Minutes
Selectmen’s Meeting
August 7, 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.
Mr. Brown informed the Board that both appointments on this evening’s agenda had cancelled.
The Board went on to administrative business from the department heads. Mr. Brown reported that the process to hire the new police officer is continuing. He had nothing to report from the Building Inspector or the Fire Chief. Mr. Brown reported that the Road Agent is trying to get the Deerfield Road Bridge paved before the other paving is done in town. The guardrails cannot be installed until the paving is done and the bridge has to remain 1 lane until the guardrails are in for safety reasons. The approaches were hydro seeded today. The grader is out of service at this time but the part has been located in the Midwest. Once it arrives, the highway department can install it, so there will be some savings in labor costs. Summer camp is running smoothly with record participation this year.
The Board signed the paperwork for the loan for the construction of the Freeman Hall Bridge. Mr. Brown informed the Board that the wetlands permit for the project has been received. Notice to proceed has been given to the construction company.
Mr. Brown reported that the office has received several letters in regard to excessive speed on Town Roads. He has been forwarding the letters to the Police department. As previously discussed, the Police department does not have the staff to station an officer on a particular road. The Police department does not run speed traps since they believe that they are not worth the time or effort required. Several residents have requested that their roads be posted no thru traffic. This cannot be done if the road in question is a public road. Mr. Bock remarked that Copper Hill Road, one of the roads in question, actually goes through 3 towns-Northwood, Nottingham & Barrington. There has been an increased police presence on the roads in question but it all ends up that the officer has to be in the right place at the
right time to catch speeders.
The members reviewed a proposal from Avitar in regard to software conversion of the tax program and will keep it in mind for the upcoming budget season.
There was a complaint regarding manure storage too close to the property line at a farm in Town. The Health Officer visited the farm and filed a written report with Mr. Brown. He found the barns were clean and found no obvious health concerns. The property owner gave the Health Officer full access.
Mr. Brown reported that the Treasurer has earned $ 66,000 to date in interest on investments. The revenue estimate for interest for the whole year was $ 60,000. Ms. Bonser, on behalf of the Board, thanked the Treasurer for her efforts.
The Board briefly discussed the notice of regional impact sent by Raymond. The project involves retail space, a hotel and 192 condominium units, which would be located in the same neighborhood as the Raymond Safety Complex.
Mr. Brown informed the Board that the Planning Board had sent a memo in regard to updating their fees. A public hearing will be scheduled for the next Selectmen’s meeting on August 21, 2006.
Mr. Brown reported that the sign at the ice cream shop on Route 4 has been removed. Ms. Bonser reported that Concrete Products are going to the Planning Board for site plan review.
The Board reviewed the article that was submitted to the newsletter, which contained recycling information as well as updates on both the Freeman Hall & Deerfield Road bridges.
Mowing at the landfill has been completed for this year. Money will need to be put in the budget next year for at least one mowing, if not two. Mr. Brown informed the Board that he had spoken with the engineer in regard to the mowing. He stated that the vegetation is in place to stop erosion. It must be mowed to keep bushes or trees from growing, as they would compromise the cap.
Ms. Bonser asked if the additional person for the recycling center had been hired. Mr. Brown replied that it is a high priority on his list. Discussion followed about the importance of education and reducing the cost to the Town.
The Board briefly discussed continuing educational opportunities. Mr. Bock mentioned that fuel costs will be even higher than estimated given the situation with the pipeline in Alaska.
Regarding the outstanding minutes of July 24, 2006,
Motion: Netishen, second Bock to accept as corrected the minutes of July 24, 2006.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Next to be considered was the gift of property to the Town from a property owner. The parcel is located on Route 152 and is 50 foot square. It is assessed at $ 15,100. The property owner has requested the Town do the paperwork. The Board felt a title search should be done. Some discussion followed.
Motion: Bock, second Netishen on behalf of the Town to accept the gift of land (Map 43 Lot 4A), conditioned on clear title, for no additional monies other than the legal costs to prepare a deed which will be borne by the Town.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Cove Road was the next item to be discussed. Mr. Bockus had asked for some maintenance on a portion of Cove Road that leads down to the boat launch on Cahill’s property. There has been some confusion whether or not this portion of the road is an emergency lane. Mr. Brown reported to the Board that in the original notice for the emergency lanes Cove Road is listed as an emergency lane to the Crompton & McDermott properties, which is past Mr. Bockus’ property. After conferring with the Road agent, he discovered that the Town had originally plowed down to this point but after Mr. Crompton passed away, a former selectmen had instructed the Road Agent to stop plowing down to that point. Much discussion followed. The final outcome of the conversation was to instruct the Road Agent to bring the needed fill to the
site and grade the road (minimal maintenance) and to provide maintenance and possibly plowing to that portion of the road in the future.
Mr. Brown informed the Board that Jon Caron hoped to have all paperwork for the lot line agreement in order for the next meeting on the 21st.
Mr. Bock asked if the other members had reviewed the LGC policies. The Board then discussed several policies-91A in regard to costs to produce documents, capital reserve funds for debt, and choosing alternates to Boards. The consensus was that if any of these policies make it through committee, they would not look like they do now and there would be chance for input again in the process.
Ms. Bonser asked Mr. Brown if he had received any further information regarding liability coverage for Planning Board members as well as members of the public and the landowner while on site walks. Mr. Brown will inquire to LGC as to the coverage.
Ms. Bonser stated that the Nottingham Lake Dam had an “A” classification, which means there is no threat to life if the dam fails. She asked if anyone knew if the State reviews these classifications at all and stated the dam bureau needs to look at the classification for this dam again.
There was a brief discussion about the Police Chief’s remarks at the DOT hearing regarding the driveway permit for USA Springs. The Board supports the Chief’s position. After more discussion, the Board will wait on corresponding with DOT in regard to this permit until after the next hearing is held. The Board is concerned that DOT may be overlooking the fact that the area around the proposed plant has drastically changed since the original traffic study was done.
Mr. Brown informed the Board that DOT was making improvements to the Route 152 & Route 125 intersection. This intersection will be signaled and the intersection of High Road and Route 152 will be moved further west up the hill for safety reasons. This work should be completed by late October of 2006.
Mr. Brown brought to the attention of the Selectmen a letter from the School Board thanking them for meeting with them on July 10, 2006 and responding to citizen’s concerns regarding polling hours. At that meeting, the Board had agreed to open the polls for the November elections at 7:00AM as a test to see if there is a reasonable demand for earlier hours.
Next to be discussed was the authorization to sign administrative documents for the Fire Station project. In past projects, the Board has authorized Mr. Brown to sign on behalf of the Town. A discussion ensued in regard to the appointment of a POD coordinator to work with the consultant hired by the region to develop the plan for our POD (Nottingham & Raymond). The coordinator would work with the consultant gathering information to formulate a plan that would document what would happen in case of an incident. There were differing opinions on who should be appointed coordinator. The Board members will review their information to get an idea of what the responsibilities of the coordinator will be and make a decision after review. After this discussion concluded,
Motion: Netishen, second Bock to authorize Mr. Brown to sign administrative documents and permits on behalf of the Town of Nottingham for the fire station project.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
7:53 PM Motion: Netishen, second Bonser to enter non-public session under RSA 91A:3 II (a).
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
8:40 PM Motion: Bonser, second Netishen to come out of non-public session.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
8:40 PM Motion: Netishen, second Bock to keep all discussions in non-public session non-public.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
The Board mentioned the pancake breakfast that is being held on Sunday, August 13, 2006.
Mr. Brown reported to the Board that Mike Spagna is going to start working on the siding on the building either Wednesday or Thursday this week.
Having no further business before the Board,
8:44 PM Motion: Bock, second Netishen to adjourn.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Respectfully Submitted,
Heidi Seaverns
Approved as corrected
8/21/06
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