October 25 2014 10:00 AM
Second Informational Selectman’s Meeting
The Meeting was called to order at 10:00 by Selectman Ken Eastman
About 50 people were in attendance
Jim Crandall opened the meeting with comments about the Master Plan Survey and the results of
the June meeting based on the survey. He noted that the results of the survey and the subsequent
discussion meeting were very much in favor of pursuing rehabilitation of the Meetinghouse and
creating a better fire/rescue building. The next step for the Planning Board is to create a Vision
Statement which should be done early next year.
Next Bob Williams provided an update on the efforts of the WESAC (Washington Emergency
Services Advisory Committee). He said that Kyle Barker (from Warrenstreet Architects was hire
to work with us. Kyle has 20-years experience working on municipal/bonding projects) has
joined the group adding his experience with building construction. Since Town Meeting 2014
this group has analyzed the needs of the Town and the options available to fill those needs. A
consensus has been reached to keep the Fire Dept and Rescue squad on the current site of the
Fire Station and to not pursue outsourcing the town’s safety service. He then presented an
overview of four possibilities for creating new and better space for our safety service
departments.
1. Tear down the current Fire Station and build a new building similar to what was presented at
Town Meeting 2014. Estimated cost 2.4 million dollars, with no phasing opportunities and a
need to bond the full cost.
2. Build a new equipment barn, renovate the current Center Station and renovate the Old
Schoolhouse for use by the Police department. Estimated cost 2.5 million dollars, with limited
phasing opportunities and is our most expensive option.
3. Build a new equipment barn with attached administrative and training space for Fire and
Emergency Operation Center and renovate the existing Center Station to meet the space needs of
the Rescue Squad and Police Department. Estimated bond of 1.6 million dollars for the new
construction and $300,000 for the renovations. The renovations could be saved for with a CIP
(Capital Improvement Plan) warrant article and not require a loan. The new building would add
6700 sq ft of space.
4. Build a new equipment barn with attached administrative and training space for Fire/ Rescue/
Emergency Operations Committee and renovate the current Center Station for the Police Dept
and additional storage space. Estimated bond of 1.75 million dollars for the new construction
and $300,000 for the renovation which could be saved for with a CIP warrant article. The new
building would add 7440 sq ft of space.
The WESAC group prefers option 4.
Opening the floor to questions, Bob Hofstetter asked if the new building would provide space for
possible full time fire and rescue employees in the future. Williams said yes, there would be
space above the main floor that could be made into usable rooms in the future if the need arises.
Asked about the feasibility of keeping the Police Dept in the Old Schoolhouse, Kyle Barker said
that the 2x4 and 2x6 construction does not meet the current standards for structural load. The
design of the Old Schoolhouse also presents problems for creating private rooms and an
additional sally port would be wider than the building itself with no way to add it without
disrupting the historical façade of the building. The cost of renovating that space would be much
higher than renovating the current Fire Station for use by the Police Dept.
Linda Marshall questioned whether plan 4 adds enough space to house the Rescue Squad.
Williams said their plan was based on needs presented by the departments and that there would
be enough for the Rescue Squad. Jed Schwartz added that the main difference between plan 3
and plan 4 is the bump out from the new building for rescue storage. Sue Hoffstetter clarified
that plan 4 houses the Rescue Squad and the Fire Department in the same building, not keeping
the ambulance in the current Fire Station. Lolly Gilbert added that this made more sense for the
Rescue Squad in the event that the crew needs to decontaminate after a call, so they don’t have to
use 2 buildings.
Ken Eastman noted that the Town would take out a loan with a regular bank, not a bond bank so
the loan could be paid off early if possible. He also mentioned that the duties of the Police Dept
are being reviewed by the Selectmen with regard to the space needs of that department.
Charlene Eastman asked about the needs for processing prisoners. Ken replied that the Selectmen
are currently discussing that and do not want to pursue it at this meeting.
Vivian Clark pointed out that the Fire Department can remain in the Fire Station while a new
building is constructed so no one will be displaced.
Selectman Tom Marshall brought up construction material options. Kyle Barker said they were
currently undetermined. Wood construction would be easier to do and offer work options for
local builders but it must meet current construction standards. Metal construction is also an
option but would affect the look of the building. Both budget and the building esthetics are
under consideration.
Mr. Bourque asked what was going to be done with the Old Schoolhouse and the Highway
Garage on Half Moon Pond Rd. Bob Williams answered that those buildings are not being
considered in these proposals. Selectman Eastman noted that any historical building should not
be neglected. The old Highway Garage is not heated and has issues with water leakage, but there
are no plans to do anything about that right now. Fire Chief Brian Moser said it still can be used
for highway cold storage. The Police cruiser is being parked there and heated with a portable
heater.
Bob Williams emphasized that extra storage space will be created with the renovations included
in plan 4. Jed Schwartz noted that the Old Schoolhouse could be used for other groups and
committees for storage and meeting if the Police Dept moves out.
Fire Chief Brian Moser reported that the new exhaust system installed in Fire Station is working
well and keeping the building cleaner. He noted that most of the components can be moved to a
new facility.
Carolyn Russell read a statement from the Meetinghouse Committee. She noted that it is
important for the Meetinghouse Committee and WESAC to work together to ensure that both
projects get done. She said the best way to do this is for both projects to be presented at Town
Meeting on a joint warrant article that would not exceed 3 million dollars. Additional funds for
the Meetinghouse project will be generated by fundraising and applying for another LCHIP
grant. She felt that there is a good chance for receiving an LCHIP grant this year.
She pointed out that the plan for the Meetinghouse is only for basic renovations including raising
the building and installing a full foundation (the cost difference for creating a crawl space rather
than a full foundation is negligible) which would provide space for Archive storage even if no
additional office space is needed; and an addition that would house an elevator and handicap
accessible bathrooms. There are no plans for renovating the interior of the building. She noted
that $175,000 in pledges added to an LCHIP grant for the elevator means that part adds no cost
to the Town.
The Meetinghouse Committee has been raising money since 2009 and those funds were used to
help finish paying for the exterior renovations on the front of building last year.
Diana Hanssen asked if renovations for the 2nd floor could be phased in, and Carolyn pointed
out that there are no plans for work on the 2nd floor right now. Selectman Eastman pointed out
that there is no fire protection in the Meetinghouse right now and that alternate heating options
including propane and wood pellets are also being discussed.
Subsequent discussion centered on whether a joint warrant article for 3 million dollars would
provide enough money for both projects. Carolyn Russell was emphatic that additional funds for
the Meetinghouse would be raised, while Jed Schwartz noted that fund raising efforts for the
Fire/Rescue project have not done well. Schwartz questioned the choice of 3 million dollars for
both projects. Selectman Eastman said it was a “selling point” because it would add less than
$1.00 per thousand to the tax rate. If additional loan money is needed, it would have to come
from another lending institution. Schwartz then said he did not think these projects should be
bundled together in one warrant article because voters should have a choice. The Selectmen feel
that presenting the projects together would help bring the Town together, as Article 29 requested.
Nan Schwartz asked if increasing the amount to 3.5 million would provide enough money for
pennies more per thousand on the tax rate. Selectman Eastman replied that a lower price would
help get these projects off the ground, and additional funds would be pursued later.
Allen Dube asked what the funding amount breakdowns are. Jim Crandall noted that the amount
requested for the Meetinghouse has been reduced from 3 million dollars and emphasized the
Meetinghouse Committee’s commitment to raising any difference.
Frank Musmanno asked if the money for the exterior renovations were part of the original
amount. Selectman Marshall said yes, but those renovations were required maintenance funded
by taxes. Selectman Eastman added that electrical work must also be done on the Meetinghouse
and pointed out that the exterior renovations that replace the old clapboards should result in
reduced costs for future maintenance of the Meetinghouse.
Jim Hofford applauded the work done by the committees and stated that there is no reason to
back away from our responsibilities to the Town and that these projects should move forward.
Sue Hoffstetter asked if the town offices would be temporarily relocated to Camp Morgan if
these projects are voted in and was told YES and whether the cost of the relocation is included in
the amount and was told YES.
Laurie Dube suggested that combining these projects in one warrant article reduces transparency
in how they are funded and thinks they should be separate.
Fire Chief Brian Moser pointed out that if Plan 4 is approved, town offices could use the existing
Fire Station while the Meetinghouse is renovated.
Selectman Eaton then drew attention to a painting donated by Paul Carriere is being raffled off
and the proceeds would be donated to these projects. Tickets would be sold at the end of the
meeting. He also noted that architect Dave Drasba recently had a heart transplant but he will
continue to participate in the project.
The Selectmen then reported on the ways Director of Public Works Ed Thayer has been saving
money for the Town. The new Freightliner truck was on display. Selectman said the truck was
found in military surplus and was newer than they thought. The Town purchased it for $3000.
Extra parts were traded for wood pellets for the DPW furnace.
The Sand loader at the Town pit needs to be replaced. Director Thayer found one in surplus for
$20,000 and can sell the old one for $10,000. Money from the Town’s budget surplus was used
to cover the $45,000 in damage caused by the rain in August. 4 culverts were replaced and 8
more need to be replaced. FEMA money was not available because the storm was local and not
catastrophic enough.
The Dole Schoolhouse Bridge and the Bailey Rd bridge replacements were completed this year.
Selectman Eastman then announced that the Washington Meetinghouse was given a Seven to
Save award and the Selectmen and Carolyn Russell attended the award presentation. There is no
monetary prize for this, just recognition and advertising for the project. Ron Jaeger applied for
this award. Selectman Eastman noted that the Meetinghouse in Bradford was also recognized.
This award can assist the progress of the Meetinghouse project as now the NH Preservation
Alliance and LCHIP committee can by a catalyst for public awareness.
Charlene Eastman mentioned the Camp Morgan rain garden created this year. Jed Schwartz said
it was a great project that involved kids from Camp Morgan. The DES and Conservation
Commission can help residents who have runoff issues on their own property.
Before closing the meeting, Selectman Eastman noted that there will be one more informational
meeting before Town Meeting in March.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:39 AM.