Aldermen, Board of

A regular meeting of the Board of Aldermen was held Tuesday, February 23, 2010 at 7:50 p.m. in the Aldermanic Chamber. President Brian S. McCarthy presided; City Clerk Paul R. Bergeron recorded. Prayer was offered by City Clerk Paul R. Bergeron; Alderman Vitale led in the Pledge to the Flag. The roll call was taken with 15 members of the Board of Aldermen present. Her Honor Mayor Donnalee Lozeau and Corporation Counsel James M. McNamee were also in attendance. REMARKS BY THE MAYOR Mayor Lozeau Thank you Mr. President. I think I have addressed you quite enough tonight. I would thank my volunteers that are here tonight. RESPONSE TO REMARKS OF THE MAYOR – None RECOGNITION PERIOD – None READING MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING MOTION BY ALDERMAN CLEMONS THAT THE MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN MEETING OF FEBRUARY 9, 2010, BE ACCEPTED, PLACED ON FILE, AND THE READING SUSPENDED MOTION CARRIED COMMUNICATIONS MOTION BY ALDERMAN MELIZZI-GOLJA THAT ALL COMMUNICATIONS BE READ BY TITLE ONLY MOTION CARRIED From: Mayor Donnalee Lozeau Re: Contract Award for CSO Drop Over Structures MOTION BY ALDERMAN DEANE TO ACCEPT, PLACE ON FILE, AND APPROVE THE CONTRACT AWARD TO PARK CONSTRUCTION IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,372,584 AND THAT THE PROVISIONS OF NRO 5-90(F) REGARDING THE RECONSIDERATION PERIOD BE WAIVED MOTION CARRIED From: Mayor Donnalee Lozeau Re: Holman Stadium Advisory Committee Report MOTION BY ALDERMAN COX TO ACCEPT, PLACE ON FILE AND REFER TO THE COMMITTEE ON INFRASTRUCTURE MOTION CARRIED PERIOD FOR PUBLIC COMMENT RELATIVE TO ITEMS EXPECTED TO BE ACTED UPON THIS EVENING Bd. of Aldermen – 02/23/10 Page 2 Daniel Richardson, 70 Berkeley Street Speaking with regard to O-10-12, thanked Alderman-at-Large Pressly for working with the Public Works Commissioners. Remarked the band shell, as he understands it, was not fully construction to its intended structure, and there have been problems with noise propagating into the neighborhood. The amplitude of the sound coming from the band shell itself has been a problem from time to time. He remarked he has accepted the noise, but has been bothered by what has been allowed to be played at the band shell, i.e., bands utilizing profanity. Stated his appreciation for the fact elimination of amplified sound is being looked into while the study is being evaluated. PETITIONS – None NOMINATIONS, APPOINTMENTS AND ELECTIONS Appointments by the Mayor The following Appointments by the Mayor were read into the record: Building Code Board of Appeals John Rudolph (Reappointment) Term to Expire: March 31, 2013 6 Fowell Avenue Nashua, NH 03060 Kevin T. Slattery (Reappointment) 54 Berkeley St. Nashua, NH 03064 Term to Expire: March 31, 2012 Cable Television Advisory Board Paul F. Johnson (Reappointment) Term to Expire: January 1, 2013 44 Browning Avenue Nashua, NH 03062 Child Care Advisory Commission Patricia H. Howson, PH.D. (Reappointment) Term to Expire: October 13, 2012 79 Hawthorne Village Road Nashua, NH 03060 Historic District Commission Frank H. Mellen (Reappointment) Term to Expire: September 30, 2012 10 Meade Street Nashua, NH 03064 Hunt Building Board of Trustees Claire McGrath (New Appointment) Term to Expire: December 31, 2014 121 Cherrywood Drive Nashua, NH 03062 Bd. of Aldermen – 02/23/10 Page 3 New England Rail Coalition Barbara Pressly (New Appointment) Term to Expire: December 31, 2013 11 Orchard Avenue Nashua, NH 03060 Planning Board Thomas C. Ireland (New Appointment) Term to Expire: March 31, 2013 8 Deacon Drive Nashua, NH 03063 MOTION BY ALDERMAN CLEMONS TO ACCEPT THE APPOINTMENTS BY THE MAYOR AS READ AND REFER THEM TO THE PERSONNEL/ADMINISTRATIVE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MOTION CARRIED Appointments by the President of the Board of Aldermen The following Appointment by the President of the Board of Aldermen was read into the record: Ira F. Harris Lecture Trustees Judith Cudhea (Reappointment) Term to Expire: December 31, 2011 2 Rogers Street Nashua, NH 03064 MOTION BY ALDERMAN CLEMONS TO ACCEPT THE APPOINTMENT BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN AS READ AND REFER IT TO THE PERSONNEL/ ADMINISTRATIVE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MOTION CARRIED REPORTS OF COMMITTEE Budget Review Committee.................................................................. 02/18/10 There being no objection, President McCarthy declared the report of the February 18, 2010 Budget Review Committee accepted and placed on file. Finance Committee............................................................................. 02/17/10 There being no objection, President McCarthy declared the report of the February 17, 2010 Finance Committee accepted and placed on file. Human Affairs Committee ................................................................... 02/08/10 There being no objection, President McCarthy declared the report of the February 8, 2010 Human Affairs Committee accepted and placed on file. Personnel/Administrative Affairs Committee ....................................... 02/11/10 There being no objection, President McCarthy declared the report of the February 11, 2010 Personnel/Administrative Affairs Committee accepted and placed on file. Bd. of Aldermen – 02/23/10 Page 4 Special Personnel/Administrative Affairs Committee........................... 02/17/10 There being no objection, President McCarthy declared the report of the February 17, 2010 Special Personnel/Administrative Affairs Committee accepted and placed on file. CONFIRMATION OF MAYOR'S APPOINTMENTS Building Code Board of Appeals MOTION BY ALDERMAN LAROSE TO CONFIRM BY VOICE VOTE THE REAPPOINTMENT OF GEORGE FALLET, 32 WATERSEDGE DRIVE, NASHUA, FOR A TERM TO EXPIRE MARCH 31, 2012 MOTION CARRIED President McCarthy declared George Fallet duly appointed to the Building Code Board of Appeals for a term to expire March 31, 2012 Oath of Office administered by Corporation Counsel. Cable Television Advisory Board MOTION BY ALDERMAN PRESSLY TO CONFIRM BY VOICE VOTE THE APPOINTMENTS OF GEORGE ALLEN, 26 SPENCER DRIVE, NASHUA, AND PATRICIA A. CASEY, 15 PINE HILL AVENUE, NASHUA, FOR TERMS TO EXPIRE JANUARY 1, 2013 MOTION CARRIED President McCarthy declared George Allen and Patricia Casey duly appointed to the Cable Television Advisory Board for terms to expire January 1, 2013. Oath of Office administered by Corporation Counsel. Child Care Advisory Commission MOTION BY ALDERMAN VITALE TO CONFIRM BY VOICE VOTE THE APPOINTMENT OF THE FOLLOWING INDIVIDUALS TO THE CHILD CARE ADVISORY COMMISSION: MARIA DONATI, 12 FLINT MEADOW DRIVE, BROOKLINE, AND DOROTHY RODRIGUEZ, 62 MONROE STREET, NASHUA, FOR TERMS TO EXPIRE OCTOBER 13, 2012, AND SARA WARD, 79 WEST GROTON ROAD, NASHUA, FOR A TERM TO EXPIRE OCTOBER 13, 2011 MOTION CARRIED President McCarthy declared Maria Donati, Dorothy Rodriguez and Sara Ward duly appointed to the Child Care Advisory Commission for the aforementioned terms. Oath of Office administered to Sara Ward by Corporation Counsel. Conservation Commission MOTION BY ALDERMAN CRAFFEY TO CONFIRM BY VOICE VOTE THE APPOINTMENT OF THE FOLLOWING INDIVIDUALS TO THE CONSERVATION COMMISSION: RICHARD GILLESPIE, 15 SPENCER DRIVE, NASHUA, FOR A TERM TO EXPIRE DECEMBER 31, 2012, AND CYNTHIA OVERBY, 520 BROAD STREET, NASHUA, FOR A TERM TO EXPIRE DECEMBER 31, 2011 Bd. of Aldermen – 02/23/10 Page 5 ON THE QUESTION Alderman Deane Thank you. I am a little perplexed over the fact that Ms. Overby wasn’t reconsidered for a position on the Nashua City Planning Board. I would like to, at this time, thank her for her service to the Planning Board. Thank you Mr. President. MOTION CARRIED President McCarthy declared Richard Gillespie and Cynthia Overby duly appointed to the Conservation Commission for the aforementioned terms. Oath of Office administered to Cynthia Overby by Corporation Counsel. Historic District Commission MOTION BY ALDERMAN SHEEHAN TO CONFIRM BY VOICE VOTE THE RE-APPOINTMENT OF ALTERNATE MEMBER WILLIAM HOOLEY, 4 CARMINE ROAD, NASHUA, TO THE HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION FOR A TERM TO EXPIRE SEPTEMBER 30, 2012 MOTION CARRIED President McCarthy declared William Hooley duly appointed to the Historic District Commission for a term to expire September 30, 2012. UNFINISHED BUSINESS – RESOLUTIONS R-10-04 Endorsers: Mayor Donnalee Lozeau Alderman-at-Large Lori Wilshire Alderman Michael J. Tabacsko Alderman Richard LaRose Alderman Arthur T. Craffey, Jr. Alderman Kathy Vitale Alderman-at-Large Ben Clemons Alderman Jeffrey T. Cox Alderman Diane Sheehan Alderman Mary Ann Melizzi-Golja RELATIVE TO THE ACCEPTANCE AND APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $63,125 OBTAINED FROM THE STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE INTO SPECIAL REVENUE ACCOUNT 331-6284 “2010 VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN GRANT PROGRAM” AND TO AUTHORIZE THE TRANSFER OF $40,294 FROM ACCOUNT 591-86007 “CONTINGENCY – POLICE GRANTS” INTO SAID SPECIAL REVENUE ACCOUNT Given its second reading; MOTION BY ALDERMAN WILSHIRE FOR FINAL PASSAGE OF R-10-04 MOTION CARRIED Resolution R-10-04 declared duly adopted. Bd. of Aldermen – 02/23/10 Page 6 R-10-05 Endorsers: Alderman-at-Large Barbara Pressly Alderman-at-Large David W. Deane Alderman-at-Large Mark S. Cookson Alderman Richard P. Flynn Alderman Arthur T. Craffey, Jr. ESTABLISHING AN AD HOC COMMITTEE TO EXPLORE AND INVESTIGATE THE SCHOOL DISTRICT’S BUDGET DEFICIT AND BUDGET PROCESS AND AUTHORIZING THE TRANSFER OF $40,000 FOR AN INDEPENDENT FORENSIC AUDIT Given its second reading; MOTION BY ALDERMAN PRESSLY TO AMEND R-10-05 IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REPLACING IT WITH THE GOLDEN ROD COPY PROVIDED WITH THE AGENDA MOTION CARRIED MOTION BY ALDERMAN DEANE TO FURTHER AMEND R-10-05 IN THE LAST SENTENCE BY CHANGING THE WORD “FIVE (5)” TO “SIX (6)” ON THE QUESTION President McCarthy I will comment that I asked Alderman Deane to offer that amendment based on the people who had asked me to participate in the committee should the resolution pass. Alderman Sheehan I am only concerned that it is an even number. For voting purposes, it is very easy to deadlock. President McCarthy I don’t think it will be that easy. Is there any further discussion? MOTION CARRIED MOTION BY ALDERMAN PRESSLY FOR FINAL PASSAGE OF R-10-05 AS AMENDED A Viva Voce Roll Call was requested, which resulted as follows: Yea: Alderman Clemons, Alderman Vitale, Alderman Craffey, Alderman Deane, Alderman Pressly, Alderman Sheehan, Alderman Wilshire, Alderman Flynn, Alderman Cookson, Alderman McCarthy 10 Nay: Alderman LaRose, Alderman Tabacsko, Alderman Melizzi-Golja, Alderman Cox, Alderman Chasse 5 MOTION CARRIED Resolution R-10-05 declared duly adopted as amended. President McCarthy I do have a set of names and I will take those up after we have done the rest of business. Bd. of Aldermen – 02/23/10 Page 7 UNFINISHED BUSINESS – ORDINANCES O-10-05 Endorser: Alderman-at-Large Ben Clemons UPDATING THE DESCRIPTION OF WHAT VEHICLES MAY BE USED AS TAXICABS AND QUALIFYING ALL HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLES TO BE USED AS TAXICABS Given its second reading; MOTION BY ALDERMAN CLEMONS TO AMEND O-10-05 IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REPLACING IT WITH THE GOLDEN ROD COPY PROVIDED WITH THE AGENDA MOTION CARRIED MOTION BY ALDERMAN CLEMONS FOR FINAL PASSAGE OF O-10-05 AS AMENDED MOTION CARRIED Ordinance O-10-05 declared duly adopted as amended. O-10-06 Endorser: Alderman-at-Large Ben Clemons Alderman-at-Large Lori Wilshire Alderman Diane Sheehan Alderman Jeffrey T. Cox REDUCING THE ANNUAL TAXICAB VEHICLE LICENSE FEE FOR HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLES Given its second reading; MOTION BY ALDERMAN CLEMONS FOR FINAL PASSAGE OF O-10-06 MOTION CARRIED Ordinance O-10-06 declared duly adopted. NEW BUSINESS – RESOLUTIONS R-10-07 Endorsers: Mayor Donnalee Lozeau Alderman Paul M. Chasse, Jr. Alderman-at-Large Ben Clemons Alderman Richard LaRose Alderman Mary Ann Melizzi-Golja Alderman Jeffrey T. Cox Alderman Kathy Vitale AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO THE ATTACHED MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT WITH THE REFLECTION GARDEN AND LABYRINTH COMMITTEE RELATIVE TO THE CONSTRUCTION OF A REFLECTION GARDEN AND LABYRINTH AT ROTARY COMMON Given its first reading; assigned to the COMMITTEE ON INFRASTRUCTURE and the BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS by President McCarthy Bd. of Aldermen – 02/23/10 Page 8 NEW BUSINESS – ORDINANCES O-10-12 Endorser: Alderman Diane Sheehan Alderman-at-Large Barbara Pressly RELATIVE TO THE USE OF THE GREELEY PARK BAND SHELL Given its first reading; assigned to the COMMITTEE ON INFRASTRUCTURE and the BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS by President McCarthy Alderman Pressly I would like to thank Mr. Richardson for speaking to the issue, however, please take note it is the Ward 3 Alderman, Alderman Sheehan, who is the prime sponsor, and she is the one who has done most of the legwork and the responsibility for doing the work and preparing this. President McCarthy Thank you for that clarification. I guess the easiest way to do this is to ask for a motion to suspend the rules to allow for the introduction of an oral communication. MOTION BY ALDERMAN TABACSKO THAT THE RULES BE SO FAR SUSPENDED AS TO ALLOW FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF AN ORAL COMMUNICATION ON THE QUESTION Alderman Deane Point of Inquiry; I would like an explanation. President McCarthy It is so that we can appoint the Ad Hoc Committee. Alderman Deane Where was O-10-12 sent? President McCarthy O-10-12 was referred to the Committee on Infrastructure and the Board of Public Works. Alderman Deane Infrastructure and BPW? President McCarthy Yes. I am sorry. I think I had announced that. Alderman Deane I don’t remember hearing it. Bd. of Aldermen – 02/23/10 Page 9 Alderman Cox He didn’t either. Alderman Sheehan I heard it. Alderman Deane Well when you get old like me sometimes you have to hear things twice. Alderman Sheehan I will take your word for it. President McCarthy Thank you Mr. President. Alderman Tabacsko For the record, I think Alderman Deane is right. I don’t think we ever got that final committee assignment. President McCarthy I think I had said I was going to do that and then Alderman Pressly asked to be recognized. Alderman Deane Let’s not argue about it. President McCarthy No let’s move on. Alderman Deane We all know where it is going. MOTION CARRIED President McCarthy I would propose that the Ad Hoc Committee consist of myself as the Chair, Alderman Deane, Alderman Craffey, Alderman Flynn, Alderman Cookson, and Alderman Cox. Those are the people who have expressed an interest in participating in that process. MOTION BY ALDERMAN CLEMONS TO CONFIRM THE APPOINTMENTS TO THE AD HOC COMMITTEE AS DESCRIBED BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD Bd. of Aldermen – 02/23/10 Page 10 ON THE QUESTION Alderman Deane I just find it interesting where we have an Alderman that voted against the legislation showing a willingness to serve on a committee to a legislation that the Alderman opposed. President McCarthy Yes, and Alderman Cox had explained to me when he asked to serve that since he is the Liaison to the Board of Education he may have an interesting position that should be represented on the committee. Alderman Deane Thank you sir. President McCarthy Is there any further discussion? Alderman Cookson By approving this Ad Hoc Committee we are also approving you being the Chairperson of that Ad Hoc Committee is that correct? President McCarthy Yes you are. Alderman Cookson I would just leave that open for the formation of this group to decide who they would choose to be Chairman. I would move to just approve the six members, and have an organizational meeting of the six to determine. President McCarthy It is a committee that is appointed by me, I appoint the Chairs of committees, and this board gets to ratify them. I have nominated myself as the Chair. The question that the board is to take up is do they approve of those 6 nominations including the chairmanship of the committee. Alderman Cookson Very good Mr. President. President McCarthy You all heard the motion. Is there any further discussion? MOTION CARRIED PERIOD FOR GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT Bd. of Aldermen – 02/23/10 Page 11 James Cutter, 86 Palm Street Stated the city attorneys continue to make mistakes by avoiding the fact two building permits were approved in error. The Mayor appointed the attorneys and the board confirmed them. The attorneys feel their obligation is to protect the city and not the taxpayer who has been harmed a city department’s action. Stated he has gone to the Assessor’s Office to get them to correct the 88 Pam Street Tax Map that was changed because of a 1950 building permit. The city is responsible for his problem and needs to correct it by informing his neighbors to move anything they have placed on his property. According to RSA 31:102, Obstructing Access to Highways, it should be done soon or they will be billed by someone who will do it for them. President McCarthy Before you begin Mr. Richardson I did want to comment your remarks at the beginning of the meeting were actually addressed to a piece of new business, which would more appropriately be dealt with in the second public comment period, and if you could be careful about that in the future I would appreciate it. Daniel Richardson, 70 Berkeley Street It was on the agenda. President McCarthy The first public comment period is items upon which final action is expected to be taken this evening so that would be business that has been returned and will be acted upon or which we expect to be acted upon under suspension not things that are only going to be referred to committee generally. Daniel Richardson I don’t recall those specific words in the ordinance. I will look at that. Thank you. Spoke regarding a disturbing statement recently made by Representative Elliott of Merrimack. He stated the statement suggested 5th graders in Nashua were being taught inappropriate material. She had stated “because the state has made a marriage of same sex, we are now teaching it at public schools.” She had said she was informed of the items to which she spoke just before the hearing on HB 1590 and had firmly believed the statements to be true. Alderman Sheehan had been quoted in the Telegraph as saying “Elliott’s statement is either a malicious lie driven by a lawmaker’s political agenda or a child is in danger.” He felt that statement was interesting as it was not long after that Jane Clemons, Chair of the Nashua delegation, then condemned the statement of the Merrimack representative. He questioned how Alderman Sheehan became aware of the statements made. President McCarthy Stated they were comments that were replayed in the national media and were quite visible. Alderman Sheehan The statements were also repeated on Comedy Central, You Tube, etc. Bd. of Aldermen – 02/23/10 Page 12 Daniel Richardson Thank you. Alderman Sheehan Washington Post, etc. Alderman Deane Point of Order; this is public comment it is not Aldermen debating with the public. Daniel Richardson The article also indicated Alderman Sheehan took it upon herself to challenge Elliott’s statement. He felt that was interesting. Remarked he understands or at least hopes the Board of Aldermen acts as one body when it comes to these types of things; relationships between towns, with other legislators of other towns, etc. He believes there is now a distressed relationship with Merrimack. He has not yet heard anything from the Nashua Board of Aldermen or the Mayor’s Office with regard to the subject. He felt he could take from that silence that the action by one individual member of the Board of Aldermen is condoned. He finds it disturbing because Nashua has to have good relationships with neighboring towns and probably not be engaging in any kind of acts like this in the future. He questioned if such a statement were to be made in the future, should it not be from the Board of Aldermen or from the Mayor with the approval of the Board of Aldermen. Felt the city leadership is condoning the action of the Ward 3 Alderman acting as an individual in making these statements. REMARKS BY THE MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN Alderman Cookson He attended the Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting at which there was a case regarding the cell tower on Coburn Ave. T-Mobile has withdrawn that application and if they so choose may re-apply. Alderman Chasse Commenting on the remarks of the last public speaker stated they were bordering on personal attacks. Perhaps new guidelines should be set up to avoid such statements being made. He stated his opinion he has no issue with the approach taken by Alderman Sheehan. The main point was if the story had been true the actions taken were directed towards the protection of children. Spoke of the passing of Mr. Edmund Keefe. Mr. Keefe was 101 years old. He had been the Superintendent of Nashua schools until 1973, and in fact had been there during the time he had attended school. Remarked he was glad Mr. Keefe enjoyed quite a few years after retirement. He expressed his condolences to the Keefe family. Alderman Tabacsko Supported Alderman Sheehan’s stand and her right to speak out on the issue regarding the unfortunate comments made by Representative Elliott. He did not interpret it as being an action of the Board of Aldermen. Bd. of Aldermen – 02/23/10 Page 13 Alderman Pressly It appears the city will lose the Pine Street building. However, one thing that has come from that is city and private individuals are discussing putting a plan in place to identify some of the historic buildings outside of the Historic District Commission. Should such an event occur in the future quick action could be taken in areas such as locating preservation engineers, etc. Congratulated and commended Alderman Sheehan for her timely and appropriate action. She stated her belief recent events will not injure the relationship with Merrimack. Expressed her condolences at the passing of former Superintendent Keefe. He was one of the first people she met after moving to the city over 30 years ago. They served on the Historic District Commission together. She remarked they would walk down Main Street together, people would recognize him, and he knew everyone by name. She stated ever time she enters the Keefe auditorium she has a memory of him. Alderman Clemons Stated his agreement with the previous comments made regarding the actions of Alderman Sheehan. He believes she did the appropriate thing. He commented each member of the board was elected to serve their constituents and uphold the dignity of the office. He stated Representative Elliott did not do that. The responses from the community and the apology demanded of her were appropriate. Alderman Cookson Stated he had hoped the President would speak to a communication which was delivered in the packets regarding the Planning & Economic Development sessions planned, specifically with respect to the time as he believed the communication referenced all meetings starting at 7:00 p.m. President McCarthy Commended Alderman Sheehan for her reaction to the unfortunate incidents of last week. Remarked Legislators have a fine line between taking action on their own versus taking action as a board, and that extends to members of the great and general court as much as it does to the Board of Aldermen. For someone to make those accusations of felonious conduct in the Nashua School System as a pretext to introducing graphic remarks into a completely unrelated debate is the height of recklessness and irresponsibility and one of the reasons why this state is often treated as a joke by members of the national media and companies who look to locate and see those kinds of things on media outlets. If the conduct that was alleged happened, it was a crime and should have been reported to the police department. If it did not then it was extremely bad judgment to bring it up under those circumstances. He stated the reason why silence was seen was because the issue was addressed by Alderman Sheehan. It was his intention on Monday morning to contact Chief Conley and ask that an investigation be started. That had already been set in motion. He remarked he believes most of the members of the board were horrified by the remarks and Representative Elliott owed the city an apology or substantiation of the remarks. Addressing the public input sessions stated they have been scheduled. He understands from a communication he received that the times that were in the announcement that went out may not have been correct. A correction to that will be sent out. He is also working with the Telegraph to make sure those dates are announced. There are four dates scheduled, one in each quadrant, two on week nights and two on two on Saturday mornings. They will be structured as meetings of the Planning & Economic Development Committee. He encouraged all members of the board to attend. Bd. of Aldermen – 02/23/10 Page 14 What is being sought is input from the public on what issues the board should be looking at in its goal setting as items that are of importance to the citizens of Nashua for the board to address from a policy perspective. Alderman Chasse Questioned switching some of the meeting dates. He spoke to the fact that he would be out of town during the dates meetings are scheduled to occur within his ward. President McCarthy Remarked the meetings scheduled to be conducted on weekends were scheduled to take place at elementary schools to avoid payment of custodial staff to open up one of the high school buildings. There were a lot of constraints that went into scheduling the dates, but they may be able to move the particular meetings he was concerned with to a different weekend. Alderman Chasse If unable to be moved, he questioned whether the President of the Board would be in attendance. President McCarthy Responded he would be in attendance. Alderman Chasse Stated his appreciation of the President’s attendance. Alderman Cookson Questioned whether an additional meeting could be scheduled to take place at the Senior Activity Center. President McCarthy Stated his intent to have Ms. Lovering look into that. There is the slight complication in that they need to ensure it can be structured as a public meeting. Assuming that can be worked out, the meeting will be put together. Alderman Cookson Stated Ms. Green is very appreciative of the offer to conduct one of the meetings at the Senior Activity Center. Committee announcements: Alderman Sheehan Informed the board and the listening public a French Hill Crime Watch meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 2nd at 7:00 p.m. at the French Hill Community Center on the corner of Lock and Cross Streets. The Chester Street Crime Watch meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 3rd at 7:00 p.m. at 4 Raymond Street. Bd. of Aldermen – 02/23/10 Page 15 Alderman Cox The Committee on Infrastructure will meeting in the Aldermanic Chambers tomorrow evening at 7:00 p.m. Alderman Tabacsko The regular committee meeting of the Planning & Economic Development Committee will meet in the Aldermanic Chamber on Tuesday, March 2nd at 7:00 p.m. Although there is no legislation before the committee, time is needed for planning of the public input sessions scheduled. Thursday, March 4th is the first of the public input sessions. It will take place at the Nashua High School South Media Center at 7:00 p.m. The second public input session is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on Saturday March 6th at the Amherst Street Elementary School Cafeteria. Alderman Deane Remarked he has work commitments on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays until the end of April, which will prohibit him from attending some of the public input sessions. President McCarthy Remarked most of what will occur during the sessions is acceptance and recording of public input. At the conclusion of those meetings sessions of the board will be scheduled to review the input. The reason for scheduling the meetings the way they have been scheduled is to achieve the broadest exposure to the public. Stated he will make Alderman Deane’s commitment known to those who attend the sessions. Alderman Deane Remarked he desires being involved, however, works weekends and nights for 6 months out of the year. Alderman Pressly Stated she will be out of the country during two of the public input sessions. She thanked President McCarthy for his willingness to inform the public of the reasons for the absence of particular Aldermen. Alderman Craffey Informed the board and listening public the Fairmount Street/Little Florida Crime Watch meeting would not be conducted this week due to school vacation week. The Community Forum in the Tree Streets will take place on March 4th at 7:00 p.m. at 50 Ash Street. ADJOURNMENT MOTION BY ALDERMAN LAROSE THAT THE FEBRUARY 23, 2010 MEETING OF THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN BE ADJOURNED MOTION CARRIED The meeting was declared adjourned at 8:45 p.m. Attest: Paul R. Bergeron, City Clerk