BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING MINUTES
TOWN OF EPPING, NEW HAMPSHIRE
August 30, 2011
ATTENDANCE
Chairman Karen Falcone; Selectmen: Gilbert, James McGeough, Bob Jordan, Tom Gauthier; Town
Administrator Dean Shankle; Administrative Assistant Joyce Blanchard. Selectmen Gilbert was absent.
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Falcone called the public session to order at 7:00 PM at the Epping Town Hall.
PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
MINUTES OF AUGUST 22, 2011
Minutes from August 22, 2011 were submitted for approval.
Motion by Selectman Jordan to approve the minutes of August 22, 2011. Seconded by Selectman
McGeough. Motion carried 4-0.
BUSINESS
Purchase Order for John L. Carter Sprinkler to install sprinklers on the second floor and attic space in the
amount of $21,980.00 was submitted for approval.
Motion by Selectman Jordan to approve the purchase order for John L. Carter Sprinkler to install
sprinklers on the second floor and attic space in the amount of $21,980.00. Seconded by Selectman
McGeough. Motion carried 3-1. Selectman Gauthier voted nay.
Purchase Order for ATS Equipment for the rental of an Excavator for the Main Street Project in the
amount of $2,094.60 was submitted for approval.
Motion by Selectman Gauthier to approve the Purchase Order for ATS Equipment for the rental of
an Excavator for the Main Street Project in the amount of $2,094.60. Seconded by Selectman
McGeough. Motion carried 4-0.
Purchase Order for Markings Inc. to paint center lines through town in the amount of $1,501.00 was
submitted for approval.
Motion by Selectman Jordan to approve the purchase order for Markings Inc. to paint center lines
through town in the amount of $1,501.00. Seconded by Selectman McGeough. Motion carried 4-0.
Selectman McGeough reported that the upstairs of the town hall has seen improvements. The play
organization has been contacted and has responded. The cleaning has started and looks better already.
BOS – August 30, 2011
Purchase Order for AJ Foss Co. for the Concrete Septic Tank to be installed at the highway garage in the
amount of $1,302.40 was submitted for approval.
Motion by Selectman McGeough to accept the purchase order for AJ Foss Co. for the Concrete
Septic Tank that will be installed at the highway garage in the amount of $1,302.40. Seconded by
Selectman Jordan. Motion carried 4-0.
Chairperson Falcone reported on a meeting with the school department regarding the sidewalks that were
removed during the Main Street Project. Highway Foreman David Reinhold would like to keep the
walkway road level as it is easier for snow removal. A special painted line will be added for walking
safety.
Public Works Director Dennis Koch reported on the wood at the Landfill. The bidding process will start
tomorrow. There are 5 piles of wood, 1-3 cords each. The minimum bid is $100.00, 1 pile per Epping
resident household. Highest bidder gets to choose which pile. Bids will be accepted until September 16 th.
The winners will be announced at the Selectmen’s meeting on September 19, 2011.
Public Works Director Dennis Koch announced that Hazardous Waste Day will be held October 1 in
Exeter from 10 AM – 12:30 PM. There will be a $5.00 donation requested. No latex paint will be
excepted.
Public Works Director Dennis Koch reported on the Landfill. The old fence is down and it is looking
much better. Mr. Koch also wished Town Administrator Dean Koch good luck in Hooksett at his new
job.
Selectman McGeough requested clarification on the roads in the Apple Orchards. The town has not
accepted those roads. Selectman McGeough has concerns regarding the lack of street signs, guard rails
and the mailboxes are installed up to the road edge. The planning board will need to discuss the signs.
The mail boxes will need to be moved before the town accepts the roads.
Chairperson Falcone explained that Phase I of the Orchards are exempt from impact fees. The Town of
Epping will be collecting impact fees of Phase II of the development.
Selectman McGeough would like clarification on plowing the school parking lots. The board agrees that
the school should be responsible for plowing and the town agrees to salt and sand.
FIRE
Jim Rogier a member of the Historical District Commission spoke regarding the old fire horn that was at
the old Fire Station on Main Street. Mr. Rogier gave the Fire Department permission from the Historical
District Commission to use them as decoration or to blast them. Mr. Rogier also commented on the need
for volunteers to join the Historical District Commission.
BOS August 30, 2011
2
Mr. Rogier also thanked the Highway department for responding so quickly when part of his tree fell
during Hurricane Irene. Mr. Rogier praised David Reinhold for being at his house on Main Street within
10 minutes.
Fire Chief Don DeAngelis did not have time this week to gather more information on the Multimedia
Room Projector due to Hurricane Irene.
Motion made by Selectman Gauthier to table the purchase of the Multimedia Room Projector
Proposal until the next meeting. Seconded by Selectman McGeough. Motion carried 4-0.
Chairman Falcone wanted to thank the Police, Fire, Highway Departments and Emergency Management
for the readiness shown before, during and after the storm. All the departments prepared for the worse
and hoped for the best.
Chairman Falcone explained that the Fire Department had an overwhelming response from our town.
There were a variety of non-perishable and perishable foods donated in case there was a need. The Board
of Selectmen would like to thank Epping House of Pizza, Telly’s Restaurant, Epping Towne House of
Pizza, Wal-Mart, Market Basket, Lowe’s and Town of Fremont for their cots.
Motion by Selectman McGeough to donate the food that was not used and have the Fire
Department deliver the items to the Epping Food Pantry. Seconded by Selectman Jordan. Motion
carried 4-0.
Motion by Selectman Jordan to send thank you letters from the Board of Selectmen to those
companies who donated during the storm. Seconded by Selectman Gauthier. Motion carried 4-0.
Fire Chief Don DeAngelis reported that there was little damage in town regarding Hurricane Irene. There
is still 15% of the town without power. So far the total cost is under $5,000 including salaries for all 3
departments. Fema will reimburse 75% of loss if they have money left.
There will be a September 11th Memorial Service held at the Fire Station on September 7, 2011 at 6:30
PM. The Public is welcome.
CODE ENFORCMENT
The Town Code Enforcer, Brittany Howard reported on the intent to excavate on Depot Street. The
planning board believes that the resident was landscaping. Ms. Howard has drafted a letter to the effected
neighbor suggesting that she appeal to the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
Motion by Selectman Jordan to send the letter to the effected neighbor. Seconded by Selectman
Gauthier. Motion carried 4-0.
The Town Code Enforcer, Brittany Howard explained that she will be taking over the web site as Town
Administrator Dean Shankle is leaving. The new site is a Dreamweaver Program and user friendly. The
new site is townofepping.com and is still under the transition phase.
BOS August 30, 2011
3
Town Administrator Dean Shankle explained that when accepting a road, the Board of Selectmen can add
any stipulation needed.
FINANCE
Finance Officer, Lisa Fogg reported on the audit proposals from the bid process. There were six letters
sent out requesting bids, three companies responded with prices. Ms. Fogg is requesting the Board of
Selectmen to select an auditor.
Motion by Selectman McGeough to table selecting an auditor until the next meeting on Sept. 6th.
Seconded by Selectman Jordan. Motion carried 4-0.
Recreation Director Nicole Bizzaro requested approval on the PreSchool Playdate Program for the fall
program.
Motion by Selectman Jordan to approve the PreSchool Playdate Program for the fall program.
Seconded by Selectman McGeough. Motion carried 4-0.
BLAKE ROAD
The Town Code Enforcer, Brittany Howard explained that the town owned property on 315 Prescott Road
is a non-conforming building lot of .2 acres. After a lengthy discussion is was suggested that Ms. Howard
look into this lot of record for different options, one being to straighten out the road and intersection.
MS-1
The MS-1 that needs to be sent to Concord from the assessing office was submitted for approval.
Motion by Selectman Gauthier to approve the MS-1 that was submitted by Joyce and Scott Marsh
from the assessing office. Seconded by Selectman Jordan. Motion carried 4-0.
APPRAISAL
Appraisal on land owned by Wilfred Cloutier, 284 Calef Highway Map and Lot 023-038 was submitted
by Leidinger Appraisals for approval.
Motion by Selectman Gauthier to approve the appraisal on land owned by Wilfred Cloutier, 284
Calef Highway Map and Lot 023-038. Seconded by Selectman Gauthier. Motion carried 4-0.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
A letter to the Department of Transportation requesting a meeting to discuss issues with the Route 125
lights and sidewalks was submitted for approval.
BOS August 30, 2011
4
Motion by Selectman Gauthier to approve and have Chairman Falcone sign the letter to the
Department of Transportation requesting a meeting to discuss issues with the Route 125 lights and
sidewalks. Seconded by Selectman McGeough. Motion carried 4-0.
Chairman Falcone read a letter from Licensing Officer Richard Sleeper requesting school speed limit
signs on Main Street and a posted limit on Old Hedding Road and Main Street.
CORRESPONDENCE & REPORTS
INDIVIDUAL SELECTMEN’S REPORTS
Selectman Gauthier
Selectman Gauthier visited the new highway shed this Thursday or Friday. The siding is done, some of
the insulation and rough plumbing is finished. It all looks good and should be done under budget.
Selectman Gauthier reported that this is Dean Shankle’s last meeting and it was a pleasure to work with
him for 2 ½ years. Selectman Gauthier hopes he does well in Hooksett and Mr. Shankle will be missed.
Selectman Jordan
Selectman Jordan reported that the highway garage doors are on and was closed up for the storm.
Selectman Jordan was at the Fire Station during the storm when a call came in for a fire at Pine and Pond.
All the departments worked really well together during the storm. He is very proud of all the
departments. Dispatch lost their generator for a time and Raymond and Epping picked up the pieces and
made sure people were safe.
Selectman McGeough
Selectman McGeough reported that the Fire, Police, Emergency Management all did a great job during
the storm. There will be a warrant article this year to get a generator and cots for the School. We were
lucky this time, but we need to be ready in case they are needed. Chairman Falcone commented that there
are no cooking facilities at the school. The Fire Department should be making hot meals and delivering
them to the school. Chairman Falcone would appreciate seeing the Fire Department feeding the Police and
Highway Department.
Selectman McGeough thanked Dean Shankle for the good work, and the inspiration to do the job right.
Chairman Falcone
Chairman Falcone echoed the board’s comments regarding the storm. The departments were prepared
and the responses were very fast. There were 37 calls and we were ready.
Chairman Falcone announced Trick or Treat will be on October 30th 5-7 PM.
Chairman Falcone told Dean Shankle good luck, he was a pleasure to work with he will be really missed
individually and for the town. Selectman Jordan agreed.
BOS August 30, 2011
5
Selectman Gilbert
Absent
TOWN ADMINISTRATOR REPORT
Town Administrator Shankle
Town Administrator Shankle thanked the board and really especially the Town Employees. There are
great employees in this town. His job would have been harder if the employees messed up but they don’t.
Mr. Shankle thanked the citizens of the town. It has been a peaceful and quiet town to work in and a lot
has been done. Mr. Shankle thanked all the board members that he has worked with in the past.
Selectman Gauthier and Gilbert are the only board members left that hired him, so thank you for giving
him a chance to be here.
As for the Epping T-shirt, it was a gift from Joyce which is great because he collects t-shirts. But he is
really wearing the shirt because Phyllis dared him too!
Mr. Shankle has really enjoyed his time here. Epping is a great town and seen a lot of good growth. The
board should keep working together and moving forward. Mr. Shankle is looking forward to new
challenges but we all have his phone number if we need him. Thank you.
PUBLIC HEARINGS/APPOINTMENTS
7:30 PM Andrea Meyer – Cub Scouts
The Epping Cub Scouts Pack 136 would like to have a drop box placed in the Town Hall to recycle inkjet
cartridges.
Motion by Selectman McGeough to allow the Epping Cub Scouts Pack 136 to have a drop box at
the Town Hall for the inkjet cartridges. Seconded by Selectman Gauthier. Motion passed 4-0.
COMMENTS BY VISITORS
Debbie Roberts addressed the board asking whether her tree was on town property or state property.
During the storm she lost part of the tree on her cars and driveway. She thanked the Fire and Police
Department for responding so quickly. If the tree is on town property she would like to ask the town to
take the tree down.
Public Works Director Dennis Koch and Road Supervisor David Reinhold will determine whether the tree
is on town or state property.
Fire Chief Don DeAngelis wanted to share how lucky this community is having such a dedicated Fire
Department. He never saw local government officials take part in an emergency before. Thank you to
all. Fire Chief Don DeAngelis wished Dean Shankle the best of luck and hopes he enjoys his new
position.
BOS August 30, 2011
6
ADJOURN TO NON-PUBLIC 91:A:3 II. (a)(b)(c)(d)(e) Personnel; reputation (e) legal
Motion by Selectman Jordan to adjourn to Non-Public Session. Seconded by Selectman
McGeough. Motion carried 4-0. Roll call vote was taken and carried unanimously.
SEAL NON-PUBLIC MINUTES – August 30, 2011
Motion by Selectman Jordan to seal the Non-Public Minutes of August 30, 2011. Seconded by
Selectman McGeough. Motion carried 4-0.
ADJOURN
Motion by Selectman Gauthier to adjourn. Seconded by Selectman McGeough. Motion carried 40.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:58 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Joyce Blanchard
Administrative Assistant
JB/
____________________________
Karen Falcone, Chairman
______________________________
Thomas Gauthier, Selectman
______________________________
Dianne Gilbert, Selectman
________________________________
James McGeough, Selectman
BOS August 30, 2011
7
______________________________
Bob Jordan, Selectman
Date __________________________
BOS August 30, 2011
8