BOS Minutes 10/16/17
MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 16, 2017 BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING
MEMBER’S PRESENT: Board Members Bruno Federico, Joe Lovejoy, Michael Houghton, and Town Administrator Paul Deschaine.
At 7:33 Chairman Federico opened the general meeting of the Board of Selectmen.
TREASURER’S REPORT:
Town Treasurer Deb Bronson indicated that the current general fund balance was $5,071,038.77.
MINUTES:
Mr. Lovejoy motioned to approve the 10/2/2017 minutes as amended. Mr. Federico seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Police Chief John Scippa requested approval to purchase 4 Motorola radios at a cost of $9,037 from the Radio Capital Reserve Fund. As discussed in previous Selectmen meetings, the radios were due to be replaced and Motorola is offering a large discount if we purchase the radios within the next 12 months. In addition, Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office cannot implement their communications program without all the communities having the same radio system. Mr. Lovejoy made a motion to authorize Chief Scippa to purchase the radios at a cost of $9,037 during the year at his discretion. Mr. Houghton seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
Chief Scippa announced the Drug Take Back Program will be on Saturday, October 28th from 10am – 2pm at the Police Station. He will be using the website, the Police Facebook page and the marquees outside the buildings to promote the event.
Chief Scippa said that Officer Janvrin is requesting time off that he has not yet accrued. He made it clear during the hiring process that he would need this time off. Mr. Lovejoy motioned to allow Officer Janvrin to have a negative of 32 hours of vacation with the understanding that he will sign an agreement that should he leave our employ prior to earning the time, that he will reimburse the Town with his last paycheck. Mr. Houghton seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
Seven members of the Stratham Police Department, along with some State Police Officers, participated in Family Fun Day. Chief Scippa thought it went well and was a great opportunity to meet the residents.
Chief Scippa reported that he went over budget on the vehicle maintenance line by $473 due to unanticipated repairs to the motorcycle. Overall the budget is still in good shape and the bottom line should not be an issue at the end of the year. There is some building maintenance that needs to be done; the final cost is unknown at this time.
Finally, Chief Scippa announced he will be attending the International Association of Chiefs of Police Conference in Philadelphia from Oct 20 – 25. During his absence, Lieutenant Pierce will be the officer in charge.
Mr. Houghton thanked Chief Scippa for the report he presented at the GACIT hearing in support of a traffic light at the Bunker Hill intersection.
NEW BUSINESS
Mr. Robert (“Bob”) Helfinstine from Sterling Hills development in Exeter came in to discuss putting up signs to ensure the public uses the main entrance to the Sterling Hill area as opposed to the construction road. Mr. Deschaine gave background as to the approvals for access roads to Sterling Hill and the Vineyards. Currently, what is there is not what was approved. Originally, Stratham required a secondary access and egress to the development. Exeter approved a secondary access drive with a gate at Guinea and a gate at the main entrance. During the later phases of construction the gate was temporarily moved in to facilitate construction vehicles. It should have been moved to Guinea Road with lockboxes at the end of construction. The Exeter Planning Board has jurisdiction over the site plan. The Board will request Town Planner Tavis Austin work with the Exeter Town Planner to resolve any open issues.
CMS Music Boosters are requesting a Raffle Permit. Mr. Lovejoy motioned to approve the raffle permit for the CMS Music Boosters. Mr. Houghton seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
Roger Barczak of Newmarket came before the board to get the lights turned on on the Route 108 bridge. The State had turned them off permanently to save money. Mr. Barczak is requesting the towns of Newfields, Newmarket and Stratham split the cost of turning the lights on. Newfields has agreed. The split cost would be approximately $800 per year. Mr. Barczak cited aesthetic and safety reasons for illuminating the bridge. Mr. Deschaine expressed some concerns with unforeseen costs. The Board showed interest and asked Mr. Barczak to return with further details.
James Manning came before the Board on behalf of his uncle. His uncle obtained a Hawkers & Peddlers permit. He attempted to sell items at Family Fun Day at Stratham Hill Park and was asked to leave. Mr. Manning wanted an explanation as to why. Mr. Deschaine and Mr. Lovejoy explained that Stratham Hill Park was given to the Town with restrictions that we must abide by. One of the restrictions is no commercial activity at the park. Mr. Manning asked about selling at Stevens Park. They replied that the Town owns Stevens Park outright so there are no restrictions on that property. Mr. Manning was unclear about what the license allows and where he could sell. The Board explained that a permit only states that you have registered with the Police Dept. and met their requirements. You still need to get the permission of the owners of the property, whether public or private, to sell on their land. Chief Scippa suggested Mr. Manning and his uncle meet with him on Tuesday to further discuss the issue.
Public Works Director Colin Laverty informed the Board about an unexpected closing of the Transfer Station on Saturday, October 14th. The transfer station attendant, Bob Jackson, had a family emergency. Mr. Laverty was unable to get a replacement for Mr. Jackson. He apologizes for any inconvenience to the residents.
At 8:47pm Mr. Federico, at Mr. Laverty’s request, made a motion to go into a non-public to discuss a personnel issue. Mr. Lovejoy seconded the motion which passed unanimously. At 8:58pm Mr. Houghton motioned to come out of the non-public session and to seal the minutes. Mr. Federico seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
MEETINGS
Mr. Federico reviewed the meetings of the coming week and the past week. Mr. Houghton gave an update of the Planning Board meeting regarding Auto Fair. He also reported that the GACIT hearing went well. He, Mr. Deschaine, Chief Scippa and a few residents attended and made a strong case for a traffic light at the intersection of Bunker Hill and Route 108.
ADMINISTRATION
Mr. Deschaine gave an update on the tax deeded property. It has been determined that we have adequately noticed Citizens Bank who is interested in the property. We are finalizing the numbers.
Mr. Deschaine reported that he is working on the Senate Bill 121 letter of support and the revenue projections. He is also working with the auditors regarding the MS-535. There is an issue with the new form DRA is using in the portal. However, Mr. Deschaine said that our numbers are correct and he recommends the Board sign the form.
Mr. Federico said that he would like to get a newsletter out by Wednesday and listed the items he wanted included in it.
Mr. Houghton inquired as to the status of the Bartlett Cushman House and the proposals from real estate agencies. In order to maintain our integrity, he advised pursuing closure with the Bean Group on the presentation that they had started. However, he suggests remaining open to all proposals.
At 9:26 Mr. Lovejoy motioned to adjourn. Mr. Houghton seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Karen Richard