MINUTES OF HAVERHILL SELECTBOARD REGULAR MEETING
Monday June 8, 2009
Board Members Present: Roderick Ladd, Peter Heilemann, Robert Maccini and David Joslin. Peter Conrad was excused.
Town Manager: Glenn English
Administrative Assistant/Finance Officer: Jo Lacaillade
Members of the Public Present: Howard Hatch, Doug Henson, Everett Henson, Darwin Clogston, Todd Bigelow, Winston Currier, Dick Guy, Gerald Lyons, Harry Haskins, Heidi Lyman, Wayne Presby, Martha Trott, Aaron Palm, Alicia Alling, Chief Jeff Williams, Cecil Smith, Wally Trott, Byron Charles, Robert Martin, Brandon Alling, Don Staplefeld, Ron Fournier, Lori Petersen, Janet Surette-Mills, Neil Robie, Ed Ballam from the Journal Opinion and others not signed in.
Call Meeting to Order:
Chairman Ladd called the meeting to order at 6:06 p.m.
Approval of Agenda:
Bob Maccini made a motion to approve the agenda as presented; seconded by David Joslin and carried unanimously.
Approval
of Consent Agenda:
Bob Maccini made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as
presented; seconded by David Joslin and carried unanimously.
Scheduled Public Appearances:
Ø Commendation
of Police Officer Brandon Alling: Town
Manager welcomed Chief Williams back as this was his first public appearance
since the serious accident he was in. Chief Williams thanked everyone
but stated that this night was in honor of Officer Brandon Alling with a letter
of commendation for a 911 call that Officer Alling was dispatched to on May 5th.
Officer Alling administered CPR and used the defibulator and saved a resident’s
life. Chairman Ladd read the letter of commendation while Chief Williams made
the presentation. (copy of commendation at end of minutes). Chief Williams
stated that his department has done a fantastic job during his absence; they
need to be recognized for going above and beyond. Chairman Ladd said that the
whole Town appreciates the fact that they have been operating as a team during
this time.
Ø Todd
Bigelow-Interview for appointment to Planning Board: Chairman Ladd interviewed Todd for
appointment to the Planning Board. Bob Maccini made a motion to appoint Todd
Bigelow to the Planning Board; seconded by David Joslin and carried
unanimously.
Ø Wayne
Presby-White Mountain Biodiesel: Mr.
Presby was not in attendance so this item was tabled for the present time.
Public Hearing(s): None
Town Manager’s Report:
TM English said that he has developed a draft job description for the Code Enforcement Inspector; it has been emailed to each of the fire chiefs for their input. The Selectboard also has it for their review.
TM English said that there was a huge response to the electronic recycling event. Three tractor trailer loads were taken at the event. It is possible that there may be more events like that in the future.
Pending (Old) Business:
Ø Recycling
Proposals-Neil Robie: Neil was in
attendance to review the bid he submitted in answer to the Town’s request for
proposals to operate a recycling center. He talked about the costs of
recyclables in the current market and the 1 year length of lease that the Town
is advertising for. The cost of getting this project up and running when the
lease would only be for a year would not make sense. The amount of residents
using the recycling in Newbury is pretty low and that number is also a concern
but he thinks that more would participate in the program if it were in Town. Bob
Maccini asked about the price of the bag drop for people to bring their
household garbage at the same time. Neil stated that it depends on the rate but
he charges the going rate for the area. TM English stated that the length of
time that the Town can enter into a lease is set by statute and there is a bill
in legislation this year that may change that in the near future. He also
feels, in his opinion, that the deal that the Town has currently with Newbury
is a very good arrangement but they could, in any year, have an increase from
their vendor which would reflect in our cost to participate with them.
Haverhill is not in the trash business and the Towns that really have active
recycling are in the trash business and the taxpayers pay for it. Chairman Ladd
feels that the Town should advocate the concept of recycling but he does not
think the Town wants to get into the business itself. He would rather see private
business with private jobs doing it. There will not be money available to do
anything until next budget year so the item was tabled for the present time to
see if HB142 passes; then a Town Meeting vote would be required to authorize
the Selectboard to enter multi year leases; and then a more concrete plan can
be worked out. The Board thanked Neil for his interest and for attending the
meeting tonight to discuss the issue with them.
Scheduled Public Appearances: cont.
Ø Wayne
Presby-White Mountain Biodiesel: Mr.
Presby spoke to his concern that he purchased a lot in the business park and
was not aware until just recently that there is a $25,000 hookup fee for the
sewer and the problems he has to get enough pressure to run the sprinkler
system. He has spoken to Heidi Lyman who assures him that he was supplied a
document that set forth the sewer connection fee but he was not aware of it
until he got the hookup agreement from the Town Manager along with a $500 per
month potentially as fees to be connected; both of which he found to be
extravagant. He has had many conversations with the water district regarding
the water pressure situation and they do not seem very interested in helping
him fix that problem. It could potentially cost them another $50,000 to fix
that. He was hoping there was something the Selectboard could do to help.
Chairman Ladd asked if there was anything in writing from the North Haverhill
Commissioners regarding the water pressure. Mr. Presby said that the
information he had was from his engineer. Bob Maccini was surprised to learn
that the connection that they had discussed with the North Haverhill Precinct
Commissioners a few meetings back would not solve the problem. TM English said
that he had talked with Shawn Bigelow and he had said that even doing that it
doesn’t completely get them where they need to get. That park was not designed
for the type of building that White Mountain Biodiesel is putting in; it was
designed for single story office type buildings. There was further discussion
as to the amount of pressure there. Shawn had told TM English that the
consultant for White Mountain Biodiesel had told them at a meeting he attended
that the solution that had to deal with the water pressure issue would not work
so they did not go ahead and spend the money for something that wouldn’t solve
the problem. He further said that there is no willingness on the District’s
part to spend any money to solve the problem so it gets back to the issue of
who is responsible. Chairman Ladd asked what the District agreed to provide
when they got some of the grant money. TM English said that in his view it was
adequate pressure and volume. Bob Maccini said the utilities commission says
that 20 pounds of pressure is adequate; not less than 20 and not more than 120.
Heidi Lyman said that they knew they were providing adequate volume and
pressure to an industrial park. Chairman Ladd concurred. TM English stated that
their fire chief has stated that he does not care about the pressure; he cares
about the volume to fight a fire. Bob Maccini stated that he believes this
issue is more political; he can’t believe they can’t get 50 pounds of pressure.
Heidi asked if the Board is willing to talk to the Precinct Commissioners
again. TM English was asked to contact Provan and Lorber to see what the
pressure is at the business park. There was further discussion regarding the
pressure. Wayne Presby stated that he has got over a million dollars invested
in the project; has 4 full time employees and needs to get these issues
settled. There was a brief discussion about the sewer hookup fee; the full fee
has been charged to other customers so the Board was not in favor of reducing
White Mountain Biodiesel’s fee but that issue will be discussed at a future
meeting. The Board was in agreement that the water issue needs to be resolved
for the future of the park. Bob Maccini said that if the Airport Road side of
the line can be used to solve the problem, he guarantees that he can put that
in for less than $12,000. TM English spoke of his frustrations in trying to get
anything done in this Town because of all of the different entities involved
with any project. Bob Maccini stated that North Haverhill Precinct would love
for the Town to allow residential use of the sewer line and that is why he does
not want to play with the hook up fee rate. Chairman Ladd felt that if we are
getting something contrary to what we heard from the North Haverhill
Commissioners a month ago; we need to pursue with them what the PSI is in the
industrial park and as a customer of their system; we have a right to ask for
it in writing. Wayne Presby said he would forward the readings that were taken
out there recently. Bob Maccini said that would give the reading from the 116
side but not the Airport Road side. Peter Heilemann asked Mr. Presby what the
status of his construction is. Mr. Presby gave a brief overview of where they
are at and they should be fully complete in the next 2 months and then they are
ready to start producing. Heidi Lyman said it did not sound like the Airport
Road connection would take that much to occur to which Bob Maccini said no;
unless he is missing something it should be an easy quick fix. Wayne Presby
said that a set of as builts would be a great help for new customers in the
park; there were none available for them. TM English will contact the engineers
for a set. The Board further discussed the water situation at the park.
Chairman Ladd asked that a written correspondence be sent to the North
Haverhill Precinct that he would sign to create a paper trail of the issue of
the water service into the park. TM English stated he would draft the letter
for Rick’s signature. Bob Maccini stated he would be able to test the pressure
at several locations to see where they are at. TM English stated that the issue
has to be resolved for the whole park; it is not a business friendly
environment to ask each business to have to invest a large sum of money to
solve pressure problems that should be provided by the District. The Board
thanked Mr. Presby for coming.
Ø Town
By-laws, Ordinances – discussion: Tabled
until later in the meeting.
New Business:
Ø NPIAS:
Dick Guy provided the Board with a
new information sheet which was a synopsis of what has been handed out in the
past. He stated that the Airport Commission believes that NPIAS is the only
practical funding mechanism for an airport and they believe they have addressed
all of the issues the Selectboard has had in the past. He reviewed the NPIAS
program. Part of the revised Airport Master Plan would be to relocate part of
Airport Road and David Joslin wanted to know who would bear the cost to that to
which Dick Guy stated that would be part of a project grant applied for, the
local share would be the normal match requirements of 2.5%. Any project that
has a Town appropriation will have to go to Town Meeting for approval. Doug
Henson felt that the joining of the NPIAS program should be taken to Town
Meeting because it would give the Selectboard input from the Town as to how the
people feel about the issue. He does not have a problem with joining NPIAS if
it is decided in a democratic process by the voters but when 3 or 4 Selectboard
members vote to join NPIAS, they are making a decision that could ultimately
change his property. He has been urging the Selectboard to take it to the
voters for 2-3 years; if the Board votes to enter NPIAS the Feds are going to
tell us what to do. Dick Guy stated that the Feds are not going to tell us what
to do; there was testimony from 4 other New Hampshire towns that state that has
not been an issue. The Feds would get involved if there is a project, they
might specify how they want the project done; and their specifications may impact
cost but the voters would have the final say because it has to be approved by
them. The Town of Haverhill accepted this airport from the Dean family with the
obligation to maintain an airport here or the land should be given back to the
family. He has heard mention that the Federal program would be
more restrictive then the State program that we are in now but they have the
same obligations and we already participate in the State program. Peter
Heilemann stated that as elected officials of the Town they do make many
decisions on the Selectboard that impact the Town without always asking them, that
is what they are elected to do. Chairman
Ladd said that the Legislative body of the Town is the Town Meeting and they
are the one for approving everything that has a dollar attached to it; you join
NPIAS for a funding source and the Selectboard has to prepared to make those
decisions like joining NPIAS. Howard Hatch stated that the Board has the right
to do this but when there are 4300 plus people in Town and you are voting for a
handful of people that use the airport, there are many other voices that aren’t
here tonight and he agrees with Doug that the voters should have a say in a
ballot vote. Bob Maccini said that he agrees with Doug that if much of the
Airport Master Plan were implemented it certainly would have an impact on the
people in the area; on the other side though, there is very little shown on the
plan that will take place without going through Town Meeting and being approved
by the voters. Joining NPIAS provides a funding vehicle, it doesn’t provide
doing anything shown on that plan or listed in the master plan without going to
the voters. Gerald Lyons stated that joining NPIAS does not commit any money to
anything right now; when they do a project, they will have to present it to the
Town and they will vote on it and that is when the money will be spent. Dick
Guy went further to say that you are not committing to anything until NPIAS
were to fund a project. Right up until the time you accept money for a project
you can write a letter and withdraw from the NPIAS program. This would just be the
first step, the vote to enter the program; the voters will have a say in any
project because there is funding attached. Bob Maccini said that is the point
he is trying to make; there is no point in taking a project to the public with
current financial situations without NPIAS funding. Peter Heilemann said that
he had spoken with the airport manager of the Lebanon Airport who spoke very
highly of the NPIAS program and said that if you don’t join NPIAS you can never
get their money but if you do join NPIAS you never have to take their money; it
is kind of like a line of credit that is available if you join and the public
will vote as projects are looked at and say yes or no. He also talked to Carol
Niewola who is the aviation person for the State and she spoke very favorably
of the program. Gerald Lyons clarified that the funding for NPIAS has reverted
back to 90% at the moment but it is expected that the FAA will raise it back to
the 95% in the near future. Dave Joslin said that by joining NPIAS it does not
keep the voters from their say because when there is a project the money will
have to be voted on at Town Meeting. Winston Currier said that there is no
guarantee that there won’t be changes in the future as far as how the funding
works but no one can guarantee anything. You can always withdraw at a future
time if the rules change and you don’t like them. Chairman Ladd asked what the
Town gets for joining NPIAS today. Dick Guy said that nothing changes today;
they just get the paperwork done and we have the ability to submit a project.
Chairman Ladd asked if they become a NPIAS participating airport, do any
restrictions or guidelines beyond what we are currently experiencing regarding
our ownership or leasing of property go into effect. Dick Guy answered no.
Chairman Ladd asked if the Federal Government now has any ability to tell us
that now that we are part of the NPIAS program you are going to do this or do
that. He said that every day he goes to Concord he learns a little more to not
trust Uncle Sam one iota; and not to trust the State one iota because things
are here today and then changed tomorrow by some whimsical vote or who holds
the majority. Dick Guy said that he has provided testimony from Claremont;
Whitefield; Concord and Lebanon Town Managers and they are all delighted and
have experienced no problems. That does not speak to the future but no problems
this far. Chairman Ladd asked if there was any problem with just asking the
voters at Town Meeting if they want to #1 join NPIAS and #2 go after a NPIAS project.
Dick Guy said that it is just a presumption, but he thinks there will be a lot
of prep work to go into getting a project approved so to ask the voters to
approve a project at the same meeting, he is not sure that it makes any sense.
Bob Maccini said that the reason he is looking favorably on NPIAS because
today, instead of just having their foot in the door, they can go in the door
before the rules change and you can go back out the door anytime unless you get
a project. Before someone takes them off the list and they can never get into
the program and then the funding is never available to you again, get inside
the door; if you don’t do a project, nothing has changed. Dave Joslin stated
that the FAA could come in tomorrow with a list of things that has to be done
at the airport and if you don’t have a way to fund it, this program is that
avenue. Bob Maccini concurred. Doug Henson said that if they vote to join NPIAS
tonight what plan are they going by; can they guarantee him that it will not
affect his property? Dick Guy stated that the master plan has been amended to
show a change to the route of Airport Road but not the closure of one section
as was on the plan before. Howard Hatch asked if he has to get up and jump up
and down on the table; when the runway was changed to north/south they did not
get rights to fly over his land and tell him what he can do and it is being
done and it is not being addressed. If the Board joins NPIAS tonight there will
be a 90’ flagpole put up on his land; when you have your attorney look these
things over, his end never gets addressed. Bob Maccini said to answer Doug’s
question, whether they join NPIAS or not, no one can give the assurance that
his land will not be affected; if the FAA says under their regulations that a
beacon is going to go on top of the biofuel plant then it is going on there and
you are going to be able to see it so that is a change. That is the way it is
as long as the airport operates and NPIAS doesn’t change that. Doug said that
his opinion is that if they join NPIAS there are going to be a lot more trees
cut because they are not currently in compliance with the airport ordinance
which was abolished a number of years ago. Another issue here is that once
again, that when changes have been done to the airport you are dealing with a
land use ordinance and changes were made and whenever you have a land use
ordinance it is supposed to go before the people. When the runway was extended
we bought land from Dean Hammond and extended the runway; we also changed the
angle of the runway. This was an issue that should have gone before the people,
by State law it was supposed to have gone before the people. Now we are going
to join NPIAS with a nice beautiful plan but we haven’t done the preliminaries yet
to clean up this ordinance. Chairman Ladd said that he had sent some questions
to the Airport Commission a while back and he did get responses; one of those
is in response to the costs that we may have to assume once a project is in
place and completed: “if there is an expense associated with this, the initial
expense can be met through the NPIAS program but the expense of the maintenance
of such a project would be at the expense of the airport or property owner
depending on who owns the land.” Can NPIAS come in and demand that we do this.
Gerald Lyons said that if it becomes an aviation hazard they will do this. Bob Maccini
said that the FAA could do that too. Dick Guy said that it is their intention
to address the safety issues on the south side first; the tree issue on the
south end is a safety concern and if something happens today, he is not sure
who will be liable and he is not inferring anything by that but he thinks it
would be better for the Town to be proactive and try to resolve the issue and clean
up that safety zone. Paving the runway is not the first item on the agenda, the
south end is. Chairman Ladd said that if we use NPIAS money to clean up that
end is the Town going to be committing to having to pay for this clearing for
the life of the project. Dick Guy said yes, in their view they would obtain
that land, clear it, plant it in grass and then maintain that grass. Bob
Maccini said that the entire Board has had a problem with the fairness of
trying to require the property owner to do this instead of the airport. The
ordinance says that the property owner has to pay for it. Chairman Ladd said
that we are not talking about the airport; we are talking about the Town of
Haverhill. Bob Maccini said the airport is the Town of Haverhill. Gerald Lyons
said that the airport raised the funds to pay for the tractor that cuts their
lawns and they pay for the guy that does it. Bob Maccini said that the point he
is making is that currently the ordinance currently requires the property owner
to do these things and the Board has said that they have a problem with that.
The airport commission is willing to take care of this but they need the
funding means to do so and NPIAS will help with that. Dick Guy said that it is
the Airport’s intention to buy the land needed to do the clearing work on the
south end and then they will own the property and will be able to maintain it
at their expense. David Joslin said he is not sure that the owner will want to
sell the land but once the project has been done there should be some sort of
agreement with the landowner to keep it clear in the future. Gerald Lyons said
that is the way it was done in the past but it is not working now. David Joslin
said it should be able to work. Everett Henson said it worked for 35 years, he
knows because he is the landowner. David Joslin said he knew that, his point is
that it seems to him that they should be able to work out some sort of agreement
if he chooses not to sell. The discussion returned to the NPIAS issue. Bob
Maccini reiterated that what he is concerned about it losing the opportunity to
join NPIAS and the funding available through them. David Joslin stated that it
does not cost them one cent to join and they can’t do a single project without
the voter’s approval. Bob Maccini made a motion for the Airport Commission to
join NPIAS; the motion was seconded by Peter Heilemann. Chairman Ladd said that
there wasn’t a full board present tonight. David Joslin said that there was a
quorum. Howard Hatch said he still did not hear anything about when the other
end of the runway is going to be addressed. Peter Heilemann asked Howard that
if the issue went to a Town Meeting vote would he still intend to put up a 90’
tower. Howard said he was not sure what he would do then. Peter Heilemann said
that the Town will have a chance to vote when a project is proposed. Howard
said that before they join something like this they should get the housekeeping
done and went on to talk about airspace over property. Gerald Lyons stated that
if they enter NPIAS and are approved for a project they could buy the airspace
over his property. Chairman Ladd said that is part of the problem he has with
this; we can afford to do this when they join NPIAS that means they are
expecting the Town to cough up the dollars and he has a gut ache over that. His
biggest gut ache is he doesn’t trust the government, doesn’t trust them period.
He doesn’t trust the stimulus; he doesn’t trust any of it that is why Haverhill
Corner turned down the stimulus money. He thinks joining is a way to seek
dollars which is a Town responsibility. He thinks they need to find out first
whether the Town desires to sink any dollars at all into joining NPIAS. He
feels they are putting the cart before the horse but he knows that Bob does not
feel the same way but he does not feel this is a wise thing to do at this time.
Dick Guy said, again, that no matter what the project is the voters vote for it
at that time. If you are concerned that you are going to take money from the
taxpayers to purchase rights from Mr. Hatch we bring it to the Town Meeting,
you have a number and with any good fortune at all the Town share can come out
of the Airport’s annual revenue for that
year, he would think it would work out well. He understands that Chairman Ladd
does not trust the government but the Town accepts highway money; we accept
federal money for so much today and here is an opportunity to keep this in
place. Bob Maccini said that until the public on a national level, changes the
game, the Feds take our money and we can’t afford to build these things unless
we get it back and again he still doesn’t see anything happening by joining
NPIAS until the Town approves a project at Town Meeting. Dick Guy said that if
the bottom falls out of the program and we haven’t done a project through them,
we can get out at any time. Chairman Ladd wanted it clarified that if they
haven’t done a project, they can get out of NPIAS easily to which Dick Guy said
they have clarified that many times, yes you can. They can withdraw at any time
if they haven’t taken any money; if they have taken money they can still buy
their way out on a prorated basis. Bob Maccini said that maybe some people
don’t think that the Town of Haverhill should have an airport but we do and we
need to fund it in the best way necessary. Gerald Lyons stated that the NPIAS
money is from taxes charged on airline tickets; aviation fuel and aviation
taxes charged not just general tax money. Bob Maccini stated that for his entire
life the people of this Town have supported having that airport to the tune for
actually paying for all of these projects that we have already talked about. It
has only been for the past few years that the airport has been self sufficient.
The taxpayers have always funded that airport and those improvements. Chairman
Ladd said that as a result of that the Towns’ people have the authority to say
what happens to that airport, up or down. Bob Maccini said they are going to
when they get to vote on an appropriation. Chairman Ladd said no, if you get
into the NPIAS program and take their money they will have to go to them with a
“mother may I do this” for anything they want to do. Bob Maccini said that
again, just like some other things people are talking not necessarily being
done right, nothing should have been done on that gift to the Town of Haverhill
besides an airport and the Town has benefitted in some other directions quite
well. TM English said that is not a true statement; those reversion rights were
dropped by a successor. We have been down this road a million times; everything
that was done out there was legal. Chairman Ladd said that now we won’t be able
to do anything out there without asking the feds permission and he is concerned
with what they are going to say to the abutters. Gerald Lyons said that what
they will say has to do with the safety zone and the ordinance; those are the
parameters they are using and the State and FAA regulates those areas also. Bob
Maccini said that he doesn’t see a negative because nothing is going to change
without a vote of Town Meeting. Gerald Lyons stated that the reason they really
want to get on with it now is they really want to fix the end of the runway
with the tree concerns; they want to start conceiving that project and work
towards the funding of it. Chairman Ladd said that he had spoken to the Board
member that was not in attendance and Peter felt the issue should go to the
Town and that is what he feels also with a recommendation from the Board. Bob
Maccini said that his motion is to approve entering NPIAS. With no further
discussion AA Lacaillade took a roll call vote on the motion to approve
entering NPIAS: David Joslin-yes, Peter Heilemann-yes, Roderick Ladd-no, and
Bob Maccini-yes. On a vote of 3 to 1 the motion passed to enter NPIAS.
Pending (Old) Business: Cont.
Ø
Town By-laws, Ordinances – discussion: TM English said that he had met with the
Chief of Police and reviewed just the by-laws. Most of what is in there has
been replaced by State law. After review Bob Maccini made a motion to repeal
By-Laws I: Stop Signs; II: Go to Right
Signs; III: Speed Limit; IV: Sunday
Observance and V:-Taxi Licenses. The motion was seconded by David Joslin and
carried unanimously.
By-Law VI will be kept and adopted as a standalone ordinance. The current fine is $25 so that language needs to be amended also.
VII: Rubbish-This ordinance needs further review and will be brought back to a future meeting.
By-Laws for Woodsville: TM English said that section1-4 are disorderly actions that are a violation per RSA 644:2. We don’t need a local ordinance to enforce them and they should be enforced town wide not just in Woodsville. Section 5 is obsolete and is covered by the Motor Vehicle Statutes. Section 6 is obsolete and is covered in the whole Town by RSA 163B 1-5. Bob Maccini made a motion to repeal section 1-6; seconded by Peter Heilemann and carried unanimously.
Section 7 is the one that prohibits animals in the Fire District creating a nuisance, health hazard or noise. If it is noise issue the owner could be accused of disorderly conduct; if it is a health issue due to manure or something like that it would be a health issue and probably should be codified in the health ordinance. Bob Maccini made a motion to repeal Section 7; he feels that it is a dog coming to bite us if we don’t. The Board should deal with it in the Town wide ordinances in some way. It was never considered logically in the expansion of the precinct into agricultural areas. The motion was seconded by Peter Heilemann and carried unanimously.
Section 8 is obsolete and covered by various motor vehicle laws. Section 9 is just about the penalties for sections above so if you repeal those sections there is no need for it. Bob Maccini made a motion to repeal sections 8 & 9; seconded by Peter Heilemann and carried unanimously.
The Board will meet with the
Public Health Officer at the next meeting and start the process of reviewing,
updating and establishing the necessary health ordinances.
New Business: cont.
Ø Budget
Revenues: TM English said that
there are still no solid answers as to what is going to happen with State
funding during this year’s budget. The Legislature is allowing Towns to hold
special Town meetings this year to revisit their 2009 budgets. In essence you could
revisit your 2009 budget and rather than passing along any tax increase to the
taxpayers when the tax rate is set based on your original budget, if the state
revenues are going to be cut significantly this year you could revisit your
budget and bring it back into balance by eliminating costs to match the
reductions in state revenue so there will be a mechanism to do that. Not
knowing whether the budget cuts are going to affect the 2009 budget or not is
the big problem. Chairman Ladd said that it does not look good for
municipalities. It appears that revenue sharing will be gone and rooms and
meals is being played with. There are other areas that you are not seeing in
the form of unfunded mandates and it is all through 2 bills: HB1 & HB2. He
believes that general assistance is going to be one of the areas that the state
is passing down more costs. TM English reviewed the numbers that were used in
producing this year’s budget as far as State revenue and it could be about 10%
loss of revenue to this year’s budget. He is suggesting that the Board look at
some of the areas listed on a spread sheet provided them; these are areas that
might be cut for presentation at the special town meeting. By the time the
public realizes what is happening at the state level, it will be too late.
Chairman Ladd said that a lot of the budget is based on whether gaming is
passed or not. TM English said that there is no more damaging item to society
and individuals than alcohol and for a State who is hawking booze, gambling
does not change your lifestyle as much as alcohol does and if the State is
comfortable selling alcohol he doesn’t know how they can be self righteous
enough to be against gambling. Chairman Ladd said it is the forum they are
doing it in, where will the gaming be located. Peter Heilemann said that there
was one southern state that did an intense study to see how much revenue that
they get from casinos and the social costs involved with families breaking up;
unemployment; bankruptcy etc. and they came out with a net in the negative. AA
Lacaillade said that she lived in a gaming state for 22 years and does not feel
it is the solution. Chairman Ladd felt that spending might be stopped for a
month or so until we know what is going on. TM English does not feel they
should shut down Town Government or slow down normal operations. Chairman Ladd
said he was talking about supplies. TM English said the money spent on supplies
is chump change. He thinks that definitely they should put a hold on some of
the big ticket items. There was a brief discussion as to areas to look at in
the future. TM English said there is no fat in the budget so any cuts will mean
a reduction in services. AA Lacaillade said that even some of the items listed
on the sheet for possible cuts are not still fully intact; amounts have been
paid out in the first half of the year. TM English that there is an issue with
the recreation department right now because there is a Federal mandate that
every pool has to be retrofitted so a kid won’t get sucked into the drainage
system. The cost is estimated to be about $3,000 and the Town cannot afford to
do that with taxpayer’s money. David Joslin said he had talked to Glenn Hatch
about it and there may be some money in the Tetreault Fund to help offset some
of that. If the pool is not fixed, it cannot open this year. That issue is
still trying to be worked out. The pool is owned by Woodsville Precinct so that
is another issue. Chairman Ladd said that some tough decisions may need to be
made and it might include reduction of staff. AA Lacaillade felt that one of
the differences at the local level is that we do not have excess staff to lay
off in any office. Bob Maccini said the Town also doesn’t have anyone to pass
this stuff off to like the State does. Chairman Ladd concurred. TM English said
that everyone in this State thinks that we have home rule but we do not.
Chairman Ladd said that it is happening everywhere; the schools are receiving
stimulus money for Title I and special ed but vocational money is being reduced
by a large amount. TM English said that the public should know that the
Selectboard is being put in an awful position.
Presentations and Awards: None
Commission/Committee
Reports: None
Correspondence: None
Comments of the Public: Doug Henson asked for a copy of the legal opinion that was given to the airport commission regarding the airport ordinance now that the Board has voted to join NPIAS. Bob Maccini asked if it is a lawyer/client document to which TM English responded yes. Doug said it is also a right to know document to which TM English said that not as a lawyer/client document unless the Board releases the document. Chairman Ladd said that he would like to review the document and then the Board can make that decision. TM English was directed to supply a copy of the document to each Board member for their review.
Comments of the Town Manager/Administrative Assistant-Finance Officer:
Comments of Selectboard Members:
Adjourn Meeting: Bob Maccini made a motion to adjourn, seconded by David Joslin and carried unanimously. Chairman Ladd adjourned the meeting at 8:50 pm.
Minutes transcribed by Jo Lacaillade
HAVERHILL POLICE DEPARTMENT
Officer Brandon Alling
Haverhill Police Department
Dear Officer Alling:
This is a letter of commendation to recognize you for outstanding performance of duty.
On May 5, 2009 you responded to a 9-1-1 emergency medical call. As first responder to the scene you assessed the patient, cleared his airway and connected the automatic external defibrillator (AED). The patient at first had a faint pulse, then none. You initiated CPR and continued chest compressions as Woodsville Ambulance personnel arrived to take over rescue breathing. A weak pulse resumed and the patient was transported by Woodsville Ambulance personnel to Cottage Hospital. We are happy to learn that the patient walked out of the hospital.
We are proud of all of the dedicated officers of the Haverhill Police Department and today we especially recognize you, Brandon, for excellent performance.
On behalf of the Haverhill Police Department and the
Citizens of the Town of
Sincerely,
Jeffery L. Williams
Chief of Police