Town of Nottingham
Selectmen’s Meeting
August 31, 2009
6:35 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
Guests: Tim Jarvis, Domestic Animal Advisory Committee; Janet Horvath, Recreation Director
Others: Traci Chauvey, Recording Secretary; Florence Chamberlain, Resident; Judy Doughty, Resident; Brenda Wibur, Resident; Patricia Roix, Resident; Bill Fritz, Resident
ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS
The Selectmen set a date to meet with the Communications Policy Committee to review the proposed public access policy. Ms. Chauvey will invite the Committee to the Selectmen’s meeting scheduled for October 13, 2009.
Chair Bonser asked Ms. Chauvey to resend the groundwater legislation information to herself and Ms. Reilly, Barrington’s Town Administrator.
Mr. Bock reported that the Recreation Department’s summer program is coming to an end and thanked all those involved.
Chair Bonser announced that the sand and salt sheds are coming in at costs lower than the approved $200K. Mr. Anderson reported that the site is being prepared, noting that it is very close to being ready for delivery and installation. Paving will take place once everyone involved is ok with the prepped area. Ideally, the buildings should be erected prior to the cold weather setting due to contraction of the fabric covering. NH Electric Co-Op has quoted approximately $26.1K for electric installation. Mr. Brown is now looking into private installers.
The Selectmen reviewed the mail and correspondence files. They reviewed and signed the billing manifests.
Mr. Anderson reported that he had attended a school building committee meeting last week at which the NH School Administrators Association had presented their District Enrollment Projections reports. There is conflicting information; however, it is expected that enrollment will increase over the next five years. There was a brief discussion around the several reports that have recently been completed on enrollment projections.
Mr. Bock reminded everyone that Nottingham Day is scheduled for September 19. The day commences with the road race at 9:00 AM and festivities at the school opening to the public at 10:00 AM. The day will end with a Chicken BBQ, hosted by the Nottingham Congregational Christian Church from 4:00 to 6:00 PM. He, also, reminded everyone that the Farmer’s Market takes place every Sunday through the end of October at the Blaisdell Memorial Library from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
APPOINTMENTS:
7:00 PM – Domestic Animal Advisory Committee – Findings and Recommendations
At 7:05 PM Chair Bonser acknowledged Tim Jarvis and invited him to the mic. Tim Witham’s absence was noted.
Chair Bonser explained that a Domestic Animal Advisory Committee had been formed in response to many dog complaint calls being received by the Board of Selectmen. She informed all that much research had been done by the committee and they were here tonight to ask the Selectmen to accept their findings and recommendations. Two discoveries during the research were that dog issues are prevalent in most towns and the laws are convoluted and ineffective. She feels that the issues with the RSA’s need be addressed at the State level.
Chair Bonser reported that the committee’s recommendation is to find and maintain a list of back-ups for the Animal Control Officer (ACO). At times when Mr. Witham is unavailable to witness a 30 minute period of barking, these others could be called upon to assist. Mr. Jarvis noted that RSA 466:31 is not clear as to who needs to witness the barking, but does differentiate day time barking from night time barking. Night time barking does not have the 30 minute requirement. Ms. Wilbur noted that the barking dogs is a domestic disturbance and expressed concern that having individuals other than the ACO or police officers witness the barking will not hold up in court. Mr. Anderson inquired about how it was determined who needs to hear the dogs. Chair Bonser explained that there
is nothing in the RSA’s, adding that appointment by the Selectmen should be adequate. There was discussion around the possibility of appointing Justice’s of the Peace. Mr. Jarvis noted that they are professional witnesses by nature of their responsibilities. Ms. Wilbur inquired as to the process for issuing citations if others are the witness. Chair Bonser noted that the witness will get in touch with Mr. Witham who will issue the citation.
At Mr. Bock’s inquiry, Chair Bonser indicated that at least three citations have been issued over the past five years. Mr. Bock asked about follow-up. Chair Bonser reported that in one case the dogs were removed and fines were issued. The SPCA has not monitored the situation. The ACO has been asked to follow-up and another citation has been issued. Ms. Roix reported that citations have been issued in the other case and it is now going to court.
Mr. Bock inquired about public attendance at the Committee’s meetings. Ms. Bonser reported that many individuals had attended each of the two meetings and their input was helpful. Due to the amount of paper required to print and have available all RSA’s pertaining to animal issues, the Committee is recommending that the town provide a list of all RSA’s pertaining to animals, so that people may do their own research. She suggested looking into mutual aid in the future.
Ms. Roix inquired about ACO education. Chair Bonser informed her that this topic was not addressed by the Committee. Mr. Bock noted that because of time considerations, the ACO had not attended the training provided at UNH but that education is still being looked into. Mr. Roix informed the Selectmen that Steve Crawford, the State Vet, was the overseer of the training held at UNH and suggested that the Selectmen contact him for educational materials.
Motion: Bock, second Anderson to accept the findings and recommendations of the Domestic Animal Advisory Committee in regards to having back-ups for the ACO, maintaining a list of pertinent RSA’s, and looking into mutual aid for animal control.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 3-0.
7:15 PM – Public Hearing – Acceptance of Recreation Grant Monies
At 7:29 PM Chair Bonser opened the public hearing and invited Ms. Horvath to the mic.
Ms. Horvath explained that she had received two grants for summer programs and was requesting acceptance of the monies. She received one from the Division of Children, Youth, and Families for $15,000 for the Summer Camp program. She received another from the NH State Council on the Arts totaling $1,000; $450 for Summer Camp and $550 for the Summer Concert Series.
Motion: Bonser, second Bock to except $15,000 in grant monies from DCYF and $1,000 in grant monies from the NH State Council on the Arts on behalf of the Recreation Department.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 3-0.
Ms. Horvath informed the Selectmen that these grants have been administered by the county in the past; however, they have moved to the State. She voiced concern at the possibility of them not being available in the future.
Mr. Bock inquired about the summer programs. Ms. Horvath reported that it was a fantastic year and publicly commended her staff. The programs (Summer Camp, Pioneers, and Trailblazers) served an average of 65 kids on a weekly basis. There was discussion about serving children from out of town. Ms. Horvath reported that the program was open to out of town children this year, but acknowledged that this may need to change in the future.
Chair Bonser closed the public hearing at 7:35 PM.
7:30 PM – Public Hearing Continuance – Recycling Center Policy
At 7:35 PM Chair Bonser opened the continuance of the Recycling Center Policy.
Chair Bonser noted that recommended changes had been made at the last public hearing. The changes have been incorporated. She read the policy. (See official file.)
Mr. Bock informed the public that enforcement of the policy will take place, noting that enforcement can include a private citizen taking down the plate number of someone they witness not following the policy and passing it along to someone in authority.
Motion: Anderson, second Bock to approve the Recycling Center Policy, as written.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 3-0.
Having no further business,
Motion: Bock, second Anderson to adjourn the meeting.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 3-0.
Meeting adjourned at 7:45 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Traci Chauvey
Recording Secretary
Approved as amended at the September 14, 2009 meeting.
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