Select Board Minutes 9/23/19
MINUTES OF THE SEPTEMBER 23, 2019 SELECT BOARD MEETING
MEMBER’S PRESENT: Board Members Chair Mike Houghton, Vice Chair Joe Lovejoy and Allison Knab were in attendance along with Town Administrator David Moore.
At 7:02 p.m. Mr. Houghton opened the meeting.
MINUTES
Mr. Lovejoy made a motion to approve the minutes of 9/9/19 as amended. Ms. Knab seconded the motion, which passed.
TREASURER
Town Treasurer Deb Bronson indicated the General Fund balance was $7,377,196.28.
NEW BUSINESS
The Chair recognized, Matt O’Keefe of the Energy Commission to discuss the electricity aggregation contract. The 3-year contract ensures savings on Stratham’s annual energy bill of about $4,600 or 5.6% of our annual cost of $83,000. This contract was the result of a regional partnership spearheaded by the Rockingham Planning Commission (RPC) to aggregate the electricity demand loads of multiple municipal entities. This RPC initiative has the potential to grow as other interested municipalities see their current energy contracts expire. In the future, this effort to cooperate regionally has the potential to save Stratham even more tax dollars. Mr. Houghton made a motion to accept the Energy Commission’s recommendation to enter into an aggregation agreement with RPC and authorize the Town Administrator to sign the contract. Mr. Lovejoy seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Referring to the recently adopted policy for naming facilities, Mr. Moore indicated the Town has received a complete submission from a resident to name the small park area at the end of River Road after longtime resident, Dorothy Clemons. In accordance with the policy a determination of application completeness and scheduling of a public hearing would be the next steps. Mr. Houghton made a motion to accept the application submitted by Daniel Coffey for the Dorothy Clemons Park at River Road as complete and proceed with a public hearing on October 7th. Ms. Knab seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
The Chair then moved to a discussion about an upcoming public event regarding the implementation of the Gateway district and adoption of a TIF district. He welcomed Stu Arnett of ADG Solutions to the meeting. Mr. Moore indicated the Gateway has been an ongoing initiative and its full implementation through encouraging redevelopment is embraced wholly and fully by the Master Plan. Creating a TIF district and development plan has been shown through extensive study to be a potentially viable way to finance needed public infrastructure in order to realize the Gateway’s vision of mixed uses in the zone. Mr. Moore summarized that they are looking to implement a strategy for reintroducing the vision to the community and introducing the TIF concept, resulting in a vote at Town Meeting. Mr. Lovejoy confirmed that he’d like to focus on setting up a TIF district. He believes broadening the membership in the Route 108 Committee will help gain support for the project. October 9th is being set aside to host a presentation to the community and continue the conversation. Mr. Moore noted that it will be well documented through video and a PowerPoint presentation and will serve as a resource for residents to refer to. Mr. Moore briefly reviewed the proposed outline for the presentation, noting Mr. Arnett will be available that evening to answer questions. Mr. Arnett agreed that it’s important to narrow the focus to the creation of a TIF district, as that is simply a tool that will enable the Town to have options. Mr. Houghton recognized that there are some negative feelings surrounding the Gateway concept. However, he feels that it is his role and obligation to provide strategic pathways for the future stability of the Town. A TIF would provide options. Mr. Houghton drew attention to the fact that with the recent re-valuation, commercial values went down, while residential increased, causing the residents to bear the burden of funding the town. Mr. Arnett cited several benefits to Gateway development. Mr. Houghton said the TIF would be a means to which developers could invest in the future of Stratham. He noted that zoning has been in place for the Gateway for several years. Adding infrastructure will provide for the economic development of the Town. Referring to a recent survey regarding the project, Mr. Lovejoy reported seeing a change in people’s minds. Mr. Arnett explained that delaying action is detrimental because, among other reasons, developers will go elsewhere.
NEW BUSINESS
Mr. Moore recommended Building Inspector/Code Enforcement Officer Shanti Wolph be nominated by the Board to serve as Health Officer. The current Health Officer, Dr. David London’s term is expiring and he has decided to step aside. The Board expressed its gratefulness for Dr. London’s service. Mr. Lovejoy made a motion to appoint Shanti Wolph as the Health Officer. Ms. Knab seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Mr. Moore suggested the next all-staff meeting be scheduled sometime in the first two weeks of December; he will advise further on a final date.
Mr. Lovejoy made a motion to authorize the Town Administrator to submit the MS4 annual report and related submittals following-up on our permit requirements. Ms. Knab seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Mr. Moore reported the Ross family has come forward to request a renewal of the Ross Recreational Trail Agreement. After discussing the matter with Town Counsel and staff, he recommends signing the agreement. Ms. Knab made a motion to authorize the Town Administrator to sign the renewal of the Ross Recreational Trail Agreement. Mr. Lovejoy seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. Mr. Moore met with the Ross brothers who are very familiar with the land and have strong feelings about its use and maintenance.
Mr. Moore presented a draft budget calling attention to three sets of goals, including ensuring an effective process; creating new documentation; and providing clear guidelines to the various units creating budgets. The guidelines set forth in his presentation will provide direction to departments as they finalize their budget. He discussed how lengthening the budget process will allow for more time for deliberation and decision-making. In addition, he would like to create a record that could be referred back to. He will guide the department heads in developing their budgets and noted there is a need to establish a program for making adjustments to wages in a consistent manner. He’d like to pay close attention to the strategy for managing the fund balance. Mr. Lovejoy was supportive of the steps outlined by Mr. Moore and is in favor of examining the budget more closely. Mr. Houghton feels compensation adjustments for employees should be based solely on merit. He also wanted to ensure that we were meeting the regulatory requirement of the Budget Advisory Committee. They discussed computer replacement and other specific items and how they would be accounted for in the budget. Library Director Lesley Kimball appreciated the clarity Mr. Moore provided.
HIGHWAY
Public Works Director Nate Mears presented his first department report. He reviewed some of the many projects his crew has been working on. Additionally, he described policies and procedures he is creating to ensure smooth operations. This will provide him with a clear, consistent way of responding to resident’s inquiries. He has been working closely with department heads and committees regarding roads, developing bike lanes, signage, trash collection and storm water management, among other things. He and the Board discussed various strategic opportunities for ensuring the most efficient service delivery to the residents and departments, including restructuring grounds and facilities functions to occur with the public works function. The Board was supportive of the restructuring, noting communication would be extremely important for a smooth process. They discussed the CIP for building maintenance for the Police and Fire Stations.
At 9:14 pm Mr. Lovejoy motioned to go into a non-public session to discuss a personnel matter in accordance with RSA 91 A:3, III (c). Ms. Knab seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
At 10:25 pm Mr. Lovejoy made a motion to come out of the non-public session and seal the minutes noting that failure to do so would render a proposed action ineffective. Ms. Knab seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
Mr. Moore updated the Board on the PFAS focused site investigation. We continue to work closely with DES.
Mr. Moore volunteered to serve on the HB495 Drinking Water Commission. Mr. Lovejoy made a motion to appoint Mr. Moore to the commission. Ms. Knab seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Mr. Moore recommended that we enter into the fireworks contract for Family Fun Day. The safety details are being taken care of by the Parks and Recreation department. Mr. Houghton made a motion to authorize the Town Administrator to execute the fireworks contract for Family Fun Day and secure the appropriate permits. Mr. Lovejoy seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Mr. Moore said that there is a need for a Deputy Health Officer. Ms. Knab made a motion to appoint Fire Chief Matt Larrabee to be the Deputy Health Officer. Mr. Lovejoy seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
RESERVATIONS
There was one non-profit group that requested using the Scamman Pavilion on Oct. 13, 2019. Mr. Lovejoy made a motion to approve the request and waive the fee. Mr. Houghton seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
The Wiggin heirs approached the Town to see if we would have any interest in acquiring their piece of property in the vicinity of Bunker Hill Avenue and roads making up the Rollins Hill Farm Development. There is no apparent use for the land. Ms. Knab feels that these requests should go to the Conservation Commission for evaluation. Mr. Houghton’s initial reaction is to oppose acquiring the parcel as it creates no value to the residents of Stratham. After further discussion, it was decided to refer the matter to the Conservation Commission.
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