Atkinson gives $5,000.00 bonus to administrative assistant

Article Submission:

http://www.eagletribune.com/punewsnh/local_story_273005140.html

Atkinson gives bonus to administrative assistant

By Eric Parry
eparry@eagletribune.com

ATKINSON, N.H. — Atkinson recently hired its fourth town administrator in the last two years. Throughout that time, one person has worked countless hours to make sure the town's business has been taken care of.

On Monday night, Barbara Snicer, the town's administrative assistant since 2007, was recognized by the Board of Selectmen for taking over the town administrator's responsibilities and her own.

"It's incredible, the amount of work she's been doing," Selectman Bill Bennett said.

To reward her, selectmen unanimously approved paying Snicer a onetime bonus worth 15 percent of her salary. Bennett said the bonus is about $5,000.

Town employees did not receive any pay raises this year and selectmen said it would be inappropriate to single out Snicer for a raise. But this bonus was the next best alternative.

"It's really small compared to the effort she's put in," Bennett said.

During the latest seven-month absence of a town administrator, Selectmen's Chairman Fred Childs said he would go to Town Hall just about every day to help Snicer. But, he said, she deserves most of the credit for running the day-to-day business of the town.

Town Administrator Philip Smith was hired two weeks ago, but the job had been vacant since late January when the previous administrator quit suddenly.

Snicer has been involved in town government for years as a member of the Budget Committee, the Building Needs Committee and head of the town's television studio, according to Childs.

Whenever a new selectman is elected, Childs said Snicer helps them learn the rules and responsibilities of the job.

"She's got to teach these guys, even if they have experience," Childs said.

Selectmen refuse to let serious town business disrupt their party

A funny thing happened at last night's selectmen meeting....

The selectmen had announced the previous week their intention to keep last night's meeting short, so that they could have a party with a dual purpose. On the one hand it was to welcome the new town administrator, on the other to wish a farewell to Lt. Baldwin who is being deployed to California.

A town resident, Mr. Artus, remained sitting in the back of the room throughout the meeting, until there was a lull in the proceedings, at which time he asked the board if he could ask them a question. They said yes, but keep it brief, while selectman chairman Childs sent chief Consentino out to find the Lt.

Mr. Artus asked the Board, who there had authorized a resident to destroy Valcat ln., a town owned, class VI road? The selectmen immediately retorted that no one there had, and when Mr. Artus tried to follow up on that, Mr. Childs announced that Mr. Artus was not allowed on the agenda this week because of the party, and would have to return next week to discuss this matter. Selectman Chairman Childs then ordered the cameraman to take Mr. Artus's seat at the table, denying him any further comment. The party then commenced without a hitch, although if looks could kill, as they say.....

A little research has shown that Mrs. Maggie Osborne of 8 Valcat ln. has apparently dug a trench through Valcat ln. so that her new driveway to Chase Island rd. will have a gentle enough slope to enable her to receive a clean bill of health from the fire dept. to pave the way for her occupancy permit. She evidently needs the fire depts. blessing because she has failed to install sprinklers in her new house as required by town ordinance, and Valcat ln. is too steep and narrow to permit a fire truck to pass.

It also appears that Mrs. Osborne's neighbors have filed a lawsuit in Rockingham Superior Court, seeking an injunction against her driveway construction, alleging that it is being built on land owned by the neighbor!

With Mrs. Osborne's new house being on the lake side of Valcat ln. and Chase Island rd. being on the inland side of Valcat ln. It appears that Mrs. Osborne has cut a trench 24 feet or so wide, and 8'- 10' deep through this town owned road, to lower the slope of her new driveway project. The hill use to be so steep that you could barely see Mrs. Osborne's house over the top of the hill if you were sitting in a car on Chase Island rd. Now you can readily see her garage.

Mr. Artus brought up a very serious issue last night, and we are disappointed that the selectmen thought a party was more important than this pressing town business. If the selectmen allow this project to continue, than what is to stop any town resident from destroying any town road at their whim? The town can not treat one resident different than they treat another, that is precisely what has caused this town so many lawsuits in recent years.

What will the selectmen do? We can only wait and see....

Elderly Derry driver rear-ends minivan on Route 111

For the record, the "gym" is in Hampstead, and the report of erratic driving at the Sunoco Station is in Atkinson.

Please accept this as an article submission:

Here's a real story from the Eagle Tribune: someone sees an elderly man swerving erratically in the Sunoco on rte 111 in Atkinson. They call Atkinson police out of concern for public safety.

Minutes later a mother and young child are smashed by the vehicle of that same driver.

Considering that this might have been a double fatality if a vehicle was coming in the opposite direction, several factors here need to be considered by the selectmen:

1) What was the nature of the police response to the person who called police? Was a car immediately dispatched, and did they have lights/siren on?
here

2) Where were they when the accident happened? If they weren't dispatched, or weren't hurrying to a report of an erratic driver, why is that?

Our police chief has commented openly that the parts of Atkinson north of Rte 111 aren't "real" parts of Atkinson. As a result, there is virtually no police presence and zero patrolling there. Please write the selectmen and the Eagle Tribune and ask them to follow up on this story.


Elderly Derry driver rear-ends minivan on Route 111

By James A. Kimble
jkimble@eagletribune.com
HAMPSTEAD — An 83-year-old Derry man was taken to a local hospital after his Jeep rear-ended a minivan that was stopped to take a left turn into a Route 111 gym, police said.

Police said Jodi Bedard, 34, of Atkinson, the driver of the minivan, and her 3-year-old daughter were not injured.

Bedard was stopped and had her left-turn signal on when she was rear-ended by Donald Loisel, 83, of Derry, Hampstead police Lt. John Frasier said. Bedard was eastbound, attempting to turn in to the Fanzone building on Route 111 shortly after 1:30 p.m.

Frasier said it's believed Loisel's driving had prompted a call to Atkinson police just minutes before the crash.

"Several minutes before, Atkinson police were responding to a call that an elderly gentleman driving a red Jeep was swerving his vehicle in the Sunoco station up the street, almost hitting a pedestrian," Frasier said.

"It appears to be one and the same."

Loisel's Jeep struck the right side of the minivan, causing the Jeep to spin off Route 111, nearly landing in a swamp. Frasier said a small stand of trees stopped the vehicle.

Loisel appeared to have suffered a head injury and was jolted to the passenger's side of the car, police said. He was taken to Parkland Medical Center, where he was in stable condition last night, a hospital spokeswoman said.

Loisel was not wearing a seat belt, police said. The accident remains under investigation.

September 27, 2009 8:49 AM
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Will the elderly driver have their license taken away, or will Phil be afraid to tick off his voting base?

Will selectmen be afraid to ask these questions?

September 27, 2009 8:53 AM
Anonymous Anonymous said...

You are Kidding right...I see the Atkinson police over near the Sunoco all the time. I work near there I see them around Hall Farm road and I have seen them many times patrolling the sunoco parking lot. Where do you get you Info from?

September 27, 2009 8:54 AM
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The Accident Happened In Hampstead....Not Atkinson..so The chief has nothing to do with what happens to this driver....comments like that really do prove you have a vendetta...

September 27, 2009 8:58 AM
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Sunoco APlus©
ONE HALL FARM RD PO BX 1154
ATKINSON,NH 03811

September 27, 2009 2:44 PM
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Right. That stretch of road is in Atkinson says my map program.

1 Hall Farm Rd
Atkinson, NH 03811

September 27, 2009 2:52 PM
Anonymous Anonymous said...

To Anon September 27, 2009 8:58 AM

No it shows how you try to mislead people. It's either that or you like waving your "Stupid Flag" As an observation it's the latter AND a BIG FLAG. Bet you love windy days. You know.........a real BLOW HARD.

September 27, 2009 2:57 PM
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hmmm...if this is the gym then it is Hampstead.

The Zone Fitness Sportscenter
142 State Rt. 111
Hampstead, NH 03841

September 27, 2009 3:16 PM

Police, dogs find paraphernalia in Timberlane drug search

From the Eagle Tribune;

Police, dogs find paraphernalia in Timberlane drug search
By Jarret Bencks
jbencks@eagletribune.com

PLAISTOW, N.H. — A drug search at Timberlane Regional High School yesterday morning netted drug paraphernalia and a small container with residue of an unidentified substance.

Just after 9 a.m., police with about 10 drug-sniffing dogs canvassed the school. Five teams searched classrooms and hallways in the building.

The search took just under an hour. The substance found in the container will be tested by police.

School officials, who were notified shortly before the search started, wouldn't say what specific paraphernalia was found, or whether any more searches would be conducted at the school this year.

District officials had been aware that a search would be held sometime this year, following a meeting of school administrators and Plaistow police earlier this year, according to a statement issued by Timberlane principal Donald Woodworth.

Yesterday's was the second drug search at the school in the last three years. The last search one was in May 2007.

John Leary, associate principal, said the students found associated with the drug paraphernalia would face "strong disciplinary punishment."

"We want to do this to keep the school safe," Leary said. "It's always good to do something like this to make people realize we are serious about the issue."

Atkinson library trustees, town officials at odds over use of space

From the Eagle Tribune;

Atkinson library trustees, town officials at odds over use of space
By Eric Parry
eparry@eagletribune.com

ATKINSON, N.H. — Kimball Library trustees said they plan to consult the state attorney general's office if the selectmen would like to put town computer servers inside the library.

The town's Technology Committee had explored putting computer servers in the library, but decided it would have to find another location after the trustees questioned whether it was a move by the selectmen to take control of the library.

Selectmen's Chairman Fred Childs said yesterday the news from the committee at Monday night's selectmen's meeting was disappointing.

"I guess they weren't received too well at the library," Childs said.

The town is in the process of improving its technology systems and had eyed the library as a potential site to consolidate servers for all town departments.

Currently, the town's servers are in Town Hall, but the room where they are kept has mold problems.

But Kay Galloway, chairwoman of the library trustees, said yesterday they were not completely opposed to putting town servers in the library.

"We just want to make sure our interests are being protected," she said.

Galloway said she would be seeking guidance from Terry Knowles, assistant director of the charitable trust unit at the state attorney general's office, if the town was still interested in using space in the library.

Under state law, library trustees have the authority to manage the library. The new $2.7 million library opened Oct. 12, 2008.

The library has plenty of space, but Galloway said she's concerned that the library isn't the best solution.

"We were wondering how much it would cost the town," Galloway said. A July 27 report by the town's Technology Committee said using the library would be cheaper than building a new room at Town Hall.

Childs said the town might reconsider its options over the next couple of months while the selectmen work on next year's municipal budget.

Atkinson residents oppose tower plan

From the Eagle Tribune;

Atkinson residents oppose tower plan
By Eric Parry
eparry@eagletribune.com

ATKINSON — Residents living near the Hog Hill tower turned out last night to again voice their opposition to a proposal to add three antennas to the 160-foot structure.

Last night's public hearing was the third in three months. After each of the first two hearings, selectmen requested additional information from the applicant.

Attorney Steven Grill, representing SBA Tower II, told selectmen he opposes the repeated public hearings on the proposal to add three flush-mounted antennas to the tower because no one is adding anything new to the discussion.

"We don't think the public has a right to speak, we think the public has a privilege to speak," Grill said, after describing residents' opposition as "hostile."

But selectmen said they would continue to allow residents to speak on the issue. About a half dozen of the approximately 15 residents to attend the hearing at Town Hall addressed selectmen.

Selectman Bill Bennett said he expects his board to have a workshop on the issue next month, likely generating more questions and possibly another public hearing.

Similar proposals for the site have been considered by the town since 2006. The latest is almost identical to the one denied a special exception by the Zoning Board of Adjustment in March 2007.

SBA Tower II filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court in September 2007, but a federal judge ruled a year later that it was up to selectmen to decide the case. The zoning board issued its decision when the 50-year-old tower was owned by Mariner Tower.

The three antennas are expected to improve T-Mobile's cell phone service in Atkinson, primarily near Route 121.

There were some new details released at last night's meeting, but resident Karen Donnelly said she is disappointed in the lack of specifics on some matters.

Donnelly said she is still concerned about people who appear to be technicians working on the tower day and night without her knowing who they are and what they are doing.

"I tend to be a little emotional after 11 years of this same conversation," Donnelly said, referring to a court settlement at that time.

Bennett recommended a fence be installed around the property to help alleviate safety concerns.

"It's part of the problem that the previous owners have not addressed," Bennett said.

Residents also said they were concerned about the tower's ability to handle the new antennas.

But Grill said the tower was inspected by a structural engineer who recommended new foundations for the tower's guy lines. Once new foundations are installed, the tower wouldn't have any problems supporting the additional weight, he said.

"We don't want this thing falling down any more than the town or the residents do," Grill said.

Resident Sheldon Wolfe, an abutter, said he's concerned that if T-Mobile is given permission to install the three antennas, the town may be obligated to allow other companies to install antennas, too.

Wolfe also questioned what effect the changes to the tower would have on property values in the area.

But Grill said the town wouldn't have to allow other companies to place antennas on the tower. They just wouldn't be allowed to exclude them from locating elsewhere in town.

"If you don't allow this application, someone else will come back with another tower nearby," Grill said.

Atkinson gardeners 'Plant It Pink'

From the Eagle Tribune;

Atkinson gardeners 'Plant It Pink'
New Hampshire in a Minute

ATKINSON — The Atkinson Garden Club, along with National Garden Clubs Inc., is participating in a program called Plant It Pink to support Susan G. Komen for the Cure's mission to save lives and end breast cancer.

The garden club is creating a gift basket of all pink items associated with gardening to be raffled off Nov. 10. All proceeds will be donated to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation to support breast cancer research.

Raffle tickets are $1 each or six for $5.

They can be purchased at the AGC table during the townwide yard sale in the Atkinson Community Center on Sept. 26; the AGC open meeting at the Atkinson Community Center on Oct. 7 at 1 p.m.; the AGC table at the Peddler's Market at the Atkinson Community Center on Nov. 7, or by contacting Janet Snowdon at 362-4779.

Join a community handbell group

ATKINSON — The Community Handbell Ringers are starting again. The first practice was yesterday and the schedule continues every Monday thereafter. Rehearsals run from 7 to 8 p.m.

Practices are at the Atkinson Congregational Church, 101 Main St.

This is a group of teens and adults who love music and enjoying working with others. If you don't know how to ring, they will teach you.

Call Jane Goodwin at 362-5303 for more information.

Atkinson releases new town administrator's contract

Article Submission:

http://www.eagletribune.com/punewsnh/local_story_253235400.html?keyword=topstory

Atkinson releases new town administrator's contract

By Eric Parry
eparry@eagletribune.com

ATKINSON — Atkinson's next town administrator will be the highest paid person in that position, according to the contract the Board of Selectmen released yesterday.

Philip Smith Jr., 45, will earn $76,000 in the final year of his three-year contract. In the first year, Smith will earn $72,000 and $74,000 in the second year. He will not receive any retirement or health benefits with his salary, according to the contract.

The last town administrator, Steven Angelo, made $75,000 a year without benefits. Russ McCallister, who left in February 2008, made $63,000 with benefits.

Selectmen released Smith's contract yesterday, but announced he had been hired for the job at Monday night's regularly scheduled meeting.

Previously, selectmen refused to release the contract, citing personnel confidentiality.

Smith will be the first person to occupy the job since Angelo resigned abruptly in late January. He will begin work on Monday night at the selectmen's meeting and will start his first full day Tuesday.

Prior to being hired as town administrator, Smith has been Alton's police chief since 2007.

Smith and selectman said this week they are happy to start working together.

"Obviously, the longer the time frame we can keep a sitting town administrator in place, the more beneficial it is to the town," Selectman Bill Friel said.

Prior to working in Alton, Smith was a lieutenant with the Salem Police Department. He began working in Salem in 1984.

As part of Smith's contract, he will receive three weeks of vacation, five sick days, five personal days and 12 holidays per year.

If selectmen are dissatisfied with Smith, the contract allows them to terminate him for "cause," which is defined as "loss of confidence of the majority of the Board of Selectmen," according to the contract.

September 11, 2009 9:08 AM

Atkinson's new town administrator eager to begin

From the Eagle Tribune;

Atkinson's new town administrator eager to begin
By Eric Parry
eparry@eagletribune.com

ATKINSON — The new town administrator says he has a lot of professional energy and is excited to be working in the community.

The Board of Selectmen announced Monday night that Philip Smith Jr., 45, of Salem had been chosen as the next town administrator, a position that has been vacant for almost eight months.

Smith, Alton's police chief since 2007, said he is ready to begin working next week.

"I'm flattered that I got the appointment," Smith said yesterday.

Selectmen declined to release Smith's three-year contract, citing personnel confidentiality. Selectman Bill Friel said the board is consulting with its attorney, Sumner Kalman, on whether the contract qualifies as confidential information.

Kalman did not return phone calls for comment yesterday.

Smith, a longtime Salem resident, will spend his last day as Alton's police chief on Friday.

Although Smith will be switching roles from a police chief to a town administrator, he said he possesses administrative skills that are transferable to the new job.

"Anything new and that appears to be a challenge attracts me," Smith said.

One of his greatest accomplishments in his current job is Alton's decision to promote his second in command to be his successor, he said.

When Smith arrived in Alton, the former police department administration was mismanaging funds and he helped to lead the department in a new direction, he said.

"I'm very proud of what's transpired here," Smith said.

Prior to working in Alton, Smith was a lieutenant with the Salem Police Department. He began working in Salem in 1984. He was promoted to sergeant in 1997 and lieutenant in 2001.SClBThe town administrator position has been vacant since late January when Steven Angelo resigned abruptly.

In August, the three selectmen met with six former selectmen to review applications and discuss who might be ideal for the job.

A candidate, whose name was not released, was offered the job in April. When that person gave notice to his employer, Atkinson's offer was matched and then turned down.

Prior to Angelo, Atkinson went through two town administrators in a year.

NOTE TO MR. FRIEL...

Every Town employees salary is a matter of public record, and you can not hide it citing confidentiality.

Atkinson chooses town administrator

From the Eagle Tribune;

Atkinson chooses town administrator
By Eric Parry
eparry@eagletribune.com

ATKINSON — A police chief from Salem has been hired as the next town administrator.

Selectmen announced at their meeting last night that Phillip Smith, most recently the police chief in Alton, has been given a three-year contract.

Atkinson will have a town administrator for the first time in more than seven months.

"I think he's going to do a good job and people will like him," Chairman Fred Childs said.

Smith has lived in Salem for most of his life, Childs said. He will begin work at the selectmen's next meeting Sept. 14 and his first full day is Sept. 15, the chairman said.

Smith could not be reached for comment last night.

Selectmen refused to reveal Smith's salary or the specifics of his contract until next week.

Smith was interviewed by selectmen several times over the last several months.

Selectmen advertised for the position in late May and received about 30 applications, which they reviewed for several months.

Smith began his law enforcement career with the Salem Police Department in 1984 and was promoted to sergeant in 1997 and lieutenant in 2001. He was hired as Alton's police chief in November 2007, according to the town's Web site.

Smith has a bachelor of arts degree in social science and history and a master's in criminal justice. He is certified in law enforcement physical fitness, the Web site said.

The town administrator job has been vacant since late January when Steven Angelo resigned abruptly.

In August, the three selectmen met with six former selectmen to review applications and discuss who might be ideal for the job.

A candidate, whose name was not released, was offered the job in April. When that person gave notice to his employer, Atkinson's offer was matched and then turned down.

That candidate had remained from the search conducted when Angelo was hired. No specific salary range was stated in the job advertisement.

Prior to Angelo, Atkinson went through two town administrators in a year.

Atkinson police lose second-in-command for a year

From the Eagle Tribune;

Atkinson police lose second-in-command for a year
By Eric Parry
eparry@eagletribune.com

ATKINSON — The Police Department will be without its second in command for a year soon with Lt. William Baldwin scheduled to be deployed as a member of the Coast Guard Reserve by the end of the month.

Baldwin's deployment also will leave the Timberlane Regional School Board without a member for the year he will be gone.

This will be Baldwin's second deployment in recent years. But this one will be easier for his wife and two children to take, he said.

"They understand it a little better now," Baldwin said of his two children, Mackenzie, 10, and Brittany, 14. "I want them to be proud of their father."

Baldwin's last deployment brought him to Kuwait from 2003 to 2004. He was a gunner on a ship in the Persian Gulf, patrolling supplies for other troops. He said he doesn't know where he will be deployed this time or what his responsibilities will be.

He said he wanted to thank the residents of Atkinson for supporting him as a police officer and as a member of the Coast Guard Reserve.

"I live my life serving, whether it's my country or Atkinson," Baldwin said.

He said he doesn't plan to leave Atkinson permanently anytime soon. In fact, he said his goal is to become Atkinson's first full-time chief some day.

"Hopefully, the people will support it," he said.

He has been a member of the Coast Guard Reserve since 1995. He's been a member of the Atkinson Police Department since 1997. Prior to working in Atkinson, Baldwin was a Marine for 10 years.

Baldwin's absence means that police Chief Philip Consentino and the other 23 members of the department will have even more responsibilities. There are five full-time officers.

Consentino said he would be taking on most of Baldwin's duties and Detective Phil Farrar would become the second in command.

"It's going to make a little bit more work for all of us," Consentino said.

Baldwin said one piece of the job he'll miss the most over the next year is working with the fifth-grade students, Baldwin said.

Last year, he became the DARE officer at the school. He said he was looking forward to this school year because he has become closer to those students in the last year.

The Plaistow Police Department, which covers dispatch duties in Atkinson on nights and weekends, will cover the DARE responsibilities at the school.

"We're going to try to work it out so it's manageable for both departments," Baldwin said.

Baldwin, who is also in his third term on the Timberlane Regional School Board, said the board has agreed to leave his seat vacant during his absence. That will leave the board with eight members, but Baldwin said he doesn't expect the even number to present too many problems in his absence.

"Hopefully, they won't have any split votes," he said.

Baldwin is in the start of the first year of his third term on the board.

Atkinson may be close to hiring new administrator

From the Eagle Tribune;

Atkinson may be close to hiring new administrator
By Eric Parry
eparry@eagletribune.com

ATKINSON — The town is close to hiring an administrator after the job has been vacant for more than seven months.

Selectmen Chairman Fred Childs said the board made an offer to a candidate on Aug. 28 and hopes to know by Tuesday whether he will accept the position.

The candidate, who Childs declined to identify, is retiring from another community in the state and would likely start on Sept. 14 if he accepts the town's offer, Childs said.

The candidate has been offered a three-year contract, but Childs declined to reveal the salary until the offer has been accepted.

The candidate interviewed with the board twice and has been in regular communication with the three selectmen over the last several weeks, Childs said.

"He seems like he's interested," Childs said.

Atkinson has been without a town administrator since January, when Steven Angelo resigned abruptly.

Board members advertised the position in late May and received about 30 applications, which they reviewed over the last several months.

In August, the three selectmen met with six former selectmen to review applications and discuss who might be a good fit for the job.

A candidate, whose name was not released, was offered the job in April. When that person gave notice to his or her employer, Atkinson's offer was matched and they turned down Atkinson's offer. That candidate had remained from the search conducted when Angelo was hired. No salary range was specifically stated in the job advertisement.

Prior to Angelo, Atkinson went through two town administrators in a year.

CART fare increase to $6/ride. Elderly Affairs costs $20/ride

From the Eagle Tribune;

CART would be hurt if Salem cut funding
By Eric Parry
eparry@eagletribune.com

.....CART already suffered the loss of two communities over the last year.

Voters in Sandown didn't approve funding CART at the March Town Meeting and Plaistow officials cut funding for the agency last October. In addition to Salem, CART serves Derry, Londonderry, Windham, Danville, Chester and Hampstead.

Salem's proposal also comes as CART is increasing its fares. Since its inception in 2006, CART cost $2, but recently they announced prices would jump to $6 for some trips. A ride within the same town will cost $3, a ride across town lines cost $4 and a ride outside the seven-town region costs $6.

That's it?

Atkinson's Elderly Affairs dept. has a budget of $37,000 plus $10-15,000 in contributions from donation accounts, plus $5,000 or so "bleed over" from police dept. It gave out 1994 rides last year according to Phil. That it $20-25.00/ride for Atkinson.

Thank God we have a Rich, Socially conscious town, and are not beholden to these pesky value for taxpayer dollar questions.

By the way, there is no possible way that Elderly Affairs gave out 1,994 rides last year on their budget, when last year's budget was only $20,000. No way the math works out. Somebody is probably....fibbing.