ANNUAL SENATE BILL 2 SESSIONSARTICLE 4CITIZEN PETITION 1 YES NO708 1869CITIZEN PETITION 2 YES NO724 1851CITIZEN PETITION 3 YES NO1659 941CITIZEN PETITION 4 YES NO692 1849CITIZEN PETITION 5 YES NO573 1980CITIZEN PETITION 6 YES NO486 2066CITIZEN PETITION 7 YES NO460 2074CITIZEN PETITION 8 YES NO428 2123TOTAL CAST VOTES: 2984TOTAL REGISTERED VOTERS: 9127OVERALL 33% TURNOUTThe Election polls were closed at 8:15pm, given that there were voters still in the booths. Selectmen PhilLoChiatto and Kathleen DiFruscia, along with Deputy <strong>Town</strong> Clerk Nancy Charland tallied up the results forthe <strong>Town</strong> Ballot. Moderator Peter Griffin announced the results at 10:00 pm. There were 2892 cast votes.Respectfully submitted,Nicole L. Merrill, <strong>Town</strong> Clerk2012 ANNUAL REPORTS 34 TOWN OF WINDHAM, NH
BOARD OF SELECTMENWe are pleased to submit our 2012 annual report, encompassing some <strong>of</strong> the more notable accomplishmentsand activities that took place this past year. With the Board’s oversight, several projects were completedthrough the efforts <strong>of</strong> many different individuals, departments, and committees. Some <strong>of</strong> these included:Policy Adoptions/Revisions: The Board was very active in reviewing recommendations from staff on severalpolicies in 2012. These documents included: a new Grants and Donation Policy outlining the process andprocedure for accepting funds <strong>of</strong> this type; amendments to the Personnel and Purchasing policies; amendmentsto the Disposition <strong>of</strong> Real Estate Policy clarifying timelines and procedures to be used annually in review <strong>of</strong>all town owned properties for possible sale through sealed bids, auctions, or otherwise, and; recodification <strong>of</strong>the Fund Balance Policy to retain $300K balance annually to be used towards the tax rate.Sale <strong>of</strong> <strong>Town</strong> Lands: Following approval <strong>of</strong> the changes to the Disposition Policy, the Board and staff spentseveral meetings reviewing recommendations from the Community Development Department, EconomicDevelopment Committee, and Conservation Commission on over eighty (80) parcels <strong>of</strong> town land. Most <strong>of</strong>these were undefined (e.g. not designated as Conservation) <strong>Town</strong> land that was acquired by tax deed in thepast. After review, it was determined that seventeen (17) <strong>of</strong> these parcels should be retained and formerlydesignated as Conservation land to be managed by the Conservation Commission. To that end, the Board hassubmitted a warrant article to the <strong>Town</strong> Meeting for approval <strong>of</strong> these changes. In addition, the Board agreedto sell two (2) groups <strong>of</strong> parcels, all acquired by tax deed. One group, containing lot 16-C-1 (22 GaumontRoad) was sold to the abutter for $5,000 in order for them to replace their septic system. Restrictions wereplaced on the land as part <strong>of</strong> the sale, not only limiting its use to a septic system, but retaining an easement bythe <strong>Town</strong> to a portion <strong>of</strong> the land. The second group, encompassing lots 16-P-501, 16-P-502, and 16-P-1004,was placed out to bid. The highest bid <strong>of</strong> $15,013 was accepted and sale <strong>of</strong> the properties is pending. Theselots were sold subject to restrictions that they could be utilized only for septic or well purposes; with anyother structures being prohibited. The potential sale <strong>of</strong> a third parcel, known as 14-B-2101 (London BridgeRoad), which was not acquired by tax deed, has been submitted to <strong>Town</strong> Meeting by the Board. The Warrantarticle seeks approval for the Board to sell the parcel, for a minimum <strong>of</strong> $20,000, should an interested partycome forward. In 2013, the Board intends to review additional parcels; possibly selling some via bid/auction.Sustainable Communities Initiative: With respect to long-range planning and policy, the Board elected toparticipate in a regional planning process, known as the Sustainable Communities Initiative. The process,coordinated by New Hampshire’s Regional Planning Commissions, intends to develop a Regional SustainableDevelopment Plan consisting <strong>of</strong> such elements as a housing plan, regional transportation, water infrastructureplan, environmental plan, economic development plan, and a comprehensive climate change assessment/adaptation plan. Each town involved participates through its membership on a regional advisory committee,and is asked to provide input on the topical areas as may be appropriate for each community. Through theirinvolvement, communities receive preferred status for a variety <strong>of</strong> federal grants from HUD, DOT, EPA,Homeland Security, and others.Regional Planning Affiliation: The Board and others spent considerable time evaluating which local RegionalPlanning Commission would best serve our needs going forward. After inviting public presentations fromNashua Regional Planning Commission (NRPC), Southern New Hampshire Regional Planning Commission,(SNHRPC), and Rockingham Regional Planning Commission (RPC), Selectmen representatives along withmembers <strong>of</strong> the Planning Board, Economic Development Committee, and Community Development stafftook time over the ensuing months to attend the various Commissions’ meetings and explore their <strong>of</strong>feringsin greater depth. After careful consideration <strong>of</strong> numerous factors including geographic proximity, types <strong>of</strong>services provided, and overall commonality <strong>of</strong> goals, it was the recommendation <strong>of</strong> all that the <strong>Town</strong> end itsaffiliation with the RPC in favor <strong>of</strong> moving to the SNHRPC. While the <strong>Town</strong> has enjoyed an extensive andsuccessful working relationship with the RPC for many years, ongoing projects and regional efforts over thelast several years relating to transit planning, CTAP, and economic development throughout the I-93corridor communities exhibit a clear need to establish and maintain a coordinated relationship across theseimpacted areas via a common planning venue; something that the SNHRPC provides.2012 ANNUAL REPORTS 35 TOWN OF WINDHAM, NH
Change language