Select Board Minutes 1/14/19
MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 14, 2019 SELECT BOARD MEETING
MEMBER’S PRESENT: Board Members Michael Houghton, Joe Lovejoy and Allison Knab and Town Administrator David Moore.
At 7:00 pm Mr. Houghton opened the general meeting of the Select Board.
Town Clerk / Tax Collector Joyce Charbonneau reported that the State put forth legislation to waive the state fees for Purple Heart, POW and Pearl Harbor veterans. They are asking that the Towns also waive the fees. In Stratham, we would have two that qualify. Mr. Lovejoy made a motion that we recognize the Purple Heart, POW and Pearl Harbor veterans in the same fashion as we do disabled veterans and waive the fee on one motor vehicle registration effective immediately. Ms. Knab seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
Secondly, Ms. Charbonneau is requesting that the polling hours be changed from 8 – 8 to 7 – 7. In order for this change to take effect, the question presented at Town Meeting would be for approval to put it on the state ballot at the next state election Nov. 2020. It would then be effective at the next election in 2022. In 2011 at Town Meeting it was approved to be put on the ballot for 2012, but it was defeated by approximately 300 votes. Since then, Ms. Charbonneau has been getting requests to change the hours. She has been tracking the number of voters and the hour they come in and feels it is time to revisit the issue. Mr. Lovejoy made a motion to take the question to Town Meeting. Mr. Houghton asked the residents in the room what their thoughts were. Resident Jim Cushman said that it makes sense to change the hours. Mr. Houghton then seconded Mr. Lovejoy’s motion which passed unanimously.
Interim Police Chief David Pierce presented his quarterly Dashboard explaining that expenses were up slightly because of year end items. In reviewing the Department’s budget, he had questions. Mr. Moore said he would look into the matter with him. They discussed items on his Dashboard. Chief Pierce said he is waiting on a grant to carry Narcan in the police vehicles. He is requesting a non-public to discuss the new police officer candidate.
Mr. Houghton asked about next steps for the solar panel at the Police Station. Mr. Moore responded that it would be to approve the company’s suggested fix and negotiate the fee. Chief Pierce described the safety measures he is taking in the interim. Mr. Houghton advised them both to meet with Energy Commission Chair Mike Welty and the Town’s attorney to review the matter. He feels strongly we should not have to pay for the resolution to the problem.
At 7:24 pm Mr. Houghton made a motion to enter into a non-public session to discuss a personnel matter. Ms. Knab seconded the motion which passed unanimously. At 7:39 pm Mr. Houghton made a motion to come out of non-public session and seal the records. Ms. Knab seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
TREASURER
Town Treasure Deb Bronson stated that the General Fund balance is $10,604,603.72.
PUBLIC HEARING
Mr. Houghton opened the Public Hearing on the proposed sale of the Bartlett-Cushman house as it relates to the Legal Notice that was posted. Mr. Moore described the offers and why the Board choose the one they did. This Public Hearing is required under RSA 41:14a process in order to move forward with the Purchase & Sale Agreement. Heritage Commission Chair Dave Canada spoke in support of the sale. Resident and developer Andrew Goddard expressed disappointment at not having his bid selected and at the lack of communication. Mr. Houghton said they accepted the offer that most closely aligns with what the Town is seeking. He noted that there were no negotiations with the bidders; offers were looked at as is. Mr. Goddard expressed concern over the process. Mr. Houghton thanked him for his input. Mr. Houghton continued the Public Hearing until January 28, 2019.
Among the items Mr. Moore is working on: preparing for the upcoming Budget Advisory Committee Meetings, posting the open positions for a Director of Public Works and advancing the Police Chief search process with MRI as well as moving the Barker Farm Conservation Easement forward. At 8:10 pm Mr. Houghton made a motion to enter into a non-public session in accordance with RSA 91:A II c.to discuss the panel for an interview board for the open Chief of Police position. Mr. Lovejoy seconded the motion which passed unanimously. At 8:33 Mr. Houghton made a motion to come out of the non-public session and seal the minutes. Ms. Knab seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
Mr. Lovejoy gave an update on the Route 108 Corridor Study Committee project. Some committee members would like to see a Warrant Article at Town Meeting regarding a TIF district. Mr. Lovejoy doesn’t feel enough information has reached the voters. Some inquiry has been made about the ability to bring such an article forward at a Special Meeting. Mr. Moore added his own observations about the ability to bring the issue to March meeting from a technical and a public outreach perspective. Mr. Houghton agreed that there needs to be more public outreach. Ms. Knab also agreed and spoke about how/when the information is communicated and what the public’s perspective might be. Mr. Houghton suggested holding several public presentations. They discussed ways to get information to the residents, including using social media. Mr. Lovejoy doesn’t feel they are at the best point to bring it to Town Meeting. Town Planner Tavis Austin sees the need to bring the TIF question to Town Meeting but also has concerns. He advocated more communication within the many town committees. Mr. Houghton continued to talk about community outreach and also outreach to the business owners, suggesting a roundtable discussion with them. Mr. Austin supported that idea. Mr. Lovejoy speculated on forming a sub-committee to focus solely on outreach. Mr. Moore outlined the steps he believes are necessary to move forward. Mr. Lovejoy, Mr. Moore and Mr. Austin will discuss further with the Committee at its next meeting, January 17th.
PERMITS
Mr. Moore presented a raffle permit request from Cara Rince, Inc. Mr. Houghton made a motion to approve the raffle permit request from Cara Rince, Inc. for CMS and Murray Academy raffle basket. Mr. Lovejoy seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
At 9:30 p.m. Ms. Knab made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Lovejoy seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Karen Richard, Recording Secretary