Rt 108 Corridor Study Committee Minutes 5/11/17
Rte. 108 Corridor Study Committee Meeting Minutes
May 11, 2017
Municipal Center, Selectmen’s Meeting Room
10 Bunker Hill Avenue
Time: 7:00 PM
MEMBERS PRESENT: Lucy Cushman (Acting Chair), Melissa Currier, Roger Groux, Nate Merrill, Maria Stowell
MEMBERS ABSENT: Joe Lovejoy (Selectman’s Representative), Dick Swett
STAFF PRESENT: Paul Deschaine, Town Administrator, Tavis Austin, Town Planner
CALL TO ORDER
The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:01
ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES
Groux moved and Currier seconded a motion to accept the minutes of April 27th.
Three yes votes. Merrill and Stowell abstained. Motion passed.
REPORT ON UNH COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE (UNH) MEETING
Merrill, Austin, and Lovejoy met with Charlie French of UNH. UNH could help advise the Committee on how to conduct a public hearing or charrette – goal being to educate, not advocate. This service is free of charge. A separate UNH survey center could assist in a Town survey. There would be a cost. Rockingham Planning Commission and private firms are also available to assist with surveys. All would charge a fee. Committee will investigate the most cost effective course of action.
LESSONS FROM MIDDLE SCHOOL PRESENTATIONS
Cushman stated that the Middle School group had a separate website, not associated with the public school website. The website which promoted the project could not be funded with tax dollars. The group also developed a power point that was very effective. Ideas for this Committee’s presentations were discussed. Should it show examples from other areas or be more locally oriented, i.e. show how existing sites could be converted? Do we need to enlist professional services or use volunteers?
SEEK OPINIONS FROM DEVELOPERS
The Committee discussed inviting local developers to a meeting to get their opinions on the impact of water and sewer in attracting new development. There was general agreement that the discussion would be more valuable if the first Committee obtained more information on the costs to developers to make connections. The Committee went on to discuss cost of water and sewer, negotiations with neighboring Towns, what cost and tax base information is available from existing studies, impacts of a TIF, phasing plans and costs, and estimated revenues. It was mentioned that Newmarket is currently completing a study on the capacity of its WWTP and the results may show additional capacity that could benefit Stratham.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None present
NEXT MEETING
There was a decision to cancel the May 25th meeting due to both schedule conflicts and needing more time to review the Newmarket report. Committee will reconvene June 8, 2017.
Charlie French from UNH can be at a meeting on June 22nd.
ADJOURMENT
Merrill moved and Groux seconded a motion to adjourn at 8:34 pm. Passed by unanimous vote.
SUBMITTED BY
M Stowell