Minutes
Selectmen’s Meeting
January 22, 2008
8:07 AM Chair Bock opened the meeting and asked all those present to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Members Present: Peter Bock, Bill Netishen, Mary Bonser and Town Administrator Charles Brown.
Guests: Police Chief Gunnar Foss.
Others: Heidi Seaverns.
Chief Foss discussed with the Board the possibility of having a contract signed by new officers. He is thinking of a 2-year contract, which would protect the Town to some extent. Small departments like Nottingham have some turnover of recently certified officers going to larger departments. The use of a contract may help to deter officers from leaving within a 2-year period. Next item to be discussed is the State project involving OHRV patrols at the State Park. The Chief would like to participate in this endeavor. The process pays $45.00/hour and the Town would get 30% of the money collected from tickets written. The Board approved the Chief’s request. On a related topic, Ms. Bonser would like to see Nottingham’s open container ordinance enforced at the Park. Discussion followed about if and how the Town
could change State policy. Mr. Brown will consult with the Town Attorney about what may be the best approach to address this issue. Chief Foss informed the Board that the department is beginning directed patrols this week. Mr. Netishen asked if anything could be done about people using Town Roads and Routes 152 & 156 as a shortcut or to avoid Safety patrols on Routes 125 & 4. The Chief indicated there is no way to restrict this practice on public roads. Chief Foss informed the Board that he plans to coordinate with the Fire department to get GPS coordinates for Mulligan Forest in anticipation of rescue calls as a result of increased use of the parcel. Mr. Bock stated the overall pleasure of the Board and the general public’s perception of the Police Department and the positive change overall.
The Board next addressed the signature file,
Motion: Bonser second Netishen to authorize Chief Foss to sign State Park contract for regular summer coverage at the State Park.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Motion: Bonser second Netishen to sign doomage letters to the owner & logger of Map 61 Lot 2 for the 2006 tax year.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Next item on the agenda was the 2008 budget. The placement of the petition article from the Tea Party generated much discussion.
Motion: Bock, second Bonser to place Tea Party petition article first on the warrant to be acted on at Town Meeting.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
The discussion turned to what could be cut from the budget. The Board decided to reduce the funding for the 2 Capital Reserve Funds (Highway & Fire/Rescue) from $50,000 each down to $ 5,000 each. They also removed the article for the standby generator for the Community Center ($47,500). At this time, the article requesting funding for the lake host program will remain on the warrant. The Board also made a 20% across the Board cut to all Social Services agency requests for funding. All these cuts/reductions resulted in a $ 143,725 reduction. The operating budget was next to be reviewed. The following is a list of all the changes made by the Board:
1) Executive-reduce Training/support line to $ 100;reduce Enforcement line to $500;reduce Internet line to $ 1300;reduce PLAC line to $100.
2) Town Clerk & Voter Registration-no changes at this time.
3) Financial Administration-reduce Auditor line to $ 10,890;reduce Office Supply line to
$ 600; reduce Broadcasting line to $ 100; and consult with Tax Collector about
Dues/Conferences line.
4) Revaluation of property- no changes at this time, will depend on proposals received.
5) Legal- no changes at this time.
6) Personnel Administration-increase Employer NHMUCTF to $ 209.
7) Planning Board-reduce Planner line to $15,000; reduce Publication line to $ 100;reduce Registry of Deeds line to $500; reduce mileage line to $ 100; reduce Planning Services to $ 1300.
8) Zoning Board-reduce Office Supplies to $ 100.
9) General Government Buildings; reduce Water line to $400; reduce Dame Building Maintenance to $100;reduce Grange Building Maintenance to $ 100; reduce Community Center maintenance to $ 12,000;reduce Library Building Maintenance to
$ 500; reduce Miscellaneous line to $ 1000.
10) Cemeteries-reduce to $ 5000.
11) Insurance- no changes at this time
12) Regional Association- no changes at this time
13) Police- reduce Telephone line to $ 3750; no other changes at this time
14) Fire/Rescue-reduce Uniforms/Cleaning line to $ 3000; reduce Office Supply line to $1500; reduce Equipment/Office supply line to $ 2000.
15) Building Inspector & Emergency management- no changes at this time
16) Highway-reduce Clerical Support line to zero; reduce Sign line to $2000; reduce Education/Workshops line to $200 and reduce Miscellaneous line to $ 200.
17) Shim & Sealcoat- no changes at this time
18) Solid Waste-reduce Construction line to $200; reduce Building Maintenance to $ 2000; reduce Supplies/Equipment/Sticker line to $1700.
19) Animal Control, Health Officer & General Assistance- no changes at this time
20) Recreation-reduce Programs line to $ 5300.
21) Library- no changes at this time
22) Conservation Commission-Reduce postage line to $100; reduce Printing line to $100; reduce Conferences/Training line to $400; reduce Publications line to $ 100;reduce mapping SRPC line to $500; reduce River Sign Maintenance line to $200; reduce Office Supply line to $200; reduce Equipment line to $300.
23) EDC Expenses-reduce to zero.
The Board reviewed a letter from LGC in regard to the long-term viability of the retirement system.
Motion: Bonser, second Netishen to contribute $200.96 to LGC for litigation mandate in regard to the long-term viability of retirement system and to authorize Mr. Brown to sign on behalf of the Board.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Discussion turned to the Planner line in the Planning Board budget,. After much discussion,
Motion: Netishen, second Bonser to reduce Planner line to zero.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Much discussion followed about the Cruiser line in the Police budget. Mr. Netishen would like to wait another year to replace the cruiser. Mr. Brown reminded the Board that the cruiser in question has been a problem since we bought it and has a very high maintenance record. For now, the cruiser will remain in the budget.
12:05PM Motion: Bonser, second Netishen to recess the meeting.
Vote:3-0 in favor.
12:35PM Motion: Bonser, second Netishen to reconvene the meeting
Vote:3-0 in favor.
The Board had a brief discussion about the repeater that the Fire Department is considering for their radio system. The existing repeaters are located at Fernald Farm (Fire/rescue) and the John Fernald’s barn (Highway Dept). The Fire Chief would like to have one at the new station. There was a question about costs associated with both locations. Mr. Brown will make inquires of the Fire Chief.
Board members reviewed bills, mail & correspondence.
Having no further business,
1:16 PM Motion: Netishen, second Bonser to adjourn.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Respectfully Submitted,
Heidi Seaverns
Approved as written
2/4/08
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