TOWN OF NOTTINGHAM
Selectmen’s Meeting
November 22, 2010
6:33 PM, Chair Bock opened the meeting and asked all those present to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Members Present: Peter Bock, Gary Anderson, Mary Bonser
Guest: Rhoda Capron, Library Director; Laurie Legard, Library Trustee; Hal Rafter; Chris Mills; Phil Auger and the Nottingham Conservation Commission;
Others: Charles Brown, Town Administrator; Traci Chauvey, Recording Secretary; Charlene Andersen
ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS
Mr. Brown provided the selectmen with a memo from Janet Horvath, Director of Recreation, regarding the use of the old town hall, adult recreational field trips, and direction on the response to Deb Stevens and clarification of Mulligan Forest being included with the recreation survey. The Selectmen have no issue with use of the old town hall for recreational programs, they will not support adult recreational trips to casinos, but will support trips to places such as Flag Hill Winery, as long as these trips are requested by residents and not promoted by the recreation department. There was no discussion around the Mulligan Forest clarification.
Point of Order: Ms. Chauvey arrived at 6:38 PM. The above minutes are from the notes of Mr. Brown.
Mr. Brown referenced a memo to the selectmen from Heidi Seaverns regarding map digitization. The selectmen want this to go forward as a warrant article.
Ms. Bonser informed all that Nottingham Fire/Rescue Chief, Jay Vilchock, plans to put forth a request for a third full-time staff member in 2012.
Chair Bock announced that tax bills have gone out. The tax rate is set at $19.92. Taxes are due December 27.
Mr. Brown informed everyone the USA Springs bankruptcy hearing has been re-scheduled, again. Mr. Mills noted the new date is December 7.
Chair Bock announced the Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 4, beginning at 1:00 PM.
MINUTES
OCTOBER 12, 2010 (MEETING)
Correct Mr. Swible's name throughout.
Line 223: Remove the words there is an attempt to establish and change as to is.
Line 232: Lynn's last name is Sweet
Motion: Anderson, second Bonser to approve the October 12, 2010 meeting minutes, as amended.
Vote: Bonser and Anderson in favor. Bock abstained. Motion passed: 2-0-1.
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APPOINTMENTS
7:00 PM – LIBRARY BUDGET PRESENTATION
At 6:59 PM, Chair Bock acknowledged Ms. Legard and Ms. Capron and invited them to the mic.
Ms. Capron handed out copies of the budget. Referring to the hand-out, Ms. Legard noted that little has changed, although there are a few proposed increases. She went through the lines. There is a $600 increase in cleaning as the carpets need to be cleaned. There is a $50 increase in Continuing Education This line has typically been used by the trustees and library director, however, they are encouraging continuing education with all staff. There is a $500 increase in Furniture for bookcases in the young adult's and children's sections. There is a $500 increase in Maintenance and a $400 increase in Repairs due to the age of the building. There was discussion around the possibility of getting help from PSNH with energy conservation. Mr. Brown noted that he had heard Strafford Regional Planning Commission was also working
on an energy project. He will pass the information on Ms. Capron.
Ms. Legard moved on to salaries. They are recommending a five percent increase for the library director and four percent for everyone else with the exception of the library assistant II. This is a new person who was hired at a lower rate than the person who left the job. Ms. Legard defended the salary increases, noting the amazing job performed by the library director. There was discussion around salaries in comparison to other libraries. Ms. Capron pointed out the dollar amounts associated with the increase and referenced the part-time status. Chair Bock, addressing Ms. Legard, indicated that he is, also, very appreciate of the town staff and made an observation that Mr. Brown has put forth a recommendation for a two percent increase.
There was discussion around the increase in circulation over the years. Mr. Brown inquired about meeting with the Budget Committee. December 2, is the best date for Ms. Capron and Ms. Legard.
7:20 PM – HAL RAFTER – CAMPAIGN SIGNS
At 7:24 PM, Chair Bock acknowledged Mr. Rafter and invited him to the mic.
Mr. Rafter and Mr. Mills took the mic. Mr. Rafter has been in contact with Mr. Stucker, however, Mr. Stucker was not able to make this meeting. Mr. Rafter suggested meeting again at the selectmen's meeting scheduled for December 6. The selectmen determined there would not be a quorum on December 6 and moved the meeting to December 13. If Mr. Stucker is not available December 13, they will be scheduled for December 20.
Mr. Rafter explained the issue was the attempt to remove a political sign, first by a selectmen and then by the moderator. A complaint was made to Mr. Anderson about a Carol Shea-Porter sign supported by the VFW Political Action Committee. On both attempts to remove the sign, the officials were told they would need authority (from the attorney general or secretary of state) to remove a political sign. Ms. Bonser informed Mr. Rafter that the selectmen have no authority over the moderator. He is an independently elected official. Mr. Rafter asked Mr. Anderson about his actions. Mr. Anderson believes he went too far in one direction to address a resident's concern. Mr. Anderson agrees that the sign should have stayed. There was discussion around
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the timeline of events. Mr. Anderson stated that the person who complained appeared to be a legitimate representative. Chair Bock ended the conversation until Mr. Stucker could be present.
7:40 PM – NOTTINGHAM CONSERVATION COMMISSION – KIMBALL PROPERTY UPDATE
At 7:40 PM, Chair Bock acknowledged Mr. Auger and invited him to the mic.
Mr. Auger displayed a map of the property and gave a brief history. He reported that Ms. Kimball wants to give the property to Bear Paw, however Bear Paw cannot own the property and be primary holder of the easement. Bear Paw would like the town to take over as primary. There was discussion around the responsibilities of being primary, which include making sure no one is breaking the laws of the easement, no converting of the property, and yearly monitoring.
Motion: Bonser, second Anderson to take primary position of the easement pending review of the contract by the town attorney.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed: 3 - 0
There was discussion around the other properties being offered to the town. The Miriam/Daggett property is 46.41 acres. The Tasker property is 46 acres on both sides of the river. Nottingham Conservation Commission is good with both purchases and primary position on the easement. There was a brief discussion around the Ledge Farm Road property going under easement.
There were thanks all around. Conservation Commission members left the meeting.
8:00 PM – CHRIS MILLS – DISCUSSION AROUND AGENDAS
At 8:09, Chair Bock acknowledged Mr. Mills and invited him to the mic.
Mr. Mills publicly thanked Ms. Chauvey for changes taking place on the web site. Chair Bock assured him it was with the support of the town administrator and selectmen.
Mr. Mills would like to see more information on the agendas. He identified dates of blank agendas, however, when he turned on his television, events of interest were taking place at the meetings. Added to his frustration is the lack of current minutes on the web site. He voiced concern that people do not know what is going on by the agenda and by the time the minutes get approved and get on line, the issue has passed. There was discussion around important things coming together at the last minute, the agenda policy, and the attempt to put the guests and public first. There was a brief discussion around posting draft minutes, replacing them with the approved minutes and the time that it takes to maintain the web site. Mr. Mills suggested approving minutes at the beginning of every meeting. The selectmen and town
administrator feel there is possibly a better way. This issue will be reviewed. There were thanks all around.
NON-PUBLIC
Motion: Bonser, second Anderson to enter non-public under RSA 91-A:3 II (c).
Vote: All in favor by roll call: Bock – yea, Bonser – yea, Anderson – yea. Motion passed: 3-0
The selectmen entered a non-public session at 8:30 PM.
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Motion: Bonser, second Anderson to exit the non-public session.
Vote: All in favor by roll call: Bock – yea, Bonser – yea, Anderson – yea. Motion passed: 3-0
The selectmen exited the non-public session at 8:50 PM.
While in non-public the selectmen made the following motion:
Motion: Bonser, second Anderson to waive the deed for M13 L10-D.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed: 3-0.
Motion: Bonser, second Anderson to enter non-public under RSA 91-A:3 II (e).
Vote: All in favor by roll call: Bock – yea, Bonser – yea, Anderson – yea. Motion passed: 3-0
The selectmen entered a non-public session at 8:50 PM.
Motion: Bonser, second Anderson to exit the non-public session.
Vote: All in favor by roll call: Bock – yea, Bonser – yea, Anderson – yea. Motion passed: 3-0
The selectmen exited the non-public session at 8:53 PM.
Motion: Bonser, second Anderson to seal the minutes of the non-public sessions.
Vote: All in favor: Motion passed: 2-0
GENERAL BUSINESS
The selectmen determined they would meet Monday, November 30 at 4:00 PM to go over the deed waiver list.
Having no further business,
Motion: Anderson, second Bonser to adjourn the meeting.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed: 3-0
Meeting adjourned at 8:55 PM.
Respectively submitted,
Traci Chauvey
Recording Secretary
Approved as amended at the December 21, 2010 Selectmen’s Meeting.
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