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

Halloween Schedule

George Murray addressed the Board relative to his concern surrounding the observed date for Halloween. Mr. Murray voiced his view that it would be better to observe Halloween on the weekend versus a weekday for a variety of reasons. Chief among those reasons was the diminished traffic volume on Town streets during the weekend versus a weeknight. He explained that when Halloween is observed during the weeknight it is more difficult for parents commuting home from work to arrive in time to help their children prepare for the event. It also is difficult for the children who spend the day in school to concentrate on their studies when Halloween is in their thoughts. The whole event is rushed and both the children and parents are up late with each having to go to work or school the next morning. Chief Consentino addressed the issue noting that the observed date was a long tradition in town and was the observed date for a good many surrounding towns, which made changing the observed date in Atkinson problematic. Board members agreed with the sentiment but thought it apropos to have the issue discussed at the next regional selectmen’s meeting.

Chief Consentino recognized Bill’s Home Improvement by bestowing a plaque to Bill Willis for his help in installing wheelchair ramps and providing small home repairs for Atkinson’s elderly residents. Mr. Consentino also announced the upcoming flu clinic for seniors, and homeowners gun safety course. Chief Consentino touched briefly on appropriate use of mailboxes, noting that mailboxes were strictly for the use of the US Post Office to deliver mail and not for the use by individuals to solicit business.

Lt. Bill Baldwin spoke to the issue and the status of the committee’s work to date. He noted that in order to better prepare a warrant article, if that becomes a decision of the Board, for a tower, then an RFP will provide the cost estimates needed to address the language and funding amount within the warrant article. The Board directed Lt. Baldwin to work with the TA to prepare an RFP to present to the Board for review and approval. Mr. Sapia noted that everyone on thecommittee had been working hard. Chief Consentino provided a synopsis of the issue to date. Lt. Baldwin encouraged public comment and provided contact information.

Mr. Childs recognized Howard Seckendorf for his many years of service to the Town of Atkinson and presented Mr. Seckendorf with a commemorative plaque and wishing him well as he moves on to Florida. Heartfelt applause was heard from those assembled and guests retired to the building office for cake, coffee, remembrances and farewells.

The TA noted that he had prepared an alternative PAF for Board review. Also attached was the old form. The newer version covers COLA, type of employment, union / non-union, reason for action in status or pay, and it includes a section for longevity pay. The TA noted that auditors usually require proof of action that involves a change to an employee’s rate of pay and the DOL also looks for those items to verify compliance with existing State & Federal employment laws. The current PAF provides the necessary documentation. Mr. Sapia made the motion to approve the use of the new PAF to document changes to an employee’s status. Mr. Sullivan seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous and so moved.

The TA noted that Mr. Stewart had recommended the current applicant to fill a vacant part-time laborer’s position at a rate of pay of $7.25 per hour. The Board asked Mr. Stewart if he had performed his due diligence concerning background. Mr. Stewart noted that the applicant was an Eagle Scout. Mr. Sullivan made the motion to approve the hiring of Mr. Brayall at a rate of $7.25 per hour as a part-time laborer. Mr. Sapia seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous and so moved.

Mr. Stewart noted that the line striping was scheduled for the current week. Mr. Stewart reported that the Newbury turnaround project had gone to bid, but that no one had bid on the job. Mr. Stewart outlined several options explaining that the work could be phased in with the grubbing and graveling done this year and the paving next year. Mr. Stewart noted that it was difficult to back a large truck out of Newbury Drive particularly during a snowstorm. Discussion ensued with the Board agreeing to revisit the issue next year.

Mr. Stewart endorsed a merit increase for department employee Josh Dugdale and also praised the long time work ethic of Howie Seckendorf who provided winter plowing services to the town for so many years.

The TA noted that he had attended Thursday evening’s meeting relative to the above captioned issue. He explained that the Regional Hazmat Board approved a budget, which was $80,000 for the year. The TA answered questions about the budget and noted that the Board’s agenda packets included the auditor’s report. Mr. Sullivan explained the functioning and purpose of the regional hazmat operation.

The TA queried the Board about a suitable date on which to interview those companies who had submitted a bid for the collection and disposal of MSW and recycling. The Board agreed on October 11^th.

Mr. Childs made several announcements including Family Mediation’s upcoming fundraiser, ‘Queen of Hearts’, and the Kimball Library’s Monster Ball.

The TA reported that he had received responses from everyone appointed to the JLTF (joint library task force). The Board asked when the initial meeting was scheduled. The TA noted that it was slated for Wednesday evening (10/4) at 7:00pm at the library. The Board directed the TA to touch base with members to alert them of the meeting time and location.

The TA explained that several items in the cable equipment purchase would be entered into the fixed assets inventory. While the thresh hold amount is $5,000, the TA noted that he had added the Panasonic Camcorders whose cost is $4,995 per unit.

Mr. Sapia introduced the topic of a recording secretary for both the planning board and board of selectmen. Discussion ensued with respect to the topic. It was noted that currently there was no recording secretary for planning board minutes. Planning Board Chair, Sue Killam explained that it might be prudent to review the vacant position with an eye towards the future. The Board discussed the issue from that point of view. The TA explained that if the Board was thinking along the lines of durability of work product, and continuity of service, then the Board might well consider replacing Ms. Galvin’s position, after she retires, with a planning and zoning administrator / coordinator. That position would attend both planning and zoning board meetings, record the same, and follow-up on the decisions of each of the Boards in much the same fashion as the TA does for the Board of Selectmen. In that way notices of decision made during a P&Z board meetings would be recorded by the same person who would also follow through the next day with notifying the applicants of the Board’s decision. The Board further discussed the issue. The Board did address the issue of having a recording secretary for the planning board. There was some discussion over the lack of a candidate, the advertisement of the position, the time constraints and the immediate need for a recording secretary. It was noted that the Board could authorize the TA to hire someone on a temporary basis, while the position was advertised. Mr. Sullivan addressed the need to discuss salary noting he was concerned that people were receiving various rates of pay. The Board determined that between $10-$13 per hour would suffice for the near term. Mr. Sullivan made the motion to authorize the TA to hire a recording secretary on a temporary basis with a rate of pay between $10 and $13 per hour while also advertising for the position. Mr. Sapia seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous and so moved.

Ms. Killam next addressed the Board relative to their decision to allow a member of the planning board to review and play some role in the selection process of the new engineer. She explained that the planning board was not formally notified and as a consequence felt rebuffed. Mr. Sullivan noted that the process was publicly noticed in the minutes as early as July 17^th. Mr. Childs noted that everyone knew about the issue. Mr. Sullivan explained that the process of selection was entirely under the purview of the BoS and that during interviews KNA admitted that the Board was simply following good business practices. Mr. Sapia noted that selection of an engineer was not solely for the benefit of the planning board, but also for highway, drainage and building projects, as well. The Board agreed to have Mr. Dimaggio review the narrowed list.

Mr. Sullivan noted that there was a scheduled JLMC meeting the next day at 10:00am at the Fire Station, and that the live burn conducted by the fire department over the weekend was a success from a training perspective. Mr. Sullivan also noted that he had attended a Budget and Finance workshop sponsored by the NHMA.

There being no further business to come before the Board Mr. Sullivan made the motion to adjourn. Mr. Sapia seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous and so moved. The meeting adjourned at approximately 9:45pm.

Respectfully,

Russell McAllister

Town Administrator

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Fred Childs, Chair

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Jack Sapia

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Paul Sullivan