Members present: Eric Osgood, Brad Reed, Franklin Hooper, Howard Romero, Selectman; George Pearlman, Chris Parker, Gordon Smith, Trustees; Rosemary Audibert, Clerk.

Eric called meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.

Board discussed Tatro property. George stated that don't have enough results yet on the water quantity and quality on the Osgood well. Well does have manganese in it, which will have to be treated. Osgood option is for one year. Don't know the amount of money this will cost the village.

George suggested talking to Greg about buying just the building. Howard stated that the best deal is to buy the whole property and sell off the land that is not needed. George stated that municipalities do not pay capital land gains tax. Some of the land would be good for development, should the town and village be in the business of making money on this. Village could put in water and sewer lines. Good place for upper scale housing.

George stated that Ken Harvey has lost the Bradley building, gas company was the highest bidder. Newport Ambulance and Ken have a time issue, service to start July 1, 2003. The Tatro lease is more than double than what was budgeted. Ken owns property around Bradley's. This is a private deal between Ken & Newport Ambulance to build them a building. It is up to Newport to find a building. Have looked at sites on Route 100C Newport doesn't like the Railroad Street Site. Would like to be off a main road, for quick access. George stated that would like to see a five year lease, the term of the note. George stated that the Village would like to move forwards on both properties. Greg Tatro wants the property may be able to negotiate to buy just the building.

Gordie stated that the Tatro property is the second choice if the manganese is too costly to treat. Boards agreed to go for the whole Tatro property.

Eric stated that the ambulance is only a one year contract only.

Gordie stated that the electric department is going to pay rent to use the building. Building has a kitchen, office and space for bunks. Ken offered a new building to Newport for $1250.00 per month, which is $15,000.00.

Eric stated that town needs space for salt shed and sand pile. Chris stated that Buttolph is no longer interested in the property.

Gordie stated that the fire department received a grant from Allstate Insurance for a smoke building, need to have a place for it.

Boards stated that would like Duncan to come to the Special Meeting. Brad suggested that to meet with Mike and BJ after the breakfast meeting at Johnson State College to show them the building.

Eric stated that Duncan's contract expired on March 1, 2003. New contact ends on January 31, 2004. Would like to have a joint meeting for contracts, 10 cents on the grant list, pay raises, etc in December. Town gave employees a 6% pay increase in July 1, 2002, which was offered to Duncan, but did not enacted because didn't won't pay different pay rates. George moved to accept employment contract for Duncan Hastings with a 6% pay increase, Gordie seconded, so voted. Howard moved to accept employment contract for Duncan Hastings with a 6% pay increase, Rocky seconded, so voted.

Eric stated that there will be a personnel committee meeting on Wednesday, March 26, 2003 at 3:30 p.m.

Trustees left meeting.

Eric stated that have a catering application from Green Mountain Catering for a party at Johnson Woolen Mill. Board approved application.

Eric stated that have done research into the Tomlinson tax sale. Sold as much as necessary, being a 10.1 acres a year later received a deed for 55.83 acres. Rosemary to write a letter to Sharon asking for an explanation.

Respectfully submitted by

Rosemary Audibert, Clerk