Town of Nottingham
Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes
January 5, 2009
6:30PM Acting Chair Bonser opened the meeting and asked all those present to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Members Present: Mary Bonser and Peter Bock
Members Absent: Bill Netishen
Others: Charles Brown, Town Administrator and Traci Chauvey, Recording Secretary
ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS:
The Selectmen signed checks.
Mr. Brown indicated that there were no department reports.
He informed the Selectmen that Jaye Vilchock had, once again, been elected Fire Chief. The Selectmen requested that a letter of congratulations be sent on their behalf.
Mr. Brown also reported that the search for a new EM Director is moving slowly. He announced that on Friday, January 16th at 9:00 AM the town’s EMS personnel were going to meet to critique the response to the last emergency (ice storm 12/11/08). The Selectmen agreed to attend the meeting. Ms. Bonser expressed concern at not having the position filled, noting that there was talk of another ice storm this coming Wednesday. She asked Mr. Brown if he would assume the duties on an interim basis. Mr. Brown declined, indicating that he did not feel he is physically capable. He feels the Fire and Police Chiefs are able to cover until the position is filled. Ms. Bonser asked that time be set aside at the meeting on the 16th to discuss a replacement for the EM
Director.
At Mr. Bock’s inquiry, Mr. Brown reported that he has had no indication from the Fire Chief as to whether fires have increased this year with the increased use of wood.
Mr. Brown informed the Selectmen that he would be attending a meeting at DRA the following morning regarding Warrant Articles. He has questions regarding the FEMA funds and is hoping to get some answers.
Ms. Bonser would like to publicly discuss DRA’s response to Avitar’s handling of the lake-front properties. She feels it was a very public issue that should have public follow up. She would like Chair Netishen to be present for the discussion and asked to have it tentatively placed on the January 20 agenda. Ms. Bonser suggested copying the report for the Advisory Assessing Committee (AAC) and the new assessing company. Mr. Brown informed her that the AAC had read the pertinent pages.
Mr. Brown reminded the Selectmen that Steve McDougal, a representative from Worker’s Compensation was going to be at the Municipal Office Complex at 10:00 AM on January 7th for a meeting with employees.
At Mr. Bock’s inquiry, Mr. Brown reported that the last payment for the 2008 Social Services Warrant Article items was included with checks being signed this evening, the office is waiting on a few more 2008 invoices but that the books are close to being closed.
There was discussion on upcoming workshops and meetings:
Selectmen’s Final Budget Workshop – Thursday, January 15 at 8:15 AM. Final submittal of the town budget will go to the Budget Committee on Thursday, January 22. Mr. Brown informed the Selectmen that he will not have final numbers for the fire truck or the generator by January 22. Discussion on these items will have to take place at the public hearing.
Mill Pond Bridge Bidder’s Meeting – Monday, January 26 at 2:00 PM at the Municipal Office Complex.
Nottingham Food Pantry’s Annual Meeting – Monday, January 26 at 6:30 PM at the Blaisdell Memorial Library.
Outreach Meeting w/representatives from Senator Gregg’s Office – Tuesday, January 27, 2:00-3:00 PM, Conference Room #2 at the Municipal Office Complex. The Selectmen briefly discussed addressing issues around infrastructure with the Representative. They feel this is a good opportunity and plan to come in and speak. Ms. Bonser will pass the word on to the Nottingham Republican Committee and asked Mr. Bock to contact the Democratic Committee.
Mr. Brown informed the Selectmen that Strafford County is looking at a large shortfall. They will be letting approximately 20 individuals go and do not plan to fund any social service agencies. Riverside Rest Home and Strafford County House of Corrections are going to take a big hit. At Mr. Bock’s inquiry, Mr. Brown reported that the remaining counties have stated that they will not be letting anyone go.
At Ms. Bonser’s inquiry, Mr. Brown reported that there has been no word on a court date for the pending dog issue.
Mr. Brown informed the Selectmen that the Planning Services Contract for the HCPP grant has been received; however, was not ready for to be signed. There had been changes and Mr. Brown would like to hold off on signature until it has been reviewed by Ms. Stevens.
Motion: Bock, second Bonser to authorize Mr. Brown to sign the contract from Mettee Planning Consultants for planning services under the HCPP grant.
Vote: Unanimous. Motion passed 2-0.
Mr. Brown informed the Selectmen that the renewal contract had been received from the SPCA but he had not, yet, had time to discuss it with the Animal Control Officer.
There was discussion on perambulation of the boundaries. Mr. Bock inquired about Northwood. Ms. Chauvey informed him that she has had no word and has not had time to follow up. Ms. Bonser informed all that both Lee and Epping are complete. Signatures are being held up due to the marker at the corner of the three towns being moved. Mr. Moynihan, a licensed land surveyor, is following up on this and will forward the report once complete.
The Selectmen addressed the signature file. An Intent to Cut was signed for TM 42 L 18.
Motion: Bock, second Bonser to approve and sign an Abatement Request for land use change tax on TM 13 L 11-1 in the amount of $1,500.
Vote: Unanimous. Motion passed 2-0.
Motion: Bock, second Bonser to approve and sign a Timber Tax Yield on TM 67 L 4 & 5 in the amount of $435.98.
Vote: Unanimous. Motion passed 2-0.
Ms. Bonser inquired about Warrant Article changes. Mr. Brown has added the generator and the $4,000 for the Lake Host Program. He will forward updated copies to the Selectmen.
Mr. Bock voiced concern over the request from A Safe Place skewing the numbers on the social service agency requests. The Selectmen determined that they will review the requests from the social service agencies at their January 15 meeting.
Mr. Brown informed the Selectmen that the budget is currently down $55,000+ from last year, not including debt service. That represents just under a 2% decrease in the overall operating budget. Debt service is down $125,977. Total budget is down $180,990, representing a total decrease of approximately 5.5%.
The Selectmen will discuss infrastructure needs/issues to address with Senator Gregg’s representatives at their meeting on January 20, 2009.
Having no further business,
Motion: Bock, second Bonser to adjourn the meeting.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 2-0.
Meeting adjourned at 7:18 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Traci Chauvey
Recording Secretary
Approved as amended at the January 20, 2009 meeting
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