Town of Nottingham
Selectmen’s Meeting
March 1, 2010
6:32 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
Guest: Janet Horvath, Recreation Director; Gene Reed, Resident; Terry Bonser, Town Moderator
Others: Charles Brown, Town Administrator; Traci Chauvey, Recording Secretary
ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS
Chair Bonser acknowledged Ms. Horvath and informed all that Ms. Horvath was here to speak about purchasing a van. Ms. Horvath gave a brief history of transportation issues noting that, most recently, collaborations with the school's Wider Horizon Enrichment Programs has limited the participation in programs due to busing constraints. The cooking class saw 40 enrollment forms when the bus can only transport 20 extra students. The recreation department attempted to solve the issue by offering the class on both Tuesdays and Thursdays with 20 students each class, however, two days transportation became an issue. At Mr. Bock's inquiry, Ms. Horvath stated that she is looking at a 15 passenger van. Either she or Ms. Krenzer, her assistant, would make two trips to the school to pick up students with
one of them staying behind to supervise the first group to arrive. Ms. Horvath would also like to be able to offer more to Nottingham's senior residents. She feels that a van would provide much more opportunity for this group of residents.
Chair Bonser inquired about funding. Ms. Horvath informed all that she is considering purchasing the van out of the recreation department's revolving account. At Chair Bonser's inquiry, Ms. Horvath noted that she has not decided if maintenance and upkeep costs would also come out of the revolving account. It will depend on the amount of revenue generated from the programs that use the van. Mr. Bock raised the issue of an eight-year amortization and inquired about whether purchasing was beneficial over renting. Ms. Horvath explained that she currently rents a van for two months of the summer at a cost of approximately $5K. Her research indicates that the department should be able to run a new van for six years or a used van for four years, year round, with no trouble. Acknowledging
Mr. Bock's comment about amortization, Chair Bonser reminded all that taking a note out for the van would require a Town Meeting vote. There was more discussion around leasing long term. Mr. Anderson raised the issue of safety with 15 passenger vans. Ms. Horvath informed Mr. Anderson that the vans are always loaded from front to back, as suggested, to address this issue and all passengers wear seatbelts at all times. Mr. Bock, noting the cost to be $20K - $30K for the purchase plus maintenance costs, indicated that he is still curious about leasing. Chair Bonser indicated that she would like to see the numbers crunched further. There was discussion around purchasing straight from the manufacturer, the need for a Town Meeting vote if a lease obligated the town for longer than one year, and what resources other towns the size of Nottingham have. Chair Bonser polled the selectmen. All agreed that they would like Ms. Horvath to continue
her research. Mr. Bock supports her efforts, noting that he believes it will be a huge benefit to the community. Chair Bonser asked Ms. Horvath to do an analysis of lease versus purchase. Acknowledged by Chair Bonser, Mr. Reed asked if the van would need to be ADA compliant. Ms. Horvath will check into this question. The Selectmen asked Ms. Horvath to return with more information on March 15. Ms. Horvath left the meeting at 6:52 PM.
Chair Bonser informed all that the Selectmen's 7:00 PM appointment, Warren Black, had cancelled due to the inability to broadcast.
APPOINTMENTS
7:15PM – Gene Reed, Budget Discussion
At 6:52, Chair Bonser acknowledged Mr. Reed and invited him to the mic.
Mr. Reed informed the Selectmen that he was here to discuss the employee pay issue. Reading a written statement, he acknowledged the Selectmen's efforts over the past two years to be fiscally responsible to the tax payers while going through the budget process. He noted that town employees, under the Selectmen, received a 1.5% increase last year and a proposed salary "freeze" for this year. He believes that while the Selectmen were going through the budget process this was the right decision to make, however, events that have taken place since completing the town budget, specifically the School Deliberative Session, have caused him to reconsider his position on the town budget.
Mr. Reed believes that the school's administration, the Nottingham School Board, the SAU, and possibly members of the Budget Committee have driven a financial wedge between two groups of Nottingham employees with “their irresponsible financial actions.” He is concerned with the growing pay divide taking place over the past two years, noting that while employees who fall under the Selectmen received a 1.5% increase last year, which was reflective of the economic conditions, while the "skilled" and "entitled" group answering to the School Board received 3%, 3.5%, or more, not including step and track increases. Mr. Reed asked the Selectmen to consider a step towards parity. He informed the Selectmen that he intends to propose an amendment to the town budget at Town Meeting. He asked for the Selectmen's input on the subject, assistance in how best to format the motion to amend, and advice on whether line item adjustments he proposed in a handout were feasible or whether he should
propose raising the budget by an amount (to be determined).
Chair Bonser thanked Mr. Reed for coming forward and showing consideration to the Board of Selectmen and their employees. There was discussion around the work that goes into the budget and the considerations that need to be made during these economic times. Mr. Brown thanked Mr. Reed, noting that he does not agree with Mr. Reed's methodology. He remarked that some parts of the budget, such as highway fuel, are "by the seat of your pants." There was discussion around Mr. Brown's exceptional budgeting abilities. Chair Bonser noted that, although fiscal tightening had happened early last year leaving the Town with a surplus of over $100K, the prior year's surplus had been $18K. Mr. Reed assured the Selectmen that he was not here to criticize the budget. Mr. Bock
acknowledged his annoyance comments made by Mr. Caldon, Nottingham School Board's Chairman, adding that he felt the Deliberative Session was not the forum for rebuttal. He discussed the 16.4% increase in health insurance, noting that the Selectmen needed to look at keeping employees appropriately insured. He informed Mr. Reed that he was fine with this becoming a public issue, noting that the Concord Monitor had just run an article about local communities cutting back. He is empathetic to the situation. The Selectmen acknowledged Mr. Reed's frustration. There was discussion around how the employees may feel about a raise proposed at this time. Mr. Reed feels the proposal will be better accepted from someone other than the Selectmen.
There were thanks all around. Mr. Reed stepped down at 7:15 PM.
ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS Cont.
Chair Bonser acknowledged Nottingham's Town Moderator, Mr. Bonser. Mr. Bonser asked Mr. Brown to send him an electronic copy of the warrant. He informed all that he had tested the ballot machine. At Mr. Bock's inquiry, Mr. Bonser noted that two ballot clerks would be working on Election Day and that absentee ballots were available until Monday. There was discussion around Article 5 and whether or not it was worded legally. Mr. Brown informed all that it had been sent to the attorney for review due to its length and were told that Article 5, as appearing on the ballot, was legally written. Mr. Bonser noted that copies of the full wording would be made obviously available. There was discussion around the distance barrier of 10' for campaigners. There will be no food on
Election Day, however, John Knorr will be offering three different soups and salad at Town Meeting. Polling hours for Election Day are 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. At Mr. Reed's inquiry, Mr. Bonser stated that there will be two separate ballots, one for the school and one for the Town, and samples are available for the public. There was discussion around presentation of the Town budget. Mr. Bonser believes the Budget Committee will present the budget, while the Selectmen will have the opportunity to explain the monetary difference in the budget they proposed. Mr. Bonser stepped down.
The Selectmen discussed moving and seconding of Articles 6 through 17 at Town Meeting. Mr. Bock asked Mr. Brown to put together a paragraph on the history of the Land Use Change Tax money.
Mr. Brown informed the Selectmen that Jill Sunde had resigned as Budget Committee Secretary, Drew Roland had sent a Thank You, and the town has received a letter from an attorney regarding the land by the Nottingham Recycling Center (the Tasker property). There was discussion around whether the town had to accept a deed. A legal opinion will be sought.
There was discussion around the latest storm and efforts to restore power.
The Selectmen addressed the signature file.
Motion: Bonser, second Bock to authorize Chief of Police, Gunnar Foss, to sign the annual agreement with the State of New Hampshire for patrols and coverage at Pawtuckaway State Park.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed: 3-0
Mr. Brown reported that he had received quotes for the new server. He and Scott Curry have gone over them and are recommending that the town go with Seacoast Computer's Option #3 for $4,325.00. He explained that the labor is an estimate and the cost could vary.
Motion: Bock, second Anderson to accept Seacoast Computer's Option #3.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed: 3-0
The Selectmen asked Mr. Brown to send flower's to Mr. Bascom's funeral service from the Town.
Mr. Bock and Mr. Anderson discussed Selectmen duties for Election Day. Mr. Bock will cover from Noon to 4:00 PM, while Mr. Anderson will cover 8:00 AM to Noon.
Mr. Brown informed the Selectmen that Wendy Booth had been in to see him. She is upset about the rise in water and dam management. Mr. Brown informed her that it is a legal issue between her and the dam owner. She feels the town is being inactive. The Selectmen would like Mr. Brown to run this by the attorney for legal advice.
Mr. Brown reported that the electrical inspection scheduled for the Fritz' property has been postponed due to the power outage.
Chair Bonser updated all on the status of things at the state level in regards to the meetings with the governor and the attorney general. The AG is working on the question of whether USA Springs will need to re-apply for a permit. Attorney Donovan is in touch with the AG's office and will be forwarding a copy of his comments to the Selectmen prior to submitting them to the AG. Mr. Bock noted that he had read Judy Doughty's comments in The Forum about the meeting with Commissioner Burack and Governor Lynch not being open to the public. Mr. Brown informed all that the meeting was not intended to be a public meeting. This would have entailed too much to pull together. Information garnered from the meeting is public information.
Having no further business,
Motion: Bonser, second Bock to adjourn the meeting.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 3-0.
Meeting adjourned at 8:11 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Traci Chauvey
Recording Secretary
Approved as amended at the April 19, 2010 workshop.
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