Meeting location: Town offices
Date: June 20, 2019
Members present: Jay Jacobs, Kathy Scott, Andrea Hodson
Meeting opened: 7:00 pm. Meeting adjourned: 9:35 pm

Members of the public:  Ned Hulbert, Doug Walker

Worden/Cucchi matter– SB noted that it needs additional time to review the information submitted and board expects it will need the better part of the summer before being able to respond fairly to all parties.

Broadband/Cell Committee- Ned Hulbert updated the SB on committee work and shared a draft Request for Information (RFI) for the board’s review and approval. The RFI, non-binding and at no cost to taxpayers, would be sent from the SB to four service providers who, in turn, would provide the Town with data about the number of Harrisville customers served and not served at the download speed of 25 megabytes per second and the upload speed of 3 megabytes per second.  The committee hopes to take advantage of the town of Chesterfield’s pioneering contract with Consolidated Communications to provide fiber optic access to every home in Chesterfield and the state legislation known as SB 170 that now allows towns to bond. Providers have two months to respond to the RFI. Mr. Hulbert shared  a copy of SB 170 as well as a recent Associated Press article on Chesterfield’s initiative. (All documents are attached.)

In response to a concern raised by Andrea Hodson about any privacy issues that could arise from the providers’ dispensation of subscriber information to the Town and broadband/cell committee, Mr. Hulbert stated he would raise this question with committee members and let the SB know the process for protecting privacy.  When asked about fiber optic technology versus broadband access provided wirelessly, Mr. Hulbert emphasized that fiber is state of the art, especially for long term economic development, and of superior reliability. He noted that the committee believes some kind of combination of fiber and wireless would likely be needed to serve the whole town, which was the reason for the revision to the Zoning Ordinances to allow for improved wireless service through needed infrastructure. It is possible, Mr. Hulbert noted, that a multi-town solution could ensue; however, area towns are all at different stages of pursuing opportunities and have different levels of interest in collaborating. The service providers’ business plans also are a factor, as are state regulations.

Following discussion, the SB moved at the request of the Broadband Committee, to send the RFI, subject to confirmation from the committee that privacy concerns would be addressed. All voted unanimously in favor. Based on the responses to the RFI, an RFP (Request for Proposal), which would include details of a proposed contract between the Town and a provider, would be prepared. Any subsequent agreement is subject to a vote at the March 2020 Town Meeting.

Departments, Boards and Committees:
HCC– Kathy Scott will contact Harry Wolhandler about attending the next SB workshop session on Friday, July 28, at 9:00 am.

HDC– Doug Walker met with the SB to discuss establishing a small committee, including some non HDC members, to assist in updating regulations. Following discussion, SB endorsed establishment of subcommittee to redraft regulations.

Cemetery Committee– SB discussed damage and any potential means of addressing. Will discuss further with Cemetery Trustees.

Fire Department– SB noted the RFP is out for roof repairs. Bids are due July 9.

Recycling Center– SB discussed possible construction of a ramp and how it would fit with the current layout. SB will visit site and continue discussion.

SWRPC – SB will send a letter to Henry Underwood to request technical road survey assistance.

Documents signed and reviewed:
SB signed Life support Intercept Agreement with Keene Fire.

SB moved and voted unanimously in favor to approve SB Meeting Minutes of June 13, 2019.

Other business:
At 9:03 pm, per RSA 91A:3II, the SB moved and voted unanimously to enter Executive Session to discuss personnel matters. At 9:15 pm, SB moved and voted unanimously to exit Executive Session and to seal the minutes.