The Board of Selectmen met this evening with Chairman Jeffrey Tufts presiding. In addition were William Hardin, Frederick Clark, Patricia Webster, Carla Goodwin and Town Adm. Kevin Paicos.

Tufts began the meeting by noting that Enis Almquist passed away.

On Webster’s motion, seconded by Hardin, the Board voted unanimously to approve General Minutes dated 12/20/99.

On Webster’s motion, seconded by Clark, the Board voted unanimously to table General Minutes dated 1/10/00.

On Webster’s motion, seconded by Hardin, the Board voted unanimously to approve General Minutes dated 1/24/00.

On Webster’s motion, seconded by Clark, the Board voted unanimously to approve Executive Session Minutes dated 12/6/99.

On Webster’s motion, seconded by Clark, the Board voted unanimously to approve Executive Session Minutes dated 12/20/99.

On Webster’s motion, seconded by Clark, the Board voted unanimously to approve Executive Session Minutes dated 1/10/00.

On Webster’s motion, seconded by Clark, the Board voted unanimously to approve Executive Session minutes dated 1/24/00.

Wayne Southworth in attendance.

Paicos and Southworth gave brief explanations of the proposed fees (see attached).

In response to a question from Clark, Southworth noted the last time the fees were increased was 5-6 years ago. After some discussion, on Hardin’s motion, seconded by Webster, the Board voted 4-1 to accept the recommendation of the Water Superintendent of the proposed fee increase. Clark opposed.

Paicos gave a brief explanation. Hardin’s motion, seconded by Goodwin, to approve a one-year extension of the Audit Contract with Thevenin, O’Grady & Co., was not voted at this time.

Clark noted there is still several months to put together an RFP for a new 3-year contract; noted he wants Ercolini to have the opportunity to bid on either a one-year or new three-year contract; expressed concern with the lateness of the Auditor’s report last year. After some discussion, both Tufts and Hardin noted they are in favor of changing the audit firm every three years, but would want to do that for a full contract not a one-year. Webster noted it would have to be offered to all companies, not just Ercolini.

Vote on the motion did not pass with a 2-3 vote. Hardin, Tufts in favor.

On Webster’s motion, seconded by Clark, the Board voted unanimously to issue an RFP for a 3-year contract for an Auditor.

Paicos gave a brief explanation of the process required. On Webster’s motion, seconded by Hardin, the Board voted unanimously to vote in principle that they agree to substitute T.I.L.L. for Hope Realty Trust as obligor under the Recapture and Anti-speculation Plan, and to authorize either the Chair of the Board of Selectmen or Town Administrator to sign a substitute Recapture and Anti-Speculation Plan agreement, a Release of Obligation and any other documents needed to allow for the substitution of the Obligor.

On Clark’s motion, seconded by Hardin, the Board voted unanimously to approve the RipRap Award in the amount of $9.40 per ton to Bardon Trimount.

M. White noted that in the Briefing book, in Article 4, on Pg. 8, section B-3 needs to be deleted, and the following paragraphs renumbered.

On Goodwin’s motion, seconded by Webster, the Board voted unanimously to amend Article 4 by deleting section B-3 and renumbering the following paragraphs.

None

Clark asked for an explanation as to why the rotation process was not followed in the Briefing Book RE: Selectman presenting articles. Tufts explained that he will be the spokesperson for the Growth Management as well as a Selectman, and it made sense to stay there for the four articles.

Clark questioned what the procedure is if an appointed person isn’t attending meetings of the board they were appointed to. Paicos asked Clark to give him the name and he will send a letter to the person.

Webster noted the PFSC has not received a letter of appreciation from the Selectmen yet.

On Hardin’s motion, seconded by Clark, at 6:45PM, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn to the STM.

APPROVED_______________________________

DATED________________________________