Town of Bristol
Board of Selectmen
Minutes of 02-8-07
Members Present: Bruce Van Derven (BVD), Joe Denning (JD), Paul Fraser (PF)
Steve Favorite (SF), Town Manager Elizabeth Corrow
Chair Selectman Rick Alpers called the public hearing meeting to order at 7:00pm.
Mr. Bruce Van Derven presented Town Manager Corrow with a plant as a thank you for her commitment to the Town of Bristol.
Elderly, Disabled, Deaf and Blind Exemptions – Public Hearing:
Mr. Rick Alpers asked the public to give input on raising the exemptions and stated the hearing would be open for one hour for any public input. He explained that when a town goes through a reevaluation as Bristol has just done, it is important to go over the exemptions to keep them consistent with the increase in assessments. He also stated the Veterans credits are already at the state maximum. He then proposed to raise the income and asset limit to allow more citizens to be eligible.
Mr. Mike Bannon agreed due to the increased cost of living.
Mr. Walenda felt the exemptions should be doubled because he believes all the assessments doubled.
Mr. Bruce Van Derven questioned whether there would be a motion at the end of the meeting regarding the exemptions and Mr. Alpers explained they would need to in order to prepare the warrant article.
Mr. Alpers stated they would take public input until 8:00pm for anyone else that had questions or concerns regarding the exemptions.
Update from Freudenberg NOK regarding the Dams
Mr. Renee Lefebvre, Facilities Maintenance Manager from Freudenberg NOK, came before the board to brief them regarding the construction that will take place on the dams. He stated they are in the middle of the design phase for the upper damn and they are trying to get it passed through the state right now. Once the state approves the design they will bring it before the board of Selectmen. They are designing the dams to ensure low hazard and low maintenance. He explained both the dams would need to be rebuilt but will start with the upper damn first and then begin designing the lower damn. The design of the lower damn depends greatly on the final design of the upper damn. They have currently put a retaining wall in the lower damn to stop the water from going into the fish farm as a temporary fix until they begin construction. He explained the cost of the construction for the dams is going to greatly exceed his original estimated budget of $200,000.00 due to the cost of engineering, permitting, river scientists, and various other items. He has currently estimated $350,000.00 but he believes the cost of the damn will easily exceed $350,000.00. Mr. Steve Favorite questioned whether the pond will be as big as before. Mr. Lefebvre explained the pond will still be there but it will not be as large. The height will remain about the same; however, the spill way will be raised 4-5 inches. Mr. Van Derven questioned whether Freudenberg would continue to be responsible for the dams and maintain ownership. Mr. Lefebvre stated they currently do not have any plans of giving up ownership but the future remains uncertain. He also stated once the design passes through the state, he will bring the design before the board for their review. Mr. Lefebvre noted that the State controls the height of the river because they control the height of the lake and they are looking at causing the height of the river to be more of an issue to protect the lake. When you look at building along the river in the future it might be important to realize the chances of high water along the river are higher than normal because the safety valve for the lake is the river you wouldn’t want anyone building right up to the river’s edge. The board members thanked Mr. Lefebvre for coming in this evening.
Petitioned Warrant Articles Submitted by Town Residents – Public Hearing:
Mr. Alpers explained there was only one petitioned warrant article submitted. He read the petitioned warrant article regarding the New Hampshire Climate Change Resolution and explained the petition had the correct amount of signatures and Raymah Simpson, the Town Clerk has verified. He then asked for any public input.
Mr. Bannon stated his support for the petition.
Mr. Alpers stated they would take public input until 8:30pm for anyone else that had questions or concerns regarding the petitioned warrant article.
Location of Town Meeting
Mr. Alpers felt voting should remain at Old Town Hall and Town Meeting should be held at the high school since the middle school acoustics are not very good. Mr. Paul Fraser explained the main concern of the public with using Old Town Hall related to safety issues. He said the Middle School seemed to be favored due to the drive to the High School and it was centrally located. He also thought if Town Meeting were to remain at Old Town Hall we would need to address public safety concerns, address traffic issues and possibly get a group of volunteers to assist folks that need help walking into Town Hall. Mr. Joe Denning agreed with more public safety, Old Town Hall may be fine. Ms. Corrow discussed the feedback she had received which reiterated concern with the safety at Old Town Hall, issues with the acoustics at the Middle School and those that spoke to her felt the High School would be the best. Mr. Van Derven felt the auditorium at the High School was excellent for plays but the lighting and the ability to speak is just not conducive for Town Meeting. However, he does feel the public would like to try a new place and is confident there may be a better turn out; therefore, the gym at the High School may be the best place. Mr. Alpers stated the Moderator, Ned Gordon felt the schools would not be good for voting since school would be in session and would limit parking greatly. Mr. Bannon supports both the High School and Old Town Hall but feels more people would show up if it were at the High School. Mr. Walenda did not agree and thinks the High School is too far for people to travel to and the Middle School is central. Mr. Kris Bean questioned whether there was a basketball game or basketball practice, and Mr. Alpers said they would be sure to check on that before advertising if that is the place chosen. Mr. Paul Fraser thinks people will travel to the High School and noted many have to travel further for amenities in this area.
Motion by SF to hold voting at Old Town and Town Meeting at Newfound Regional High School with a great deal of advertising of the change in venue; seconded by JD; vote was 5-0.Elderly, Disabled, Deaf and Blind Exemptions – Public Hearing Closed:
Mr. Alpers again took any final public input regarding the exemptions.
Mr. Walenda stated the elderly have been around for a very long time and deserve a break on their taxes.
Selectman Denning reviewed the exemption amounts, income limits and asset limits in the surrounding towns.
Chairman Alpers explained the other citizens in the town have to compensate for the exemptions. He stated the folks receiving the exemptions are very worthy of them, but wanted to make sure everyone realizes the other citizens of Bristol have to compensate the difference through their tax dollars.
Mr. Bruce Van Derven made a motion to raise the elderly exemptions. He proposed the following to be included as a warrant article:
Shall we modify the elderly exemptions from property tax in the town of Bristol, based on assessed value, for qualified taxpayers, to be as follows: for a person 65 years of age up to 75 years, $25,000; for a person 75 years of age up to 80 years, $30,000; for a person 80 years of age or older $45,000. To qualify, the person must have been a New Hampshire resident for at least 3 years, own the real estate individually or jointly, or if the real estate is owned by such person's spouse, they must have been married for at least 5 years. In addition, the taxpayer must have a net income of not more than $25,000 or, if married, a combined net income of less than $45,000; and own net assets not in excess of $40,000 excluding the value of the person's residence.
Motion by BVD to raise the elderly exemptions as stated above; seconded by SF; vote was 5-0.
Mr. Bruce Van Derven also motioned to raise the disabled, deaf and blind exemptions to $30,000. In addition, the taxpayer must have a net income of not more than $25,000 or, if married, a combined net income of less than $45,000; and own net assets not in excess of $40,000 excluding the value of the person's residence.
Motion by BVD to raise the disabled, deaf and blind exemptions as stated above; seconded by SF; vote was 5-0.
Discussion of Proposed Bonds / Notes for the Central Street Bridge project, Water & Sewer Improvements and Police Building Project:
Mr. Rick Alpers asked the public to give input on proposed bonds / notes for the Central Street Bridge project, Water & Sewer improvements and Police building project.
Mr. Alpers read the draft warrant article for the Central Street Bridge. He explained the Central Street Bridge is in the final stages of planning and we plan to start construction next year. It is also the longest 2 span bridge. Mr. Bannon questioned some of the wording for the article.
Mr. Alpers read the draft warrant article for the Police Building Project. He explained the Police Committee is still negotiating with the property owner; however, the property they are currently negotiating on is currently the Dead River Property. Ms. Corrow stated the wording of the warrant article is vague as to a specific location which will allow the choice of the property that would be the best. Mr. Walenda questioned whether there needed to be a 2/3 vote. Mr. Alpers confirmed there would. Mr. Van Derven asked who was on the Police Committee. Mr. Favorite stated he was on the committee as well as Barry Wingate, Bob Wingate, Michael Lewis, Chris Dolloff, Monica Abear, Elizabeth Corrow, Don Milbran, Dennis Mires the Architect, and the North Point Engineering Firm. They have been working on this for about four months. Mr. Denning explained the team has worked very well together and are doing a great job.
Mr. Alpers again took any final public input regarding the petitioned warrant articles and closed the public hearing at 8:30pm. He also explained the board can not recommend a petitioned warrant article.
Warrant Articles:
Discussion took place regarding the warrant articles for the 2007 Town Meeting for proper placement of each.
Mr. Alpers explained the warrant articles are split with the operating budget in one article, the capital budget in another article and the capital reserves in a third article. Ms. Corrow stated this was a clean way to present the items.
The board then went over all of the articles and discussed the proper order for the articles to be presented.
Mr. Bruce Van Derven proposed four warrant articles to the board (In summary):
1. Whether the Town will vote to urge the Board of Selectman and Town Manager to seek additional sources of revenue (besides taxation and fees on taxpayers) and cost savings.
Mr. Bannon agreed that it is the board’s job to find ways to raise money without raising taxes.
Mr. Walenda stated cell towers are a great means of revenue for Towns.
Motion by RA to include proposed warrant article; seconded by JD; vote was 5-0.
Mr. Alpers closed the Public Hearing Regarding the bonds at 9:10pm.
2. Whether the Town will vote to reorganize the Capital Improvement Program.
Mr. Alpers suggested the article be reworded.
Motion by JD to include the article regarding the capital improvements program once it has been reworded; seconded by PF; vote was 5-0.
3. Whether the Town will vote to discontinue the current budget process, in favor of a budget advisory panel. Appropriate wording to be determined by the Town Manager after consultation with Town Counsel and the Department of Revenue.
Mr. Bruce Van Derven stated the intention of this article is for
Motion by RA to include proposed warrant article; seconded by SF; vote was 5-0.
4. Whether the Town will vote to establish a Budget committee of 5 members.
Mr. Van Derven suggested a 5 member Budget Committee would allow the people that are well qualified and dedicated to make decisions regarding the Towns budget.
Mr. Joe Denning thinks a five member Selectboard and a Town Manager can easily put together a proper operating budget, where as before the three member Selectboard and Town Administrator was a week form of government.
Mr. Walenda does not think the Selectman should have all the power.
Mr. Alpers explained the voters always have the final say, therefore, if they do not agree with the Selectmen then they would vote accordingly.
Mr. Van Derven has heard many citizens express concerns with a power struggle and authority issues. However, he certainly does not feel this board is like that and they are here to do what is in the best interest of the tax payers. He also stated we currently have 13 positions on the Budget Committee and the positions are not being filled.
Mr. Walenda does not agree with this proposal. He feels the Selectmen will increase the budget greatly if there is not a budget committee and an increase in the budget will drive the elderly out of town.
Mr. Joe Denning stated over the past 10 years the difference between the Budget Committees proposed budget and the Selectmen’s proposed budget has been very minimal. He also explained the Selectmen’s goal during this years budget season was not increase the tax rate, however, the budget committee stated they would do what seemed reasonable.
Motion by SF to include proposed warrant article; seconded by JD; vote was 5-0.
Town Manager Items:
Vending Permit:
Town Manager Corrow explained she had received a vending permit to sell seafood in the TD Banknorth parking lot. She confirmed the parking spaces in front of the bank are considered town property. She explained the ordinance that is currently in place for vending does not have some criteria that it should in order to minimize the liability on the town as well as a specific vending location and a fee. Mr. Alpers suggested Ms. Corrow approve this application with certain stipulations and the board should revise the vending ordinance at a work session in the future.
Resignation of Patrolman:
Town Manager Corrow announced the resignation of Officer Gordon Ramsey.
Ms. Corrow also explained they have advertised for a patrolman and they included a statement at the bottom of the advertisement stating the town is always accepting resumes for part-time officers.
Police Chief Job Description:
Town Manager Corrow presented the board with a job description for the police chief. The board reviewed it and made a minor change in wording.
Motion by PF to accept the job description as proposed with the minor change in wording; seconded by JD; vote was 5-0.Grant for Police Portable Radios:
Ms. Corrow stated the Police Department has received a grant for four portable radios.
Regional Meeting:
Ms. Corrow explained the Regional Meeting is on the 28th of February at the Fire Station due to a previously scheduled meeting at the Town Office Building. She also questioned the board to move the time to 7:00pm per a request by one of the surrounding towns. The board suggested they compromise and hold the meeting at 6:30pm.
Abatement Application for the Newfound Hydroelectric:
Town Manager Corrow suggested the board hire a utility appraiser to ensure the Utility companies in the Town are properly assessed. She stated she has $6,000.00 left from the reevaluation which is generally what a utility appraiser costs.
Motion by RA to hire a utility appraiser; seconded by PF; vote was 5-0.The meeting was adjourned at 10:00pm
Respectfully submitted,
Krystal Alpers
Administrative Secretary
____________________________ _____________________________
Richard Alpers, Chair Steve Favorite
_____________________________ _____________________________
Joe Denning Paul Fraser
____________________________
Bruce Van Derven