Town of Nottingham
Selectmen’s Meeting
May 11, 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: Charles Brown, Town Administrator; Traci Chauvey, Recording Secretary; Chief Foss, Nottingham Police Department; Jaye Vilchock, Chief, Nottingham Fire/Rescue; Sandy Vilchock, Nottingham Fire/Rescue Member; Heidi Carlson, Deputy Chief, Nottingham Fire/Rescue
ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS
Mr. Brown informed the Selectmen that he had invited Chief Vilchock to give the Selectmen an update of the accident that took place on Sunday, involving one of the rescue vehicles. Chair Bonser acknowledged Chief Vilchock and invited him to the mic. Chief Vilchock reported that the department had four (4) back to back calls on Sunday. An EMT, probationary EMT, and fire fighter were responding to a motor vehicle accident at Pawtuckaway State Park in the forestry truck when involved in an accident at the corner of Route 156 and Ham Road. All three were injured, taken to the hospital, and released. The accident is currently under investigation. Chief Vilchock publicly thanked the Raymond responders for their aide and acknowledged the Nottingham responders involved in the accident for their
efforts during and after the accident. The vehicle was the 2005 Ford 550. It is out of service. The department has zero capacity for off-road or boat rescues at the time. Chief Vilchock will be tightening restrictions on burn permits during this time. Mr. Bock requested that signs be posted, a notice put on Channel 22, and possibly noticed in the forum. Chair Bonser noted that any public comment should be made by the Town Administrator and suggested sending cards to the three injured responders. Mr. Brown informed the Selectmen that he has already filed a claim with the insurance company and the three injured personnel have completed their workers comp. claims. The Union Leader erroneouslyeported that the ambulance was in the accident. The Selectmen thanked Chief Vilchock for the update. Chief Vilchock and Ms. Vilchock left the meeting.
Mr. Brown informed the Selectmen that he had received a copy of the commitment letter for the fire truck. He asked the Selectmen to make a commitment to sign the original so the bank could proceed. The rate is 3.5%.
Motion: Bock, second Bonser to sign the commitment letter when the original is received.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 3-0.
Chair Bonser acknowledged Chief Foss and invited him to the mic. Chief Foss informed the Selectmen that Raymond had really stepped up in their response to the accident and that one of the injured Nottingham responders kicked her way out of the crash vehicle she was in and ran to aide the other driver. He suggested the Selectmen send a letter of thanks to Raymond.
Chief Foss informed the Selectmen that he needs to adjust the entry level salary for police officers. He is one man down, Officer Gates is in the hiring process with Pelham, and his first choice candidate had backed out because she did not want to sign a three year contract at the current rates. The COPS Grant will create lots of competition. Nottingham needs to be competitive. Chief Foss wants to institute the employment contract that had been previously discussed. He explained what it cost the town to train/equip/outfit an officer who leaves within the first three years. There was discussion of salaries from other towns. Mr. Brown reported that Nottingham is low. Newbury, which is half the size of Nottingham, starts their officers at a range of $35,942 to $40-476.
Mr. Bock requested that Mr. Brown put together some information on surrounding towns to present to the Selectmen.
Chief Foss reported that he is having a second interview with another candidate and he does not feel that he can offer him $31,000 to start. He is willing to forego the part-time officer and use the $6,400 towards a resolution. He acknowledged that the $6,400 would not fix the situation since it would have a ripple affect on existing staff. The Selectmen feel that, although they would like to be kept informed of things, the overall Police Department budget is Chief Foss’s responsibility to balance as he deems necessary.
At Mr. Anderson’s inquiry, Chief Foss reported that none of the current officers are under contract. It is a new proposal still in the works.
Mr. Bock inquired about the potential part-time person Chief Foss had been speaking with. Chief Foss reported that being down on officers he did not feel it was appropriate to hire someone he likes over someone who can hit the ground running; the potential part-time person is not certified. Chief Foss, again, voiced concern over being able to find qualified individuals once the COPS Grant are awarded. The Selectmen set a workshop for Monday, May 18 at 8:00 AM to discuss the situation further. Chief Foss and Ms. Carlson left the meeting.
Mr. Brown reported that the Road Agent has been informed by his doctor that the earliest he will be able to operate equipment is May 15.
The Selectmen addressed the signature folder. They discussed the Municipal Agent Automation Project Agreement. This is the agreement for the State’s software used by the Town Clerk.
Motion: Bock, second Anderson to sign the MAAP User Agreement at the recommendation of the Town Administrator and the Town Clerk.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 3-0.
The Selectmen received a recommendation from the Library Trustees to accept Susan Medieros as a Library Trustee Alternate for a period of three (3) years.
Motion: Bonser, second Bock to accept Susan Medieros as an Alternate Library Trustee at the recommendation of the Library Trustees.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 3-0.
Mr. Bock asked the public to be cautious of the parking situation at the Community Center this time of year, reminding everyone to use the correct entrance and watch for children in the parking lot.
Minutes
April 6, 2009 (Meeting)
Line 92: Add the words from the Department of Environmental Services.
Motion: Bock, second Anderson to accept the minutes of the April 6, 2009 meeting, as amended.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 3-0.
April 13, 2009 (Meeting)
Motion: Bock, second Anderson to accept the minutes of the April 13, 2009 meeting, as written.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 3-0.
April 27, 2009 (Meeting)
Line 57: Add the words be retained.
Line 59: Change grant to easement and add the word baseball before field.
Line 82: Change book to booth.
Line 110: Change make to made
Line 116: Indicate that this discussion is about the raffle held on Nottingham Day.
Line 176: Add in Thibeault Corp.
Line 177: Change construction to mobilizing.
Motion: Bock, second Anderson to accept the minutes of the April 27, 2009 meeting, as amended.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 3-0.
April 27, 2009 (Non-Public Session)
Motion: Bock, second Anderson to accept the minutes of the April 27, 2009 non-public session as written.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 3-0.
OTHER BUSINESS
Mr. Bock read the committee assignments from the separate page supplied by Ms. Chauvey. It was noted that the School Building Committee was not listed. Mr. Anderson is the Selectmen’s Rep for this committee.
The following meetings were announced for Monday, May 18, 2009:
HCPP Community Forum 7 PM Conference Room #1 – televised
Board of Assessors 7 PM Conference Room #2 – not televised
Selectmen’s Workshop 8 AM Conference Room #1 - televised
Mr. Brown reported that he had written a response to an e-mail received by the Selectmen in regards to the dog situation on Mitchell Road. The Selectmen will put the response on hold for the time being since they have received reports that the owner has taken steps to work with the neighbors and resolve the situation.
Mr. Brown reported that he had received a call from Acting Superintendent Ludwig requesting a joint meeting between the Selectmen and the School Board to open up communication. The Selectmen asked Mr. Brown to follow up on setting up the meeting.
Mr. Brown reported that he has not yet received a response from Mr. Demko, the SAU’s Business Manager, regarding the cost to the SAU for the pre-school space. He has been informed that it is on Mr. Demko’s list of things to do and that the SAU does not have a contract for the space at the church.
The Town’s attorney has received a copy of the draft stipulation proposed by USA Springs and the bank. He is currently waiting on the final copy. Nottingham may or may not be asked to sign off consenting to the stipulation. If all parties agree with the stipulation there may not be a hearing on Thursday. Mr. Brown has addressed concerns that the draft stipulation does not mention three (3) lots of land.
Mr. Brown informed the Selectmen that he had received calls about a letter from DES that had been sent to property owners at Pawtuckaway Lake regarding the placement of sand at the water’s edge. Upon research, he has found that DES sent a mass mailing, as a warning, to a certain group of property owners based on visual and aerial inspection. They then followed up with individual letters to property owners they believed were in violation.
Mr. Anderson informed the Selectmen that the Budget Committee has been placed on the June 8 agenda. There was discussion around the open position of Recording Secretary. All town employee hires need to go through Mr. Brown. The position has been posted. The committee will direct any interested individuals to the Town Office.
Having no further business,
Motion: Anderson, second Bock to adjourn the meeting.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 3-0.
Meeting adjourned at 8:04 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Traci Chauvey
Recording Secretary
Approved as amended at the May 26, 2009 meeting.
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