Minutes
Selectmen’s Workshop
December 12, 2006
1:00 PM Ms. Bonser opened the meeting.
Board Members: Mary Bonser, Peter Bock, William Netishen and Town Administrator Charles A. Brown.
Guests: Police Chief, Phil English
The first item discussed was the letter dated December 5, 2006 that Chief English had sent to the Governor’s Office stating his opinion of the traffic safety issues regarding the proposed bottling plant site. The Board had not been aware of this letter until after it was sent. Because of the nature of this letter and on going issues and appeals regarding permitting with USA Springs, the Board had agreed to contact Town Counsel before making any comments on the letter’s content. Believing the letter was only copied to the Selectmen and Town Administrator, the Board was surprised when the letter was referenced in a letter to the Board from the Neighborhood Guardians. In that it is imperative for the Board to be aware of all activity in this matter the Board asked Phil to provide the Board with a
copy of such letters and or consult with the Board before sending any such letters.
Mr. Bock asked how this letter got to any outside parties before the Board had an opportunity to review it. Chief English stated that he had emailed the letter to the Neighborhood Guardians. Phil explained the factors that initiated his action. He is concerned that NHDOT, before issuing a driveway permit to USA Springs and renewing it two times, has not fully addressed the safety factors or the impact on the Town.
Phil stated that he has on more than one occasion stated that he will not initiate an appeal in this matter. He feels he has provided his concerns and it will be up to others to pursue the issues presented.
Mr. Netishen said he supports the content of the letter, but not the way the letter was distributed. He was not made aware in a timely fashion and feels the chain of command was not followed properly. The Board of Selectmen needs to know when any department heads are providing opinions or making statements that could be perceived as overall Town policy or opinion. They are put in a bad position if questioned and are not aware of letters sent or statements made.
Chief English acknowledged that he made a mistake in this matter and apologized to the Board of Selectmen. All communication of this type or of any sensitive nature should go through the Selectmen first. This will include meetings with state agencies, civic and political action groups or individuals.
There was discussion regarding the driveway permit extension and the dates on these documents. Overall the Board feels the process regarding driveway permitting could have been handled differently. The issue regarding the dating of documents was discovered after the fact and is not under any control of the Town.
To reiterate, it was agreed that all department communication to other officials or the public involving public agencies must be at least run by the Board of Selectmen or Town Administrator before distribution. Mr. Brown will look into drafting a policy addressing this matter.
1:45 PM, Having no further business before the Board,
Motion: Netishen, second Bock to adjourn.
Vote: 3-0 in favor
Respectfully Submitted,
Charles A. Brown
Town Administrator
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