Chairman Dana Glennon Vice-Chairman Judith Carr (excused)
Councilor James Bergeron
Councilor Rose-Anne Kwaks
Councilor Michael LaBranche
Councilor Steve Minutelli
Councilor Michael E. Ploski
Administrator Ed Wojnowski
Chairman Glennon called the meeting to order at 7:01pm.
Chairman Glennon noted approval of minutes was not on the agenda.
The Council noted they had not received the minutes in their packets as this was a workshop.
Chairman Glennon noted he had been at the Department of Public Works building on Sunday and had watched the crews, staff and volunteers in motion. He publicly thanked all the men, women, young adults, explorers, and citizens who volunteered their time to help the community members. He had listened in to the Governor’s conference call hearing other communities’ issues. He thanked Karen Malasky, Emergency Management, DPW, Fire and Rescue and volunteers. He noted Public Works Director Rick Malasky and Emergency Management Director Candace Jarosz would provide an update later this evening.
Chairman Glennon noted the December 4, 2008 meeting held by the Council had not been noticed properly; he was not sure why. The intent had been to hold a Non-Public session under RSA 91-A:3 II (a) personnel to discuss the Town Administrator’s annual review. This had been put off for a number of reasons. The Council met last night and finished its discussion. He and Vice-Chairman Carr would meet with Administrator Wojnowski once a date was set.
Chairman Glennon suggested a new procedure to items on the agenda feeling it was taking too long to make decisions. Moving forward, Councilors would be able to ask questions, there would be discussion, then a decision would be made.
Emergency Management Director Candace Jarosz explained the last ice storm incident New Hampshire endured was in the 1990’s and was not to this extent. The Red Cross was contacted and set up five satellite locations statewide. Portsmouth, Oyster River and Exeter High School were also set up as shelters. The Community Center had been open as a shelter until the generator blew at 4:30pm on Friday. The radiator lost fluid. It had been purchased used in the 1980’s through the state. The generator had serviced the Town well. The high school is the back up shelter, but there was no power there either. They had tried to find available shelter for animals. Communication was difficult without power. She thanked everyone for their efforts through the ice storm. Volunteers and staff had gone door to door to ensure everyone was okay and knew where the shelters were. Often, roads had been blocked. Conference calls with the State Office of Emergency Management occur daily. There are many communities still without power. The Governor has declared a state of emergency asking the president to declare a federal side proclamation. A portion of the expenses occurred as a result of the storm will be covered. Background paperwork and preliminary damage assessment forms have been submitted. FEMA will be in Town tomorrow to assess the damage. There is a threshold that needs to be met in order for the Town to get aide. If that is met, the Town can apply for certain funds. 320,000 PSNH customers lost power. As of yesterday, there were still 400 homes in Newmarket without power. The shelter being used now is the old Exeter High School located at 3 Linden Street in Exeter. There are signs to the shelter. The Emergency Alert System had been put into effect. She cautioned generator use. The National Guard had flown in with ½ liter water bottles for residents without power. The Red Cross has been very helpful and will stay as long as necessary.
Chairman Glennon noted the Police Department has also been very helpful in their aide.
Public Works Director Rick Malasky noted there are still a couple streets without power. Crews are working on Dame Road and Gonet Drive tonight. He recommended homes without power call into their service provider to ensure they have not been lost in the shuffle. Quebec crews were still here, working 5:30am until 9:30pm. Four pallets of water have been provided for Town residents. On Saturday crews began checking on the elderly, and then began going door to door checking in on residents. There have been no fatalities in Newmarket so far; neighboring communities have not been so lucky. 135 calls have been received since 10:00pm Thursday night: most calls have had to do with wires or trees down; there have been 19 flooded basements; six building fires have been reported; there have been 26 fire calls. He noted people were getting desperate and pleaded with them to be safe while using generators. Five people have been transported to shelters; there have been two mutual aide calls and welfare checks. The transfer station will be open tomorrow and Friday from 8:00am until 3:30pm for brush and spoiled food. It will be open on Saturday for normal business hours unless after evaluation it is determined the hours need to be extended. Since there is snow on the ground, burn permits are available. He discussed the damage on the damn; a crane would need to be used to remove the wood safely. He noted there would be no clean up in Town similar to spring clean up; with the snow coming, there just wasn’t the manpower needed. He discussed the old generators noting the Police Department had received power back today for dispatch. He noted the Town was unable to cut the trees down that were tangled in the wires. It was illegal for them to do so.
Councilor Kwaks asked if the damage to the damn was from debris.
Public Works Director Rick Malasky didn’t feel the damage was from debris. He noted equipment will be needed to repair the damage. A tree in Riverside Cemetery had been taken down for safety. He noted the number to contact PSNH was 1-800-662-7764.
Chairman Glennon noted the Council had received an update at 5:00pm today on power updates. This information would be posted on the Town website and will be updated. He has asked the Town Administrator to post the sequence of command for emergency contacts on the website.
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1. Building at 5 Spring Street
Chairman Glennon read the letter from Henry Brandt dated November 25, 2008 indicating he would be donating the front building located at 5 Spring Street to the Town or any non-profit organization based in Newmarket that may be interested in removing the building for its own use.
Administrator Wojnowski explained there are several organizations that would be getting together to explore the possibility of moving the building. There is no specific location designated yet, nor is the use specified. It would cost approximately $9,000 to move the building. Henry Brandt would like a decision made by April 1, 2009 as to whether the building will be moved so he can move forward with his project. He suggested this be an agenda item at the January Business Meeting.
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2. Discussion of Request for Building Permit for Christopher Gaziano to Build on Class VI Portion of Neal Mill Road
Chairman Glennon noted the Council, at a previous meeting chose to hold a public hearing on this discussion. Since then, he has discovered the Town Council does not have to hold a public hearing. He noted this had not been noticed as a Public Hearing. He asked the Council what their wishes were.
Councilor Ploski expressed his concern with setting precedent.
Councilor LaBranche asked what decision the Council needed to make. He felt it would be fair to hold a public hearing.
Chairman Glennon noted the Council needed to determine whether to grant the building permit.
Councilor Kwaks understood from the RSA the Council could only grant permission to access the Class VI road for building purposes; it was not the Town Council who would ultimately approve the building permit.
Val Shelton, representative for the Newmarket Planning Board, explained the role of the Planning Board in this process had been to provide review and comment to the Town Council for this policy decision. The Town Council needs to determine whether to allow granting permit; the permit would be issued through Code Enforcement.
Councilor LaBranche noted he had taken the opportunity during the site walk to look at the condition of the road. He felt it would be a tough decision whether to allow building on this road without both sides present to present their case. He felt it would be better to hold a public hearing in order to hear both sides of the argument so an intelligent decision can be made.
Chairman Glennon noted public hearings would be held at the Planning Board level. The decision the Council would make tonight would be whether to allow this project to move forward. The applicant has not had an opportunity to address the Council.
Val Shelton noted this project would only come back to the Planning Board if it was a condition of the approval granted by the Town Council. It was the recommendation of the Planning Board that if the Town Council approves building on a Class VI road there should be conditions considered. It was the recommendation of the Planning Board this project be sent back to the Planning Board so issues of adequacy of the road, construction, utilities and drainage can be addressed.
Councilor LaBranche felt if the Council was going to move forward with discussing this tonight, they should stick to whether to allow access on the road as opposed to what will be constructed down there.
Attorney Mark Sullivan, representing Christopher Gaziano, noted at the last meeting he had briefly addressed the fourteen points submitted to the Town Council by the Planning Board. The statute states after review and comment by the Planning Board, the Town Council needs to vote whether to authorize the issuance of a building permit. He provided a brief history of how this issue came about. Once the Town Council gives the general approval, the applicant can work with the Planning Department and Code Enforcement Officer on the Planning Board’s fourteen points. The opposition that has come with this application is from those interested in conservation. He noted the Council needs to understand this is a private parcel of land. The Town owns the road, but does not own the land the applicant is proposing to build on. He discussed several documents that have been submitted to the Planning Board and Town Council. He discussed the site walk. He noted there is a provision in the statute stating if the Town Council authorizes the issuance of a building permit, the applicant needs to provide the municipality with a document indicating the Town would not assume maintenance nor liability of the road. This document would be filed with the registry of deeds. The applicant would be required to upkeep the road.
The Council discussed the width of the road, emergency access, classification of roads, setting precedent, who had the authority to issue a building permit and bonding. They also discussed bars and gates and future subdivision possibilities.
Ellen Snyder of 26 Johnson Drive noted at the last Town Council meeting, the Town Council had voted to hold a public hearing. She expressed her concern with the public not having the opportunity to comment.
Chairman Glennon noted the Council could not hold a public hearing tonight as it was not noticed as such.
Administrator Wojnowski explained nothing would prohibit the Town Council from allowing public comment on this agenda item.
Motion: To move this agenda item to the Planning Board for further action.
Motioned: Councilor Ploski
Seconded: Councilor Bergeron
Councilor LaBranche felt strongly the public should be allowed to speak if what they had to say was relevant specifically to the access of the road.
Councilor Ploski rescinded his motion.
Councilor Bergeron rescinded his second.
Ellen Snyder of 26 Johnson Drive and a member of the Conservation Commission read from a letter submitted December 15, 2008 from the Conservation Commission. She felt strongly the environmental conditions of the site affect the ability to maintain the road. She referenced the November 18, 2008 letter and colored map.
Val Shelton noted there will be several issues that will need to be discussed at the Planning Board level. The Wetlands Overlay District would need to be addressed to ensure there are adequate buffers to wetlands. A wetlands application would be dealt with through the building permit process. A Conditional Use Permit may be needed for impact to the wetlands.
Sarah Callahan of 1 Beech Street clarified the decision the Town would be making is a policy decision. The RSA requires the Town to create a policy whether to allow building on Class VI roads. She referenced LGC’s information they supply on Class VI highways stating only the governing body, after consultation with the Planning Board can adopt a policy allowing construction on Class VI roads. She recommended to the Council they work on a policy regarding Class VI roads. This policy can include no commercial development.
Val Shelton noted the Planning Board had deliberated what the RSA specifically stated. Newmarket clearly does not have a policy on Class VI roads. The Town Council can request the Planning Board to assist with the creation of a policy. The role of the Planning Board for this project was to provide review and comment.
Ranan Cohen of 81 Bay Road asked what criteria the Town would base its policy on for construction of a Class VI road. He felt if Class VI roads were allowed to be built on, it would be opening the Town up to more school children through developments. There are financial and economical pros and cons to creating a policy allowing construction. He hoped if the Council developed a policy, they would deliberate extensively and allow public input.
Fire Chief Rick Malasky noted before Christopher Gaziano bought the property, he had spoken with him and Code Enforcement Officer Dan Vincent. Christopher Gaziano had done the research necessary before he purchased the property. He noted he had told Christopher Gaziano he could not see why a driveway permit could not be issued for building on the lot. The only other place in town where there is a Class VI road is Hersey Lane; there is no potential for further development in that location due to the nature of the land. He noted he is very familiar with this lot and knows the road is in fairly good shape.
Councilor LaBranche noted there is a single request in front of the Town Council; a policy cannot be adopted that would affect this application.
Motion: To allow the granting of a building permit on the Class VI portion of Neal Mill Road.
Motioned: Councilor Ploski
Councilor Bergeron asked for an amendment to the Motion to include the Conservation Commission recommendations of the December 15, 2008 letter as follows:
Apply the Planning Board process and standards provided under the Newmarket Chapter V Subdivision Regulations related to design standards, roads, drainage, utilities and emergency services
Ensure no commercial activity
Obtain legal review of limits of municipal responsibility and liability
Councilor Ploski agreed to amend his motion.
Councilor Minutelli noted this was a Council Workshop. The agenda item was discussion of building permit on Neal Mill Road. He understood through the resolution the Council passed in August that motions will not be made in Workshops; he recommended moving this to the Business Meeting in order to follow protocol. He read from Resolution 2008/2009-06.
Councilor Ploski withdrew his motion.
Motion: To approve a building permit for use on Class VI portion of Neal Mill Road with the conditions as stated in the Conservation Commission letter of December 15, 2008:
Apply the Planning Board process and standards provided under the Newmarket Chapter V Subdivision Regulations related to design standards, roads, drainage, utilities and emergency services
Ensure no commercial activity
Obtain legal review of limits of municipal responsibility and liability
Ellen Snyder noted the information provided on the Conservation Commission letter dated December 15th was the same information provided on the Planning Board letter of October 15, 2008.
Councilor Kwaks amended her motion to use the conditions imposed on the October 15, 2008 Planning Board letter rather than the December 15, 2008 Conservation Commission letter.
Councilor LaBranche asked for the motion to be amended to be site specific.
Councilor Kwaks agreed stating the approval was specifically for the Gaziano property.
Seconded: Councilor LaBranche
Vote: 5-1 Motion carries
Councilor Kwaks Aye
Councilor Bergeron Aye
Councilor LaBranche Aye
Councilor Ploski Nay
Councilor Minutelli Aye
Vice-Chairman Carr Absent
Chairman Glennon Aye
The Council recessed from 9:00pm until 9:07pm.
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3. American LaFrance Fire Truck/Pittsburg, NH
Tideo Beaulieu of 61 Elm Street, retired Fire Chief for the Town of Newmarket, explained the Town Council had donated fire apparatus to a Town who needed it. Papers had been drawn up; the Town of Newmarket sold its 1975 fire truck to Pittsburg for $1.00 with the understanding Pittsburg would not generate a profit from the truck. Pittsburg is now looking to use the truck for parts as it has outlived its usefulness as a fire truck. The truck is 30 years old.
Motion: To allow Tideo Beaulieu to continue negotiations on the fire truck and to come back to the Town Council with recommendations.
Motioned: Councilor LaBranche
Seconded: Councilor Ploski
Vote: 6-0 Motion carries
Councilor Kwaks Aye
Councilor Bergeron Aye
Councilor LaBranche Aye
Councilor Ploski Aye
Councilor Minutelli Aye
Vice-Chairman Carr Absent
Chairman Glennon Aye
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4. Draft Request for the Use of Town Building Facility Permit
Chairman Glennon noted this is coming at his request along with Town Administrator and Kathy Castle. He noted there are some changes he would like to see made and recommended this could be adopted in concept but not finally.
Motion: To table this agenda item to the January Workshop.
Motioned: Councilor LaBranche
Seconded: Councilor Ploski
Vote: 6-0 Motion carries
Councilor Kwaks Aye
Councilor Bergeron Aye
Councilor LaBranche Aye
Councilor Ploski Aye
Councilor Minutelli Aye
Vice-Chairman Carr Absent
Chairman Glennon Aye
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5. Best Way Contract Proposal
Administrator Wojnowski noted the representative from Best Way indicated there was no new proposal other than freezing the CIP at 3.5%. He has yet to receive a letter for review. The Town Council had discussed potentially going to bid in 2009. The Town is already in its second renewal with Best Way. Public Works Director Rick Malasky has spoken highly of the service Best Way provides compared to other companies the Town has had. No negotiations are required until 2009. Best Way was hoping to purchase new equipment for single stream but needed to know Towns would agree to the extension so the cost could be amortized. Newmarket can branch out on its own while still maintaining membership with the Lamprey River Co-op. He noted Public Works Director Rick Malasky had indicated it would be beneficial for the Town to get on a fiscal cycle with Best Way rather than a calendar cycle. Best Way is willing to consider a six month extension.
Motion: To authorize the Town Administrator to extend the contract with Best Way for six months to coincide with the budget cycle and to consider putting to the voters in May whether to renew with Best Way for 3 ½ years.
Motioned: Councilor LaBranche
Seconded: Councilor Minutelli
Vote: 6-0 Motion carries
Councilor Kwaks Aye
Councilor Bergeron Aye
Councilor LaBranche Aye
Councilor Ploski Aye
Councilor Minutelli Aye
Vice-Chairman Carr Absent
Chairman Glennon Aye
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6. Proclamation Guidelines
Chairman Glennon recommended moving this agenda item to a future workshop.
Motion: To move this agenda item to the January Workshop.
Motioned: Councilor LaBranche
Seconded: Councilor Kwaks
Vote: 6-0 Motion carries
Councilor Kwaks Aye
Councilor Bergeron Aye
Councilor LaBranche Aye
Councilor Ploski Aye
Councilor Minutelli Aye
Vice-Chairman Carr Absent
Chairman Glennon Aye
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7. Holiday Schedule for 2009
Motion: To accept the Holiday Schedule for 2009 as written.
Motioned: Councilor Ploski
Seconded: Councilor Minutelli
Vote: 6-0 Motion carries
Councilor Kwaks Aye
Councilor Bergeron Aye
Councilor LaBranche Aye
Councilor Ploski Aye
Councilor Minutelli Aye
Vice-Chairman Carr Absent
Chairman Glennon Aye
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8. Parking Downtown from Loco Shoe to Big Bean
Chairman Glennon noted people were calling to inquire whether the four spaces between Loco Shoe and the Big Bean can be posted for 15 minutes. After a conversation with the Town Administrator it became apparent whatever is decided needs to become an ordinance for enforcement reasons. He recommended cutting one space from this area because it is difficult seeing out.
Administrator Wojnowski had a conversation with Police Chief Kevin Cyr regarding turning Chapel Street into a one way street going up.
The Council discussed alternative routes, one way streets and parking.
Police Chief Kevin Cyr explained his concern with 15 minute parking is enforcement. An officer would need to be downtown to observe how long vehicles remained parked. He did not think this position would generate enough revenue to cover the cost of the position.
Chairman Glennon suggested this may be an issue to send to the Highway Public Safety Committee.
Motion: To send this issue to the Highway Public Safety Committee.
Motioned: Councilor Ploski
Seconded: Councilor Kwaks
Councilor LaBranche noted there are two locations for potential businesses that are vacant right now. It was important to promote business downtown; restricting parking would not promote the businesses.
Vote: 6-0 Motion carries
Councilor Kwaks Aye
Councilor Bergeron Aye
Councilor LaBranche Aye
Councilor Ploski Aye
Councilor Minutelli Aye
Vice-Chairman Carr Absent
Chairman Glennon Aye
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9. Council Interest in Smith Sister’s Residence/Property
Chairman Glennon noted the Town Council had taken a site walk and needs to make a decision about the building, barn and five acres for possible athletic fields.
Councilor LaBranche noted there is Open Space money available specifically for this purpose.
Administrator Wojnowski recommended this is a discussion the Town Council may want to have in Non-Public session.
Councilor LaBranche asked if a Non-Public Session could be scheduled prior to the next business meeting.
Motion: To table this discussion to the January 6, 2009 Non-Public session.
Motioned: Councilor Ploski
Seconded: Councilor LaBranche
Vote: 6-0 Motion carries
Councilor Kwaks Aye
Councilor Bergeron Aye
Councilor LaBranche Aye
Councilor Ploski Aye
Councilor Minutelli Aye
Vice-Chairman Carr Absent
Chairman Glennon Aye
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10. Town Council to Consider Nominations, Appointments and Elections
a. Advisory Heritage Commission
Motion: To nominate Janice Rosa to the Advisory Heritage Commission for the alternate position term expiring May 2011.
Motioned: Councilor Bergeron
Seconded: Councilor LaBranche
Vote: 3-3 Motion fails
Councilor Kwaks Nay
Councilor Bergeron Aye
Councilor LaBranche Aye
Councilor Ploski Nay
Councilor Minutelli Aye
Vice-Chairman Carr Absent
Chairman Glennon Nay
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11. Review of Standing Committees and Council Representatives
a. Councilor LaBranche
Budget Committee
Councilor LaBranche noted Budget books have been received. The next Budget Committee meeting is in January.
CIP Committee
Councilor LaBranche noted the Council would receive the final CIP submissions by week end; the finals printed today had been incorrect. He felt the Council would be pleased.
Energy Committee
Councilor LaBranche noted he would set something up for the first of the year. He thought there may be one spot available on the committee; they do have a quorum.
b. Councilor Bergeron
School Board
Councilor Bergeron noted he had not been able to attend the School Board meetings recently as they have coincided with Town Council meetings lately.
Forensic Audit Committee
Councilor Bergeron noted this committee has disbanded.
Conservation Commission
Councilor Bergeron noted there is a new Senate Bill regarding RSA 36-A, the statute governing Conservation Commissions. The Town Council would need to adopt these new regulations or would need to put them to the Town for a vote. Specific language has been provided if putting to the Town in the form of warrant articles. This would authorize the Conservation Commission to expend funds; as it has been doing historically.
Chairman Glennon suggested putting this discussion on the February Workshop agenda.
Councilor Bergeron went on to explain the Commission had discussed the Gaziano proposal and improvements to the Loiselle property.
Chairman Glennon noted he would like a definitive answer from the School Board as to whether they are interested in a joint meeting to discuss cost sharing. If they are not interested, a letter stating their position should be submitted to the Town Council.
Councilor Bergeron noted School Board Chairman Cliff Chase had indicated Sue Caswell was working with Finance Director Don Parnell on that issue. He would ask for a formal answer.
Councilor Ploski noted there had been lights left on at the school overnight. With the economy being what it is, leaving the lights on in a Town facility on a main road overnight does not show the community the Town is trying to conserve energy.
Councilor Bergeron noted that may have been because janitorial staff was still working. He would bring this up to the School Board.
c. Vice-Chairman Carr
Vice Chairman Carr was not present to report.
d. Chairman Glennon
Lamprey Riverwalk Committee
Chairman Glennon noted the Lamprey Riverwalk Committee had been cancelled until January because two members were out of Town. Project Coordinator Julie Glover had been able to secure the easement from Kostas for Water Street. The Committee would be able to move forward with plans and schematics. The Council has already approved the funds.
e. Councilor Kwaks
Advisory Heritage Commission
Councilor Kwaks noted the Advisory Heritage Commission met November 20, 2008 to discuss the Spring Street building. Legal review of the ordinance indicates it was not strong enough. The Planning Board had set up a subcommittee to work on the ordinance, but more members had been interested so the entire Board would take on the project. The Newmarket Business Association had been present at the meeting to discuss how the community can benefit from certain things the ordinance will provide. The Commission had discussed the Town Clock which would be a large investment.
Municipal Audit Committee
Councilor Kwaks noted the last meeting had been cancelled; no meeting is currently scheduled.
Municipal Solid Waste
Councilor Kwaks noted there has been no meeting.
Chairman Glennon asked how serious the membership for the Municipal Audit Committee was.
Councilor Kwaks noted members are very serious. The resolution requires the Committee to meet four times per year.
f. Councilor Ploski
Channel 13
Highway Public Safety Committee
Main Street Committee
Councilor Ploski notednone of his committees have met.
Chairman Glennon asked if the Channel 13 Committee was taking minutes as the Council has not been receiving the minutes in their packets.
Councilor Ploski noted he will speak with the Vice-Chairman of the Committee as he is responsible for minute taking.
g. Councilor Minutelli
Downtown TIF Advisory Board
Open Space Committee
Councilor Minutelli noted these committees have not met.
Veteran’s Memorial Trust Committee
Councilor Minutelli noted the Veteran’s Memorial Trust Committee had met last night; he had been unable to attend due to the Town Council’s Non-Public session.
Chairman Glennon noted the Black Bear TIF Committee would be meeting tomorrow night but he would not be attending.
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12. Old Business/New Business
Councilor Ploski noted he had received an email requesting contact information for a resident in Town. He called Kathy Castle to see if the person was actually a resident in Town; got their contact information and called them to inform them of the request. He stressed the importance of not giving out personal information of residents without their permission.
Councilor Bergeron asked if the four day work week for the Town was achieving any savings.
Administrator Wojnowski noted it was difficult getting used to the four day work week but residents have seemed to like it. Oil deliveries have not been as often, but he has not seen specific numbers. Thermostats have been switched to programmable, and motion sensor light switches would be installed.
The Council discussed heating systems and contractors.
Councilor Bergeron noted in light of the recent emergency, when phones are down, people are able to use cell phones. It is well known Newmarket does not have decent cell service. He asked for this to be moved up on the list of priorities for the Council.
Councilor Bergeron noted there have been studies done on buildings to see where money can be saved in energy costs. He suggested this would be a good project for the Energy Committee and noted he would like to be part of that.
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13. Town Administrator’s Report
Administrator Wojnowski noted the importance for residents still without power to contact PSNH using 1-800-622-7764. This ensures residents will become part of the queue to prompt PSNH to do something. If residents know a neighbor is without power, they should call in for that neighbor.
Administrator Wojnowski noted the Council has discussed the possibility of using laptops for Councilors. He has been speaking with Doug Poulin and Councilor Bergeron and is nearly ready to implement the testing phase. Councilor Bergeron would be the test subject to work out any problems with the service initially. The amount of paperwork and copies of documents Councilors get is unnerving and wasteful.
Councilor Ploski suggested if there is a second laptop available Councilor Kwaks should also be a test subject so there is a Councilor familiar with technology and a Councilor not familiar with technology.
Chairman Glennon questioned the savings with purchasing laptops versus paper. He also expressed his concern with Councilor’s being preoccupied with the computer rather than listening to the discussions going on.
Councilor Bergeron noted the value would be long term. Councilors would have the ability to recall documents from several meetings ago with ease while still being engaged in the discussions. He noted he had worked at two large corporations that had gone paperless. There was always hesitation and difficulty at first but the cost savings and available information is a big component.
Councilor LaBranche referenced the Budget Book noting how large it will get by the end of the Budget season. He suggested it would be easier to track changes to the budget moving forward. He liked the idea of two Councilors being test subjects because the Council does not know who will sit up here in the future; the computer needs to be user friendly.
Motion: To authorize a pilot program implementing laptops to two Councilors. Any expenditures need to be approved by the Town Council prior to spending.
Motioned: Councilor Ploski
Seconded: Councilor LaBranche
Vote: 6-0 Motion carries
Councilor Kwaks Aye
Councilor Bergeron Aye
Councilor LaBranche Aye
Councilor Ploski Aye
Councilor Minutelli Aye
Vice-Chairman Carr Absent
Chairman Glennon Aye
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14. Non-Public – Update DPW Union Contract
Motion: To enter into Non-Public RSA 91-A:3 II (e) at 10:34pm.
Motioned: Councilor Bergeron
Seconded: Councilor Ploski
Vote: 6-0 Motion carries
Councilor Kwaks Aye
Councilor Bergeron Aye
Councilor LaBranche Aye
Councilor Ploski Aye
Councilor Minutelli Aye
Vice-Chairman Carr Absent
Chairman Glennon Aye
Motion: To leave Non-Public at 10:51pm and seal the minutes because the divulgence of information would render the proposed action ineffective.
Motioned: Councilor LaBranche
Seconded: Councilor Minutelli
Vote: 6-0 Motion carries
Councilor Kwaks Aye
Councilor Bergeron Aye
Councilor LaBranche Aye
Councilor Ploski Aye
Councilor Minutelli Aye
Vice-Chairman Carr Absent
Chairman Glennon Aye
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