Select Board Minutes 12.11.2023

Meeting date: 
Monday, December 11, 2023
Town of Francestown
Select Board
Minutes of Meeting
Monday, December 11, 2023
 
Select Board Members present:  Chair Scot D Heath, George Ravalico, and Charles M. Pyle, III
 
Others present:  Town Administrator, Jamie A Pike; Admin. Asst., Monica Harrington; Patrick Troy; Police Chief Fred Douglas, Alex Bryant, BJ Carbee, Laura Mafera
 
Chair Heath called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm.
 
Discussion
Mr. Troy, Mr. Bryant, Ms. Carbee and Ms. Mafera were present to discuss the ConVal consolidation plan and to understand the position of the Board relative to the matter.
 
General thoughts were that the consolidation plan was a foregone conclusion upon the start of the study, as limited research was given in to alternate configurations.  The Board members individually expressed their dissent to the plan as presented.  Per household savings that could potentially occur would be absorbed within a few years as the plan calls for adding staff and programs.  It is also believed the cost to “mothball” the buildings is underestimated.  Mr. Heath conveyed that School Board Representative Thomas Kirlin expressed that Francestown is viewed by the District as being a dissenting voice and is generally ignored.  Mr. Kirlin also expressed a desire to survey the local residents to gather more community input on the matter.  If the Town’s are successful in defeating this plan, it will inevitably be presented again and the Town’s need to be prepared with options.
 
Non-public Session
A motion was made by Mr. Ravalico and seconded by Mr. Pyle to enter into a nonpublic session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3, II(c) at 6:03 pm.  Heath, Aye; Ravalico, Aye; Pyle, Aye.  Motion passes.
 
A motion was made by Mr. Ravalico and seconded by Mr. Pyle to exit the non-public session at 6:39 pm.  Motion passes unanimously.
 
A motion was made by Mr. Ravalico and seconded by Mr. Heath to seal the minutes of the non-public session as divulgence of the information likely would affect adversely the reputation of any person other than a member of this board.    Heath, Aye; Ravalico, Aye; Pyle, Aye.  Motion passes.
 
Consent Agenda
Check Manifest dated 12.11.2023
Donation Acceptance – Recreation Trust Fund - $280 (December Coffee House)
 
New Business
A motion was made by Mr. Ravalico to approve the minutes as amended from November 13, 20, & 27 and was seconded by Mr. Pyle. Motion passes.
 
Mr. Pike reported that the standby generator at the Police Station is in operation, with installation completed on December 8th.
 
Mr. Pike also reported that the Certified Record for the Lawrence V ZBA appeal is ready for review and certification.
 
Being no further discussion, a motion was made by Mr. Ravalico and seconded by Mr. Pyle to adjourn the meeting at 6:43 pm.   Motion passes.
 
 
Respectfully submitted,                                                                         
Monica Harrington, Admin. Asst. 
 
APPROVED 01.29.2024