Chairman Glennon called the meeting to order at 7:06pm.
Non-Public RSA 91-A:3 II (e) Negotiations
Motion: To seal the minutes from the non-public RSA 91-A:3 II (e) negotiations session because divulgence of the information likely would render the proposed action ineffective.
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
Chairman Glennon requested agenda item #2 be tabled because the information had not been received by the Town Council prior to the meeting.
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1. Town Council to Consider Acceptance of Minutes
a. February 4, 2009 Business Meeting
Motion: To accept the February 4, 2009 Business Meeting minutes.
Motioned: Vice-Chairman Carr
Seconded: Councilor Kwaks
Councilor LaBranche asked if it would be possible to add line numbers for ease in reviewing the minutes. He noted on page 5, 10th line down, REGGIE should be RGGI. On page 14, there were several areas where Lamprey/Bay Street should be replaced with Lamprey Street/Bay Road.
Councilor Minutelli noted on page 5, he had abstained from the discussion and the vote.
Councilor Ploski noted on page 3, he had abstained from voting on the January 10, 2009 minutes because he had not been present for the majority of the meeting, but had been present for part of it.
The Council agreed to ask the recording secretary to add line numbers to 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
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2. Proposed Zoning Changes to R1
The Council did not discuss this agenda item.
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3. Highway Public Safety Committee – Speed Limit – Robert Daigle, Chairman
Chairman Glennon expressed his concern with the appearance the Highway Public Safety Committee minutes provided in the packet not appearing complete. He noted the minutes did not reflect who was in attendance or the date of the meeting. he noted there had been a discussion on the 15 minute parking downtown and reference letters submitted that were not attached. He suggested tabling this discussion until the information was complete.
Administrator Wojnowski noted he had copied the section of the minutes that pertained to this discussion. The full set of minutes were in Council packets prior to tonight’s meeting. The letters referenced are relative to the 15 minute parking discussion.
Chairman Glennon noted there had been a traffic study done by Underwood Engineering which is why the road was narrowed.
Robert Daigle, Chairman of the Highway Public Safety Committee, noted there had been three to four all day meetings to get public input in traffic calming elements. The state had provided a fair amount of funding for the reconstruction because Route 108 is a state road. The state does not feel there is any reason to reduce the speed limit because the road meets design standards. The reduction would need to be based on an engineering report citing issues such as sight distance. The state is restricted by RSA to 30 mph minimum speed limits. The state would not review this on its own, but would send the information up the chain of command if the Town Council recommended a reduced speed limit.
Chairman Glennon felt the speed problem is more an enforcement issue.
Robert Daigle noted the traffic counts are fairly recent as are the surveys. Reviewing the speed limit could cost between $10,000 and $15,000. He felt the speeding concerns were a perception issue. The angle parking had been changed to parallel parking, which requires drivers to open their doors into the streets. The Chapel Street and Church Street intersections are the most problematic.
Administrator Wojnowski noted the discussion began with the exit from the Post Office from Chapel Street to Route 108. He felt people were moving more slowly through town.
Councilor Ploski agreed stating part of the discussion had been the visibility issue coming out of Chapel Street. There had been discussions about adjusting the parking spaces and locations towards the Willy Hotel.
Robert Daigle noted the parking layout had been done to specific standards. The Highway Public Safety Committee has discussed the visibility coming out of Chapel Street. The Highway Public Safety Committee is not recommending anything be done with the speed limit. The striping of spaces can be adjusted to improve the visibility. He noted if the subject spaces were posted for 15 minute parking, there would be higher turnover of vehicles resulting in better chances those spaces would be empty which would create better visibility.
Councilor Kwaks felt the speeding issue was still an enforcement problem.
Councilor Ploski noted at the Highway Public Safety Committee Police Chief Kevin Cyr suggested staffing was the biggest issue in enforcement. He had suggested a part-time position paid for by the fines generated from parking violations. The fines could possibly be increased.
Chairman Glennon noted the fines would have to be hefty in order to pay for a “meter maid.” He suggested asking Police Chief Kevin Cyr to come to a meeting for discussion.
Councilor Kwaks noted one Saturday after a Budget meeting she, Project Coordinator Julie Glover and Water Superintendent Sean Grieg had to hang around for half an hour because their cars had been blocked in due to an event at the church. She was concerned with emergency access. She suggested striping a fire lane to prevent such issues.
Chairman Glennon noted that would be a discussion to have with the Police Chief and Fire Chief.
Robert Daigle noted he has answered ambulance calls for the church without problems. They have typically taken the victim down the stairs to avoid issues.
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4. Recommendation of Engineering Services for New Village Project
Chairman Glennon referenced a memo from Water Superintendent Sean Grieg dated February 18, 2009 indicating he was unable to make a recommendation for hiring an engineer at this time as negotiations are still going on. When the contract specifications have been agreed upon, Water Superintendent Sean Grieg would be able to make a recommendation. He noted he had wanted to be part of this process but had not been contacted.
Councilor Ploski noted the board had been set up to review qualifications. The Town Council should be the organization to select the engineering firm.
Administrator Wojnowski explained the Town Council would receive and approve the recommendation. Between three and four firms would be interviewed and make presentations.
Councilor LaBranche suggested the process is a little different because stimulus money would be used for this project.
Administrator Wojnowski agreed stating the state has a list of qualified engineers. It is not disclosed how much the services are until the firm has been chosen.
Councilor Kwaks noted there are a lot of engineering reports. She noted the former Director of Public Works was a certified engineer and asked if he could have done this work.
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5. Town Council to Consider Nominations, Appointments, Elections and Resignations
a. Veterans Memorial Trust Committee
Motion: To appoint Phillip Nazzaro to the Veteran’s Trust Committee for the term expiring May 2009.
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
b. NCDC
Motion: To appoint Mike Provost to the NCDC for the term expiring May 2011.
Motioned: Councilor LaBranche
Seconded: Councilor Bergeron
Councilor Kwaks asked if there are limits to the number of terms a member can serve on the NCDC.
Arlon Chaffee, Chairman of the NCDC, noted the stipulation had been removed from the bylaws last year.
Councilor Kwaks asked for a copy of the bylaws.
Arlon Chaffee noted the NCDC is a private organization. The Town Council gets an opportunity every three years to make their appointment.
Chairman Glennon noted he was going to table this nomination tonight because he did not get the information he had requested. He noted the NCDC minutes and bylaws are available at the Town Hall as they are public documents.
Vote: 5-0 Motion carries
Councilor Kwaks Nay
Councilor Bergeron Aye
Councilor LaBranche Aye
Councilor Ploski Aye
Councilor Minutelli Aye
Vice-Chairman Carr Aye
Chairman Glennon Nay
c. Channel 13
Motion: To appoint Anastacia Sofronas to the Channel 13 Committee for the term expiring May 2011.
Motioned: Councilor Kwaks
Seconded: Councilor Minutelli
Chairman Glennon read the qualifications submitted on the application. He noted her experience sounded like exactly what the committee needed.
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
d. Energy Committee
Chairman Glennon asked if the committee was full.
Councilor LaBranche noted the committee is not full.
Motion: To appoint Jeff Brideau to the Energy Committee for the term expiring May 2010.
Motioned: Vice-Chairman Carr
Seconded: Councilor LaBranche
Chairman Glennon read the qualifications and experience submitted on the application. He noted the applicant is co-owner of a “green” energy company. He suggested if that company became involved there may be a conflict of interest.
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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6. Discussion of Review of Bid Process for Future Legal Representation
Chairman Glennon noted during the budget work sessions, the Council had discussed going to bid for legal services. He suggested directing the Town Administrator to set up a bid process for all services the town uses. The bids need to include hourly rates, rates to be here and travel rates. He noted Councilor Kwaks had provided the bid Windham used which can be used as the beginning point for the RFP.
Councilor Kwaks added bids should include different lead attorney rates, court rates and standard rates. She noted the Town Charter indicates the Town Council decides which firms to obtain bids from. She felt the Council needed to look for a new firm.
Chairman Glennon recommended instructing Administrator Wojnowski to obtain at least three bids from different law firms using the Windham bid as a template to form the RFP. The RFP should be sent out within one week with a two week turnaround time for bids. The review process will take one week. The Town Council will make the final decision considering the recommendation from the subcommittee.
Administrator Wojnowski felt the schedule proposed was ambitious. He did not feel it would be prudent to cut off services with the firms currently providing legal services to the Town immediately as it would take time for the new firm to learn the history of the Town.
Chairman Glennon agreed there should be a phasing period.
Councilor LaBranche noted there are several areas the Town will need legal representation. He noted it would be important to obtain legal services with expertise in all these areas even if each attorney is not from the same firm.
Chairman Glennon noted it would be more financially efficient to consolidate firms with multiple attorneys representing different legal areas.
Councilor Bergeron agreed with Councilor LaBranche noting the Town could limit the ability for adequate representation by limiting the number of firms used. The Town should be able to go beyond one firm if necessary.
Councilor Minutelli noted there are firms that provide municipal representation in all areas. In the times there is a situation needing specialty expertise, the firm would make a referral. The idea is to consolidate law firms; the intent is there is usually a savings.
Motion: To instruct Administrator Wojnowski to move forward on setting up the bid process to find legal representation.
Motioned: Councilor Bergeron
Seconded: Councilor Ploski
Councilor LaBranche asked if the Town is under an agreement with any of the firms currently used.
Administrator Wojnowski explained the Town is not specifically obligated to use any of the current firms. The Town has engaged the expertise of the firms as needed. He anticipated the process of contracting with a new firm would take about six weeks.
Councilor Kwaks felt the entire Town Council should be part of the selection process
Chairman Glennon suggested he, Vice-Chairman Carr and Councilor Minutelli be involved in the selection process. They would bring their recommendations to the Town Council for final selection.
Councilor Minutelli felt that was premature at this time. He felt it was important for the Town Administrator and Town Planner to be involved in the process as they use the services most often.
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 the Council to move agenda item #8 to this point in the agenda.
The Council agreed.
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8. Resolution #2008/09-15 Acceptance of $20,000 in Scholarship Incentive Funds for the Recreation Department
Recreation Director Jim Hilton explained this is the sixth year the Newmarket Recreation Department has received this grant. These funds are used towards Club Chameleon to allow Newmarket children to attend for no cost.
Anneliese Fisher noted these funds are used for the expense of the trips the children go on as part of Club Chameleon. Last year the department received $18,000; this year the incentive funds are back to $20,000. The department has received nearly $120,000 in incentive funds over the years. She noted Club Chameleon has almost 290 members. Every member is a resident of Newmarket.
Motion: To accept Resolution #2008/09-15 relating to the acceptance of $20,000 in Scholarship Incentive Funds for the Recreation Department.
Motioned: Councilor Kwaks
Seconded: Vice-Chairman Carr
Councilor LaBranche asked how this funding was awarded.
Anneliese Fisher noted a grant is written every December.
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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7. Discussion of Personnel Advisory Board Policy
Chairman Glennon referenced the memo received from Administrator Wojnowski dated February 12, 2009. The Personnel Policy was adopted May 21, 2008. The Personnel Advisory Board is a three member board. The membership shall consist of three public members; one member shall be appointed by the Town Administrator, one member shall be appointed by the Town Council and one member shall be appointed by the two appointees. Members cannot be employees of the Town or relatives of Town employees. He suggested advertising the open positions on Channel 13.
Motion: To instruct Administrator Wojnowski to post the Personnel Advisory Board vacancies on Channel 13. Applications shall be presented to the Town Council and Town Administrator.
Motioned: Councilor Ploski
Seconded: Vice-Chairman Carr
Chairman Glennon suggested posting the vacancies on the website and the marquis at the Town Hall as well.
Councilor Ploski amended his motion to include the additional posting locations.
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
Chairman Glennon noted he would add this to the Business Meeting for an update.
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9. Proclamation American Red Cross – Great Bay Chapter March 2009 American Red Cross Month
Chairman Glennon noted March has historically been American Red Cross Month. He read the proclamation.
Motion: To accept the Proclamation for the American Red Cross, Great Bay Chapter and designate March 2009 as American Red Cross Month.
Motioned: Councilor Ploski
Seconded: Vice-Chairman Carr
Chairman Glennon recognized Mrs. Fitzpatrick for her years of dedication serving as the Red Cross Coordinator for the region. She has retired from the position but is still volunteering her time.
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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10. Review of Revenues/Possible Increases
Chairman Glennon noted the Council had discussed reviewing revenues and possible fee increases during the budget sessions. He noted all the information is not available and suggested tabling this discussion.
Councilor Kwaks felt there was a portion that should be discussed tonight due to time constraints.
Chairman Glennon noted it could be brought up under Old/New Business.
Motion: To table this discussion until all information is available.
Motioned: Vice-Chairman Carr
Seconded: Councilor LaBranche
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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11. Review of Standing Committees and Council Representatives
Chairman Glennon expressed his discouragement with the Chairmen and secretaries of the Boards and Committees as the minutes are not getting to the Council. He suggested the minutes must be submitted to the Administrative Assistant within 144 hours. He noted if there is no meeting, the Administrative Assistant should be contacted so that information can be included in Council packets.
a. Councilor LaBranche
CIP
Councilor LaBranche noted the CIP Committee has completed their task. He did not anticipate another meeting until the end of the summer.
Energy Committee
Councilor LaBranche noted a meeting had been scheduled for yesterday; three committee members had shown up. The meeting was postponed. There are now six members on the Committee. The next meeting is scheduled for March 3, 2009. He noted although there had been a quorum, it was agreed the people who needed to be there to be involved in the discussion were not present.
Budget Committee
Councilor LaBranche noted the Budget Committee would be meeting Monday and Wednesday. There have been concerns expressed relative to the position Administrator Wojnowski has proposed. Some Committee members have questioned why the position has not been presented as a warrant article. There has been considerable discussion on the Downtown TIF. The bond does not expire until 2023. It is the belief of the majority of the Committee the Town could create an aggressive savings plan in order to put away the funds needed to pay the bond off. Once that is done, the Town would be able to plan better for the revenues on a yearly basis.
Administrator Wojnowski explained the TIF does not go away in 2010 with the culmination of the downtown project. The TIF remains until the bond is retired in 2023. The Town Council needs to discuss how much can be set aside annually into a fund for annual bond payments. Once there are sufficient funds in the account to pay off the bond, the Town can benefit from the increase in assessed value of the community. He recommended the Council look at utilizing the captured revenue in reducing the tax rate. The bond cannot be paid off early, but can deposit enough funds into an account to pay the bond off in annual payments.
Councilor LaBranche felt the Budget Committee would be sending a recommendation to the Town Council.
Chairman Glennon noted that would be a Town Council decision.
Councilor Kwaks noted at the last Budget Committee meeting Brian Hart had concerns with Finance Director Don Parnell’s statement the TIF had been grandfathered because it was formed prior to 1999. It was suggested the restrictions are less as a result.
Councilor LaBranche noted the TIF is grandfathered from state, county and school taxes. He noted the Budget Committee had expressed interest in meeting with Barbara Reed from DRA.
Chairman Glennon noted he had seen the meeting on television and felt Councilor LaBranche had done a great job representing the Council.
b. Councilor Bergeron
School Board
Councilor Bergeron noted the School Board continues to discuss facility issues. He felt it would be helpful for the Town Council to take a tour of the school facilities to see for themselves the state of the buildings. He suggested it would also be helpful to tour other communities’ facilities. The Chairman of the School Board would set up this tour. He suggested a joint meeting between the School Board and Town Council to discuss how each organization can work together on the facilities issues. He suggested there may be Town owned land that could be utilized for school purposes.
Conservation Commission
Councilor Bergeron noted the Commission had authorized a $1400 contribution for the fishing derby. The website will be set up soon and would provide information about the conserved lands. The Commission is working on a trail network to connect conserved lands. There are some private parcels between conserved lands. Landowner permission may need to be obtained. There has been discussion about potential recreation possibilities, including cross country skiing and hiking trails.
Tree Committee
Councilor Bergeron noted the Committee met Saturday in the auditorium with Project Coordinator Julie Glover to create an action plan on choosing the trees for the downtown project. Mary Reynolds from the Department of Resources is an expert who has written books and is willing to help. He has checked with the UNH Cooperation, but felt Mary Reynolds would be the best resource at this point due to the unique situations downtown.
c. Vice-Chairman Carr
Planning Board
Vice-Chairman Carr noted the Planning Board had met last night. They finished the Rules of Procedure. There was a public hearing on the Historic District Ordinance. There were members of the public who had spoken against the adoption of the ordinance and creation of the district. There was a lot of resistance from the Board at the end of the meeting during the vote on whether to send the Ordinance to the Council for review. The Board decided by a four to two vote (she abstained) to finalize the draft and forward it to the Town Council. The Board noted the Town Council would hold a public hearing which would provide the public another opportunity to speak.
Councilor LaBranche noted he had watched the end of the meeting. He had understood the Planning Board would fix the ordinance and hold another public hearing on March 17, 2009.
Councilor Kwaks asked if the Secretary of Interior’s Standards of Rehabilitation guidelines had been removed from the ordinance.
Vice-Chairman Carr noted that had been one suggestion. The Board had left the guidelines in as a temporary measure and included a sunset clause for the Historic District Commission to create their own criteria.
Councilor Kwaks noted during all the public meetings there had been an outpouring of support. She suggested the Town Planner had clearly stated the Town needed to create the Commission and the Ordinance in order to enforce the regulations. She suggested this has been worked on since 1984.
Vice-Chairman Carr noted the Newmarket Business Association had felt the Planning Board could do everything they were suggesting the Historic District Commission would do.
d. Chairman Glennon
Lamprey Riverwalk Committee
Chairman Glennon noted the Committee did meet but did not have a quorum. There was a general discussion. Tomorrow at 10:00am Richardson & Associates will make a presentation on a conceptual design for the Water Street entry as an easement has been secured. No decision will be made tomorrow.
e. Councilor Kwaks
Advisory Heritage Commission
Councilor Kwaks noted the Advisory Heritage Commission met Thursday. They discussed the draft Historic District Ordinance and felt it was a good ordinance. She was surprised to see the comments made last night at the Planning Board meeting. The Advisory Heritage Commission will meet again soon.
Municipal Audit Committee
Councilor Kwaks noted the Committee had met a couple weeks ago. Chairman Glennon had provided information that would be discussed during a non-public meeting tomorrow.
Municipal Solid Waste Committee
Councilor Kwaks noted there are no negotiations at this point.
f. Councilor Ploski
Main Street Corporation
Councilor Ploski noted he had not been able to attend the meeting.
Highway Public Safety Committee
Councilor Ploski noted there had been an update earlier tonight.
Channel 13
Councilor Ploski noted there has been difficulty getting a quorum together to hold a meeting. The rules and regulations are provided on the website.
Chairman Glennon noted the Town Council needs to approve the rules and regulations before they are posted. He suggested the makeup of the Committee may need to change in order to regularly obtain a quorum for meetings. He asked for the rules and regulations to be given to the Town Administrator to be put in resolution form for the Business Meeting in March.
g. Councilor Minutelli
Downtown TIF Advisory Board
Councilor Minutelli noted he was not able to make the meeting. The minutes should be available as Project Coordinator Julie Glover usually emails them.
Veterans Memorial Trust
Councilor Minutelli noted the minutes from this meeting are included in the Council packets.
Open Space Committee
Councilor Minutelli noted the Open Space Committee would be meeting next month. Chairman Drew Kiefaber had been before the Town Council February 4, 2009.
Chairman Glennon asked when the discussions about the Lita Lane properties would begin.
Councilor LaBranche noted those discussions would begin when the snow melts.
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12. Old Business/New Business
Chairman Glennon noted he had spoken with Administrator Wojnowski about putting information on Channel 13 for emergency contact and procedure information.
Administrator Wojnowski noted Emergency Management Director Candy Jarosz would be in tomorrow to speak with him.
Councilor Kwaks asked about the management tree.
Chairman Glennon noted that is being updated.
Councilor Kwaks handed out copies of the Historic District Ordinance. She explained the Newmarket Business Association had expressed their concerns at the Planning Board last night. She expressed her frustration with how long this process has taken. The Planning Board does not have the authority to enforce the regulations proposed. The Advisory Heritage Commission is simply an advisory board and can only make recommendations and provide aesthetic review. She expressed her frustration with the perception this ordinance and commission has. She felt it was important to protect the $6 million investment in the downtown historic district. She suggested this should not be delayed any longer. She noted ordinances can be introduced by a Town Councilor according to the Town Charter. She asked the Council to review the ordinance for discussion so it can be moved on. She asked for this to be put on the next agenda.
Chairman Glennon noted he would put it on a future agenda.
Councilor Ploski noted the intent of the ordinance is not to tell people what to do with their homes and businesses it is to protect the history and culture of the area, as well as to protect individual property values.
Vice-Chairman Carr noted at the last meeting the Council had tabled a discussion relative to the letter the Moody Point Association had sent to the Town Council relating to Lot 13.
Motion: To ask the Town Administrator to coordinate a conference call with Laura Spector to explore the Town’s options regarding Moody Point Lot 13. The conference call shall include the Town Administrator, Town Planner, Town Council Chairman and Town Council Vice-Chairman.
Motioned: Vice-Chairman Carr
Seconded: Councilor Ploski
Vice-Chairman Carr noted the issue is in litigation because the developer is trying to get a building permit, which is a separate issue.
Administrator Wojnowski noted the law suit is the disagreement Walter Cheney has with the Planning Board not allowing the subdivision.
Chairman Glennon noted he would like to know what the Town’s options are except reacting to a law suit.
Vice-Chairman Carr noted during the development of Moody Point there was information in documents indicating Lot 13 should be given to Moody Point. She noted the question is who owns the land. She felt the Town needed to rectify the situation.
Councilor Kwaks agreed the issue is in litigation and should be handled there.
Vice-Chairman Carr noted she is requesting permission to be able to speak with the attorney.
Administrator Wojnowski felt it would be more representative for the Town Council and Planning Board to meet with Laura Spector.
Councilor Ploski respectfully withdrew his second to the motion.
Councilor Kwaks noted she would like to discuss the lack of fees imposed for the adult leagues that use Newmarket fields to play sports. She noted the NYAA is granted $21,000 annually and children still needed to pay $100 to play. She asked for a vote tonight to impose a fee per player as the leagues would begin organizing soon.
Motion: To impose a $75 fee for non-residents and $50 fee for Newmarket residents who participate in the women’s over 35/under 35 adult leagues.
Motioned: Councilor Kwaks
There was no second.
Councilor Kwaks asked if an updated map of Newmarket could be included in the Town report. She asked if trash pick up schedule changes could be put on channel 13. she asked if a list of trails and employees and wages could be included in the Town report.
Chairman Glennon noted he would entertain that as a motion as those requests need to be made as a Council.
Councilor Bergeron noted he would be comfortable putting the trash pick up schedule and map on the website, but would not be comfortable publishing employee wages.
Chairman Glennon noted employee wages are public knowledge.
Vice-Chairman Carr noted residents could come to the Town Hall for that knowledge.
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13. Town Administrator’s Report
Administrator Wojnowski explained the Exeter Street drainage is moving forward. He met with Project Coordinator Julie Glover and Public Works Director Rick Malasky about the detention pond for the water problem on Bennett Way. Underwood Engineering would come before the Town Council next month about the plans.
Administrator Wojnowski noted he asked MIS Director Doug Poulin to work with NCDC and the Newmarket Business Association on researching WiFi for the downtown. There is a proposal prepared. He noted Fairpoint would be approached to work with businesses to raise funds.
Administrator Wojnowski noted the warrant article had been structured for stimulus funding. There is one master warrant article for funding to incorporate New Village and smaller projects such as man holes and the grinder for Creighton Street.
Administrator Wojnowski noted in 2002 the Town adopted a warrant article to bond the construction of the water tank and laying of the line from the water tank to Route 108. The bond allows the Town to accept the stimulus funding, if granted, without a Town meeting. The Warrant article would give the Town authority to spend the stimulus funds.
Councilor LaBranche referenced the copy of the warrant article provided indicating the bond is available until used; there is no expiration. He asked for this to be made available for the Budget Committee. He noted the Council has not discussed the warrants already in place.
Councilor Kwaks asked if the bonding could be used for alternative energies at the sewer treatment plant.
Administrator Wojnowski noted that would be too specific.
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