Present: Fred Childs, Chair, Jack Sapia, Paul Sullivan, and Town Administrator Russell McAllister.

Atkinson Academy Principal Heidi Webster and Peg Ralph addressed the Board with respect to the proposed warrant article to fund kindergarten in Atkinson. Ms. Ralph explained that she had written a grant to receive State guaranteed building aid that would cover the costs of constructing two new classrooms for kindergarten in Atkinson Academy. The grant was in the amount of $540k and the kindergarten capital reserve fund of $180k equaled the total construction costs of $720k, so there would be no tax impact. Ms. Ralph also spoke to the additional operating costs for staff (4.5 FTE’s), supplies and equipment noting that those costs totaled $352,800. Those operating costs would be covered by State aid in the same amount and therefore would not impact the tax rate. Ms. Webster explained that bus costs would not increase because there would be no midday transportation. Mr. Sullivan expressed concern given the uncertainty over education funding. Ms. Ralph explained that foundation aid was currently in place and will continue to be, but it may look different in the future. Board members thanked Ms. Ralph and Ms. Webster for their presentation.

Ms. Goodrich read from a prepared statement in which she expressed concern over the revaluation process. Ms. Goodrich explained that the formula’s used to calculate land values were flawed. Ms. Goodrich also asked for a written response to all her questions such as what land codes were used for waterfront properties, who listed the data, and who extracted the data. Ms. Goodrich asserted that Ed Elchik was not providing the correct answers and that assessing cards were missing along with assessing manual. Much discussion ensued with Mr. Sapia noting that he supported everyone’s position to get the answers to the questions that they were asking, but that assessing and abatements were a state process. Other questions were raised concerning the details of the assessing methodology and the adequacy of work and whether or not appropriate comparables were used. Another concern raised was the land value of a 2-acre lot being less than the land value of 1/10-acre lot on the lake. The Board decided to have the Town’s assessing firm, along with representatives from the Department of Revenue Administration hold an informational meeting to answer any assessing questions. The meeting was tentatively scheduled for January 24^th at 7:00pm at the Community Center.

Ms. Killam addressed the Board relative to a survey to be conducted by the UNH Survey Center as part of the Master Plan. Ms. Killam explained that the sample size was 2,000 and the questionnaire included 35-40 questions. The Center was hoping for a 30% response rate. The questionnaire report along with printing and postage was estimated to cost $5,312. The cost without printing and postage was estimated to be $2,794. The Board discussed the importance of the issue and the availability of funding, however, Ms. Killam agreed to return at a later date with alternative printing costs.

Conservation Commission – Land Repurpose

Tim Dziechowski addressed the Board relative to the Conservation Commission’s request to have Forest Road extension designated as an emergency lane to facilitate access to some backlands for emergency responders and fire apparatus. The Board reviewed and discussed the issue. Mr. Sullivan voted to recommend the warrant article. Mr. Sapia seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous and so moved. Mr. Dziechowski next spoke to the land repurpose wherein the Town would grant a conservation easement on Map 4 Lot 11 (former Sawyer 4H Field at the corner of Sawyer Avenue and Main Street) in exchange for a recreation deed addendum on Map 15 Lot 27 (new conservation land at East Road and Line Brook Road). The land on East Road would be used for multipurpose athletic fields to support sports such as lacrosse and Field Hockey, walking paths, and associated parking on the east side of town. The Town land on Sawyer Avenue would be added to the adjacent conservation land. Terms of the exchange to be by easement and/or deed addendums agreed to by the Conservation Commission, Recreation Commission, Selectmen, and Town Counsel. The Board began an earnest debate between the pro and cons of the land swap and the suitability of the swap. Mr. Sullivan noted that there would be additional costs for mosquito spraying and expressed concern over the traffic situation on Linebrook and East Road. Mr. Sapia thought the swap a good idea. Other comments included allowing the land swap without the corresponding conservation easement. Mr. Sapia made a motion to take the issue under advisement. Mr. Sullivan seconded the motion. Mr. Childs voted no.

The Board acknowledged Frank Polito who addressed the Board concerning a recently filed lawsuit wherein he was named in his capacity as Town Moderator. Mr. Polito asked if the Town would pay for his representation. Board members also acknowledged that they too have been served the same suit. Mr. Sapia made the motion to recognize that Mr. Polito is an elected official and therefore is eligible for legal defense under Town’s insurance. Mr. Sullivan seconded. The vote was unanimous and so moved.

Mr. Stewart brought the issue of contracting the engineering work for Wood and Walker Roads that are listed for repairs. A discussion ensues over the proposed costs proffered by KNA ($9,850) and Vollmer ($17,500). Mr. Stewart noted that the survey work has been completed for $10,000. A discussion ensues over the use of KNA versus Vollmer. Mr. Sapia made the motion to approve KNA’s cost and award them the engineering work for the two roads as highlighted by Mr. Stewart’s presentation for $9,850. Mr. Sullivan seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous and so moved. The Board strongly urges the Road Agent to work with the Vollmer Engineering in the future. Mr. Stewart asks if the Highway Department can advertise for a Road Agent. The Board agreed. Mr. Stewart next asked about the purchase of a laptop for the Highway Department. Mr. Stewart explained that he could use it for the Road Surface Management Software (RSMS) used to ascribe road condition factors throughout town. The Board agreed to the purchase.

The Board next addressed the paving costs associated with the warrant articles for Wood Drives and Walker Roads. A debate ensued between Board members and Mr. Stewart relative to which costs should be included within the warrant articles. Mr. Stewart explained that reconstruction costs were in the warrant article, but that the paving costs were in the operating budget as a way of keeping the overall costs of the warrant article down. Board members disagreed explaining that past practice placed all paving and reclamation costs for road construction in the warrant article. Board members also noted that it was a better way to fully disclose road costs in a warrant article. More debate ensued with the Board placing all of the costs of the roads in the warrant article with the exception of the finish coat because it would take two years to do the project. The Board directed the TA to take $98k out of the Highway Department operating budget and to reduce the paving line to $32k. The TA agreed to do so.

Patti Mangini addressed the Board relative to new wording provided by the DRA for the revolving fund for recreation activities. The Board reviewed the new language. Ms. Mangini commented that the New Year’s Eve celebration at the Vic Geary Center went well as did the senior dance and dinner. Mr. Sapia broached the subject of expanding the hours of the Recreation Director to 32 and when necessary 40 hours per week. Debate ensued among Board members with Mr. Sapia making the motion to increase the Recreation Director’s hours to 32 and 40 hours per week when necessary. Mr. Sullivan seconded the motion for the purposes of discussion. Mr. Sullivan expressed the opinion that the expanded hours making the position full-time should be placed on a warrant article. Also, it was his opinion that it was not the right direction for the Board to take. Mr. Sapia expressed his view that it was the proper direction and that the priority was correct because of the ongoing discussion and work to expand recreation fields. Mr. Sullivan felt that it was better to hirer additional part-time staff to avoid the fringe benefit costs associated with a full-time recreation position. Mr. Childs thought the point moot because he noted that he had received a citizen’s petition seeking to make the recreation director’s position full-time. There was general surprise among other Board members, as they were not apprised of the receipt of the petition. Mr. Childs explained that Ms. Morelli had handed the petition to him just prior to the meeting. The motion to increase the Recreation Director’s hours to 32 and 40 hours per week when necessary was called. Messrs Childs and Sapia voted to approve the motion. Mr. Sullivan voted no. The motion carried 2-1.

The Board reviewed the holiday schedule for the year. Mr. Sapia made the motion to approve the schedule. Mr. Sullivan seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous and so moved.

The Board briefly reviewed several minor items including Senator Judd Gregg’s scheduled office outreach hours, the upcoming library bond hearing, the mosquito control proposal, and the planning and zoning administrator overlap costs for 2007.

The Board reviewed the veteran’s exemption for Map 18, Lot 47 with Mr. Sullivan making the motion to approve the veteran’s exemption. Mr. Sapia seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous and so moved.

The Board read through each warrant article debating the merits of each and voting to recommend, or not recommend. The table below reflects the recommendations.

Due to the lateness of the hour the Board agreed to resume the deliberations at the next meeting.

Mr. Sapia addressed the issue of scheduling a chipper at the transfer station rather than burning.

There being no further business to come before the Board Mr. Sapia made the motion to adjourn. Mr. Sullivan seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous and so moved. The meeting adjourned at approximately 12:03am.

Respectfully,

Russell McAllister

Town Administrator

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Fred Childs, Chair

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Jack Sapia

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Paul Sullivan