Town of Nottingham
Selectmen’s Workshop Minutes
September 18, 2008
8:15 AM Chair Netishen opened the workshop and asked those present to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Members Present: Bill Netishen, Mary Bonser, and Peter Bock
Guests: Police Chief Gunnar Foss
Others Present: Charles Brown, Town Administrator and Traci Chauvey, Recording Secretary
Chief Foss updated the Selectmen on the status of the animal abuse claim on Kennard Road. He reported that the State Veterinarian had told a Complainant that everything at the site was fine. The SPCA was baffled at that statement, informing Officer Spagna that it was the worst puppy-mill they had ever seen. They had further told Officer Spagna that they would work with the individual but there was not much they could do because she is State licensed.
Employment Contractual Agreement
Chief Foss informed the Selectmen that he had reviewed the agreement again and agreed that the IV. EXCEPTIONS section should be removed. Mr. Bock voiced concern over questions of reimbursement when there is a Worker’s Comp. issue. Chief Foss felt that the law covers the issue of Worker’s Comp. clearly. They discussed reasons for removing the noted section. Chief Foss noted that once someone is trained, if a better offer was to come along, it would not be unlikely that they would intentionally go against the rules in order to get out of paying the reimbursement. Chair Netishen asked if Police Departments check references when hiring new Officers. Chief Foss explained that they are done, however, quite often, what is said makes no difference because the applying Officer is
certified and that is looked at as a cost savings. The Selectmen asked Mr. Brown to run the contract by Attorney Teague to see if they were leaving the Town open to any repercussions if they removed the noted section.
Chief Foss informed the Selectmen that the Police Department is extremely busy right now and he has decided that they can no long do VIN verifications. He is looking to move Officer Oberlin into the position of Investigator at the earliest convenience.
The Selectmen acknowledged Chief Foss for his fine work and thanked him for his efforts.
Other Business
Mr. Brown inquired about a memo received from Chief Vilchock of the Nottingham Fire & Rescue Department asking permission to terminate services with Newmarket Dispatch and use Rockingham instead.
Chief Foss noted for the record that his Officers have made several comments about the great job Chief Vilchock is doing in turning things around.
At Mr. Bock’s inquiry, Mr. Brown informed the Selectmen that Newmarket serves approximately 10 towns and Rockingham County may serve somewhere around 30 -35, adding that Rockingham has a much stronger signal. At Ms. Bonser’s inquiry, Mr. Brown stated that Nottingham currently pays Newmarket approximately $3,800 per year for the service and that there would be no cost to use
Rockingham Dispatch because it is a service provided by the County and covered under County taxes. He further stated that the change would not require a change of equipment.
Mr. Brown explained that there is, often times, a delay in getting the signal from Newmarket, noting that the last fatal incident, involving the milk truck, saw a delay of approximately ten (10) minutes. Newmarket’s signal is not strong enough to reach the departments requiring Nottingham to use the repeater and when the power goes out, so does the repeater. Rockingham’s signals are much stronger and the repeater would not be used.
The Selectmen acknowledged the work of Chief Vilchock and their confidence in his decisions. Mr. Bock asked to have a note put in his file regarding the exemplary job he has done. All Selectmen agreed to support the Chief in his decision to terminate services with Newmarket Dispatch.
Chief Foss left the meeting.
Mr. Brown informed the Selectmen that he had received a call from Jay Somers (Comcast) regarding service to Steven’s Hill Road. Metrocast is not interested since they would have an even longer run than Comcast (approximately 2.5 miles). Mr. Somers offered to come back to speak with the Selectmen. The Selectmen asked Mr. Brown to contact the Public Utilities Commission to ask what Comcast’s obligation to the Town is based on the existing contract and the Cable Act.
Employee Health Insurance
Mr. Brown informed the Selectmen that he had put out two (2) Requests for Proposal but had not received anything back at this time. He has received a call back from NH Healthcare Coalition, a subsidiary of Cigna that he is also looking into. He noted that NH Healthcare Coalition and Harvard Pilgrim (through Primex) are both not-for-profit organizations.
Chair Netishen, looking at the healthcare budget sheets, noted that the cost for BC/BS (through LGC) is $201,028 for 16 employees
Mr. Brown informed the Selectmen that both Primex and NH Healthcare Coalition only offer July renewals where LGC offers both. Ms. Bonser noted that an 18 month contract would need to be put out to town vote. Chair Netishen feels that cost is not the only issue, adding that there must be comparable coverage.
Ms. Bonser liked the insurance the Town carried in the past that supplied reports of usage. Mr. Brown stated that many new plans are being offered. Mr. Bock wants to review where the Town is going with their insurance and would like to see the minutes of last years meeting on the subject. Chair Netishen does not feel there is time to change their philosophy for the upcoming year.
The Selectmen discussed rising costs all around and again brought up the idea of closing the building on Fridays during the months of December, January, February, and March.
Other Business Cont.
Mr. Brown inquired about transferring the outgoing police cruiser to the Fire Department, noting that the Fire Department vehicle is 10 years old and Chief Foss has taken good care of the outgoing car. At the Selectmen’s inquiry, Mr. Brown informed them that the car would need to be outfitted for the Fire Department. The Selectmen agreed the car should be transferred.
Having no further business,
Motion: Bonser, second Bock to adjourn.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 3-0.
Meeting adjourned at 11:00 AM
Respectfully submitted,
Traci Chauvey
Recording Secretary
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