Minutes
Selectmen’s Meeting
July 24, 2006
6:30 PM Chair Bonser opened the meeting and asked all those present to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Members: Mary Bonser, Peter Bock, Bill Netishen, Town Administrator Charles Brown and Heidi Seaverns.
Guests: Paul & Angela Sweet, Sue Mooney, Celia Abrams, Bill & Wendy Booth, Fred & Ann York.
Regarding Administrative business before the Board, Mr. Brown reported to the Board that he will be out of the office on August 3rd & 4th, 2006. He stated that the Police Chief has a prospective candidate for the open officer position. The individual has purchased property in town and is a Massachusetts certified police officer and is a 14-year veteran of the force. Officer Morales leaves for the Police Academy in August and will be gone 12 weeks. Chief English will keep the Board informed as the individual goes through the hiring process.
The Fire Chief reported to Mr. Brown that there is a maintenance issue with the department’s car. The Chief believes that the car may be at the point where there should not be any more spent on the vehicle. It has had transmission issues in the past.
The demolition permit for the old Police Station has been issued. Doug Smith is trying to salvage the septic covers and pump for possible use at the Town Hall.
Mr. Brown reported that the Deerfield Road Bridge project is going well. The membrane is in place and back filling is in progress. He explained that compaction tests must de done with every 12” of fill that is put in place and the results must be signed off by the engineer before continuing. There have been some water issues over the weekend and the pump has been running 24 hours a day to keep the site dry.
Mr. Brown informed the Board that Summer Camp is going well. Mr. Netishen asked that the Recreation Department provide the Board with numbers of camp participation so they can use the information for the upcoming budget process. The new doors have been installed in the multi purpose room. The project took longer than anticipated due to the fact that the wrong hardware as well as a set of doors that were not delivered with the original order.
Mr. Brown reported that there have been a number of issues at the Town Beach since the Deerfield Road Bridge has been closed. Some people have tried to use the beach as a boat launch, as well as reports of many individuals using the beach that are not residents. Some discussion followed about putting money into the budget next year for a beach attendant that would be able to deal with these issues. Mr. Brown informed the Board that there is a need for an additional person at the recycling center to check stickers and monitor what is going into the compactor. He indicated that this issue should not wait until next year because the problems at the recycling center continue to get worse. There is not enough staff on busy days to handle all the issues. Discussion followed about recycling and how the information can be made
available to the citizens. It was suggested that basic recycling information/guidelines be published in the next newsletter as well as put on the website. This information would be to remind people that Nottingham recycles and everyone saves money when we recycle. Mr. Bock stressed that it should be an educational article.
The portion of the road that Mr. Bockus requested the Town repair is a private road. Mr. Brown stated that portion of Cove Road was not an emergency lane and this has been verified with the Road Agent. The Town cannot do maintenance on a private road. Mr. Brown will write a letter informing the resident of this.
Ms. Bonser recognized Paul Sweet. Mr. Sweet stated he had not completed the letter to the Board. He stated he had sold the old bus that had been on his property and it was no longer there. Mr. Brown reviewed his memo to the Board regarding his last site visit to the property in regard to items on the property. He stated that Mr. Sweet had put the dumpsters in different locations in a more orderly manner. Mr. Sweet stated that 2 dumpsters were leaving on Tuesday. Mr. Brown went on to say that there is a flat bed trailer in the yard with 2 racecars on it, which is no different than snowmobiles or boats in other yards. He reminded the Board that just because the overall appearance of a property is not desirable that does not make it a violation. Mr. Sweet stated he wants to do business on a smaller scale, 3-4 cars at a time.
He went on to say that the vehicles would be there for 2-3 days up to a week at the most while he evaluated them. If the vehicles are salvageable, they will be brought to a garage to be repaired. If they are junk, they will be taken to a junkyard. He stated that vehicles no longer needed to be dismembered before going to the junkyard, all that work was done at the salvage yard. The only vehicles that are worked on at the property are his own. Mr. Bock thanked Mr. Sweet & Mr. Brown for working together to resolve this situation. He went on to state Mr. Sweet has made a great effort to comply with the Board’s requests and continues to make improvements to his property. Much discussion followed. Mr. Bock stated that this is an ongoing process and that this will continue to be on the agenda. Mr. Bock believes the Board is looking for compliance over time based on an agreed to number of site visits within a certain time period. Mr. Brown wished to clarify that a motion
for summary judgment as stated in the Town’s June 26, 2006 letter would be postponed as Mr. Sweet continues to work toward compliance. Mr. Sweet made a comment about selective enforcement and left at 7:18PM. More discussion followed about enforcement.
Ms. Bonser recognized Sue Mooney & Celia Abrams from the Natural Resource Committee/Conservation Commission. Ms. Mooney stated she addressing the Board to inform them that the Conservation Commission would like the Board to start thinking about increasing the amount of Land Use Change Tax (LUCT) money that is put into the Conservation Fund. Ms. Mooney handed out a spreadsheet she had received from Dan Kern of Bear-Paw outlining the cost of the three most recent conservation acquisitions in Nottingham. She had contacted Mr. Kern to get some idea of value/acre in the area. He told her raw land was valued at $ 6000/acre, lots with frontage $ 30,000/acre and backland $ 1,000/acre. Ms. Mooney stated a 2-acre house lot had a value of $ 90,000. Ms. Mooney stated that at the current funding of $ 100,000 a year (maximum), the
land use change tax would support an easement of 16 acres. Much discussion followed about the importance of easements to maintain the rural character of Nottingham and how to fund them. Mr. Bock mentioned that Bear Paw had been very involved in soliciting other sources of funding to make these last 3 projects happen. At this time, 50% of the LUCT money (up to $100,000) goes to the Conservation fund and the remainder goes to offset taxes. Mr. Netishen suggested that the Commission obtain information from surrounding towns in regard to how much LUCT goes toward funding annually, what sums of money they have spent to date on easements/purchases and how many acres are involved as well. He stated that would be valuable information to have for their presentation. Both Mr. Bock & Ms. Bonser reiterated the Town’s commitment to preserve open space. Ms. Mooney stated that the Commission has not come up with a specific request but they wanted to make the Board aware of their
thoughts and wanted the Board to start thinking about it as well. Mr. Bock reminded Ms. Mooney that Nottingham Day would be an ideal forum to
have the information available to get people behind the request whatever it ends up being. Mr. Netishen asked that the Commission come back to the Board in September/October timeframe to
update them on their progress. Ms Mooney & Ms Abrams thanked the Board for their time and left at 7:42PM.
Ms. Bonser opened the Informational Meeting per RSA 482:13 for the Nottingham Lake Dam by reading the notice. She also read the letter from Mill Pond View, LLC dated July 7, 2006 outlining the work to be done and its effect on the water levels in Nottingham Lake. Mr. Brown explained that the Town is required by statute to hold this meeting. Wendy Booth stepped forward to address the Board. She had property damage as a result of the May floods. She expressed her frustration with the whole situation in regard to the dam on Nottingham Lake. Ms. Booth reported to the Board that Jeff Blaney, State Dam Bureau, had told her that unless the dam was brought back to its original height, it would have to be re-engineered. She stated that the State controls the level of Mendums Pond, which directly affects the level of Nottingham
Lake and that Mr. Costa, controls the level of Nottingham Lake since he owns the dam. Much discussion followed. Mr. Netishen asked how many waterfront properties were involved. Ms. Booth guessed that there approximately 60 properties with less than 10 of them being low enough to be directly impacted by the water level. Ms. Bonser read a letter sent to Mr. Costa by DES dated July 7, 2006 in regards to an outstanding Letter of Deficiency concerning the dam. Ms. Booth asked to get a copy of the letter. Mr. Brown told her she could come into the Office and get one anytime. The Board would like to have a meeting with a representative of the Dam Bureau, and Mr. Costa to improve and clarify communication between all parties. Ms. Booth thanked the Board for their time.
The Board took a short break.
Mr. Brown informed the Board that a taxpayer would like to give the Town a lot of land 50 feet square located on Route 152. The individual no longer lives in the state and does not want to sell the land to either abutter. Mr. Netishen stated he would like to look at the lot before making a decision. The Board will act on the request at their next meeting.
Regarding the outstanding minutes of July 10, 2006,
Motion: Netishen, second Bock to accept as corrected the minutes of July 10, 2006.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Ms. Bonser asked if the Board needed to meet with council in regard to the recent Superior Court decision about USA Springs. Mr. Brown replied that there is nothing for the Town to do at this point. The applicant must provide a list of conditions that they believe are impacted per the judge’s ruling. Once the list is provided, the Planning Board will be the one to act on it. On a related note, Mr. Brown made contact with the Town of Barrington and a representative of SOG in regard to the motion for taxation of costs. Barrington was unaware that the motion had been filed and SOG indicated they would protest the action. Attorney Kinder has advised the Town to pay these costs as the request is usually granted by the court. Nottingham’s share would be approximately $125.00. Mr. Brown reported that he had spoken
with Attorney Kinder who had stated it was a pleasure to serve the Town over the past few years.
Ms. Bonser asked if the other members had reviewed the LGC policies. Mr. Bock asked that the discussion about this wait until next meeting.
Ms. Bonser commented on the letter from Bob Barry, NHDOT informing the Board of his retirement. Mr. Brown stated that Mr. Barry had always been a pleasure to work with.
Mr. Brown reported to the Board that there would be a fax line for voting available for disabled voters at the primary and November elections. The letter that was sent with the phone line installer explaining the procedure was very vague and had been forwarded to the Moderator.
Ms. Bonser asked if any monies for the escrow account had been received from the Gerrior Drive developer. Ms Seaverns stated no funds had been received as of today. A discussion followed about the letter that was to be sent by the Planning Board to the developer outlining what had to be done and giving him a specific date to accomplish the tasks by. It is unknown whether or not the letter had been sent.
Mr. Brown reported to the Board that he had approached our current fuel providers for prices for next year. He asked the Board if he could forego the RFP process this year. The process is a lot of work and response has been very small the past few years. Current providers have indicated they would provide fuel at rack plus. Mr. Netishen would like RFP’s sent out. Ms. Bonser asked if the Board is required by statue to send out yearly RFP’s. Mr. Brown indicated they were not. He stated that it is a good idea to send out RFP’s periodically.
Mr. Brown informed the Board he was going to purchase 4 licenses for Windows Pro 2003. There are still a couple computers running Windows 98 and he would like to upgrade them. One computer in the Selectmen’s Office needs to be replaced as well. He has contacted SHI, who has the State contract for software and will save $ 85.00 per copy through them.
Next to be discussed were signs for the recycling center. Mr. Brown showed the Board an estimate from NH The Beautiful for signage for the recycling center. Using the points that we have accumulated, the total cost for all the signage would be $ 700.00. Since there is no money in the budget for signs, the focus will be to get the 4’ x 8’ entrance sign which will not cost the Town anything (points awarded for 2006).
The next item on the agenda was outstanding enforcement issues. Mr. Brown reported that the Switzers had removed the mobile home used while they were building their house. He also stated the illegal dumping issue on State property had been taken care of. Mr. Brown informed the Board that the sign had not been removed from the Route 4 business as the business owner had said it would be. The Board instructed Mr. Brown to write a letter to the business owner indicating he was not in compliance. Mr. Brown reported to the Board that the office had received a complaint from an individual that lives on Mooers Road in regards to work taking place on the road and more roads being constructed on the property. Mr. Brown reported that there were no blatant violations on the property and reminded the Board that the individual that is
allegedly doing the work owns the property and the road. He stated that a portion of the road had been re routed to accommodate a new well for the home the property owner is constructing.
Mr. Brown informed the Board that the Deerfield Road Bridge may be passable by the end of the week. He also told the Board that the Landfill had been mowed and this would be at least a once a year task so money will need to be put in the budget for next year.
Ms. Bonser reported to the Board that the Planning Board had voted to have Strafford Regional Planning and Rockingham County Conservation District review the plans for the new fire station.
Mr. Netishen requested that a letter be sent to all the entities involved in the construction of the baseball field thanking them for their specific contributions.
Mr. Brown reported to the Board that the FEMA paperwork for the May Floods had been mailed today. Total cost was approximately $ 70,000.
9:04 PM Motion: Netishen, second Bonser to enter non-public session under RSA 91A:3II (d).
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
9:07 PM Motion: Bonser, second Netishen to come out of non-public session.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
9:08 PM Motion: Netishen, second Bock to keep all discussions in non-public session non-public.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Mr. Netishen reminded the Board members that they need to complete a 6-month evaluation for the Town Administrator. Mr. Netishen asked if Ms. Seaverns would be taking minutes at the meetings in the future. Mr. Brown said as long as Ms. Seaverns is willing to take minutes, it makes his job easier. Mr. Brown reported that Ms. Beauchamp is making progress in organizing the Planning/Zoning Office. Mr. Netishen remarked that the report from the Economic Development Director was due.
Having no further business before the Board,
9:17 PM Motion: Bock, second Netishen to adjourn.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Respectfully Submitted,
Heidi Seaverns
Approved as corrected
8/7/06
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