Road Agent E. Stewart recommended awarding the 2008 Road Striping to HiWay Systems, Inc. F. Childs asked if the Town used a rubber-based paint in 2007. E. Stewart replied that 2007’s road markings were an oil-based paint, however that is no longer permitted, so he is recommending the water-based paint, as he could not justify the extra cost of using rubber-based paint.

E. Stewart recommended awarding the 2008 fertilization of the Woodlock Athletic fields to Green World. He said that there was a discrepancy between the area he had calculated (approximately 300,000 square feet) and that of Green World (200,000 square feet), however Green World guaranteed that the entire job would be completed for the $6,096. He added that Green World has been awarded the work for the past several years, and was familiar with the Scope of Work.

W. Friel asked if the Atkinson Academy ball field was included in the proposal. E. Stewart said that it was an oversight that it was not included, however both bidders said they would include the Academy ball field for an additional $1,000.

W. Friel suggested postponing the award of the bid until both the square footage was reconciled, and a firm price for the Atkinson Academy ball field was obtained. E. Stewart pointed out that, since the Town had the right to negotiate with the bidders, a provisional award would be acceptable.

Chairman P. Sullivan asked about the status of filing the NPDES PII Small MS4 General Permit Annual Report, noting that they were due by May 1. E. Stewart replied that the report has been sent to both the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services and the United States Environmental Protection Agency, and both have returned the confirmation-of-receipt forms. He continued, that his big disappointment was not having completed the Outfall Mapping, which will be easiest to complete before the trees leaf. Rockingham Planning Commission will create the maps once they receive the data from the Town.

*does not accept a Command Wing

Chairman P. Sullivan took these bids under advisement, pending the recommendation of the Road Agent.

Per the request of the Board of Selectmen, Road Agent E. Stewart explained the New Hampshire Road Classification System.

CLASS I: PRIMARY STATE SYSTEM

Turnpikes and Interstate highways under the full control of the State

CLASS II: SECONDARY STATE SYSTEM

All highways in the "Secondary State System" as designated by the New Hampshire Department of Transportation (DOT); the State is responsible for the maintenance and reconstruction of all secondary highways improved to the satisfaction of the DOT Commissioner, otherwise, the city or town in which they are located maintains them. The later are eligible to be improved to DOT standards with the use of State Aid funds, as they become available.

CLASS III: STATE RECREATIONAL ROADS

All recreational roads leading to, and within, state-owned reservations designated by the legislature, and are regulated by the Commissioner of the Department of Resources and Economic Development.

CLASS III –a: BOATING ACCESS ROADS

Limited access roads from any existing road to any public water in the State, designed for through-traffic, and abutters have no right of access to them.

CLASS IV: URBAN COMPACT SECTION HIGHWAYS

The area of certain cities and towns where the frontage on any highway, in the opinion of the DOT Commissioner, is mainly occupied by dwellings or buildings in which people live or business is conducted throughout the year.

CLASS V: TOWN OR CITY ROADS AND STREETS

All traveled highways, except the above Classes, that the town or city has the duty to, and in fact does, maintain, regardless of the condition or how little maintenance is done.

CLASS VI

All other existing public ways, that have not been maintained and repaired by the town in suitable condition for travel for five successive years or more.

In response to a resident’s inquiry, E. Stewart said that Valcat Lane is not now, and never has been, maintained by the Town. He continued to explain that all roads in the Town are reflected on the Annual Report filed with the DOT following Town Meeting. This report, however classifies all roads for E-911 identification purposes, but clearly identifies those roads that are private, not public.

Road Agent E. Stewart recommended that the Board of Selectmen appoint Jesse Blanchette as a new part-time laborer for the Highway Department. The Board took this appointment under advisement.

The week of April 20 through 26 there will be a town-wide cleanup. The Highway Department will pick up along the main and collector roads, and volunteers will pick up along residential streets under the direction of the Recreation Commission. Gloves and plastic trash bags will be available at the Community Center, and residents are asked to clean up the roadsides in their neighborhoods and public areas. The Highway Department will then pick up the plastic bags along the roadside.

E. Stewart announced that a Household Hazardous Waste collection would be held on Saturday, May 10, from 9 AM to 12 Noon at the Plaistow Highway Garage. He noted that each household generates approximately 21-lbs of hazardous waste each year, and would like to see significantly stronger participation from Atkinson residents in the interest of protecting our groundwater supply. The fall Household Hazardous Waste collection will be held in Atkinson.

E. Stewart and J. Dugdale attended a refresher course for their Solid Waste Operator’s license. E. Stewart noted that there were many new Federal and State mandates, including a necessary addendum to the Town’s trash removal contract to demonstrate that the public has been notified that mercury-control devices (such as a thermostat) and light bulbs containing mercury, cannot be put into the trash. He suggested finding an area, which could be secured, for residents to drop off lights and mercury-controlled devices. P. Sullivan said he would discuss this at another time.

E. Stewart asked if the Board of Selectmen if they would consider allowing the Town Administrator to open the bids on the Friday they are due, and give a copy to the Department Head for review over the weekend, so that the recommendation could be brought to the Board on the following Monday night. P. Sullivan said the Board would prefer an opportunity to review any bids prior to having to make a decision.

E. Stewart asked if the Board could take the opportunity to review the Highway Department’s pay matrix with respect to prevailing wages in the area. F. Childs said he hoped the Board liaisons would have the occasion to sit down with each employee and department in their charge to understand and discuss their concerns and needs.

E. Stewart informed the Board that, because it had authorized Busby Construction to perform the roadwork for 2008 at the same rates as in 2007, Busby will be able to begin the work on Walker Road and Washington Road on April 21.