BOS Minutes 10/23/17

MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 23, 2017 BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING

MEMBER’S PRESENT:  Board Members Bruno Federico, Joe Lovejoy, Michael Houghton and Town Administrator Paul Deschaine.

At 7:30pm Chairman Federico opened the general meeting of the Board of Selectmen.

TREASURER’S REPORT:

Town Treasurer Deb Bronson indicated that the current general fund balance was $5,086,989.72.

MINUTES:

Mr. Federico moved to approve the 10/16/17 minutes as amended.  Mr. Lovejoy seconded the motion which passed unanimously.

PLANNING:

Town Planner Tavis Austin gave an update on Planning Board activities. 

Mr. Austin reported that he and Code Enforcement Officer Mark Morong had a conversation with the owner of 85 College Road who wants to put a garage on his property.  Mr. Austin and Mr. Morong both agreed that regulations would not allow the garage.  The owner of the property went to the State and obtained the permit.  Mr. Austin is writing a letter to the State. 

Mr. Austin said that both the Heritage and Conservation Commissions are expressing interest in the development of the Town Center.  Developers have also been contacting Mr. Austin, for opposing reasons. 

The Planning Board accepted the performance bond for Breslin Farm Road.  The numbers have been reviewed and he feels they are in compliance.  Tim Mason, the developer of the project, spoke in favor of moving the project forward.  Mr. Houghton motioned to accept the performance bond of $241,700 for the Breslin Farm subdivision and authorize the Town Administrator to work with the Town Planner and Town Counsel to execute the agreement around the irrevocable letter of credit and the developer’s performance agreement.  Mr. Federico seconded the motion which passed unanimously.  Mr. Houghton amended his motion to proceed with the third building permit as the final documents are completed.  Mr. Federico seconded the amended motion which passed unanimously.

The 14-16 Wiggin Way subdivision was approved a few months ago.  It was later discovered a trench needed to be dug for electricity.  Mr. Federico made a motion to accept the $5,000 bond for the 14-16 Wiggin Way subdivision and that it be reviewed in a year’s time to ensure that it is in compliance.  Mr. Lovejoy seconded the motion which passed unanimously.

Mr. Austin gave an update on the remaining work that needs to be done on the Bunker Hill Commons subdivision. Work should be complete by this fall.

He continued his report by giving an update on various developments that are ongoing. 

Golf Club of New England’s bond timed out in 2002.  There is not enough money left to do the necessary repaving.  Mr. Austin suggested a couple of courses of action which were discussed by the Board.  It was recommended that he give the development notice that there will be a hold on any new construction until such time that they come into compliance. 

Mr. Austin reported that Jacqueline Way, Sewall Farm and Patriots Way are, for the most part, in good standing. 

Mr. Austin wanted to let the Board know that the Pedestrian and Cyclist Advocacy Committee (PCAC) is coordinating with the Rockingham Planning Commission on getting grant monies to do a pedestrian bike plan.  PCAC member Melissa Gahr gave further details on how the grant money might be used. 

PARKS & RECREATION

Parks & Recreation Director Seth Hickey gave specifics on how he would like to update the bathrooms at Stratham Hill Park.  After doing research, he has gotten the cost down to $12,500.  Mr. Lovejoy made a motion to authorize Mr. Hickey to undertake renovations of the two front bathrooms, men’s and women’s, at a cost of $12,500 and funded with 2014 Field Improvement Fund from the CIP.  Mr. Houghton seconded the motion which passed unanimously. 

At the park there is an upper unfenced field (in previous years it had been a practice baseball field) that Mr. Hickey would like to eliminate.  After the work is done it will look like an open field.  Mr. Houghton made a motion to authorize Mr. Hickey to spend $2,100 on upgrading the unfenced field for repairs with said funds coming from the CIP.  Mr. Lovejoy seconded the motion which passed unanimously. 

Mr. Hickey reported on recent Parks & Recreation events including hosting a high school mountain bike race, Family Fun Day and a large cross country running event.  All went well. 

The Park Association trail working event this past Sunday was successful.  Approximately 30 people participated.  A great deal was accomplished.  Mr. Hickey said that he will work over the next month to finish the remaining work.  The Highway Department has built 3 containment units in the second field which will be useful to store material for trail work.  They are taking steps to move the ice rink to the basketball court in front of the stage.  He said that as it gets colder they will begin to shut things down at the park. 

At the Gifford House he hopes to get the floor replaced.  It is in very bad shape.  He’d also like to replace the door with a storm door and an insulated exterior door which will help with heat retention in the winter.  Because of the size, it would have to be a special order.  Mr. Federico made a motion to allow Mr. Hickey to repair the main entry way floor at the Gifford House at a cost of $4,500 and to install one exterior and one storm door for $1,223 for a total cost of $5,723.  Mr. Lovejoy seconded the motion which passed unanimously.

At Steven’s Park there is one more week of soccer.  Then they will be shutting things down.  He has had meetings with adults and middle schoolers regarding building a skate park at Stevens Park.  He hopes to have a presentation for the Board next month. 

Mr. Hickey continued with Parks & Recreation activities including basketball registration, a trip to the JFK Library, the ski program and a new yoga program. 

Mr. Hickey will be on vacation the week of Thanksgiving. 

At 8:35pm Mr. Houghton made a motion to enter a non-public session to cover the potential hiring of a Land Use Assistant I, two personnel matters and a possible acquisition property.  Mr. Lovejoy seconded the motion which passed unanimously.  At 10:21pm Mr. Houghton made a motion to come out of the non-public session and seal the minutes.  Mr. Lovejoy seconded the motion which passed unanimously.

RESERVATIONS

Mr. Emanuel requested use of the Morgera Room on 10/25, 11/8, 11/29 and 12/6 for Cub Scout Den 6 meetings.  Mr. Federico made a motion to approve the use and waive the fee.  Mr. Houghton seconded the motion which passed unanimously.

MEETINGS:  Mr. Federico reviewed the meetings of the past week and the coming week.

ADMINISTRATION

Mr. Deschaine requested signatures on the revised MS-535 because of the new form.

As discussed previously, Mr. Deschaine presented the letter of support for Senate Bill 121 delegated authority.  The Board signed the letter.

Mr. Deschaine reported that he is continuing to work with Town Counsel on the tax deeded property. 

Next, the Board discussed their expectations for the All Employee meeting.  Framework for the discussions they anticipate having was reviewed.

At 10:42pm Mr. Houghton made a motion to adjourn.  Mr. Lovejoy seconded the motion which passed unanimously. 

Respectfully submitted,
Karen Richard