Date:  January 29, 2007
Time:  7:00 pm
Place:  Town Office
Present: Selectmen Daniel Donovan, III, Jerry Greene and Richard Rockwood and Recording Secretary Peggy Arn

1) The Board reviewed the correspondence and informational material.

2) The payroll and bills for the week ending January 27, 2007.

3) Fire Chief Ray Dick attended the meeting to discuss the generator at the Fire Station.  He informed the Board that during the ice storm last week, the generator at the Fire Station failed.  Because it is so old, they had problems finding parts to get it running.  Ray stated that he was finally able to get the parts but it is not running correctly.  He feels that to adequately run the fire station, a new generator has to be installed.  He has gotten quotes and found Home Depot to be the best price.  They have a 16,000 watt propane generator for $3,599.  Ciardelli Fuel would charge $75.00 for the installation of a propane tank and $2.50 per gallon for propane.  He has gotten two quotes for installation and setup.  The quotes were $2,500 to $3,000 depending on the time it would take.

4) Ray asked the Board when he would be able to purchase the generator and the Board informed him that as soon as the Budget Committee approved his 2007 budget, he could purchase it.

5) Ray the informed the Board that the Fire Department had been awarded a grant from Home Land Security in the amount of $144,400.  The grant will be used for turnout gear and airpacks.  The town would have to contribute a portion of the grant in the amount of $7,220.  The Board would approve this grant and town portion.  Ray stated that this money will eliminate the need for a Capital Reserve funding for this gear.

6) Jack Schelling and Elizabeth LaRocca of Public Service of New Hampshire attended the meeting to discuss the conversion of the street lights.  This program is to replace the old incandescent street lights with high pressure sodium street lamps.  Mr. Schelling presented a study that identified the savings offered by converting the street lighting to the energy efficient lighting and also explained how the conversion is funded.  A 5% admin fee would be paid up front and the rest of the cost would be covered by the savings on the cost of electricity.  Part of the study was an inventory of Wilton’s street lights.  As part of the conversion, this inventory list needs to be up-dated by the town.  This would require that each street light be looked at and also address the need for additional lights.  The conversion was discussed and the Board will further discuss the issue and select people to do the inventory study.

7) Chairman Donovan then asked Ms. LaRocca if she was aware that the town had contact PSNH twice by the Town Attorney concerning the licensing of poles in the Town of Wilton.  Ms. LaRocca stated that she was aware of the issue and that there were plans for the Operations Manager, the Milford Manager and she to attend a Selectmen’s meeting to discuss the issue.  They also were preparing to inform the Board of the reasons that they could not put the wires underground on Main Street while the sidewalk project was underway. She stated that the recent ice storm had put them behind schedule.   After the discussion of the issue, a meeting was tentatively set up for October 19th Selectmen’s meeting.  Mr. Donovan stated that the town’s Attorney would also be present.

8) Road Agent Steve Elliott attended the meeting and informed the Board that he had a question about a proposed driveway permit.  Barbara Pinet is applying for a driveway permit on Map & Lot No. A-064 that would be located on a portion of what was the old section of Burton Highway.  Steve stated that he had met with Meridian and explained his concerns.  Steve stated that the existing drive does not meet town regulations.  The Board agreed with Steve’s opinion and support his decision to require town specs be met before final inspection.

9) Selectman Greene informed the Board about a letter he had received from the Mayor of the City of Dover NH.  Mayor Myers is concerned with the New Hampshire Retirement System increases in contribution rates that is being required in order to fund the employers  share of the NHRS.  The problem as Dover sees it is that cities and towns do not have any true representation on the Board of NHRS.  Therefore, they are asking for towns to support them through resolutions to be addressed to our local Representatives and Senators.

After a discussion of the issue, Chairman Donovan made a motion that the Board of Selectman supporting Dover’s resolve to work actively in making changes to the New Hampshire Retirement System Board that would allow for Employer representation on the Board.  Selectman Greene seconded the motion which passed unanimously.   Letter of the Board’s resolution will be sent to our local representatives.

10)Chairman Donovan informed the Board that he had added an addendum to the Purchase and Sales Agreement as presented by E & T United Ventures.  The Board agreed with the addendum and authorized Chairman Donovan to sign it.  It will be returned to the proposed buyer for signatures.

11)Selectman Rockwood informed the Board that he had questions about two abatements recommended by the Town Assessor.  After discussion of his concerns, Selectman Greene suggested that more information be requested of Mr. Haywood on how he determined the assessments.

12) One Veteran’s Application for an exemption was reviewed and signed.

13) One Current Use application was reviewed and signed with a note to have the area of land that a house sets on, including the septic system, shown on the map of the land.

The meeting was adjourned on a motion at 9:10 pm, with all in favor.

Respectfully Submitted;

Peggy Arn, Recording Secretary