Annual Town Meeting

Lancaster, NH

March 13, 2007

At 7:30 p.m. Moderator Desjardins welcomed all to the annual meeting and introduced himself, Jean Oleson Town Clerk, Town Manager Ed Samson, Administrative Services Manager Becky Newton and Select Board members David Stickney and Leo Enos. Moderator Desjardins advised all present that Selectman Allan Carr is unable to attend the meeting due to family illness. He thanked the deputy moderators, Pat Kelly, Don Crane and Jim Seppala, Supervisors of the Checklist and all the election volunteers.

Moderator Desjardins introduced the 3^rd graders from the Lancaster Elementary School lead by 3^rd grade teacher Robert Hunt who performed a musical presentation. The colors were brought forward by the JROTC from WMRHS with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Allvin (Whitey) Leonard. Moderator Desjardins introduced Alicia Kenney who sang the Star Spangled Banner.

Moderator Desjardins acknowledged that the 2006 Lancaster Annual Report was dedicated to former Town Manager Joyce McGee.

Moderator Desjardins announced that the Chem Free Committee for WMRHS is selling raffle tickets and the JROTC is selling coffee and baked goods in the ante room during the meeting.

Moderator Desjardins stated that the polls opened at 8:00 a.m. this morning for voting on Article 1 election of town officers, the school ballot and school warrant articles. He said the polls closed at 7:00 p.m. for those purposes and the deliberative phase is now convening for consideration of warrant articles 2-28. Moderator Desjardins stated that the voter check in system will be used again this year and reminded those who had not received their voter cards to do so now.

Moderator Desjardins explained the rules of procedure for this evenings meeting as such:

1. Must be a resident of the town and registered voter to vote.
2. Non-residents must have approval of the registered voters to address any article but cannot vote.

Moderator Desjardins asked for voter approval to allow Administrative Services Manager Becky Newton, a non-resident, to speak during the course of the meeting if needed. Permission was granted by the voting body.

3. Articles will be addressed in the following manner

• Moderator will read the article

• A selectman will move the article

• A second selectman will second the article

• A designated selectman will address the article

• General discussion will follow

• You must be acknowledged by the Moderator in order to speak

• Move to the microphone, give name and domicile

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• Once discussion is complete the article will be voted on order of priority of vote as follows: show of voter cards, physical card count and written ballot.

Moderator Desjardins pointed out the exits in case of an emergency.

ARTICLE 2 – read by Moderator Desjardins.

To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of One Hundred Seventy Two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($172,500.00) to be added to the following Capital Reserve Fund accounts previously established for the purpose and in the amounts indicated:

(Recommended by the Board of Selectmen and the Budget Committee)

Selectman Enos explained that there is an increase of $15,000 over the normal funding requested for the Highway and Fire Dept Capital Reserve Funds as both departments will need to replace equipment in the near future. He said that the select board is trying to offset future costs so that when the time comes to make the purchase there won’t be such a large tax burden on the taxpayers.

Selectman Enos offered to answer any questions. There being none Moderator Desjardins called for a vote on Article 2.

ARTICLE 3 – read by Moderator Desjardins.

To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum Eighty Thousand Dollars ($80,000.00) for the purpose of purchasing a loader for the Transfer Station and to authorize the use of Forty Thousand Dollars ($40,000.00) from the general fund balance (surplus) and to further authorize the withdrawal and expenditure of Forty Thousand Dollars ($40,000.00) from the Motor Vehicle Waste Fund created for that purpose. (Recommended by the Board of Selectmen and the Budget Committee)

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Selectman Enos explained that at the end of 2006 there was $686,843.00 in the general fund surplus with $40,000.00 to be used for the proposed purchase. He said the other $40,000.00 will be taken from the Motor Vehicle Waste Fund which can be used for recycling efforts. Mr. Enos said that if Article 3 passes there would be a balance of $9,000 in the Motor Vehicle Waste Fund.

Selectman Enos offered to answer any questions. There being none Moderator Desjardins called for a vote on Article 3.

ARTICLE 4 – read by Moderator Desjardins.

To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to accept a gift of property from F B Spaulding & Co consisting of a main sewer line extending from the Town of Lancaster pumping station located at Tax Map R1 Lot 17 to the first sewer manhole in "Industrial Park Road" as well as a 10 inch ductile iron water line extending from the original point of 2006 construction to just prior to the first culvert in "Industrial Park Road." The gift shall be accepted by the Town, together with such appropriate maintenance easements as the Selectmen deem necessary and prudent. (Recommended by the Board of Selectmen and the Budget Committee)

Selectman Stickney explained that part of the original agreement, when F B Spaulding purchased the lot and began construction in the Industrial Park, was for them to put a sewer line in up to their point in the Industrial Park and then the town would take it over. It was to be built with the supervision of the town and by town specs. Approval of this article completes the agreement.

Selectman Stickney offered to answer any questions. There being none Moderator Desjardins called for a vote on Article 4.

ARTICLE 5 – read by Moderator Desjardins.

To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to accept a gift of property from Prasant and Uday Patel consisting of a main sewer line and several sewer laterals extending from the Cabot Motel at Tax Map R17 Lot 35 westerly along Route 2 to the point where it connects to the existing town owned sewer line existing within the State of New Hampshire Route 2 right-of-way. Specifically excluded from this gift is any property existing easterly of the Cabot Motel, any pumping stations on the sewer line, and any sewer line not existing within the State of New Hampshire right-of-way. (Recommended by the Board of Selectmen and the Budget Committee)

Selectman Stickney explained that the Town had agreed to take over this sewer line back when it was first installed. He said the State wants it done because they do not

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want any privately owned sewer lines under a main highway. Selectman Stickney said the line has been cameraed with the cost for the work split between the town and the Patels. He said the line is in excellent shape. Tim Bilodeau, Water Dept Supervisor, agrees that the line is in good shape.

Selectman Stickney offered to answer any questions. There being none Moderator Desjardins called for a vote on Article 5.

ARTICLE 6 – read by Moderator Desjardins.

Selectman Enos explained that the select board wants to replace the box culvert on Depot Street and increase the culvert underneath the old railroad track. He said the property has been appraised at $1000.00. Mr. Enos said the town is coming to an agreement with the railroad to purchase the land.

Selectman Enos offered to answer any questions. There being none Moderator Desjardins called for a vote on Article 6.

ARTICLE 7 – read by Moderator Desjardins.

To see if the Town will vote to change the purpose of an existing Capital Reserve Fund, specifically the "Portland Street Water Improvement Capital Reserve Fund" created March 9, 2004, to the "Lancaster Water System Capital Reserve Fund," to be used for the purpose of financing all or a part of the cost of Lancaster Water System maintenance and improvement projects. Funds from the "Lancaster Water System Capital Reserve Fund" may be used for construction, paving, reconstruction, land acquisition, system maintenance, system upgrade, engineering, consultation, design and for any and all capital improvement purposes for any facility or distribution system that is now, or will be in the future, a part of the Lancaster Water System and to authorize the Lancaster Board of Selectmen as agents to expend from this fund. (2/3 vote required per RSA 35:16) (Recommended by the Board of Selectmen and the Budget Committee)

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Selectman Enos advised that this is a "housekeeping article." He said that at the end of 2006 there was approximately $131,297.00 left in the Portland Street Water Improvement Capital Reserve Fund which was appropriated for the Portland Street Project. Mr. Enos said the select board would like to be able to use that money for the Water Street Project and for water system upgrades. Mr. Enos said there will be no tax impact from passage of this article.

Selectman Enos offered to answer any questions. Moderator Desjardins called for a vote on Article 7.

Moderator Desjardins advised that Article 8 will be amended by the select board as language in the article as written did not contain authorization for expenditure from the capital reserve fund.

ARTICLE 8 – read by Moderator Desjardins.

To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of One Hundred Twenty Five Thousand Dollars (125,000.00) from the "Lancaster Water System Capital Reserve Fund ", previously established to be used for the purpose of construction, reconstruction, paving, land acquisition, system maintenance, system upgrade, engineering, consultation, design and for any and all capital and infrastructure improvements associated with the 2006 Water Street and Water System Upgrade Project. (Recommended by the Board of Selectmen and the Budget Committee)

To see if the Town of Lancaster will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of One Hundred Twenty Five Thousand Dollars (125,000.00) from the "Lancaster Water System Capital Reserve Fund ", previously established to be used for the purpose of construction, reconstruction, paving, land acquisition, system maintenance, system upgrade, engineering, consultation, design and for any and all capital and infrastructure improvements associated with the 2006 Water Street and Water System Upgrade Project and to authorize the withdrawal and expenditure of said sum from the previously established Capital Reserve Fund.

Moderator Desjardins called for a vote on the amendment.

Selectman Stickney explained that the money in Article 8 is money from the capital reserve fund that is left over from the Portland Street Project and the select board would like to be able to use it if there is an overrun in the Water Street Project. He said that if it is not needed it will remain in the capital reserve fund for future water projects.

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Selectman Stickney offered to answer any questions. There being none Moderator Desjardins called for a vote on Article 8.

ARTICLE 9 – read by Moderator Desjardins.

To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Forty Thousand Dollars ($40,000.00) for the purpose of design, planning, permitting and construction of the Arthur White Bridge and to authorize the withdrawal and expenditure of said sum from the Bridge Replacement Capital Reserve Fund created for that purpose. (Recommended by the Board of Selectmen and the Budget Committee)

Selectman Enos explained that this is the bridge over Bunnel Brook. He said the select board would like to get a design for a bridge smaller than the bridge on Pleasant Valley Road which is large and not aesthetically pleasing. The proposed bridge will have gravel up to it over the concrete. Mr. Enos said the $40,000.00 is needed for the design, planning and permitting.

Selectman Enos offered to answer any questions.

Lucy Wyman asked what the formula for State aid will be.

Town Manager Samson said it will be an 80/20 match, with 80% from the State and 20% from the Town. He said the select board will review different designs that will be much more pleasing to the eye. Mr. Samson said that hopefully the design will be accepted by the State so it can be funded with the 80% match.

Liz Randall asked if the select board would continue with the project from the current budget if the State will not fund the 80%.

Town Manager Samson said that it will depend on the actual cost of the project. He said if an alternative design is not accepted by the State yet the cost is consistent with what the 20% match would be the project will proceed. Mr. Samson said that if the cost is ridiculously different and would cost the Town more money it would not be done.

Tom Maher, Elm Street, questioned why the bridge is being replaced.

Mr. Samson said that a list of bridges that need to be replaced because of their deteriorated state was created a number of years ago and that is one of them.

There being no more questions Moderator Desjardins called for a vote on Article 9.

ARTICLE 10 – read by Moderator Desjardins.

To see if the Town will vote to establish a "Transfer Station Revolving Fund" pursuant to RSA 31:95-h for the purpose of encouraging the recycling of aluminum cans and plastic or glass bottles and to deposit into the fund any and all revenues received from the collection of 5 cent can fees left for recycling at any Lancaster facility and to

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authorize the Lancaster Board of Selectmen as agents to expend from this fund. Funds from the "Transfer Station Revolving Fund" shall be used for the purpose of uniform expenditures, facility upgrades, facility design and the purchase of new equipment for the Lancaster Transfer Station. (Recommended by the Board of Selectmen and the Budget Committee)

Selectman Enos explained that this is another "housekeeping" article. He said the money currently exists within the general fund. Mr. Enos said approval of this article will allow the town to track the money better.

Selectman Enos offered to answer any questions.

Emily Cowan asked for further explanation on the article.

Town Manager Samson stated that the employees at the Transfer Station currently separate the cans and bottles with a deposit and sell them for the $.05 rather than the bailed weight value. He said the money has never been separated out and this will be a better way to track the money. Mr. Samson said the money has been used to buy winter clothing, boots etc for the employees at the Transfer Station. He said that this way the voters can see where the money came in and went out.

There being no more questions Moderator Desjardins called for a vote on Article 10.

ARTICLE 11 – read by Moderator Desjardins.

To see if the Town will vote to establish a "Cemetery Capital Reserve Fund" for the purpose of infrastructure improvements to any of the Lancaster Cemeteries, and to see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) to be added to this fund, as well as to name the Cemetery Trustees as agents authorized to expend from said fund. Infrastructure improvements includes, but are not limited. to pavement improvements, water and sewer line improvements, permitting, design, engineering, fencing and headstone restoration and cleaning. (Recommended by the Board of Selectmen and the Budget Committee)

Selectman Stickney explained that the cemetery is in need of improvements to the infrastructure. Approval of this article will allow the town to put money away to be used for these improvements.

Selectman Stickney offered to answer any questions. There being none Moderator Desjardins called for a vote on Article 11.

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ARTICLE 12 – read by Moderator Desjardins.

To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Twenty Four Thousand Dollars ($24,000.00) for the purpose of installation of impervious surfaces, paving and for stormwater sloping at the Transfer Station facility and to authorize the withdrawal and expenditure of said sum from the Landfill Closeout Capital Reserve Fund created for said purpose. Said sum represents a portion of the accumulated interest earned on this account since fund inception. (Recommended by the Board of Selectmen and the Budget Committee)

Selectman Stickney explained that the select board would like to hot top a small section at the transfer station where everyone gets in and out of their cars. He said the select board would like to do as much as possible up to the top of the hill with the $24,000.00.

Selectman Stickney offered to answer any questions.

Liz Randall asked if the money would be taken from the interest. She was advised that it would be.

Chris Parker asked how much was in the capital reserve fund. Town Manager Samson stated that, with interest through last year there is $299,000.00 plus. Mr. Parker asked what would happen if the Town is required to close the transfer station next year. Mr. Samson stated that $299,000.00 would not pay for it either. He said the fund was created several years ago in anticipation of having to close the landfill. Mr. Samson said that a law (Brady Bill) was introduced that gave the town a by. Through this law the town is guaranteed that as long as test wells remain clean the landfill will not have to close. He said that should there be a dirty well that tests hot it could be required to close. If that happens the town would have to decide how to do that because it will be a large expense. Mr. Samson said that this article is asking for a small portion of the interest that may add future years to the facility by redirecting the storm water so that a well is not contaminated.

There being no more discussion Moderator Desjardins called for a vote on Article 12.

ARTICLE 13 – read by Moderator Desjardins.

To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Twenty Thousand Dollars ($20,000.00) for the purpose of purchasing a generator for the Main Street Sewer Pumping Station and to authorize the withdrawal and expenditure of Fourteen Thousand Dollars ($14,000.00) from the Sanitation Equipment Capital Reserve Fund created for that purpose and the remaining Six Thousand Dollars ($6,000.00) to come from the 2007 sewer revenues. (Recommended by the Board of Selectmen and the Budget Committee)

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Selectman Enos explained that the current generator is very old. He said there is a balance of $73,086.00 in the capital reserve fund with $14,000.00 to come from the fund and the rest to be taken from the 2007 sewer revenues.

Selectman Enos offered to answer any questions. There being none Moderator Desjardins called for a vote on Article 13.

ARTICLE 14 – read by Moderator Desjardins.

To see if the Town will vote to discontinue the following Capital Reserve Funds. Said funds having a balance of 0.

Oil Tank Removal Capital Reserve Fund created in 1993.

Mt Carberry Closure Capital Reserve Fund created in 1993.

Weeks Library Building Fund Capital Reserve Fund created in 1995.

(Recommended by the Board of Selectmen and the Budget Committee)

Selectman Stickney explained that this is another "housekeeping" article. He said that these three capital reserve funds have a zero balance and the select board would like to clear them off the books.

Selectman Stickney offered to answer any questions. There being none Moderator Desjardins called for a vote on Article 14.

ARTICLE 15 – read by Moderator Desjardins.

To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of One Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($1,500.00) for the support of the Lancaster-Whitefield-Littleton Tri-town Public Transit Route. (Recommended by the Board of Selectmen and the Budget Committee)

Nathan Wert, driver of the bus offered the following information:

• The tri town bus provides fixed route schedules and transportation service to any area resident. The cost is $2.00 one way and $4.00 round trip by cash or there are multiple day passes that can be used anytime.
• The last fiscal year, 7/1/05-6/30/06, the bus accommodated 1375 passengers. That is one half of the time the bus was up and running – bus service began on 1/3/06.
• Currently there are 638 passengers per month with 20-30 per day with a maximum of 47 on one day on a 16-passenger bus.

Mr. Wert offered to answer any questions.

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It was questioned if approval of this money could add a later run. Mr. Wert said that this funding is for regular maintenance and would not affect the run schedule. He said that if there are enough requests for a later run then it might happen.

Tom Maher urged passage of the article as it is a service that is open to everyone and anyone can use the bus.

There being no more questions Moderator Desjardins called for a vote on Article 15.

ARTICLE 16 – read by Moderator Desjardins.

To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of One Thousand Six Hundred dollars ($1,600.00) for the support of Senior Wheels Demand Response Program. (Recommended by the Board of Selectmen and the Budget Committee)

Nathan Wert offered the following information:

• This provides a demand response transportation service to area residents 60 and older requesting rides to medical appointments, grocery shopping, social engagements, senior meals and employment.
• Residents using this service are afforded an opportunity to be mobile and independent which increases their sense of worth and value which contributes to the community as a whole.
• The same amount is being requested from Whitefield.
• 2815 trips were made during the last fiscal year with 288 trips per month currently.

Moderator Desjardins asked for questions or comments. There being none Moderator Desjardins called for a vote on Article 16.

ARTICLE 17 – read by Moderator Desjardins.

To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Four Thousand Dollars ($4,000.00) for the support of the local Tri-County Community Action Program office in Lancaster. (Recommended by the Board of Selectmen and the Budget Committee)

It was questioned what per cent of the money appropriated goes to the main office. There was no one present from Tri-County CAP to answer the question.

There being no more discussion Moderator Desjardins called for a vote on Article 17.

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ARTICLE 18 – read by Moderator Desjardins.

To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Three Thousand Five Hundred Twenty Dollars ($3,520.00) for the support of the Caleb Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers. (Recommended by the Board of Selectmen and the Budget Committee

Myra Emerson offered the following information:

• 77 clients are served in Lancaster through this service.
• It provides transportation for long distance medical appointments to White River Junction, Dartmouth Hitchcock, Concord and some trips to Portsmouth.
• The money is primarily used for gas reimbursement.

There being no more discussion Moderator Desjardins called for a vote.

ARTICLE 19 - read by Moderator Desjardins.

To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Four Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($4,500.00) for the support of the North Country Senior Meals Program. (Recommended by the Board of Selectmen and the Budget Commit

There being no discussion Moderator Desjardins called for a vote.

ARTICLE 20 – read by Moderator Desjardins.

To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $.75 per capita (Two Thousand Four Hundred Sixty Dollars - $2,460.00) for the Town’s share of the operating budget for the Mt. Washington Regional Airport for the current fiscal year. (Recommended by the Board of Selectmen and the Budget Committee)

Bruce Hutchings, Airport Manager, thanked the town, on behalf of the Airport Commission and airport users, for their support in the past and their continued support. Mr. Hutchings offered the following information:

• Money to be raised will be used for the operating expenses of the airport – electrical, heating expenses etc.
• This past year a 2.5 million runway expansion and improvement plan was completed.
• This year there were over 350 visitors to the airport.
• 30% of the people who visited were here for business purposes.
• The last calendar year saw a little over 50 chartered flights. The majority of those flights brought people in to the Mt View Grand and the Mt Washington. During the

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• Of that 50 - 1/3 of them were business jets.
• Who benefits locally from the airport? North Country Ford benefits from car rentals. There were 51 in 2006. In the past year and an half there were 3 people living in Lancaster who benefited from angel flights.
• Future plans – continue to develop infrastructure at the airport. Build new taxi ways, expand and enlarge the airport ramp area.
• Mr. Hutchings said that he is optimistic that the FAA and the State are giving serious consideration to installing a very high precision instrument for approaches to the airport. He said that if this happens it will be the only airport in north central New England to have that approach which will be a big benefit to the airport.

Moderator Desjardins asked for questions from the audience.

David Ezyk, Mt Prospect Road, commended the airport manager and all who work at the airport. He said that the airport not only has significance for revenue but also for security. Mr. Ezyk said that it is a small investment in comparison to the return.

Liz Randall also urged passage of the article. She said it would greatly increase traffic into the big resort hotels in the summertime. Mrs. Randall said that people in Florida who want to escape the heat in the summer would come here. She said the airport would be able to accommodate Net Jet (rent a jet) which will bring people to the area and increase revenue to the town.

There being no more discussion Moderator Desjardins called for a vote on Article 20.

ARTICLE 21 – read by Moderator Desjardins.

To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Five Thousand Eight Hundred Five Dollars ($5,805.00) for the support of Northern Human Services/White Mountain Mental Health. (Recommended by the Board of Selectmen and the Budget Committee)

Mark Vincent, Stevens Terrace and Director of Common Ground, offered the following information:

• White Mountain Mental Health provided 1125 hours in 2006 of outpatient mental health services to 117 Lancaster residents that were uninsured or underinsured.
• White Mountain Mental Health and Common Ground provided 24-hour emergency on call service including a psychiatrist for both mental health and developmental services.
• Common Ground spent 6047 hours supporting citizens of Lancaster with developmental disabilities to live a full life in town.

Mr. Vincent offered to answer any questions. There being no more discussion

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Moderator Desjardins called for a vote on Article 21.

ARTICLE 22 – read by Moderator Desjardins.

To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of One Thousand Six Hundred Forty Dollars ($1,640.00) for the support of the Northern Gateway Chamber of Commerce. (Recommended by the Board of Selectmen and the Budget Committee)

Sally Pratt, President of the Chamber, offered the following information:

• Northern Gateway Chamber of Commerce serves Lancaster and the surrounding towns.
• The organization’s goal is to promote and encourage more business and more tourists to come into the area.
• The Chamber publishes a relocation guide, a Northern Gateway magazine, with 50,000 copies that are put out mostly on the interstate.
• There is one paid part time executive director and an individual answering the phone.
• Other towns in the area are also asked to contribute.

Mrs. Pratt urged passage of the article.

There being no more discussion Moderator Desjardins called for a vote on Article 22.

ARTICLE 23 - read by Moderator Desjardins.

To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to sell certain Town owned property shown on Tax Map R21 Lot 15, approximately .52 acres, located at 644 Elm Street. Said property will be sold by the Town on such terms and conditions as the Selectmen deem prudent with cost of survey and land transfer to be borne by the purchaser. (Recommended by the Board of Selectmen and the Budget Committee)

Selectman Enos explained that this is property that was formerly owned by a Lancaster resident and was taken over by the town. He said it will be available for sale sometime in December. Mr. Enos said the select board wants to sell the property and put the money back in the general fund.

Selectman Enos offered to answer any questions.

The location of the property was questioned. Selectman Enos said that it is located on South Lancaster Road – take a left just before the covered bridge and it is the trailer on the left.

There being no more questions Moderator Desjardins called for a vote on Article 23.

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ARTICLE 24 – read by Moderator Desjardins.

To see if the Town will go on record in support of effective actions by the President and the Congress to address the issue of climate change which is increasingly harmful to the environment and economy of New Hampshire and to the future well being of the people of Lancaster.

These actions include:

1. Establishment of a national program requiring reductions of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions while protecting the U.S. economy.
2. Creation of a major national research initiative to foster rapid development of sustainable energy technologies thereby stimulating new jobs and investment.

In addition, the Town of Lancaster encourages New Hampshire citizens to work for emission reductions within their communities, and we ask our Selectmen to consider the appointment of a voluntary energy committee to recommend local steps to save energy and reduce emissions.

The record of the vote on this article shall be transmitted to the New Hampshire Congressional Delegation, to the President of the United States, and to declared candidates for those offices. (Recommended by the Board of Selectmen and not recommended by the Budget Committee)

David Ezyk urged passage of this article. He said that the people should be "stewards" of the earth. Mr. Ezyk said that this is where the town needs to go and there is nothing wrong with this article.

Robert Johnson moved to table this article, as it has no business being in a town meeting. He said that it is a non-binding resolution and the town does not want non- binding resolutions in the town meeting.

Mr. Johnson’s motion was duly seconded. Moderator Desjardins called for a vote on the motion to table.

David Hill, Rowell Road, stated that the article is well intended, self contradictory, vague, and naive and it should be defeated.

Liz Randall spoke in favor of passage of the article.

Emily Cowan, asked why the Budget Committee had chosen to not recommend the article. Town Manager Samson replied that the committee felt that since it did not have any money attached to it they did not need to support it. Emily Cowan spoke favorable for the article and urged approval.

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Lucy Wyman said she agreed with Ms Cowan and urged support of the article. She said that the changes in the climate are having a profound effect in northern New Hampshire. Ms. Wyman said that even if it is a vague but well-intentioned resolution it brings the subject before the people. She said that everyone could make changes in their personal habits to change what is happening to the climate. Ms. Wyman urged passage of this "well intentioned non binding resolution".

There being no more discussion Moderator Desjardins called for a vote on Article 24.

ARTICLE 25 – read by Moderator Desjardins.

To see if the Town will vote to charge the Selectmen, Town Manager, and Emergency Management Director to design, test, and make ready to implement rapidly a detailed Pandemic Influenza Action Plan specific for the Town of Lancaster; and that this Plan incorporate for immediate action the identification and coordination of all appropriate Town employees, Town departments and essential non-employee individuals (e.g., doctors, dentists, nurses, veterinarians) and facilities (e.g., Weeks Memorial Hospital, Country Village Health Care Center, schools) so as to limit and contain the spread of the disease with the aim of achieving the lowest possible morbidity and mortality of residents of the Town; and that reports be made to Town residents through appropriate media-published evidence of the final accomplishment of this charge, so that a Pandemic Influenza Immediate Action Plan will be available for implementation no later than July 1, 2007. (By Petition) (Not recommended by the Board of Selectmen or the Budget Committee)

Bob Fink, Prospect Street, advised the voters that he along with Bob Christie put this petitioned article together. Mr. Fink offered the following information:

• He thanked the town officials for publishing the Emergency Preparedness Guide that was published on 11/11 in the Mt View Grand journal. He said that it was well drafted and an excellent report on how we could be better prepared.
• However in the draft/guide there was nothing specific to a pandemic flu epidemic. There is national and state evidence that this could become a real problem for this town. The state and federal leadership is asking the town to create a plan specific to the town.
• The article calls for three things. 1) A plan to be designed specific to a pandemic flu epidemic; 2) the plan to be tested by the town to look at its merits in terms of weaknesses and strengths; 3) plan is to be shared so everyone is better prepared in case it has to be implemented.

Mr. Fink encouraged the voters to vote in favor of the article.

Representative Evalyn Merrick, Lancaster, commended the intent of the article. She said it is important that the town have an emergency plan and she urged support. Mrs.

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Merrick said that her question and or concern is that it is not a simple plan and it takes time to prepare. She suggested amending the article by changing the end date as she felt July 1^st of 2007 was unrealistic.

Steve Jones, Elm Street, agreed that the article is well intended. He stated that Ron Wert, Health Inspector and Emergency Management Director, Randy Flynn, Fire Chief, and others have been working on a regional plan which is the way it needs to be done. Mr. Jones explained that if we had our own plan it would require a lot of time and funds. He said that there is no grant funding for local plans. He said that State and Federal funds are only available through regionalization. Mr. Jones said that under the regional plan there are three locations (points of distribution – one being Lancaster) where the vaccines would come to be distributed to surrounding towns. Mr. Jones said the regional plan has had a table top testing and currently revisions are being worked on from the test.

Town Manager Samson said that the effort (regional plan) is already in place. He said the only way to address the issue is through a regional plan. Mr. Samson said that Lancaster does not have within its boundaries all of the resources necessary to address such a thing. Mr. Samson said that many hours have been spent on the regional plan and he urged the voters not to support Article 25. He said that what Article 25 is intending to do is being done as a regional effort.

There being no more discussion Moderator Desjardins called for a vote on Article 25.

ARTICLE 26 – read by Moderator Desjardins.

Town Manager Samson asked that Article 26 be passed over, as it is not a legal article per RSA 31:17-a.

Mr. Samson read RSA 31:17-a (attached to the minutes).

Skip Sansoucy stated that since this may be on the ballot for next year he urged the voters to read and educate themselves on the fluoride issue and make their own decision. He said he did his graduate thesis on the fluoridation of water as an Environmental Engineer at UNH and there are more and more questions on whether it is healthy for babies and adults. Mr. Sansoucy said that there is no question that it is good for children’s teeth but there are generic tablets that can be given to children.

Emily Cowan asked that a vote be taken on the article even though it would not matter.

There was no further discussion.

Moderator Desjardins called for a vote to pass over Article 26.

Page 17 – Annual Town Meeting Minutes

March 13, 2007

ARTICLE 27 – read by Moderator Desjardins.

To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Four Million Two Hundred Ninety Seven Thousand Six Hundred Eleven Dollars ($4,297,611.00) which represents the operating budget. Said sum does not include any other Warrant Articles. (Recommended by the Board of Selectmen and the Budget Committee)

Selectman Enos explained that Article 27 is the operating budget for the year exclusive of any warrant articles.

There being no discussion Moderator Desjardins called for a vote on Article 27.

Moderator Desjardins read a notice from Representative William Remick regarding a meeting to be held by the Finance Committee of the NH House of Representatives on the State Budget at WMRHS on Thursday March 15^th from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The meeting is an opportunity for the public to ask questions and add input for consideration by the Finance Committee.

To transact other business that may legally come before this meeting.

Rev Don Williams commended the town officials on a job well done.

Respectfully submitted,

Jean E. Oleson

Town Clerk