LITTLETON BOARD OF SELECTMEN

MEETING MINUTES

LITTLETON OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM

JANUARY 11, 2006

Present: Chairman Bill Hight, Vice Chairman George Hicks, Selectmen Burt Ingerson, Town Manager Jason Hoch, Executive Assistant

Chairman Hight opened the meeting at 4:00 pm. He welcomed Representative John Ward to the meeting.

Mr. Ward attended the meeting to keep communication flowing between the Selectmen and Concord. He stated that he and Jason have been in frequent contact over the last year. He handed out informational packets to the Town Manager and Selectmen. Mr. Ward asked for any feedback of concerns the Selectmen have.

Selectmen Hight stated that the Board is very concerned with the possible closing of the Littleton Employment Security Office. He noted that this would be devastating for the area. Mr. Ward stated he would bring the Selectmen’s concerns back to Concord.

Jason listed several house bills which are of concern to him due to their possible impact on the Town. In particular he noted House Bill 1495 which adds a “none of the above” clause to the Town ballot, House Bill 1455 regarding electronics recycling and fees to dispose of same, House Bill 1457 regarding utility property tax, House Bill 1653 regarding double handrails in public buildings, House Bill 1694 restricting spending to the cost of living, and Senate Bill 240 regarding transmission lines. Jason added that House Bill 1551 regarding pay as you throw is a good bill and something the Town of Littleton has been supporting for some time.

Tax Collector Joe Wiggett stated House Bill 1222 which would do away with the jeopardy tax on manufactured homes would cause a loss of revenue to the Town.

Mr. Ward stated he would take the Board’s concerns back to Concord. The Selectmen encouraged Mr. Ward to stay in touch with them and once again stated their appreciation for him coming in to their meeting.

In land use issues, Jason told the Selectmen that Carol Cullen has advised him that Tara Lane is ready to be accepted as a Town road. Larry Jackson inspected it before he retired and approved its acceptance by the Selectmen. Selectman Ingerson moved to approved the acceptance of Tara Lane as a Town road. The motion was seconded by Selectman Hicks and carried 3-0.

Gerald Winn requested that he be given a draft of the warrant prior to the deliberative session to alleviate any confusion that could occur at the meeting. Jason stated he would provide this draft to Mr. Winn as soon as it is available.

Joel Bedor, Brien Ward, Mike Couture and Dan Hebert were in on behalf of the Town Building Revitalization Committee to give a presentation of the proposed plan which will appear on the warrant for Town Meeting. Mr. Bedor stated that the committee has come up with a cost effective way to get this project done. Additionally, he stated, the plan is financially responsible and brings the Police Department, Town Offices and Historical Society back together under one roof. The proposed plan makes use of all five stories with the fifth story be ready to expand if necessary. It is also a permanent plan. The plan will cost $2.9 million for 28,000 square feet. Judd Gregg has committed to granting the Town $500,000 to reduce the bond. The bond would be fixed term for twenty years and would eliminate the leases paid for the current Police Department facility as well as the Town Offices expenses at the Laconia Bank.

Brien Ward gave a presentation of the floor plans for each floor of the building.

Selectman Ingerson stated he was very concerned with the lack of input from the Town Departments. He stated he felt that they should have been asked for their input before the plans were drawn up.

Mr. Bedor stressed this is a preliminary process and input on what works for each Department will be requested. He again stated this plan is more efficient than leasing space and not having anything to show for it.

Selectman Ingerson expressed his concern with the location of the building at the intersections and the hazard to traffic on that corner. He noted that trucks have grown over the years and it is now harder to maneuver around the corner. He added he has repaired the lights on the corner many times due to mishaps.

Chairman Hight stated that dialog must take place with the people who are going to be working in the building.

Selectman Hicks stated he does not feel that the Police Department and Town Offices are a good mix in the same building. He added the Police Department are now operating out of a space which works well for them and he is confident that this was a good move for them.

Mr. Bedor and Mr. Ward stressed that the proposed plan calls for a 7,000 square foot segregated as well as secure space for the police department from which to operate.

TOWN MANANGER’S REPORT

Jason announced the Police Department will be hosting an open house at their new location at the old hospital on January 21^st. It will be an all day event.. The Department is now set up with space for outside agencies to work from as well. The Citizens Police Advisory Committee will be announcing their new collection of officer trading cards.

The Highland Avenue culvert is in bad shape. It will be evaluated to see if it can be lined.

The State has been working on the Redington Street Bridge problem. It is hoped the sidewalk will be opened soon.

The 2004 Audit has finally arrived. The fixed asset accounting portion of the audit has slowed down the progress. The audit found everything to be in good order.

Charlie Bass will be in Littleton tomorrow at 3:45 pm.

Tuesday morning (January 17, 2006) the Commissioner from the Department of Employment Security will be in Littleton to discuss the potential closing of the Littleton Office.

Selectman Hicks commended Fire Chief Mercieri on the conduct and performance of this crew at the Bretton Woods fire this weekend. Fire Chief Mercieri stated the ladder truck performed just as it was meant to.

Selectman Hicks moved to approve the minutes of December 14, 2005 as amended. The motion was seconded by Selectman Ingerson and carried 3-0.

The meeting adjourned at 5:20 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Cheryl Sargent

Executive Assistant

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Chairman William R. Hight

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Vice Chairman George O. Hicks

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Selectman Burton E. Ingerson