1 00:00:04,835 --> 00:00:06,605 Good evening and welcome to the 2 00:00:07,145 --> 00:00:09,765 August 4th, 2026 Town Council meeting. 3 00:00:10,975 --> 00:00:12,925 We'll start with the Pledge of Allegiance. 4 00:00:12,925 --> 00:00:14,645 Councillor Foot, would you lead us, please? Yes, 5 00:00:15,445 --> 00:00:18,685 I pledge Allegiance, flag in United States of America 6 00:00:19,785 --> 00:00:21,925 and to the republic for which to stand. 7 00:00:22,625 --> 00:00:26,165 One nation should undergo indivisible with liberty 8 00:00:26,705 --> 00:00:27,845 and justice for all. 9 00:00:30,145 --> 00:00:34,495 Thank you. Just a reminder, please silence phones 10 00:00:34,915 --> 00:00:38,535 and in case of emergency exits out straight out the back 11 00:00:38,635 --> 00:00:40,335 or the side here, down the stairs. 12 00:00:41,525 --> 00:00:43,335 Roll call Councilor Mills. 13 00:00:43,845 --> 00:00:45,895 Good evening, Councilor Healy. 14 00:00:45,925 --> 00:00:50,015 Good evening, councilor Webb. Good evening, councilor Flood. 15 00:00:50,245 --> 00:00:52,215 Good evening, councilor Foot. Good evening. 16 00:00:52,655 --> 00:00:55,135 Councillor Chase is unable to join us this evening 17 00:00:55,475 --> 00:00:57,055 and good evening from the chair. 18 00:00:59,475 --> 00:01:01,695 Is there a motion to open public forum? So moved. 19 00:01:02,595 --> 00:01:04,695 Second. Alright, we have a motion, a second 20 00:01:04,695 --> 00:01:05,695 to open public forum. 21 00:01:05,715 --> 00:01:09,055 All those in favor? Aye. Aye. Aye. Any opposed? Alright. 22 00:01:09,055 --> 00:01:11,975 Public forum is now open. The floor is yours. 23 00:01:11,975 --> 00:01:13,815 If you'd like to come up, please just state your name 24 00:01:13,815 --> 00:01:14,815 and address for the record. 25 00:01:25,555 --> 00:01:29,745 Steve Raffe, 13 North Shore Road, business owner in dairy, 26 00:01:30,105 --> 00:01:32,225 property owner in dairy, a heavy taxpayer in dairy. 27 00:01:32,605 --> 00:01:35,305 And gonna be a sad person come December when everybody's tax 28 00:01:35,305 --> 00:01:38,705 bills get whacked for whatever they get whacked to. 29 00:01:38,705 --> 00:01:41,585 But since I had to do some math for another reason, 30 00:01:41,705 --> 00:01:43,305 I thought I'd bring it to you and let you know what's 31 00:01:43,425 --> 00:01:44,745 happened, which I've been preaching 32 00:01:44,745 --> 00:01:45,985 forever, but doesn't help. 33 00:01:46,045 --> 00:01:47,865 But I'm just gonna give you some numbers. 34 00:01:48,085 --> 00:01:52,065 And 2019, we had an assessed value along High Street, 35 00:01:52,125 --> 00:01:54,745 Madden Road and Folsom Road of 4.5 million. 36 00:01:55,445 --> 00:01:57,825 We were collecting about 115,000 in taxes. 37 00:01:58,065 --> 00:02:00,065 I have actually pulled all the tax cards and did the math. 38 00:02:00,605 --> 00:02:03,825 And you should know the loss of tax revenue up 39 00:02:03,825 --> 00:02:06,665 to about 2026 is approximately 700,000. 40 00:02:08,045 --> 00:02:12,265 The assessed value in 2 26 would be about 6 million. 41 00:02:12,325 --> 00:02:13,865 Now, with the increases we've had and the, 42 00:02:13,865 --> 00:02:16,065 and the reassessments and, and 43 00:02:16,605 --> 00:02:20,225 and that revenue, it's about 170,000 a year. 44 00:02:20,455 --> 00:02:21,865 Another 65 grand. 45 00:02:21,865 --> 00:02:26,505 It would've been the, And I have, 46 00:02:26,505 --> 00:02:28,545 like I said, I just did the math on this from the tax cards, 47 00:02:29,725 --> 00:02:33,385 the properties that are kept now, the assessed value 48 00:02:33,405 --> 00:02:37,265 of those properties, I own two and Stinson owns one 49 00:02:37,265 --> 00:02:38,945 and the rest are all sucked up by the state. 50 00:02:38,945 --> 00:02:40,305 There's no taxes coming in. 51 00:02:40,475 --> 00:02:42,865 Total assessment today is about 700,000 52 00:02:43,205 --> 00:02:45,385 and the taxes are now collecting are about 10,000. 53 00:02:46,005 --> 00:02:48,225 That's $8,750 a year. 54 00:02:48,845 --> 00:02:51,505 So that's welcome to exit four A. 55 00:02:52,695 --> 00:02:57,625 It's not, we've tried to get the state to, you know, 56 00:02:57,715 --> 00:02:58,825 agree with a whole bunch of, 57 00:02:58,845 --> 00:03:01,205 so we could get things going early, go through planning, go 58 00:03:01,205 --> 00:03:02,765 through zoning, get approved. 59 00:03:03,225 --> 00:03:04,285 It takes two, two years 60 00:03:04,305 --> 00:03:06,165 and by the time the highway come we could be building. 61 00:03:06,755 --> 00:03:10,645 That won't happen. So basically when the highway's done, 62 00:03:10,645 --> 00:03:13,245 because the state is unreasonable in every aspect 63 00:03:13,245 --> 00:03:15,685 that they can possibly find, including what they did 64 00:03:15,685 --> 00:03:17,525 to the rail trail, you know, 65 00:03:17,525 --> 00:03:18,965 you won't have to wait for them to finish. 66 00:03:19,805 --> 00:03:22,565 I know people have heard 2030 on the main part, 67 00:03:22,665 --> 00:03:24,525 2032, that's probably not true. 68 00:03:25,045 --> 00:03:27,085 I was told by the state it's 27, 28. 69 00:03:27,085 --> 00:03:28,725 Still probably the town manager. 70 00:03:28,905 --> 00:03:31,165 He knows enough to know that at least it's there. 71 00:03:31,345 --> 00:03:34,765 The problem for the building part of it is until it's done 72 00:03:35,305 --> 00:03:37,925 and we know what we have, we really can't go in for planning 73 00:03:37,945 --> 00:03:39,805 and zoning, which is another year and a half. 74 00:03:40,465 --> 00:03:41,645 And then from there we gotta build, 75 00:03:41,645 --> 00:03:43,125 which is another year and a half or two. 76 00:03:43,585 --> 00:03:46,885 So it's another 700,000. So we're gonna lose 1.5 million. 77 00:03:47,295 --> 00:03:49,925 We're gonna collect about $8,700 a month for a while. 78 00:03:50,165 --> 00:03:54,085 I mean a year. And that's what we got out of that. 79 00:03:54,185 --> 00:03:55,965 So I just want everybody to know the numbers only 80 00:03:56,165 --> 00:03:57,605 'cause I pulled every single tax card 81 00:03:57,605 --> 00:03:58,965 and went through it and I thought it'd be good. 82 00:03:58,965 --> 00:04:00,285 Good for you to know. Thank you. 83 00:04:06,515 --> 00:04:08,765 Poll Anyone Madam Chair. Seeing none rise online. 84 00:04:09,985 --> 00:04:11,445 Motion to close the public hearing. 85 00:04:12,065 --> 00:04:15,685 Second We a motion and a second to close public forum. 86 00:04:15,745 --> 00:04:17,685 All those in favor? Aye. Aye. Aye. 87 00:04:18,625 --> 00:04:21,765 Any opposed or abstentions? Okay. 88 00:04:22,545 --> 00:04:25,485 Moving on to consent agenda. We have quite a bit. 89 00:04:26,865 --> 00:04:28,645 We have item 26 66 90 00:04:28,745 --> 00:04:32,005 to approve the minutes from the July 7th, 2026 meeting. 91 00:04:33,305 --> 00:04:35,365 We have item 26 67, 92 00:04:35,935 --> 00:04:40,285 which is ordinance 2026 dash 0 0 2 to amend chapter 1 38 93 00:04:40,285 --> 00:04:42,885 of the general code to adopt the dairy commercial industrial 94 00:04:43,365 --> 00:04:44,605 property tax exemption program. 95 00:04:44,695 --> 00:04:47,245 There will be a public hearing at our September 1st meeting. 96 00:04:48,305 --> 00:04:53,045 26 73 is resolution 2026 dash four four To 97 00:04:53,045 --> 00:04:56,205 accept unanticipated revenues in the FY 26 budget 98 00:04:56,305 --> 00:04:58,845 to cover finance department expenses, there'll be a, 99 00:04:59,165 --> 00:05:01,525 a public hearing on September 1st for that as well. 100 00:05:02,505 --> 00:05:06,845 26 74 is resolution 2026 dash four five 101 00:05:06,985 --> 00:05:08,805 to approve a supplemental appropriation 102 00:05:08,985 --> 00:05:11,765 and budget transfer for the FY 26 fire budget. 103 00:05:11,805 --> 00:05:13,485 There'll be a hearing on September 1st, 104 00:05:14,505 --> 00:05:19,125 26 75 rev resolution 2026 dash 0 4 6 105 00:05:19,185 --> 00:05:21,085 to approve a supplemental appropriation 106 00:05:21,105 --> 00:05:23,725 and budget transfer for the FY 26 Emergency 107 00:05:23,725 --> 00:05:24,845 Management Department budget. 108 00:05:25,515 --> 00:05:30,085 Also a public hearing scheduled for September 1st on that, 109 00:05:32,825 --> 00:05:35,045 is there a motion to accept move to 110 00:05:35,045 --> 00:05:36,205 Accept. Second. 111 00:05:36,435 --> 00:05:38,245 Alright. Motion by Councilor Foote. 112 00:05:38,245 --> 00:05:40,325 Second by Council Mills to accept the 113 00:05:40,915 --> 00:05:42,565 consent agenda on the motion. 114 00:05:42,565 --> 00:05:46,205 Councilor Mills? Yes. Councilor Haley. Yes. Councilor Webb? 115 00:05:46,305 --> 00:05:48,845 Yes. Councilor Foot? Yes. Councilor Flood. Yes. 116 00:05:49,105 --> 00:05:51,285 And chair votes? Yes. Motion passes. Six zero. 117 00:05:52,825 --> 00:05:55,245 Moving right along. All right. 118 00:05:56,365 --> 00:06:00,725 I have a few things under Chair's report, I guess first 119 00:06:01,205 --> 00:06:03,005 'cause Tina spilled the beans. 120 00:06:03,175 --> 00:06:07,325 Happy Birthday Council Mills. Thank you. 121 00:06:07,445 --> 00:06:09,285 I heard he didn't want us to say it, but I said anyway. 122 00:06:09,585 --> 00:06:13,885 And happy pre birthday. Councilor Flood. Yay. 123 00:06:14,775 --> 00:06:17,365 Yours is coming up too. All right. Mine's passed. 124 00:06:17,635 --> 00:06:19,925 What was that? Mine name's passed. Oh, yours is passed. 125 00:06:19,945 --> 00:06:22,045 Oh, I thought it was coming up. Oh, it's passed. 126 00:06:22,045 --> 00:06:26,445 Well, happy belated birthday then also a couple 127 00:06:26,445 --> 00:06:27,925 of other congratulations out there. 128 00:06:28,045 --> 00:06:29,565 I don't know if we've mentioned it, 129 00:06:29,565 --> 00:06:33,285 but I do want to congratulate Councilor Foote in particular 130 00:06:33,505 --> 00:06:37,485 on getting House Bill 1469 was signed 131 00:06:37,485 --> 00:06:40,965 by the governor in July, which was a lot of effort 132 00:06:41,185 --> 00:06:42,325 and a lot of time 133 00:06:42,585 --> 00:06:44,525 and hard work that you've put in along with others. 134 00:06:45,205 --> 00:06:47,085 Just wanna congratulate you 135 00:06:47,105 --> 00:06:49,885 and also congratulate the state for actually getting 136 00:06:49,885 --> 00:06:53,965 that in, in statute at this point. So thank you. Team 137 00:06:53,965 --> 00:06:54,965 Effort. 138 00:06:54,965 --> 00:06:55,885 And Council Mills? 139 00:06:56,025 --> 00:06:57,365 Yes. And Councilor Mills as well. Sponsor. 140 00:06:57,645 --> 00:06:59,165 I, I'd just like to make a co a comment. 141 00:06:59,405 --> 00:07:01,845 I just came back from a Chicago National conference 142 00:07:02,175 --> 00:07:06,685 where one of the vendors there had s had saw my badge 143 00:07:06,685 --> 00:07:09,245 that I was from New Hampshire and sought me out 144 00:07:09,545 --> 00:07:13,205 and thanked me for, for SB 1469 145 00:07:13,505 --> 00:07:16,805 as New Hampshire being one of the leading states in, 146 00:07:17,505 --> 00:07:20,285 in pursuing this kind of human trafficking. 147 00:07:20,825 --> 00:07:23,725 So it's well noticed, well beyond the bounds of dairy. 148 00:07:23,945 --> 00:07:25,165 And thank you Counselor Foot. 149 00:07:26,575 --> 00:07:28,165 Thank you. And last 150 00:07:28,165 --> 00:07:29,765 but not least, I would like 151 00:07:29,765 --> 00:07:33,045 to congratulate our town clerk, Tina Guilford. 152 00:07:34,325 --> 00:07:36,525 I, I don't, I don't know what goes on in most towns, 153 00:07:36,525 --> 00:07:38,725 but I know that she is very committed 154 00:07:38,725 --> 00:07:39,965 to the role of being our town clerk. 155 00:07:40,065 --> 00:07:43,285 So much so that she has spent the last three years in a 156 00:07:43,285 --> 00:07:46,925 program from the New England Municipal Clerks Institute 157 00:07:46,925 --> 00:07:49,605 and Academy and just graduated in July from 158 00:07:49,605 --> 00:07:51,365 that, that three year program. 159 00:07:51,545 --> 00:07:55,405 And I just wanna say a thank you for, for your engagement 160 00:07:55,405 --> 00:07:58,005 with the role and also for continuing to, to grow 161 00:07:58,265 --> 00:08:00,405 and help us be the best we can be. 162 00:08:00,405 --> 00:08:00,845 Thank you. 163 00:08:07,905 --> 00:08:10,405 All right. That is all I have tonight, so I'll turn it over 164 00:08:10,405 --> 00:08:12,245 to town Administrator Mike Fowler. 165 00:08:12,245 --> 00:08:13,245 Alright, good evening. 166 00:08:13,825 --> 00:08:16,165 So I have a couple of general items 167 00:08:16,345 --> 00:08:19,085 and then Owen's going to put up a presentation. 168 00:08:19,095 --> 00:08:20,125 We'll talk about goals 169 00:08:20,305 --> 00:08:22,445 and some economic development items 170 00:08:22,445 --> 00:08:25,445 that are on the town administrators report for tonight. 171 00:08:25,525 --> 00:08:27,925 So let me start off with some community information. 172 00:08:27,945 --> 00:08:31,565 So Towns staff participated in a meeting on July 21st 173 00:08:31,965 --> 00:08:34,245 regarding an upcoming deadline for the determination 174 00:08:34,245 --> 00:08:38,165 of census tracks to be selected for opportunity zone 2.0. 175 00:08:38,305 --> 00:08:41,645 So DER has two eligible census tracks located within the 176 00:08:41,645 --> 00:08:43,885 core urban sector of the community. 177 00:08:44,185 --> 00:08:47,765 To qualify the track has to meet a couple of 178 00:08:48,485 --> 00:08:51,885 dynamics in terms of medium family income and 179 00:08:51,985 --> 00:08:55,845 or the track has a poverty rate of 20% or higher. 180 00:08:56,025 --> 00:08:58,205 So we have two that do qualify 181 00:08:58,505 --> 00:09:01,045 and those will provide tax incentives. 182 00:09:01,465 --> 00:09:05,245 So basically investors are able to shield earnings 183 00:09:05,245 --> 00:09:07,565 that they have and they can defer capital gains 184 00:09:07,745 --> 00:09:08,885 and then reinvest in that. 185 00:09:08,985 --> 00:09:13,485 So basically the applications are due by August 28th. 186 00:09:14,305 --> 00:09:18,005 Bev is working on some of the application elements to it 187 00:09:18,005 --> 00:09:19,765 and we'll get that into the governor's office. 188 00:09:19,785 --> 00:09:22,925 And then the governor is expected to make final selections 189 00:09:22,925 --> 00:09:24,485 by the end of September. 190 00:09:25,425 --> 00:09:27,085 She will select 25 out 191 00:09:27,085 --> 00:09:30,245 of the 53 qualifying census tracks across New Hampshire. 192 00:09:30,545 --> 00:09:32,925 And if a census track is selected, 193 00:09:33,585 --> 00:09:36,125 the designation is a federal tax incentive program. 194 00:09:36,385 --> 00:09:38,045 So we're looking forward to that. 195 00:09:38,045 --> 00:09:41,805 We'll keep the council updated on that. Personnel. 196 00:09:42,745 --> 00:09:45,605 One of the things that I wanted to announce tonight is 197 00:09:45,605 --> 00:09:49,645 that we have currently 22 vacancies within our roles. 198 00:09:50,335 --> 00:09:53,285 We've had some recent retirements that I've talked about 199 00:09:54,555 --> 00:09:56,485 also just as a FYI, 200 00:09:56,705 --> 00:10:00,085 the executive secretary Sheila Boden Raider is going 201 00:10:00,085 --> 00:10:02,405 to be retiring on October 1st. 202 00:10:02,625 --> 00:10:05,485 So I'll go into that a little bit more at our next meeting. 203 00:10:05,585 --> 00:10:08,965 But that is going to be a large hole that we're gonna have 204 00:10:08,965 --> 00:10:11,205 to fill within, not only for the council, 205 00:10:11,385 --> 00:10:15,245 but also for me personally in terms of keeping all the stuff 206 00:10:15,245 --> 00:10:17,645 that you see here behind the scenes. 207 00:10:17,665 --> 00:10:19,885 It all gets done by, you know, by her. 208 00:10:20,025 --> 00:10:22,445 So we have a lot of work to do. 209 00:10:22,445 --> 00:10:27,045 Human resources is actively seeking candidates 210 00:10:27,105 --> 00:10:28,165 for all the positions. 211 00:10:28,425 --> 00:10:31,125 But I did wanna highlight two of them that were kind 212 00:10:31,125 --> 00:10:32,845 of most important in our front view. 213 00:10:33,425 --> 00:10:37,005 The assistant fire chief position has a closing, 214 00:10:37,005 --> 00:10:39,005 closing date of July 31st. 215 00:10:40,145 --> 00:10:43,085 As of last week we had 14 external candidates 216 00:10:43,105 --> 00:10:44,645 and one internal candidate. 217 00:10:44,645 --> 00:10:47,125 We've had some nationwide 218 00:10:47,405 --> 00:10:48,525 interest in it, which is a good thing. 219 00:10:48,625 --> 00:10:52,605 So the process going forward will be as of next week, 220 00:10:52,655 --> 00:10:56,485 we're gonna be reviewing applicants between the HR director 221 00:10:56,825 --> 00:10:59,805 and a representative of MRI and the fire chief. 222 00:10:59,805 --> 00:11:03,005 Then there'll be some initial interviews scheduled 223 00:11:03,005 --> 00:11:05,805 for probably the week of August 21st. 224 00:11:06,475 --> 00:11:08,805 Hopefully we'll have the assessment process done 225 00:11:08,945 --> 00:11:12,605 by first week of September, hopefully final interviews 226 00:11:12,625 --> 00:11:14,685 and a conditional offer by mid-September. 227 00:11:14,905 --> 00:11:15,965 And then we anticipate 228 00:11:15,965 --> 00:11:18,605 that vacancy will be filled by November 1st. 229 00:11:18,705 --> 00:11:20,885 So that's an ongoing process. 230 00:11:21,505 --> 00:11:23,645 And then also building inspector position. 231 00:11:24,585 --> 00:11:25,885 It was a closing date 232 00:11:25,885 --> 00:11:28,765 or as of 7 22 we had one internal candidate, 233 00:11:29,085 --> 00:11:31,965 13 external candidates there. 234 00:11:32,225 --> 00:11:34,125 We are trying to actively recruit 235 00:11:34,355 --> 00:11:36,605 through New Hampshire Municipal Association, 236 00:11:36,905 --> 00:11:38,085 New Hampshire Building officials. 237 00:11:38,465 --> 00:11:41,365 We have some interviews scheduled for this week with some 238 00:11:41,365 --> 00:11:43,445 of the candidates, but it's an ongoing 239 00:11:43,465 --> 00:11:45,965 and open application process. 240 00:11:46,135 --> 00:11:50,285 Again, our hopes is to fill that vacancy in the next 45 days 241 00:11:50,385 --> 00:11:52,325 or thereabouts as you can. 242 00:11:52,745 --> 00:11:54,285 As we're gonna talk about, there's a lot 243 00:11:54,285 --> 00:11:56,805 of economic development going on, a lot of permit needs 244 00:11:56,805 --> 00:11:58,685 that are being put forward. 245 00:11:58,905 --> 00:12:01,685 So that is something that we're targeting hopefully 246 00:12:01,745 --> 00:12:04,605 by we get to the end of the month of September. 247 00:12:05,185 --> 00:12:06,765 And with that I'd like 248 00:12:06,765 --> 00:12:11,005 to go into some discussion about the FY 27 town council 249 00:12:11,165 --> 00:12:12,925 goals and economic development. 250 00:12:27,075 --> 00:12:28,245 Okay, Thank you Owen. 251 00:12:32,075 --> 00:12:36,565 Okay. At the July 7th town council meeting, we had put up 252 00:12:37,465 --> 00:12:39,765 the general list of town council goals 253 00:12:40,475 --> 00:12:43,805 that were combined from a goals session 254 00:12:43,835 --> 00:12:45,485 that was conducted in late June. 255 00:12:46,415 --> 00:12:49,845 Since that meeting, councilors were given an opportunity 256 00:12:50,185 --> 00:12:53,085 to then rank all of those goals one to five. 257 00:12:53,385 --> 00:12:55,645 So what we're gonna do coming out 258 00:12:55,645 --> 00:12:58,925 of tonight's meeting is this is the ranking in frequency. 259 00:12:59,185 --> 00:13:00,365 So I'll just go through those. 260 00:13:00,425 --> 00:13:03,965 The, the list is the same based on order of priority 261 00:13:03,965 --> 00:13:06,645 and also the frequency that the number 262 00:13:06,645 --> 00:13:09,205 of town counselors had placed a priority on. 263 00:13:09,265 --> 00:13:12,645 So number one is revisit review veterans 264 00:13:12,645 --> 00:13:15,445 and elderly tax credits and exemptions. 265 00:13:16,665 --> 00:13:19,405 The Route 28 South infrastructure improvements 266 00:13:20,185 --> 00:13:23,765 review health insurance via employee and the town committee. 267 00:13:23,765 --> 00:13:27,725 That's on everybody's mind relative to the cost continued 268 00:13:28,285 --> 00:13:29,325 downtown redevelopment. 269 00:13:29,625 --> 00:13:33,005 And then number five was a new police facility 270 00:13:33,515 --> 00:13:36,645 with construction hopefully to begin by fiscal 31. 271 00:13:36,785 --> 00:13:39,525 So you can see that there was a lot of common themes 272 00:13:39,525 --> 00:13:41,565 that were put forward in the top five. 273 00:13:43,065 --> 00:13:46,605 If you move forward to the ordinal priority where each one 274 00:13:46,605 --> 00:13:48,285 of you waited one to five, 275 00:13:49,035 --> 00:13:51,205 basically it's the same five goals, 276 00:13:51,345 --> 00:13:54,325 but you can see that the police facility moved up the list 277 00:13:54,725 --> 00:13:57,645 slightly and kind of moved everything else down below that. 278 00:13:57,665 --> 00:13:59,525 But the same five goals are shared. 279 00:14:00,385 --> 00:14:02,245 And so coming out of this, the 280 00:14:02,915 --> 00:14:04,725 town administrator will take these goals. 281 00:14:04,885 --> 00:14:07,125 I have a staff meeting with senior staff tomorrow 282 00:14:07,665 --> 00:14:10,445 and we're gonna start to implement those now many 283 00:14:10,445 --> 00:14:12,725 of these goals have already been in place. 284 00:14:13,265 --> 00:14:15,405 We already started to talk about the 285 00:14:15,685 --> 00:14:16,925 veterans credits internally. 286 00:14:16,985 --> 00:14:19,885 So that's something that we'll be bringing forth within the 287 00:14:19,885 --> 00:14:21,365 next probably 60 days 288 00:14:21,785 --> 00:14:23,965 for some discussions with town council. 289 00:14:24,465 --> 00:14:27,405 The police facility that's an active item. 290 00:14:28,225 --> 00:14:30,085 Health insurance we've talked a lot about. 291 00:14:30,115 --> 00:14:32,845 I've been in contact with Catherine St. 292 00:14:32,965 --> 00:14:35,565 Ledger, our HR director in talking about 293 00:14:35,565 --> 00:14:36,725 what the next steps are on that. 294 00:14:37,425 --> 00:14:40,805 The route 28 south infrastructure. We have design underway. 295 00:14:40,805 --> 00:14:41,965 We have an EPA grant. 296 00:14:42,025 --> 00:14:46,925 We were just notified last week that the SRF funding 297 00:14:47,605 --> 00:14:50,525 process through the state, we were ranked number one 298 00:14:50,985 --> 00:14:53,685 for the rest of that, which would be a low interest loan. 299 00:14:53,745 --> 00:14:55,565 So we'll be working our way through that 300 00:14:55,565 --> 00:14:57,565 and reporting to council shortly on that. 301 00:14:57,865 --> 00:15:00,805 And then finally continue the downtown redevelopment. 302 00:15:01,085 --> 00:15:02,925 Tonight there'll be some activity 303 00:15:02,955 --> 00:15:05,205 with some ordinance changes through the planning board 304 00:15:05,205 --> 00:15:07,445 that Liz and and staff will present on that. 305 00:15:08,125 --> 00:15:10,125 But obviously that's an ongoing effort 306 00:15:10,125 --> 00:15:11,645 through Bev and and whatnot. 307 00:15:12,745 --> 00:15:17,085 So we also wanna make sure that we remind residents, 308 00:15:17,085 --> 00:15:18,405 we remind the town council 309 00:15:18,435 --> 00:15:21,565 that we're actively working on a number of efforts that are, 310 00:15:21,585 --> 00:15:22,925 may not be listed as goals, 311 00:15:22,985 --> 00:15:24,285 but they're equally as important. 312 00:15:24,425 --> 00:15:26,605 So there's a number of of an endeavors 313 00:15:26,605 --> 00:15:28,965 that didn't make the top five lists, 314 00:15:28,965 --> 00:15:30,565 but we are gonna continue to push 315 00:15:31,025 --> 00:15:32,525 and make sure that we continue. 316 00:15:32,525 --> 00:15:34,405 There's a lot of infrastructure that's going on, 317 00:15:34,405 --> 00:15:36,605 there's a lot of economic development going on. 318 00:15:36,755 --> 00:15:38,885 There's a lot of building projects to monitor. 319 00:15:39,185 --> 00:15:42,325 So I think I'm very optimistic with the year 320 00:15:42,325 --> 00:15:45,005 that we just had and I'm looking forward to, you know, 321 00:15:45,005 --> 00:15:48,365 implementing these goals in FY 27. 322 00:15:48,705 --> 00:15:52,005 And so with that, those are the goals and, 323 00:15:52,025 --> 00:15:54,525 and I don't, you don't necessarily have to make any 324 00:15:55,705 --> 00:15:58,085 action on those, but if there's any commentary 325 00:15:58,225 --> 00:16:00,805 or anything of that nature, happy to to take that or 326 00:16:00,805 --> 00:16:02,045 otherwise we can move on to the next 327 00:16:02,055 --> 00:16:03,405 about economic development. 328 00:16:06,925 --> 00:16:08,045 I just have a quick question. 329 00:16:08,625 --> 00:16:11,445 So some of the goals that you know, aren't the top five, 330 00:16:11,465 --> 00:16:13,005 are we still kind of gonna be working 331 00:16:13,005 --> 00:16:14,085 on those throughout the year? 332 00:16:15,165 --> 00:16:18,685 'cause we all had some, some other goals that, you know, 333 00:16:18,915 --> 00:16:22,605 they're not as maybe as as high ranking as these, 334 00:16:22,665 --> 00:16:25,645 but there's still some things that I, you know, one of one 335 00:16:25,645 --> 00:16:30,325 of my goals as a compensation study for the non-represented 336 00:16:30,505 --> 00:16:33,045 and I don't wanna see that just go away. 337 00:16:33,185 --> 00:16:36,085 So is there a process to, for some of the other small, 338 00:16:36,435 --> 00:16:37,965 smaller goals to bring those up? 339 00:16:38,635 --> 00:16:42,605 Yeah, so I think this process is kind of a way 340 00:16:42,745 --> 00:16:46,925 for the town council to clearly define to the staff 341 00:16:47,025 --> 00:16:49,645 and to the public that these are its priorities. 342 00:16:49,825 --> 00:16:53,245 But beyond that, anytime it's a discussion with me, 343 00:16:53,315 --> 00:16:56,125 it's a discussion with town council chair 344 00:16:56,465 --> 00:16:57,525 to bring certain items. 345 00:16:57,625 --> 00:17:00,605 So you all have that opportunity to kind 346 00:17:00,605 --> 00:17:02,085 of talk through those items. 347 00:17:02,545 --> 00:17:03,725 It can be agendized 348 00:17:03,785 --> 00:17:05,885 or it can be put forward as a budgetary item. 349 00:17:05,985 --> 00:17:07,365 But I think with each one of you, 350 00:17:07,365 --> 00:17:10,085 I've had conversations about certain priorities 351 00:17:10,085 --> 00:17:12,885 that you'd like to see you, for example, 352 00:17:12,885 --> 00:17:16,925 talking about animal control that didn't make the top five, 353 00:17:17,065 --> 00:17:20,165 but certainly that is gonna be a high priority goal within 354 00:17:20,255 --> 00:17:22,765 staff and then it may require some ordinance 355 00:17:22,765 --> 00:17:24,085 changes and things of that nature. 356 00:17:24,185 --> 00:17:26,925 So all those goals are taken into account 357 00:17:26,985 --> 00:17:28,525 and I certainly pay attention to them. 358 00:17:28,525 --> 00:17:29,725 There's no question about that 359 00:17:29,725 --> 00:17:32,725 because I recognize if we just focused on five goals 360 00:17:32,745 --> 00:17:34,165 and only accomplish those five, 361 00:17:34,635 --> 00:17:36,285 we'd leave a lot of things out, right? 362 00:17:36,665 --> 00:17:39,245 So I think the process to come back around to it, 363 00:17:39,245 --> 00:17:41,845 for example, if you're talking about a compensation study, 364 00:17:42,255 --> 00:17:45,085 would be to have a conversation with, you know, with me 365 00:17:45,105 --> 00:17:47,965 and with the chair about how do we fund that? 366 00:17:48,065 --> 00:17:49,485 How would we want to kick that off? 367 00:17:49,665 --> 00:17:51,205 Is it something that would be timed 368 00:17:51,205 --> 00:17:52,365 with the budgetary process? 369 00:17:52,645 --> 00:17:54,685 I think that might be an appropriate way to look at that. 370 00:17:54,745 --> 00:17:57,805 But the door's always open for those sorts of discussions 371 00:17:57,825 --> 00:18:01,205 and there's things that we maybe not even had looked at 372 00:18:01,755 --> 00:18:04,885 that are contemporary because they just happened this month 373 00:18:04,905 --> 00:18:07,525 or just happened, you know, a few days ago. 374 00:18:07,705 --> 00:18:10,045 And those may rise to a high priority just 375 00:18:10,045 --> 00:18:13,245 because, so this isn't a static list that can't be amended 376 00:18:13,245 --> 00:18:15,005 and, and obviously we're not just rigid 377 00:18:15,005 --> 00:18:16,165 within those five goals. 378 00:18:16,915 --> 00:18:17,915 Okay, thank you 379 00:18:19,455 --> 00:18:23,025 Council, We thank you for putting this together. 380 00:18:23,025 --> 00:18:27,265 Thank you chairperson Spencer for the new process. 381 00:18:27,505 --> 00:18:29,425 I thought being very open about it was very helpful. 382 00:18:30,485 --> 00:18:35,345 The only concern I have is again, my own soapbox, 383 00:18:35,345 --> 00:18:37,785 which is in health insurance is I, 384 00:18:38,665 --> 00:18:39,825 I think it's a complex problem. 385 00:18:39,985 --> 00:18:43,065 I don't think we necessarily have the expertise within this 386 00:18:43,305 --> 00:18:48,065 building and that may be something 387 00:18:48,065 --> 00:18:50,585 that we may have to look at financially in the future. 388 00:18:51,605 --> 00:18:54,505 But you know, even if we spend money on a consultant 389 00:18:54,505 --> 00:18:56,265 that saves us a thousand dollars a month 390 00:18:56,725 --> 00:18:57,865 or a thousand dollars a year, 391 00:18:58,445 --> 00:19:02,385 that's a $200,000 savings across the town. 392 00:19:02,765 --> 00:19:06,745 So I think it's something that as you work with staff, 393 00:19:08,725 --> 00:19:13,425 we should consider is to make certain that we have somebody 394 00:19:13,425 --> 00:19:17,145 that's an expert on both in facilitating these discussions 395 00:19:17,145 --> 00:19:18,305 and knowledgeable of the problem 396 00:19:18,305 --> 00:19:19,625 because it is a pretty vast problem. 397 00:19:20,715 --> 00:19:21,865 Thank you. Thank you. 398 00:19:23,205 --> 00:19:28,075 Anyone else? Alright, thank you for up. Okay, 399 00:19:28,775 --> 00:19:31,915 So as we start the new fiscal year, 400 00:19:31,915 --> 00:19:34,475 we're already one month into fiscal 27. 401 00:19:34,715 --> 00:19:36,955 I think it's, it's important to look at 402 00:19:37,325 --> 00:19:41,155 where we're trending on on the economic development front. 403 00:19:41,855 --> 00:19:46,555 So I'd asked Bev to compile some information relative 404 00:19:46,575 --> 00:19:48,275 to some of the initiatives and, 405 00:19:48,275 --> 00:19:49,955 and where we stand on some of the things. 406 00:19:50,015 --> 00:19:52,155 So, you know, looking, 407 00:19:52,305 --> 00:19:54,755 just generally our efforts have been multi-pronged. 408 00:19:54,755 --> 00:19:57,915 There's been infrastructure expansion, zoning updates 409 00:19:58,055 --> 00:20:00,675 and attraction of new businesses and new projects. 410 00:20:02,975 --> 00:20:04,715 So looking at some of the infrastructure, 411 00:20:05,335 --> 00:20:07,075 as everybody's aware, the DPW 412 00:20:07,815 --> 00:20:09,395 had successfully completed the, 413 00:20:09,415 --> 00:20:11,355 the Rand Shepherd interconnection project 414 00:20:11,735 --> 00:20:14,435 to connect three community water systems to municipal water. 415 00:20:14,435 --> 00:20:16,875 So this was primarily a project for 416 00:20:17,855 --> 00:20:19,355 in residential districts, 417 00:20:19,415 --> 00:20:22,955 but it also has some ancillary effects on quality of life 418 00:20:23,015 --> 00:20:26,195 and and attracting people to our community. 419 00:20:26,705 --> 00:20:30,155 Obviously well known the exit four A improvements are still 420 00:20:30,395 --> 00:20:31,475 underway along Folsom Road, 421 00:20:32,595 --> 00:20:34,555 Southern New Hampshire Regional Water projects. 422 00:20:35,575 --> 00:20:38,435 We have some work going on at the Chin Road storage tank 423 00:20:38,495 --> 00:20:40,435 and improvements in London dairy, 424 00:20:40,685 --> 00:20:42,675 which were started in FY 26. 425 00:20:42,675 --> 00:20:44,235 There'll be more information to come. 426 00:20:45,015 --> 00:20:48,205 We do have some upcoming meetings with the state 427 00:20:48,845 --> 00:20:53,685 DES looking at fully funding that phase two B, 428 00:20:53,685 --> 00:20:55,365 which will be something that we'll bring in front 429 00:20:55,365 --> 00:20:58,005 of the council should that be mature to do. 430 00:20:58,005 --> 00:21:00,725 So. The landfill solar project was completed 431 00:21:00,725 --> 00:21:02,325 and that went online last month. 432 00:21:02,925 --> 00:21:06,205 I will come back to the council with a brief report as to 433 00:21:06,205 --> 00:21:07,925 how we're doing, but thus far the 434 00:21:07,925 --> 00:21:09,125 production has been pretty good. 435 00:21:09,135 --> 00:21:10,725 Other than a couple of rainy days, 436 00:21:11,445 --> 00:21:13,645 obviously our fire headquarters were completed 437 00:21:13,645 --> 00:21:15,965 and opened January of 2026. 438 00:21:16,465 --> 00:21:19,285 And then obviously last year at this time we sold the bond 439 00:21:19,285 --> 00:21:21,285 and, and we have construction underway on our 440 00:21:21,385 --> 00:21:22,725 Abbott court parking garage. 441 00:21:24,905 --> 00:21:27,845 So zoning obviously planning staff and planning board. 442 00:21:27,845 --> 00:21:29,645 Were heavily involved in defining the gateway 443 00:21:29,985 --> 00:21:31,605 zoning district in the exit. 444 00:21:31,605 --> 00:21:34,365 Four a quarter town council will be presented 445 00:21:34,365 --> 00:21:36,445 with some minor changes in the central business 446 00:21:36,725 --> 00:21:37,845 district at tonight's meeting. 447 00:21:37,945 --> 00:21:41,325 So that's also listening to some of the, the trends 448 00:21:41,325 --> 00:21:42,485 that we needed to look at. 449 00:21:42,985 --> 00:21:44,965 And Liz and and staff will be able 450 00:21:44,965 --> 00:21:46,405 to walk through that tonight. 451 00:21:48,225 --> 00:21:51,685 So some highlights of some things that have occurred. 452 00:21:52,305 --> 00:21:54,605 We have 74 Rockingham Road, 453 00:21:54,605 --> 00:21:57,205 the residence at Sky Crystal Ave. 454 00:21:57,225 --> 00:22:00,445 You saw the Common man in Bangor Savings Bank Open recently, 455 00:22:00,875 --> 00:22:03,405 71 Bir Street, dairy, plumbing and Heating. 456 00:22:03,665 --> 00:22:07,045 And there's several minor subdivisions, 33 East Dairy Roads, 457 00:22:07,045 --> 00:22:10,765 84 Island Pond Road, Daniel Road and Cemetery Road. 458 00:22:10,865 --> 00:22:14,005 So there's been some new residential development 459 00:22:16,245 --> 00:22:17,945 and then looking at some approved 460 00:22:17,945 --> 00:22:19,345 projects with a future build. 461 00:22:19,685 --> 00:22:23,345 So ironically both 12 a street, 462 00:22:23,345 --> 00:22:26,265 which is Epsy conditionally improved there, 463 00:22:26,265 --> 00:22:29,065 there have been ground broken on that project this week. 464 00:22:29,605 --> 00:22:31,145 And then also 43 465 00:22:31,145 --> 00:22:33,585 and a half Crystal Lab, the Grindhouse, you do see some 466 00:22:35,025 --> 00:22:36,905 construction equipment on that site as well. 467 00:22:37,045 --> 00:22:39,585 So there's, I believe there was an announcement by 468 00:22:40,145 --> 00:22:42,785 the proprietor that that project is starting up. 469 00:22:42,845 --> 00:22:44,065 So those are both exciting. 470 00:22:44,825 --> 00:22:48,425 41 Ashley Drive, which could potentially be a warehouse 471 00:22:49,575 --> 00:22:52,305 that easement was approved through Conservation Committee 472 00:22:52,365 --> 00:22:54,265 and town council and that was a major hurdle 473 00:22:54,605 --> 00:22:56,945 to future development of that parcel. 474 00:22:58,245 --> 00:22:59,745 1, 2, 3, and four Humphrey Road. 475 00:22:59,745 --> 00:23:02,225 It's a mixed use site plan that was conditionally approved. 476 00:23:02,235 --> 00:23:05,225 We're keeping an eye on, on the, the process through that. 477 00:23:05,515 --> 00:23:07,945 We'll be in front of the council on September 4th, 478 00:23:08,485 --> 00:23:11,465 I'm sorry, September 1st to approve easements related 479 00:23:11,525 --> 00:23:14,705 to the realignment of Humphrey Road, Abbott Court 480 00:23:14,725 --> 00:23:18,745 and LMG Phase two residential is not too far behind us here. 481 00:23:18,805 --> 00:23:20,865 So that is a process that's ongoing. 482 00:23:21,725 --> 00:23:24,265 And then 18 Crystal Lab reuse of the Rite Aid 483 00:23:24,265 --> 00:23:25,465 with multiple tenants. 484 00:23:25,815 --> 00:23:27,305 That is something that is going 485 00:23:27,305 --> 00:23:30,705 to likely be coming forward in the next six to 12 months. 486 00:23:33,055 --> 00:23:36,785 Some growth statistics tax year 2025 our, 487 00:23:36,965 --> 00:23:39,985 our assessments increased by $55 million. 488 00:23:41,325 --> 00:23:44,145 But I also wanted to look as to what just happened. 489 00:23:44,145 --> 00:23:48,525 The fiscal 26 building permit stats 1,375 permits, 490 00:23:48,525 --> 00:23:50,845 $88 million worth of construction costs. 491 00:23:50,905 --> 00:23:53,285 Now some of those are relatively minor additions. 492 00:23:53,595 --> 00:23:55,165 They might be electrical permits, 493 00:23:55,165 --> 00:23:57,365 but there were some large permits within there as well. 494 00:23:58,545 --> 00:24:01,645 33 new residential single family permits 495 00:24:01,785 --> 00:24:05,405 and 353 residential additions or renovations. 496 00:24:05,545 --> 00:24:10,125 So as we look forward to the fiscal 28, 497 00:24:10,155 --> 00:24:15,125 when we set the tax rate in looking to the FY 28 budget, 498 00:24:15,535 --> 00:24:19,365 we're anticipating a similar increase year over year 499 00:24:19,365 --> 00:24:21,205 of about $55 million. 500 00:24:21,545 --> 00:24:24,325 And again, that helps broaden the tax base. 501 00:24:24,345 --> 00:24:27,925 So you're starting to see where we used to figure 15 502 00:24:27,985 --> 00:24:31,485 or $20 million worth of new assessed value, 503 00:24:31,575 --> 00:24:34,885 we're seeing multi-year trends of $55 million 504 00:24:35,025 --> 00:24:37,405 or more, which is very, very favorable. 505 00:24:37,705 --> 00:24:39,405 So, you know, I think the, the 506 00:24:39,935 --> 00:24:42,085 trajectory continues to point up. 507 00:24:42,765 --> 00:24:45,005 I think the town does a really good job at 508 00:24:45,515 --> 00:24:48,405 looking at sustainable projects, projects 509 00:24:48,405 --> 00:24:51,045 that don't tax our infrastructure so much 510 00:24:51,075 --> 00:24:53,845 that we can't handle the items that are there. 511 00:24:53,985 --> 00:24:58,285 So with that, I think that's the, the 512 00:24:59,035 --> 00:25:01,205 essence of the report. 513 00:25:01,265 --> 00:25:03,085 And then looking at future opportunities, 514 00:25:03,825 --> 00:25:07,405 1 0 9 Rockingham Road could be a mixed use site plan. 515 00:25:08,945 --> 00:25:11,765 We also have reuse of a couple of other drug stores, 516 00:25:12,245 --> 00:25:15,165 the old Walgreens and the Rite Aid at 52 Rockingham Road 517 00:25:16,415 --> 00:25:19,085 seven Manchester Road, the old Sanmina property, 518 00:25:19,375 --> 00:25:21,605 57 Crystal Ave, bank of America. 519 00:25:22,225 --> 00:25:24,325 You obviously have the opportunities in front 520 00:25:24,325 --> 00:25:26,805 of you from the west running Brook zone, 521 00:25:27,725 --> 00:25:29,285 downtown Central Business District, 522 00:25:29,385 --> 00:25:30,445 and the Gateway District. 523 00:25:30,465 --> 00:25:31,965 So these are all future opportunities. 524 00:25:32,945 --> 00:25:35,485 You know, Bev is in contact with a number 525 00:25:35,485 --> 00:25:38,565 of different stakeholders on those individual properties 526 00:25:38,625 --> 00:25:40,645 and also in a general sense to try 527 00:25:40,645 --> 00:25:43,285 to attract good development to the community. 528 00:25:43,335 --> 00:25:45,645 She's in the audience tonight if you have any questions 529 00:25:46,165 --> 00:25:50,925 relative to to that, but I know Bev is also instrumental in 530 00:25:51,245 --> 00:25:55,965 bringing some of the key players into dairy to try to talk 531 00:25:56,315 --> 00:25:58,725 through various questions that they may have. 532 00:25:59,105 --> 00:26:00,525 Try to guide them to the right people, 533 00:26:00,525 --> 00:26:02,805 whether it's on a local basis or, 534 00:26:02,865 --> 00:26:05,805 or a state level basis to help them maybe with financing 535 00:26:05,995 --> 00:26:08,125 with some of the questions they have for development 536 00:26:08,145 --> 00:26:09,165 and of, of our staff. 537 00:26:09,305 --> 00:26:12,205 So that's a quick rundown as to where we stand, 538 00:26:12,265 --> 00:26:14,445 but again, overall it's very, very positive. 539 00:26:18,655 --> 00:26:20,205 Thank you. Are there any questions, 540 00:26:20,525 --> 00:26:21,845 comments, officer Haley? 541 00:26:22,155 --> 00:26:24,645 Yeah, I have one on the, 542 00:26:24,785 --> 00:26:28,045 the New residential in the Reno renovations. 543 00:26:28,585 --> 00:26:32,485 How quickly do those get recorded with assessing in, 544 00:26:32,865 --> 00:26:34,525 you know, the tax card kind of updated 545 00:26:34,705 --> 00:26:37,245 to when the project is complete is, 546 00:26:38,355 --> 00:26:39,765 It's my understanding and, 547 00:26:39,825 --> 00:26:44,725 and I believe there's a, what they call kind of a pickup as 548 00:26:44,725 --> 00:26:46,405 of April 1st of that year. 549 00:26:46,425 --> 00:26:49,965 So April 1st, 2026, there's a process that 550 00:26:51,105 --> 00:26:55,325 you are assessed for the 26 tax year at the status you are. 551 00:26:55,325 --> 00:26:57,485 So say there's a building project that's ongoing 552 00:26:58,105 --> 00:27:01,725 and it worked over the winter time, they will assess it at 553 00:27:01,725 --> 00:27:04,285 that point and it may be 70% done. 554 00:27:04,585 --> 00:27:05,925 So it's assessed at that level. 555 00:27:06,185 --> 00:27:09,005 And then the following year when it has its occupancy 556 00:27:09,285 --> 00:27:12,125 certificate and, and it's built, they would get another, 557 00:27:12,865 --> 00:27:15,085 you know, the final 30% is assessed at that time, 558 00:27:15,105 --> 00:27:18,085 but I believe the date is April 1st of each year. 559 00:27:19,915 --> 00:27:22,005 Yeah, I can see Liz shaking her head. Yeah. 560 00:27:23,225 --> 00:27:26,525 And so we're notified, you know, as the project's completed 561 00:27:26,525 --> 00:27:29,485 to, for the, for the assessor or whatever to go out 562 00:27:29,485 --> 00:27:31,565 and for everything to be completed at that point. 563 00:27:31,835 --> 00:27:35,205 Yeah, and and I, the process works where it goes from the 564 00:27:35,725 --> 00:27:39,925 building inspector's office to the assessing office for them 565 00:27:40,025 --> 00:27:42,645 to go out and perform those physical inspections 566 00:27:42,645 --> 00:27:45,685 and make those determinations of assessment as of April 1st. 567 00:27:46,335 --> 00:27:50,445 Thank you. Other questions? Comments? 568 00:27:52,675 --> 00:27:54,525 Okay. All right. Thank you. Thank 569 00:27:54,525 --> 00:27:55,525 You. 570 00:27:59,105 --> 00:28:04,045 All right. We 571 00:28:04,045 --> 00:28:05,885 have one public hearing this evening. 572 00:28:06,185 --> 00:28:08,125 Agenda item 26 64, 573 00:28:08,575 --> 00:28:11,765 which is ordinance 2026 dash 0 0 1 574 00:28:12,225 --> 00:28:15,165 to amend the zoning ordinance chapter 1 65, 575 00:28:15,885 --> 00:28:17,765 planning director Elizabeth Du presenting. 576 00:28:22,275 --> 00:28:25,485 Good evening Counsel. Before I get into the meat of this, 577 00:28:25,605 --> 00:28:29,005 I did wanna take this opportunity to introduce Abigail Burl, 578 00:28:29,005 --> 00:28:30,565 who is our planning intern this year. 579 00:28:31,985 --> 00:28:33,565 You will see the results of all 580 00:28:33,565 --> 00:28:36,525 of her very hard work on some more zoning changes 581 00:28:36,555 --> 00:28:39,045 that we'll be bringing forward as a result 582 00:28:39,045 --> 00:28:40,685 of the legislative session this year. 583 00:28:41,575 --> 00:28:43,925 We'll be presenting that to the planning board tomorrow 584 00:28:43,925 --> 00:28:46,005 night and then working over the rest of the summer 585 00:28:46,065 --> 00:28:47,285 to bring that forward to you. 586 00:28:48,745 --> 00:28:53,525 Abby's also been very, it's been great between Caroline 587 00:28:53,585 --> 00:28:56,765 and and Abby, we've been able to keep track of 588 00:28:57,905 --> 00:29:00,205 the increasing number of applications 589 00:29:00,205 --> 00:29:01,405 that are coming through our office. 590 00:29:01,945 --> 00:29:06,085 So I'm thankful to have her. So welcome. 591 00:29:06,575 --> 00:29:10,285 Thank you. All right. 592 00:29:10,465 --> 00:29:11,965 So for this evening, 593 00:29:14,025 --> 00:29:16,245 the planning board's been reviewing proposed changes 594 00:29:16,465 --> 00:29:19,565 to the central business district in various definitions. 595 00:29:19,565 --> 00:29:23,365 Since January of this year, the board held five workshops 596 00:29:23,365 --> 00:29:26,245 and conducted one onsite walk to review the district. 597 00:29:26,765 --> 00:29:29,125 We actually walked almost the entire CBD 598 00:29:29,675 --> 00:29:31,045 this early in the spring. 599 00:29:31,905 --> 00:29:34,365 The changes include redefining parking lot 600 00:29:34,365 --> 00:29:37,285 and adding a definition for a multi-level parking facility 601 00:29:37,385 --> 00:29:39,325 to differentiate between ground level parking 602 00:29:39,385 --> 00:29:40,405 and a parking structure. 603 00:29:41,285 --> 00:29:44,285 And the definition for front Lot Line has been amended 604 00:29:44,285 --> 00:29:47,405 to clarify which lot line is actually the front when 605 00:29:48,205 --> 00:29:50,165 a lot has frontage on more than one street. 606 00:29:50,665 --> 00:29:54,445 We were running into issues where if it's a corner lot like 607 00:29:54,445 --> 00:29:57,565 that, trying to make the dimensions work 608 00:29:57,705 --> 00:30:00,085 and we had to keep sending people to the zoning board 609 00:30:00,085 --> 00:30:02,085 and that just wasn't an efficient use of, 610 00:30:03,345 --> 00:30:05,405 of anybody's time and effort. 611 00:30:05,585 --> 00:30:07,005 So we've worked on that. 612 00:30:08,005 --> 00:30:10,525 There's been an ongoing goal to maximize growth 613 00:30:10,525 --> 00:30:12,525 and economic development opportunities in 614 00:30:12,525 --> 00:30:13,605 the core of our downtown. 615 00:30:14,065 --> 00:30:17,165 The proposed changes recognize the changing landscape 616 00:30:17,165 --> 00:30:19,685 of Southern New Hampshire, where increased housing density, 617 00:30:19,905 --> 00:30:22,845 the height of buildings in commercial market trends require 618 00:30:22,875 --> 00:30:26,085 some form of adaptation to create opportunities 619 00:30:26,185 --> 00:30:29,205 for economic growth and development while still maintaining 620 00:30:29,205 --> 00:30:32,045 the historical character of our central business district. 621 00:30:32,665 --> 00:30:34,525 The proposed changes recognized 622 00:30:34,525 --> 00:30:37,285 that the smaller lot sizes in land use patterns 623 00:30:37,285 --> 00:30:40,845 that have emerged in the district need to continue 624 00:30:41,225 --> 00:30:46,125 and pursuant to RA 6 75 7 as we're not changing 625 00:30:46,265 --> 00:30:47,605 as a district boundary 626 00:30:47,605 --> 00:30:49,285 or there's more than a hundred lots, we didn't have 627 00:30:49,285 --> 00:30:52,165 to individually notice every member 628 00:30:52,705 --> 00:30:56,125 or every lot that was affected by this in the district. 629 00:30:57,185 --> 00:31:01,645 So the notification requirements were met per the RSA. 630 00:31:03,105 --> 00:31:07,245 So rather than going through each of the changes line 631 00:31:07,245 --> 00:31:09,165 by line, I'll just provide a summary for you. 632 00:31:09,845 --> 00:31:13,445 The proposed changes include an amendment to the purpose 633 00:31:13,665 --> 00:31:16,485 of requirements in the district, increases the density 634 00:31:16,665 --> 00:31:20,525 for multi-unit mixed use residential from 12 units an acre 635 00:31:20,525 --> 00:31:24,805 to 24 units decreases the minimum unit size from 800 636 00:31:24,805 --> 00:31:26,085 square feet to 400. 637 00:31:26,945 --> 00:31:28,165 It removes the number of 638 00:31:28,905 --> 00:31:31,085 the limit number on bedrooms required. 639 00:31:31,745 --> 00:31:33,525 It removes the restriction on 640 00:31:33,525 --> 00:31:36,205 where commercial space shall be located in mixed use 641 00:31:36,485 --> 00:31:39,525 buildings while defining the percentage of commercial space 642 00:31:39,525 --> 00:31:41,045 that will be required in the building. 643 00:31:41,785 --> 00:31:44,445 For that one, currently we say no residential 644 00:31:45,455 --> 00:31:46,485 below the second floor. 645 00:31:46,735 --> 00:31:49,965 We've taken that away so that there can be some 646 00:31:50,525 --> 00:31:53,525 creative adaptive reuse of some buildings so 647 00:31:53,525 --> 00:31:56,805 that the commercial can be a percentage anywhere in the 648 00:31:56,925 --> 00:31:59,565 building as opposed to on the first floor. 649 00:32:01,265 --> 00:32:04,365 We added medical office as a permitted use in the district 650 00:32:04,385 --> 00:32:07,645 and removed the prior term parking facilities, replacing it 651 00:32:07,645 --> 00:32:08,645 with multi-level parking. 652 00:32:09,225 --> 00:32:11,485 And we also added a requirement to connect 653 00:32:11,485 --> 00:32:13,165 to municipal sewer conversions 654 00:32:13,385 --> 00:32:17,045 and new developments, changes to enhance and protect. 655 00:32:17,065 --> 00:32:20,685 The street scape included amending the maximum front yard 656 00:32:20,775 --> 00:32:23,045 depth to vary in terms of the lot width. 657 00:32:23,585 --> 00:32:25,645 So you're set back as opposed, you know, 658 00:32:25,645 --> 00:32:26,805 based on how wide you are. 659 00:32:27,485 --> 00:32:29,165 For lots that are 75 feet 660 00:32:29,185 --> 00:32:32,685 or less wide, the front yard depth would be eight feet 661 00:32:32,705 --> 00:32:35,605 or the average for a hundred feet in every direction. 662 00:32:36,145 --> 00:32:38,445 And for lots that are over 76 feet, 663 00:32:38,915 --> 00:32:43,845 maximum yard depth would be 25 or the average for 2200 feet. 664 00:32:44,765 --> 00:32:48,045 Structure height was increased up to 425 feet 665 00:32:48,045 --> 00:32:51,645 above sea level and the prohibited use section was amended 666 00:32:51,645 --> 00:32:53,565 to delete the list of prohibited uses 667 00:32:53,565 --> 00:32:55,165 as we're permissive zoning ordinance. 668 00:32:55,685 --> 00:32:57,805 So we don't need to list what we don't allow. 669 00:32:57,905 --> 00:33:01,205 If it's not there, it's not permitted off. 670 00:33:01,205 --> 00:33:04,565 Street parking was clarified to ensure that parking is not 671 00:33:05,245 --> 00:33:06,925 situated in a manner that requires a vehicle 672 00:33:06,985 --> 00:33:08,685 to back out into the town roadway 673 00:33:08,945 --> 00:33:10,485 and to also prohibit parking 674 00:33:10,665 --> 00:33:12,685 or storage of vehicles in the front setback. 675 00:33:13,025 --> 00:33:16,245 And we also remove the special exception uses 676 00:33:16,405 --> 00:33:18,125 as they were no longer relevant to the zone. 677 00:33:18,945 --> 00:33:21,445 So I do wanna say the board spent a considerable amount 678 00:33:21,445 --> 00:33:22,445 of time on reviewing 679 00:33:22,445 --> 00:33:24,805 and analyzing the front setback in the implications 680 00:33:24,825 --> 00:33:26,805 of any changes to the zoning district. 681 00:33:27,165 --> 00:33:30,045 Based on those changes for fiscal impact, 682 00:33:30,145 --> 00:33:33,165 the town would see reinvestment in the downtown hopefully, 683 00:33:33,165 --> 00:33:35,405 which will generate new and additional revenues 684 00:33:35,405 --> 00:33:36,485 and higher assessed values. 685 00:33:37,025 --> 00:33:40,805 And it's recommended that you would approve the amendments 686 00:33:40,805 --> 00:33:41,885 to the zoning district. 687 00:33:42,545 --> 00:33:45,965 And Happy to pause for any questions 688 00:33:47,425 --> 00:33:48,485 before we have questions. 689 00:33:48,845 --> 00:33:50,685 Does, is there a motion to open the public hearing? 690 00:33:50,965 --> 00:33:52,205 I make the motion to open the 691 00:33:52,205 --> 00:33:53,485 Public hearing. Second that. 692 00:33:53,755 --> 00:33:57,325 Alright. On the motion. Council mills? Yes. 693 00:33:57,875 --> 00:34:01,605 Councilor Healy? Yes. Council Webb? Yes. Council Flood? Yes. 694 00:34:01,605 --> 00:34:04,285 Council Foot? Yes. And chair votes? Yes. Motion passes. 695 00:34:04,505 --> 00:34:06,525 Six zero. So the public hearing is now open. 696 00:34:06,525 --> 00:34:08,405 If anyone would like to come up to speak on this topic. 697 00:34:11,485 --> 00:34:13,245 I do have someone coming up one of you 698 00:34:17,345 --> 00:34:18,345 To steal one of your chairs. 699 00:34:18,885 --> 00:34:19,885 Absolutely. 700 00:34:22,215 --> 00:34:24,645 Hello, David Provin, 26 Milton Moore Road. 701 00:34:25,115 --> 00:34:27,285 I've been a dairy resident for most of my life. 702 00:34:28,195 --> 00:34:30,085 Most of that's been at my current address, 703 00:34:30,305 --> 00:34:32,445 but I did spend a year on Railroad Ave, 704 00:34:32,445 --> 00:34:34,045 which is right in the middle of downtown. 705 00:34:34,745 --> 00:34:35,925 And I just wanted to say, 706 00:34:35,925 --> 00:34:38,805 this all sounds absolutely wonderful and I fully support it 707 00:34:39,185 --> 00:34:42,645 and I think anything to get more people into our downtown, 708 00:34:42,795 --> 00:34:45,285 more life in there would be an 709 00:34:45,285 --> 00:34:46,325 improvement for the town overall. 710 00:34:46,735 --> 00:34:48,965 Thank you. Thank you 711 00:35:00,185 --> 00:35:01,185 Steve Raffe. 712 00:35:01,185 --> 00:35:03,535 Just two questions. Number one, I've only watched one 713 00:35:03,535 --> 00:35:05,335 of those meetings, I know you've had a few, 714 00:35:05,355 --> 00:35:08,135 so I didn't get a chance to sit in on those. 715 00:35:08,275 --> 00:35:11,815 But where the traditional business is an overlay 716 00:35:11,815 --> 00:35:13,055 of the central business to those 717 00:35:13,055 --> 00:35:14,575 properties, they're not affected. 718 00:35:14,575 --> 00:35:17,175 They're not affected. And then the only other comment I 719 00:35:17,175 --> 00:35:19,215 would say that could be an issue, 720 00:35:20,095 --> 00:35:21,695 'cause I have some properties that are like that, especially 721 00:35:21,695 --> 00:35:25,855 where the small back side streets along the back of Broadway 722 00:35:25,955 --> 00:35:29,375 and certain things where people can't, there is no other way 723 00:35:29,395 --> 00:35:32,735 but to back out into an alley, even though it's considered a 724 00:35:33,635 --> 00:35:35,695 street and really there may not be no traffic. 725 00:35:35,695 --> 00:35:37,800 That happens quite a bit. I know know mostly every street 726 00:35:37,800 --> 00:35:39,565 and every, every building in Derry. 727 00:35:39,565 --> 00:35:41,445 So is there a provision for that 728 00:35:41,465 --> 00:35:44,245 or does that just mean what do they do if they can't, 729 00:35:44,265 --> 00:35:46,325 if they pull in and then they have to back out 730 00:35:46,345 --> 00:35:48,645 and not, a lot of times it's not a main street, it's just a, 731 00:35:48,645 --> 00:35:50,365 something may not even use that much. 732 00:35:50,805 --> 00:35:53,005 Well our hope is that people aren't backing out into 733 00:35:53,095 --> 00:35:54,285 Birch Street or Broadway. 734 00:35:54,575 --> 00:35:55,575 Right. 735 00:35:56,145 --> 00:35:57,645 But that, does that provision mean 736 00:35:57,645 --> 00:35:58,885 they're stuck with it everywhere? 737 00:35:58,945 --> 00:36:01,045 It it doesn't mean that you can't, 738 00:36:01,665 --> 00:36:05,005 the way the way we have it written is if you're redeveloping 739 00:36:05,105 --> 00:36:07,405 the lot that we are asking people to take 740 00:36:07,405 --> 00:36:08,805 that into consideration Right. 741 00:36:08,835 --> 00:36:10,285 When they're planning redevelopment. 742 00:36:10,285 --> 00:36:11,485 So if a building is raised 743 00:36:11,505 --> 00:36:14,285 and you're putting up a new structure to plan your parking 744 00:36:14,425 --> 00:36:17,005 so that you're, that is no longer applicable. 745 00:36:17,005 --> 00:36:18,245 Okay. So that's prob that's 746 00:36:18,245 --> 00:36:20,045 for new construction, not existing. Correct. 747 00:36:20,305 --> 00:36:21,925 We can't say that, you know, we, 748 00:36:22,745 --> 00:36:26,205 we can't in the zoning police, the streets. 749 00:36:27,555 --> 00:36:29,005 Okay. Only thing I'm, the only reason why I mention 750 00:36:29,005 --> 00:36:30,845 that is 'cause when they, okay, this maybe 751 00:36:30,845 --> 00:36:32,925 that should be part of, maybe 752 00:36:33,005 --> 00:36:34,645 that should be clarified for that reason. 753 00:36:34,965 --> 00:36:37,125 I don't have that property in the central business that has 754 00:36:37,125 --> 00:36:38,605 that, but I do have some in 755 00:36:38,635 --> 00:36:40,165 traditional business that have that. 756 00:36:40,225 --> 00:36:42,565 And there's just a lot of buildings. 757 00:36:42,585 --> 00:36:45,085 And I bet you I can think of 30 where they have 758 00:36:45,085 --> 00:36:47,005 to back out into something that's hardly ever used. 759 00:36:47,025 --> 00:36:48,565 But it is considered a street. It 760 00:36:48,595 --> 00:36:49,595 Yeah. 761 00:36:49,595 --> 00:36:50,165 We, we understand that there's 762 00:36:50,165 --> 00:36:51,685 some existing conditions that, 763 00:36:51,685 --> 00:36:52,685 Okay. 764 00:36:52,685 --> 00:36:53,125 Just thought I'd bring it up. You can. Yeah. 765 00:36:53,125 --> 00:36:58,085 Thank you. Thank you Owen. 766 00:36:58,185 --> 00:36:59,185 Is there anyone online? 767 00:37:00,255 --> 00:37:01,885 Madam Chair, we're seeing none Rise online. 768 00:37:03,135 --> 00:37:06,125 Madam Chair, move for close to public hearing. Second. 769 00:37:06,655 --> 00:37:08,965 Right. Motion by Council Mill second by Council AB 770 00:37:08,965 --> 00:37:10,565 to close the public hearing on the motion. 771 00:37:10,565 --> 00:37:14,125 Councilor Mills? Yes. Councilor Healy. Yes. Councilor Webb? 772 00:37:14,385 --> 00:37:17,085 Yes. Councilor Flood? Yes. Councilor Foot? Yes. 773 00:37:17,265 --> 00:37:18,885 And chair votes? Yes. Motion passes. 774 00:37:19,025 --> 00:37:21,005 Six zero Public hearing is now closed. 775 00:37:21,015 --> 00:37:23,405 Counselors, do you have any questions? Council Webb, 776 00:37:24,325 --> 00:37:25,485 I think you answered this already, 777 00:37:25,485 --> 00:37:30,045 but it just went by a little too fast on prohibitive uses, 778 00:37:31,285 --> 00:37:32,965 I noticed that you, the section two, 779 00:37:33,025 --> 00:37:36,085 the activities included like sexually oriented businesses. 780 00:37:36,425 --> 00:37:38,445 Can you please go over again why that was deleted? 781 00:37:39,065 --> 00:37:41,165 Oh, let me, let me take a peek at that for you 782 00:37:41,715 --> 00:37:44,685 Because I think you said it's already prohibited. 783 00:37:44,685 --> 00:37:48,525 Another section. Yeah, I just wanna confirm that. 784 00:37:51,905 --> 00:37:55,005 So What Oh, okay. 785 00:37:55,305 --> 00:37:57,605 You were asking about the prohibited the prohibited things. 786 00:37:57,675 --> 00:38:01,485 Yeah. Yeah. So in the, in the list 787 00:38:01,485 --> 00:38:03,125 of permitted uses, 788 00:38:07,885 --> 00:38:09,685 sexually oriented businesses are not listed 789 00:38:09,865 --> 00:38:10,965 as a permitted use. 790 00:38:11,825 --> 00:38:16,605 We permit that in other districts it had, 791 00:38:18,635 --> 00:38:22,085 what we, what we did was re we removed the, we removed them, 792 00:38:22,655 --> 00:38:24,365 those three specific things 793 00:38:24,365 --> 00:38:27,085 because if they're not permitted, if they're not written in 794 00:38:27,085 --> 00:38:28,165 that first list, if 795 00:38:28,165 --> 00:38:29,165 They're not, that's what I thought you said. 796 00:38:29,325 --> 00:38:31,125 I just wanted to make clear. So if it's not listed 797 00:38:31,145 --> 00:38:34,645 as a permitted use, it is in essence prohibited. 798 00:38:34,715 --> 00:38:38,245 Correct. Okay. Yes. Alright. 799 00:38:38,795 --> 00:38:41,565 Councilor Haley, someone else had their hand up. Yeah. 800 00:38:42,205 --> 00:38:45,165 Just related to the, the parking facility going 801 00:38:45,165 --> 00:38:48,085 to a parking lot and then the multi-level parking facility 802 00:38:48,435 --> 00:38:51,925 with the multi-level parking facility, would it be wise 803 00:38:51,945 --> 00:38:54,405 to add registered vehicles? 804 00:38:54,425 --> 00:38:55,805 That's in the parking lot, 805 00:38:55,865 --> 00:38:58,005 but it's not in the parking facility. 806 00:38:58,185 --> 00:39:02,205 The, the parking garage, it just says house vehicles. 807 00:39:02,825 --> 00:39:05,805 But with the parking lot, we're excluding any vehicles 808 00:39:05,805 --> 00:39:06,805 that aren't registered. 809 00:39:06,805 --> 00:39:08,325 So I don't know if that's something we want to add. 810 00:39:08,425 --> 00:39:10,805 If you, if you think that's worth adding 811 00:39:11,065 --> 00:39:13,045 or if there was a reason why it wasn't in there. 812 00:39:13,685 --> 00:39:18,525 I seem to recall a discussion relating to if, 813 00:39:18,865 --> 00:39:22,045 if there is a, someone might have a, 814 00:39:22,205 --> 00:39:25,685 a permit in a parking garage to be able 815 00:39:25,685 --> 00:39:28,765 to house a vehicle there and it may be a seasonal vehicle 816 00:39:29,185 --> 00:39:30,805 or, or something. 817 00:39:30,885 --> 00:39:34,805 And I think we didn't want to have to police that. 818 00:39:35,795 --> 00:39:38,925 Obviously in the, you know, you for some parking garages, 819 00:39:38,925 --> 00:39:39,965 you're gonna need permits 820 00:39:39,965 --> 00:39:44,045 and that will, that will be all part of a further something. 821 00:39:44,105 --> 00:39:47,685 But I don't, I know that the board did talk about that. 822 00:39:47,965 --> 00:39:51,165 I think that we weren't, many 823 00:39:51,165 --> 00:39:54,005 of the multi-level parking facilities are, are likely going 824 00:39:54,005 --> 00:39:57,485 to be related to multi-family use. 825 00:39:57,825 --> 00:39:59,725 In any event, I don't know 826 00:39:59,725 --> 00:40:02,765 that the town will be taking on another parking garage like 827 00:40:02,765 --> 00:40:03,845 Abbott Court anytime soon. 828 00:40:04,305 --> 00:40:09,085 So if someone is living in a building and, 829 00:40:09,625 --> 00:40:12,645 and has an unregistered vehicle, they, 830 00:40:12,755 --> 00:40:14,445 they essentially own that spot. 831 00:40:14,665 --> 00:40:17,285 So I would almost look at that as, 832 00:40:17,785 --> 00:40:19,725 as if I was parked at a single family home. 833 00:40:19,745 --> 00:40:22,565 And if I'm allowed to have one unregistered vehicle, the, 834 00:40:23,045 --> 00:40:25,285 I think the management company would need 835 00:40:25,285 --> 00:40:26,645 to police that more than us. 836 00:40:27,115 --> 00:40:28,965 Okay. If that makes sense. Yeah. 837 00:40:29,115 --> 00:40:33,015 Okay. Thank you. Any other 838 00:40:33,335 --> 00:40:34,535 questions from council? 839 00:40:36,875 --> 00:40:40,165 Alright, thank you. Someone else? 840 00:40:40,535 --> 00:40:42,845 Would you like to read that for us? Council Mills? 841 00:40:46,765 --> 00:40:49,165 I am sorry. Would you like to, you, you, you tend 842 00:40:49,165 --> 00:40:50,245 to read our motions. 843 00:40:50,245 --> 00:40:51,925 Would you like to read our motion for this one? 844 00:40:51,985 --> 00:40:55,005 Oh, I didn't know we needed a We do an ordinance motion 845 00:40:57,715 --> 00:41:00,965 Ordinance number 26 20 26 0 0 1. 846 00:41:00,965 --> 00:41:02,645 Is that what we're talking about? Yes. 847 00:41:03,055 --> 00:41:05,685 Amend zoning changes to Chapter 1 65, 848 00:41:06,235 --> 00:41:08,445 whereas Section 5.1 849 00:41:08,465 --> 00:41:11,125 of the town charter designates the town council 850 00:41:11,625 --> 00:41:14,205 as a governing and legislative body of the town. 851 00:41:14,545 --> 00:41:16,685 And pursuant to Section 6.1, 852 00:41:16,705 --> 00:41:19,685 the council shall legislate by ordinance. 853 00:41:20,025 --> 00:41:22,525 And whereas the planning board adopted modifications 854 00:41:22,745 --> 00:41:26,525 to various land use definitions applicable to all zones. 855 00:41:26,625 --> 00:41:29,685 And whereas the planning board adopted several dimensional 856 00:41:30,105 --> 00:41:34,245 and density changes to the CBD Central Business District 857 00:41:34,465 --> 00:41:37,085 and now therefore the town of Dairy Ordains, 858 00:41:37,475 --> 00:41:39,845 that the dairy zoning ordinance is hereby 859 00:41:39,845 --> 00:41:41,245 amended as follows. 860 00:41:41,865 --> 00:41:44,845 To amend the town of dairy zoning ordinance, article two 861 00:41:45,395 --> 00:41:49,405 word uses and definitions section 1 65 dash five 862 00:41:50,035 --> 00:41:53,845 definitions to amend the definitions of front lot line 863 00:41:53,905 --> 00:41:55,125 and parking facility. 864 00:41:55,585 --> 00:41:59,165 And to add a definition for multi-level parking facilities 865 00:42:00,065 --> 00:42:03,325 to amend the town of dairy zoning ordinance Article six, 866 00:42:03,765 --> 00:42:07,885 district provisions section 1 65 dash 33 Central 867 00:42:08,445 --> 00:42:11,805 Business District to amend subsection A purpose. 868 00:42:12,175 --> 00:42:16,605 Subsection B permitted uses subsection C 869 00:42:17,825 --> 00:42:20,045 one through six area 870 00:42:20,225 --> 00:42:21,605 and dimensional requirements 871 00:42:21,605 --> 00:42:24,325 to include minimum lot area front yard depth 872 00:42:24,345 --> 00:42:28,805 and building height to amend subsection F prohibited uses 873 00:42:29,335 --> 00:42:33,725 subsection G parking to delete the town 874 00:42:33,725 --> 00:42:34,925 of dairy zoning ordinance. 875 00:42:34,925 --> 00:42:39,525 Article six, district provisions sections 1 65 dash 33 876 00:42:39,835 --> 00:42:42,845 Central Business District subsection H, 877 00:42:43,035 --> 00:42:44,685 special exception uses 878 00:42:45,475 --> 00:42:49,805 this ordinance shall take effect 30 days after its adoption. 879 00:42:50,785 --> 00:42:54,165 Second. Alright, we have a motion by Councilor Mills, 880 00:42:54,165 --> 00:42:56,085 second by Councilor Foote on the motion. 881 00:42:56,085 --> 00:42:59,925 Councillor Mills. Yes. Councilor Healy. Yes. Councilor Webb. 882 00:43:00,275 --> 00:43:01,685 Just want to thank Liz 883 00:43:01,905 --> 00:43:05,125 and Chairman Nelson, the rest of volunteers. So yes. 884 00:43:05,835 --> 00:43:08,565 Councilor Flood? Yes. Councilor Foot? Yes. 885 00:43:08,865 --> 00:43:10,925 And chair votes? Yes. Motion passes. Six zero. 886 00:43:11,055 --> 00:43:12,485 Thank you both. Thank you Council. 887 00:43:15,985 --> 00:43:18,405 Moving on to our new business. 888 00:43:19,715 --> 00:43:23,925 Item number 26 68 is resolution 2026 dash 889 00:43:24,085 --> 00:43:27,285 0 3 9 to withdraw funds from the Capital Reserve Fund 890 00:43:27,305 --> 00:43:29,405 for mold remediation at the Dairy Public Library. 891 00:43:29,545 --> 00:43:32,045 And our library director Kathleen presenting 892 00:43:37,035 --> 00:43:37,935 You just can't catch a break. 893 00:43:37,945 --> 00:43:38,945 Can't 894 00:43:40,165 --> 00:43:41,165 Tell me something. 895 00:43:44,975 --> 00:43:48,735 Good evening. So back in March the staff noticed 896 00:43:48,885 --> 00:43:51,975 that there was some staining on the ceiling in a couple 897 00:43:51,975 --> 00:43:53,215 of different areas of the building. 898 00:43:54,015 --> 00:43:58,335 There was also some mold appearing on the walls 899 00:43:58,335 --> 00:44:00,335 of our air handler room in the lower level. 900 00:44:01,115 --> 00:44:03,935 So I contacted a company called Indoor Doctor 901 00:44:04,075 --> 00:44:07,895 to request mold testing where they found levels 902 00:44:07,955 --> 00:44:11,455 of mold in the various areas to be either above normal 903 00:44:11,755 --> 00:44:14,095 or very high slash severe. 904 00:44:14,755 --> 00:44:16,695 So I contacted three different companies 905 00:44:16,875 --> 00:44:20,015 to provide estimates for mold remediation work. 906 00:44:20,915 --> 00:44:24,215 The companies were in Viro Vantage, A BS, environmental 907 00:44:24,395 --> 00:44:25,735 and Household Environmental. 908 00:44:26,615 --> 00:44:29,615 I presented these quotes to the library's board of trustees 909 00:44:29,615 --> 00:44:32,245 during their meeting on June 22nd of this year. 910 00:44:33,065 --> 00:44:35,845 And after some discussion they decided to go 911 00:44:35,845 --> 00:44:38,685 with the estimate from Household Environmental. 912 00:44:39,605 --> 00:44:42,885 Their quote was for $13,850. 913 00:44:43,475 --> 00:44:47,845 They also recommended post clearance testing 914 00:44:48,275 --> 00:44:50,485 just to make sure that the, the work had 915 00:44:51,435 --> 00:44:52,605 been thoroughly completed. 916 00:44:53,305 --> 00:44:57,045 So with the estimate of their work plus that testing, 917 00:44:57,805 --> 00:45:01,765 I am requesting $15,350 from our 918 00:45:01,765 --> 00:45:02,925 Capital Reserve Fund. 919 00:45:04,935 --> 00:45:09,525 Thank you. Any questions counsel? Nope. 920 00:45:09,965 --> 00:45:12,525 Straightforward. Alright, 921 00:45:13,615 --> 00:45:17,885 Madam Chair, I move resolution number 26 0 3 9 922 00:45:17,885 --> 00:45:21,245 to withdraw funds from the DPL Capital Reserve Fund 923 00:45:21,305 --> 00:45:23,965 for mold remediation at the Dairy Public Library 924 00:45:24,775 --> 00:45:27,005 where Section 5.1 925 00:45:27,025 --> 00:45:29,565 of the Town Charter designates the Town Council 926 00:45:30,145 --> 00:45:32,405 as the governing and legislative body of the town. 927 00:45:32,465 --> 00:45:35,725 And whereas we have identified some areas of concern 928 00:45:36,235 --> 00:45:37,845 requiring mold remediation 929 00:45:38,305 --> 00:45:42,125 and whereas a Capital Reserve fund was established in 2004 930 00:45:42,125 --> 00:45:44,085 for the maintenance of the dairy public library. 931 00:45:44,905 --> 00:45:46,445 And whereas the library board 932 00:45:46,445 --> 00:45:50,365 of trustees has requested authorization to utilize a portion 933 00:45:50,425 --> 00:45:52,885 of the fund for this purpose and now 934 00:45:52,885 --> 00:45:56,605 therefore be it resolved in council as agents to expend 935 00:45:56,915 --> 00:46:00,885 that the sum of $15,350 shall be 936 00:46:01,405 --> 00:46:04,325 appropriated from the Dairy Public Library Capital Reserve 937 00:46:04,395 --> 00:46:06,885 Fund to finance the mold remediation. 938 00:46:06,955 --> 00:46:08,805 This resolution shall take effect 939 00:46:08,915 --> 00:46:10,765 immediately upon its passage. 940 00:46:11,625 --> 00:46:15,365 Second. Alright, we have a motion by Council Mills 941 00:46:15,365 --> 00:46:17,565 and a second by Councillor Healy on the motion. 942 00:46:17,565 --> 00:46:18,565 Councilor Mills? 943 00:46:19,525 --> 00:46:23,045 Absolutely. Yes. Councillor Healy. Yes. Councilor Webb? 944 00:46:23,265 --> 00:46:27,725 Yes. Councilor Flood? Yes. Councilor Flood? Yes. 945 00:46:28,025 --> 00:46:30,885 And chair votes? Yes. Motion passes. Six zero. Thank you. 946 00:46:31,055 --> 00:46:36,005 Thank you very much. Next up 947 00:46:36,005 --> 00:46:40,085 item agenda item 26 6 9 is resolution 2026 dash 948 00:46:40,115 --> 00:46:41,165 0 4 0 949 00:46:41,625 --> 00:46:44,845 to fund expenses from the compensated absences Capital 950 00:46:44,845 --> 00:46:47,885 reserve fund, town administrator Michael Pollo presenting. 951 00:46:48,035 --> 00:46:51,845 Alright, so the next three items under new business are 952 00:46:51,865 --> 00:46:55,725 all end of fiscal 26 housekeeping matters. 953 00:46:56,205 --> 00:47:00,325 So CFO Mark Fleischer had prepared the staff reports 954 00:47:00,465 --> 00:47:04,245 and basically the first of the three is relative 955 00:47:04,245 --> 00:47:07,485 to the compensated absence capital reserve fund. 956 00:47:07,545 --> 00:47:09,645 So essentially within the 957 00:47:10,285 --> 00:47:12,885 OMO other municipal obligations budget, 958 00:47:13,905 --> 00:47:17,645 it was included $354,254 959 00:47:17,945 --> 00:47:19,565 for earned time payouts. 960 00:47:20,025 --> 00:47:21,925 And sometimes when you go through that process, 961 00:47:22,095 --> 00:47:23,805 we've had years where we've hit the mark 962 00:47:23,805 --> 00:47:25,605 and there have been other years where there have been some 963 00:47:25,675 --> 00:47:28,845 unanticipated retirements or payouts 964 00:47:28,845 --> 00:47:31,205 because an individual leaves us and, 965 00:47:31,205 --> 00:47:33,005 and we weren't aware of that, try 966 00:47:33,005 --> 00:47:34,325 to project it the best we can. 967 00:47:34,425 --> 00:47:36,525 But the mechanism to deal 968 00:47:36,525 --> 00:47:39,245 with those variations has been money 969 00:47:39,245 --> 00:47:42,885 that's been set aside in the capital reserve fund. 970 00:47:42,985 --> 00:47:45,045 So we have a really healthy balance on that. 971 00:47:45,395 --> 00:47:48,445 It's up upwards of $1.6 million. 972 00:47:48,585 --> 00:47:52,525 So tonight, because the expenses in FY 26 were 973 00:47:52,535 --> 00:47:57,005 $704,000, we're gonna be requesting a transfer 974 00:47:57,025 --> 00:48:02,005 of $350,495 to cover these payments. 975 00:48:03,025 --> 00:48:05,245 And essentially when this is completed, 976 00:48:05,245 --> 00:48:09,085 we will still have $1.6 million in that fund. 977 00:48:10,665 --> 00:48:12,285 One of the things that we will talk about 978 00:48:12,345 --> 00:48:17,125 as we take a look at the capital funds 979 00:48:17,125 --> 00:48:19,885 that we have available to us, the unassigned fund balance, 980 00:48:20,345 --> 00:48:23,365 you may choose to send some money in the direction 981 00:48:23,425 --> 00:48:26,565 of this compensated absence fund, but Mark 982 00:48:26,565 --> 00:48:28,965 and I both believe that we're in a really healthy spot 983 00:48:29,105 --> 00:48:31,925 and we're able to continue to care cover these sorts 984 00:48:31,925 --> 00:48:33,565 of expenses as we move forward. 985 00:48:34,085 --> 00:48:35,925 I would say one of the trends that 986 00:48:36,025 --> 00:48:38,805 as we keep talking about some of our more senior employees 987 00:48:39,405 --> 00:48:40,845 retiring, I think the reliance on 988 00:48:41,465 --> 00:48:45,005 the funds in these large buyouts I, I think are going 989 00:48:45,005 --> 00:48:46,325 to continue to diminish 990 00:48:46,325 --> 00:48:49,165 because we just don't have as many employees 991 00:48:49,185 --> 00:48:52,405 who have large accrued earn time balances that would be due 992 00:48:52,405 --> 00:48:55,965 to them upon retirement or separation from the community. 993 00:48:56,025 --> 00:49:00,885 So with that, you have a recommendation to move forward 994 00:49:00,885 --> 00:49:04,605 with this and a resolution 2026 dash 40. 995 00:49:06,135 --> 00:49:08,045 Thank you. Any questions or comments? 996 00:49:08,815 --> 00:49:10,645 Madam Chair saying no questions or comments? 997 00:49:10,845 --> 00:49:14,845 I move resolution number 2026 dash 0 4 0 998 00:49:14,945 --> 00:49:18,405 to fund expenses from the compensated Absences Capital 999 00:49:18,475 --> 00:49:22,325 Reserve Fund where the Town Council created a compensated 1000 00:49:22,485 --> 00:49:25,405 absences capital reserve fund in 1997. 1001 00:49:25,905 --> 00:49:28,085 And whereas the purpose of the fund is to pay 1002 00:49:28,085 --> 00:49:30,525 for the town's obligation to its employees 1003 00:49:30,865 --> 00:49:33,805 for vested accumulated leave upon separation 1004 00:49:34,265 --> 00:49:37,605 and for any earn time pay payouts in excess of budget. 1005 00:49:38,065 --> 00:49:39,525 And whereas several, 1006 00:49:39,595 --> 00:49:43,405 several long tenured employees retired in FY 26 1007 00:49:43,905 --> 00:49:45,125 and whereas transfer 1008 00:49:45,125 --> 00:49:48,645 of funds from compensated absences Capital Reserve fund will 1009 00:49:48,965 --> 00:49:51,165 stabilize the impact of end 1010 00:49:51,165 --> 00:49:53,405 of service payments on the town's general fund. 1011 00:49:54,025 --> 00:49:56,965 And now therefore be it resolved in council 1012 00:49:56,965 --> 00:49:59,525 that the Town Council as agents to expend 1013 00:50:00,065 --> 00:50:01,845 hereby authorizes the withdrawal 1014 00:50:01,845 --> 00:50:06,285 of $355,495 1015 00:50:06,755 --> 00:50:09,685 from the compensated Absences Capital Reserve fund 1016 00:50:10,025 --> 00:50:12,165 to fund accumulated leave obligations. 1017 00:50:12,755 --> 00:50:14,925 This resolution shall take effect immediately 1018 00:50:14,955 --> 00:50:16,085 upon its passage. 1019 00:50:17,345 --> 00:50:20,725 Second motion by Council Mills second 1020 00:50:20,785 --> 00:50:22,525 by Councilor Healy on the motion. 1021 00:50:22,525 --> 00:50:26,165 Councilor Flood? Yes. Changing it up. Councilor Foot? Yes. 1022 00:50:26,275 --> 00:50:28,885 Councilor Webb? Yes. Councillor Healy? Yes. 1023 00:50:28,885 --> 00:50:31,925 Councillor Mills? Yes. And Chair votes? Yes. Motion passes. 1024 00:50:32,185 --> 00:50:34,885 Six zero. Next up 1025 00:50:36,545 --> 00:50:38,045 Agenda item 26 70. 1026 00:50:38,645 --> 00:50:42,405 Resolution 2026 dash 0 4 1 Transfer funds from the Transfer 1027 00:50:42,405 --> 00:50:44,725 Station Solar Project back to you. 1028 00:50:45,155 --> 00:50:49,365 Alright, so seven years ago the town 1029 00:50:50,435 --> 00:50:53,885 purchased 10 solar trackers that you see on the hill 1030 00:50:54,685 --> 00:50:56,045 adjacent to the transfer station. 1031 00:50:56,065 --> 00:50:59,805 So this was our first foray into solar production 1032 00:50:59,945 --> 00:51:04,405 and that roughly generates about 150,000 1033 00:51:04,525 --> 00:51:05,965 kilowatt hours annually 1034 00:51:05,965 --> 00:51:08,805 that is distributed within the transfer station campus. 1035 00:51:09,385 --> 00:51:12,565 The funding mechanism at the time was 1036 00:51:13,145 --> 00:51:17,165 to use the Public Works Capital reserve fund as, as opposed 1037 00:51:17,165 --> 00:51:20,885 to taking it to a bond or any other funding mechanism. 1038 00:51:21,545 --> 00:51:25,205 And the idea was that the savings in each 1039 00:51:25,205 --> 00:51:26,565 of the individual departments, 1040 00:51:26,595 --> 00:51:30,445 because the solar is offsetting the needs 1041 00:51:30,505 --> 00:51:31,645 to come from the grid, 1042 00:51:32,255 --> 00:51:34,565 those savings would be transferred back 1043 00:51:34,565 --> 00:51:37,085 to the Capital Reserve fund over the course 1044 00:51:37,085 --> 00:51:38,165 of a 10 year period. 1045 00:51:38,305 --> 00:51:40,925 So we've reached the seventh year on that 1046 00:51:41,585 --> 00:51:43,525 for fiscal 26. 1047 00:51:44,225 --> 00:51:46,805 The amount reimbursed back to the general fund is going 1048 00:51:46,805 --> 00:51:51,165 to be $26,522 and 23 cents. 1049 00:51:51,515 --> 00:51:53,085 It's broken up into three 1050 00:51:53,845 --> 00:51:57,245 segments mostly from the wastewater treatment plant. 1051 00:51:57,265 --> 00:52:01,125 That's the largest amount at $17,289. 1052 00:52:01,705 --> 00:52:03,805 But also the transfer station building itself 1053 00:52:03,825 --> 00:52:05,885 and then also a very little bit from the 1054 00:52:05,885 --> 00:52:07,005 vehicle maintenance budget. 1055 00:52:07,185 --> 00:52:08,965 So we have three more years on this, 1056 00:52:09,025 --> 00:52:10,845 but this has been an ongoing process, 1057 00:52:11,045 --> 00:52:12,245 a very successful project 1058 00:52:12,465 --> 00:52:15,885 and obviously once we get beyond year 10, 1059 00:52:16,285 --> 00:52:19,325 there'll be no other need to do any transfers 1060 00:52:19,425 --> 00:52:20,485 of, of this nature. 1061 00:52:20,665 --> 00:52:21,845 So with that you have 1062 00:52:22,445 --> 00:52:25,245 resolution 20 26 0 41 for your consideration. 1063 00:52:26,655 --> 00:52:28,565 Thank you. Any questions, comments? 1064 00:52:30,255 --> 00:52:31,765 Madam Chair, seeing no questions 1065 00:52:31,765 --> 00:52:35,965 or concerns, I move resolution number 2026 dash 0 4 0 1 1066 00:52:36,805 --> 00:52:39,445 transfer funds for the transfer station Solar project, 1067 00:52:39,875 --> 00:52:41,925 whereas Section 9.7 1068 00:52:42,025 --> 00:52:44,365 of the Town Charter empowers the town council 1069 00:52:44,465 --> 00:52:47,965 to transfer any unencumbered appropriation balance 1070 00:52:48,545 --> 00:52:50,525 and whereas the Town Council approve the use 1071 00:52:50,525 --> 00:52:53,645 of Public Works capital reserve funds to fund a construction 1072 00:52:53,645 --> 00:52:56,045 of the solar array at the transfer station 1073 00:52:56,665 --> 00:52:59,045 and whereas a year end transfer is required 1074 00:52:59,105 --> 00:53:01,645 for the annual reimbursement to the capital fund. 1075 00:53:02,145 --> 00:53:04,285 Now therefore be it resolved in council 1076 00:53:04,635 --> 00:53:07,645 that the town administrator is authorized to transfer to sum 1077 00:53:07,645 --> 00:53:11,005 of $26,522 1078 00:53:11,105 --> 00:53:14,565 and 23 cents from the transfer station budget. 1079 00:53:15,615 --> 00:53:17,725 $8,519 1080 00:53:17,785 --> 00:53:21,085 and 38 cents from the vehicle maintenance budget, 1081 00:53:21,455 --> 00:53:23,925 $713 and 5 cents. 1082 00:53:24,385 --> 00:53:29,045 And from the Wastewater Fund $17,289 1083 00:53:29,185 --> 00:53:32,645 and 80 cents to the PW Capital Reserve funds. 1084 00:53:33,075 --> 00:53:34,765 This resolution shall take effect 1085 00:53:34,765 --> 00:53:36,365 immediately upon its passage. 1086 00:53:37,745 --> 00:53:41,605 Second. Second. Motion by Council Mills second 1087 00:53:41,625 --> 00:53:43,325 by Councilor Healy on the Motion. 1088 00:53:43,355 --> 00:53:44,355 Council Mills, 1089 00:53:45,445 --> 00:53:47,445 Assuming that the math is right, I didn't check it. 1090 00:53:47,625 --> 00:53:48,625 Yes. 1091 00:53:49,115 --> 00:53:52,645 Councilor Haley? Yes. Council Lead? Yes. Councillor Flood? 1092 00:53:53,065 --> 00:53:55,485 Yes. Councillor Foote? Yes. And Chair votes? Yes. 1093 00:53:55,485 --> 00:53:56,965 Motion passes. Six zero. 1094 00:53:58,955 --> 00:54:01,405 Next up is item 26 71. 1095 00:54:02,045 --> 00:54:04,965 Resolution 20 26 0 4 2 to transfer funds 1096 00:54:04,965 --> 00:54:08,445 to the Dairy Economic Development Expendable Trust Fund Town 1097 00:54:08,445 --> 00:54:10,565 Administrator Mike Fowler. I present again. 1098 00:54:10,565 --> 00:54:12,485 Alright, so the last of the three 1099 00:54:14,255 --> 00:54:17,805 items on the financial agenda tonight is relative 1100 00:54:17,805 --> 00:54:20,965 to the economic development expendable trust funds. 1101 00:54:21,105 --> 00:54:25,045 So when the Phase one water project 1102 00:54:25,695 --> 00:54:28,725 connecting Manchester through dairy down to Salem, 1103 00:54:29,505 --> 00:54:32,045 the town takes in what we call a wheeling charge. 1104 00:54:32,185 --> 00:54:35,805 And so that wheeling charge is a basically a toll 1105 00:54:35,805 --> 00:54:38,405 for the water to pass through dairy's borders 1106 00:54:38,465 --> 00:54:41,925 and eventually whatever the meter reads, we collect a dollar 1107 00:54:42,025 --> 00:54:45,125 for every 100 cubic feet of of water 1108 00:54:45,185 --> 00:54:47,605 that's transferred down to Point South. 1109 00:54:48,505 --> 00:54:53,125 So essentially there was legislation that was put into place 1110 00:54:53,235 --> 00:54:57,925 that the funds that came from that particular instance 1111 00:54:58,985 --> 00:55:01,205 can be shared with the general fund. 1112 00:55:01,205 --> 00:55:04,365 So this is the water fund being a separate enterprise fund 1113 00:55:04,995 --> 00:55:06,165 from the general fund. 1114 00:55:06,305 --> 00:55:09,565 So over the past, I think it's five years, we have gone 1115 00:55:09,565 --> 00:55:12,845 through and done an end of year budget transfer of 50% 1116 00:55:12,865 --> 00:55:14,085 of those proceeds. 1117 00:55:14,305 --> 00:55:17,965 So for fiscal 26 we would be looking 1118 00:55:18,065 --> 00:55:22,725 for the total wheeling revenue was $277,591 1119 00:55:23,425 --> 00:55:26,245 and 50% of that would be transferred 1120 00:55:26,265 --> 00:55:28,925 to the Dairy Economic Development Expendable Trust 1121 00:55:29,285 --> 00:55:33,685 $138,795 in 50 cents. 1122 00:55:34,745 --> 00:55:37,765 So with that you have resolution 1123 00:55:38,565 --> 00:55:41,925 20 26 0 4 2 to adopt 1124 00:55:42,265 --> 00:55:44,325 and then that will be taken care of internally 1125 00:55:44,425 --> 00:55:45,685 as a finance mechanism. 1126 00:55:46,275 --> 00:55:49,565 That fund as of the transfer, would be at a balance 1127 00:55:49,565 --> 00:55:53,565 of $667,834, 1128 00:55:53,965 --> 00:55:56,445 which reflects the prior year balances 1129 00:55:56,465 --> 00:55:57,885 and revenues that have come in 1130 00:55:57,885 --> 00:55:59,165 as a result of the wheeling charge. 1131 00:56:00,935 --> 00:56:02,645 Thank you. Any questions or comments? 1132 00:56:03,815 --> 00:56:05,445 Madam Chair, seeing no questions 1133 00:56:05,465 --> 00:56:09,605 or concerns, I move resolution number 2026 dash 0 4 2 1134 00:56:10,025 --> 00:56:11,125 to transfer funds 1135 00:56:11,265 --> 00:56:14,485 to the Dairy Economic Development expendable Trust fund. 1136 00:56:14,955 --> 00:56:16,845 Whereas Section 9.7 1137 00:56:16,865 --> 00:56:19,045 of the Town Charter empowers the town council 1138 00:56:19,145 --> 00:56:22,245 to transfer any unencumbered appropriation balance. 1139 00:56:22,345 --> 00:56:25,005 And whereas the Town Council previously authorized 1140 00:56:25,845 --> 00:56:28,245 participation in the Southern New Hampshire Regional Water 1141 00:56:28,345 --> 00:56:29,645 Interconnection Project 1142 00:56:30,185 --> 00:56:33,205 and whereas participation included receiving wheeling 1143 00:56:33,205 --> 00:56:36,605 charges from users of the dairy system within the project. 1144 00:56:37,265 --> 00:56:39,965 And whereas the town advocated to the legislature 1145 00:56:39,965 --> 00:56:43,525 to amend the statute to allow to allow a portion 1146 00:56:43,545 --> 00:56:45,085 of the revenues to be utilized 1147 00:56:45,185 --> 00:56:47,565 for economic development purposes. 1148 00:56:48,065 --> 00:56:50,205 Now therefore be it resolved in council 1149 00:56:50,755 --> 00:56:52,925 that the Town Administrator is authorized 1150 00:56:53,105 --> 00:56:57,845 to transfer the sum of $138,795 1151 00:56:58,345 --> 00:57:02,125 and 50 cents from the Water Division wheeling revenue 1152 00:57:02,155 --> 00:57:04,565 account to the Dairy Economic Development 1153 00:57:04,695 --> 00:57:06,005 Expendable Trust Fund. 1154 00:57:06,635 --> 00:57:08,325 This resolution shall take effect 1155 00:57:08,325 --> 00:57:09,765 immediately upon its passage. 1156 00:57:11,575 --> 00:57:14,855 I second. Alright, motion by Council Mills second 1157 00:57:14,855 --> 00:57:16,295 by Council Webb on the motion. 1158 00:57:16,325 --> 00:57:17,335 Council Mills? 1159 00:57:17,915 --> 00:57:21,135 Yes. Councilor Healy? Yes. Councilor Webb? Yes. 1160 00:57:21,165 --> 00:57:24,455 Councilor Flood? Yes. Councilor Foot? Yes. And chair votes? 1161 00:57:24,475 --> 00:57:25,975 Yes. Motion passes. Six zero. 1162 00:57:27,885 --> 00:57:32,535 Last item for the evening agenda item 26 72 is resolution 1163 00:57:32,535 --> 00:57:36,455 2026 dash 0 4 3 To authorize the town administrator 1164 00:57:36,475 --> 00:57:39,335 to accept and expend a grant from the US Alliance 1165 00:57:39,475 --> 00:57:40,695 for Election Excellence. 1166 00:57:40,875 --> 00:57:42,735 Our town Clerk, Tina Guilford is presenting. 1167 00:57:51,445 --> 00:57:52,495 Good evening counselors. 1168 00:57:57,525 --> 00:57:58,015 Good evening. 1169 00:58:02,435 --> 00:58:06,135 So I'm in front of you to 1170 00:58:07,635 --> 00:58:08,855 try to move forward with a grant. 1171 00:58:09,475 --> 00:58:12,735 So this grant is from the US Alliance 1172 00:58:12,915 --> 00:58:14,455 for Election Excellence. 1173 00:58:17,205 --> 00:58:18,935 They found something else that we can do 1174 00:58:18,935 --> 00:58:19,935 for election offices. 1175 00:58:20,155 --> 00:58:24,055 We can get our offices certified in election excellence. 1176 00:58:24,755 --> 00:58:27,535 So there are currently 26 standards. 1177 00:58:27,975 --> 00:58:32,775 They've opened up application for 11 of them so far. 1178 00:58:34,125 --> 00:58:35,855 Four of them I've already completed 1179 00:58:35,915 --> 00:58:39,015 and submitted the application for that. 1180 00:58:39,035 --> 00:58:41,535 We obviously are already doing 1181 00:58:44,365 --> 00:58:47,255 this is for a grant for one 1182 00:58:47,275 --> 00:58:51,575 of the biggest things we have in an election. 1183 00:58:52,355 --> 00:58:54,175 So that's our poll workers. 1184 00:58:56,075 --> 00:59:00,015 So this is for software, well it's not really software, 1185 00:59:00,205 --> 00:59:01,855 it's web-based application 1186 00:59:03,835 --> 00:59:07,815 and it's for making it accessible 1187 00:59:07,875 --> 00:59:11,935 to our poll workers for training, video training, 1188 00:59:12,485 --> 00:59:16,855 in-person training, tracking, scheduling of shifts. 1189 00:59:19,255 --> 00:59:22,845 I don't know if people realize we hired 154 people 1190 00:59:23,225 --> 00:59:25,405 for the November, 2024 election. 1191 00:59:26,195 --> 00:59:29,205 That means that 154 people 1192 00:59:30,195 --> 00:59:33,965 were juggled on a spreadsheet by two people. 1193 00:59:36,345 --> 00:59:38,285 It is extremely difficult. 1194 00:59:38,465 --> 00:59:40,245 And then you get last minute emails, 1195 00:59:40,305 --> 00:59:42,045 people suddenly can't work a shift. 1196 00:59:42,145 --> 00:59:44,125 Now you gotta try to find people to fill a shift 1197 00:59:44,425 --> 00:59:47,445 and it's also exhausting. 1198 00:59:48,905 --> 00:59:53,645 So this program would allow us 1199 00:59:54,025 --> 00:59:56,085 to be able to send out shifts to people 1200 00:59:56,085 --> 00:59:58,045 who are not already scheduled to work. 1201 00:59:58,705 --> 01:00:02,645 If they want to pick it up, it will allow us 1202 01:00:03,625 --> 01:00:05,645 to make training available. 1203 01:00:06,845 --> 01:00:09,245 Secretary of State's office is gonna be putting out various 1204 01:00:09,345 --> 01:00:11,565 videos that will be able 1205 01:00:11,565 --> 01:00:13,125 to make available to our poll workers. 1206 01:00:13,585 --> 01:00:14,925 Now we've sent it to them in the past, 1207 01:00:15,945 --> 01:00:18,085 but we have no way of knowing if they actually watch 1208 01:00:18,085 --> 01:00:20,765 them this way. 1209 01:00:20,825 --> 01:00:25,725 We can actually incorporate a quiz, have them watch them, 1210 01:00:26,035 --> 01:00:28,325 they would click through, answer the questions, 1211 01:00:28,425 --> 01:00:29,805 we know whether or not they passed. 1212 01:00:30,075 --> 01:00:33,405 They understood. It's a way of knowing if people 1213 01:00:33,915 --> 01:00:36,285 have actually taken the time to train 1214 01:00:37,155 --> 01:00:39,565 because they come in person and it's great. 1215 01:00:39,825 --> 01:00:43,165 And in-person training is great, but sometimes 1216 01:00:43,375 --> 01:00:45,245 after a September election 1217 01:00:45,345 --> 01:00:47,325 and a November election, asking people 1218 01:00:47,345 --> 01:00:50,525 to come in again in March is a little exhausting. 1219 01:00:52,265 --> 01:00:55,405 So this would be a tool that we could use 1220 01:00:56,665 --> 01:01:00,725 to track that and keep people engaged 1221 01:01:01,865 --> 01:01:04,565 and know that they've taken the refresher. 1222 01:01:06,275 --> 01:01:07,805 Also, they wouldn't be able to sign up 1223 01:01:07,805 --> 01:01:11,165 for shifts in jobs they have not trained for. 1224 01:01:12,505 --> 01:01:14,525 If all you've done is be a ballot clerk, 1225 01:01:15,065 --> 01:01:17,485 you can't really be an assistant moderator without going 1226 01:01:17,485 --> 01:01:18,885 through assistant moderator training. 1227 01:01:19,505 --> 01:01:21,725 And right now, again, we're keeping track of 1228 01:01:21,725 --> 01:01:25,725 that on spreadsheets for over 200 poll workers 1229 01:01:25,835 --> 01:01:27,525 that we currently have on the roster. 1230 01:01:28,705 --> 01:01:32,685 So it's, it's a long and exhaustive process. 1231 01:01:34,385 --> 01:01:37,925 And obviously we've been pre-approved 1232 01:01:38,065 --> 01:01:39,925 for a $9,000 grant. 1233 01:01:40,995 --> 01:01:45,965 It's all tied to our voter role and our citizen population. 1234 01:01:47,505 --> 01:01:49,965 So what I've done is I've done some deep work. 1235 01:01:51,915 --> 01:01:54,845 There's not a lot of companies in this space 1236 01:01:56,665 --> 01:02:01,165 and this company delivers probably 1237 01:02:02,665 --> 01:02:06,885 the best, I don't know, bang for the buck shall we say. 1238 01:02:09,875 --> 01:02:14,485 They have automatic notifications, they have 1239 01:02:16,105 --> 01:02:20,725 the online training, they have the portal 1240 01:02:20,795 --> 01:02:23,765 that each poll worker is going to go in and set up. 1241 01:02:24,305 --> 01:02:26,805 And the only information they really need 1242 01:02:26,805 --> 01:02:28,245 to give is their name, address, 1243 01:02:28,265 --> 01:02:30,405 and email address in order to sign up. 1244 01:02:30,795 --> 01:02:32,045 Well, their name and address is 1245 01:02:32,045 --> 01:02:33,365 already on the public checklist. 1246 01:02:34,225 --> 01:02:37,045 So there's not, you know, they don't have 1247 01:02:37,325 --> 01:02:38,805 to put their phone numbers on it 1248 01:02:38,865 --> 01:02:42,125 unless they wanna get alerts by text rather than email. 1249 01:02:44,415 --> 01:02:48,965 There are automatic shift reminders, automatic reminders 1250 01:02:49,305 --> 01:02:50,925 for when we're gonna have training. 1251 01:02:52,355 --> 01:02:54,885 There's a, even a check-in checkout system. 1252 01:02:55,325 --> 01:02:57,445 I know some of you have been there at the end of the night 1253 01:02:57,625 --> 01:03:01,965 and everybody's scrambling to find the 1254 01:03:02,755 --> 01:03:06,565 sign in, sign out sheet at, you know, 1130 at night 1255 01:03:06,565 --> 01:03:07,925 that somebody already put in a box. 1256 01:03:08,625 --> 01:03:10,885 So it would prevent a lot of that. 1257 01:03:13,465 --> 01:03:16,085 And it has just all the things that we need 1258 01:03:16,105 --> 01:03:18,045 and probably some stuff that we don't. 1259 01:03:19,275 --> 01:03:23,445 However, there will be, there was legislation 1260 01:03:23,445 --> 01:03:24,445 that was passed this year 1261 01:03:25,025 --> 01:03:28,245 and towards the end of the year, the Secretary 1262 01:03:28,245 --> 01:03:29,885 of State will be putting out some information 1263 01:03:30,225 --> 01:03:32,005 and as a council you'll need to decide, 1264 01:03:32,105 --> 01:03:33,885 are we gonna stay with one polling place? 1265 01:03:33,885 --> 01:03:35,485 Are we gonna go to multiple polling places? 1266 01:03:36,385 --> 01:03:38,085 And this has venue management 1267 01:03:38,605 --> 01:03:41,325 because there are requirements when you have multiple 1268 01:03:41,325 --> 01:03:43,045 polling places about who can work in 1269 01:03:43,045 --> 01:03:45,245 what polling place based on where they live. 1270 01:03:45,905 --> 01:03:47,885 So those are all things we would need to keep track of. 1271 01:03:47,985 --> 01:03:51,045 And those are all things that we can do with this software. 1272 01:03:51,905 --> 01:03:54,525 And yes, we're, we're doing it with a spreadsheet 1273 01:03:54,545 --> 01:03:57,365 and then there are times that somebody's double scheduled 1274 01:03:57,465 --> 01:04:00,285 and there are times that nobody's scheduled 1275 01:04:00,285 --> 01:04:01,525 and we're shorthanded 1276 01:04:01,585 --> 01:04:04,765 and the idea is to try to prevent that. 1277 01:04:06,985 --> 01:04:11,165 So did you have any questions? Council 1278 01:04:11,255 --> 01:04:12,255 Mills? 1279 01:04:12,255 --> 01:04:14,565 I have a question. So if I understood you correctly, 1280 01:04:14,565 --> 01:04:16,045 you're telling me that you, you're, and, 1281 01:04:16,105 --> 01:04:18,325 and first of all, congratulations to everybody 1282 01:04:18,325 --> 01:04:20,685 that comes out to volunteer these, these poll workers. 1283 01:04:21,025 --> 01:04:22,845 But as you're saying, they come out 1284 01:04:22,845 --> 01:04:25,085 and they vote, they work during the primary, then they work 1285 01:04:25,085 --> 01:04:26,725 during the general election and then 1286 01:04:26,725 --> 01:04:27,765 they come back in March. 1287 01:04:27,995 --> 01:04:29,965 They have to be requalified each 1288 01:04:29,965 --> 01:04:31,645 and every time they come back for this. 1289 01:04:31,745 --> 01:04:33,565 So, or is theirs qualification good 1290 01:04:33,585 --> 01:04:35,245 for six months, eight months? 1291 01:04:35,425 --> 01:04:39,845 So September and November tend to be, 1292 01:04:40,345 --> 01:04:41,885 you know, once they're trained in September, 1293 01:04:41,885 --> 01:04:44,725 they work in November and everything's copacetic. 1294 01:04:45,625 --> 01:04:50,245 The issue we have is that the legislators up in Concord like 1295 01:04:50,245 --> 01:04:51,285 to pass legislation 1296 01:04:51,285 --> 01:04:55,325 that suddenly takes effect on January one surprise, 1297 01:04:55,585 --> 01:04:58,605 and then all of a sudden we need to change a process 1298 01:04:58,905 --> 01:05:00,005 for the March election 1299 01:05:00,345 --> 01:05:02,085 and now everybody's back in in training. 1300 01:05:02,915 --> 01:05:07,725 Okay. So, you know, we pride ourselves on when the Secretary 1301 01:05:07,725 --> 01:05:09,845 of State and the Attorney General's office comes in, 1302 01:05:09,995 --> 01:05:11,445 that they don't find any issues 1303 01:05:11,505 --> 01:05:12,965 and they don't find any problems 1304 01:05:13,545 --> 01:05:16,725 and we're doing things the right way by statute. 1305 01:05:17,345 --> 01:05:18,645 The only way you can do that is 1306 01:05:18,645 --> 01:05:20,485 to make sure everybody's taken the training 1307 01:05:20,585 --> 01:05:21,605 in some way, shape, or 1308 01:05:21,605 --> 01:05:23,805 Form, and everybody's qualified then at that point. 1309 01:05:24,185 --> 01:05:25,925 Yep. Thank you. That's all I had. 1310 01:05:26,395 --> 01:05:29,925 Council Webb, When I first saw this on the agenda, 1311 01:05:30,085 --> 01:05:33,165 I sent a, through my follow to Tina 1312 01:05:33,845 --> 01:05:35,525 questions on data security and data of privacy. 1313 01:05:35,885 --> 01:05:37,765 I just wanna thank you for answering those 1314 01:05:37,765 --> 01:05:42,565 and alleviated my concerns that this was a product that pro, 1315 01:05:43,315 --> 01:05:47,405 that protected privacy, had good data security 1316 01:05:47,985 --> 01:05:50,965 and retained ownership of data to the town of dairy. 1317 01:05:51,035 --> 01:05:53,605 Correct. So thank you for answering those questions and 1318 01:05:53,605 --> 01:05:55,165 That's one of the number one reasons 1319 01:05:55,265 --> 01:05:56,325 why I went with this company. 1320 01:05:56,355 --> 01:05:57,355 Yeah. 1321 01:05:59,895 --> 01:06:01,445 Madam Chair, seeing no other questions 1322 01:06:01,445 --> 01:06:05,605 or concerns, I move resolution number 2026 dash 0 4 3 1323 01:06:05,665 --> 01:06:08,125 to accept grant funding from the US Alliance 1324 01:06:08,225 --> 01:06:09,565 for Election Excellence. 1325 01:06:09,915 --> 01:06:12,765 Whereas section nine point 15 1326 01:06:12,865 --> 01:06:16,605 of the Town Charter authorizes the town council to apply 1327 01:06:16,665 --> 01:06:20,605 for, accept and expend funds received from outside agencies. 1328 01:06:21,065 --> 01:06:23,965 And whereas the town clerk has identified an opportunity 1329 01:06:24,025 --> 01:06:27,005 to enhance election efficiency through acquisition 1330 01:06:27,005 --> 01:06:28,205 of poll worker software. 1331 01:06:28,785 --> 01:06:32,765 And whereas the town clerk sees seeks to access these funds 1332 01:06:32,765 --> 01:06:37,165 through purchase the software to support upcoming elections. 1333 01:06:37,345 --> 01:06:39,725 Now therefore be it resolved in council 1334 01:06:40,035 --> 01:06:42,565 that the town administrator is hereby authorized 1335 01:06:42,565 --> 01:06:45,325 to sign a grant agreement with the US Alliance 1336 01:06:45,385 --> 01:06:48,725 for Election Excellence in the amount of $9,000 1337 01:06:49,025 --> 01:06:51,045 and expend such funds, 1338 01:06:51,195 --> 01:06:52,965 this resolution shall take effect 1339 01:06:52,965 --> 01:06:54,685 immediately upon its passage. 1340 01:06:55,905 --> 01:06:59,805 Second, Great motion by Council Mills second 1341 01:06:59,865 --> 01:07:02,565 by Councilor Webb on the motion. Councilor Mills, 1342 01:07:03,045 --> 01:07:04,765 I checked, I think I am qualified. 1343 01:07:04,965 --> 01:07:06,925 I vote yes. Councilor 1344 01:07:07,015 --> 01:07:08,015 Healy? 1345 01:07:08,015 --> 01:07:11,005 Yes. Councilor Webb? Yes. Councilor Flood? Yes. 1346 01:07:11,005 --> 01:07:13,845 Councilor Foot? Yes. And chair votes? Yes. Motion passes. 1347 01:07:14,065 --> 01:07:17,165 Six zero. Thank you very much. Okay. 1348 01:07:17,425 --> 01:07:20,965 We are two counselor comments. Anyone? Anyone have anything? 1349 01:07:22,985 --> 01:07:24,805 See? Alright. 1350 01:07:27,225 --> 01:07:28,845 Wow. No counselor comments. 1351 01:07:29,665 --> 01:07:31,285 Seeing no counselor comments. 1352 01:07:31,615 --> 01:07:36,245 Madam Chair, I make my favorite motion. I move to adjourn. 1353 01:07:36,555 --> 01:07:40,405 I'll second. All those in favor? Aye. Aye. All right. 1354 01:07:40,405 --> 01:07:41,565 Have a good night everybody. Thank you.