It has been learned that Selectwoman Gilman and member of the Heritage Commission may be taking steps to derail a project approved by the voters - dam removal and river restoration. She wishes to replace oversight by the River Study Committee with that of the Heritage Commission as it relates to the Section 106 process. While the latter should be a participant in the process, it does not serve the public's best interest to remove the former from oversight responsibilities.
The Section 106 process is primarily an examination of projects where there might be an impact on historic sites. If historic properties are found, the project cannot proceed and essentially the parties enter negotiations to reduce its impact. This can lead to increased costs and delays which carry with them their own costs.
Gilman, on her own, has prepared an historic inventory/study of Franklin Street and the immediate area and is submitting (or has already done so) her report to the State to seek State Historic status. Did you know she was doing this? Is she doing this representing Exeter residents or a small core of like-minded individuals? Is she trying to derail the project against the will of the voters? The cost of dam removal and river restoration is costly enough without driving the costs even higher.
We need some transparency on her actions as she has not in any broad fashion communicated her actions and intent to the public. It is exactly these "back room" activities that causes residents to be suspicious of Town officials' activities. They are usually found to benefit a small minority of folks to the detriment of the majority. Personal agendas have no place in official Town business.
Thursday, July 31, 2014
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
Who should decide the membership of the Budget Recommendation Committee
Last evening during public comment in the Board of Selectman meeting, Dennis Brady gave his view of having the Board of Selectmen decide the membership of the BRC rather than having the voters decide it through the ballot. While volunteers can be considered under either scenario, the latter gets them on the ballot while the former could find them rejected. Brady made the point that great care should be taken anytime a move is made to take away the rights of a voter and giving them to an official body. The RSAs support voters' rights and give them a major voice in deciding local matters. Having the Board of Selectmen decide on the membership of the BRC is wrong.
Selectman Chartrand vehemently pointed out that the Board of Selectmen were not behind the proposal and that it was coming from a few members on the BRC. While maybe not behind the proposal it is highly likely that certain Board members favor such a move and would not discourage it. Selectwoman Gilman pointed out that any change would have to be approved by voters. Since only about 18% to 20% of registered voters turn out in March, her comment isn't very encouraging.
For the more aware town resident it is quite apparent that there is a practice in town to stack committees and commissions with those showing favor to specific agenda. Voters should be concerned when they hear that there is a movement to take away a voter's right and place it in the hands of the Board of Selectmen who have supervisory control over the Town Manager who establishes the very budget that the BRC is to review. Conflict? You bet.
Selectman Chartrand vehemently pointed out that the Board of Selectmen were not behind the proposal and that it was coming from a few members on the BRC. While maybe not behind the proposal it is highly likely that certain Board members favor such a move and would not discourage it. Selectwoman Gilman pointed out that any change would have to be approved by voters. Since only about 18% to 20% of registered voters turn out in March, her comment isn't very encouraging.
For the more aware town resident it is quite apparent that there is a practice in town to stack committees and commissions with those showing favor to specific agenda. Voters should be concerned when they hear that there is a movement to take away a voter's right and place it in the hands of the Board of Selectmen who have supervisory control over the Town Manager who establishes the very budget that the BRC is to review. Conflict? You bet.
More on pay plan
One would think that for something as important and far reaching as Town Manager Russ Dean's new pay plan would be thorough without defect and would receive the approval of all the Selectmen. Instead what we saw last evening was a plan with a number of unanswered questions, challenged by those who had in depth knowledge of the existing 2009 plan, thus could make an educated (and well researched) comparison. The most troubling item where Selectmen Chartrand and Clement disagreed was over the grade level for certain positions. Clement had a concern that some were too low and some were too high. Chartrand's answer to this was, "We'll let the appeal process sort that out." That means, put the burden on the employee to correct a potential deficiency that management chose to ignore. As Selectwoman Surman said, "Shouldn't management do the job right the first time" in putting forth a plan where adequate review and discussion has taken place to address all deficiencies?
It was evident from his body language that Chartrand was tiring of the discussion and his rush to vote ignoring public input and that of the other Board members came as he put forth a motion to approve the plan as submitted. And, as expected, it passed 3 to 2.
Bob Eastman made a well documented statement that the 2009 plan has been working and that his in depth analysis and comparison to other NH towns of comparable size found our employees to be well compensated. So, why the need to change? In fact, the change will take place mid year this year instead of in 2015. Why? Because, apparently anticipating approval, the 2014 budget included money to cover the results of the pay plans enactment. Taxpayers again seem not to be part of the consideration by certain members of the Board and the Town Manager.
It was evident from his body language that Chartrand was tiring of the discussion and his rush to vote ignoring public input and that of the other Board members came as he put forth a motion to approve the plan as submitted. And, as expected, it passed 3 to 2.
Bob Eastman made a well documented statement that the 2009 plan has been working and that his in depth analysis and comparison to other NH towns of comparable size found our employees to be well compensated. So, why the need to change? In fact, the change will take place mid year this year instead of in 2015. Why? Because, apparently anticipating approval, the 2014 budget included money to cover the results of the pay plans enactment. Taxpayers again seem not to be part of the consideration by certain members of the Board and the Town Manager.
Sunday, July 27, 2014
Go one step further
As has been written here more than once, constructive comments are most welcome on this site. Many comments are of such a nature that they would benefit more town residents if they were taken one step further. Letters to the editor in the Exeter News-Letter and the Carriage Towne News are an effective way of engaging others. It is highly recommended that those media be used to help this blog spread the word on items taking place within our Town government that may not otherwise be known. Exeter is a wonderful town in which to live. However, it takes awareness and effort on our part to maintain a transparency that is not always afforded by those who are in charge and making decisions on our behalf.
Thursday, July 24, 2014
Late Breaking News
This message needs to hit the grapevine and get wide town coverage. Town Manager, Russ Dean, is taking steps to change the way the Budget Recommendation Committee (BRC) is constituted. In a ruse to make it like the other Committees, he is recommending a warrant article to seek voter approval to have the Board of Selectmen pick members for this committee. They are now chosen by voters by a warrant article. This system works just fine and gives a far better chance for someone to serve. Having the Board of Selectmen make the appointments leaves room for cronyism and stacking the committee to favor the Town Manager. Maybe this is what Dean has in mind.
It is suggested that the BRC head this move off at the pass. We need at least one committee that is independent and free of manipulation.
It is suggested that the BRC head this move off at the pass. We need at least one committee that is independent and free of manipulation.
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Russ Dean's new pay plan proposal
At the last Board of Selectman meeting, Town Manager, Russ Dean, dumped a new pay plan on the Selectmen telling them they needed to approve it to be retroactive to July 7th. No explanation, no questions asked. He did offer that for the half year it would cost an additional $5,000 above budgeted pay raises and $10,000 for an entire year. He gave no explanation where in his budget he had built in slack to cover these costs. Oh, wait. Forgot about the $250,000 extra money in the budget that the Selectmen let him keep when looking to lower the 2014 budget.
There is a pattern here where Dean continues to ask the Selectmen to approve unbudgeted expenditures. Also on Monday night he asked the Board to approve spending an additional $3,350 on the Reynes Barn roof, an item that was buried in the 2014 budget, the previously floated warrant article having been defeated by voters.
On the subject of the pay plan one might ask why a new one? Have employees, in general, reached the maximum in their salary range necessitating a new plan? Are our employees being fairly compensated compared to similarly sized towns, or is an adjustment needed? It certainly would be refreshing if Dean spent as much time using some creativity and innovation to find ways to save the Town money to offset all the increases he conjures up.
There is a pattern here where Dean continues to ask the Selectmen to approve unbudgeted expenditures. Also on Monday night he asked the Board to approve spending an additional $3,350 on the Reynes Barn roof, an item that was buried in the 2014 budget, the previously floated warrant article having been defeated by voters.
On the subject of the pay plan one might ask why a new one? Have employees, in general, reached the maximum in their salary range necessitating a new plan? Are our employees being fairly compensated compared to similarly sized towns, or is an adjustment needed? It certainly would be refreshing if Dean spent as much time using some creativity and innovation to find ways to save the Town money to offset all the increases he conjures up.
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
Endrun to thwart development
It is most disturbing to read that Selectwoman and Chairman Julie Gilman is attempting to have the State declare Franklin Street part of the historic district. The planning process is well underway for a developer to ultimately build a "pocket neighborhood". By all accounts it would be a tasteful addition to downtown. One of our town's well known real estate business owners and Planning Board member has stated publicly that there is a demand for downtown living quarters.
Gilman is using as her argument that Franklin Street was used to build homes to "...house workers from the mills and little individual manufacturers that were along there." Using that criteria one could say the entire Town of Exeter is an historic district as Native Americans likely set up fishing villages here. There is nothing historic remaining on this street.
It's time for being candid and showing some honesty. Changing the rules in the middle of the game with a developer is costly for the developer and sends a negative signal to future developers and landowners who cannot be assured the rules won't be changed on them to thwart their plans. If Gilman is successful in obtaining the State's approval the voters will have the final approval. Speaking out at public comment at a Board of Selectman meeting would seem in order To curtail her ill advised efforts. Town officials continue to throw out conflicting signals to future developers. And taxpayers are on the hook for a newly hired Economic Development Director. Where is the leadership that puts a stop to this monkey business by Boards and Commissions that pursue their own personal agenda?
Gilman is using as her argument that Franklin Street was used to build homes to "...house workers from the mills and little individual manufacturers that were along there." Using that criteria one could say the entire Town of Exeter is an historic district as Native Americans likely set up fishing villages here. There is nothing historic remaining on this street.
It's time for being candid and showing some honesty. Changing the rules in the middle of the game with a developer is costly for the developer and sends a negative signal to future developers and landowners who cannot be assured the rules won't be changed on them to thwart their plans. If Gilman is successful in obtaining the State's approval the voters will have the final approval. Speaking out at public comment at a Board of Selectman meeting would seem in order To curtail her ill advised efforts. Town officials continue to throw out conflicting signals to future developers. And taxpayers are on the hook for a newly hired Economic Development Director. Where is the leadership that puts a stop to this monkey business by Boards and Commissions that pursue their own personal agenda?
Monday, July 21, 2014
Town Management Missteps
It has not gone unnoticed by the more observant that Town Manager, Russ Dean, has made a number of costly decisions and not provided adequate oversight that has cost taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars. The more costly is the recently announced $250,000 in legal fees that he has racked up. Add to this the failure to collect property taxes, the $1 million in under billing wherein less than 50% is collected and the failure to update impact fees to reflect current costs. He also disclosed that he had $250,000 in budget cuts that his department heads identified that could have been used to reduce the Town's portion the tax rate. However, they remained in the budget to provide a slush fund. At the last Selectmen meeting another issue came to light. It was admitted that under Russ Dean's administration the Town has failed to follow existing inter-town agreements and collect revenues for almost a decade.
Isn't it time for Selectman Chartrand to cease praising the Town Manager for the "great job he is doing" and to begin to question these management lapses. The Town Manager's annual increase is based on merit. Managers in the corporate world would find themselves in trouble with a track record like his.
Isn't it time for Selectman Chartrand to cease praising the Town Manager for the "great job he is doing" and to begin to question these management lapses. The Town Manager's annual increase is based on merit. Managers in the corporate world would find themselves in trouble with a track record like his.
Sunday, July 20, 2014
Here comes the train station again
Some months ago a posting appeared on this blog on the subject of purchasing and renovating the old 700 square foot baggage building for use as a welcome center. This renovation would include providing for restrooms, a kiosk for ticket sales and a waiting area. While the original cost was set at $403,200 ($282,240 covered by a federal grant leaving $120,960 to be covered by taxpayers) a subsequent engineering study put it at $700,000. (A big unknown, was the purchase price for the structure.) Nothing has changed in the past months except Bob Hall, chairman of the train station committee, once again asking that the Board of Selectmen place in the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) $403,000 for the purchase and renovation of this building.
So, how does he reconcile the difference between the $700,000 (which may be low) and the $403,000 he is seeking? Is a federal grant still available and can it be increased to account for the higher estimated cost? Where in the priority of spending on projects already in the CIP does this project rank? And more to the point, is this project an overkill?
Riders who have responded to questions on the use of the train station cite weather and parking as the issues to be resolved. It would appear that only a handful of commuters could fit into the proposed welcome center at best. Can a suitable weather enclosure be built at the platform? Would the infrared heaters that have been mentioned be adequate? Are restrooms even needed given they are provided on the train and commuters have just recently left their homes?
The "build it and they will come" attitude of some has not been backed by any surveys or facts. How would riders get from the train station to downtown to partake of a meal at one of our few restaurants or to shop in our boutique shops? For that matter, if train ridership is projected to grow 4% to 6% a year, where are these additional riders going to park? How much would it cost the Town (read that as taxpayers) to provide additional parking? And it has already been determined that charging for parking to help offset the cost of maintaining the parking area (such as snow removal) is not popular amongst commuters.
Does something need to be done at the train station to provide weather protection? It would seem so. Have all the alternatives to address this one central issue been examined and presented to the public? It does not seem so. So, why this overreach on the part of a few train station enthusiasts?
So, how does he reconcile the difference between the $700,000 (which may be low) and the $403,000 he is seeking? Is a federal grant still available and can it be increased to account for the higher estimated cost? Where in the priority of spending on projects already in the CIP does this project rank? And more to the point, is this project an overkill?
Riders who have responded to questions on the use of the train station cite weather and parking as the issues to be resolved. It would appear that only a handful of commuters could fit into the proposed welcome center at best. Can a suitable weather enclosure be built at the platform? Would the infrared heaters that have been mentioned be adequate? Are restrooms even needed given they are provided on the train and commuters have just recently left their homes?
The "build it and they will come" attitude of some has not been backed by any surveys or facts. How would riders get from the train station to downtown to partake of a meal at one of our few restaurants or to shop in our boutique shops? For that matter, if train ridership is projected to grow 4% to 6% a year, where are these additional riders going to park? How much would it cost the Town (read that as taxpayers) to provide additional parking? And it has already been determined that charging for parking to help offset the cost of maintaining the parking area (such as snow removal) is not popular amongst commuters.
Does something need to be done at the train station to provide weather protection? It would seem so. Have all the alternatives to address this one central issue been examined and presented to the public? It does not seem so. So, why this overreach on the part of a few train station enthusiasts?
Friday, July 18, 2014
New Economic Development Director
In spite of significant opposition, the new position of Economic Development Director was approved in the budget and the position has now been filled. It appears from the Exeter News-Letter article that the gentleman is fully qualified to fill this position. Hopefully he will have the wherewithal to successfully find and secure new commercial business to increase our Town's tax base. However, what remains to be learned is how much freedom of motion he will have to do this.
We have a strong personality in the person of Town Planner, Sylvia Von Aulock. Her past actions make it clear she is highly selective on what commercial businesses should be considered. Light industrial does not even appear to be on her wish list. It would seem best for town residents if the new director could work within the Master Plan and prevailing zoning regulations to do his job and not under her influence.
It would also be useful for him to identify up front those impediments he sees to really making Exeter open to business development. Then it would be up to the existing Boards and Committees, along with public input, to address these issues or to fully explain why changes cannot be made.
The jury is clearly out whether this business development exercise will be successful. It is hoped the Board of Selectmen will provide thorough and timely oversight of this new individual and adress any hurdles he is experiencing in doing his job.
We have a strong personality in the person of Town Planner, Sylvia Von Aulock. Her past actions make it clear she is highly selective on what commercial businesses should be considered. Light industrial does not even appear to be on her wish list. It would seem best for town residents if the new director could work within the Master Plan and prevailing zoning regulations to do his job and not under her influence.
It would also be useful for him to identify up front those impediments he sees to really making Exeter open to business development. Then it would be up to the existing Boards and Committees, along with public input, to address these issues or to fully explain why changes cannot be made.
The jury is clearly out whether this business development exercise will be successful. It is hoped the Board of Selectmen will provide thorough and timely oversight of this new individual and adress any hurdles he is experiencing in doing his job.
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
Candidates visit at Festival
These candidates will be dropping by the Republican booth this Saturday at the indicated times. They will be available to meet and to ask any questions you may have of them.
US Senate: Scott Brown
US House: Frank Guinta - 10:30
Dan Innis - 11-12
Brendan Kelly
NH Governor: Walt Haverstein - 1:30
Andrew Hemingway - 11
Exeter State Reps:Frank Ferraro - 10-12
Bob Goeman - 1-3
Nelson Lourenco - 12-1
Paul Nicholson - 11-1
Brian Griset - 10-3
Stratham State Reps: Pat Abrami - 1- 1
Joanne Ward - 10-1
Rockingham County Attorney:
Michael Dicroce - 3
Michael Zaino -
US Senate: Scott Brown
US House: Frank Guinta - 10:30
Dan Innis - 11-12
Brendan Kelly
NH Governor: Walt Haverstein - 1:30
Andrew Hemingway - 11
Exeter State Reps:Frank Ferraro - 10-12
Bob Goeman - 1-3
Nelson Lourenco - 12-1
Paul Nicholson - 11-1
Brian Griset - 10-3
Stratham State Reps: Pat Abrami - 1- 1
Joanne Ward - 10-1
Rockingham County Attorney:
Michael Dicroce - 3
Michael Zaino -
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
American Independence Festival
It seems fair to question the logic behind Julie Williams' decision to exclude the Exeter Sportsman's Club from having a booth at the festival as they have in the past. While she did stipulate that if they adhered to a specific theme the decision could be revisited. It just feels like something else is at play here.
It is no secret that the ESC has faced constant resistance from some in Exeter to even exist as a gun club. Many who advocate gun control have spoken out against the ESC and one cannot help but wonder if this is just another less than transparent attempt to exclude them. Were it not for militias made up of citizens bearing arms, the Revolutionary War could have easily gone down as a defeat for a fledgling nation. The ESC is as much a part of the festival as any craft booth. Their exclusion raises doubts as to the motives of those who would exclude them. What do you think?
It is no secret that the ESC has faced constant resistance from some in Exeter to even exist as a gun club. Many who advocate gun control have spoken out against the ESC and one cannot help but wonder if this is just another less than transparent attempt to exclude them. Were it not for militias made up of citizens bearing arms, the Revolutionary War could have easily gone down as a defeat for a fledgling nation. The ESC is as much a part of the festival as any craft booth. Their exclusion raises doubts as to the motives of those who would exclude them. What do you think?
Thursday, July 3, 2014
Interesting information
Mr. Morgan, superintendent of SAU-16 schools spoke at the Board of Selectmen meeting last Monday evening. His primary purpose was to report on the high marks our schools got for safety and how well it did on a recent "active shooter" drill. He commended the Exeter Police and Fire Departments on the support given in this endeavor. This is good news for parents, teachers, staff and children.
Upon closing he passed along his thanks on behalf of the 6,000 students and 1,200 employees of our SAU-16 schools. That yields a ratio of 5 to 1 which is an interesting figure to have for comparison purposes. Not sure whether this is a reasonable ratio, but thought it worth passing along to those who did not hear the remark.
Upon closing he passed along his thanks on behalf of the 6,000 students and 1,200 employees of our SAU-16 schools. That yields a ratio of 5 to 1 which is an interesting figure to have for comparison purposes. Not sure whether this is a reasonable ratio, but thought it worth passing along to those who did not hear the remark.
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