Minutes
Selectmen’s Meeting
October 30, 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 Colby.
Paul Colby stepped forward to address the Board about the guidelines for code administration that he had prepared following the discussion at the last BOS meeting. Mr. Bock asked what would happen if a complaint was made and nothing was visible from the street. Mr. Colby stated that his report would reflect that finding. Mr. Bock asked that question to reinforce the point that code administration was not going to be a witch hunt. The Board requested that a timeline that is the phrase “simultaneously inform the Town Administrator and the Board of Selectmen” be inserted into guidelines # 3 & # 5. Guideline # 7 references State/ Federal agencies and the Board inquired about notification of these agencies. Mr. Colby stated that once an initial site visit has taken place and if he determines that these agencies
need to be involved, he will notify them. The members were satisfied with the sample letter provided by Mr. Colby, understanding that it would change based on the violation being addressed. Mr. Netishen asked about the numbering system for complaints. Mr. Colby replied that the first complaint would receive the number 0001-06 and the complaints would be numbered after that. In 2007, numbering would start with 0001-07.
Motion: Bock, second Netishen to adopt the Code Administration guidelines as amended for a period of six (6) months at which time the position will be revisited.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Regarding department business, Mr. Brown reported that new grader is in Skowhegan, Maine being outfitted with equipment. There is no anticipated delivery date as yet. The Police Chief had given the Board a report of the incident that happened over the weekend. There is nothing from Fire/ Rescue. The Recreation Director is attempting to get a contractor in to look at the leak in the multi-purpose room ceiling, but has had no luck yet. Mr. Brown informed the Board that the Library is hosting a CPR class on November 19th at 1:00PM. At this time, they have 6 openings. Mr. Brown asked the Board if the Town would pay for any employees wishing to get a flu shot. The Board okayed the expenditure for this year. Mr. Bock would like information from surrounding Towns for next year. Ms. Seaverns informed the Board that the
flu shot clinic scheduled for Thursday may be cancelled due to unavailability of vaccine.
Motion: Bonser, second Netishen to donate $ 500.00 on behalf of the Town of Nottingham to the Officer Briggs Memorial Fund.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Mr. Bock brought up the issue of funding for the Mulligan Easement. He stated he had been contacted by several residents in light of the recent articles in the newspapers and the mailing that was done by the Society. Mr. Bock then stated that the Town has made their commitment for funding but the funds will not be spent if the remainder of the funds are not raised by the Society.
Mr. Bock reported that the number of recycling stickers purchased is up. Mr. Brown informed the Board he attended a dinner last week hosted by DES’ Waste management Bureau. He reminded the television audience that recycling saves the Town money and everyone should increase their recycling efforts especially paper. When paper is put in the compactor, it adds extra weight that we have to pay for to be hauled away. If the paper is recycled, there is some return of funds to the Town. Any revenue received helps defray the cost of container rental and hauling.
Ms. Bonser stated that tax bills have been mailed. The tax rate for 2006 is $ 14.43, up $.02 from last year’s rate. The Town & State school rates decreased and the county and local school rates increased.
Regarding the outstanding minutes of October 16, 2006,
Motion: Bock, second Netishen to accept as corrected the minutes of October 16, 2006.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Ms. Bonser inquired if there had been a response to the letter to the Dam Bureau in regard to notification process for dam releases. Mr. Brown stated the letter from Jeff Blaney was in the mail folder.
7:02PM- Ms. Bonser opened the public hearing for the adoption of the Hazard Mitigation Plan. Paul Colby stepped forward and gave a brief overview of the process used to get to this point. The plan was developed as a result of a directive from FEMA to put together a plan that identifies hazards within the community and how the Town plans to deal with them. The funding was from a grant obtained by Strafford Regional Planning Commission (SRPC) from the NH Department of Emergency Management. SRPC was instrumental in drafting the plan. The committee was made up of Town employees, citizens and representatives from SRPC. The plan identifies areas where the Town has potential for loss and prevention and mitigation measures that are in place. Once the committee drafted the document, it was forwarded to the State for their
approval and they in turn forwarded it to FEMA. FEMA has conditionally accepted the plan with the addition of the fact that the plan must be updated every five (5) years. Once the Board adopts the plan, it must go back to FEMA for final approval. Once approval has been granted, the complete document along with the maps will be returned to the Town. This document is essential to obtaining any funding from FEMA, if there is not a Hazard Mitigation plan in place, there will be no opportunity for funding. This document will be part of the National Plan. Much discussion about the plan followed. The Board wants to update their contact information in the document and change the Emergency Management Director from Gunnar Foss (EMD at the time the document was created) to Paul Colby. SRPC located all cisterns, dry hydrants, dams, Town buildings, etc on the maps using GPS. Mr. Netishen thanked SRPC on behalf of the Board for all the work they did putting this plan together. More discussion
followed. Mr. Colby will inquire about the process to update contact information and the like once the plan is adopted. The members of the Board may change and that should be reflected in the plan. Having no more questions, Ms. Bonser closed the public hearing.
Motion: Netishen, second Bock to adopt the Hazard Mitigation Plan prepared by Strafford Regional Planning Commission and the committee with the suggested corrections.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
The Board members then signed the certificate of adoption. Mr. Brown will send an electronic copy of the document to FEMA and NH OEP for final approval.
The Board members then reviewed the 2007 meeting schedule. Since Christmas & New Year’s fall on a Tuesday in 2007, the Board elected to meet on December 3 and 17, which will have them meet two weeks in a row. Ms. Seaverns will make the changes and get a copy of the schedule to the Board.
The Board reviewed a document from the NH Department of Safety in regard to the Police Department being given additional radios through a grant from Homeland Security.
Motion: Bonser, second Bock to authorize Charles Brown to sign document from Department of Safety on behalf of the Town.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Regarding the outstanding minutes of October 17, 2006 budget workshop meeting,
Motion: Netishen, second Bock to accept as printed the minutes of October 17, 2006 budget workshop meeting.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Regarding the outstanding minutes of October 23, 2006 budget workshop meeting,
Motion: Bock, second Netishen to accept as printed the minutes of October 23, 2006 budget workshop meeting.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
7:53 PM Motion: Netishen, second Bock to enter non-public session under RSA 91A: 3 II (a).
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
8:07 PM Motion: Netishen, second Bock to come out of non-public session.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
8:07 PM Motion: Netishen, second Bock to keep all discussions in non-public session sealed.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
8:08 PM Having no further business before the Board,
Motion: Bock, second Bonser to adjourn.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Respectfully Submitted,
Heidi Seaverns
Approved as printed
11/13/06
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