Minutes
Selectmen’s Meeting
February 6, 2006
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 A. Brown.
Guests: Terry Bonser, Tom Howe, Chris Wells, Charlene Anderson, Rick Fernald, Deb Stevens, Sam Demeritt and other Conservation Commission members, Noreen Roy Denise Blaha, Laura Clement, Kathy Bowse, Karen Pense.
There were no departmental issues so discussion began with the moderator Terry Bonser regarding the 2006 warrant. The Board will provide the move and second list before Town Meeting. Mr. Netishen asked about the vote-scanning machine. Much discussion followed including questions about absentee and sample ballots. The expectation is that this process will shorten the counting process so the ballot counters will not have to stay until midnight. Mr. Bock hopes that everyone will be comfortable with this new process.
7:00 PM Mr. Netishen opened the public hearing regarding proposed bond issues and a lease purchase. The conservation easement was the first issue discussed. Chris Wells from the Society for the Prevention of NH Forests, stated the only new issue since he last spoke to the Board is that LCHIP has asked for preliminary information, this is a positive indication. The Conservation Commission has set up a public information meeting on February 28, 2006 at 7:00 PM at the town offices. There is a site walk this Saturday, February 11 and a second site walk on Saturday, March 11. Mr. Bock thanked the Society for the information that was provided to him.
Mr. Wells stated that LCHIP should take final action on this matter shortly after Town Meeting. Mr. Wells is not aware of other projects in this area. Sam Demeritt spoke in support of this proposal. Mr. Bock asked if there had been any calculations regarding the impact on the tax rate. According to the bond terms, a 10-year bond would be an increase of $. 22 per thousand, a 15-year bond would be $.18 per thousand and a 20-year bond would be $.16 per thousand. These are all first year figures and these amounts will decrease over the term of the bond.
Tom Howe of the Society introduced Rick Fernald, one of the owners of this property. This is the first time Rick has been present for a presentation on this project. Discussion was minimal but the general attitude was positive. There were no negative comments from the public.
The next item was the Freeman Hall Bridge. Mr. Netishen and Mr. Brown explained the proposed process. State funding will not be available until FY2009. In order to prevent closing this bridge other than for construction purposes, a bond or note will be required for advanced construction. This will be a three-year term to cover the expected 80% reimbursement from the State.
The Road Grader was next to be discussed and Mr. Netishen explained that our present machine needs replacement. Charlene Anderson aired her concerns and asked what are the priorities. Much discussion followed regarding the need for this machine. The present machine is sixteen years old and has over 11,000 hours. If any major maintenance is required it could be more expensive than the machine is worth. This is an integral piece of equipment for the Highway Department. Ms. Bonser explained the Capital Improvement Program that will be in this year’s town report. Mr. Netishen explained that the firehouse bond would not be on the warrant this year.
Motion: Bonser, second Bock to close the public hearing.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
7:30 PM Noreen Roy addressed the Board regarding election hours and presented a petition to extend the hours. Ms. Roy has approached the School Board with this idea and they are in favor. She wishes to have the polls open from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Denise Blaha stated the closing time is governed by state law but they can be opened earlier in the morning.
Mr. Netishen stated that the town of Candia does open at 6:30 AM. Karen Pence stated that the town of Raymond opens their polls at 7:00 AM. Laura Clement spoke for the Supervisors of the Checklist. She read a statement, which noted that opening 1 hour earlier is a burden for the election workers. Ms. Clement covered many of Ms. Roy’s issues. Polls can be extended by the moderator in case of bad weather. Many other options are available to get people to the polls. She stated again that starting earlier is a burden on the older election workers. Ballots are not counted until just before the election begins and the polls cannot open before the count is completed. Many other things need preparation before the polls can open.
Ms. Bonser reiterated Ms. Clement’s concerns and the up front work required before the polls are opened. Mr. Netishen asked if help provided by Ms. Roy or others would help this situation. This would not help the individuals that must be present from start to finish. Mr. Bock said he is concerned about the older workers. He is interested in Ms. Roy’s suggestion regarding individuals that may help. Ms. Pence asked if the polls are open at the same time for all elections. The answer was yes. Ms. Roy stated she was not aware that people could volunteer with this process. Ms. Clement still feels that this is not a good solution to this situation. Ms. Blaha spoke to the issue of giving everyone as much opportunity as possible to cast his or her vote. Mr. Bock asked about a
practical solution to this issue. Mr. Netishen summarized the discussion. He does support at least trying to open the polls early to see if it is worthwhile. Mr. Bock stated this will be a burden and he does not have clarity that this request will accomplish the desired outcome. Discussion followed about the morning procedures. Ms. Roy’s plan is to get help there in the morning. The supervisors and the town clerk are there for the whole process from one hour before the polls open until one hour or more after the polls close, the Town Clerk must be present until the final tally and to secure the ballots. Ms. Bonser feels this will be one more issue to deal with at this election. Maybe we should try to implement at the next election.
Ms. Roy asked that information be put in the newsletter before the September elections concerning this issue.
Motion: Bonser, second Bock to implement the earlier hours at the next elections in September.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
8:30 PM The Board took a short break.
8:40 PM The Board returned.
Concerning minutes of previous meetings
Motion: Netishen, second Bock to accept as written the non-public minutes of January 9, 2006.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
The budget was discussed next including the executive and election numbers. The Board discussed adopting the new vote counting process. The Town Hall and Other Buildings narrative was discussed, Mr. Brown has made minor changes. The Board asked if the department heads would be at the public hearing on Thursday. Mr. Brown will remind the Department Heads to be present if they wish.
Article #15 concerning the capital reserve fund for the fire department was discussed next.
Motion: Bonser, second Bock to change the amount to $35,000 in the warrant.
This will allow for sufficient funds to continue engineering and basic site preparation work to continue.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Motion: Bonser, second Bock to accept as written the minutes of January 23, 2006.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
The Board asked about the Mulligan Forest water rights – see 1/23/06 page 2. That must be confirmed with the property owners. The Sweet junk-yard issue was discussed. Mr. Brown will send a letter to Mr. Sweet that the legal process will be pursued if the Selectmen’s Order has not been complied with.
Motion: Netishen, second Bock to follow through with the Sweet order.
Ms. Bonser is concerned with how this issue will be viewed by the court. This may become an expensive process.
Vote: 2 in favor, 1 opposed. Motion passed.
Motion: Bonser, second Bock to accept as amended the non-public minutes of December 27, 2005.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
The Board signed an Intent to Cut application for Map 61, Lot 2.
Motion: Bock, second Bonser to grant pole license #9AAYDP for Verizon and PSNH.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Motion: Bock, second Bonser to approve an abatement correction for Map 37, Lot 25-11 to refund $24.28.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Motion: Bock, second Bonser to approve an abatement for Map 6, Lot 22 for $812.00.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
9:35 PM Having no further business before the Board,
Motion: Bonser, second Bock to adjourn.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Respectfully Submitted,
Charles A. Brown
Town Administrator
Approved as written
2/21/06
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