Town of Nottingham
Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes
February 17, 2009
6:33 PM 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; Traci Chauvey, Recording Secretary; Skip Seaverns, Building Committee; Judy Doughty, Resident; Lee Ramsdell, Resident; Gary Anderson, Resident; Chief Vilchock, Deputy Chief Carlson, and approximately 15 members of the Nottingham Fire/Rescue Department
ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS:
Acting Chair Bonser inquired about department reports.
Mr. Brown reported that Police Chief Gunnar Foss has indicated that they are very busy.
Mr. Brown has spoken with the Fire Chief about keeping ice out of the door area at the new fire station. There is nothing the contractor can do about this situation; it is a situation that will require winter maintenance from fire department personnel. Ms. Bonser inquired about removing the gutter from that area. Mr. Brown believes they should use heat tape, instead.
There was discussion about appointing two new members to the Cable Franchise Renewal Committee. This would make a total of four, not including a Selectman. Others have expressed interest but no one has come forward to fill out the volunteer form or officially request that they be appointed. There was discussion about having an even number of committee members. Mr. Bock, addressing the public, asked people to get involved with this committee. He urged the public to send in their concerns/comments if they could not volunteer for the committee. He feels that since this committee is an advisory committee to the Board of Selectmen, it is not necessary that a Selectman sit as a committee member. He does not want to limit participation.
Motion: Bock, second Bonser to appoint Michelle Carvalho, as Principal of Nottingham Elementary School, and Brian Stucker to the Cable Franchise Renewal Committee.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 2-0.
Mr. Bock thanked all who have expressed interest, noting that this is an important issue for the future of Nottingham and its residents.
The Selectmen addressed the signature file signing an approved elderly exemption and two Veteran’s Tax Credits.
Motion: Bonser, second Bock to approve the request from the Tax Collector to allow him the authority to waive interest of up to $5.00.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 2-0.
Motion: Bock, second Bonser to approve the Request for Abatement on M 71 L 30 for Tax Year 2007 in the amount of $384.11 and for Tax Year 2008 in the amount of $386.55.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 2-0.
Motion: Bock, second Bonser to approve the Request for Abatement on M 5 L 10-1 in the amount of $130.29.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 2-0.
Motion: Bock, second Bonser to approve the Request for Abatement on M 46 L 4-5 in the amount of $247.42.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 2-0.
Motion: Bock, second Bonser to deny the Request for Abatement on M 19 L 10 based on the recommendation of CNP.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 2-0.
Mr. Brown informed the Selectmen that the attorney’s office had responded to the inquiry on RSA 72:23 and Higher Grounds Baptist Church. The Selectmen cannot allow an abatement or exemption in this situation. The Selectmen asked Mr. Brown to send a letter expressing their regrets and explaining the law.
Mr. Bock discussed trash removal/recycling, noting that Concord has gone to a pay-per-bag program in addition to their regular recycling. He feels that this is a situation that may need to be revisited in these economic times. Mr. Brown noted that some of the recycling commodities are coming back up in price. The contract with the current vendor is up. He wants to provide a thirty day notice to the current vendor. He is currently looking for an alternative vendor, most likely NRRA. There is no longer a vendor for florescent bulbs. Proper disposal is important. The Town may have to buy boxes ($60 each) to dispose of these items. Ms. Bonser acknowledged that the vendor can assess penalty payments for items that are not disposed of properly.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Before opening the public hearings, Ms. Bonser informed all that incorrect information regarding the effect of warrant items on the budget had been circulating through e-mails and she hope to clarify the tax impact of each item this evening. She commended the department heads, acknowledging that the Town budget showed an overall decrease for this fiscal year.
Highway Salt and Sand Shed
At 7:02 PM Acting Chair Bonser opened the Public Hearing and acknowledged Skip Seaverns, inviting him to the mic.
Mr. Seaverns informed all that the Building Committee had been tasked with the responsibility of finding a new home for the salt shed that would satisfy EPA requirements. The location that has been chosen is the gravel pit on Smoke Street. They are requesting $200,000 over ten years. The foundation is a major factor in this project. Mr. Bock noted that there are EPA issues at the current site with salt running into the river. The gravel pit, which already holds the sand, is a much safer environment. Ms. Bonser noted that this project has been put off for a number of years. The payment would be approximately $28,300 per year for ten years, which amounts to .034 cents per thousand on the current tax rate of $14.14 per thousand.
Ms. Bonser invited public comment. Ms. Doughty inquired about the size and type of building. Mr. Seaverns reported that the Building Committee has looked at a number of different buildings, including a single building of 60’ X 80’ and two separate buildings, one for sand and one for salt. The later is not appealing as it is, in effect, what is being done now. They have also looked into steel buildings, post & beam type, and hoop buildings. All seem to run about the same in cost. The foundation is the major issue in all situations.
Ms. Bonser asked if there were any more public comments. There was no response. Ms. Bonser closed the Public Hearing at 7:13 PM.
Fire Truck
At 7:13 PM Acting Chair Bonser opened the Public Hearing and acknowledged Chief Vilchock and other members of the department. She invited representatives to the mic.
Chief Vilchock spoke on behalf of the Nottingham Fire/Rescue Department. He reported that the apparatus being replaced was a 1985 Ford, their Engine 2. This Engine was out of service during several cycles this past year putting a strain on both the local department and the mutual aide departments. The fire department is on a 20 year replacement schedule with their trucks. They would be purchasing a 2009 Custom Cab Engine with a 1,000 gallon capacity. It has safety features including state-of-the-art lighting, enclosed cab, and top-mounted pump. It would be moved into the ‘1st Due’ slot for structure fires and Engine 3 would be moved to the motor vehicle ‘1st Responder’ slot. Chief Vilchock noted that the risks of delay in this purchase
involved running into the replacement of another vehicle and increased cost, which he estimated to be around $12,000-$16,000. The department is hoping to get 25 years out of this new truck.
Ms. Bonser asked for public comment. There was no response. She asked to make a public comment.
Ms. Bonser noted that the fire department is, largely, a volunteer effort, which saves a lot of money for the community. She acknowledged their selfless service. The cost of the fire truck will be approximately $59,945 for five years which amounts to .072 cents per thousand on the current tax rate of $14.14 per thousand. She feels this is a reasonable price to pay to help ensure safety of the community and the department staff and volunteers. Chief Vilchock noted that the effect would be less since another vehicle had been paid off this year. That payment was approximately $35,000, making the new payment a difference of approximately $25,000. Ms. Bonser recalculated her figures with this information and noted that the new fire truck would add approximately .04 cents per thousand on the
current tax rate of $14.14 per thousand.
Ms. Bonser asked for any more public comment. Receiving no response, she closed the public hearing at 7:24 PM
Highway Loader
At 7:25 PM Acting Chair Bonser opened the Public Hearing and invited John Fernald to the mic.
Mr. Fernald informed all that he was looking to replace a 1998 250 loader with a new 350 Komatso loader. The new loader would have a quick hitch for a snow plow and a 3.5 yard bucket, both of which will help with efficiency during winter maintenance. The 1998 loader has quite a bit of rust, approximately 10,000 hours of run time, and will require some major money for repairs before too long.
Ms. Bonser asked for public comment. She acknowledged Mr. Lee Ramsdell and invited him to the mic. Mr. Ramsdell inquired about what happens to the old equipment. Mr. Fernald explained that it would be used as a trade-in, for $22,500, on the new purchase. Mr. Ramsdell inquired as to whether repairs would be made to the current loader before trading it in. Mr. Fernald explained that he had informed all bidders that he would replace the windshield before it was traded.
Ms. Bonser asked if there was any more public comment on the loader. Receiving no response, she informed the public that the loader would be approximately $29,830 per year for five years at an additional cost of .038 cents per thousand on the current tax rate of $14.14 per thousand. She closed the public hearing at 7:32 PM.
GENERAL BUSINESS
Ms. Bonser informed all that she wanted to address two other items on the Warrant. She informed all that Article 19, Mill Pond Bridge, although on the warrant for $489,000, would actually cost the Town much less due to FEMA and bridge aid monies. Mr. Brown explained that the actual cost to the Town would be approximately $84,000. Engineering estimates had been between $405,000 and $415,000 but bids were opened a week or so before and actual bids ran from $298,000 to $398,000. Ms. Bonser and Mr. Brown explained that the bridge needed to move forward this year in order to keep the FEMA and bridge aid monies. Extensions had already been applied for and granted and would run out October 2009. If the bridge was not done, the Town would lose the funds. The bridge would still need to be
replaced and the Town would be responsible for paying the cost in its entirety. Ms. Bonser noted that the cost of the bridge would add approximately .10 cents to the current tax rate of $14.14.
Mr. Bock informed all that the Selectmen and Mr. Brown have been in contact with Senator’s Representatives, State Representatives, and Federal Representatives to discuss stimulus opportunities. He noted that the amount of funding for New Hampshire is smaller than most others with New Hampshire being 48th out of 50.
Ms. Bonser informed the public that there was also an article for a generator for the Municipal Complex on the Warrant this year, noting the number of emergencies we’ve seen over the past few years. She stated that this would be discussed further at Town Meeting but she wanted people to know that the cost of the generator would add an additional .053 cents to the current tax rate of $14.14.
Acknowledging the discussed warrant requests in these economic conditions and wanting the public to understand that the Selectmen work very hard to keep the budget and ensuing tax rate down, Mr. Bock informed all that Ms. Bonser had gathered data on the surrounding town’s tax rates. Barrington is at $18.60 per thousand, Epping is at $19.69 per thousand, Strafford is at $18.88 per thousand, Lee is at $25.57 per thousand, Deerfield is at $19.51 per thousand, Raymond is at $19.00 per thousand, and Northwood is at $19.12.
A break was called at 7:41 PM. Ms. Bonser reconvened the meeting at 7:47 PM.
The Selectmen and Mr. Brown discussed the upcoming March 2 meeting at New Hampshire Municipal Association surrounding the revenue crisis. Mr. Brown, as the voting delegate for Nottingham, asked for the Selectmen’s direction regarding issues related to gambling. Ms. Bonser is strongly opposed to any increase of gambling. Mr. Bock has no feelings on this issue; he is not for or against it. Ms. Bonser will be attending the meeting with Mr. Brown. Mr. Bock will check his schedule to see if he is available to attend.
Mr. Brown informed the Selectmen that he would be attending the Municipal Managers Meeting this coming Friday at NHMA. Maura Carroll will be in attendance to speak about the Governor’s proposed budget.
Mr. Brown reported that the Tax Deed on the Lee Farm, located on Mill Pond Road, was recorded today.
Mr. Brown told the Selectmen that the Town Treasurer has voiced concern over a shortfall before July 1st. He has discussed the issue at length with both the Treasurer and the Bookkeeper and he does not believe there will be a problem. Tax collection is on target with past years and tax money is still coming in. Ms. Bonser noted that the Town has not borrowed in anticipation of taxes during her tenure as a Selectman. Mr. Bock also voiced some concern, noting that he wants to keep his eye on the situation.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Motion: Bonser, second Bock to go into non-public session under 91-A:3 II (c).
By Roll Call Vote: Bock – yea, Bonser – yea. All in favor. Motion passed 2-0.
The Selectmen entered non-public at 8:07 PM.
The Selectmen exited non-public at 8:14 PM.
Motion: Bonser, second Bock to seal the minutes of the non-public session.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 2-0.
Having no further business,
Motion: Bonser, second Bock to adjourn the meeting.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 2-0.
Meeting adjourned at 8:20 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Traci Chauvey
Recording Secretary
Approved as amended at the April 13, 2009 meeting
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