NOTES OF SEPTEMBER 23, 2013 RYE BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING
Revised Final Revision B – Provided by the Rye Civic League
Present: Selectmen Jenness, Musselman and Mills. Also present: Cindi Gillespie, Mike Magnant
Editor’s note: For ease in finding particular sections using the archived video and audio on the Town website, the elapsed time is indicated. Use the slider and the elapsed time indicated at the bottom of the video window to fast forward to the desired section. Videos on the Town website may currently be accessed at www.town.rye.nh.us by clicking on “Town Hall Streaming” at the bottom left of the screen. Follow the link for “Town Hall Live Streaming,” then find the meeting by date under “Previous.”
(0:00 elapsed) Video starts at 6:32:40 p.m.
(1:05 elapsed) Meeting called to order.
(2:50 elapsed) Approval of minutes with changes.
Agenda Items (6:00 elapsed)
(6:00 elapsed) T.R. Russell Builders granted permission to access the beach to replace a deck.
(11:48 elapsed) Donna Decotis appointed Assistant Town Clerk/Tax Collector.
(13:22 elapsed) Two officers from Pease Air National Guard Base discuss replacement, in 2017-2018, of 8 KC-135 tankers with 12 KC-46 (a Boeing 767 derivative) tankers. The officers assert that the noise will be lower, but figures are not yet available from Boeing.
(24:36 elapsed) Pan Mass Challenge Kids event permit granted. Discussion about safety-related conditions following two deaths in bicycle event in Hampton over the weekend. Selectman Mills jokes that Selectman Jenness should be informed in advance about future bicycle events as she cannot see over the steering wheel of her car.
(28:05 elapsed) Annual Ride for Help and Hope. Tabled until other business.
(30:00 elapsed) Discussion of August 29, 2013 article in Herald regarding 20 cyclists and incident with Police Chief Walsh. Chief Walsh states that the group has been reduced in size to 5-6 bikes following discussions with the group. Discussion about the maximum group size permitted without an event permit.
(38:45 elapsed). Memorandum of understanding with NHDRED. Selectmen agree to sign agreement permitting Rye Police to enforce laws on State Beaches. Selectmen Mills asserts that there were recently 100 surfers on Jenness State Beach following departure of the lifeguards at the end of the season.
(42:00 elapsed). Discussion of renaming of streets and renumbering of houses involving Frontier Rd., Foyes Rd. and Oral Ln.
(47:30 elapsed). Treasurer’s review finds no change in Town’s Investment Policy is needed. Selectmen concur.
(48:02 elapsed). Gregg Mikolaities appointed to Recreation Commission, contingent upon a copy of the letter of resignation from the former office holder being produced.
(51:34 elapsed). Selectman Mills shows Fire Chief Sullivan a newspaper photograph relating to an exercise-related award presented to Fire Lieutenant Gallant and questions why Chief Sullivan appeared in the photograph, given his lack of exercise. Chief Sullivan and Selectman Mills exchange barbs about each others’ weight and Chief Sullivan storms out of the room.
(53:30 elapsed). Selectman Mills reads a letter from Nancy Weiand, former secretary to the Selectmen. Ms. Weiand’s letter complains about a letter from a citizen which states that it is presented on behalf of a group. Ms. Weiand proposes a Town Policy that would require that the members of such groups be identified before any letters on behalf of a group are accepted or considered. Two citizens present oppose the proposed policy as an infringement on First Amendment rights to freedom of association and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
(77:56 elapsed). Appointment of James Tegeder to the Heritage Commission tabled after Selectman Mills insists that he meet Mr. Tegeder first.
(79:52 elapsed). Public Works Director McCarthy discusses a number of issues including (a) Route 1A paving, (b) mowing of Brackett Rd. Massacre site, (c) pipes exposed at Concord Pt. after storms earlier this year, (d) surplus equipment including a desk and conference table that might be used in an expanded Town Hall.
(108:50 elapsed). Town Hall schematic design contract awarded to SMP Architects. Selectman Mills notes that two letters, one from a man on Grove Rd., and the other from Gregg Mikolaities, were received in support of AG. Mr. Magnant indicates that a third letter was sent to the Town Hall Committee.
Correspondence (110:15 elapsed)
(110:15 elapsed). Request from Robert Lemelin to repair a portion of his lawn torn up by plowing is discussed. Request is opposed as the portion to be repaired is in the Town right of way. Selectmen request installation of grade stakes showing right of way.
(115:25 elapsed). Letter from Lynn Joslyn regarding maintenance of walking trails passed to Conservation Commission. Selectman Musselman comments about all of the land that the Town has bought which is not being opened up for public access.
(121:28 elapsed). Request from Alison Anderson regarding adding roosters to the noise ordinance receives no action. Police Chief Walsh indicates that the rooster owner has complied with all requests from the animal control officer, but Ms. Anderson insists on the rooster being moved.
(130:00 elapsed). Letters from Gregg Mikolaities and Art Guadano were mentioned but not discussed, apparently because they support the award of the Town Hall contract to AG Architects, a matter which is moot given the action of a few minutes earlier.
(131:16 elapsed). Dennis McCarthy summarizes a letter awarding the status of “Master Roads Scholar” to Paul Paradis.
(132:05 elapsed). Letter from Nancy Clayburgh requesting proclamation of an Italian-American Heritage Month is discussed.
(135:35 elapsed). Request from Jim Horgos, Cubmaster, for fundraiser at Recycling Center approved.
New business (136:45 elapsed)
(a) Waste collection day in Brentwood, upcoming Saturday, announced.
(b) Mr. Magnant indicates that Deb Crapo of Jenness Beach District has invited the Selectmen to walk the beach with the District Commissioners.
(c) Selectman Musselman announces Beach Use Ordinance Commission consensus reached, public hearing scheduled in October. Implementation of ordinance will await Town Meeting as surf classes are over for the season and there are only one or two more Zumba events remaining. Selectman Musselman enumerates the unaddressed issues, including parking, trash, open containers, and conflicts between swimmers and surfers. It was announced that there will be a meeting the following night with Senator Stiles and state officials.
(d) Fire Chief Sullivan announces fire and police department annual open house on October 13, and imminent start of Rye Water District water main replacement with house and fire truck connections from temporary main.
Non-public session (143:25 elapsed)
Non-public session on personnel reentered.
