The meeting was opened at 10:02AM by Barry Sargent with a pledge of allegiance to the flag.
He spoke about his attire, which was a Civil War officer’s uniform. He was going to be speaking about the article concerning a celebration of our Civil War Monument and the opening of the time capsule.
Bob Carolan handed out some tips for being understood, which Barry Sargent read aloud to the general audience.
A vote was taken to allow three non-residents to speak about several warrant articles. They where Dan Garlington, Highway Supervisor, Mr. Charles Coaker, former Timberlane High School Principal, and Nicole Carr, Human Services Coordinator. A motion was taken to allow a vote by Selectmen, John Sherman and seconded by Budget Committee Chairperson, Kristin Lewis-Savage. A vote was taken and passed unanimously to allow all three persons to speak on their various articles.
B. Sargent then explained that he would be using “Roberts Rules” as a guide to run the meeting. He further explained that the body would explain, debate, and amend articles at the meeting.
Next B. Sargent stated that Articles P-07-26 thru 34, are planning and zoning articles and they cannot be changed by law. He opened the floor for questions on any of those articles.
Robert Loeffler asked about Article P-07-29, wanting to know how it affects the home owners affected by the change. Tim Moore of the Planning Board explained the intent of the change is to make lots affected all one zone. Further explaining that if the front of the lot was C2 and another part of the lot was LDR or MDR, then they would make the whole lot into one designation.
With no further questions, B. Sargent moved on to the regular articles.
ARTICLE P-07-02: OPERATING BUDGET
Read by B. Sargent.
Motion by John Sherman, 2nd by Kristin Lewis Savage.
J. Sherman asked that a copy of the MS7 be distributed before the Budget was explained. An incorrect copy was passed out and after a brief delay the correct copy was passed out to the body in attendance.
K. Lewis Savage, Budget Committee Chairperson, explained the budget line by line after first explaining that the overall budget will increase by $41,000.00 which is less than 1%. The amount raised by taxes in 2007 will be less than 2006 by $112,046.00.
J. Sherman spoke to the fact that the increase in the budget would be offset by an increase in revenue. Tax payers should see a drop of about 3%.
Eleanor Peabody questioned the RTCA/CART money and why we give a for profit organization money. Explanations and comments were made by Michelle Curran, Bernadine Fitzgerald, John Sherman, Merilyn Senter and Buzzy Blinn until everything was explained to E. Pe, abody.
K. Lewis Savage reminded people to vote on the total budget, CART is only $6,700.00, which is 1/10 of 1%.
A vote was taken and Article P-07-02 will appear on the ballot as written.
ARTICLE P-07-03 HIGHWAY BLOCK GRANT
Read by B.Sargent.
Motion by Dan Poliquin, 2nd by Lawrence Gil.
Article was presented by D. Poliquin and the use of the funds was explained by D. Garlington.
A vote was taken and Article P-07-03 will appear on the ballot as written.
ARTICLE P-07-04 ROAD PAVING
Read by B. Sargent.
Motion by Dan Poliquin, 2nd by John Sherman.
Presented by D. Poliquin.
A vote was taken and Article P-07-03 will appear on the ballot as written.
ARTICLE P-07-05 DRAINAGE
Read by B. Sargent.
Motion by Lawrence Gil, 2nd by Dan Poliquin.
Presented by L. Gil.
A vote was taken and Article P-07-05 will appear on the ballot as written.
ARTICLE P-07-06 ROADS IN BUDGET
Read by B. Sargent.
Motion by Lawrence Gil, 2nd by John Sherman.
Presented by L. Gil.
L. Gil explained that we vote in the monies from Articles 3, 4 and 5 every year in order to maintain our roads. An Engineer stated that without these preventative amounts we could need as much as $600,000.00 in any given year.
D. Hooper, H.Szmyt, J. Sherman and M. Curran spoke to moving the money into the budget as a good idea as it has been a constant amount for several years.
M.Curran asked why no results of the Selectmen’s vote was listed in this Article?
L. Gil put forth an amendment to add the results of the Selectmen’s vote, with a second by K. Lewis-Savage. A vote to accept the Amended Article was taken and passed.
J. Penta asked if the Highway Block Grant will be part of the budget line if this article passes. John Sherman explained that yes, it would. C. Blinn stated that voters lose control of the money but sometimes it’s necessary and needed. G. Peabody felt that it will keep people from being confused and sometime, voting no, not to accept state money into the town.
Article P-07-06 will appear with the Amendment: Adding at the end of the Article
“Recommended by the Board of Selectmen (5-0).”
ARTICLE P-07-07 TOWN HALL RENOVATIONS
Read by N. Major as B. Sargent is a member of the Town Hall Renovations Committee and would be speaking on the article.
Motion by John Sherman, 2nd by Robert Gray.
Presented by J. Sherman.
J. Sherman stated that this is the third and final stage to finish the Town Hall Renovations. He also gave thanks to the time and efforts of the Committee. J. Sherman also invited the public to take time and view the completed offices now located on the third floor and explained the final plans for the monies in Article 07.
G. Peabody spoke of his memories of all the changes and uses of Town Hall in past years and stated that he is pleased with the top notch job that has been done so far in Phase 1 and 2.
R. Gray addressed the money and mentioned the gift of $25,000.00, which came in 2006. He noted that passing this Article would add $.175 to a home valued at 200,000.00.
B. Sargent told the body that the committee is trying to balance the historical aspect with the functional use of the building.
L. Withee asked if we have received any rebates for using more economical electrical lights. She was told yes by Town Manager, J. Hoch.
More discussion and comments where made and answered by H. Szmyt, B. Sargent, C. Blinn, J. Sherman, and M. Curran; Explaining that built into the funds is the possibility of a lift up onto the stage area, new carpet, moving some offices around blinds, and drapes. They also explained that space needs and feasibility would be looked at as a whole project before deciding on when the total project would begin.
A vote was taken and Article P-07-07 will appear as written.
ARTICLE P-07-08 HIGHWAY EQUIPMENT TRUST FUND
Read by B. Sargent.
Motion by Michelle Curran, 2nd by Dan Hooper.
Presented by M. Curran with no questions or discussion.
A vote was taken and Article P-07-08 will appear as written.
ARTICLE P-07-09 HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT TRUCK
Read by B. Sargent.
Motion by Michelle Curran, 2nd by John Sherman.
Presented by M. Curran.
L. Gil and R. Loeffler asked about the $16,000.00 trade in amount and were told, by J.Hoch, that we have a guarantee of at least that amount in writing.
C. Blinn asked if we would be buying a new plow and wing as well, and if so, is the old plow and wing also getting too old to reuse on the new truck. D. Garlington explained that it would be costly to refit the old plow because of the loss in trade-in value it makes sense financially to go completely new.
A vote was taken and Article P-07-09 will appear as written.
ARTICLE P-07-10 HIGHWAY GARAGE CAPITAL RESERVE
Read by B. Sargent.
Motion by Lawrence Gil, 2nd by John Sherman.
Presented by L. Gil and explained further by C. Blinn.
No questions or discussion.
A vote was taken and Article P-07-10 will appear as written.
ARTICLE P-07-11 BUILDINGS CAPITAL RESERVE
Read by B. Sargent.
Motion by Charles Blinn, 2nd by John Sherman.
Presented by C. Blinn.
H. Szmyt asked if this Article will have a cap or will the money repeat itself each year. John Sherman stated that the Board of Selectmen will revisit the article each year and that the intent is for the money to build up to cover emergency expenses and repairs on all town buildings.
A vote was taken and Article P-07-11 will appear as written.
ARTICLE P-07-12 FIRE CAPITAL RESERVE
Read by B.Sargent.
Motion by Michelle Curran, 2nd by John Sherman.
Presented by M. Curran.
H. Szmyt asked what piece of Fire Equipment was purchased in 2006 and the cost.
Fire Chief J. McArdle responded that they bought a Rescue Ambulance and without the Capital Reserve funds a Main Engine could cost the Town upwards of $300,000.00 to $350,000.00.
A vote was taken and Article P-07-12 will appear as written.
ARTICLE P-07-13 WATER CAPITAL RESERVE
Read by Barry Sargent.
Motion by John Sherman, 2nd by Lawrence Gil.
Presented by J. Sherman
M. Curran stated that the water line is a service to the town and helps to bring in business as it serves them for water suppression. She also noted that when businesses hook into the water line it generates revenue for the town. J. McArdle stated that without the water line some business would be eliminated from moving into our town.
T. Moore told the body that developers will be asked to make contributions to the fund if they develop any land along Route 125.
A vote was taken and Article P-07-13 will appear as written.
ARTICLE P-07-14 RECREATION FIELDS
Read by B. Sargent.
Motion by Charles Blinn, 2nd by George Peabody.
Presented by C. Blinn, who thanked the commission for their work and reminded the body that we are very close to finishing this Recreation Field for our children.
C. Malette and J. Sherman spoke about the fact that the fields are complete and that the grass is growing. They will be ready to open for spring of 2008 if the Article passes and the final touches can be completed.
L. Gil and B. Lavasser asked about security. Carlene told them that the police do patrol the fields, there are fences around the complex and they also rely on the neighbors for telling the PD that there is activity at the field that needs to be check on.
A vote was taken and Article P-07-14 will appear as written.
ARTICLE P-07-15 CONSERVATION FUND
Read by B. Sargent
Motion by Michelle Curran, 2nd by John Sherman.
Presented by M. Curran.
E. Peabody asked why the $47,000.00 which was recently paid for taking the Goudreault property out of current use was not reflected in the balance for this account. She also wanted to know if the Conservation Commission is looking at any property to buy.
J. Hoch explained that current use funds are held in a different account which is held by the Treasurer and that the balance is at $63,279.17.
L. Gil answered that at present time the commission is not looking at any.
A vote was taken and Article P-07-15 will appear as written.
ARTICLE P-07-16 MIDDLE SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER
Read by B. Sargent.
Motion by Lawrence Gil, 2nd John Sherman.
Presented by L. Gil.
Explained by S. Savage, Plaistow Police Chief, that this is a second effort to pass this Article and the Resource Office is really needed at the Middle School. He also stated that because of that the High School Resource Officer, there was no need to pull a cruiser off the street.
J. Penta, H. Szmyt, J. McArdle, C. Coaker, J. Sherman, L. Withee and D. Poliquin spoke for the article. They spoke of added respect seen in the high school children, about the school population being up as well as assaults and bulling being factors that the Resource Office could address.
A vote was taken to allow Officer Joan Marsilia to speak as the High School Resource Officer.
Motion by John Sherman, 2nd by Dan Poliquin.
Vote passed.
Officer J. Marsilia stated that incidents went up the first year but now, five years later, that number is down by 20%. She said we can only wonder what the numbers might be without the officer at the high school.
A vote was taken and Article P-07-16 will appear as written.
ARTICLE P-07-17 SELECTMEN SALARY
Read by B. Sargent.
Motion by L. Gil, 2nd by K. Lewis Savage.
Presented by L. Gil.
R. Gray stated that he felt that the current salary is too low to attract quality people. The money does help offset the time and work the selectmen put in.
D. Hooper asked if the board could tell him why they are asking for this raise. John Sherman said that he voted against the article. M. Curran stated that although she didn’t become a selectperson for her $1000/year, the money would help towards offsetting the cost of gas and other expenses. D. Poliquin said that passing the article would be recognition of a job well done. M. Sumner, former selectmen, stated that they all give up a lot of family time. L. Gil told the body that the board checked the fees paid by other town to their selectmen.
B. Levasser felt that if the article doesn’t pass then maybe the public felt that it was too large an increase at one time. N. Major said that he has been a selectman at five different times and we should vote for the raise just as a matter of good government. Steve Savage stated that they are employees too and it has been 30 years since the position has had raise. R. Gray added that the impact to the tax payer is less than $.02. C. Blinn stated that the money will help with their expenses and that the job puts them in touch with the towns-people always bouncing things off them for thought.
A vote was taken and Article P-07-17 will appear as written.
ARTICLE P-07-18 TOWN CLERK SALARY
Read by B. Sargent.
Motion by Dan Poliquin, 2nd by John Sherman.
Presented by D. Poliquin.
C. Blinn stated he feels it is fair to pay the position a 2% increase as all the other Town Employees will be getting a 2% cost of living increase.
A vote was taken and Article P-07-18 will appear as written.
ARTICLE P-07-19 TAX COLLECTOR SALARY
Read by B. Sargent.
Motion by Dan Poliquin, 2nd by John Sherman.
Presented by D. Poliquin, who stated this is the same issue as Article 18.
A vote was taken and Article P-07-19 will appear as written.
ARTICLE P-07-20 SPECIAL DETAIL TRUST FUND
Read by B. Sargent
Motion by Dan Poliquin, 2nd by John Sherman.
Presented by M. Curran.
No questions or discussion.
A vote was taken and Article P-07-20 will appear as written.
ARTICLE P-07-21 AIDS RESPONSE SEACOAST
Read by B. Sargent
Motion by Michelle Curran, 2nd by John Sherman.
Presented by M. Curran, explained by N. Carr.
D. Hooper questioned how and why this fund works and it was explained further by N. Carr.
A vote was taken and Article P-07-21 will appear as written.
ARTICLE P-07-22 CENTENNIAL AND CIVIL WAR MONUMENT
Read by M. Dorman as both B. Sargent (Moderator) and N. Major (Deputy Moderator) are on the planning committee for this article.
Motion by Dan Poliquin, 2nd by Michelle Curran.
Presented by B. Sargent and N. Major.
B. Sargent told of the plans for the celebration and N. Major spoke of finances using the handout. They also spoke of opening the time capsule and of putting a new capsule into the base of the monument. They hope that all organizations will put in a letter explaining how things are in 2008 so that in 2108 the people in the same organization can see how things have changed.
B. Fitzgerald spoke of Mr. Pollard, of how he left the land, statue and cannons to the town. She also spoke of the celebration when the statue was erected.
N. Major presented an Amendment to add an intent to the Article, which was 2nd by B.Sargent.
D. Hooper asked if the $10,500.00 show as revenue on the handout would be returned to the Town Budget or used to fund the celebration in addition to the $25,000.00. Barry explained that it would be returned to the budget and in the end the celebration would not cost the full amount.
J. Sherman reminded people that the celebration is for the year 2008 but the money is needed now to get the plans in motion.
A vote to accept the Amendment was taken and passed without any no votes.
The Amendment will add:
[Intent: “It is anticipated that approximately $10,500.00 will be raised by sale of dinner tickets, souvenirs, program ads and donations to help defray the costs of this Centennial & Civil War Celebration. It is also anticipated that all costs associated with this event will be paid by the end of 2008.”]
A vote was taken and Article P-07-22 will appear with the amendment.
ARTICLE P-07-23 FIRE WARDS
Read by B. Sargent.
Motion by Dan Poliquin, 2nd by John Sherman.
Presented by D. Poliquin, explained by J. McArdle.
G. Peabody spoke of the fact that the fire engineers help in directing and leading other firemen at a fire. He wondered if this would hinder the Fire Chief. He also felt that passing this article would prohibit new residents from joining the force. Chief McArdle explained that neither issue is correct. He has Assistants to help at fires and the volunteer fire department would still accept newcomers.
D. Poliquin also explained the changes.
A vote was taken and Article P-07-23 will appear as written.
ARTICLE P-07-24 HAYNES BOULEVARD
Read by B. Sargent.
Motion by Charles Blinn, 2nd by Michelle Curran.
Presented by K. Lewis Savage.
H. Szmyt thought the article seemed straight forward. B. Fitzgerald asked if the former Spencer land is still owned by the Spencers and was told no that it’s owned by the Plaza. R. Hayes spoke to the fact that he has never seen any trash on that road. B. Levasser spoke against the article as a resident of Le Perle Avenue and a daily user of the property.
D. Poliquin spoke of losing tax revenue if Maplewood Cemetery took over the Spencer property. Chief Savage stated that there is dumping of trash along that street and his officers can’t patrol every where all the time.
J. Sherman asked what the advantage is to the shopping mall if the street was closed and about the water source as a benefit to the cemetery. L. Gil wondered if we can table the article based on the fact that police, fire and selectmen had no prior discussion on the warrant article. M. Curran asked if a Petition Article can be changed and was told by J. Hoch, yes, but not until the deliberative session. She also wondered about the fact that the Spencer land was part of the green space required by the plans for the Plaza. She wondered if that fact would make the plaza plans void.
T. Moore reminded the body that the Spencer land is no longer a separate lot and would need to be separated to give it away.
Brian Levasser proposed an Amendment, 2nd by Michelle Curran.
AMENDMENT: Shall the Town vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to determine the final disposition of Haynes Boulevard which may include the discontinuance of Haynes Boulevard pursuant to NH RSA 231:43 if the Board of Selectmen determines it to be in the best interest of the citizens of Plaistow?
[Intent: This will allow the Selectmen time to further investigate the use of Haynes Boulevard and does not bind the Selectmen to discontinue the road.]
J. Sherman asked if the intent was that the Amendment will give the power to the Selectmen to decide – if so the public may want to know the Selectmen’s stand on the Amendment. H. Szmyt wanted to know the result of the Selectmen’s vote. D. Poliquin didn’t feel that the Board’s opinion would matter at that point in time. J. Sherman and M. Curran are against the land swap.
D. Hooper supports the Amendment, but J. Senter was against it and felt the decision should be made by the people and that they should see it as written.
Selectmen’s vote will be added to the article. (5 – yes, 0 – no)
A vote was taken to accept the Amendment and Article P-07-24 will appear with the Amendment and the Selectmen’s vote.
ARTICLE P-07-25 CARBON COALITION
Read by B. Sargent.
Motion by Lawrence Gil, 2nd John Sherman.
Presented by L. Gil.
R. Gray asked if this is a Petition Article and was told no, it is submitted by the Board of Selectman. H. Szmyt asked who submitted the info to the Selectmen. He was told that this will be appearing on many NH ballots this year.
Robert Gray submitted and Amendment, 2nd by Henry Szmyt.
R. Gray explained that he feels that we don’t need a National program to tell us, as a community, to work to change the environment. We also don’t need a no vote being known at a National level, if a no vote ended up being the result.
H. Szmyt spoke for the Amendment. J. Sherman did research and found that the group is environmental not big business. He is against the Amendment as many other towns will be voting on the same original article. M. Curran is in favor of the Amendment and agrees that we don’t need to make the results know at the Federal level, but to keep them local.
A vote was taken on the Amendment: 10 – yes, 21 – no
Amendment failed and was taken off the floor.
A vote was taken and Article P-07-25 will appear as written.
The meeting was adjourned at 4:20PM by B. Sargent.
Respectfully Submitted,
Maryellen Pelletier
Plaistow Town Clerk
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