Town of Nottingham
Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes
June 25, 2008
6:35 PM Chair Netishen opened the meeting and asked all those present to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Members Present: Bill Netishen, Mary Bonser, Peter Bock, and Town Administrator Charles Brown
Guests: Scott Curry, John Decker, Gail Powell, and Michael Koester, all from the Budget Committee, Bob Mooney and Therese Thompson from Pawtuckaway Lake Advisory Committee, and Jeff Gurrier
Others: Traci Chauvey, Recording Secretary
ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS:
Chair Netishen inquired about department reports. Mr. Brown reported that the new ambulance is in service. Chair Netishen moved on to the signature filed.
Motion: Bock, second Bonser to approve a tax abatement for TM 58 L 7-4 based on review and CNP’s recommendation.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 3-0.
Motion: Bock, second Bonser to approve a tax abatement for TM 42 L 19-18 based on review and CNP’s recommendation.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 3-0.
Motion: Bock, second Bonser to approve a tax abatement for TM 14 L 12 based on review and CNP’s recommendation..
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 3-0.
Motion: Netishen, second Bock to deny a charitable exemption for TM 42 L 1 & TM 39 L 26 because the principal place of business is not in New Hampshire.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 3-0.
Motion: Netishen, second Bock to deny a discretionary preservation easement for TM 63 L 47 because it fails to meet the test of public benefit.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 3-0.
Motion: Bock, second Bonser to approve a current use application for additional land at TM 58 L 6 & 6-2.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 3-0.
Motion: Bonser, second Bock to approve the amended policy for being placed on the Selectmen’s Meeting agenda.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 3-0.
Motion: Bonser, second Bock to approve the amended policy for filing an official complaint.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 3-0.
Motion: Netishen, second Bock to deny the abatement applications for TM 63 L 22, TM 63 L 21, TM 70 L 2. TM 70 L 89. TM 70 L 90, and TM 71 L 113 since not supporting documentation was provided.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 3-0.
The Selectmen also signed 3 exemptions (1 approval, 2 denials) and an Intent to Cut for TM 10 L 10.
PUBLIC HEARING – PLANNING & ZONING BOARD FEES:
Chair Netishen opened the public hearing at 7:00 PM.
Chair Netishen read the legal notice. Planning & Zoning Fee proposal is to increase the abutter notice from $8/per abutter to $10/per abutter, increase the public hearing legal notice fee from $60 to $75, and increase the remapping fee from a flat $35 fee to a flat $50 for lot line adjustments and subdivisions of three (3) lots or less. Subdivisions of four (4) lots or more will be required to pay the $50 flat fee plus $15 per lot over the initial three (3) lots.
Chair Netishen called for comments. Mr. Bock noted for the record that the proposed fees are well within acceptable range, adding that Nottingham’s fees are much lower than surrounding communities.
Chair Netishen closed the public hearing.
Motion: Netishen, second Bock to approve the changes to the fee schedule as proposed.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 3-0.
ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS Cont.:
Motion: Bock, second Bonser to approve the May 21, 2008 minutes, as written.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 3-0.
Motion: Netishen, second Bonser to approve the June 9, 2008 minutes, as amended.
Discussion: Ms. Bonser asked to have line 75 changed to read, “…the recently completed USGS study…” to clarify the sentence.
Vote: Chair Netishen and Ms. Bonser voted in favor. Mr. Bock abstained. Motion passed 2-0-1.
Motion: Bonser, second Bock to approve the June 16, meeting minutes, as amended.
Discussion: Mr. Bock asked to have the word “successful” inserted in line 45, as follows: “…has been [successful] within one meter.”
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 3-0.
Motion: Bonser, second Bock to approve the June 18 workshop minutes, as written.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 3-0.
Mr. Bock asked Ms. Thompson if she would be interested in putting together a recycling presentation/display to be incorporated into the Conservation Commission’s Nottingham Day plans. Ms. Thompson agreed to put something together.
Ms. Bonser asked Mr. Brown to see if the town’s bag supplier carries biodegradable bags. She is interested in obtaining some to sell on Nottingham Day.
Mr. Bock reminded everyone that the Farmer’s Market is now open every Sunday, on the lawn at Blaisdell Memorial Library from 1:00 – 4:00 PM.
APPOINTMENTS:
7:15 PM – Budget Committee – 2009 Submission Timeline Discussion
At 7:15 PM, Chair Netishen acknowledged Mr. Curry and Mr. Decker.
Mr. Decker, speaking as Chair of the Budget Committee, explained that the Committee wanted to establish a budget submittal timeline with the Board of Selectmen. He handed out a draft timeline. The Committee feels that, by RSA, it is their responsibility to have and know the budget that they are presenting for hearing. Chair Netishen acknowledged Mr. Koester. Mr. Koester, speaking as a representative of the Budget Committee, stated that the Committee believes this responsibility has shifted over time and they want to bring it back in line. The draft timeline indicated that they would like estimated revenues and warrant items by October 9, a draft of the budget by November 13, and final submission of the budget by January 15, 2009. Mr. Brown noted that year end data will not have been
collected by that time and that Petition Articles are not due until February 3. He clarified with Mr. Decker that the Budget Committee did not intend to hold their public hearing on January 15. Mr. Decker stated that the public hearing would be held approximately February 5, noting that the Committee would use the time between January 15 and the hearing to familiarize themselves with the budget they will present. Any changes after January 15 will need to be presented at the public hearing. Chair Netishen acknowledged Ms. Powell. Ms. Powell, as a representative of the Budget Committee, stated that she sees this as a great opportunity for change and efficiency within the government of Nottingham. Mr. Bock acknowledged the shifting of the line and felt that it will be interesting to see how it plays out. Chair Netishen voiced concern over the dates, believing that they are earlier and will require estimates instead of factual data. Mr.
Brown indicated that he believed the dates could possibly work, acknowledging that the changes that need to be presented will be considered at the public hearing. There was more discussion on the January 15 deadline. The Board of Selectmen and the Budget Committee agreed on a final submission deadline of January 22, 2009.
Chair Netishen asked Mr. Brown to update the Selectmen and the Budget Committee on fuel use for the current year. Mr. Brown informed everyone that diesel usage for the first five (5) months accounts for half of the budgeted gallons. He reported that the cost is $43,600 and the total budget for Highway and Fire is $58,500. Added with the gas for the Nottingham Police Department, at the current usage and cost, a $34,600 shortfall is expected in the fuel line. At Mr. Koester’s inquiry, Mr. Brown explained that the diesel contract is rack price + .15¢. Mr. Decker acknowledged that both usage and cost went up and noted that there is no solution to the fuel situation at this time. Mr. Curry asked Mr. Brown if he had any suggestions as to where the money may come from. Mr.
Brown had been looking at different lines in the budget but had no specific suggestions at this time.
8:00 PM – Bob Mooney and Therese Thompson – PLAC Site Agreements
8:05 PM Chair Netishen acknowledge Mr. Mooney and Ms. Thompson.
Mr. Mooney, speaking as the Chair of Pawtuckaway Lake Advisory Committee (PLAC), reported that Geosytec’s report indicated that many sites are in need of remediation for phosphorus loading into Pawtuckaway Lake. He informed the Selectmen that PLAC had chosen two sites, one on Barderry Lane and one in Tuckaway Shores, for mitigation in relation to the grant received. Ms. Thompson and Mr. Mooney reminded the Selectmen that the grant had called for $20,000 in-kind matching funds from the town. Ms. Thompson reported that they have already encumbered approximately $9,900 of the in-kind match. They were here to urge the Selectmen to approve a contract with Geosyntec for engineering design for the chosen sites. Mr. Mooney reminded the Selectmen that the State will
pay up to $10,000 for the engineering design. He believes that, with funds from the State, the engineering design will be well worth the cost to the town. Chair Netishen inquired about a time frame and whether or not preliminary designs existed. Mr. Mooney and Ms. Thompson informed the Selectmen that Geosyntec had an overview but no specifics and that the grant called for completion by December 31, 2008. Ms. Thompson reminded the Selectmen that a one year extension on the grant had been applied for last year. Mr. Bock noted that the Tuckaway Shores site involved repair of the road and inquired about ownership. Chair Netishen acknowledged Eric Danis. Mr. Danis, speaking as the President of Tuckaway Shores Association, informed the Selectmen that the beach lot was owned by 33 different property owners and that they did not have authority over the road. He felt that he would be able to get approval from most during the July
4th weekend for work that needs to be done on the beach lot and suggested sending letters to those who do not come saying that work would begin as of a certain date if the property owner did not respond. Chair Netishen acknowledged Donna Danis. Ms. Danis felt that the property owners were going to want to know what this effort would cost them. Mr. Mooney reported that the grant is written such that there will be no cost to property owners. Ms. Danis asked what budget Geosyntec will follow. Ms. Thompson stated that they set the budget, noting that one of the chosen sites had been assigned a budget of $10,000 - $12,000 for remediation. Ms. Bonser asked if the Selectmen would also authorize Mr. Brown to contact Upton and Hatfield to see if PLAC could obtain pro-bono services of an attorney to help with the contacts. Chair Netishen polled the Selectmen. All were in favor of Mr. Brown contracting with Geosyntec for engineering
design and checking with Upton and Hatfield to see if they could find the services of an attorney on a pro-bono basis.
Chair Netishen called a break at 8:30 PM. He reconvened the meeting at 8:35 PM.
8:30 PM – Jeff Gurrier – Update on Krajeski report and Abatements
At 8:35 PM, Chair Netishen acknowledged Mr. Gurrier.
Mr. Gurrier inquired about the status of any follow up meetings in regards to the Krajeski report. The Selectmen informed Mr. Gurrier that they were still in the data gathering process and that no meetings had been scheduled at this time. Mr. Gurrier inquired about the status of the abatements. Chair Netishen and Mr. Brown informed Mr. Gurrier that the new assessing firm was in the process of reviewing the abatements. Mr. Gurrier asked if Mr. Krajeski’s report had been set aside. Again, the Selectmen responded that they are still data gathering and have been in contact with the new assessing firm, the State, and community representatives. Mr. Gurrier inquired about the July1 deadline. Chair Netishen indicated that all abatements will be reviewed regardless of the July 1
deadline, noting that anyone whose abatement had not yet been reviewed would receive a letter. Mr. Gurrier, noting that anyone wishing to file an appeal is on a deadline, inquired as to whether the residents should wait to hear from the Selectmen. Chair Netishen informed Mr. Gurrier that the residents should do what they feel they need to do.
Mr. Gurrier asked the Selectmen if Avitar’s model would be used for assessing moving forward, noting that the Advisory Assessing Committee has spent two meetings trying to figure it out. Mr. Brown responded that each assessor has their own model.
Chair Netishen acknowledge Koki Leasure. Mr. Leasure inquired about notification to those whose abatement had been reviewed. Mr. Brown said they would get a letter.
Mr. Gurrier left the meeting at 9:10 PM.
GENERAL BUSINESS
Mr. Brown informed the Selectmen that eight tax bills did not get mailed until today. He noted for the record that a letter was sent giving the owners 30 days to pay and that the Selectmen would need to waive accrued interest for these accounts.
Ms. Bonser informed all that there is a lot of activity going on at DES in regards to the USGS study to which she has recently referred. She believes that the town will be receiving a letter from the Commissioner.
The Selectmen decided to not pursue the appeal that was filed with the ZBA for Case #07-07R.
Mr. Brown informed the Selectmen that the permit has been issues for the Nottingham Lake dam reconstruction.
Having no further business,
Meeting adjourned at 9:25 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Traci Chauvey
Recording Secretary
Approved as amended in the minutes of July 21, 2008
ADDENDUM TO 06/25/08 MINUTES
Approved in the July 21, 2008 minutes, as written
Page 1 of 1
Heidi Seaverns
From: “Gail Powell” <greennani~ttlc.net>
To: “Heidi Seaverns” <hseaverns~nottingham~nh .gov>; “Charlie Brown” <cbrown©nottingham~ nh.gov>
Sent: Sunday, July 20, 2008 2:51 PM Subject: final change on Budget adendum- Gail Powell
Dear Heidi and Charlie, Please note that the Budget committee has cut down its addendum to be
added to Junw 25th minutes-this is our final wording of what we would like added to June 25th minutes.----‘THIS WAS DONE SO THAT THE TOWN WOULD HAVE AN EARLEIR NOTICE OF
THE TIMELIME FOR THE 2009 BUDGET. PLUS ALSO MORE TIME TO PLAN HOW THEY CAN MEET THIS SCHEDULE.’
Thanks again - Budget Committee- Gail Powell
7/21/2008
| 
