Town of Nottingham
Selectmen’s Meeting
June 23, 2009
6:31 PM Chair Bonser opened the meeting and asked all those present to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Members Present: Mary Bonser, Peter Bock, Gary Anderson
Others: Paul Colby, Nottingham Building Inspector/Code Enforcement Officer; Traci Chauvey, Recording Secretary; Dan Moreau, Resident; Bill Fritz, Resident
ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS
Chair Bonser informed all that Mr. Brown, Nottingham Town Administrator, was not available for this evening’s meeting. There would be no department reports with the exception of Mr. Colby reporting on domestic animal policy issues.
Mr. Colby distributed handouts. The handouts included the zoning regulations regarding minor home occupations, the Minor Home Occupation Information Sheet, and several RSAs. He reported that the issue before the Selectmen is truly an animal control issue, not a zoning issue. At Chair Bonser’s inquiry, Mr. Colby reported that it was his belief that a Town Official would have to witness a dog barking for a 30 minute period of time since Town Officials, not private citizens, are authorized to issue penalties. There was much discussion on the laws, or lack thereof, for domestic animals other than dogs or cats. Chair Bonser inquired about the ability of a town to make by-laws. Mr. Colby reiterated that the RSAs only allow towns to create laws pertaining to licensing and restraining. Nottingham has both. Chair Bonser asked Mr. Colby to review the manual she received from Epping. She informed him that it is currently with Mr. Witham. Chair Bonser raised the issue of appointing a
sub-committee. Mr. Colby reported that there have been no violations found by either the State vet or the SPCA in regards to the dogs on Mitchell Road. Chair Bonser indicated that she is interested in obtaining information for all domestic animals, including domestic farm animals. Mr. Bock announced that the New England Animal Humane/Control Academy would be hosting two speakers; Susan Carney of the Stratham ASPCA and Mr. Tona McCarthey, ACO for the Town of Raymond. Chair Bonser noted that she has contacted Sheila Johannsen, ACO for the Town of Danville, in an attempt to obtain any course materials that will be handed out at the UNH training. Mr. Colby suggested getting materials from State and local vets, SPCA’s, and the NH Farm Bureau. There was discussion about the sub-committee and a public hearing to review findings of said committee. There was discussion about the complications surrounding animal issues and the desire to maintain a
rural community. Mr. Colby inquired about the Selectmen’s thoughts on dissemination of the information. Chair Bonser suggested leaving packets in the Town Office, with the Town Clerk, and with Mr. Witham, Nottingham’s ACO. Mr. Bock noted for the record that this is the Selectmen’s first venture into this area and they are counting on the community to attend the public hearing to provide guidance and input. The Selectmen thanked Mr. Colby for his research and packet of information.
Mr. Colby gave a brief building report, informing the Selectmen that, as of June 15, overall permits are up by 26 and new house permits are up by one, over the previous year at this time. Many of the permits obtained were for generator installation after the ice storm. Mr. Colby believes there will be more new houses built in Nottingham this year than last. At Mr. Bock’s inquiry, Mr. Colby reported that generator inspections have gone well. He has made a few requests for corrections.
Mr. Colby reported that the Municipal Office Complex generator installation was on schedule and would be completed prior to Summer Camp opening. Old conduit had been uncovered but was easily addressed.
The Selectmen thanked Mr. Colby. Mr. Colby left the meeting at 7:00 PM.
There was a brief discussion about the subcommittee and the people to be appointed.
Motion: Bock, second Anderson to establish a Domestic Animal Policy Committee and appoint Mary Bonser, Tim Witham, and Tim Jarvis as the members.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 3-0.
Chair Bonser announced that the Domestic Animal Policy Committee would potentially meet at the Old Town Hall on Monday, June 29 at 7:00 PM. The meeting will be posted.
OTHER BUSINESS
The Selectmen reviewed the Title I Youth Employment documents for the Recreation Department. Chair Bonser informed the public that Nottingham has participated in this program previously. Title I Youth Employment is a program administered by Ethel’s Tree of Life, a non-profit organization who receives funding thru the Workforce Reinvestment Act, in conjunction with the Department of Labor. It provides free labor to businesses and non-profit organizations in Rockingham and Strafford Counties willing to employ youths 18 – 24 years of age. Ethel’s Tree of Life provides qualified youth and pays the labor and workers compensation while the employer guarantees 20 hours per week employment for the duration of the program. The Selectmen agreed to move forward with participation in
this program.
Chair Bonser acknowledged Mr. Moreau and invited him to the mic at 7:05 PM.
Mr. Moreau introduced himself and explained that he is neighbors with Mr. Fritz on Mitchell Road. He voiced concern over rumors that pit bulls are being raised on the premises and ensured that Selectmen that there are only labra-doodles, cocker-doodles, and golden doodles. Mr. Fritz, who was sitting in the audience, introduced himself to the Selectmen. Chair Bonser welcomed him and invited Mr. Monroe and Mr. Fritz to the sub-committee meeting. Mr. Monroe thanked the Selectmen for their time.
Mr. Monroe and Mr. Fritz left the meeting at 7:08 PM.
Chair Bonser informed all that the State budget would be voted on in Concord tomorrow and that there would be a peaceful protest on the stairs of the State House at Noon. There is much concern over the State budget and its potential effect on Nottingham. There is the possibility of losing revenue sharing, rooms and meals, and highway block grant funds. This revenue has already been incorporated into the current year’s Town budget. There is also much cost shifting happening. The state is decreasing its contribution to the retirement fund by 10% over the next two years. The cost will be borne by the municipalities. Mr. Anderson mentioned that he had read that the State is considering selling some of the State Parks. There was discussion on the state of the State.
Mr. Anderson informed the other Selectmen that he had been hearing concerns from residents who are worried about not being able to obtain burn permits. There was discussion about the weather and residents’ desire to burn once the rain clears. There was discussion about whether or not people are having campfires at the State Park. Chair Bonser feels that if residents of Nottingham are not allowed to burn, there should be no burning at the State Park. Mr. Anderson will follow up with Chief Vilchock, Nottingham Fire/Rescue.
Chair Bonser informed the other Selectmen that she had received a request to have a Recycling Center sign placed at the corner of Route 152 and Freeman Hall Road, as well as, a Recycling Center Entrance 200’ Ahead sign on both side of Freeman Hall Road. Mr. Bock suggested they seek out an Eagle Scout. The Selectmen agreed this was a good idea.
Chair Bonser informed the public that the character generator that runs the Nottingham Bulletin Board on Channel 22 is not functioning. Information cannot be updated at this time.
Having no further business,
Motion: Bonser, second Bock to adjourn the meeting.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 3-0.
Meeting adjourned at 7:25 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Traci Chauvey
Recording Secretary
Approved as amended at the July 20, 2009 meeting.
| 
