MINUTES OF HAVERHILL SELECTBOARD REGULAR MEETING

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Board Members Present: Roderick Ladd, David Joslin, Peter Conrad and Bob Maccini.

Excused: Peter Heilemann

Town Manager: Glenn English

Administrative Assistant/Finance Officer: Jo Lacaillade

Members of the Public Present: Everett Henson, Tom Friel, Doug Henson, Melissa Walker, Joel Godston, Annemarie Godston, Mike Fenn, Noah Beardsley, LeeAnn Nystrom, Steve Wheeler and Ed Ballam from the Journal Opinion.

Call Meeting to Order:

Chairman Ladd called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

Approval of Agenda:

Dave Joslin made a motion to approve the agenda as written; seconded by Bob Maccini and carried unanimously.

Approval of Consent Agenda:

David Joslin made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda, seconded by Bob Maccini and all approved.

Scheduled Public Appearances: None

Public Hearing(s): None

Town Manager’s Report:

TM English reported that the tax rate had been set and tax bills were going out.

TM English reviewed with the Board the budget schedule that he has tentatively set. After Selectboard review the date for the advisory budget committee to complete their review for presentation to the Selectboard was set for Friday, January 16, 2009; the Public Hearing for the budget will be set for Thursday, February 5, 2009. This will allow the Selectboard approximately 3 weeks for their review of the budget.

Pending (Old) Business: None

New Business:

Use of Building-Haverhill Cub Scouts: Bob Maccini made a motion to approve the use of building for the Cub Scouts on December 13^th for a craft and bake sale. David Joslin seconded the motion with amendment that it is conditional upon receipt of proof of insurance coverage. The motion carried unanimously.

3^rd Party Fire Code and Life Safety Inspections: After a brief discussion this item was tabled until next meeting when the Precinct Commissioners and Fire Chiefs will be invited to attend.

Resignation of Planning Board Members: Sandy Schmid has submitted a letter resigning from the Planning Board, effective immediately. Tom Friel has submitted a letter resigning from the same board effective January 1, 2009. Bob Maccini made a motion to accept the resignations as submitted; seconded by Peter Conrad and carried unanimously. The Board thanked them for their service to the community.

Planning Board Appointments: Bob Maccini made a motion to approve the appointment of Mike Fenn as a Regular Member of the Planning Board. Since he had recently been interviewed as an Alternate to the Planning Board, no new interview was conducted.

Discussion with Planning Board: Joel Godston requested that the joint boards go into non-public session to deal with this issue. The Selectboard stated that they have no intention on talking about any person in specific so there was no reason to go into non-public session; the subject to be discussed is the manner and process in which the Planning Board meeting was conducted. Peter Conrad felt that the issues addressed in the letter had been taken into consideration and they were dealt with at the last Planning Board meeting and that meeting was handled in a professional manner in accordance with the Planning Board’s rules and regulations. Chairman Ladd presented a sample “Planning Board Feedback Survey” that the Planning Board might consider using to allow their “customers” a chance to communicate their experience with the Planning Board. Steve Wheeler asked if the Selectboard planned on publicly responding to the letter in question to let the public know that the Planning Board is running in accordance with State regulations. Chairman Ladd said that the last Planning Board meeting was conducted in a professional manner; items on the agenda were addressed in a like manner; and he believes the outcome of those that came or had applications left with a good feeling. He feels that the Planning Board is doing a good job. He expects that will be the way it will occur in the future. Annemarie Godston asked if the Selectboard felt that it had just been that one meeting that was a problem or had meetings prior to that been an issue. Chairman Ladd thought that question was better asked of the Planning Board itself; it was time for them to do some self assessment. It was also mentioned that the Planning Board has been in a transition stage for about a year do to changes in personnel, members, and subdivision regulation changes. Peter Conrad felt that the issue has been addressed and the discussion here tonight needs to end. The Selectboard thanked the members of the Planning Board for coming in.

Presentations and Awards: None

Commission/Committee Reports: None

Correspondence: None

Comments of the Public:

Joel Godston read a letter of resignation from the Planning Board effective January 1, 2008. David Joslin made a motion to accept the resignation and thanked Joel for his many years of service to the Town; it has been greatly appreciated. The motion was seconded by Bob Maccini with regret and carried unanimously.

Comments of the Town Manager/Administrative Assistant-Finance Officer: None

Comments of Selectboard Members:

Adjourn Meeting: Bob Maccini made a motion to adjourn, seconded by David Joslin and carried unanimously. Chairman Ladd adjourned the meeting at 6:45 pm.

Minutes transcribed by Jo Lacaillade