LITTLETON BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
DECEMBER 13, 2006
LITTLETON TOWN OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM

Present: Chairman George Hicks, Selectman Burt Ingerson, Selectman Ed Farrell, Interim Town Manager Tony Mincu, Executive Assistant Cheryl Sargent

APPOINTMENTS

Linda Brady representing the Willowdale Co-op asked the Selectmen’s assistance in writing a letter of support to the Zoning Board of Adjustment regarding their Mobile Home Park proposal on Mt. Eustis Road. Their original application was denied by the ZBA and they are appealing the ZBA’s decision. Selectman Ingerson stated he would like to read the minutes from the ZBA Hearing. The Selectmen would like to help but realize there is not much they can do as the ZBA has criteria on which they have to base their decision. Selectman Farrell stated they could write a letter to the ZBA but do not know how much good it will do. Ms. Brady thanked the Selectmen for their support and time.

CITIZENS’ CONCERN

Eddy Moore inquired from the Board how much money is in the Curran Account which is being managed by Main Street Inc. Tony stated that the money is all there in the amount of $25,123. Jon Criswell has been in contact with Tony and has stated he has looked into replacement of the rails masonry work on the abutments and whether the wind cable wires will need to be replaced. Jim McIntoch has been contacted regarding getting plaques done for the bridge.

Eddy asked the Board what the square footage is of the proposed Police Department facility and was told the proposed building is 7200 square feet. Other plans presented in the past have been for larger buildings. Selectmen Ingerson also added the cost of the other plans were much higher because of the different building methods. Tony stated the new proposed plan has been put together with input from PD personnel. There is also no wasted space in the new plan. Plan drawings should be ready by the end of the week and will be made available for public viewing shortly after this. The proposed building would be situated on town property between the Highway Department and the Fire Department.

Art Tighe had several questions for the Board. He noted the Selectmen’s Minutes on the web page have not been updated since late October (2 sets of minutes for November were on the agenda for the Selectmen to approve at this meeting.) He also asked for details of when and how the positions for Town Manager and Police Chief will be advertised and the interview process for candidates. Tony noted that LGC will be helping in the search process by reviewing the resumes we have received for the position.

It is estimated the search for Police Chief and Town Manager will cost about $12,000.

Art asked the details of the garbage pickup contract with Whitings and was told the contract is good until April to get through the winter months.

Art stated he thought it would be a good idea for the Selectmen to give reports on which meetings they have attended and any items they have focused attention on. He added that the Town Manager’s Corner has been well received and he urged Tony to keep on with this feature.

TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT

Tony told the Selectmen that we have the final union contracts and that they are ready for the Board’s signature.

Tony and Karen have spent considerable time meeting with different health providers and reviewing health plans. There is another meeting scheduled with yet another provider on Friday. The Town will have to decide whether to go with a self-funded plan or a straight plan. He said that the plan was under funded in the beginning and now has an older work force and a bad claims year which has contributed to our high insurance costs.

Tony noted that Littleton Water & Light has responded to a request by the Selectmen that they review Bruce Hadlock’s proposal for using the property used by Littleton Water and Light for the police department. The response which was sent by letter was distributed to those present and outlined the reason why the plan is not feasible as proposed.

Tony has received some information from Vanguard who manufacture modular units. It was also noted that the Post Office has space in the back of their building now that they do not sort mail here.

The steps between Pennock Sales and Peabody Smith have been barricaded after complaints were received by the Town Office regarding the degradation and unsafe condition for pedestrians. George Chartier has taken a look at the steps and is in the process of getting some information regarding their repair.

In other matters, Selectman Farrell moved to approve the minutes of November 8th and 28th as presented. The motion was seconded by Selectman Ingerson and carried 3-0.

The meeting adjourned at 7:00 pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Cheryl Sargent
Executive Assistant

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Chairman George O. Hicks

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Selectman Burton E. Ingerson

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Selectman Edward Farrell