Town of Nottingham
Selectmen’s Meeting
June 21, 2010
6:29 PM, Chair Bock opened the meeting and asked all those present to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Members Present: Peter Bock, Mary Bonser, Gary Anderson
Guest: Chief Gunnar Foss, Nottingham Police Dept.; Michael Drake, Patrol Officer; Chief Jaye Vilchock, Nottingham Fire/Rescue; Gail Mills; Robert Sprague; John Terninko
Others: Charles Brown, Town Administrator; Traci Chauvey, Recording Secretary; Chris Mills; Judy Doughty; Deputy Chief Heidi Carlson, Nottingham Fire/Rescue; Lt. Phil English, Nottingham Fire/Rescue; Sandra Vilchock, Nottingham Fire/Rescue
ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS
Chair Bock acknowledged Chief Foss. Chief Foss took the mic and gave a brief history of the vacancy and interview process for the new officer. Officer Drake formerly worked for the Lee Police Department. He is full-time certified, has been sworn in, and qualified with his weapon. He is currently on patrol with Sergeant Spagna. The selectmen welcomed Officer Drake to Nottingham.
Ms. Bonser presented a set of keys from the original jail cell that she will have preserved in a shadow box for presentation in the lobby of the police department. The donor wishes to remain anonymous, at this time.
Chief Foss and Officer Drake left the meeting.
Mr. Brown reported that the building inspector is in need of a new computer.
Back Creek Bridge is open. Mr. Brown is gathering all required documentation to submit for final reimbursements from FEMA and the state. The Highway Dept. is moving on to other road projects. Mr. Brown is still working on getting the state funds for Mill Pond Bridge. There is approximately $71K outstanding.
Mr. Brown reported that cash flow is at a critical level, at this time. No big purchases are being made.
Ms. Bonser informed all that Kate Peters, the governor's liaison, has not heard back from the AG's office regarding the large groundwater withdrawal permit. The selectmen asked Mr. Brown to set up a meeting with Attorney Donovan to follow up on this issue.
Motion: Bonser, second Anderson to accept the recommendation from the Planning Board to sign a contract with Mettee Planning Consultants for work on the master plan, work force housing, and open space.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed: 3-0
The selectmen addressed the signature file signing some employee history forms for summer staff and the new police officer, Mettee Planning Consultants contract, and a letter of protest to NHRS.
Chair Bock informed all that he is working with Gail Mills in researching optional avenues for additional support at the town hall. He has spoken with Elizabeth Cilley from the UNH work-study program. Support is available for the academic year. This type of support has been used in Durham and
somewhat in Dover. Minimum wage is $7.25 but $9 - $10 per hour was suggested for someone doing computer work. The town is responsible for half the salary and all of the FICA. Chair Bock's next step is to have a workshop with staff to discuss specifics. Chair Bock noted that there are issues with space, equipment and funding to be considered. There was discussion around work-study vs. internships. Mr. Brown noted that the NH Municipal Management Association offers some type of intern program. There was discussion around not having funds in the budget this current year and whether another permanent staff should be sought for next year instead of paying out funds for a temporary person. A workshop will be scheduled shortly.
Chair Bock announced that Nottingham Day is scheduled for September 18, rain date of September 19. The committee is actively seeking volunteers. There is much to be done before, during and after. Please consider supporting this great event by volunteering your time. For more information or to volunteer, contact Janet Horvath at (603) 679-3435.
Ms. Bonser inquired about the 90-day extension for the cable contract. Mr. Somers from Comcast is supposed to hand-deliver it to Mr. Brown on Wednesday.
Motion: Bonser, second Anderson to authorize Mr. Brown to sign the 90-day extension to the cable contract.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed: 3-0.
APPOINTMENTS
7:00 PM – Public Hearing – Acceptance of AFG Funds for TI Camera
At 7:00 PM, Chair Bock opened the public hearing, acknowledged Chief Vilchock and invited him to the mic.
Chief Vilchock gave a brief history of the origins of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG). He informed all that Captains Nelson and Jude Thibeault prepared and submitted a grant in 2009 under the operations and safety category for a new thermal imaging camera. The department's current 10-year old camera is in Engine 3. It cannot be mounted in the new engine, Engine 2. In March of 2010 the department was informed that it was selected for award of a grant. The federal maximum amount for a town the size of Nottingham for a thermal imaging camera is $8,900. This grant requires a five percent match. Available funds from the grant will be $8,455, with the town required to supply $445. Captain Nelson Thibeault and Chris Parese researched and compared options and made
recommendations of equipment totaling $8,995. Chief Vilchock requested to expend funds of up to $650 from the operating budget to cover the required match and any remaining difference. This money would most likely come from either the forest fire line or equipment replacement line. He expects that these funds would be expended within 30 days. There was discussion around the warranty. Chief Vilchock explained that it is the standard Scott warranty for this product. The camera will not require any special installation.
There was a brief discussion around the new fire truck. Chief Vilchock reports that Engine 2 is running well, after a few problems with coolant leaks. They have used it for mutual aid and training. The lighting was used in Northwood.
The selectmen feel this new camera is an important purchase. They thanked Captains Nelson and Jude Thibeault for their hard work and efforts on behalf of Nottingham Fire/Rescue.
Motion: Bonser, second Anderson to close the public hearing.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed: 3-0
Motion: Bonser, second Anderson to accept the AFG grant award in the amount of $8,455 for purchase of a new thermal imaging camera.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed: 3-0.
7:15 PM – Therese Thompson, SWA Update, Alewives in Pawtuckaway, Etc.
At 7:15 PM, Chair Bock acknowledged Ms. Thompson and invited her to the mic.
Ms. Thompson thanked the selectmen for their time and Ms. Bonser in particular for obtaining some requested information on alewives in Pawtuckaway. She provided the selectmen with several handouts (see official file).
Ms. Bonser explained that there is concern about the alewives in Pawtuckaway because they eat the food of the natural fish and they eat the zooplankton that eats the algae, causing algal blooms. They are being put in Pawtuckaway (and other bodies of water) because man has disrupted their natural routes of travel and they are now considered endangered and they are feeder fish for larger fish downstream. There was discussion around the health hazards caused by the introduction of the alewives.
Ms. Thompson requested to have a link on Nottingham's website to the Southeast Watershed Alliance's website. The Alliance is trying to get all 52 communities to make the link.
Ms. Thompson inquired as to whether anyone had attended the road salt workshop held on May 13th. Mr. Brown explained that the road agent is currently tied up with Back Creek Bridge.
Ms. Thompson referred to copies of minutes of the Southeast Watershed Alliance meetings, noting that many experts attend the meetings. She indicated that there is lots of grant money available.
Ms. Thompson strongly encouraged town participation in the upcoming Porous Pavement Workshop on June 23, 2010. There was discussion around the porous pavement and thoughts on maintenance, freezing, and wear and tear.
Ms. Thompson reported that the SWA's by-laws are now complete and will be called the Operating Procedures and Organizational Structure. The Board of Directors has been elected.
Ms. Thompson provided information from a presentation about NH coastal region. She talked about the Piscataqua Region Estuaries Partnership, toxins, nitrogen, clarity, Chlorophyll A, and eelgrass.
Ms. Bonser voiced concern over the possible privatization of Pawtuckaway State Park given the state's current financial status. There was discussion around checking the list or starting legislation. Mr. Brown will invite Nottingham’s legislators to the July 6 meeting to address this issue. Mr. Anderson suggested raising the topic at the meeting they have been invited to which is being hosted by Raymond.
Ms. Thompson outlined the top ten areas of focus for the alliance, noting that they are working on narrowing it down to top three. She indicated that she did not know how long the alliance will exist.
Ms. Thompson addressed the issue of shoulder cutting or shoulder scraping along the state roads by DOT. She has a copy of their best management practices and they are not supposed to be doing this particular type of clearing. It invites invasive species.
Chair Bock asked Ms. Thompson to consider a table for Nottingham Day. Ms. Thompson agreed to set up with either the conservation commission or the lake association for the event.
There were thanks all around. Ms. Thompson stepped down and left the meeting.
MINUTES
May 24, 2010 (Meeting)
Line 82: Change Their trustees to The US trustee
Line 87: Change meeting to meet and correct the spelling of Braunstein’s name throughout
Line 93: Change smoke show to PR attempt
Line 147: Add the word tentatively
Line 156: Add the word for
Line 161: Change jake brake to engine breaks used by large trucks
Motion: Anderson, second Bonser to approve the minutes of the May 24, 2010 meeting, as amended.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed: 3-0
GENERAL BUSINESS
The selectmen addressed the Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual. They approved previous changes to pages seven, ten, and eleven. They requested the following changes to the final copy:
Page 11 – Under Personal Days: add per year at the end of the first sentence.
Page 23 – Under Medical Benefits – remove the Town Office or from the fourth sentence.
Page 23 – Under Retirement Plan: change Town Office to benefits administrator.
Page 27 – Motion: Anderson, second Bock to remove • Transmission of any religious or political messages is strictly prohibited.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed: 3-0
Page 27 – Add without written approval by the town administrator or board of selectmen to the end of bullet number six.
Page 33 – Under L. Weapons: Change specifically authorized by the Board of Selectmen to legally permitted.
Page 37 – Under Workplace Violence: Add or legally permitted to the third sentence.
Motion: Bonser, second Anderson to approve the new Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual as amended.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed: 3-0
Mr. Anderson raised the issue of business cards. Mr. Brown and Ms. Chauvey will work on something. Mr. Anderson informed all that he and Mr. Cinfo would like to visit other recycling centers; see some other facilities and start networking.
Having no further business,
Motion: Bonser, second Anderson to adjourn the meeting.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 3-0.
Meeting adjourned at 8:55 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Traci Chauvey
Recording Secretary
Approved as amended at the July 19,
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