Select Board Minutes 1/21/20

MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 21, 2020 SELECT BOARD MEETING

MEMBER’S PRESENT:  Board Members Chair Mike Houghton, Vice Chair Joe Lovejoy, Board member Allison Knab were in attendance along with Town Administrator David Moore.

At 7:00 p.m. Mr. Houghton opened the meeting.

MINUTES
Mr. Lovejoy motioned to approve the minutes of 1/6/2020 as amended.  Ms. Knab seconded the motion which passed unanimously.

TREASURER
In the absence of the Town Treasurer, Mr. Moore reported a general fund balance of $13,726,866.15. 

Mr. Houghton recognized the NH State legislative delegation and welcomed them to the meeting.  The delegation included Representative Lovejoy, Representative Abrami, Representative Altschiller, and Senator Tom Sherman.  The Board and delegation discussed a number of topics under legislation in the current term.  In addition, they discussed the value of communicating regularly in the future noting that each group are working to serve the same constituency.  The group discussed the following specific legislative topics:

PFAS
Housing – tiny homes
Retirement bills
5G Commission
Wireless meters / smart meters
Demolition of municipal property
Short-term rentals
Housing Board of Appeals
Affordable Housing Commission

Ms. Altschiller pointed out that she holds office hours the last Monday of every month and she encouraged the Board and the Town Administrator to provide feedback.  The Board invited the delegation to return in early April to coincide with the “crossover” of legislation that has passed the House and Senate separately.

POLICE DEPARTMENT
Chief of Police Anthony King reported a successful transition to Rockingham County Dispatch. Their recent toy drive was a huge success.  New pistols have been ordered.  Goals & objectives have been submitted.  He is making progress implementing the Emergency Notification System in Stratham.  He will be encouraging residents to sign up.  He noted Revision solar has completed their modifications to the solar panels to help manage snow slide off the roof; the new system has not been tested yet with a large snow event.  The first phase of the computer replacement program has begun.  The department did extremely well in the Police Standards and Training audit of their training records.  The Board thanked the Chief for his report.

NEW BUSINESS
The Chair recognized Kirk Scamman as part of public comment who came before the Board to get an update on the status of the Gateway and indicated he favors moving forward with the needed investments to realize the underlying zoning.  Mr. Moore replied that the Board has directed him to move forward with preparations of placing the adoption of a TIF District on the Town Warrant.  He noted efforts at outreach and education have been planned following up on the event last October and the work of the 108 Study Committee.  The Board reiterated the Administrator’s comments.

Next the Chair recognized the Administrator and Finance Administrator Dawna Duhamel to provide an update on budget preparations.  Mr. Moore indicated that he is working on additional information requested by the Budget Advisory Committee.  Ms. Duhamel spoke to a handout describing year over year information.  She reviewed some possible options to consider in an attempt to reduce the budget and the tax impact those changes might have.  Continuing on, she reviewed the Town’s income and expenses and items that cause fluctuations in the numbers year to year.  A fund balance policy is being worked on and will be discussed on February 3rd.  She, Mr. Moore and the Board discussed ways to reduce the budget.  They look forward to sharing Ms. Duhamel’s work with the Budget Advisory Committee. 

At 9:01p.m. Mr. Lovejoy made a motion to go into a non-public session in accordance with RSA 91-A, II (a), (b), and (c) s.  Ms. Knab seconded the motion which passed unanimously. 

At 9:42 a.m. the public session reconvened.  Mr. Lovejoy made a motion to seal the minutes noting that failure to do so would render any action ineffective.  Ms. Knab seconded the motion and all voted in favor.     

NEW BUSINESS (continued)
The Board discussed the format and topics of the all Employee meeting to be held on January 23rd.  There will be a presentation by Primex relative to workplace safety.  This led to a discussion on the importance of employee safety.  They recalled prior meetings and noted that most open items were completed.

RESERVATIONS
New Life Baptist Church is once again requesting use of Room A on Sunday’s.  In exchange of mopping and shoveling, they are requesting a half price fee.  NHSPCA is requesting use of all the pavilions for PAWS Walk in June and to waive the fee.  Ms. Knab made a motion to approve the requests.  Mr. Lovejoy seconded the motion which passed unanimously.  The Community Church requested use of the top of the hill at Stratham Hill Park on Easter morning.  Mr. Lovejoy made a motion to approve the request.  Ms. Knab seconded the request which passed unanimously.  A resident who previously received permission to use Room A is now requesting permission to have alcohol present.  The policy requires the Select Board vote to approve such a request.  After a brief discussion, Mr. Lovejoy made a motion to approve the request.  Ms. Knab seconded the motion which passed unanimously.  Mr. Moore presented a raffle permit request from SMS PTO.  Mr. Lovejoy made a motion to approve the request.  Mr. Houghton seconded the motion which passed unanimously.  Mr. Moore presented a road closure request for the annual SMS Wellness Walk on May 6th.  Ms. Knab made a motion to approve the road closure request.  Mr. Lovejoy seconded the motion which passed unanimously. 

MEETINGS
Mr. Moore reviewed upcoming meetings for the week.  The Conservation Commission is being asked to reconsider their policy regarding blowing leaves on the trails.  They continue to work on land acquisition criteria.

ADMINISTRATION
Mr. Moore gave an update on curbside collection.  A draft survey will be sent to help determine the community’s preferences for curbside collection methods and policies.  Public Works Director Nate Mears has been investigating “pay as you throw” programs, which make a compelling case financially.  The Board noted that the Committee and community has encouraged the Board to think broadly about the issue.  Ms. Knab observed that composting may reduce overall garbage being thrown out and in general the Board discussed the value of outreach and education about opportunities to serve the Town and be better stewards of the environment no matter the final approach to collection and disposal.

Mr. Lovejoy has been contacted by the Purple Heart Committee which is a group that encourages recognition of Purple Heart recipients in communities.  The Board decided to invite Ms. Grella to a meeting to hear more about the program.

Next, the Board discussed preparations for TIF District outreach.  In addition to a presentation in February there will be information in Stratham Magazine, in a Select Board Newsletter and in a Frequently Asked Questions sheet.  Mr. Moore reviewed the preparations for finalizing the required TIF District and Plan that constitute the policy that will be voted on at Town Meeting.   

In preparation for the Budget Advisory Committee meeting, Mr. Moore made the Board aware of two of the public service provider requests, including one who may submit a petition to be added and the other who is requesting more funds than last year.

Mr. Moore brought their attention to an article entitled “A Closer Look at the New Laws Governing Town Meeting and Election Postponement”.  

At 10:45 pm Mr. Lovejoy made a motion to adjourn.  Ms. Knab seconded the motion which passed unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

Karen Richard
Recording Secretary