Town of Nottingham
Selectmen’s Workshop Minutes
March 20, 2009
At 8:31 AM, Acting Chair Bonser opened the workshop and asked all those present to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Members Present: Mary Bonser, Peter Bock, Gary Anderson
Others Present: Charles Brown, Town Administrator; Traci Chauvey, Recording Secretary; Marge Carlson, Bookkeeper; Gunnar Foss, Police Chief
ELECTION
Motion: Mr. Bock, second Mr. Anderson to nominate Mary Bonser as Chairperson.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 3-0.
OTHER BUSINESS
Mr. Bock informed everyone that Nottingham was on the front page of the Concord Monitor that day. He had stopped to speak with Chief Foss; however, Chief Foss was not available.
Mr. Brown explained the office schedule and various processes that require the Selectmen’s attention to Mr. Anderson.
Mr. Brown informed the Selectmen that he was working on a letter in response to a letter he had received regarding an accident on Sach’s Road. The letter stated that the police did a good job but the resident had a serious issue with the towing service. The resident complained that the town does not maintain the road. Among other issues, the charge for towing was $1,500 to the resident. Mr. Brown feels that they should keep an eye on the situation and look for other towing service if the complaints continue.
The Selectmen supplied contact information for everyone’s benefit. Chair Bonser informed Mr. Anderson that no conversation could take place by e-mail. They were allowed to forward things of interest, but had to do it without comment. Chair Bonser asked Mr. Anderson to copy Mr. Brown on all correspondence.
The Selectmen discussed the request from Silver Star to sign a proclamation naming May 1st as Silver Star Banner Day. Chair Bonser has checked the organization out and is favor of signing.
Motion: Bock, second Anderson to sign the Silver Star Proclamation.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 3-0.
The Selectmen decided to hold off on committee assignments today. They addressed the signature file, signing the authorization for Chief Foss to sign agreements related to police coverage of Pawtuckaway State Park between the State of New Hampshire and the Town of Nottingham. Chair Bonser attended some of the meeting that the Nottingham Conservation Commission had with Sue Hoey. She voiced concern over the easement to the United States of America but noted that the application does not imply commitment.
Mr. Brown asked for permission to post the Lee property noting the liability of the unsafe buildings. Chair Bonser informed all that Mr. Bonser has an easement across the property. Mr. Brown indicated he plans to speak with Mr. Bonser since the easement cuts the property in half and Mr. Bonser has since acquired other property that gives him better access.
Chair Bonser reported that she had contacted LGC to clarify roles of some duties. She was informed that the Board of Assessors is responsible for abatement requests and exemptions, while the Board of Selectmen is responsible for deed waivers.
The Selectmen set a Selectmen’s Meeting for April 6, 2009 at 6:30. March 30 will be canceled as both Chair Bonser and Mr. Bock will be away.
Mr. Brown informed the Selectmen that beginning March 31 the Road Agent, John Fernald, would be out of work for a minimum of three weeks.
Mr. Brown informed Mr. Anderson that he would receive keys to the main door and the office.
The Selectmen signed the MS-2, statement of appropriations, voted at Town Meeting.
Mr. Brown asked for authorization to sign the grant applications for the Cops Grant and the Watershed / Floodplain Program which will include the relocation of the salt shed and possibly the entire site. Mr. Bock balked at the cops grant, and informed all that he has issue with it as he does not feel that Nottingham needs another police officer.
Chief Foss arrived at 9:40 AM. He strongly disagreed with Mr. Bock. He reminded all that summertime traffic pushes his staff to the limits and, at times, beyond. They are reactive, not proactive. He has trouble covering shifts. Chief Foss explained that they are only out until 1:00 AM. They get called at home in the night. It is a dangerous situation to go out on a call when you’re not fully awake. He feels that crime will rise in a bad economy. Mr. Bock inquired about the effect on vehicles, retirement, space, etc.. Chief Foss informed Mr. Bock that the grant covers all entry level salary and benefits for three years. The Town would be required to outfit the officer and retain the officer for an additional three years after the grant was up. He
indicated that they already have the vehicles and space. Mr. Bock inquired about training. Chief Foss stated that training was covered by salary paid by the grant. The Selectmen inquired about the use of trained officers. Chief Foss explained that they could hire anyone but the grant would only pay the entry level salary and benefits. The Selectmen questioned whether they could legally enter a contact requiring commitment to hire an individual three years from now. Chair Bonser asked Mr. Brown to follow up with Attorney Teague. There was discussion about the part-time candidate filling the position. The plan is to move forward with the approved part-time position and if the grant is awarded, there will be several items already out of the way.
Motion: Bonser, second Bock to support the application for a Cop Grant to employ one (1) additional full-time officer, if the requirements of the grant are deemed appropriate by legal council.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 3-0.
Mr. Brown asked for authorization to sign the grant application.
Chair Bonser recognized Ms. Carlson at 10:05. Ms. Carlson asked the Selectmen to sign several documents, including the MS-11 and bank signature cards. She explained to Mr. Anderson that checks require the signature of one (1) Selectman and the Treasurer, and the Selectmen receive their stipend once a month, with the last pay of the month. Mr. Anderson filled out an I9 and a W4. Ms. Carlson informed the Selectmen that the Statement of Board and Committees need to be filed. She requested that they select representatives for the Planning Board and Budget Committee.
Motion: Bock, second Bonser to nominate Mr. Anderson as Selectmen’s Rep. to the Budget Committee.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 3-0.
Motion: Bock, second Anderson to nominate Ms. Bonser as Selectmen’s Rep. to the Planning Board.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 3-0.
There was discussion about inviting Bill Netishen to continue to sit on the Building Committee. The Selectmen’s Rep. will ask.
Motion: Bonser, second Bock to submit an application for the Watershed / Floodplain Protection Grant and authorize Mr. Brown to sign the application on behalf of the Town.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 3-0.
Having no further business,
Motion: Bock, second Bock to adjourn.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 3-0.
Meeting adjourned at 10:31 AM.
Respectfully submitted,
Traci Chauvey
Recording Secretary
Approved as written at the April 13, 2009 meeting
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