Town of Bristol
Board of Selectmen
Minutes of 08-09-07
Members Present: Joe Denning (JD), Steve Favorite (SF), Paul Fraser (PF), Bruce Van Derven (BVD), Town Manager Elizabeth Corrow
Members Absent: Rick Alpers (RA)
Vice Chairman Paul Fraser called the meeting to order at 7:00pm.
Voices Against Violence
Jay Olmstead the Executive Director of Voices Against Violence came before the Board to thank the Selectmen for the support as well as the yearly funding. She explained Voices Against Violence help males, females and children of all ages with domestic and sexual violence and harassment. She provided the Selectmen with a brochure of the statistics for Bristol and stated Bristol is the second highest town they serve. She stated they have a good relationship with the Police Department. Ms. Olmstead wants to make sure people are aware of the services they provide because statistically there are more citizens that are threatened with violence. Mr. Fraser questioned how long Voices Against Violence had been servicing the community for. Ms. Olmstead stated this was their 26th year. Mr. Fraser encouraged citizens to call the Town Office Building for their contact information. Ms. Olmstead stated they are not allowed to initiate the first contact, the citizen needs to contact them for their services. Ms. Olmstead stated the Police provide the citizens with Voices Against Violence’s contact information should they intervene a situation. Mr. Denning stated the citizens have to initiate the contact with Voices Against Violence. Ms. Olmstead stated they never try to force someone to contact them but they do encourage it. Mr. Van Derven questioned what the contact number for Voices Against Violence. Ms. Olmstead stated it was 603-536-1659 and there is a staff member or a volunteer to answer the phone. Mr. Van Derven questioned the Confidentiality. Ms. Olmstead explained everything is very confidential but they do have to break it if there is child abuse occurring. Mr. Denning questioned if they were looking for volunteers. Ms. Olmstead said they are always looking for volunteers and the next training session for the volunteers will be starting soon. The volunteers help with transportation, handing information as well as many other things. She explained they have a shelter and it is not connected with the other shelter at Pemi Baker. Mr. Fraser suggested we put their contact information on the TV bulletin board. Ms. Olmstead thanked the Board and the Community for the support and stated it is important to try and get their information out to the public.
Purchase Orders
Water & Sewer Department – EJ Prescott – $3,387.59 - For a project at Turner Cottages that will be paid from the water/sewer capital reserve account and reimbursed by the owners. Motion by JD to approve the Purchase Order for EJ Prescott that will be reimbursed by the property owners: seconded by SF; vote was 4-0.
Kelly Park - Seating Solutions - $4,970.00 - 2 bleachers for Kelly Park. Motion by JD to approve the Purchase Order for Seating Solutions for 2 bleaches at Kelly Park: seconded by SF; vote was 4-0.
Budget Committee
Mr. Fraser stated the Board of Selectmen have been inviting boards and committees in the get them on the camera so the public can understand what they do and allow the Board to see if they need anything. The Budget Committee introduced themselves and Mr. Fraser stated the Committee is made up of 12 members that are elected plus a Selectmen’s representative. He explained there are 4 positions available this year. Budget Committee Chairman Mr. Auger explained the responsibilities of the Budget Committee are clearly outlined in RSA 32 and stated they have one of the most important jobs. He stated they gather information from all sources to determine an appropriate budget for the Town to adopt. He stated their budget is generally close to the Selectmen’s recommended budget. He thinks most of the voters support both of the budgets. Mr. Denning stated many citizens get confused and think the School budget is part of the Town. He explained that this is not the school Budget Committee as the district has a separate Budget Committee. Mr. Fraser stated the Budget Committee meets the second Monday of the month. Mr. Auger stated they work hard to keep good communication among themselves and the boards and one goal they have is to work closely with the Selectmen to come to a close budget. He hopes to have the budget committee for the years to come. Mr. Fraser stated the meetings are public and encouraged people to attend. Mr. Van Derven questioned how things were going and if they had any concerns. Mr. Auger stated as a group they have experience with each other, work well together, however, they do not always agree on everything and are rarely unanimous. They do respect each others point of view. Ms. Gordon felt things are going great and Ms. Corrow is very knowledgeable and helpful. Mr. Thouin stated the busy season begins in October and encourages the public to be involved and join their meetings to explain what the residents want. He also thought having the Selectmen attend the meetings was very good. Mr. Fraser stated this is an elected position and encourages new members to run in March. He stated Mr. Hemmingway is the newest member. Mr. Hemmingway stated he wanted to get involved as a citizen and make a difference in the community. He explained this year has been a good learning experience and having Bob Anderson from DRA attend a meeting was very helpful in bringing him up to speed. Mr. Fraser stated by having people see this on TV it will hopefully help to get more members. Mr. Auger stated it is important that the Selectmen make it clear as to the general direction they think the town should move. He also thinks the Capital Improvements Plan will be helpful and encourages any helpful information. He thinks the two budgets will be similar again this year. Mr. Fraser thanked them for coming in and hopes it will help get more people involved. Mr. Auger stated the next meeting is August 13th at 7:00pm. Mr. Hemmingway questioned what the Selectmen’s expectations of the budget committee are and is there anything that they can do to help with the Budget process. Mr. Denning stated last year the Board set a goal to keep the tax rate as low as possible, however, this year they have not yet discussed this but they would probably try to do the same as well as the priorities. He also thinks the information flow between the boards and the discussions have been better over the last few years. Mr. Favorite thinks it is good to know what the different departments do and the work and effort that is put into by the employees. He also agrees that the communication is much better then it has been in the past. Mr. Van Derven would like to see the Budget Committee work with the Selectmen and CIP Committee at broadening their approach so it is not just assessing the five Departments. He would like to see a boarder view with long term goals and thoughtful analysis. He would also like to see the Budget Committee members attend the candidate’s night to express their views at election time. He also thinks it is good to have the groups together to listen to each other because he feels often times people do not understand some of his views and opinions and do not take the time to ask therefore, they are forming their own opinion on his view that may be incorrect. He encourages people to contact him with any questions they may have regarding his views and opinions. Mr. Fraser stated the CIP Committee was formed under the Planning Board and they are looking at larger ticket item over a long period of time. Ms. Gordon stated the Budget Committee has very reasoned opinions of the priorities and hope the Selectmen realize they are still valid even if they are different then the Selectmen’s. She explained the Budget Committee has the right to have their opinions. Mr. Van Derven stated he was referring to the fact that people vote “no” on principle. He understands people’s opinions are different but he has a hard time understanding when people vote no just because. Ms. Gordon hopes people get to know her through her actions and her services. Mr. Walenda stated they need to look out for the people because the taxes are too high and he thinks that is the reason people vote no. Mr. Winn feels the most important thing to do is plan. Right now we are burdening the tax payers by putting large projects off until something happens and then trying to get a large amount of money at once. He feels the projects need to be spread out over time because they will need to be done. He feels people do not spend much time reviewing the master plan and hopes the CIP plan will be followed.
Multi-use Path
Mr. Fraser explained the Board discussed last year whether to allow motorized vehicles and snowmobiles on the Multi-use Path but would revisit the issue again in the fall. Due to the warranty issue the Board voted not to allow motorized vehicles. Mr. Van Derven felt last year the citizens had two very different view points. He suggested posting a public hearing for input before they make a decision this year since the warranty is now not an issue. This would also allow the Board to budget for repairs this year. Mr. Denning stated parts of the path did get scratched last year therefore they need to budget for repairs. A snowmobile club member stated if they have permission to use the trail they can monitor it and make sure there is enough snow on the path for the snowmobiles. Mr. Denning wanted to ensure there would be a plan in place for funding if they do allow them on the trail. Mr. Van Derven stated the Town would have to vote on the budget for the trail and this would not occur until after the season. A snowmobile club member does not think the damage if any would be significant. Mr. Favorite stated the process to get this path took ten years, other towns were not involved and the people would like to see this path preserved for as long as possible. He suggested having a slow speed limit on the trail to minimize some damages. The club members do agree that there are some people that take off fast which will spin the track possibly causing damage but hope that people will be respectful. Mr. Fraser felt these were all good talking points for the public hearing. Mr. Favorite questioned if the groomer would even fit on the path and the Club confirmed it would.
Selectboard Member of the Historic District Commission - Postponed
Selectboard Items
Joe Denning –
Mr. Denning questioned whether Mark Bucklin had done a schedule for the sidewalks as they had discussed this during budget season. Ms. Corrow will follow up with Mr. Bucklin.
Mr. Denning suggested painting the railings on the Riverdale Road bridge to avoid rotting.
Steve Favorite –
Mr. Favorite was concerned with many signs around town that are broken. He feels they need to be fixed in a more timely fashion.
Mr. Denning questioned whether there would be a sign placed on Avery Crouse Beach for the boats and swimmers. Ms. Corrow explained Marine Patrol stated people are allowed to beach their boats if the Town allows it. She would like to know whether the board wants to allow this or not. Mr. Denning is concerned because people are swimming on the other side of the swim line while boats are pulling in and feels there needs to be a sign to make the swimmers stay in the swim line. Mr. Van Derven agrees with having a sign to keep the swimmers in the swim line. He questioned if it is town property that people are beaching their boats on. Ms. Corrow believes it is both town property and Swiss Views property. Ms. Corrow stated there is really no place for people to launch their boats and if people are allowed to beach their boats there then they are technically launching their boats which will open the door to allow kayaks and canoes to launch. The Board had no issue with this. Ms. Corrow confirmed with the Board that citizens are allowed to beach their boats and what we need are signs posted to keep swimmers in the swim line. The Board confirmed.
Bruce Van Derven –
Mr. Van Derven questioned the safety of the Borough Bridge. Ms. Corrow stated the recent inspection they received stated it was not in good shape. Mr. Van Derven questioned whether the bridge should be shut down. Ms. Corrow stated she would review the inspection again and then they could possibly discuss the concern with Hill.
Mr. Van Derven questioned if there were any problems at the TTCC Carnival. Ms. Corrow stated there were quite a few arrests, 6 in a row one night. She stated the TTCC did make $3000.00 from the carnival but it did cost the town a lot of money. She explained she had not figured out how much the town spent to support the event.
Mr. Fraser questioned whether the Board agreed to go ahead and talk to Hill about possibly closing the Bridge should it be dangerous.
Mr. Van Derven stated the Recycling Committee will be meeting soon to address the financial benefit of recycling and make it a nicer opportunity for the town. He suggested anyone interested in joining should contact the town hall.
Mr. Van Derven stated he has responded to a few emails from constituents related to taxes. He explained this board has done a lot that has been directly related to the Master Plan.
Town Manager Items
Volunteer Reception
Ms. Corrow questioned the Volunteer Reception. She explained there were a few ideas of when to hold the meeting. Mr. Fraser felt it should be its own dedicated night opposed to before a Selectmen’s meeting. Mr. Van Derven suggested the same evening as Selectmen’s meeting since they know the Board will then all be in attendance and most of the meeting would be dedicated to the volunteers. The Board decided to do this in November.
Newfound Bears Sign
Ms. Corrow stated the Board had previously decided on the design for the sign and placement. However, there has been a suggestion to place the sign near the athletic field at the High School. Ms. Corrow also stated the sign is larger then the Zoning Ordinance allows. She explained the Town does not have to comply with the Ordinance because they are exempt but she would like to follow the procedure as everyone else would have to do. The Board debated whether it was really necessary to follow this procedure because they are exempt. Ms. Corrow would really like to follow the same principles as every one else. Mr. Fraser explained the original request from Jim Crawford and stated they now are deciding where to locate the sign. The Board agreed to place the sign at the athletic field with permission from the school.
Land Use Enforcement Officer
Ms. Corrow stated Matt Nebesnik; the Land Use Enforcement Officer had resigned. He had been offered a position with Homeland Security that he could not refuse. Ms. Corrow stated she was aware that Mr. Nebesnik was going for this but Mr. Nebesnik did not think he would be offered the position this soon. Ms. Corrow stated Mr. Nebesnik has however cleaned the office up and has done a great job getting it ready for the next person. Ms. Corrow does have someone that will be filling in who will also be applying and is currently training with Matt before he goes. Ms. Corrow feels this will provide some consistency in the mean time even if this person is not chosen. Mr. Fraser read Mr. Nebesnik’s resignation letter.
Public Comment
Mr. Walenda stated he would like to buy the acetylene tank from the town. Mr. Denning thinks it is a good idea to have someone purchase it and remove it rather then having to pay someone to remove it. Mr. Van Derven questioned the liability and does not think people should be allowed to approach the Selectmen if they want to purchase something from the dump. Mr. Denning questioned whether we would usually just give it away. Motion by JD to sell the settling tank to Richie Walenda with a signed written agreement; seconded by SF; vote was 3-1 with BVD opposing.
Mr. Murray Campbell came before the board to give an update on the CIP meetings. He explained they have had a couple of meetings and would like to do a brainstorming session with the different boards to get ideas for the CIP. Mr. Campbell would then like to prioritize the items. He stated at this point they are really looking for suggestions and was a little disappointed when they asked the first group they met with because they did not have any ideas. Mr. Fraser suggested the Board email items to Ms. Corrow and she can compile a list. Mr. Van Derven thinks there are many organizations that may have some good input. He stated he would write a letter to send to the organizations for there input. Ms. Corrow stated the Department Heads and the CIP will be meeting on the 28th. Ms. Corrow has been working with the Department Heads and making a plan for personnel and capital items with a timeline to 2017 and will present this to the CIP.
Motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Joe Denning; seconded by Mr. Steve Favorite; vote was unanimous.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 pm
Respectfully submitted,
Krystal Alpers
Administrative Secretary
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Richard Alpers, Chair Steve Favorite
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Joe Denning Paul Fraser
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Bruce Van Derven