PRESENT: John Badger, Richard Bajger, Jason LaBranche, John Ahlgren, Mike Ricker
Councilor Mike LaBranche, Administrator Ed Wojnowski.
Vice Chair John Badger opened the meeting and noted the first order of business is the election of a Chairman. John Ahlgren nominated Mike Ricker as chairman, seconded by John Badger. There being no further nominations, Mike Ricker was elected chair, 5-0.
Richard Bajger nominated John Ahlgren as Vice Chairman, seconded by Badger. There being no further nominations, John Ahlgren was elected vice-chair, 5-0.
Chairman Ricker noted the next order of business is the adoption of minutes; however he requested that the adoption of the minutes of June 24, 2009 take place at the next meeting. Committee agreed.
J. Badger moved, second by J. Ahlgren to accept the minutes of September 17, 2009. Amendment was offered by Chairman Ricker, correcting spelling and adding a sentence that reads “Gary Levy produced a mortgage deed which the TIF Committee reviewed as further evidence of Shearwater’s responsibility to construct the rail road crossing.” A further amendment was requested by Chairman Ricker to add the following to the end of the sentence that reads, “…the Town consider an enforcement action to have the RR crossing installed by Shearwater as represented by Mark Stevens.” Motion was amended to accept the changes, motion as amended was adopted 4-0 with 1 abstention (Jason LaBranche).
J. Badger moved, second by R Bajger to accept the minutes of March 25, 2010. Motion was adopted 3-0 with 2 abstentions (J. LaBranche and J. Ahlgren).
Chair asked if there were any discussions with Mark Stevens of Shearwater regarding the railroad crossing. J Badger noting that had repeatedly called M Stevens to obtain an update as to discussion or meetings with either DOT or Pan Am regarding movement on the crossing. J Badger noted that M Stevens stated he would provide a copy of the letter sent to David Fink, President of Boston Maine Railroads, which was finally delivered this date but was dated May 3, 2010. J Badger noted exasperation with the fact that M Stevens has been difficult to connect and has not kept the Crossing Committee informed that was established, at his request, and appointed by the Council to support the crossing. J Badger requested that copies of the letter be provided to all members and Councilors Minutelli and Botterman.
J Ahlgren noted his understanding was the RR would build the crossing.
J Badger noted that in conversation with M Stevens it would be a long drawn out process and, while he knew the Town was very supportive of the crossing was unsure of Steven’s commitment.
A motion was made by J Badger, second by J Ahlgren to enter into Non-Public Session under RSA 91-A: 3, II(e), Negotiations, motion was adopted unanimously, 5-0. Committee entered NPS at 7:34 p.m.
Committee came out of NPS at 7:54 p.m. and a motion was made by J Badger, second by J Ahlgren to seal the minutes. Motion was adopted 4-1(M Ricker).
Other Business.
Chairman Ricker recognized Administrator Wojnowski who updated the committee on the development of Economic Development page on the Town’s website. It was noted that this was one of the recommendations of the Economic Development Committee’s recommendation with the goal of identifying and providing contact information of available lands in Newmarket able to support industrial and commercial development.
J Badger questioned whether a seat should be provided for a Councilor representative because the Town is a land owner within Black Bear TIF and that Councilor LaBranche is only an ex-officio member. J Ahlgren noted that the TIF law is one of the few, if not the only state law, that allows for conflicts of interests because the membership should be made up of owners of property within and adjacent to the district. The committee agreed there should be further discussion on this regard. J Ahlgren noted he would provide a copy of the Conflict of Interest Rule that the Newmarket Community Development Corporation has as part of their by-laws.
J Badger noted that the Committee/Town should research to see if there is any available state or federal funds to rehabilitate the New Road Bridge which is in Newfields. The committee discussed options and benefits to an upgrade and widening of the bridge as an alternative access into the TIF District. Committee requested the Town Administrator to research the bridge ownership and options to rehabilitation.
There being no further business the committee agreed to meet again on July 22, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. in chambers and that the meeting would be televised.
A motion by J Ahlgren, second by J Badger to adjourn, motion was unanimously adopted, committee adjourned at 8:25 p.m.
