Town of Nottingham
Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes
July 7, 2008
6:30 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
Others: Charles Brown, Town Administrator, Scott Curry, and Traci Chauvey, Recording Secretary
ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS:
Chair Netishen inquired about department reports. Mr. Brown reported that the Police Department had a busy weekend at Pawtuckaway State Park. Chair Netishen stated that he was aware of the situation and felt that Chief Foss had it under control. Mr. Brown reported that Summer Camp had started this day and it went very well. Mr. Bock inquired as to the number of participants in Summer Camp this year. Mr. Brown replied that he did not know today’s enrollment, adding that children are added and dropped throughout the summer. Lastly, Mr. Brown reported that the Highway Department was making good progress on Deerfield Road and hoped that paving would take place in August. As an FYI, Mr. Brown informed the Selectmen that he had received word that asphalt would be going up $4 to $6
per ton.
GENERAL BUSINESS:
Ms. Bonser inquired about a spending freeze to cover the anticipated fuel shortage. Mr. Brown reported that he does not have a spending freeze planned at this time. Ms. Bonser inquired as to whether the other Selectmen would prefer to set a spending freeze or ask permission to over-spend the bottom line. Chair Netishen informed Ms. Bonser that he had requested a revenue profile through June from Ms. Carlson. He feels that, in addition to the expense encumbrances they received, this will provide the Selectmen with a better idea of where things stand. He would like the Selectmen to meet with department heads once the data has been reviewed. Chair Netishen further noted that the pre-buying season is coming and the Selectmen agreed that Mr. Brown should aggressively move forward with
inquiries. Mr. Brown informed the public that the Nottingham Recycling Center uses recycled oil as its main source of fuel. He encouraged all to bring their used oil (motor, hydraulic, etc.) to the Recycling Center (in clear plastic containers) to reduce the monies spent on #2 heating oil.
Referencing a memo from the Building Inspector, Mr. Brown informed the Selectmen that the IRS has increased mileage from .505¢ per mile to .585¢. Ms. Bonser inquired as to whether this would be an across the board increase and if so, if the budget could handle such an increase. Mr. Brown reported that some mileage lines are not used, although employees are encouraged to submit for mileage reimbursement. Mr. Netishen, acknowledging the fuel situation, is hesitant to increase mileage this fiscal year. Ms. Bonser strongly feels that employees should not be paying out of pocket for work travel and does not have a problem with the increase. She motioned for an increase. Mr. Bock felt that more information should be gathered and the subject should be discussed
further. Ms. Bonser withdrew her motion for the increase and the Selectmen agreed to discuss mileage reimbursement at their next workshop.
Referencing a memo request from the Planning Board for an updated Official Town Map, Mr. Brown informed the Selectmen that Nottingham does not currently have an Official Town Map. The last
official map was voted in by residents in 1980. Mr. Brown feels that the map does need updating but an Official Town Map is cost prohibitive at this time. He noted that it may be possible to have the index map page of the Tax Map book enlarged to be placed on the wall, however, this would not qualify as an Official Town Map as the Tax Maps are not required to be accurate. He also reported that he does not know the status of the Master Plan, which should be updated in conjunction with an Official Town Map. Chair Netishen informed Mr. Brown and the other Selectmen that the Planning Board was not looking for immediate action; that they are working on their rules and regulations and would be sending memo requests to the Selectmen for budgeting purposes. He also reported that Nottingham
Conservation Commission members had indicated that there are grant funds available for mapping. Mr. Brown feels that the Official Town Map does need to be updated at some point and that it would be the onus of the Planning Board to follow through.
Mr. Brown informed the Selectmen that early feedback from other towns indicates that fall would be a better time for perambulation than July. The Selectmen were amenable to fall dates.
Mr. Brown informed the Selectmen that he has been looking into phasing out the old Nottingham emergency number, 679-5757, as of October 1, 2008 and read, for the Selectmen, a notice he had prepared regarding the phase out. He explained that the line costs $136.00 per month and should have been phased-out when 9-1-1 went into effect, as it does not provide the level of service that 9-1-1 provides. It is a dedicated line which goes to the Newmarket dispatch, it does get use, and it also gets sales calls. Chair Netishen inquired about where this number is noticed. Mr. Brown informed him that it is the number that was on the red stickers on all phones in Nottingham at one time. Ms. Bonser informed Mr. Brown that it was still listed in the phone book. Chair Netishen acknowledged Mr. Curry,
sitting in the audience. Mr. Curry felt the cheapest was to resolve the issue was to have the 679-5757 number moved to a regular line (as opposed to a dedicated line) and either have the calls forwarded or have a recording stating that this number was no longer in service, call 9-1-1 for emergencies. He felt this would save the Town from paying for the dedicated line until October. The Selectmen agreed that Mr. Brown should continue to move forward with this and that they would like to have this topic on their agendas going forward to get the word out. Everyone shared concern about an emergency call getting missed if the number is phased out.
Mr. Brown reported that he has contacted the Public Works Director in Raymond regarding a Household Hazardous Waste Day and has received a positive response. They are looking at a date in October.
Mr. Brown informed all that there are now some local business links on the town’s website, www.nottingham-nh.gov. The Selectmen asked Mr. Brown to work on a policy for business links on the town’s website, noting that the business must be located in Nottingham.
Mr. Bock reported that the July 4th celebration at Demmon’s Store had been very well attended and there was great musical talent.
Chair Netishen asked Ms. Bonser and Mr. Bock to come prepared to confirm dates for attendance at the Election Law workshop and to discuss LGC legislative action for 2009/2010 at the next meeting. Mr. Bock asked Ms. Chauvey to place these items on the agenda.
ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS Cont.:
Chair Netishen then moved to the signature file and the Selectmen signed the Salary History forms for the summer staff hired by the Recreation Department along with documentation for the following motions.
Motion: Bock, second Bonser to approve a gravel tax levy for the 2007 tax year on TM 69 L 8 in the amount of $102.00.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 3-0.
Motion: Netishen, second Bock to approve a tax abatement in the amount of $500.00 off of the assessed value for TM 42 L 19-18 for the 2006 tax year based on review and recommendation by CNP.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 3-0.
Motion: Netishen, second Bonser to deny a tax abatement for TM 68 L 6 based on review and CNP’s recommendation.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 3-0.
Motion: Netishen, second Bonser to deny a tax abatement for TM 4 L 18-5 based on review and CNP’s recommendation.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 3-0.
Motion: Netishen, second Bock to deny a tax abatement for TM 70 L 50 based on review and CNP’s recommendation.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 3-0.
Motion: Netishen, second Bonser to deny a tax abatement for TM 68 L 26 based on review and CNP’s recommendation.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 3-0.
Motion: Netishen, second Bonser to deny a tax abatement for TM 63 L 48 based on review and CNP’s recommendation.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 3-0.
Motion: Netishen, second Bock to deny a tax abatement for TM 24 L 72 based on review and CNP’s recommendation.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 3-0.
Motion: Netishen, second Bonser to deny a tax abatement for TM 72 L 49 based on review and CNP’s recommendation.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 3-0.
Motion: Netishen, second Bonser to deny a tax abatement for TM 16 L 15 based on review and CNP’s recommendation.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 3-0.
GENERAL BUSINESS Cont.:
Mr. Bock reminded the public that the Farmer’s Market is now open every Sunday from 1:00-4:00 at Blaisdell Memorial Library.
Mr. Brown informed the Selectmen that the Chairman of the Building Committee had approached him and voiced concern over the open access under the Grange Hall. He reported that it would cost $508 to secure and that he could find the money in the budget. The Selectmen advised him to move forward. Ms. Bonser noted that the Town needs to start thinking about raising funds to restore historic Town buildings. She suggested that the Selectmen start thinking about fundraisers to help defray costs, adding that they could prepare one for Nottingham Day. Chair Netishen felt that the 2009 budget needs to consider the Grange Hall and the old Town Hall. Ms. Bonser noted that the Grange Hall has severe structural damage. Chair Netishen noted that the Town is doing well financially considering
work put into infrastructure over the past 3-4 years. Ms. Bonser acknowledged the work the Board of Selectmen, Capital Improvement Program, and Budget Committee have done in establishing and maintaining the budget. She voiced concern over the school addition, noting that it is coming sooner than was expected. Chair Netishen offered to update the debt schedule he had previously created for the Selectmen.
Ms. Bonser would like a letter to be drafted in response to the letter received from the Leasure’s regarding their dissatisfaction with their abatement request denial, noting that there is a misunderstanding if people think that the requests are being dismissed out of hand. The requests are being looked into on an individual basis.
Ms. Bonser raised the issue of representation at a USA Springs bankruptcy hearing to be held this coming Friday. Chair Netishen noted that Mr. Brown has been in contact with the Town’s attorney. He recommended that Mr. Brown be the representative, if one is required. Mr. Brown informed the Selectmen that municipalities have until December to file their claim, adding that a claim would be filed since the numbers do not match what is coming through on the documentation.
Ms. Bonser informed Mr. Brown and the other Selectmen that she had received word that Commissioner Burack’s letter regarding the USGS study should be received this week.
Chair Netishen raised the issue of the Nottingham Theatre Project funds, noting that he thought there should be a fairly simple solution by placing it with the Trustees of the Trust Fund. Ms. Bonser felt that the issue of autonomy would still be a problem. Acknowledging Ms. Bonser comment, the Chair Netishen asked Mr. Brown to prepare a proposal to present to the Directors. He wants them invited to the first meeting in August but would like them to receive the proposal prior to that time.
ANY FURTHER BUSINESS:
Chair Netishen acknowledged Mr. Curry.
Mr. Curry, Vice Chair of the Budget Committee, asked the Selectmen not to approve the minutes of the June 25 meeting. The Budget Committee presented at that meeting and they feel that the minutes did not capture all the information they would like the public to have. Mr. Curry would like the Budget Committee to have time to meet and prepare amendments for the minutes. Ms. Bonser noted that the minutes are drafts until they are signed. Chair Netishen acknowledged Ms. Chauvey. Ms. Chauvey, speaking as Recording Secretary, believes that the minutes are what they are and any different information should be in the minutes of the next meeting the Budget Committee attends. Ms. Bonser did not agree. Mr. Brown informed all that past practice has been to file an addendum with the original
minutes. Chair Netishen inquired as to when the Budget Committee would be meeting. Mr. Curry informed him that they would be meeting next on July 24. The Selectmen agreed to hold off on approving the June 25 minutes until August.
Motion: Bonser, second Bock to adjourn.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 3-0.
Having no further business,
Meeting adjourned at 7:55 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Traci Chauvey
Recording Secretary
Approved in the 07/21/08 minutes, as clarified
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