Minutes
Selectmen’s Meeting
March 6, 2006
6:30 PM Mr. 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: Paul Sweet, Laura Clement and Terry Bonser.
Mr. Brown read a letter from the State of New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation declining police services at Pawtuckaway State Park, except for July 2nd and July 4th of 2006. The reason given was because of financial restraints. Ms. Bonser feels the Town should respond that the Town of Nottingham does not have the funds to support the State Park’s security needs. If the State cannot fund this effort particularly during their busiest season, they should close the park on those days. The Board wishes to meet with our Police Chief and Mr. Marvelli to discuss this safety issue. Ms. Bonser will invite Senator Green to this meeting.
The Board then reviewed items that require signatures.
Mr. Brown discussed a septage agreement with the City of Somersworth. Having a septage disposal agreement with an approved facility is a requirement of RSA 485-A:5-B.
Motion: Netishen, second Bonser to accept Mr. Brown’s recommendation.
Vote: 3-0 in favor. The Board signed the agreement.
Motion: Bonser, second Netishen to reappoint Sam Demeritt to the Conservation Commission.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Next, was a timber tax levy as calculated from a report of cut.
Motion: Bonser, second Bock to assess a timber tax for Map 45, Lot 1 and for Map 52, Lot 7-1.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Abatements were considered next. After reading each application:
Motion: Bock, second Bonser to approve an abatement based on Avitar’s recommendation for Map 63, Lot 74.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Motion: Bonser, second Bock to approve an abatement based on Avitar’s recommendation for Map 16, Lot 31.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
The Board will return the signature file after scheduled appointments.
7:00 PM, The Board spoke to the Town Moderator, Terry Bonser regarding the upcoming elections and Town Meeting. Mr. Bonser was given a copy of the Move & Second list that will be used by the Selectmen. There was brief discussion regarding presentation of the budget and who must move any petition articles.
Mr. Netishen explained today’s demonstration of a vote tallying machine and how the ballots should be marked. The Town is trying this method in hope to ease the burden of the ballot counting process. Write-in votes will be tallied manually. The machine prints a tally sheet at the end of the day. Much discussion followed about the whole process. Mr. Netishen asked Ms. Laura Clement for comment. She asked how a voter could solve issues with a possible mistake on their ballot. The Moderator answered that depending on the situation it would be possible to void a ballot and issue a new one. It was also asked what kind of issues have other towns experienced with this system. Mr. Bonser stated that he has heard only good reports. Ms. Clement wants to know what to expect.
She wanted to know how the ballot clerks will be instructed on this new process and how the Board will evaluate this process. They will take as much time as needed to determine the success of the new process. Mr. Netishen asked Ms. Clement to explain what is being done to comply with the Help America Vote Act. The State has mandated what must be done to accomplish this task. The Supervisors have been working to complete the task by the end of June 2006, which is the present deadline.
The Board discussed the Sweet matter next.
Mr. Brown stated he had spoken to Mr. Sweet prior to this meeting and Mr. Sweet had indicated he would be submitting something for the Board’s consideration. Mr. Sweet gave the Board a petition to vacate the order to Cease & Desist. After reading the document, Mr. Netishen stated he wishes to discuss Mr. Sweet’s petition with Town Counsel before taking any action on this petition. Mr. Sweet will return on March 20, 2006 at 7:00 PM.
The Board returned to considering abatements. After reading each application
Motion: Bock, second Bonser to approve an abatement based on Avitar’s recommendation for Map 4, Lot16-1-2.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Motion: Bonser, second Bock to deny an abatement based on Avitar’s recommendation for Map 50, Lot 2.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Motion: Bock, second Bonser to deny an abatement for Map 68, Lot 28 as the owners have asked to have the application withdrawn.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
The Board reviewed previous minutes.
Motion: Bonser, second Netishen to accept as corrected the minutes of February 21, 2006 minutes.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Mr. Bock feels the Board should meet with the Emergency Management Director during the week of March 20th, either on Wednesday, March 22nd at 9:00 AM or possibly on Tuesday.
Questions were asked concerning the changing of the times the polls are open. The Board will review all the RSA’s that are involved with this issue.
The Board will review all the non-public minutes at the next meeting on March 20, 2006.
Mr. Brown acknowledged a card that was received by the Highway Department from some residents in appreciation for doing a great job.
A resident requested that the e-mails for the selectmen should be made available to the public so they may contact them. Mr. Bock stated that he does not want his e-mail address to be made available. The Board agreed that they will take phone calls but preferred not to accept any email.
There are too many viruses and other issues to deal with involving email.
Mr. Netishen stated that this was his last night as chairman. He made announcements of upcoming meetings. Ms. Bonser added to the announcements as did Mr. Bock.
8:15 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 corrected
3/22/06
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