Board of Selectmen Meeting, March 18, 2024

New rules for public comments. Budget cuts. Complaints, and complaints about the lack of a complaint policy. Water cross events public meeting scheduled.

John Decker and Matt Shirland were sworn in. John Morin was elected Chairman. Tim Dabrieo, who was absent, was elected Vice Chairman. Selectmen were assigned to committees and departments as follows:

• Dabrieo to Budget Committee and Recycling Department

• Decker to CIP Committee and Highway Department

• Morin to Planning Board and Recreation Department

• Shirland to Fire Department

• Welch to Police Department

The board decided to stop providing a representative for Marston Fields. All issues about Marston are now the responsibility of the Recreation Department representative. 

New Rules for Public Comments

The board established a new policy for the public comment period at the end of its regular meetings. The board declared that the primary purpose of the public comment period is to express opinions to the board; it is not for asking questions. Citizens with questions for the board are to provide their questions to the Town Administrator, preferably three business days prior to the meeting. The board will give public answers at their meeting, at which time the public may discuss the answers. 

Consequences of the Default Budget

Because of the voters’ rejection of the proposed operating budget, the town must operate on the $289k smaller default budget. However, because $35k of spending in the 2023 operating budget was moved into warrant articles in 2024, only $254k needs to be cut. 

Selectman Shirland raised the possibility of holding a special town meeting, per RSA 40:20, which states:

X. If no operating budget article is adopted, the local political subdivision either shall be deemed to have approved the default budget or the governing body may hold a special meeting pursuant to paragraph XVI to take up the issue of a revised operating budget only; provided that RSA 31:5 and RSA 197:3 shall not apply to such a special meeting. If no operating budget article is adopted the estimated revenues shall nevertheless be deemed to have been approved.

During public comment, a citizen said that they were offended that the board would be so quick to consider such a method for reversing the election results. Chairman Morin responded that it is the board’s duty to consider all options. The board discussed this option and decided not to pursue it at this time. 

The board will hold a budget workshop meeting on Wednesday, March 20 at 6:30 pm to begin deliberating. The board anticipates the need for additional meetings to establish a 2024 operating budget.

Complaint Policy

The Town Administrator informed the board that the town lacks complaint policies and procedures with respect to complaints from the public. Employee grievances are covered in the town’s personnel policies. There had been a policy, but the board repealed it in October 2016. Selectman Shirland said he thought there should be a policy. Selectman Decker said he thought there should be a procedure. 

Water Cross Public Meeting

The sponsors of the water cross events have requested a permit for events on three weekends in 2024. The board will hold a public meeting on this as part of its April 1 regularly scheduled meeting. 

Recycling Center Well

It turned out that the failed well at the Recycling Center could be repaired and did not require replacement. The well failure was determined to be due to a casing that was accidentally hit and broken. The replumbing of the well, which included adding a pre-filter, cost $8.6k rather than the $13k expected. The result should be as good as a new well. Jersey barriers will be installed to prevent future accidents. The accident may be covered under the town’s insurance. The board will receive an update on this at their next regular meeting. 

New Gym Mats

The board approved a $13k expenditure from the Recreation revolving fund for new mats for the Community Center gym. The old mats—which were acquired used—no longer roll out flat and lack circles for wrestling, which the department now offers. The old mats are still usable and will be put up for sale. 

Channel Street Public Meeting

The owner of the land that Channel Street goes over again met with the board to come to a resolution about the exact size and location of the road easement. The board has received a legal opinion and will provide a redacted copy to the petitioner. The Town Attorney says there should be a 25 ft wide easement. The petitioner needs a resolution on this so that they can subdivide three lots for their children.

A public hearing will be scheduled for this issue, as required by RSA 231. 

A member of the audience pointed out that Google Maps was seriously erroneous about the roads in this area. Channel Street—which was renamed for E-911 reasons two years ago—is not properly labeled on Google Maps. The layouts for Dolloff Dam Road and Lamprey Drive were seriously wrong, with parts of roads missing, non-existent parts shown, and sections mislabeled. The Town Administrator will attempt to get this corrected.

Reviewing the survey of Channel Street.

Rejection of the Revaluation Fund Warrant Article

A citizen asked what the town was going to do about the voters’ rejection of adding funds to the revaluation fund. The town has a statutory requirement to perform this every five years, and it must do this in 2025. It is predicted that the revaluation will cost about $100k. $71k is currently in the fund. Selectman Decker pointed out that this is a 2025 budget issue, and it will be addressed in the 2025 budgeting process. 

Complaint About Treatment

A Nottingham citizen who had been fired from the Fire Department complained about the treatment she received after attending a public meeting of that department. Among the several complaints she mentioned was that she was told that she was being intimidating. Chairman Morin responded that he thought that her tone of voice was intimidating. She then complained that Chairman Morin was being intimidating. 

Watch the dramatic difference of opinion on the video.

Other News

• The Highway Director recommended that the road weight restrictions be lifted. The board rejected this recommendation and will reconsider it at its April 1 meeting. 

• Cleanout work on the abandoned rear section of the Community Center has begun. 

• Lease renewals on the bays at the old fire station are being renewed and renegotiated. Renter Emi’s Porta-Potty’s has offered to pay for the heating oil. The board thanked Emi’s. 

• Hazardous waste will be collected on Saturday, April 27, from 8:00 am to noon near the Raymond Safety Complex. This will be the only hazardous waste collection event in 2024.

• The board continued to debate the smoking policy. 

• Due to the voters’ rejection of the warrant article to make Maple Ridge Road public, residents have requested emergency lane status. The board rejected this request.  Police Chief Woodman spoke on this issue noting that the same thing happened years ago with respect to Strawberry Lane. The developer established a homeowners’ association. The association is responsible for road maintenance. 

• The board approved the new bylaws for the Fire Department, with Decker abstaining. The new bylaws will be posted on the town website.

• The board re-appointed Alana Kenny as Deputy Town Clerk.

• The board re-appointed Samuel Demeritt, Susan Mooney, and Mary Colvard to 3-year terms on the Conservation Commission. 

Watch the video: