Selectboard Minutes

TOWN OF ANTRIM
Select Board Meeting Minutes
 Friday, May 8, 2020
12:30 pm via Zoom

Board Members Present: John Robertson, Chairman; Michael Genest, Selectman, Robert L. Edwards, Selectman

Staff Present: Donna Hanson, Town Administrator; Marshall Gale, Fire Chief; Scott Lester, Police Chief
Mr. Genest thanked the ambulance, fire and police personnel for their hard work and dedication through the state of emergency.

Agenda Items:

1. Approval of Minutes

• Mr. Edwards moved to approve the minutes of April 15, 2020. Mr. Robertson seconded. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Edwards-yes, Mr. Robertson-yes, Mr. Genest-yes

2. Update from Police Chief Lester

• They have reduced the amount of car stops to eliminate personal contact. The officers are still out on the road making themselves present. They will begin to increase stops will taking all precautions. Willard pond has been busy. His department is working with the highway department to put up more no parking signs.  The officers are making frequent drives to the pond. Domestics and juvenile issues have increased. He discussed the up-tic in domestics and juvenile calls. He is concerned with a surge of people coming out as the weather gets warmer. He said he has been working very closely with the fire department and Fire Chief Gale has been very supportive. The calls are up significantly from this time last year. He also noted an increase in out of state plates coming to New Hampshire as we open up more things.

3. Update from Chief Gale

• He discussed the pandemic numbers. Four emts are out of service and can’t re$65,000 in funding for covid related expenses. He also thanked the police department and highway department and stated they all work well together.  Mr. Edwards said park and recreation is working on ways to deal with Gregg Lake beach and boat launch by possibly putting up a gate. Chief Gale noted that he has a call into fish and game to see if we are allowed to close the boat ramp. Chief Lester is also concerned with people parking on the street if they don’t have access to the beach parking lot.
   

4. Tax Anticipation Note

• Mr. Edwards moved to ratify the vote for approving the TAN. Mr. Robertson seconded. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Edwards-yes, Mr. Robertson-yes, Mr. Genest-yes

5. Abatements

• Mr. Robertson moved to accept the recommendation from the assessor for all abatements. Mr. Genest seconded. Mr. Edwards stated that he does not approve of the process the assessor uses and there for is not in favor of approving the Breezy Point Condos abatements. He wanted to have a meeting with the assessor because he doesn’t like the approach. Roll call Vote: Mr. Edwards – no, Mr. Robertson – yes, Mr. Genest - yes

6. Oil/Propane Bids

• Mr. Edwards question whether the price was good for the entire season. Ms. Hanson said it was. Mr. Genest approve Dead River Company contingent on the Town Administrator finding the contract acceptable. Mr. Robertson seconded. Roll call Vote: Mr. Edwards – yes, Mr. Robertson – yes, Mr. Genest - yes

7. Limrik

• The Limrik article was discussed.

8. Town Administrator Update

• Ms. Hanson explained the Governor’s first responder grant. Mr. Edwards moved to participate and accept money in the Governor’s stipend grant. Mr. Robertson seconded. Roll call Vote: Mr. Edwards – no, Mr. Robertson – yes, Mr. Genest – yes
• Ms. Hanson said she got clarification on order # 25. If the BOS waive interest it needs to be a blanket waive for all tax payers whether it was billed during the state of emergency or not. Mr. Robertson said he thought it would just be for current bills. Ms. Hanson will get more clarification.
• Ms. Hanson met with Quantum Construction Consultants and Cold River Bridges regarding West Street Bridge. They need to fix the drainage on the small parking lot owned by the Kierstead’s. Jim Bouchard from Quantum will draw up a plan and Road Agent Jim Plourde will talk to Jaimie Kierstead about it.

9. Closing

• Mr. Robertson moved to adjourn at 1:10 pm. Mr. Edwards seconded. Passed 3/0

            Respectfully submitted,
            Donna Hanson, Town Administrator