Town of Nottingham
Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes
September 29, 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, Peter Bock
Members Absent: Mary Bonser
Others: Charlie Brown, Town Administrator and Traci Chauvey, Recording Secretary
ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS:
Chair Netishen inquired about department reports. Mr. Brown reported that Chief Vilchock was looking to move forward with the change of dispatch services and was wondering if there were any more questions. The Selectmen discussed taking half a day to go visit the site and decided to wait for Ms. Bonser’s return before making a decision to visit. They both support the Fire Chief’s decision to change the service provider and asked Mr. Brown to inform Chief Vilchock to go ahead. Mr. Brown informed the Selectmen that he had heard back from Attorney Teague regarding the police employment contract. There has been court action since this type of contract was first established which makes this draft no longer appropriate or acceptable by the Court. Attorney Teague will forward
contracts used by two other towns for review by the Selectmen. Chair Netishen asked to have the contracts put on the next agenda. Mr. Brown noted that he has not yet spoken with the Conservation Commission but he does not see any reason to apply for an after-the-fact permit for the hydrant that was moved on Smoke Street, adding that it would be an unjustifiable expense. The oversight has been recognized and he will be cognizant of it in the future. At Chair Netishen’s inquiry, Mr. Brown stated there has been no communication with DES, no formal complaint was filed. Mr. Brown told the Selectmen that a DOT truck had been in town, noting that he was not sure if they had come out to view the location of the requested crosswalk (in front of the Library). He has received no feedback from them on the request. Mr. Brown informed the Selectmen that department heads have been submitting their budgets and he is working on his. There was
discussion around the timeline from the Budget Committee and acknowledgement that they would be looking for CIP requests and estimated revenues at their October 9 meeting. Mr. Brown informed the Selectmen that he would be able to meet this deadline. There was discussion around the CIP requests. The three major items this year are the Fire Department’s request for a fire truck, and the Highway Department’s requests for a backhoe and a salt shed. Mr. Brown informed the Selectmen that Mr. Fernald would be forgoing the backhoe this year and asking for a loader. The current loader is at the end of its life.
Chair Netishen moved on to the signature file, signing three (3) interdepartmental transfer forms for the Recreation Department and an Employment History form.
Motion: Bock, second Netishen to nominate Mike Kennard as the Local Health Officer.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 2-0.
The Selectmen signed the Local Health Officer Nomination form and acknowledged the work or Mr. Kennard.
Motion: Bock, second Netishen to approve an Intent to Cut for TM 4 L 4-1.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 2-0.
The Intent to Cut form was signed.
Motion: Netishen, second Bock to appoint Robert Carlson and Skip Seaverns to the Building Committee.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 2-0.
The Selectmen publicly thanked Mr. Carlson and Mr. Seaverns for volunteering and announced that the Building Committee would be meeting on October 6 at 7:00 PM.
GENERAL BUSINESS:
Mr. Bock took a moment acknowledge the extraordinary efforts of all individuals involved with Nottingham Day. He sent out many thanks to all who helped make the day such a huge success.
Chair Netishen recognized Charlie Harcourt, Joe Codding, and Matt Venom for receiving their Eagle Scout awards, acknowledging the hard work and dedication it takes to achieve this rank.
Chair Netishen raised the issue of the cable franchise committee that needs to be established. Mr. Brown informed the Selectmen that there are a few members of the original committee who still live in town and are willing to participate again. There was discussion on getting the word out and timelines for establishment of the committee. The Selectmen agreed that notices should be posted about town, on the web site, and on Channel 22 seeking volunteers. They will appoint the Cable Advisory Committee at their October 27 meeting. Mr. Bock wanted to clarify that this committee is separate from the Communication’s Policy Committee that has been established to work on policy for public access and Newsletter publications. This committee will deal with the renewal of the contract with
Comcast to provide cable service to Nottingham. Chair Netishen asked Mr. Brown to attempt to obtain a draft of a contact from Mr. Somers at Comcast so the Selectmen could provide committee members with something on which to base their work. He clarified that he is not looking for the draft proposal for Nottingham, just a sample contact. Chair Netishen also asked Mr. Brown to find out what the length of the new contract would be. Mr. Brown informed the Selectmen that he had been solicited by a law firm specializing in cable contracts over a year ago. The Selectmen will schedule a public hearing once the Committee has been established.
Mr. Brown informed the Selectmen that Comcast does not intend to install cable on Steven’s Hill Road, nor does Metrocast. The run for Metrocast is longer than it would be for Comcast. Chair Netishen asked Mr. Brown to get written confirmation of Comcast’s stance, either from Mr. Somers or by writing a summary of their conversations to him.
Mr. Brown reported that he had attended a Dam construction meeting (Mill Pond Dam) last Thursday. They are behind scheduled due to weather and the recent concern was how to secure the work that has been done. Water was breaching the coffer dam Friday night but he had not had a chance to go back and check it out. Mr. Bock acknowledged the work of the Emergency Management Director during the recent rains. At Chair Netishen’s inquiry, Mr. Brown stated that he had not heard of any reports of damage due to the rains.
Chair Netishen acknowledged a letter on energy conservation measures from the Emergency Management Director.
Chair Netishen asked Mr. Brown to get an update on internet use by the Budget Committee.
Chair Netishen inquired about the new fire station, noting that it is coming up on a year for warranty items. Mr. Brown reported that some issues have been resolved. Chief Vilchock was looking for a time to meet to discuss issues he is not willing to accept. Mr. Ricci, Ricci Construction, is reluctant to meet on the weekends. The Selectmen will consider a time to meet.
Chair Netishen inquired about finalization with Ms. Siggelakis regarding the Theatre Project Funds. Mr. Brown stated that he would follow up with Ms. Horvath in the Recreation Department.
Having no further business,
Motion: Bonser, second Bock to adjourn the meeting.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 2-0.
Meeting adjourned at 7:23 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Traci Chauvey
Recording Secretary
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