behind it could mean significant savings to Grantham.

Selectman Hutchins informed that he has spoken with a retired superintendent who currently works as a consultant; there are professionals available to work on a solution. The Selectmen have a joint meeting with the School Board on June 4^th and this issue will be discussed. The School Board has not adhered to previous suggestions by the Selectmen.

Chairman Jones stated that Grantham would still be sending money to Concord but it would be a lesser amount. The State of NH states that the current student population figures are not readily available which is why they use figures that are three (3) years old. Chairman Jones feels that the education funding boat should be rocked; just because it has always been done this way doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the right way. Things should be changed.

Selectman Haddock added that if a town suddenly had no more student population, under the current calculation they would continue to receive funding for at least three (3) years.

The Board thanked Mr. Schaefer for his efforts and acknowledged they are sensitive to this matter and will do what is needed to help.

NH/VT Solid Waste Project Appointments: On a motion by Selectman Haddock, seconded by Chair Jones, the Board unanimously approved to appoint the following to represent Grantham on the NH/VT Solid Waste Project: Arthur Magowan, Representative; Ed Jenik, Alternate; Bill Hutchins, Alternate. All terms to expire March 2006.

School District Deficit Payment Request: Letter was received from Superintendent Gordon Schnare requesting approved deficit payment of $117,000 by early June. Administrator Stearns informed that she spoke with NH DRA and the Town is obligated to submit these funds to the School District by the end of June. The Board unanimously agreed to discuss this payment with the School Board at the joint meeting on June 4^th to determine the urgency.

Pillsbury Road Open Wells: A resident informed that there are still three open wells on a vacant lot located on Pillsbury Road, known as Map 233 Lot 25. Per RSA 485:37, "No person who owns or occupies land shall knowingly allow any well which is within 500 feet of a dwelling or within 200 feet of any highway to remain open on such land, unless there is around such well a substantial fence or protection at least 3 feet high so constructed that no child can crawl through or under it." Administrator Stearns requested Board’s permission to inform the owner of the lot by certified mail that 30 days will be given to cover or fence in the wells. If there is no response, the Town will take action and fill the wells in; with the property owner incurring the cost. On a motion by Selectman Haddock; seconded by Selectman Hutchins the Board unanimously approved a letter being sent to the owner of Tax Map 233 Lot 25 informing of the hazardous condition of the open wells.

Health Department: A resident filed a complaint regarding a strong septic odor and orange-colored substance leaking into a brook along side a structure located on Tall Timber Drive. Administrator Stearns has notified Health Officer Kenneth Kerwin of the situation.

Police Department: Monthly report for April was reviewed. A memo from Chief Russell Lary regarding his annual two-week National Guard Training and the NH Police Chief’s Annual Conference. Chief Lary will be at Guard duty from May 26^th – June 8^th and then at the Chief’s Conference from June 8^th – June 11^th. Chief Lary will then be on vacation from June 16^th – June 30^th. Chief Lary also requested to carry over one week vacation time to the next fiscal year. On a motion by Selectman Hutchins; seconded by Chair Jones, the Board unanimously approved the carry over of one week vacation for Chief Russell Lary.

Recreation Department: Administrator Stearns received the resignation of volunteer Recreation Director Gary Broughall effective immediately. Mr. Broughall stated that the spring sports schedules are well on their way. Administrator Stearns brought to the Board’s attention the need to put in the budget of 2005 to have a stipend for the Recreation Director. Advertisement will be placed in search for a new Recreation Director.

Town Administrator:

Software Conversion: Property tax data conversion is complete and the first tax billing is scheduled to be done on the new system.

Meeting with School Board: A joint meeting with the School Board has been scheduled for June 4^th at 6:00 p.m. in the school cafeteria. The purpose for this meeting will be to review the lease agreement.

Assessing: Earls Neider Perkins have begun the assessing of the new building permits, annexations, subdivision, etc. and should be completed within a few weeks.

Revaluation Update: Administrator Stearns has been working with Norm LeBlond, NHDRA and Jeff Earls, Assessor to compile dates for the reval to begin and end. The condos seem to be the most out of alignment with the rest of the town so they may be done as a separate proposal. The intent is to have the complete reval done by July 2006 to be in compliance with the State of NH’s time frame. The process takes a minimum of two years to complete.

Transfer Station:

Burglary: There was a burglary recently at the recycling building and the compactor shed; tools and recycle bags were taken. An insurance claim was placed and is awaiting the Police Department’s report.

Northeast Waste: The town has been informed that Northeast Waste has bought out All Waste Services. The current contract expires on January 1, 2004 and Administrator Stearns would like to present the Board with options at their next regular meeting.

Trustees of Trust Funds: Monthly report for April was reviewed and noted that very little interest is being earned. The Trustees have moved the Fire Equipment Capital Reserve to a one-year CD and is earning ~1% more interest.

Police Facility: Selectman Haddock would like to have more discussion on this. He suggested the Board members come to the next meeting with the following:

Selectman Haddock complimented Administrator Stearns on the Spring Newsletter and especially the piece regarding the State Education Tax explanation.

Resident Alan Tanenbaum questioned with the burglary at the Transfer Station if the Selectmen have ever looked into an alarm system. Administrator Stearns stated that this is the first break-in and does not feel that the expense of the alarm system would be justified; there is no money kept on site or items of large expense – the baler would be difficult to walk away with.

There being no further business, Selectman Haddock moved to adjourn, seconded by Selectman Hutchins; the Board voted unanimously to adjourn at 8:35 p.m. There will be a regular Selectmen’s Meeting on Wednesday, May 28^th at 3:30 p.m. at the Town Office.