Minutes
Selectmen’s Workshop
April 3, 2008
8:05 AM Chair Netishen opened the workshop and asked all those present to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Members Present: Peter Bock, Bill Netishen, and Mary Bonser
Others: Traci Chauvey, Recording Secretary
OEP Grant Deliberation
Chair Netishen and Mr. Bock updated Ms. Bonser on Monday evening’s meeting and the presentation from Sue Mooney, Celia Abrams, and Cynthia Copeland.
After reviewing the documentation, Ms. Bonser expressed concern about the ultimate goal of the process and the results that may come, noting that she did not think subsidized housing was the answer for Nottingham. She believes that the only gain from this will be jobs for developers and Nottingham does not want big development. Chair Netishen confirmed for Ms. Bonser that Nottingham could opt out at any point. Chair Netishen stated that the Conservation Commission has presented to the Planning Board that they would put in the required hours of legwork for the in-kind match but that the town would need to pick up the cost of some of the processes such as the RFP for the Consultant. Ms. Bonser noted that the Office of Energy and Planning (OEP) puts out a housing inventory every year. Mr. Bock
and Chair Netishen both felt that the information gathered could be useful to the Board of Selectmen in their decision making. Mr. Bock noted that the grant does not speak to economic value/growth/impact to the community. Ms. Bonser believes the study will put Nottingham more so under the microscope and she does not want government to dictate what type of housing gets built in Nottingham.
The Board reviewed the draft Project Narrative. Ms. Bonser does not feel that a Consultant needs to do a housing inventory, noting that it was done by UNH and never used. Chair Netishen stated that he felt the information needed to be updated and brought together. Mr. Bock stated that he did not want to task existing employees. In regards to the demographics and economics study, Chair Netishen stated that he did not think the census was accurate. Chair Netishen indicated that he felt the maps would be updated as a result of Task 3: Review and Map Natural Resources within the Town of Nottingham and he found this favorable. Ms. Bonser noted that a Build-Out Analysis had been done by UNH and never used. Chair Netishen indicated that he felt the information needed to be
updated and brought together.
At Ms. Bonser’s inquiry, Chair Netishen reported that the Consultant would be hired through the regular RFP process by the Board of Selectmen.
Chair Netishen stated that he would like to see the word ‘timely’ used in the outreach plan.
The Board talked establishing a procedure for consideration of grants.
Motion: Ms. Bonser motioned to adopt a policy that the Board of Selectmen will only consider applications that are submitted three (3) months in advance of the due date, except in an emergency situation. Mr. Bock seconded.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Mr. Brown is to write the policy and it is to be distributed to department heads once it has been approved.
Motion: Ms. Bonser motioned to allow the Nottingham Conservation Commission to move forward with Stage 1 subject to the Board of Selectmen approving any technical assistance or Consultants and stated under the Project Partners section of the application. Mr. Bock seconded.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
General Business
Members went over dates that they are unavailable. Mr. Bock will be unavailable June 9. Chair Netishen will be unavailable April 16 and 28. Chair Netishen asked Ms. Bonser to sit on the Planning Board the evening of April 16 and asked Mr. Bock to sit as Chairman for the Selectmen on April 28.
Chair Netishen postponed review of minutes to the meeting on the 14th.
Chair Netishen inquired as to how the other board members felt about Ms. Chauvey taping the meetings. They were not in favor of it, but stated that they would allow her to tape meetings which address special topics.
Board members agreed to review the draft Community Center Usage Policy on April 14.
Chair Netishen informed the other members that he had received a call from Foster’s Daily Democrat on April 1st, and had informed them that it is a long standing practice that the Town Administrator makes any and all statements. Ms. Bonser asked if there should be a policy for the Town Administrator to speak to the Board before speaking to the press. Mr. Bock and Chair Netishen believe that that the Town Administrator is very proficient in this area and does not need interference.
Chair Netishen informed the other members that the Road Agent, John Fernald, would be unavailable April 9 – 23, and the Town Administrator, Charles Brown would be on vacation the week of April 14.
Having no further business, 9:25 AM,
Motion: Ms. Bonser motioned to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Bock seconded.
Vote: 2-0 in favor.
Respectfully Submitted,
Traci Chauvey
Recording Secretary
Approved with corrections, as noted in the April 14, 2008 Minutes.
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