BOS Minutes 12/10/18

MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 10, 2018 BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING

MEMBER’S PRESENT:  Board Members Mike Houghton, Joe Lovejoy and Town Administrator Paul Deschaine. 

At 6:41 pm Mr. Houghton opened the public meeting of the Board of Selectmen.

Mr. Houghton noted that there were only two topics for tonight’s meeting:  Recruiting of a police chief and to name an interim successor for the vacant selectman’s position. 

Three people expressed interest in filling the selectman’s position:  Mike Welty, Allison Knab and Bruno Federico.  At 6:45 pm Mr. Houghton made a motion to go into a non-public session to discuss a matter that might affect the reputation of another.  Mr. Lovejoy seconded the motion which passed unanimously.  At 7:48 pm Mr. Lovejoy made a motion to come out of the non-public session and seal the minutes.  Mr. Houghton seconded the motion which passed unanimously.  Mr. Houghton said that based on their deliberations, he is making a motion to appoint Allison Knab in the role of selectperson to fill out the remainder of Robert O’Sullivan’s term.  Mr. Lovejoy seconded the motion which passed unanimously. 

Regarding the recruitment of a police chief, there was a question as to a residency requirement.  There had been a requirement in previous recruitment efforts that the person live in town or be within a 15 minute commute.  MRI has asked that this requirement be altered or waived.  Alan Gould of MRI feels this stipulation will limit the number of applicants.  Mr. Houghton wants to cast the broadest net possible and supports eliminating it from the ad.  However, he feels strongly that the person should be in a reasonable proximity of Stratham.  Mr. Lovejoy trusts MRI to bring the best candidates to them and doesn’t want to hinder that process.  They both felt that, if the candidate were a good fit for the position, they would be able to negotiate location with them.

There was a brief discussion about where the salary range would appear.  Mr. Houghton would like to see the salary range in the ad, but not in the job description.  Mr. Lovejoy agreed. 

Mr. Deschaine wanted to clarify that there should be no mention of a residency requirement in the ad but articulated in the interview process that it is desirous and an expected requirement of individuals who apply.  Mr. Houghton confirmed and noted that the issue will be ever present in the interview process.  He continued saying that he felt the residents would want someone that is a part of the community, who is engaged and involved with them and their children.  Because of this, someone who is located physically in Stratham or close to it would be desirable. 

Police Chief John Scippa requested to maintain an affiliation with the police department at least on a part time basis in order to retain his certification as a certified police officer in the state of NH, at least for the coming year and possibly into the future.  Mr. Deschaine said that this is a common practice.  Mr. Lovejoy made a motion that for 13 months, starting on December 8, 2018, we take the steps necessary to retain John Scippa as an affiliated officer of the Police Department.  Mr. Houghton seconded the motion which passed unanimously. 

The selectmen signed three public service agreements.

RESERVATIONS
Easter Seals has requested use of Room A at the Municipal Center for 12/18 and for a couple of hours on Wednesdays in January.  Mr. Lovejoy made a motion to allow Easter Seals to utilize Room A for the purpose stated in their request and that the fee be waived.  Mr. Houghton seconded the motion which passed unanimously. 

At 8:05 Mr. Houghton made a motion to adjourn.  Mr. Lovejoy seconded the motion which passed unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,
Karen Richard
Recording Secretary