Minutes
Selectmen’s Meeting
May 17, 2006
9:00 AM Chair Bonser opened the meeting and asked all those present to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Members: Mary Bonser, Peter Bock, Bill Netishen and Town Administrator Charles A. Brown.
Guests: Paul Colby
Mr. Brown thanked all the emergency services, the highway department and all the volunteers who worked tirelessly throughout the town to contain the flooding in the last few days. Ms. Bonser added her thanks for all the efforts by so many. Mr. Bock added his comments reminding everyone that those efforts need to continue. Mr. Netishen added his comments about the around the clock efforts by some members of the community.
Mr. Brown asked all residents to be patient during repairs to the infrastructure. Ms. Bonser asked for any pictures that residents may have showing damage to the town and that those photos be brought to the town office. Mr. Bock and Mr. Netishen made several comments in this light.
The 800 numbers should be added to Channel 22.
Mr. Brown ran down a list of the status of the roads in town.
The Board reviewed those items requiring signatures.
Motion: Netishen, second Bock to approve the tax warrant for 2006, 1st issue taxes in the amount of $4,281,944.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Motion: Netishen, second Bock to approve a current use application for Map 54, Lot 4.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Concerning the agreement with the State of NH about Police coverage at Pawtuckaway State Park.
Motion: Netishen, second Bock to accept the agreement and authorize the Town Administrator Charles A. Brown, to sign the contract with the State of NH.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
The Board signed an Intent to Excavate for Map 69, Lot 8. (Taxes are current.)
The Board then reviewed several Exemption / Credit applications.
Motion: Netishen, second Bock to approve a Veteran’s Credit for Map 43, Lot 15.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Motion: Bock, second Bonser to approve an Elderly exemption for Map 24, Lot 75.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Motion: Netishen, second Bock to approve an Elderly exemption for May 23, Lot 8.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Motion: Bock, second Netishen to approve a Disability exemption for Map 71, Lot 83.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Motion: Netishen, second Bock to deny an Elderly exemption for Map 42, Lot 3 because the applicant is not old enough.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Motion: Bock, second Netishen to deny an Elderly exemption for Map 70, Lot 15 because the applicant exceeds the asset limits.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Motion: Bock, second Netishen to accept as corrected the minutes of May 1, 2006.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
The Flood Hotline is 1-800-458-2407.
Mr. Brown advised the Board of Cruiser Trade. Change over of equipment will be done ASAP, hopefully by June 1, 2006.
Ms. Bonser began a discussion about the Pawtuckaway Lake Advisory Committee’s grant agreement with the State of New Hampshire. She explained the progress that has been made so far.
Motion: Netishen, second Bock to accept the grant agreement, enter into a contract with the State of New Hampshire and to accept funds from available sources.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Motion: Bonser, second Bock to authorize Charles A. Brown, Town Administrator to sign the agreement as an Authorized Agent on behalf of the Board.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Ms. Bonser thanked all of the committee members and the volunteers who helped in this effort.
Mr. Brown asked the Board about a request to fund the porta-potty for the music variety show held on the square in July. The Board agreed to continue this support.
Repair to the ball field was discussed. Mr. Bock asked Mr. Brown to be the Town’s agent. The town will provide help if it can. NYA events must be better coordinated with the Police and the Town to avoid dangerous situations along Stage Road. Mr. Netishen congratulated Janet Horvath on her efforts and the success of the Fishing Derby.
There was much discussion regarding a letter from Rockingham County Conservation District concerning the Homestead subdivision. Mr. Brown feels the Board of Selectmen is the enforcement agent in this matter and should act on recommendation from the Planning Board.
10:15 AM The Board took a short break.
Mr. Brown informed the Board of recent activity concerning the Bacon easement. It has been recommended the sale price change to $20,000. This recommendation has come from the Conservation Commission. The Town attorney has recommended that changing the original agreement and initialing by the parties would be sufficient to move this matter forward.
Motion: Bock, second Netishen to increase the sale price to $20,000.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Mr. Brown will schedule a public hearing for May 30, 2006 if the required 10-day notice period is workable.
The Board signed two letters regarding Failure to Report Timber Cut on Map 61 Lot 2. One letter to the owner and one to the logger.
The Board discussed Emergency Management in light of the flooding. Concerning dam management, the Board discussed various procedures including the following: who will be notified before water is released from a private dam; consultation, where possible, with the owner of a private dam; liability issues affecting downstream; and consultation with State and local officials by own emergency specialists. This whole issue needs clarification. Additional discussion continued concerning all aspects of emergency response policies. Mr. Netishen stated that the Fire/Rescue personnel have gone to pump out basements. Mr. Brown will notify the staff at the Recycling Center to have extra consideration for residents who have been flooded. It was asked if we need an extra container to handle to additional refuse
that is expected.
Mr. Bock mentioned that the postal service collected 800 lbs. of food for the Food Pantry. The pantry schedule is moved ahead one week.
Notes from the Economic Development Committee were read. The Building Committee is continuing their efforts to work on the Fire Department building.
The Board will be available to meet with the SAU on June 12 or 26 at a mutually agreeable time. Mr. Brown will follow up to confirm a date.
Water testing has suggested if floodwaters have flowed over wells. The Town will make inquiries regarding getting a reduced rate for residents for such testing.
Mr. Bock received several e-mails indicating the community’s appreciation of the efforts made by our emergency services, highway department and all Town agencies.
Mr. Netishen explained the process regarding FEMA action.
11:00 AM Motion: Bonser, second Bock to enter non-public session per RSA 91-A: 3 II (a) and (d).
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
The Board returned to regular session.
Motion: Netishen, second Bock to keep all personnel related discussion in non-public session, non-public, discussion with Building Inspector would be in regular minutes.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Building Inspector, Paul Colby asked to speak with the Board regarding the waiving of fees for building permits related to flood damage. Mr. Colby asked the Board for authority to waive building permit fees and after the fact permit fees for property owners doing flood repairs. He will need to inspect any damage to confirm it is flood related before issuing permits under these special circumstances. This will also provide documentation for property owners when filing insurance or FEMA claims. This consideration will be available for a period of thirty days.
The Board concurred with Paul’s request.
Motion: Bonser, second Netishen to waive fees from May 12, 2006 until June 12, 2006 and approve the remainder of Mr. Colby’s recommendation for this period of time.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Paul continued by offering to look into the matter of well testing. He will follow up with Mr. Brown. He also has observed that the proposed Firehouse lot is very wet since this bad weather event, this should be monitored closely.
The Board thanked Paul for his input, he left the room and the Board continued with the non-public session.
11:52 AM Having no further business before the Board,
Motion: Bock, second Netishen to adjourn
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Respectfully Submitted,
Charles A. Brown
Town Administrator
Approved as Corrected
5/30/06
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