Mr Childs  dropped me this note with  his current views on, well, just about everything. Later  I will post  my own views  which may serve to inform Mr Childs and  others. I do understand the struggle some may be experiencing on a few issues.

Mike,

These are my thoughts on most of the warrant articles. I am awaiting a copy of the revised articles before commenting.

John Childs

# 12 Groundwater Treatment Plant: It would seem this was pushed into this year because of the possibility of debt forgiveness through the state’s Revolving Loan Fund. I would like to know the odds of actually getting the $1.0-1.5 million. There is a big difference between a $6.35 million project and a $4.85 million project. There are many open questions regarding this project including the Gilman Park land for the treatment plant.

If the odds of us getting the forgiveness are excellent it is a great savings. If they are not great why not delay this project until next year when the issues are fully discussed and settled. The approach is far superior to the $17 million plant proposed a few years ago. This is a capital improvement that should be done. Should we wait to see if the Water and Sewer Advisory Board is approved? No unless we hear more from the town.

# 13 Jady Hill I/I and Sewer Project: This should be done, but when. (Full disclosure-I live in the area) I think the town deserves a D- on their handling of the private part of this project. They know the homes with illegal sump pump or roof drains to sewer connections but chose to not address these hookups. Residences pumping directly into the sewer should have been told to stop this process within 60 days. They are not legal! Homeowners are responsible for their sewer hookup to the town right of way. If they have a damaged connection from their house to the right of way they should pay for the new service the same as they would for a broken water main. A Town program to have a contractor available to complete the job and the pay down options discussed at the neighborhood meetings should help to minimize the homeowner’s impact. The real problem is no one but the town and maybe the engineers know what homes need the new service and they do not seem to share this. If the town does not know these details this should put on hold. Deferring decisions until after the warrant is voted on raises questions to me. If the town does not want sump pumps to discharge above ground that is a cost the town should bear. The handout at the deliberative session stated the design of this project is currently in process. Should we wait to see if the Water and Sewer Advisory Board is implemented and take their findings into consideration? No unless we hear more from the town.

# 14 Water Meter Replacements: Another 30% forgiveness comment. This was outlined in writing and seems to be a worthwhile project. Yes

# 15 Norris Brook Culverts: Necessary work. Yes

# 24 Operating Budget: Yes

# 25 Train Station Baggage Building: At a cost of $72000 it is a good value. This is needed. The plan to revitalize the Lincoln Street area is still in the planning stage. I would have to take a really hard look at that project. The baggage building-Yes

#26 DPW Sidewalk Tractor and Dump Truck: You need sidewalks to have school. Yes.

# 27 Fire Department SCBA Equipment: As long as 45 is the right number I think our first responders’ needs the best equipment that we can afford. Yes

# 28 Supplemental Paving Fund: Why is this on warrant as a supplemental item when it is currently in the budget for $500,000? Does this help minimize the impact on the operating budget? This should be a budget item if it is justified. No

#29 Town Hall Brickwork: The final phase? Yes

# 30 Rider Property Conservation Easement: This completes protection of an area. Yes

# 31 DPW Utility Dump Truck: This is part of a fleet replacement strategy. Yes

# 32 Rayne’s Farm Improvement: I would delay this until a decision is made on the future of this property. Is the barn a “money pit” and has no valid use. Is there a plan to utilize the barn in the future for something worthwhile other than it exists? There is still time to learn what the plans are for this property. Until I learn more about it- No

# 33 Human Agency Funding: It is part of being a community. Yes

# 34 Adopt provisions of RSA 40:14-a: Yes

#17-23 The final wording of these warrant articles was not available at this time. From above you will see I support the creation of almost any citizen advisory board.