BOS Minutes 2/5/18
MINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY 5, 2018 BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING
MEMBER’S PRESENT: Board Members Bruno Federico, Michael Houghton, Joe Lovejoy and Town Administrator Paul Deschaine.
At 7:25 pm Mr. Lovejoy motioned to go into a non-public session to discuss a personnel issue with Police Chief Scippa. Mr. Houghton seconded the motion which passed unanimously. At 7:29 pm Mr. Lovejoy motioned to come out of the non-public session and seal the minutes. Mr. Houghton seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
At 7:34 pm Chairman Federico opened the general meeting of the Board of Selectmen.
MINUTES
Mr. Lovejoy made a motion to approve the minutes of 1/29/18 as amended. Mr. Houghton seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS
At 7:36 Mr. Federico opened the public hearing on the proposed Community Development block Grant/REDC Economic Development Project as previously posted. Laurel Adams, Rockingham Economic Development Committee (REDC), explained that Community Development Block Grant funds are available to municipalities through the NH Community Development Finance Authority. Up to $500,000 annually is available on a competitive basis for public facility and housing projects, up to $500,000 for economic development projects, and up to $350,000 annually is available for emergency activities. Up to $12,000 is available per planning study. All projects must primarily benefit low and moderate-income persons. The public hearings will hear public comment on the following:
An amended proposed application to the Community Development Finance Authority for up to $500,000 in Community Development Block Grant Economic Development funds. The town will retain some of the CDBG funds to cover administrative expenses and sub-grant $475,000 to Regional Economic Development Center (REDC). REDC will use the funds to capitalize the loan fund used for their lending and technical assistance programs. The funds will be used to fund loans that support small businesses as they grow. Specifically, the grant will provide working capital loans that support small and emerging businesses that cannot get some, or all, or their financing from traditional sources. The project will create 25 jobs and a minimum of 60% will be filled by persons from low and moderate-income households. As a part of this project, Davis Care d/b/a Senior Helpers of Stratham, or any other business that might participate in this program will be creating a minimum of 25 jobs. This is an amendment public hearing to the CDBG public hearing held on November 6, 2017. The change is primarily that the funds will be for a revolving loan program rather than previously proposed loan loss reserve.
Mr. Federico signed the paperwork as presented. Ms. Adams explained that new environmental requirements make it necessary to have paperwork signed each time a project begins. Mr. Federico asked the public for comments. No comments were received. At 7:41 pm Mr. Federico closed the public hearing.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Town Treasurer Deb Bronson stated that the General Fund balance is $8,971,378.94
HIGHWAY
Public Works Director Colin Laverty distributed quotes on lease terms for large vehicles. Mr. Federico confirmed with Mr. Deschaine that the lease would be coming out of the Operating Budget.
NH DOT struck a light pole in Town Center damaging LED globe pendants and twisted the masts on the pole. He is waiting to hear from East Coast Signal to give an estimate of cost of damage. He will then meet with NHDOT once he receives the quote.
Mr. Laverty has been reviewing the parking lot design at Stevens Park with Parks & Recreation Director Seth Hickey. They are attempting to accommodate current and future growth and address drainage issues.
Mr. Federico informed Mr. Laverty that the Board will be proposing a warrant article to do a study regarding the proposed skate park so there will be plenty of time for planning.
Bruno Marbacher, who lives on Scamman Road, came before the Board with an issue he is concerned about. Mr. Marbacher has a trail entrance across from his house. He said that ever since the new trail map was issued, he’s seen an increase in people parking in the neighborhood, on his street, and sometimes on his property. As a result of the conservation easement, a right of way was established so people could use the trail system. Parks and Recreation Director Seth Hickey said that 12 entrance points were created and coordinated with Fire & Police to gain better access in the event of an emergency situation. Mr. Marbacher felt that abutters should have been notified so that they could voice an opinion. Mr. Lovejoy noted that it is legal to park on the road. Mr. Marbacher is requesting the Town put up a sign at the trail entrance. He wants people to be aware it is a residential neighborhood and hopes that they will be more considerate of the residents there. Police Chief John Scippa, although sympathetic to Mr. Marbacher, advised that unless a car was parked illegally, they couldn’t do anything. Mr. Houghton offered that we could add to the map and website that trailheads are intended for pedestrian and bicycle access and request people park motor vehicles in designated parking areas. The Board decided to take the issue of a sign under advisement. Mr. Marbacher requests that a decision be made by April. Mr. Houghton said they would change the verbiage on the maps and website to reflect what they discussed tonight and the Board will continue to evaluate options and alternatives relative to signs and to keep him updated as to the status of that development.
NEW BUSINESS
Stratham Memorial School is requesting a road closure to do a Wellness Walk on May 9th. They would like Gifford Farm Road and Long Hill Road closed for approximately 45 minutes. Mr. Houghton made a motion to approve the road closure on May 9th starting at 1:30 pm for the SMS Wellness Walk. Mr. Lovejoy seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
Mr. Houghton made a motion to approve the raffle permit request by SMS PTO 5th Grade Committee. Mr. Lovejoy seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS
Mr. Lovejoy motioned to accept the final version of the TIF District Plan Report provided by the Arnett Group and reviewed and accepted by the Route 108 Committee. Mr. Houghton seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
MEETINGS
Mr. Federico reviewed the meetings of the past and coming week. Mr. Deschaine attended the Exeter Area Chamber of Commerce meeting. There was a presentation by the Economic Director regarding, among other things, the TIF they have been using. Mr. Deschaine also reported that, of Statewide importance, Dept. of Economic Affairs reported an increase in population which is a reversal of the trend of the past decade. Mr. Houghton reported that the Planning Board made changes to the zoning regulations and finalized the warrant for cell phone towers. Mr. Houghton reported that the Heritage Commission met to discuss the preservation easement at the old town hall and the final negotiation strategy. Mr. Federico noted that Friday was the close of registration for election of town offices. Mr. Deschaine said that every position has someone running for it. Mr. Lovejoy said that the Route 108 Committee met to discuss the plan as accepted earlier in the evening. In addition, they scheduled two meetings in April; one will be a public meeting on April 19th to educate the community. A flyer will be given out at Town Meeting.
ADMINISTRATION
Ms. Lake is still working on getting the Olympic banner completed before the Olympics begin.
Mr. Deschaine gave the Board information and a brief history of Doe Run Lane describing the many hindrances to developing it.
One Citizen’s Petition has been received. It is to determine if we are interested in joining Governor Sununu of Massachusetts in a feasibility study for developing off shore wind power. They’ve approached the Energy Commission for their support; however, they haven’t taken a position on the matter.
Mr. Deschaine said that Andrew Goddard expressed interest in the Bartlett Cushman house and the frame shop next door to it. He is requesting building permits on Barbara’s Way before he gets credit for the bond. This has not been our practice. Mr. Houghton was concerned about setting a precedent that could have adverse implications to the integrity of the ordinances. In addition, because the project was approved a long time ago, he feels financing should’ve already been in place. Sub-contractors of the project could be at risk if the project stops. Mr. Houghton made a motion to deny the request to issue building permits as we await letters of credit for Barbara’s Way. Mr. Federico seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
POLICE DEPT.
Police Chief John Scippa reported that the committee regarding Large Assembly Ordinance has met and is finalizing their recommendation to the Board.
The installation of the solar panels on the Police Station is nearly complete.
OTHER BUSINESS
Abigail Sleeper introduced herself to the Board. She is a freelance writer for Seacoast Online and will be covering the upcoming elections. Ms. Sleeper asked some questions regarding the election process and about the banner honoring former Stratham Olympian Eric Flaim.
At 9:19 pm Mr. Federico made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Lovejoy seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Karen Richard
Recording Secretary