Chairman Glennon called the meeting to order at 6:48pm.
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Non-Public RSA 91-A:3 II
Motion: To enter into Non-Public session per RSA 91-A:3 II at 6:49pm.
Motioned: Vice-Chairman Carr
Seconded: Councilor Ploski
Vote: 7-0 Motion carries
Councilor Kwaks Aye
Councilor Bergeron Aye
Councilor LaBranche Aye
Councilor Ploski Aye
Councilor Minutelli Aye
Vice-Chairman Carr Aye
Chairman Glennon Aye
Motion: To leave Non-Public session at 7:04pm.
Motioned: Councilor Ploski
Seconded: Vice-Chairman Carr
Vote: 7-0 Motion carries
Councilor Kwaks Aye
Councilor Bergeron Aye
Councilor LaBranche Aye
Councilor Ploski Aye
Councilor Minutelli Aye
Vice-Chairman Carr Aye
Chairman Glennon Aye
Motion: To seal the non-public minutes because the release of information would render the proposed action ineffective.
Motioned: Councilor Ploski
Seconded: Vice-Chairman Carr
Vote: 6-1 Motion carries
Councilor Kwaks Aye
Councilor Bergeron Aye
Councilor LaBranche Aye
Councilor Ploski Aye
Councilor Minutelli Nay
Vice-Chairman Carr Aye
Chairman Glennon Aye
Chairman Glennon called the public meeting to order at 7:06pm.
Chairman Glennon noted the Town Council had held a non-meeting with legal counsel and then a non-public meeting, which had run over slightly.
Chairman Glennon noted the dedication of the 2009 Annual Town of Newmarket Town Report was not on the agenda because it is meant to be a surprise. Each year the Town Council dedicates the annual report to an outstanding individual or organization. This year’s report is dedicated to Richard Shelton who has provided over 18 years of service to the youth in Newmarket as well as having served the community for many years.
Richard Shelton thanked the Town Council noting this would be his 20th year running the Fishing Derby. He had also sat on the Conservation Commission for 11 years prior to that.
Chris Schoppmeyer thanked Representative Dennis Abbott for his contribution to the dedication. He read: “Richard Shelton is a lifelong resident of the Town of Newmarket, NH. He and his wife Lorraine raised five children, Gregory, Richard, Monica, Valerie and Gary. During the period from the 1950's to the 1980's he owned and operated Shelton's Auto Body in town. "Richie" has a long history of volunteering his time to the citizens of Newmarket, especially for the children. Richie has held both elected and appointed positions in town, including serving on the Budget Committee, Zoning Board of Adjustment and the Conservation Commission. In 1989, while serving on the Conservation Commission, Richie co-founded the annual resident youth fishing derby. The fishing derby is celebrating its 20th anniversary in June. Thanks to Richie there have been thousands of children, many of them now adults, who bring their children to the derby. In part, Richie has been responsible for introducing children to a sport where you don't need any special skills and can be enjoyed over a lifetime without belonging to a team. Richie was elected to the New Hampshire House of Representatives in 1999 and served the residents of Newmarket and Newfields for one term. Richie was also appointed by Governor John Lynch to serve as a Connecticut River Atlantic Salmon Commissioner. Richie is an avid sportsman and can often be found plying his angling talents for Atlantic salmon. He has been a longtime member of the Atlantic Salmon Federation. The residents of the Town of Newmarket appreciate Richie's dedication and the time and efforts he has expended in making the Town a desirable place to live and raise a family. In appreciation for all Richie has done, this years Town Report is dedicated to him. Simply put, Thank you Richie.”
Town Council to Consider Acceptanceof Minutes
April 1, 2009 Business Meeting
Motion: To approve the April 1, 2009 Business Meeting minutes.
Motioned: Councilor Ploski
Seconded: Vice-Chairman Carr
Councilor Kwaks requested the verbatim minutes for agenda item 8 be included in the minutes.
Vote: 7-0 Motion carries
Councilor Kwaks Aye
Councilor Bergeron Aye
Councilor LaBranche Aye
Councilor Ploski Aye
Councilor Minutelli Aye
Vice-Chairman Carr Aye
Chairman Glennon Aye
April 15, 2009 Workshop
Motion: To approve the April 15, 2009 Workshop minutes.
Motioned: Councilor Ploski
Seconded: Vice-Chairman Carr
Vote: 7-0 Motion carries
Councilor Kwaks Aye
Councilor Bergeron Aye
Councilor LaBranche Aye
Councilor Ploski Aye
Councilor Minutelli Aye
Vice-Chairman Carr Aye
Chairman Glennon Aye
Chairman Glennon noted the design work for the cover of the Newmarket Annual Town report is done in house by Aimee Gigandet.
Councilor Kwaks noted after Monday night’s meeting she had become aware the cameras in Council Chambers have the ability to zoom in on paperwork on the table in front of Councilors. She felt this should not be done in the future as there could be compromising paperwork in front of Councilors. She asked that this no longer be allowed beginning immediately.
Motion: That there be no viewing of paperwork behind Council nametags by the camera.
Motioned: Councilor Kwaks
Seconded: Councilor Ploski
Vote: 7-0 Motion carries
Councilor Kwaks Aye
Councilor Bergeron Aye
Councilor LaBranche Aye
Councilor Ploski Aye
Councilor Minutelli Aye
Vice-Chairman Carr Aye
Chairman Glennon Aye
Public Forum – Non-Agenda Items Only
Janice Rosa of Wadleigh Falls Road noted if the Council did not want the public to know about something, it should be put away.
Janice Rosa, Chair of the Veteran’s Memorial Trust Committee noted there would be three functions held on May 16th. There will be a sign dedication at 1:00pm at the library. The Silver Star Banner Flag will be raised at 2:00pm. Immediately following the flag raising will be a remembrance ceremony. The new granite steps and bricks have been put in at the GRA memorial at the hand tub. The railings will be installed next. She noted Garrett Blair has done a good job. The electrician has been able to get the electricity at the bandstand up to code. She thanked the Public Works Department and Water Department for their work in clearing out beneath the bandstand.
Rod Bowles of 52 Maplecrest Street read a letter he wrote and has submitted to several newspapers:
“I understand that the Town Council last night, upon advice of legal counsel invited written performance evaluations to be collected. What a wonderful idea! As a long time resident of Newmarket it is my pleasure to write this note of affirmation. I spoke with Ed during the interview process and wondered then if Ed could return and be successful. In my opinion he has been successful. As a former Chairperson of the Budget Committee, a member of the Newmarket Business Association, and Newmarket resident, I am pleased and no longer surprised by the professionalism that Ed has shown and continues to show.
“While on the Newmarket Budget Committee Ed was quick to disclose all ‘surprises,’ striving to communicate in a clear and transparent style insuring that the best decisions for all of the residents of Newmarket are able to be reached.
“Over the past years, his smile, constant vision of tomorrow and respectful consideration of all voices both those spoken and not spoken is an example I wish my children to follow.
“Now, you ask are ‘things better’ at our Newmarket Town. I say yes! The Newmarket Town Clerk, in fact all Newmarket Town employees again have ‘smiles on their faces.’ In fact, ask when you happen to be at the counter. I am sure that all will explain how fairly Ed Wojnowski administers to employees, supervisors and residents alike.
“From where I sit, ‘thumbs up’ Ed! Thanks for returning to help us see and feel the friendly, honest, enterprising, neighborly Newmarket community that we all love!”
Walter Cheney of Moody Point discussed his difficulty in communicating with the Town Council, Town Administrator and Town’s legal counsel.
Chairman Glennon noted none of those parties can speak to Walter Cheney because of the pending litigation issue.
Administrator Wojnowski agreed stating a suit had been filed with Superior Court; any proceedings needed to go through Superior Court.
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1. Emergency Management Update – Candy Jarosz
Emergency Management Director Candy Jarosz noted she now has an office at the Fire Station; the phone number will be published soon. There will be an emergency informational display board at the Town Hall on voting day and she would also be available that day to speak with the public. She encouraged residents to pick up the available emergency planning brochures which included information about what residents would need to have on hand in the event of an emergency as well as other helpful information. May 24th through 30th is National Hurricane Preparedness Week. There will be information available on the website. She discussed the possibility of grant money being made available in the fall for a reverse 911 system which would cost approximately $60,000. She has spoken to Police Chief Kevin Cyr about this. She has spoken with MIS Director Doug Poulin about creating a system that can be accessed from the Fire Station in the event of an emergency in order to update the website and channel 13 with such things as road closings. There was a meeting last week about the H1N1 virus. Individuals from Newmarket are working closely together to spread awareness and prevention tips including washing hands, coughing into your elbow and staying home if you are sick. As of tonight there are two confirmed cases and seven probable cases in New Hampshire. The State public information line is available from 8:00am until 8:00pm at 1-888-330-6764.
Councilor Ploski noted the Center for Disease Control is updating the Post Office through email notifications. Residents can sign up on the website.
Chairman Glennon noted the Town Council would be discussing the generator later in the meeting. He asked if Sue Jordan had been cross-trained to update the marquis.
Administrator Wojnowski noted the cross training has been underway so there will be a back up in the event of Kathy Castle’s absence.
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2. Discussion on Generators
Chairman Glennon noted the Council has received bids for generators for both the Town Hall and the Community Center. He asked if there were enough funds in the CIP to cover both purchases.
Administrator Wojnowski explained the bids for the Town Hall was so the Town can accurately budget for a future purchase.
Chairman Glennon noted he had spoken with John Puchlopek and Public Works Director Rick Malasky about the bids received. Both had indicated Gemini’s price was all inclusive. Gemini also currently services the generator the Town has.
Councilor Kwaks asked about the differences in amp capacity.
Councilor Bergeron noted there were also differences in fuel sources.
Candy Jarosz noted the generator for the community center is used to illuminate one light in the hallway, both bathrooms and the main function room. The kitchen is also fully serviceable during outages.
The Council felt sending out an RFP with specific requirements would provide more accurate cost evaluations.
Motion: To send out an RFP for the generator for the Community Center with specific information about what is needed after a discussion with the Public Works Department. This RFP shall include a specific fuel source.
Motioned: Councilor Ploski
Seconded: Vice-Chairman Carr
Councilor Bergeron recommended staying with the same manufacturer for maintenance purposes.
Councilor LaBranche recommended utilizing the Public Works Department for site work.
Councilor Ploski amended his motion to include both Councilor Bergeron’s recommendation and Councilor LaBranche’s recommendation.
Vice-Chairman Carr seconded the amendment.
Vote: 7-0 Motion carries
Councilor Kwaks Aye
Councilor Bergeron Aye
Councilor LaBranche Aye
Councilor Ploski Aye
Councilor Minutelli Aye
Vice-Chairman Carr Aye
Chairman Glennon Aye
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3. PSNH Update – Julie Glover
Project Coordinator Julie Glover explained she had participated in a meeting with Chairman Glennon, Vice-Chairman Carr, Administrator Wojnowski, Representative Dennis Abbott and PSNH representatives Kathleen Lewis, Mary Jo Peterson and Regional Manager David Bickford last Friday to discuss costs relative to PSNH’s portion of the project. There is a potential cost savings of $38,000 to use outside contractors to do the work along Main Street instead of PSNH line crews. No other cost savings measures had been presented. Administrator Wojnowski will be contacting legal counsel to determine the next steps of action.
Chairman Glennon noted Representative Dennis Abbott had placed a call to Senator Maggie Hassen who had indicated she would participate in assisting the Town with this issue.
Project Coordinator Julie Glover noted the Tree Committee has been working diligently on preparing the bid for the trees for downtown. The comprehensive bid includes 33 trees and 4 possible trees for Water Street. There was a mandatory walk through on April 20th which five bidders had attended. There was some concern relative to the appropriate caliper of trees in certain locations. The bidders were instructed to create their bid on 3-inch caliper trees with the understanding the Tree Committee would work with the successful bidder on individual preferred caliper trees for certain locations. Three bids were received. The goal is to have the trees planted as soon as possible but definitely by the end of May. The intent of that timeline is to get the trees planted prior to the commencement of the sidewalk work.
Councilor Ploski noted the condition of the tree wells asking if the bids included pit preparations.
Councilor Bergeron noted the bids did include the preparation for the tree wells.
Project Coordinator Julie Glover noted there will be blue spruces near the war memorial.
Administrator Wojnowski noted the Board of Directors for Rivermoor Landing have approved the removal of the watering trough with the replacement of a tree. They would work with the Tree Committee to decide on an appropriate tree.
Motion: To accept the bid from Goldstar Tree and Turf Farm for a total not to exceed $13,600.
Motioned: Councilor LaBranche
Seconded: Councilor Ploski
Vote: 7-0 Motion carries
Councilor Kwaks Aye
Councilor Bergeron Aye
Councilor LaBranche Aye
Councilor Ploski Aye
Councilor Minutelli Aye
Vice-Chairman Carr Aye
Chairman Glennon Aye
Councilor Bergeron thanked the members of the Tree Committee for their interest and involvement.
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4. Black Bear TIF Selection of Consultant
Chairman Glennon noted referenced an April 28th meeting to discuss a contract for professional services. John Connery had been asked to provide a proposal. He read a portion of the proposal indicating Connery Associates would provide their services for the described work for a total of $10,000 assuming a base fee of $150 per hour for approximately 63 hours. He felt there would be need for two TIF Committee meetings, a meeting with the Town Council an at least one working meeting with the Town Administrator.
Motion: To accept the proposal by John Connery to do the consulting work for the Town of Newmarket as recommended by the Black Bear TIF with an amount not to exceed $10,000.
Motioned: Councilor Kwaks
Seconded: Vice-Chairman Carr
Councilor Ploski asked if this needed to go out to bid since it was over $5,000.
Administrator Wojnowski noted he and Gary Levy had made calls to people he knew who did this kind of consulting work. They had both came up with the same firm who works with a variety of private and public entities. This firm is well versed in TIF projects specifically. The $10,000 total has been broken into two $5,000 projects. This project could be sent out to bid, but the hope was to begin immediately so construction could begin in September or October for a running date for the fourth quarter of 2010.
Councilor Ploski understood the need for the Black Bear TIF. He asked if the motions should be done individually in order to circumvent the Council breaking its own policy.
Chairman Glennon noted the Town Council can waive any of their policies.
Councilor LaBranche noted the fee is structured as Task 1 and Task 2. He recommended approving Task 1 to provide the opportunity to get started and to make the public aware of what is going on and then require another approval for Task 2.
Councilor Kwaks amended her motion to: To approve proceeding with Task 1 for an amount not to exceed $5,000. Once Task 1 is complete and the report has been submitted, the Council will vote on Task 2.
Vice-Chairman Carr seconded the amendment.
Councilor Kwaks asked for an explanation on the restructuring of the TIF
Chairman Glennon asked Administrator Wojnowski to provide information on the funding, expenditures and restructuring of the TIF prior to the new Town Council.
Vote: 7-0 Motion carries
Councilor Kwaks Aye
Councilor Bergeron Aye
Councilor LaBranche Aye
Councilor Ploski Aye
Councilor Minutelli Aye
Vice-Chairman Carr Aye
Chairman Glennon Aye
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5. Selection of Legal Counsel RFP
Chairman Glennon noted the Town Council sent out RFPs for new legal counsel so all services were under one umbrella. Six bids were received; three firms were selected for interviews. He, Councilor LaBranche, Vice-Chairman Carr, Administrator Wojnowski and Town Planner Diane Hardy met last Thursday to interview Upton & Hatfield of Concord/Portsmouth, Donahue, Tucker and Ciandella of Exeter and McNeil, Taylor and Gallo of Dover. He had asked Town Planner Diane Hardy to provide a summary for the Council. The Committee is recommending Upton & Hatfield.
Motion: To accept the proposal from Upton & Hatfield of Portsmouth as the Town of Newmarket’s legal counsel for three years with a start date of July 1, 2009.
Motioned: Councilor Ploski
Seconded: Councilor LaBranche
Councilor Kwaks asked about travel time since there are three locations to this law firm.
Councilor LaBranche noted the travel time would be from Portsmouth as outlined in the proposal.
Vote: 7-0 Motion carries
Councilor Kwaks Aye
Councilor Bergeron Aye
Councilor LaBranche Aye
Councilor Ploski Aye
Councilor Minutelli Aye
Vice-Chairman Carr Aye
Chairman Glennon Aye
Chairman Glennon asked Administrator Wojnowski to provide a letter to each vendor and to provide copies of the letter for the Town Councilors.
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6. Update on Forensic Audit
Chairman Glennon referenced a letter to the editor written by a Newmarket resident asking for an update on the Forensic Audit. He read an email providing status of activities regarding the Mercier Group, former Town Administrator Al Dixon and former Finance Director Melanie Hodgdon received from Attorney Jim Wheat as follows:
“Mercier: I am in the process of drafting and filing a civil action for damages against Mr. Mercier which will be filed in the Merrimack County Superior Court by the middle of the month pursuant to authorization of the Council.
“Dixon & Hodgdon: We have met with the Attorney General's Office to explore the State's willingness to become involved in the investigation of their activities with representatives of the Forensic Audit Committee. We have yet to hear back from the AG but left the meeting with the impression that while they share our concerns concerning their activities, we were not particularly optimistic upon the conclusion of the meeting that the AG would become involved because of time and budget constraints. We will follow up this week to determine where the matter stands. I am in contact with the Town's insurer to determine whether a recovery made be made under the Town's insurance coverage and am cautiously optimistic. My trial schedule since I last met with the Council in April has prevented me from exploring the insurance coverage issue with the Town's insurer as fully as I've wanted to date. I expect to be in a position to set up a meeting by the end of the month at the latest.
“I forgot how we left the issue of my authority to accept Dixon's offer to repay the Town for sums improperly paid to his retirement account. I have heard nothing from the Council since we met. My best memory is that the Council would formally vote to accept as I have recommended in other than a closed session and I would be provided with notice thereof so I could proceed to recover the funds.”
Chairman Glennon asked why there were questions as to how the issue of Al Dixon’s repayment to the town for funds acquired improperly through the retirement account when the Town Council had asked for this information to be sent to legal counsel.
Administrator Wojnowski noted Chairman Glennon had signed off on the letter sent to ICMA. A copy had also bee put in Chairman Glennon’s mailbox.
Chairman Glennon asked Administrator Wojnowski to follow up on this issue.
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7. Citizen Reimbursement of Legal Costs
Chairman Glennon noted Phil LePage has been making this request on a regular basis.
Councilor Kwaks noted the reimbursement would be to the Town for legal fees incurred during the review of the second initiative petition without the petition first having been validated. She felt this was private use of Town property and that legal expenses incurred should be returned to the Town. She referenced Section 8.2 of the Town Charter; Initiative Petition stating a petition is not valid until deemed as such by the Town Clerk’s Office.
Chairman Glennon noted past meeting minutes reflect that Jennifer Jarvis would be willing to pay for the legal fees incurred.
Administrator Wojnowski explained during the situation beginning in October, the initial initiative petition had been deemed invalid because it had not been specific enough. The Town Council through legal counsel had informed Jennifer Jarvis who had reworked the petition language. The best person to determine whether the language was specific enough was the Town’s legal counsel. He had been on his way to Portsmouth and had dropped the document off for review. Attorney F. X. Bruton has indicated the petition would have needed to have gone through legal review as he would be the party reviewing whether the petition was specific enough. It took Attorney Bruton less than 15 minutes to review the document and make the phone call. This was not a case of using Town funds for private use; this was an ongoing situation.
CouncilorKwaks did not feel the actions taken were legal according to the Town Charter.
Motion: That either Jennifer Jarvis or Administrator Wojnowski return the funds spent inappropriately under the initiative petition to the Town.
Motioned: Councilor Kwaks
Councilor Ploski noted the whole point is in order to send a petition to legal counsel it needs to be validated. Without the signatures, there is no petition. He agreed the fee should be reimbursed.
Chairman Glennon noted the process was not followed through. He noted the Town Council oversees the Town Administrator. He felt the Administrator had worked with a private citizen in an attempt to remove a Councilor from the Council. He noted if it was not legally wrong, it was morally and ethically wrong.
Seconded: Councilor Ploski
Councilor Bergeron noted at Candidate’s Night there were clear indications the residents of this Town want the Town Council to move forward. This Council continues to rehash the same business.
Councilor Minutelli noted he could not support this motion because the Town Council has no enforcement authority as it is not a judicial body.
Vice-Chairman Carr noted she understood at the time that Jennifer Jarvis had been willing to pay for the legal costs. She agreed if that is not the case, there is nothing the Council can do about it.
Administrator Wojnowski noted the hourly fee for Attorney Bruton is $160. The Town was charged 4/10 of an hour.
Councilor Kwaks amended her motion to instruct the Town Administrator to contact Jennifer Jarvis to find out if she would reimburse the Town for legal expenses incurred.
Councilor Ploski seconded the amendment.
Vote: 4-3 Motion carries
Councilor Kwaks Aye
Councilor Bergeron Nay
Councilor LaBranche Nay
Councilor Ploski Aye
Councilor Minutelli Nay
Vice-Chairman Carr Aye
Chairman Glennon Aye
Chairman Glennon asked Administrator Wojnowski to provide a copy of the written documentation.
Chairman Glennon noted there were some items he had asked to be added to the agenda that had not been added. At the April 15th meeting, the Town Council had appointed their representative to serve on the Personnel Advisory Board. At that time Administrator Wojnowski had indicated he would make his choice and have that available for the next Council meeting. He would like to see this Board put together as soon as possible.
Administrator Wojnowski noted he had not selected his representative yet. He noted he would have his choice for the workshop. There is a personnel policy in place that needs to be followed.
Chairman Glennon noted the Town Council Chambers have been painted. He has asked when the hall way would be painted.
Administrator Wojnowski noted the hallway would be done this Friday.
Chairman Glennon asked if there has been cost estimates provided for the stairwells yet. He asked why this had not gone out to bid.
Administrator Wojnowski explained the agreement with Lou Caprioli from Caprioli Painting relative to acquisition of a small parcel of land behind the Town Hall. Chairman Glennon had wanted the Town Council Chambers, hallways and stairwells of the Town Hall painted in exchange for the parcel. At that time Lou Caprioli had explained to the Town Council the cost to do the stairwells would be additional because the cost to do the Town Council Chambers and hallways would equate to the cost of acquiring the land. The Town would receive a check for $920 as the balance of purchase of the property.
Councilor LaBranche agreed referencing an April 3rd Town Administrator FYI indicating the cost to do each stairwell would be $3,000.
Chairman Glennon noted the Town Council has received two applications for members at large positions for the Historic District Commission. He noted this Town Council can begin filling this Commission.
Motion: To appoint Mike Provost to the Historic District Commission with a term expiring May 2011.
Motioned: Councilor Ploski
Seconded: Vice-Chairman Carr
Councilor Bergeron noted he did not have this information in front of him and would be unable to support these nominations at this time.
Councilor LaBranche agreed stating he had picked up his mail from the Town Hall at 3:30pm this afternoon and had not had any of this information. He added the Town Council does not typically do appointments at Business Meetings.
Vote: 4-2-1 Motion carries
Councilor Kwaks Aye
Councilor Bergeron Nay
Councilor LaBranche Nay
Councilor Ploski Aye
Councilor Minutelli Abstain
Vice-Chairman Carr Aye
Chairman Glennon Aye
Councilor Minutelli noted he abstained from the vote because the Town Council had adopted rules of procedure. Nominations should be handled at Workshops. He was not against these two individuals serving on the Commission but felt procedure should be followed.
Motion: To appoint Ranan Cohen to the Historic District Commission for a term expiring May 2010.
Motioned: Councilor Ploski
Seconded: Councilor Kwaks
Councilor LaBranche wanted the record to state after hearing Councilor Minutelli’s reasons for abstaining he would like to change his vote for the prior motion from “Nay” to “Abstain” for the same reasons. He would support each nomination at a Workshop.
Vice-Chairman Carr understood it was the intention of the Council to get the Historic District Commission and Historic District Ordinance up and going as quickly as possible. While voting on nominations at a Business Meeting may not be the norm, she did not see the harm in taking this agenda item up now.
Councilor LaBranche noted the Town Council had voted on an effective date of July 1, 2009.
Vote: 4-1-2 Motion carries
Councilor Kwaks Aye
Councilor Bergeron Nay
Councilor LaBranche Abstain
Councilor Ploski Aye
Councilor Minutelli Abstain
Vice-Chairman Carr Aye
Chairman Glennon Aye
Chairman Glennon asked Administrator Wojnowski to send out the appropriate letters.
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8. Old Business
Administrator Wojnowski noted a couple of weeks ago the Council had a discussion regarding the Eagles’ interest in the old DPW garage off Route 152. The Council had recalled a value being set on the property. After researching this with Kathy Castle, he had been unable to find a value. He asked the Council to approve an appraisal so a value can be provided to the Eagles. He added there would also be an opportunity to have the piece of property adjacent to the land fill next to the wetland area appraised. The Town would bear the cost of the appraisal.
Councilor LaBranche recalled an appraisal being done under the former Town Administrator but felt it would have been at least three years ago. He felt it would be a good idea to have a new appraisal done.
Administrator Wojnowski noted funds would come from within the Town Administrator’s budget. The Town typically uses McManus from Hooksett for appraisals.
The Town Council agreed to have a new appraisal done.
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9. New Business/Correspondence
Councilor LaBranche noted the Energy Committee has discussed hydro power at their meetings. They had been concerned with the deed to the McAllum dam.
Administrator Wojnowski indicated the deed has been done properly. The Town received the deed inquiry, Tax Assessor Andy Blais had retrieved it from the file and legal counsel has reviewed it.
Chairman Glennon asked about the deed for the Bay Road/Lamprey Street parking lot.
Administrator Wojnowski noted the deed is being drafted. The NCDC approved the transfer of that to the Town this past Monday.
Councilor Kwaks referenced the Personnel Policy asking if all employees had signed copies of pages 51 and 52 in their employee files.
Administrator Wojnowski noted that is usually the case, but he would check on that to be sure.
Councilor LaBranche noted Public Works Director Rick Malasky had been a few meetings ago discussing the McAllum dam and the State. He asked about the status.
Administrator Wojnowski explained the NCDC is connecting the fire suppression system to the Town water connections. Once that is done, the dam can be drawn down.
Councilor Ploski asked for a schedule on the final pavement coating downtown.
Administrator Wojnowski noted the tabletop was still being worked on.
Councilor Ploski noted the parking in front of the Legion still shows angle parking because the lines had never been blocked out. He felt this was a safety concern that should be dealt with immediately.
Councilor LaBranche noted the parking in front of the Post Office is adequate for a normal vehicle but there was a small RV parked there recently and it stuck well out into the street. He asked the Council to consider restricting RV parking there.
Councilor Ploski added there has been a small school bus that has parked there also.
Councilor Bergeron noted the more rules there are, the more signs there will be.
Chairman Glennon asked Administrator Wojnowski to get the minutes from the Harclerode Site Walk to the Council.
Chairman Glennon noted the TIF Committee had met, but no minutes had been submitted yet.
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10. Town Administrator’s Report
Administrator Wojnowski noted there is a request to legal about the cell tower. The only thing holding the building permit up is the bond. The New Village project has gone out to bid. Papers would be put together late May or early June.
Chairman Glennon asked if residents whose sewer was in the back yard would need to pay for the connection to the front yard and main.
Administrator Wojnowski explained the Town would cover the cost outside, but homeowners would need to cover the cost for any interior plumbing.
Councilor Kwaks asked for an update on the St. Germaine’s flooding issue.
Administrator Wojnowski explained the insurance company had sent back a denial letter.
Chairman Glennon noted he had told the attorney to ask LGC for an extension because the original submission may not have included everything necessary.
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