Minutes
Selectmen’s Workshop
April 29, 2005
8:02 AM Chairman Netishen opened the meeting.
Members: Bill Netishen, Mary Bonser, Peter Bock and Town Administrator Charles Brown.
Guests: Therese Thompson
Ms. Bonser explained the effort being undertaken concerning lake preservation and the particular grant application that the Pawtuckaway Lake Advisory Committee is preparing to submit to the New England Grassroots Environmental Fund.
Motion: Bonser, second Netishen to approve the grant application to NEGEF.
Discussion began on the issue as Mr. Bock suggested including maps of the area. It was suggested that the statement regarding “special protection” be defined. On page 4, is was questioned whether the focus is on the lake or on the watershed since the fund may be very narrow in their scope of projects they support. It should also state that the results would be communicated to NEGEF once completed. Grammatical and punctuation suggestions were made.
Mr. Netishen asked if there would be any strings attached to this grant if awarded and are there any in-kind requirements. The answer was none stated at this time. It was asked if there is a website for NEGEF. Ms. Bonser answered there is but she does not have that information with her. Mr. Netishen stated he will support this grant application but not if there are any references to SOG and USA Springs. Much discussion followed regarding the reference to USA Springs.
Mr. Bock asked if there is a particular policy being followed by the BOS regarding current issues. There is not really a policy, just the individual board members effort in using good judgment.
Ms. Thompson feels that maintaining neutrality is very important. Ms. Bonser has discussed this reference with Bart Mayer and he had no issues with the reference but he has not seen the entire document. Mr. Netishen asked if a timetable should be added. It was decided there should not be a timetable. It was asked if all the members of the committee have seen the document. The answer was no. Discussion continued as Mr. Netishen continued with the budget page. He feels there should be a reference to the fact that the selectmen have not approved the budget. Professional fees as indicated are for outside firms to complete the study effort. Ms. Bonser says the $5,000 approved by the Town is seed money and she hopes as much as possible can be returned. Ms. Thompson stated
that the Pawtuckaway Lake Improvement Association would match any state money provided.
Ms. Bonser added that if the reference to USA Springs is removed, it might not be worth submitting the application. Ms. Bonser gave an explanation of her preliminary discussion with NEGEF and what may be required for their consideration.
Changes were made to the introduction and reference to the large groundwater withdrawals. Specific references to USA Springs and SOG will be removed.
Vote: to accept as revised, 3-0 in favor. Motion passed.
Ms. Thompson outlined existing grant efforts. This one may be the only one requested this year.
9:23 AM Ms. Thomson left.
The district court issue was discussed. Many towns feel the court should be centrally located within the district. The Board feels this is a reasonable.
It was noted that the recent Bear Paw Regional Greenways newsletter had no mention of Nottingham’s investment in the Rosenfield-Mallette conservation land.
Mr. Brown will get a copy of Land Use & Planning Book for Mr. Bock.
9:30 AM The last issue for discussion was the Lee Farm cleanup. As Ms. Bonser had a prior engagement and is an abutter to this property, she left the meeting.
Mr. Bock asked about any discovery of petroleum products during the cleanup? Mr. Brown stated that the Vendors being considered could dispose of these products properly.
It was asked if there was any estimated time of completion. Mr. Brown feels that a 60-day period will be sufficient. It is possible to go up to 90 –120 days depending on the Vendor that is chosen, Mr. Brown will give the final approval.
The safety issues were stated. These will be restated to the Vendor. The bill for the cleanup will be paid upon completion, or by partial payments after submittal of an invoice and justification. More general discussion revolved around the overall process. All direction and oversight of the process will come from the town only.
The Board will also view the property before and after the cleanup.
10:22 AM Having no further business before the Board,
Motion: Netishen, second Bock to adjourn.
Vote: 2-0 in favor.
Respectfully Submitted,
Charles A. Brown
Town Administrator
Approved as written
5/16/05
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