Minutes
Selectmen’s Meeting
June 27, 2005
6:30 PM Chair Netishen opened the meeting and asked all those present to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Members: Bill Netishen, Mary Bonser, Peter Bock and Town Administrator Charles Brown.
Guests: Paul Colby, Fred and T. Ann York, Megrette Hammond, David McDermott, Norman & Anne Rathe.
Mr. Paul Colby gave the Board a memo asking to change his schedule on Tuesday evenings. His current hours are from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM. He would like them to be 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM. The Board approved this change.
Mr. Brown updated the Board concerning the ongoing work by the Highway Department. Mr. Netishen acknowledged a letter of praise from residents of North River Lake to the Highway Department. They wished the Highway Department and the Selectmen to know that the effort taken in the continual maintenance of the roads has not gone unnoticed Thanks for doing “a fantastic job”.
The Board then opened the bids for the old highway truck. There was only one bid of $302.39, from Ed Davis.
Motion: Bonser, second Bock to accept the bid of $302.39.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Next, Mr. Brown discussed the update insurance assessment of the old Police department building. The insurance company’s replacement cost is $305,862. Mr. Brown feels this value should be lowered. Mr. Netishen informed the Board of the Building Committee’s recommendation to demolish this building. The condition of the building and the lack of parking space further deter from the functional use of this building. The Committee feels the town should budget for demolition next year, 2006.
Motion: Bonser, second Bock to endorse the Building Committee’s recommendation.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Motion: Bonser, second Bock to reduce the replacement value to $25,000 in the event of a fire.
Vote: 3-0 in favor. This would allow for funds to clean up the site in the event of a fire.
Motion: Netishen, second Bonser to direct the Building Committee to pursue information on the costs for the demolition of the building.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Mr. Netishen further explained the preliminary assessment figures, and the process for scheduling a hearing with the assessors. Mr. Bock has made enlarged copies of sale statistics from 1997, which help show the necessity of this update.
7:00 PM Mr. Netishen opened the public hearing for changes to the existing fee schedule.
Ms. Ann York asked how these fees were established. Mr. Netishen explained that the Selectmen had asked the Building Inspector to research the issue and provide recommendations. Mr. Paul Colby explained his recommendations and that the new fees will better reflect actual building costs for residential and commercial construction. Discussion followed regarding actual costs of maintaining the Building Department and revenues generated from permit fees.
Ms. Bonser does not feel the town should hope to generate excess revenue from building permits. Ms. Bonser reviewed each item to changed.
Motion: Netishen, second Bonser to accept the new schedule as recommended.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Ms. Bonser asked about the reorganization of the Building Department. Mr. Colby said the process is moving along slowly.
Mr. Netishen thanked Mr. Colby for attending.
7:23 PM Motion: Netishen, second Bock to close hearing.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Next, the signature folder was reviewed.
An Intent to Cut was filed for Map 62, Lots 2,3 & 4. Another Intent to Cut was filed for Map 46, Lot 10. Taxes are current for these properties.
Motion: Netishen, second Bock to approve these Intent to Cut applications.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Concerning a lien release,
Motion: Bonser, second Bock to approve the release of lien on Map 36, Lot 2.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
The Board also signed (2) two exemption applications per the clerk’s and the Town Administrator’s recommendation. One was denied one was approved.
Chair Netishen recognized Megrette Hammond who spoke to the Board about recycling. She hopes to help the town with their recycling efforts. Ms. Hammond gave the Board a handout with her proposals in three parts with an explanation of each item. She feels the town beach could use a lot of help with recycling. Ms. Hammond asked the Board to consider an amnesty day for items such as tires and bigger items that may be a burden for some residents to dispose of. Ms. Hammond is willing to provide assistance if needed. There was considerable discussion, the Board responded positively to Ms. Hammond’s suggestions and will continue this dialog.
7:50 PM Chair Netishen recognized Mr. David McDermott who spoke to the Board about the sign for his business, Daniels Hall on Route 4. Mr. McDermott asked why, after eleven years, his sign was an issue. He asked how many letters were sent out concerning this issue. Mr. McDermott said he tried to use a 2 x 2 sign but it did not work. He purchased a portable lighted sign, which helps people find his business. The sign is only lit 4 hours each week on Friday nights from around 7:30 PM – 11:30 PM. The sign may be lit at other times but only when he has special functions. Mr. Bock feels this sign is not obtrusive. Mr. McDermott stated he must have this sign to remain in business. There was much additional discussion regarding visibility, speed on Route 4 and other factors.
Motion: Bonser, Bock to allow the sign to remain in place at least for the next two weeks until Mr. Netishen can inspect it.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Mr. & Mrs. Norm Rathe have the same sign as Mr. McDermott for their business, New Beginnings Farm Stand on Route 4. The previous Building Inspector told him he should consider a movable sign, which they did. The Rathe’s also stated that their sign has been an important factor in the success of their business. Ms. Bonser stated that the Planning Board is considering the sign issue along with the rest of the zoning regulations. Maybe the Board should wait and see if this will change with other regulations. Mr. Netishen asked that the same consideration be given to the Rathes as was decided with Mr. McDermott. The Board agreed.
8:15 PM Julie and Rod Nelson spoke to the Board next. The Nelsons moved to their home in June of 2001. They have had a problem with their neighbor Paul Sweet & Environmental Cleanup that has been operating since 1994. The Nelsons feel they cannot sell their home, which has been on the market for (2 ) two years, because of the neighbor’s illegal business. Ms. Nelson gave the Board a letter with their concerns and she read the letter to the Board. The business is environmentally unsafe and illegal. The Nelsons hope the Town will contact DES in this matter and test local wells for contamination. Also, the Nelsons feel that Mr. Sweet creates a safety hazard when the trucks back into his property from Route 4. They feel a turning lane should be installed on Route
4. They also said there are tires and batteries everywhere. Ms. Bonser said there are 2 issues. Mr. Netishen would like to know what Mr. Colby’s observations were the last time he was there. At the Board’s request, Mr. Brown will ask Mr. Sweet to come in on July 11, 2005. Mr. Brown will call DES for more information. The Nelsons say Mr. Sweet does many things in his business that most people do not see, hear or smell. The Board agreed to follow-up on the Nelson’s concerns.
8:55 PM The Nelsons left.
Safety issues at the Municipal offices were discussed next. Mr. Brown was asked to check the homeland security list of items to determine if funds may be available to pay for panic buttons.
General business was next.
The contract with the State Park for Nottingham Police coverage was discussed. The Police Chief has approved the amount as stated on the documents.
Motion: Bonser, second Netishen to authorize Charles A. Brown, Town Administrator to sign the contract with the State of New Hampshire, on behalf of the Town of Nottingham.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Mr. Netishen explained the next step in the process for purchasing the land for the proposed fire station. He presented a contract with Landry Surveying for services that the Building Committee had reviewed and recommended for approval.
Motion: Bonser, second Bock to endorse the Building Committee’s recommendation and accept the proposal from Landry Survey.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
The Board initialed salary histories for the Recreation Department summer staff.
Concerning minutes from previous meetings,
Motion: Bonser, second Bock to accept the minutes of June 13, 2005 as amended.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
9:22 PM Motion: Netishen, second Bonser to enter non-public session per RSA 91-A:3 II (a) & (c).
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
10:22 PM Motion: Bonser, second Bock to keep all discussion in non-public session non-public.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Having no further business before the Board,
Motion: Bonser, second Netishen to adjourn.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Respectfully Submitted,
Charles A. Brown
Town Administrator
Approved as corrected
7/11/05
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