Town of Nottingham
Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes
July 23, 2008
11:05 AM Chair Netishen opened the workshop and asked those present to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Members Present: Bill Netishen, Mary Bonser, Peter Bock
Others: Charles Brown, Town Administrator, Heidi Seaverns (arrived @ 11:35 AM), and Traci Chauvey, Recording Secretary
Chair Netishen moved directly into the abatements.
Abatements:
Chair Netishen announced that abatements receiving refunds will receive paperwork this week and checks will be mailed Monday, July 28, 2008.
Motion: Netishen, second Bonser to deny a tax abatement request for TM 67 L 46 based on review and recommendation by Commerford, Nieder,and Perkins.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 3-0.
Motion: Netishen, second Bock to deny a tax abatement request for TM 71 L 54 based on review and recommendation by Commerford, Nieder,and Perkins.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 3-0.
Motion: Netishen, second Bonser to deny a tax abatement request for TM 68 L 35 based on review and recommendation by Commerford, Nieder,and Perkins.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 3-0.
Motion: Netishen, second Bonser to deny a tax abatement request for TM 70 L 30 based on review and recommendation by Commerford, Nieder,and Perkins.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 3-0.
Motion: Netishen, second Bonser to approve a tax abatement request for TM 71 L 5 based on review and recommendation by Commerford, Nieder,and Perkins.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 3-0.
Motion: Netishen, second Bonser to approve a tax abatement request for TM 71 L 58 based on review and recommendation by Commerford, Nieder,and Perkins.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 3-0.
Motion: Netishen, second Bonser to approve a tax abatement request for TM 71 L 32 based on review and recommendation by Commerford, Nieder,and Perkins.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 3-0.
Motion: Netishen, second Bonser to approve a tax abatement request for TM 72 L 16 based on review and recommendation by Commerford, Nieder,and Perkins.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 3-0.
Motion: Netishen, second Bonser to approve a tax abatement request for TM 71 L 56 based on review and recommendation by Commerford, Nieder,and Perkins.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 3-0.
Motion: Netishen, second Bonser to approve a tax abatement request for TM 68 L 103 based on review and recommendation by Commerford, Nieder,and Perkins.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 3-0.
Motion: Netishen, second Bonser to approve a tax abatement request for TM 67 L 18, TM 68 L 80, TM 71 L 65, and TM 71 L 145 based on review and recommendation by Commerford, Nieder,and Perkins.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 3-0.
Acknowledging Mr. Bock’s vacation departure, Chair Netishen and Ms. Bonser agreed to meet Friday morning, July 25, at 9:00 AM to complete the remaining four (4) abatements.
Administrative Business:
Ms. Seaverns informed the Selectmen that there had been a timber harvest in 2005 on TM 16 L 36 while the property was in current use. The property was converted to a residential and subsepently taken over by the bank. The Selectmen signed a current use release for TM 16 L 36. Ms. Seaverns left the meeting.
Motion: Netishen, second Bonser to approve, as written, and seal the minutes of the June 18, 2008 non-public meeting.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 3-0.
The Selectmen discussed responding to the letter from Lukoki and Sheila Leasure regarding their dissatisfaction with the abatement process. They agreed to send the letter drafted by Ms. Seaverns. Chair Netishen and Ms. Bosner will sign the letter on Friday,July 25, 2008. Mr. Bock will be away and therefore, unable to sign.
Ms. Bonser inquired about a meeting with Attorney Teague on August 4, 2008. Mr. Brown will confirm with Attorney Teague.
Ms. Bonser would like Dr. Ballestero to look at the USGS study. Mr. Bock voiced concern with timing, noting that a change of ownership may have bearings on the permits and so forth. Mr. Brown informed the Selectmen that he had discussed the Horn report and the letter Commissioner Burack sent to the Mills’ with Attorney Teague and was informed that DES has no way to rescind the permit. Chair Netishen voiced concern over the unplanned cost and feels that Dr. Ballestero gave the Town all he had and the Court either did not hear it or did not see it the same way. The Selectmen will check with Attorney Teague to see if there would be any repercussions from having Dr. Ballestero review the report.
Turning to the budge reports, Chair Netishen addressed the mileage reimbursement rate. Mr. Brown informed the Selectmen that there are only two budgets, the Animal Control Officer’s (ACO) and the Building Inspector’s, which would be effected by increasing the mileage reimbursement rate to .585¢ per mile. Chair Netishen informed all that the IRS will be looking at the mileage reimbursement rate again at the end of the year.
Motion: Bonser, second Bock to increase the mileage reimbursement rate to .585¢ per mile effective August 1, 2008 based on the unusual circumstances of fuel cost this year.
Vote: Ms. Bonser and Mr. Bock voted in favor of the motion. Chair Netishen voted opposed. Motion passed 2-1.
Since the ACO submits his mileage reimbursement request infrequently, Mr. Brown will inform him that he must submit for all travel prior to August 1st separately.
Chair Netishen read a memo regarding fuel usage/expected shortfall from Mr. Brown for the record. Mr. Brown informed the Selectmen that he had received word that the cost of salt would be increasing dramatically this year, also, adding that salt usage is harder to project because it is based on how often it snows. He further informed the Selectmen that he is looking at the monies remaining in the Planner line and the Road Agent is holding back $40K form the Shim and Sealcoat line to help cover the shortfall. Ms. Bonser noted that Police Chief Foss has cut patrols to 80 miles per shift. Mr. Brown reported that all department heads are checking in prior to making purchases. The Fire Department will be purchasing a gear washer. Chair Netishen asked Mr. Brown to send a memo to all
department heads regarding the general concern of the shortfall and informing them that all purchases over $500 must be approved by Mr. Brown. After review of the revenue reports, Chair Netishen feels that overall the town is doing well financially, noting that there is approximately $800K in reserve.
Chair Netishen wants to get into the budget cycle early this year, either at the end of September or the beginning of October.
Mr. Brown informed the Selectmen that the Library Trustees had inquired about running a political ad in the Nottingham Community Newsletter. The Selectmen agreed that his is not appropriate information for the newsletter and agreed to discuss it further at another meeting.
In regard to the Brook’s Crossing conservation easement held by RCCD, Mr. Brown will check into both the cost for monitoring the 52 acres and the terms of the agreement made with the Planning Board.
Motion: Bonser, second Bock to adjourn.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 3-0.
Having no further business,
Meeting adjourned at 12:43 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Traci Chauvey
Recording Secretary
Approved with corrections, as noted in the August 4, 2008 minutes
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