Minutes
Selectmen’s Meeting
November 14, 2005
6:32 PM Chair Netishen opened the meeting and asked those present to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Members: Bill Netishen, Mary Bonser, Peter Bock and Town Administrator Charles A. Brown.
Guests: Priscilla Johnson, Laurie Legard, Joanne Albert and Janet Horvath.
There were no departmental issues to be discussed so the Board addressed items in the signature file.
Mr. Brown mentioned the additional recycling effort being addressed but more information is needed from NRRA.
Mr. Brown asked the Board to consider tax abatements for property owners with existing exemptions that have been affected by the valuation update. This update has had a huge affect on the actual tax amounts billed to the elderly and disabled. The Assessing Department has been in contact with DRA inquiring how to best handle this situation.
Motion: Netishen, second Bock to support this abatement process to limit the impact on existing exemption recipients.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Concerning minutes of previous meetings,
Motion: Bonser, second Bock to accept as corrected the minutes of the October 31, 2005 meeting.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Mr. Brown informed the Board regarding a request to place a temporary Home Coming banner at the Square. Residents in the area have been contacted and are supportive of the request. The Board supports this also and asked if some sort of gathering would be appropriate? There is no set date or time; Mr. Brown will contact Mrs. Anderson concerning this question.
Ms. Bonser informed the Board that the CIP draft has been sent to the Strafford Regional Planning Commission.
Motion: Netishen, second Bock to accept as corrected the minutes of November 3, 2005.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Discussion began about Aids Response Seacoast request for approval. The agency has asked for a letter of approval to conduct prevention activities in Nottingham. Discussion followed and the letter of request did not provide sufficient explanation. Mr. Brown will ask that a representative from the agency come to speak with the Board.
7:00 PM The Library Trustees arrived to discuss their budget with the Board. Ms Johnson provided handouts to the Board. The Trustees have added 2 new lines this year – one for technology and one for furniture. Further explanation was provided from notes in the handouts.
Mr. Brown gave the Trustees numbers for line items that are not part of the Library’s regular appropriation, electricity, fuel and maintenance.
Mr. Bock excused himself from the meeting to attend a consultation with the Planning Board’s attorney.
Mr. Netishen asked Ms. Johnson to explain the 5% increase for the director’s salary. The Trustees feel that the Director is more than deserving of this increase, and outlined numerous reasons in that regard. Much discussion followed regarding all Library employees.
Mr. Netishen asked what the town could provide to help their operation. Ms. Johnson replied that the parking lot needs to be painted and they would like to purchase a scanner.
7:23 PM The Library Trustees left.
Mr. Netishen made several announcements about upcoming events and meetings.
The Flu Shot clinic in Nottingham will be held on Monday, November 21st from 10 am until 12 noon at the town offices. The Christmas Craft Fair will be held on Saturday, November 19th from 9 am until 3 pm at the Elementary School.
The Pawtuckaway Lake Advisory Committee’s pre-proposal has been accepted for continuance in the grant process.
Mr. Brown informed the Board about the internal control audit being done by Municipal Resources, Inc. at no charge to the town. All indications are that the procedures and policies that we have in place are above average. A full report will be forthcoming.
7:30 PM Mr. Netishen opened the public hearing for acceptance of grant monies for the Recreation Department and the Fire/Rescue Department.
Recreation Director Janet Horvath explained the grant application process, which began with an application in March. The approval was received in April contingent upon submission of reports near the end of the summer. The funds provided scholarships for Rockingham County residents to participate in the three different programs that the Recreation Department has during the summer. This year 36 recipients received scholarships in varying amounts totaling $22,000.
Motion: Netishen, second Bonser to accept the grant in the sum of $22,000 awarded in a letter dated April 12, 2005.
Vote: 2-0 in favor.
Mr. Netishen thanked Ms. Horvath for her efforts. Ms. Horvath left.
The next grant is for the Fire/Rescue Department to purchase air packs. No members of the Fire/Rescue Department were available. Mr. Netishen explained the grant process. This will enable the department to be compatible with surrounding area departments in mutual aid responses if air pack recharging is needed.
Motion: Netishen, second Bonser to accept the grant money for breathing apparatus in the amount of $71,250.
Vote: 2-0 in favor.
Motion: Bonser, second Netishen to close public hearing.
Vote: 2-0 in favor.
Mr. Brown explained the several budget issues. He has recalculated the Town Clerk’s fees and increased that line. The Building Inspector has requested a laptop computer, this has been added to his budget. The Board discussed the effect the valuation update has had on exemption recipients. The Board hopes to offer some relief in this regard. Mr. Brown is waiting for feedback from DRA.
Ms. Bonser read a letter from the Russo’s regarding well testing.
Discussion started regarding vote counting machines. Ms. Bonser indicated that the moderator is still checking into this matter. At this time, it seems that the Accurate brand counting machine is the only machine capable of meeting the State’s requirements.
Mr. Brown asked the Board for input on a letter received from Eugene Reed. Mr. Brown gave his general thoughts on the matter and the Board directed him to respond to Mr. Reed.
8:22 PM Having no further business before the Board,
Motion: Bonser, second Netishen to adjourn.
Vote: 2-0 in favor.
Respectfully Submitted,
Charles A. Brown
Town Administrator
Approved as written
12/27/05
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