Town of Nottingham
Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes
August 4, 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
Guests: Joseph Welch, Miriam Terninko
Others: Charles Brown, Town Administrator, Traci Chauvey, Recording Secretary, Romeo Danais, Resident
ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS:
Chair Netishen inquired about department reports. Mr. Brown indicated there were no department reports and informed the Selectmen that they had received a memo from Janet Horvath, Recreation Director regarding the NHMA Policy Proposals discussed at the last meeting. The Selectmen acknowledged receipt of the memo and Chair Netishen asked to have it placed on the August 18 agenda for discussion.
Mr. Brown informed the Selectmen that a situation has arisen at the Recycling Center whereby loose hypodermic needles are being found in the trash. He read for the record a notice that will be displayed at the Recycling Center and publicly announced that he is looking into alternative methods of disposal; however, currently the only option is to place them in a sealed, labeled container and dispose of them with the regular bulk trash. Mr. Welch, acknowledged by Chair Netishen, felt that the containers should be solid so the needles do not poke through. All agreed. Mr. Brown informed all that there is no update for the Household Hazardous Waste Day at this time.
Mr. Brown read for the record a new draft policy on attending trainings and seminars, noting that it cost the town money if someone registers and does not attend. He publicly asked employees and public officials not to register for a training and/or seminar if they can not attend.
Motion: Bonser, second Bock to approve the new policy for seminar and training reimbursement.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 3-0.
The Selectmen publicly acknowledged the hard work and efforts of both the Fire and Police departments during the tornado and fatal accident that took place last week.
Mr. Brown requested permission to pay off the loan balance on the Freeman Hall Bridge in the approximate amount of $216,207.11 (principal balance) instead of making the regular payment. He explained that the Town has received $367,751.00 from the State, which constitutes 80% reimbursement for the entire project. He further noted that paying it off at this time would save the town approximately $6,000 to $6,500 in interest next year. The Selectmen discussed the rate of return (or lack thereof in today’s economy) if the money was invested, acknowledged some upcoming debts, and noted that they prefer to pay off existing debt prior to accruing more.
Motion: Netishen, second Bonser to authorize Mr. Brown to pay off the Freeman Hall Bridge loan to Northway Bank in an amount equal to principal and interest.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 3-0.
Mr. Brown informed the Selectmen that a memo had been received from the Planning Board regarding minimum payment for the Recording Secretary should she come in for a meeting and not have a quorum. He explained that Ms. Sears has driven in from Sandown for a scheduled Planning Board meeting or workshop only to find that there is no quorum and the meeting/workshop cannot be held. He recommended paying her three (3) hours time at her current rate of pay for evenings when this occurs.
Motion: Netishen, second Bock to pay three (3) hours at the current rate of pay to the Planning and Zoning Boards’ Recording Secretary on nights when a scheduled meeting or workshop must be canceled due to lack of a quorum.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 3-0.
Mr. Bock asked if there is a process in place to notify the public of Recycling Center closures due to unforeseen reasons such as the power outage last week. Mr. Brown informed Mr. Bock that signs are placed at the Recycling Center and notices are posted on the Town Office bulletin boards, Channel 22, and the website. He informed the public that the Recycling Center can not operate without power due to safety issues.
Mr. Brown informed the Selectmen that he is still working on fuel contracts. He did not do an RFP (Request for Proposals) this year as Irving has beaten out all competition the past two years and appears to be doing the same this year based on his inquiries. The offer for diesel is the same as last year, which is a variable rate equaling rack + 0.15¢ per gallon. The Selectmen and Mr. Brown felt this was a fair price. LP Gas and #2 heating fuel can be contracted as either a fixed or variable rate. As of last Wednesday, the fixed rate for #2 heating fuel was$4.502 per gallon and the variable rate was $3.80 + 0.20¢ per gallon. The fixed rate for LP was $2.62 per gallon and the variable rate was $2.44 + 0.28¢ per gallon. Mr. Brown noted that as of today #2
heating fuel had dropped to $4.169 per gallon. Mr. Bock suggested authorizing Mr. Brown the flexibility to proceed with the process and lock in when he saw fit since he was speaking with the providers on a daily basis. Chair Netishen asked the other Selectmen to determine if they felt the Town should go with a fixed or variable rate, adding that a fixed rate would take away the uncertainty and allow for more accurate budgeting. The Selectmen agreed to allow Mr. Brown to watch the market and lock in on a fixed rate for both LP Gas and #2 heating fuel.
APPOINTMENTS:
7:00 PM – Joseph Welch - Nottingham Day Update
At 7:00 PM Chair Netishen acknowledged Mr. Welch and invited him to the mic.
Mr. Welch handed out site plans and an overview. (See official file). He informed the Selectmen that Nottingham Day was to take place Saturday, September 20 with a rain date of Sunday, September 21. The event will take place at the Nottingham Elementary School this year instead of at the Community Center due to safety issues such as parking and pedestrian traffic on Route 152. He turned their attention to the site plan and explained the planned set up. Mr. Welch informed the Selectmen that the school bathrooms will be available for use and the cafeteria will house the cupcake contest, as well as seating for the BBQ, if needed, and would be available for special request by vendors or organizations. Entry will be gained through the doors located near the cafeteria. Set up will take
place from 7:00 AM to 9:30 PM and the days events will be open to the public beginning at 10:00 AM. Vendors will breakdown at 4:00 PM and the Chicken BBQ will take place from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM.
Mr. Welch listed the planned events, noting that the BBQ will be hosted by the Nottingham Congregational Church and that there will be several new features added this year such as a fire truck parade, a dunking booth (sponsored by the D.A.R.E. program), 4 – 5 low-key amusement rides, and a cupcake contest. There will also be a new item for sale this year – a 12” X 18” photographic collage puzzle of Nottingham. This year’s raffle is a Wii entertainment package with additional games included. Tickets are $5.00 each and are available at the summer concerts and through the Recreation Department. Entertainment for the day includes Tom Hall at 11:00 AM, Peg & Cheryl at 1:00 PM, and Carol Coronis at 4:00 PM.
Mr. Welch informed the Selectmen that the Nottingham Day Committee has 12 active members with a working budget (equal to last year) of $7,225.00. The 2007 profit was $332.00 and the carry over total is $2,597.00. The cost for a vendor space was set at $15.00 prior to July 1 and $25.00 thereafter. Sponsor levels have been set at $35.00, $75.00, $150.00, and $250.00. Advertising is taking place in the Nottingham Community Newsletter, on Channel 22 and the town website, on WMUR, in Foster’s Daily Democrat, the Suncook Valley Sun, and the Forum, as well as postcards, posters and the Selectmen’s Meetings. Mr. Welch thanked Mr. Bock for his continued public announcements.
Lastly, Mr. Welch announced that the Committee is in need of help for set up and throughout the day of the event. Anyone interested should contact the Nottingham Recreation Department and ask for either Janet or Danielle. For anyone interested in joining the Committee, meetings are held the 3rd Tuesday of the month at the Nottingham Municipal Complex.
Acknowledged by Chair Netishen, Mr. Danais inquired about silent auction items. Mr. Welch informed him that the Committee is currently seeking donations and that anyone interested in donating should contact the Nottingham Recreation Department.
Chair Netishen liked the layout and thanked Mr. Welch for the update. Mr. Welch left the meeting.
7:15 PM – John Terninko
At 7:15 PM, Chair Netishen acknowledged Miriam Terninko and invited her to the mic.
Ms. Terninko explained that she was representing her father who was unable to attend. She informed the Selectmen that her father wanted to be here to address concerns around the ability of corporations to do business in the Town of Nottingham under the new ordinance. COBALD is sponsoring a day long Democracy School on August 17 in Nottingham and two (2) $50.00 scholarships were being offered to the Selectmen and the Town Administrator in the hope that one or all would attend. Mr. Bock informed Ms. Terninko that he had attended a portion of the Democracy School and has had discussions with Ms. Mills. He reiterated that he feels there is a conflict between the ordinance and his oath of office. He will not be attending. Ms. Bonser has a prior family commitment on that day and also will not
attend. Mr. Netishen, citing other commitments, acknowledged that he has turned down invitations to the Democracy School in the past. He feels the response from the Board of Selectmen is no surprise to the community as they have consistently held their position on the ordinance. Ms. Terninko stated that her father is concerned that the wrong message regarding corporations being able to do business in Nottingham is being sent out to the public. The Selectmen do not feel that this has been or is a concern of theirs in relation to the ordinance.
Ms. Terninko thanked the Selectmen for their time and left the meeting.
Chair Netishen acknowledged the last member of the audience and asked if he wished to speak. Mr. Danias introduced himself and stated that he is a new resident at 3 Ledge Farm Road. He was in attendance to see what goes on. The Selectmen welcomed him and thanked him for his interest.
ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS Cont.:
The Selectmen addressed the signature file signing a notice to DRA and a letter to Mr. and Mrs. Decker.
Mr. Brown informed the Selectmen that he had done a rough draft for the Municipal Volunteer Award and requested that the Selectmen provide comment on the criteria. Chair Netishen asked Mr. Brown to provide each member with a copy of his draft. The topic will be place on the agenda for August 18, submittal is due August 29.
GENERAL BUSINESS:
Noting that the Selectmen did not have time to address the Nottingham Theatre funds with Attorney Teague during their earlier discussions, Ms. Bonser asked Mr. Brown to follow up and get back to the Selectmen.
Ms. Bonser, noting an article she read in Town and City, inquired if the Town’s funds were fully insured. Mr. Brown has spoken with the bank and the Town’s treasurer seeking answers. This will be addressed at the August 18 meeting.
Ms. Bonser informed the other Selectmen that the Building Committee is looking into parking issues. The Selectmen briefly discussed parking issues at the Library and Municipal Complex. They asked Mr. Brown to inquire about a cross walk from the old fire station to the Library until such time that the Building Committee could find a better alternative.
Mr. Brown read for the record a memo from the Planning Board informing the Selectmen that they had voted to approve the release of the Brook’s Crossing road bond. He reminded the Selectmen that the Town had voted to accept the road upon completion and approval from Rockingham County Conservation District. He noted that he has also received the ok from John Fernald, Nottingham’s Road Agent.
Motion: Netishen, second Bock to release the Irrevocable Standby Letter of Credit #83800600831-07-LC from TD Banknorth on behalf of Rte. 4 Realty Trust in the amount of $203,547.19 being held for the completion of the Brook’s Crossing Subdivision roadways, based on completion approval from Rockingham County Conservation District and recommendation by the Nottingham Planning Board.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 3-0.
Mr. Brown informed the Selectmen that conservation land in Brook’s Crossing was also an open issue. There is a 43.87 acre parcel and a 9.46 acre parcel for which RCCD currently holds the easements. The developer wishes to deed the land to the Town. Mr. Brown read for the record an opinion from Attorney Teague indicating that a more appropriate deeding would be to the Conservation Commission under RSA 36-A:4.
Motion: Netishen, to accept the conservation land deed and grant the Nottingham Conservation Commission authority to take necessary action to assume the deed.
Amendment: Bonser, second Bock to vote in the affirmative to assume the deed subject to the Conservation Commission’s vote.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 3-0.
Chair Netishen raised the issue of the assessed values for waterfront and water access properties on Nottingham Lake. Ms. Bonser recused herself from discussions at 7:50 PM, noting that her husband owns property on Nottingham Lake. Mr. Bock noted that the dam breach issue had been reviewed by the Town’s assessing firm and the Selectmen had received a recommendation that the assessed values for waterfront and water access properties be temporarily adjusted by 10%-15%. Chair Netishen noted that a 10% decrease in assessed value for the 2008 tax levy was equal to $2,120,270 on a total assessed value of $21,202,700.
Motion: Netishen, second Bock to approve a temporary 10% reduction in value on waterfront and water access properties surrounding Nottingham Lake.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 2-0.
Chair Netishen invited Ms. Bonser to resume her seat. Ms. Bonser resumed her seat at 7:55 PM.
MINUTES
July 21, 2008:
Line 17: Change “a group of” to “some”
Line 21: Change “contended” to “coordinated”
Line 36: Add “at the Mill Pond Bridge”
Line 37: Change “Rockingham County Conservation District” to “the Town’s engineering firm or DOT”
Line 39: Change “felt that RCCD’s report should cover such issues” to “said safety is his main issue and he would follow up.”
Line 42: Change “a” to “at”
Line 46: Add “over”
Line 95: Add “services”
Line 97: Change “acceptance by” to “the recommendation of”
Line 124: Remove the extra “.”
Line 185: Remove “Mr. Brown also informed the Selectmen that a tentative date of October 5 had been set for the dedication ceremony.”
Line 205: Change “Righ” to “Right”
Line 258: Add “in”
Motion: Bonser, second Bock to approve the minutes of the July 21 meeting with the above listed amendments.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 3-0.
July 23, 2008:
Line 63: Add “’”
Line 72: Add “non-public”
Line 105: Remove “(See official file.)”
Line 108: Change “hold” to “holding”
Line 123: Change “land deed” to “easement”
Motion: Bock, second Bonser to approve the minutes of the July 23 meeting with the above listed amendments.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 3-0.
July 25, 2008:
Motion: Bonser, second Bock to approve the minutes of the July 25 meeting as written.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 3-0.
In follow up to the discussion on July 23 surrounding the USGS report, Mr. Bock and Ms. Bonser requested that these minutes to reflect that there will be no review by Dr. Ballestero at this time.
Mr. Brown informed Ms. Bonser that he had received a call from Caren Rossi in Lee regarding perambulation of the town boundary and asked her to get back to him with some dates in September he could pass on to Ms. Rossi.
Motion: Netishen, second Bonser to adjourn the meeting.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 3-0.
Having no further business,
Meeting adjourned at 8:25 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Traci Chauvey
Recording Secretary
Approved as amended in the 09/02/08 meeting minutes
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