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Town of AmherstBoard of SelectmenApril 21, 2008
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Chairman Bruce Bowler called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. Selectmen present: Thomas Grella, Brad Galinson, Reed Panasiti and George Infanti. Also present: Town Administrator Gary MacGuire and Executive Assistant Sharon Frydlo.
Citizens’ Forum
There were no questions or concerns from the audience.
Board & Commission Interviews
Beth Davis – Historic District Commission
Mrs. Davis told the Board she was enjoying her tenure and was a big supporter of the Historic District in Town – it is an important aspect and she liked to do her part to preserve it. She saw on the horizon more of the same with the only change being the house across the street from Town Hall.
Mr. Grella remarked that with Beth’s legal background, she analyzes issues and recommends the best way to go. She attends many of the meetings and he felt she should continue because she is a great asset. Mr. Galinson indicated that Beth is a clear and rationale voice, he appreciated what she has done and he thanked her for her support. Both Mr. Panasiti and Mr. Infanti also thanked her for her time.
Doug McAllister – CIC
Mr. Bowler applauded Doug for all the work he has done. Mr. McAllister told the Selectmen he would like to do it again – the last year has had some trials, successes and failures. He set three goals and finished 1, 2, and 4 with number 3 being finished in several weeks. Among other things, they have gone digital. He had good success with the Committee and in the future he could see changes being made in the construction of the Committee. They are now more an operational Committee and the original members are not as interested in what is now transpiring. They had been talking about changing the status to a non-profit group. It would give them some advantages and let the organization accept donations and grants that will allow tax right offs to the donor. They were looking into bringing in more content, such as concerts, and have many DVD’s filled with it. They also plan on having a camera to loan out.
Mr. Galinson said Doug was their unsung hero and terrific behind the scenes. Perhaps within a month they will be live at the Library and have a new studio at the High School. Mr. McAllister added they have already run cable between Town Hall and the Library and will be putting in live connections from four locations. Mr. Galinson noted this was not paid for by the taxpayers. Mr. Panasiti brought up one negative issue and that was the microphones they were still having problems with. Mr. McAllister advised they could make a change to clip-on mikes, but they would run at least $6-7,000. Mr. Infanti indicated while this was not in the area of his expertise, he wanted to acknowledge Doug for the work he has done and pleased that he wanted to continue. In response to Mr. Grella’s question, Mr. McAllister spoke about what will be going on at the studio. In response to Mr. Bowler’s question, Mr. McAllister talked about getting the second access channel from Comcast, however, it may not be soon.
Marilyn Peterman – Planning Board
Mrs. Peterman told the Board she wanted to continue on the Planning Board because she cares. She has been doing it for many many years. The Planning Board is working hard especially with the Master Plan and she wanted to continue being a part of it. Mr. Infanti noted that Marilyn was a major asset to the Master Plan which is all time consuming at this point. She has done a ton of work for the NRPC and Regional Water District. Mr. Grella asked with the building economy, how did she feel the Planning Board can better prepare for change in the future. Mrs. Peterman remarked that she has been in both the planning process and developer side. When you talk about affordability, prices have gone down. Mr. Galinson commented that the reason she wants to stay on the Planning Board was because she cared and that was the best reason. Mr. Panasiti had no questions, but commented that he hears constantly that 101A is a mess and wondered why Amherst was the same as everyone else. He thought they were going to have different looking storefronts and trees and they all aspired to this, instead they have Lowe’s and see the backs of two restaurants. Mrs. Peterman agreed, 32 years ago there was nothing on 101A. From the diner up you see trees, however, the economy changes, the needs change. What will grow out of the Master Plan will be strictly defined standards. There always needs to be a balance when you look at the Lowe’s, Circuit City, etc. they all have needs too. She thought one of the biggest things they tried to push for was more landscaping, a lot more trees to soften the looks of the architecture they didn’t like as well.
Mr. Panasiti remarked that for the Lowe’s, the Wal-Marts, it was not uncommon to make a change to their storefront and have the designer do that. He thought that they as a Town needed to be more strict about this or was it up to the Planning Board or Master Plan. Mrs. Peterman replied that it was a little bit of both – appearance was critical and hard to change something they already approved. Mr. Bowler thought it 50/50 – people need to be involved in the Master Plan and there isn’t much involvement from what they have heard from George. He said they heard from both sides of the equation and there was a great deal of revenue being generated from that part of Town. Mrs. Peterman mentioned that some of the things discussed within the Master Plan process were related to having commercial areas interspersed within other areas of Town. People want to be able to walk to stores, on the other hand people don’t want to see this at all. Participation was off, but there were various ways to hear from people.
Mrs. Peterman talked to the Board about the warrant article that passed relating to climate control. There are quite a few people interested in it and the committee will be large. She would like to see the Selectmen move forward and she did not know how they were going to go about it. Mr. Bowler indicated they will go about doing this, but first wanted to get through the interviews and appointments.
Mrs. Frydlo remarked that Marilyn’s position on the NRPC was also up and she had not heard from her about her seeking a reappointment. While Mrs. Peterman was unaware that her term was up, she told the Board that she would like to continue and do her best to represent the Town as she always had. Since she had stepped down from the Executive Board, she had missed several meetings due to the Master Plan meetings. However, she would like to continue.
Mr. Panasiti asked about the Regional Water District, Mrs. Peterman explained that they have not had frequent meetings because there was nothing to meet about. She had her “fingers crossed” that Nashua will win out and they will have to watch this very carefully.
Additional Discussion of Plenitude Development Class VI Use
Mr. Bowler advised that last week the group was in to discuss matters with the Selectmen. He had received a letter from Ken Clinton, Meridian Land Services, Inc. dated April 18. 2008 relative to the bonding requirements for the Michachunk Passage Subdivision and a meeting with Charlie Tiedemann on April 17 and his understanding of the requirements for both the timing and content of the road improvements and restoration bonds. The letter cited the fact they will no longer need further discussions with the Selectmen regarding bonding at this time. The only remaining discussion would be the Selectmen’s approval of the North Street improvements, along with endorsement memos from both the Fire and Police Department.
Mr. Bowler advised letters were received from both Matt Conley, Deputy Fire Chief and Police Chief Peter Lyon.
Mr. Infanti indicated he had no concern, felt this was the right thing to do which may be several years down the road and was the first step. From what he understood from last week, the abutters approved, it would be an asset to the Town and a wise thing to do. Board members had no further issues, however, Mr. Panasiti indicated that he would walk the area on his own because he had no picture of where this road came in and out. He said he had a problem with anything that is locked and understood this was a common practice, but had a problem with a locked gate where in an emergency people couldn’t get out of the area. Mr. Bowler indicated this was not the first one, there was Summerfields and Bartlett Commons, and several others. Mr. MacGuire told the Board that he felt the letters from the three Departments were straight forward.
Mr. Infanti moved that they approve the upgrade of North Street Class VI road, that it will not be a thru way, but used as emergency access only, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Approve Recommendations and Sign
Elderly/Disabled Tax Deferrals
After reading the recommendation Mr. Infanti moved to grant an Elderly/Disabled Tax Deferral in the amount of $5,445.64 on M/L 2-146-27, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Mr. Panasiti asked if the Board had to approve each and everyone of the following credits, deferrals, abatements and elderly exemptions. Mr. Infanti commented that while he did not know if this was the law, he preferred to spend the time approving them.
Continuing after reading the recommendation … Mr. Infanti moved to accept an Elderly/Disabled Tax Deferral in the amount of $2,207.05 on M/L 18-13, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Veterans Tax Credits
After reading the recommendation, Mr. Infanti moved to accept the recommendation for a Veterans Tax Credit and a Disabled Veterans Tax Credit in the amount of $1,400.00 on M/L 2-43-5, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
After reading the recommendation, Mr. Infanti moved to approve the recommendation for a Veterans Tax Credit in the amount of $500.00 on M/L 8-45-3, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
After reading the recommendation, Mr. Infanti moved to accept the recommendation for a Veterans
Tax Credit in the amount of $500.00 on M/L 4-34-19, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
After reading the recommendation, Mr. Infanti moved to accept the recommendation for a Veterans Tax Credit in the amount of $500.00 on M/L 3-79-0-2, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
After reading the recommendation, Mr. Infanti moved to recommend a Veterans Tax Credit in the amount of $500.00 on M/L 6-53-3 and that the Selectmen approve it, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Mr. Bowler reported that Bill & Liz met with the Selectmen several months ago to talk about the roads. Once they got the Town Meeting vote, they said they would be back in to talk about forming a small committee. Last Monday, Gary, Bruce Berry and he had met with them to talk about their thoughts. One thing was to determine a name for the committee. They also talked about people that may possibly want to be on it and willing to serve.
Mrs. Overholt told the Board that it has been an interest of hers to do something different on the roads and sent them a 3-4 page paper on their thoughts. They met and there seems to be a lot of good interest in pursuing what they want to come up with. Their goal is to have a report to the Board by September 8. Their second goal is to convince the public it is the right thing to do by educating them. They also came up with a charge to the yet to be named Committee. She remarked that tonight was not the time to discuss the inner workings, but to decide what the Committee would do.
Mr. Overholt indicated that they would like to see if it is better to do something different than what they have been doing over the past several years – to continually repair old roads that need to be repaired. He spoke about frost heaves and crack sealing. The idea is to see what the best plan would be over the next 10-20 years that will give them the best infrastructure possible. They don’t want to continue paving over Boston Post Road year after year as they have continually done and would like the Committee to think “out of the box” and think differently from what has been done in the past. Mrs. Overholt added that one of the charges should be if they come up with a bond and it failed, what would they do then.
Mr. Panasiti felt one issue was money and how they can afford to do it. He knew every road in Amherst needs some attention – some more than others and they know they have taken a band aid approach. Forming a Committee and finding alternate ways to tackle the problem needs to be done, but they also need to come down to the basic question – how to pay for it. Mr. Galinson remarked that investigating creative solutions seems to go on forever. The Committee should start with an empty slate and not have a bias for the recommendation. Mr. Infanti thought this was an excellent idea and having a good Committee to spend some time would make a difference. It would make the job easier for the Board and DPW. Bruce Berry spent quite a bit of time on this, however, no one could predict the worst winter in a long time. Roads are not only bad in Amherst, but also bad in Milford. A Committee with knowledge and diligence will be a great asset to all of them.
Mr. MacGuire had nothing to add, but hoped to get a name approved and then to talk about the mission statement. He suggested the name be the Road Funding Analysis Committee. Mr. Bowler suggested members be Tom Grella, as rep to DPW; Jim Sickler; Jay Dinkel, both as a citizen and CIP Chairman; Bill and Liz and a member from Ways & Means. He also suggested receiving an update part way through the process with the final report in September. Mr. Infanti asked if he could come as a guest. He remarked that it is a good Committee and good size. Mr. Bowler indicated that minutes needed to be taken and put in their “read file” so they can follow the progress. A person he would suggest from W&M would be John Siemienowicz. Deirdre Rogusky reported he is co-chair this year, has an engineering background and a person she thought of as well. Mr. Panasiti thought the Committee has the basis of a good group of people and will come up with good information.
Mr. MacGuire will set up the first meeting. Mrs. Overholt requested that something be written up for the June Quarterly. She reported that she had sent Jay communications from the beginning and he is up to speed.
Approve Recommendations & Sign – Continued
Veterans Tax Credit Denied
After reading the recommendation on M/L 25-74, Mr. Infanti moved to deny the Veterans Tax Credit, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Disabled Exemptions
After reading the recommendation on M/L 2-146-27, Mr. Infanti moved to approve the amount of $1,400.00, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
After reading the recommendation on M/L 17-1, Mr. Infanti moved to approve the amount of $1,400.00, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Elderly Exemption
After reading the recommendation on M/L 6-53-3, Mr. Infanti moved to grant the $88,000 exemption, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
After reading the recommendation on M/L 3-70, Mr. Infanti moved to grant the $88,000 exemption, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Abatements
After reading the recommendation on M/L 4-110, Mr. Infanti moved to approve the abatement in the amount of $648.35, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
After reading the recommendation on M/L 5-5, Mr. Infanti moved to approve the abatement in the amount of $1,900.27, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
After reading the recommendation on M/L 5-80, Mr. Infanti moved to accept the abatement in the amount of $1,438.83, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
After reading the recommendation on M/L 20-26, Mr. Infanti moved to approve the abatement in the amount of $453.65, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
After reading the recommendation on M/L 8-37-3 and after a brief discussion on the land value, Mr. Infanti moved to table the abatement, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
After reading the recommendation on M/L 2-2-67, Mr. Infanti moved to accept the abatement in the amount of $220.01. Vote: Unanimous.
Abatement Denied
After reading the recommendation on M/L 2-2-9, Mr. Infanti moved to deny the abatement, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Appointments to Boards & Commissions
Mr. Infanti moved to reappoint Doug McAllister for a three year term to 2011 on the CIC Committee, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Mr. Infanti moved to reappoint Rich Hart to the Conservation Commission for a three year term ending in 2011, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Mr. Infanti moved to nominate Gary Cole to go from an Alternate member to a Full member on the Conservation Commission with a term expiring in 2011, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Mr. Infanti indicated that this was the extent of his nominations to the Conservation Commission. Mr. Galinson moved to appoint Linda Kaiser to the Conservation Commission for one year as an Alternate, second by Mr. Infanti for discussion only. He read from the composition of the Commission under RSA 36-A:3 “The commission shall consist of not less than 3 nor more than 7 members.” He felt the members appointed were sufficient to do the job and he had nothing further to say. Mr. Galinson remarked that they were loosing several Alternates and usually they had 1-4. Vote: 1 to 4, Mr. Galinson in favor.
Mr. Grella moved that Will Ludt be reappointed for a three year term to 2011 on the Heritage Commission, second by Mr. Infanti. Vote: Unanimous.
Mr. Grella moved that Anne Krantz be a full member on the Heritage Commission for a three year term expiring in 2011, second by Mr. Infanti. Vote: Unanimous.
Mr. Grella moved that Helen Rowe be reappointed to the Historic District Commission for a three year term to 2011, second by Mr. Infanti. Vote: Unanimous.
Mr. Grella moved that Beth Davis be reappointed for a three year term to the Historic District Commission to expire in 2011, second by Mr. Infanti. Vote: Unanimous.
Mr. Grella moved that Shannon Galinson be appointed as an Alternate to the Historic District Commission for a three year term to expire in 2011, second by Mr. Panasiti. Vote: 4-0-1, Mr. Galinson abstained.
Mr. Grella moved Juli Harvey be appointed as an Alternate to the Historic District Commission for a three year term to expire in 2011, second by Mr. Infanti. Vote: Unanimous.
Mr. Infanti moved to appoint Marilyn Peterman to the NRPC for a one year term expiring in 2009, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Mr. Infanti moved to move Brad Vear from an Alternate to the NRPC to permanent member replacing Jay Hennessey, term to expire in 2010, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Mr. Infanti moved to appoint Rich Hart to a three year term on the Planning Board as the Conservation Rep, second by Mr. Galinson. Vote: Unanimous.
Mr. Infanti moved to nominate Mike Dell Orfano for a two year term to the Planning Board to expire in 2010, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Mr. Infanti moved to appoint Cliff Harris to a three year Planning Board term to expire in 2011, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Mr. Infanti moved to appoint Cynthia Dokmo to a two year term as an Alternate to the Planning to expire in 2010, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Mr. Infanti moved to appoint Marilyn Peterman as an Alternate to the Planning Board with a one year term expiring in 2009, second by Mr. Panasiti. Vote: Unanimous.
Other Business
Mr. Grella reported that the Memorial Service for Barbara Landry will be on May 30th at St. Patrick’s with a reception following at the Amherst Congregational Church. He will contact the family to see what timing would be best for the Selectmen to dedicate the meeting room. Gary and Bruce had come up with the quotes for the meeting room table. He will work further on this and bring back some information at their next meeting.
Mr. Panasiti had nothing, but Brad will talk about the issues they both were involved in.
Mr. Bowler reported he attended the Transportation Committee meeting. This is the group that wants to get non-emergency medical service for residents in Amherst, Milford and Brookline. The meeting was lightly attended. He reported on their fundraising efforts in order to come up with a dollar amount to do a pilot program. He had asked how could they go to the various towns without having any information. They have a lot of work ahead of them, and no official conversation with the hospitals who will supply the majority of the money. They continue meeting with the Nashua Regional Transit Authority. Last week they met with Steve Williams of the NRPC and made his the fiscal agent – there is a 10% fee on top of this. The next meeting of the group is May 7 and he will be attending it to see what they have done.
Mr. Galinson reported the Library is switching to a new system. Work was being done by DPW from their budget to construct a door leading into the garden. He has been working with Gary and Reed over several meetings on the reconstruction of PMEC and on May 12, they will present a formal proposal. Desmarais property will be closing soon and the ACC is looking to put a trail system to connect to the Hazeltine land. He and Bruce attended a meeting sponsored by LGC regarding the NH Retirement System. He spoke of the unfunded amount, the make-up of the Board of Trustees has been irresponsible, they didn’t save up for the down turns in the market, it was $2.7 billion in the hole, and HB 1645 was not a reasonable way to solve this over the next few decades including capping benefits. If the bill doesn’t pass, the employers have to make up the difference, Amherst’s numbers would be significant if this bill passes and Senator Bragdon is supporting it. Mr. Bowler added that the Town of Derry would see an $850,000 increase even though in the town charter they have a cap of $650,000. The unions are fighting the new make-up of the Board of Trustees which would be one representative from Departments rather than two and citizens would be financial members. The Amherst School Board was represented by several members. He also mentioned that there were pros and cons to increasing the retirement age from 45 to 50. This was not going to be fixed overnight and a situation that bears watching and listening and reading the weekly newsletter from LGC.
Minutes
Mr. Infanti moved to accept the minutes of April 14, 2008 as written, second by Mr. Panasiti. Vote: Unanimous.
Non-Public Session
Upon a unanimous roll call vote, the Board entered non-public session at 8:56 p.m. under RSA 91-A:3 (d) and (e).
While in non-public session, the Board received an update on a land acquisition and discussed a matter related to a pending legal issue.
The Board exited non-public session at 9:15 p.m. Motion: Moved by Mr. Infanti, second by Mr. Grella to not waive any land use fees payable to the Town of Amherst by Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Olson. Vote: 5-0.
Upon a motion made and duly seconded, the Board adjourned the meeting at 9:17 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Sharon L. Frydlo
Executive Assistant