2 - April 20, 2012 | Pelham - Windham News


Town of Windham Retains Same Law Firm by Barbara O’Brien


After going out to bid, and receiving four sealed proposals as a result, Windham Selectmen voted unanimously to stay with the same law firm with whom they have contracted for many years; Beaumont and Campbell of Salem.


Prior to making the decision to remain with Town Counsel Bernie Campbell, Town Administrator


David Sullivan, Selectmen Kathleen DiFruscia and Ross McLeod, both attorneys, and Town Assessor Rex Norman met with representatives of three of the four law firms that had submitted written proposals. The sealed bids were not opened until after the face-to-face meetings had taken place. Requests for proposals included flat hourly rates for legal services, as well as a fixed retainer fee. “They are all high quality law firms; highly regarded and capable of handling the town’s legal business,” Sullivan said of those who were interviewed for legal counsel. It was, however, the unanimous recommendation of the committee, based on cost, to continue with Beaumont and Campbell for fixed fee services. Sullivan described fixed fee services as “essentially, anything that is not court” related. The three-year contract proposed by Beaumont and Campbell stipulates hourly court fees of $140 for the first year, $145 per hour for the second year and $150 per hour for the third year. The fixed fee with Beaumont and Campbell is set at $19,000 for the first year, $20,000 for the second year and $21,00 for the third year. The fixed fee includes abatement cases for tax assessment purposes, Sullivan said. The three-year contract will run from April 15, 2012 until April 15, 2015. The next closest legal firm, in regard to costs, was Donahue, Tucker and Ciandella of Exeter and


Portsmouth, which proposed a first-year contract for fixed fees of $66,000. Sullivan said Donahue, Tucker and Ciandella quoted higher per hour costs for court cases, as well. During 2011, the total legal fees expended by the Town of Windham amounted to approximately $46,000. In 2010, they amounted to about $28,000 and, in 2009; they tallied a total of about $45,000. Beaumont and Campbell is a small, two-member, general practice law firm, which represents clients at all levels of the New Hampshire Court System. Campbell has more than 25 years of experience as general counsel, including land use, tax abatement and general municipal matters. Other New Hampshire municipalities represented by Beaumont and Campbell include the City of Berlin, and the Towns of Newport and North Hampton. According to Sullivan, the contract with Beaumont and Campbell could be terminated at the end of any year should town officials be dissatisfied with the services being provided.


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Selectmen voted 5 to 0 to approve the new three- year contract with Beaumont and Campbell. Signing the contract were Chairman Bruce Breton, Vice-Chairman Ross McLeod and Selectmen Roger Hohenberger, Phil LoChiatto and Kathleen DiFruscia.


PMS Students Participate in Chess Tournament


submitted by Jay Palmieri, Chess Club Advisor, Pelham Memorial School On Saturday, April 14, 23 students from Pelham attended the New Hampshire Individual Chess Championships. A total of 86 students came from all parts of the state to take part in this annual event. The tournament was held at Epping High School and was divided into four divisions: Primary (Grades K-3), Elementary (Grades 4-6), Junior High (Grades 7-9), and High School (Grades 10-12). Pelham’s top student was Jesse Hayes capturing fourth place in the high school section going an impressive 3-1 in this demanding four-round tournament. This was Jesse’s best showing ever at a state tournament and we are all proud of him and how he represented the town of Pelham.


Front row, left to right: Michael Yeaton, Tanner Bogner, Alex Becker, Ben Larson, Trevor Hayes, Dylan DiPoto, Leo Ducharme, Josh Wisewell. Middle row: Jesse Hayes, Logan Ashley, A. J. Noel, Noah Lamoreaux, Charlie Spurr, Brent


Ferullo, D. J. Renaud. Back row: Ricahrd Hardy, Chandler Rheault, Kevin Whelan, Joe Hohmann, Mike Overy, Travis Wallaker, Brendan Hinkle. Missing from photo, but attending the tournament, is Salihah Bogner.


Hey Josh, What’s the Weather Going to Be?


by Diane Chubb Don’t like the weather? Wait a minute. This old joke reflects the true nature of the weather in New England. Eighty degrees one day, snow a couple of days later. Weather forecasting in New England is one of the most


challenging careers. And local forecaster Josh Judge from WMUR in Manchester has been doing it for years now. Judge was a guest at Pelham Elementary School on Wednesday, April 11. Fourth and fifth graders were able to participate in a dialog with Judge as he explained the tools and technology he uses to do his job. With his projector, Judge was able to show students the “Weather


Wall Technology,” including the Chrome, or “Green” screen works. Computers will insert an image over anything that particular color, including clothing. Judge demonstrated how if he put a green blanket over himself, he appeared to have no body on camera - just a floating head and hands! “The screen can be any color,” Judge said, but explained that the


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WMUR-9 Meteorologist Josh Judge talking with students at Pelham Elementary School


on-air staff could not wear that particular color clothing. “For years, we had a blue screen. I could not wear blue. When we changed it to green, I wore nothing but blue for a few weeks.” The students were able to ask Judge questions about his job and his personal life. “Are you rich?” asked one student. “Are you nervous before you go on TV?” “Do riots form when your forecast is wrong?” Judge jokingly admitted that while there may not be riots, he tends


to stay home if he has really blown the forecast. John Judge has a Website at www.joshjudge.com where you can learn about him, buy copies of his books, learn more about how he forecast the weather, and read about record setting weather in New England. The program was sponsored by the PES PTA.


Windham Events in April A HI GHE R L E V E L OF C A R E WHE R E YOU L I V E AND WOR K .


by Barbara O’Brien Now that spring has arrived in earnest, events that signify the season of rebirth are in full swing, including those sponsored by local organizations. The month of April started out with the annual Windham Easter Egg Hunt on the Town Common. The occasion, which is under the supervision of Recreation Director Cheryl Haas, had the largest attendance ever. According to Selectmen’s Vice-Chairman Ross McLeod, more than 400 local children participated in the egg hunt. “It was a great success,” McLeod said, adding that the participation was certainly enhanced by the gorgeous weather. On Saturday, April 21, the annual Earth Day Spring Cleanup will be held and volunteers of all ages are being asked to lend a hand. Those who want to help pick up litter along the roadways and at the recreational areas of Windham are asked to show up at the Bartley House by 9 a.m. Please dress appropriately for the event, particularly in regard to safe and comfortable footwear. “We want to have the entire Town covered,” McLeod said, referring to the need for a large group of energetic volunteers. McLeod also reported that the Windham Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) is presently seeking volunteers to serve as alternate members. The ZBA is permitted to have a total of five alternate members. Currently, there is only one ZBA alternate. Anyone who is interested in serving in this capacity is asked to contact the Community Development Department no later than Tuesday, April 17 at 3 p.m.


Staff photo by Diane Chubb


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