NOTES OF APRIL 13, 2015 RYE BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING
Final Revision B – Provided by the Rye Civic League
Present (clockwise around table): Town Administrator Michael Magnant, Selectmen Musselman, Jenness and Mills, Town Finance Director Cyndi Gillespie.
Also present and sitting in the audience: Public Works Director Dennis McCarthy, Interim Fire Chief Tom Lambert, Police Chief Kevin Walsh.
Persons present from the public included: Steven Borne, Lori Carbajal, Peter Crawford, Dave Cropper (Cinnamon Rainbows), Joe Cummins, Steve Hillman, Ryan McGill (Summer Sessions), Tyler McGill (Summer Sessions), Del Record, Larry Rocha, Deidre Smyrnos, Michele Sopher.
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.”
The video starts
at 6:53:10 p.m.
Summary
Consent Agenda (0:45 elapsed)
Selectman Musselman
pulled Item B (Summer Sessions permit) from the Consent Agenda and Selectman
Jenness pulled Item C (sign request for Rye Driftwood Garden Club).
With regard to Item A,
the Cinnamon Rainbows permit, Police Chief Kevin Walsh stated that all was in
order. It is the same permit as the
prior year.
The motion to approve
items A, D and E (Cinnamon Rainbows permit, Seacoast Science Center letter and
request for seawall repair from Suzanne and Jay McFarland) carried unanimously.
Summer Sessions beach permit application (1:50
elapsed)
Chief Walsh stated that
a report was due by July with respect to the number of classes and
participants. He stated that it was
brought to the attention of the Police Department that
restroom facilities or some sort of a system needs to be set up. Outside areas may have been used as
restrooms. They are asking for more than
the prior year for lessons. He
anticipates that the Board of Selectmen will want to see the data from 2014
with respect to the lessons, including the number of lessons, participants and
instructors.
Selectman Jenness noted
that last year’s permit had stated that the activity would remain approximately
the same as the prior year. Data for
both last year and the prior year are needed, she said.
Selectman Musselman
asked whether last year’s activity had been within the confines of the
permit. Chief Walsh stated that that
appeared to be the case, although he acknowledged that the Selectmen had been
presented with information indicating that unauthorized activities may have
been occurring. He referred to four
groups doing warm ups together. Editor’s note: This is an apparent reference to the permit
allowing four groups of three participants each, plus an instructor for each,
being allowed under the terms of the permit, in addition to a separate ongoing
large group lesson.
Selectman Musselman made a reference to
other communities having activities in Rye through Summer Sessions. He referred to Newburyport. Selectman Jenness added Brentwood and
Barrington. He noted that these are
advertised as “lifeguarded beaches” which we pay for and they don’t. He asked how often that was happening and
whether those numbers were within last year’s permits. Editor’s
note: It is unclear exactly how other
communities’ programs are coupled with Summer Sessions.
Chief Walsh responded,
saying that he had personal experience with the Newburyport group. He talked to the Camp Counselor. There were 10-15 participants and they had
rented boards from Summer Sessions. The lessons are on Sawyers. He said that he is not sure where the Board
wants to put the boundary line on the rentals.
Selectman Musselman
asked whether this was counted as part of Summer Sessions’ total even though
there is some common advertising. Chief
Walsh agreed that this was not counted.
He stated that they were marketing to groups to come rent their
equipment. Selectman Musselman stated
that it appears that the Newburyport group does not have a permit. They should be under Summer Sessions’ permit
or have their own permit, he said.
Chief Walsh stated that
it was tough to tell whether a lesson was being conducted or whether the kids
were being supervised as they went out on surfboards. Selectman Musselman stated that the other
groups that Summer Sessions is co-advertising with need to be added. Editor’s
note: From the material obtained by the
Civic News, it is unclear whether Summer Sessions is actually advertising or is
just being listed by the other groups.
Selectman Musselman
asked about people dropping off kids and remaining in the resident parking
area. Chief Walsh responded that parking
enforcement is permitting unloading, following which the vehicle must leave. This is also true of Cable Rd. and Wallis
Rd. When people leave the car and go up
the shale pile, parking enforcement tickets them.
Selectman Jenness
reminded everyone that Sawyers Beach was purchased with Rye taxpayer
money. She showed a photograph
indicating parking on the Eel Pond side across from Sawyers Beach. She does not believe that there is any
parking allowed there. Chief Walsh
agreed, and stated that they get tickets when Parking Enforcement is down
there.
Selectman Musselman
stated that it sounds like it is out of control. He suggested that the matter be tabled. Selectman Mills then noted that the McGill
brothers were present.
(6:50 elapsed)
Tyler McGill stated
that he was deeply involved in creating the permit process and wanted to add
some clarifications. Editor’s note: Tyler McGill served on the Beach Use
Ordinance Committee in 2013 and early 2014 which came up with the language for
2014 Warrant Article 23, establishing beach permits, which passed 924-733. He and his brother Ryan McGill are co-owners
of Summer Sessions. He stated that
all of their camps had been within the 35 persons allowed by the permit. The
permit also allows for private lessons at the same time that the camps are
going on. One to four lessons of no more
than four people are allowed.
Newburyport had asked not to be involved with the kids
camp, but preferred a private lesson.
They had responded that this could be accommodated as long as the
numbers were adhered to. Rentals are
outside the scope of the original permit which is for two years. No complaints came into the shop from residents, parents are people on the beach that were
interfered with by the camps. He would
like to see the report. It is skewed to
a particular vantage point. He requested
that the lifeguards, who are present there all of the time, should come in and
talk about the activities from their perspective. He stated that his experience is not
consistent with what is implied in the report.
Selectman Jenness
stated that this is why the matter is being tabled.
Ryan McGill stated that
they were asking for two camps, one at 2:30 and the other at 4:30, for parents
who could not get to the morning or midday sessions. Everything else would be the same and the
number of lessons would not increase.
Tyler McGill asked to
see the file before the next meeting.
Selectman Musselman responded that they would like to see the data
before the next meeting. Tyler McGill
again asked to see the file. Selectman
Musselman stated that they would talk about that.
Chief Walsh stated that
he had received a copy of the insurance, but it refers to Town of Rye Rec.
Department, Lee Arthur. He is not
satisfied with that. It should say Town
of Rye, he said.
Selectman Jenness
stated that, while the permit is for two years, things that need to be changed
need to be looked at. Restroom
facilities may be one of those things, she said.
(15:11 elapsed)
Selectman Mills asked
Selectman Musselman what the source was of the report that Summer Sessions is
requesting. Selectman Musselman
responded that the Chief was asking them for data for last year. Tyler McGill stated that the data is
available from their online bookings and could be printed out. He stated that they do not have sufficient
staff to do more than three lessons while the camps are occurring.
Selectman Jenness added
that anyone that goes through them that uses Sawyers Beach should be
included. Tyler McGill responded that it
was clearly stated that rentals are not included in the permit. He stated that he does not have those
numbers. Selectman Jenness stated that
an adjustment to the permit may be needed.
Tyler McGill pointed out that the boards could be taken elsewhere.
Selectman Musselman
asked whether it had been advertised, with respect to the Newburyport program,
that Summer Sessions would rent the equipment.
Tyler McGill reiterated that rentals are outside of the permit. Selectman Musselman stated that they were
going to have to do something about that as eight communities could be holding
programs in Rye. He asserted that the
programs were advertising with Summer Sessions.
Tyler McGill reiterated
the terms of the permit. One to four
coaches are allowed in the water doing private lessons at the same time that kids camp is occurring.
When Newburyport Rec. is saying that Summer Sessions is taking us out,
that is within the one to four coaches.
The week that Newburyport comes up there are three coaches with ten kids
in the water, which is part of the permit.
Selectman Musselman
stated that they would deal with the issue as other communities Rec.
departments are not funding our cost.
(21:08 elapsed)
Lori Carbajal, Rye
Beach Committee, pointed out that the fact that 2-3 simultaneous lessons are
occurring needs to be disclosed to the Town.
Steve Hillman, 399
Central Rd., stated that he would love to see the letter and asked why it was
not part of the minutes or the public record.
Selectman Jenness stated that it was not a letter. He asked where it came from. Selectman Jenness responded that, if he came
back in two weeks, he would see. Mr.
Hillman asked why something secret was being discussed. Selectman Jenness said that it was not a
secret.
Mr. Hillman asked
whether it was a letter from a resident or something put together by a
group. Selectman Musselman stated that
it was an e-mail from a resident, similar to a phone conversation, which raised
these questions that they are going to get answers to.
Mr. Hillman stated that
usually when an e-mail comes through and is discussed at a meeting it becomes
part of the meeting and a copy is provided at the meeting. Selectman Musselman and Jenness interjected
“sometimes.” Mr. Hillman asked whether
it was their discretion, and said “I don’t get it, what are you hiding?” Selectmen Musselman and Jenness stated that
they were not hiding anything. Mr.
Hillman then asked why he could not see it.
Selectman Jenness responded that it was an e-mail, not correspondence. Editor’s note: Per N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. (“RSA”) 91-A:1-a. III both letters and e-mails fall within the
definition of “governmental records.”
These must be produced when requested by a member of the public. RSA 91-A:4, I. Selectman Musselman said that “they”
(apparently referring to Summer Sessions) had made the same request and that
they would respond to it. He continued,
saying that they wanted to ask the questions and didn’t know whether they were
non-issues. Mr. Hillman stated that,
usually, when a complaint is received from one resident it is unfounded. He asked whether the resident was not
present. Selectman Musselman, sitting
with his arms folded, tersely replied “no.”
Mr. Hillman asked what good it was, and accused the Selectmen of talking
in circles. He asked that the letter be
put out in the open and discussed for real.
Selectman Jenness
stated that it would be discussed in two weeks.
The reason that it is being tabled is that they do not have the promised
data.
(24:52 elapsed)
Larry Rocha, 39 Perkins
Rd., stated that he had found the swim area for Sawyers Beach to be an
issue. At times it is only as wide as
this room, he asserted. Sometimes the
lifeguards are reluctant to make it wider.
It has to be clear that there needs to be a minimal swim area, whether
it is 50 or 60 yards. Selectman Jenness
agreed, stating that it was originally purchased as a swimming beach.
Del Record, 260 Grove
Rd., stated that he was a member of the committee that developed the language
for the permit. With regard to rentals
he wanted to go on the record that he would regard it as a personal affront if
issues that were hammered out, meeting after meeting after meeting, were
disregarded, as long as these guys are working within the scope of the
permit. Selectman Musselman stated that
it is a two year permit and no change is contemplated. Mr. Record stated that he sees a change coming
down the road. Selectman Musselman
stated that it might, five or ten years from now.
The matter was tabled.
Sign for Rye Driftwood Garden Club (28:21 elapsed)
Selectman Jenness noted
that a raffle should be included in the request. All were in favor.
Minutes (30:12 elapsed)
The minutes of March
23, 2015 were unanimously approved without changes, as were the minutes of the
non-public session of the same day.
Public Safety Building Energy Audit (30:40
elapsed)
Town Administrator
Magnant indicated that Dana Nute from the Resilient Building Group in Concord
was here to present his report. Michele
Sopher from the Energy Committee is also present. She was helpful in drafting the RFP. Mr. Nute stated that Paul Leveille
who had done much of the work, was with him.
He stated that Eversource, formerly known as PSNH, had paid for half of
the work.
A number of problem
areas were found, including dampers that were not working. There is also heat loss around the radiant
floor. A thermostat on a wall which is
always less than 45 degrees is also constantly calling for heat. Correcting that problem will save $1300 to
$1500 in oil annually. There is a lot of
air loss from the attic. The controls on
some of the blowers are not working correctly.
The oil tanks are
located outside, necessitating the use of kerosene, which is more expensive
than number two heating oil. Editor’s note: Kerosene also has a lower
heat content per gallon than heating oil.
Kerosene is apparently needed as heating oil will gel at low
temperatures.
The Public Safety Building is above average
for facilities of similar type, and is within the top 40 percent. However, there are a number of comparable
facilities that are 100 years old.
Mr. Leveille stated that there is no outdoor
reset for the boiler. Even though the
system has that capability, it is not used. Editor’s note: An outdoor reset lowers the temperature of
the water circulating through the building when it is not as cold outside,
saving energy.
Mr. Nute stated that a blower door test had
been done to locate areas of infiltration.
He went through a long list of recommendations, providing payback
estimates for each.
(61:43 elapsed)
Mr. Magnant asked which
improvements should be done first. The
responses were retro commissioning and air sealing. The retro commissioning would address a lot
of the systems that are not working as they should be.
Personnel policy changes (67:18 elapsed)
The policy was approved
after some minor changes.
Winter expenses (69:06 elapsed)
Public Works Director
Dennis McCarthy addressed this issue.
The Seacoast has received 105 inches of snow since January 1. Overtime is already at $47,000 compared to a
budget of $34,000, which includes the Transfer Center. Salt expenditures were not too high, but only
because the salt was unavailable or of poor quality. The fuel expenditure was $7500. Vehicle fuel and oil is at 39 percent spent,
while it should be at 25 percent.
Vehicle repairs are at 48 percent due to a lot of small items. The total overexpenditure due to the winter
is estimated to be $35,000 to $45,000.
More road crack sealing than usual will also be needed. He recommends $25,000 to $30,000 where
$15,000 is typical. Mr. McCarthy
recommended that the net paving budget of $235,000 (total is $250,000 including
crack sealing) be reduced to $185,000 to compensate for winter-related
costs.
Selectmen Musselman and
Jenness looked at each other and appeared to agree with this proposal. Selectman Jenness raised the issue of
repaving being needed near the Post Office.
Mr. McCarthy stated that his recommendation is that the boulders in the
area be taken out to provide a road surface that will hold up. That would cost more than the entire
budget. Editor’s note: This implies a
cost of over $250,000. Selectman
Jenness quipped that there are still two residents in the pothole there.
Public Works bid results (78:23 elapsed)
Mr. McCarthy stated
that he anticipated awarding the crack sealing contract to Coastal Road Repair. They are new but currently do work in
Maine. He recommends that the street
sweeping contract be awarded to Sea Breeze and the striping contract to
Property Innovation. They are brand new,
but due diligence on them will be done.
All three are low bidders.
The striping is for
long lines (center line and side line).
The stop bars and parking will be done by Public Works personnel.
Proposal to aborb winter expenses in other excess budget items
Mr. Magnant suggested
that, in lieu of reducing the paving budget, the winter-related expenses be absorbed in other surplus accounts. The Town finishes every year in the black, he
said. Selectman Musselman said that
there was a surplus of $400,000 the prior year and that revenues may be $40,000
above budget.
Appointments (83:28 elapsed)
Jeff Gardner and Jaci Grote were unanimously
reappointed to the Conservation Commission.
Sara Hall was unanimously reappointed to the Heritage Commission. Selectman Jenness noted that Rich Davis had
already been reappointed to the Heritage Commission, although he thought that
he had not been.
There was then discussion regarding the
Recreation Space Needs Committee. Mr.
Magnant stated that he wanted to make sure that “he” had permission to start
recruiting. Editor’s note: This is an
apparent reference to Gregg Mikolaities who had made that request at the March
23, 2015 meeting. Recreation
Director Lee Arthur started to add further information,
however Selectman Mills stated that no input from the audience had yet been
asked for. Selectman Musselman suggested
that people be asked to send letters to the
Selectmen. Lee Arthur then asked
permission to speak which appeared to be granted by Selectman Jenness. She asked if Mr. Mikolaities’ request to chair
the Committee had been granted.
Selectman Musselman stated that usually Committees appoint their own
chairmen.
Recycling facility stickers for Rye and
North Hampton residents (87:08 elapsed)
Public Works Director Dennis McCarthy
addressed. He stated that he had sent a
multipoint memo and will draft whatever ordinance is necessary. The sticker would be issued by the Town
Clerk, with the color changing annually or every two years. The Town Clerk has requested an annual
change, with the color to match registration stickers. The plate number would be written on the
stickers.
The issue of waste transported by
contractors servicing Rye residents was addressed. Mr. McCarthy stated that some have a letter
from the resident, others only an address.
There was further discussion about C&D debris. Editor’s
note: C&D stands for construction
and demolition. That led to
discussion about the tipping and transportation costs, and the major cost of
the Recycling Center being the two employees there and their benefits.
Selectman Jenness suggested that only Rye
contractors working on homes in Rye be permitted to use the Recycling Center.
With regard to a proposal to allow North
Hampton residents to use the Recycling Center for a fee, Selectman Mills
expressed concern that the facility could be overwhelmed by North Hampton
landscapers. He asked about State law
regarding trash disposal. Mr. McCarthy
stated that Towns need not provide a location in Town, nor do they need to pay
for disposal, but a location must be identified for disposal of trash.
There was further discussion regarding a
sticker for seasonal residents, with Selectman Musselman suggesting $25 (the
fee for year-round Rye residents had already been agreed to be reduced from $5
to zero). Mr. McCarthy noted that the beach
stickers would be honored at the Recycling Center, removing the need for some
residents to obtain Recycling Center stickers.
He stated that the goal at the end was that everyone using the Recycling
Center would have a sticker.
There was then discussion about the charge
for North Hampton residents. Editor’s note: North Hampton does not have a site for trash
disposal. Selectman Musselman
suggested that it be equal to solid waste disposal costs, less solid waste
revenues, all divided by the number of residents. Mr. McCarthy indicated that this would amount
to costs of $216,000 plus $100,000, less $60,000. There was then discussion about whether the
figure of 2876 residences was correct or whether the census figure of
approximately 2200 was more correct.
Selectman Musselman suggested that the program for North Hampton be
limited to 100 stickers.
A woman giving an address as 24 Parsons Rd.
questioned why this was even being considered.
Selectman Jenness responded that North Hampton residents are already
coming to the Recycling Center.
Joe Cummins asked for clarification as to
whether residents can bring other residents’ garbage to the Recycling
Center. That led to discussion about
whether it would be considered a commercial business and whether a PUC permit
for trash hauling might be required.
Selectman Musselman said that there is some threshold under which no
permit is required. If an outfit like
McKay tried to get in, however, that would be inappropriate as they would take
too long to unload. Mr. McCarthy said
that it would probably be acceptable for a resident to bring another resident’s
trash until another resident complained.
(116:31
elapsed)
Steven Borne suggested holding off on
stickers for North Hampton residents until the Town sees how the stickers for
Rye residents work.
Fire Department vacancy (117:10 elapsed)
Interim Fire Chief Tom
Lambert stated that this is often referred to as the ninth position. In 2007 there was a position taken that the
Town would start to move to a 3 persons per shift on all four shifts. Editor’s
note: Since there are 7 x 24, or 168
hours in a week, four shifts should theoretically provide 24 hour a day, seven
day a week coverage with each person working 42 hours
per week. However, vacation, holiday and
other time off would subtract from the available hours. Selectman Musselman stated that that was
the view of the Fire Chief at the time, not the Board of Selectmen. Chief Lambert continued, saying that the
addition of staff did not continue past the first person added. He referred to documentation stating that
larger crews of up to five persons were more effective in providing ventilation
and water to a fire.
Selectman Musselman
asked what the cost would be to backfill the position if it is not filled. Chief Lambert stated that, because of
long-term injuries, three man shifts in the past three years have been
rare. Selectman Musselman asked whether
volunteer firefighters would be used to fill the shifts. Chief Lambert responded that the Collective Bargaining
Agreement requires that they be filled by other personnel.
Selectman Jenness asked
about ambulance emergencies, inasmuch as there are many more of those. Chief Lambert responded that additional staff are also better for major medical emergencies. Protocols have become more involved. There are procedures to alleviate pain and
make patients more stable for the ride.
Selectman Musselman questioned whether a third person was needed for an
ambulance. Chief Lambert asserted that
there should be a third or fourth person.
Selectman Jenness
stated that she tended to agree with the Chief.
The Town is aging, she said.
There would be more, not fewer, calls.
That led to discussion about Sanctuary Care. Mr. Magnant stated that he had heard that they
had purchased an additional lot in Rye and planned to expand.
Selectman Musselman
asked again about the overtime cost to replace firemen who are out. Mr. Magnant stated that the Fire Department
had overspent their overtime budget by approximately $50,000 for each of the
past three years. The cost for a
firefighter/paramedic is in the range of $75,000. Selectman Musselman confirmed with Mr.
Magnant that the $50,000 was only the over budget overtime. Some of the budgeted overtime could also be
used to pay for the third person. Chief
Lambert estimated that the total cost avoidance might be $35,000 to $50,000 for
the third person. Selectman Musselman
suggested that the issue be held for further discussion at the next meeting.
Selectman Mills indicated
that Chief Lambert should have brought Chief Walsh to sit beside him as “he got
his other cop this year.” Selectman
Musselman said “no thanks to. Well. Never mind.” Editor’s
note: Selectman Mills had voted not to
recommend the additional police officer in both 2014 and 2015, however, the
warrant article providing for that passed 762-709 in 2015 after failing in
2014.
Steven Borne, 431 Wallis Rd., indicated that
places like Sanctuary Care and the Webster at Rye that require a lot more
ambulance service do not pay property taxes that are any higher. However, they may create a need for a second
ambulance. Selectman Mills stated that
impact fees can no longer be charged.
Selectman Jenness agreed, and stated that the issue had come up with
respect to Sanctuary Care before the Planning Board. Selectman Mills indicated that Sanctuary Care
had originally stated that they would be doing their own transportation,
however it turned out that that was only for scheduled appointments, not
emergencies, of which there have been a number.
Selectman Jenness stated that statistics had been presented from another
home in Dover. The issue of impact fees
had been discussed with Attorney Donovan and it was not feasible to impose
them, she said.
Beach Committee charge (131:45 elapsed)
Selectman Jenness read
the charge. It provided for up to five
members, all residents of Rye, appointed by the Board of Selectmen for an
initial term ending March 31, 2016. Staff members may be appointed as non-voting
members. The intent is to sunset the
Committee after the completion of the charge unless the Committee is
reappointed with a new and different charge.
The charge started out saying that the Rye Fire Department has the
day-to-day responsibility for the lifeguards.
The Committee is to provide advice and counsel. The Rye Police Department is responsible for
the maintenance of public order and the prevention and detection of crimes in
town and on the beaches. The Committee
is to provide advice and counsel to the Chief of Police as needed. Other issues such as parking, beach use
permits will be considered by the Selectmen from time to time and the Committee
will be called upon for research and advice as needed. A report is due by December 18, 2015 with any
suggestions.
Selectman Musselman
added the counting of license plates of parked cars as an additional task. That was agreed. Larry Rocha stated that he had already done
some research. On average, 50 percent of
the cars were from Canada, 30 percent from New Hampshire. The rest were a smattering from Vermont,
Maine and Massachusetts. Areas surveyed
included Jenness Beach, Wallis Sands Beach and Route 1A. Jenness Beach tends to have more from
Canada. Selectman Musselman stated that
there is a majority of out-of-state and out-of-country visitors that are not
helping to cover lifeguard, beach cleaning and police costs that Rye taxpayers
must pay. That is leading to a parking
charge and the data would help make the argument to the State that the revenue
would help pay for the people from out of State.
Mr. Rocha suggested
that resident parking spots should be added.
Only 115 spots are available but 2000 permits are sold. Selectman Musselman suggested surveying that
again. Tighe & Bond had not
discovered that the spots were fully utilized when it did its research. However, their study may show the opposite.
Steven Borne, 431
Wallis Rd., stated that the heaviest concentration of
Canadian plates are seen near Jenness Beach, while by Pirates Cove it is
all New Hampshire and mostly kids.
Towards Rye Harbor there will be more Massachusetts cars. He has observed this while riding his bike,
which requires paying attention to every car.
Selectman Musselman
suggested separating the data out.
Lori Carbajal, Beach
Committee, stated that Foss Beach is underutilized. There is parking adjacent and bathrooms
nearby. However, commercial activity is
concentrated in one location eight weeks out of the summer. While some people may say that it is only
eight weeks, Ms. Carbajal stated that she did not move to Rye because she
enjoys February and March. She suggested
having input with the Chief of Police so that the activities can be moved
around so they give a break to certain areas.
Most other recreation departments that they had talked
to do this.
Selectman Jenness
stated that this could be handled through the charge as written, which requires
that they go through the Chief.
Keper Connell asked
about the disadvantages of using Foss Beach.
Selectman Jenness stated that there is no beach there at high tide. Mr. Connell noted that the particular beach
is arbitrary as the surf camps use vehicles to transport the surfers.
Selectman Jenness
stated that this was a good suggestion, and they could come back to it in two
weeks.
Selectman Mills stated
that he had spoken to a possible fifth member for the Beach Committee. Keper Connell asked whether the current
Committee members would have any say.
Selectman Musselman responded that they would usually not,
however, colleagues who might be interested could send in a letter. Larry Rocha expressed concern that the person
might have outside influence or a personal agenda that would work counter to
what they are trying to accomplish. They
are looking for an atmosphere of cooperation.
All were in favor of
approving the charge.
Recycling Committee charge (149:23 elapsed)
Selectman Jenness read the charge, which
provides for five members who are residents of Rye. They will be appointed by the Board of
Selectmen for an initial term ending March 31, 2016. Staff members may be appointed as non-voting
members. The intent is to sunset the
Committee after the completion of the charge unless the Committee is
reappointed with a new and different charge.
The charge stated that the Board of Selectmen wanted to continue with
the existing source separated recycling program. The Recycling Education Committee is
established as a subcommittee of the Energy Committee to provide education. The purpose is to educate the residents on
the use and maximization of the effectiveness of the source separated recycling
program and researching ways to increase that.
The Selectmen is not desirous of expanding the program into such areas
as pay-as-you-throw or single stream at this time.
Selectman Musselman
noted that, at the last meeting, Mel Low had stated that he would not serve on
the Committee if it had constraints and this charge does. He chuckled.
The discussion turned
to the membership of the Committee.
Selectman Musselman indicated that the members of the prior Committee
could be considered. Deidre Smyrnos
stated that there are at least three vacancies.
Lynde Karin and she are the existing members interested in
continuing. Lorrie Platt from Parsons
Rd. spoke indicating that she may volunteer.
She was opposed to pay-as-you-throw, attended a number of meetings, and
complimented Deidre for being even-handed.
She stated that it was not a bad thing to put it to the Town for a vote.
Selectman Mills noted
that none of the three Selectmen had supported the program.
Selectman Musselman
asked whether Tom Pearson would be interested in serving. Editor’s
note: Mr. Pearson was perhaps the most
vocal opponent of the program at the 2015 Deliberative Session.
Joan Provencher, a woman in the audience
stated that she was a “maybe.” She does
not like the way that the Committee members have been ridiculed. There are a lot of good things that have been
done, including the Mr. Fox program. Editor’s note: This is a food recycling program which has
been expanded to the full town as of April 1.
It was previously limited to 50 families.
There was discussion about single
stream. Selectman Musselman stated that
he was not opposed to it, but the other two selectmen were opposed. Most of the rest of the U.S. is doing it this
way except New England. It is the only
way that works with curbside pickup.
Steven Borne stated
that he had just canceled his curbside pickup.
He suggested that there be a more efficient layout for the Transfer
Center to speed things up. They had
stayed with Waste Management because of the time that it took to recycle.
Selectman Musselman
stated that single stream recycling centers send 93 percent on average of what
they get to market. The rest is
trash. They largely serve Chinese
markets with looser material specifications than the U.S. used to have.
Selectman Musselman
pointed out that glass is worth little, whether clean or not. Mr. Borne suggested that the residents, most
of whom are somewhat intelligent, should be provided this information to help
them make decisions.
All were in favor of
approving the charge.
Town Hall Committee charge (165:35 elapsed)
Selectman Jenness noted
that, after five years of planning, the Town Hall was defeated in March 2015. The Board of Selectmen would like to
establish another committee to find a path forward that meets the needs of the
voters while providing affordable and accessible space. The consensus of the community is to be
obtained by any means possible. The work
of prior committees should be reviewed.
Public input opportunities should be provided and they should be
informed throughout the process.
Alternatives are:
1.
Alternative renovations to the existing facility
2.
Demolition of the existing facility and construction
of a new facility at the existing site.
3.
Construction of a new facility on an alternative
parcel of land, with future renovation or reuse of the existing Town Hall by
others.
The feasibility and desirability of conducting town-wide voting at the
Elementary School while classes are in session would also be assessed as well
as the continued use of the Junior High School cafeteria and gymnasium for high
attendance meetings. The report back to
the Board of Selectmen no later than December 19, 2015 should recommend next
steps. The Committee shall consist of
not more than 15 members, all residents of Rye.
The initial term shall end no later than March 31, 2016. Staff members may be appointed as non-voting
members. The Selectmen’s intent is to
sunset the Committee on completion of its charge unless the Selectmen vote to
continue the Committee with a new and different charge.
Peter Crawford, 171
Brackett Rd., asked whether there wasn’t a fourth option, which was to build a
second building on the existing site, but keep the existing building without
renovating it.
Mr. Magnant suggested
that there be a catch all fourth option.
Selectman Musselman
questioned whether the parcel would support the number of square feet needed
without a third floor which would create a more massive building, larger than
the existing Town Hall.
Selectman Jenness
stated that this had been explored and rejected.
Mr. Crawford disagreed,
saying that what drove the cost up was the cost of renovating the existing
building. The cost of just the new
building might turn out to be palatable to the residents, he said.
Selectman Musselman
raised the issue of whether there would be enough parking for both the new Town Hall and some other use of the existing Town Hall.
Mr. Magnant stated that
a number of residents had questioned why certain options had not been
considered. The response was that it was
not in the charge.
Selectman Musselman
suggested that an option of other alternatives be allowed for.
Steven Borne agreed
that a fourth option should be provided for.
His personal preference is that Rye Rec. be
dealt with, the DPW fixed up, and the Public Safety building be reconfigured to
place the Fire Department above the apparatus bay freeing up space for other
functions. No elevator would be needed
as the firemen need to be able to walk up stairs. Communications are different now, lessening
the need to have everyone in the same location.
The cost drove people away, particular when it appeared that existing
space was available, he said.
Selectman Musselman
agreed that other options needed to be considered as it will not be easy to
achieve a supermajority. Editor’s note: If the building were to be financed with
debt, a 60 percent vote would be required for approval. He disagreed that Rec. should be dealt
with first.
The motion to approve
the charge with the addition carried unanimously.
(176:18 elapsed)
Mr. Magnant stated that
he had spoken with Andy Smith of the UNH Survey Center. Mr. Smith suggested a mail survey of all residents
as the best option. The survey could
also be a method for people to come together.
A diverse group of people with different views had helped draft the
questions. He gave the example of a town
having difficulty getting a new school building approved that used this
method. After the survey results came
back there was a town-wide meeting with 300 people to present the results. People stayed and a consensus was achieved. In the next vote the measure passed.
Selectman Mills stated
that, if the Selectmen got away from the existing Town Hall they would get
town-wide support.
Coastal hazard report (180:20 elapsed)
Selectman Mills spoke
about a very informative report provided by Phil Winslow regarding coastal
hazards.
Sports facilities
Joe Cummins spoke about
the problems that he was having getting facilities for his children to play at
the school. He asked whether the
Selectmen could ask the Recreation Department to get more aggressive with the
Schools. His kids have to go to other
towns’ fields. Over the winter, only one
hour per week was available at the Elementary School for open basketball. The School is intransigent. He would need to obtain an insurance policy
for $40 and apply like it was a big event.
Selectman Mills stated
that he had four children that he would put up against Mr. Cummins’ children
any day. Nothing has changed in the past
40 years. They had to go here and there.
Steven Borne pointed
out that things had changed it is more of a challenge to fit things into parents’
schedules, particularly when both work.
There is a scarcity of options.
Selectman Musselman
stated that this was a driving force behind the Recreation facility which would
be $3 million to $4 million. Schools are
now more sensitive to liability issues now.
The Recreation Department has had trouble getting free use of school
facilities.
Mr. Cummins stated that
it is a mockery to say that kids can shoot basketball only from 2:00 to 3:00 on
Saturday. The School Board and the
Superintendent think that they own that property, but it is ours, he said. For a few more dollars the liability issue
could be covered by their policy. It is
a joke. He would need to come with an
insurance policy and check with the Fire Chief and the Police Chief.
Selectman Mills stated
that the School Board is worried about eating in the facilities. He stated that the School budget is done very
well. He had read in the Civic League
News that it was done much better than the Town.
Selectmen Musselman and
Jenness stated that they did not disagree with Mr. Cummins. It is a Town facility and could be utilized
for various and sundry uses of Rye residents but isn’t. They have tried to change that, but have made
little progress.
Adjournment (195:13 elapsed)
Selectman Mills made a
motion to adjourn at approximately 10:08 p.m.
Selectman Musselman said that he had been in favor an hour earlier.