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Town Meeting 2000
2000 TOWN MEETING The annual Town Meeting of the Town of Hanover, New Hampshire was convened on May 9, 2000 at 7:00 a.m. by the Town Moderator, Harry Bird, at the Hanover High School Gymnasium. Moderator Bird explained that the polls would be open from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. for the purpose of voting for the candidates for Town Offices and for all other articles requiring vote by official ballot as set forth in Articles One through Nine of the Town Meeting Warrant. Moderator Bird noted that there were hearing assistive devices for those with hearing impairments. After the polls were closed at 7:00 p.m., the following five articles which were voted on were tabulated. ARTICLE ONE: To vote (by nonpartisan ballot) for the following Town Officers: Two Selectmen, each to serve for a term of three (3) years; William R. Baschnagel 344 (elected) One Treasurer to serve for a term of one (1) year; Michael J. Ahern 436 (elected) One Library Trustee to serve for a term of three (3) years; Judith A. Danna 398 (elected) One Trustee of Trust Funds to serve for term of three (3) years; Mark B. Severs 409 (elected) Two Supervisors of the Checklist, one to serve for a term of four (4) years and one for a term of six (6) years; Fay T. Sorenson (4 yr. term) 440 (elected) One Moderator to serve for a term of two (2) years; Harry H. Bird 447 (elected) ARTICLE TWO: (To vote by ballot) To see if the Town will vote to amend the existing Hanover Zoning Ordinance as proposed by the Planning Board in Amendment No. 1: The following question is on the Official Ballot: "Are you in favor of the adoption of Amendment No. 1 as proposed by the Planning Board for the Hanover Zoning Ordinance as follows?" Amendment No. 1 would add language to Section 317.1. D of the Zoning Ordinance to make it clear that opaque, reverse channel, back-lit, halo-type lighted signs would be permitted. Language would also be added to this section to define that an internally illuminated sign is one whose face is illuminated from within the sign assembly, in order to provide a clear distinction between the reverse channel, back-lit, halo-type signs and internally illuminated signs. RESULTS: YES 380 NO 82 ARTICLE PASSED ARTICLE THREE: (To vote by ballot) To see if the Town will vote to amend the existing Hanover Zoning Ordinance as proposed by the Planning Board in Amendment No. 2: The following question is on the Official Ballot: "Are you in favor of the adoption of Amendment No. 2 as proposed by the Planning Board for the Hanover Zoning Ordinance as follows?" Amendment No. 2 would change the reference to the manual governing methodologies and criteria for determining hydric soils (that is, wetland soils) from a specific dated edition, that of May 1, 1995, to a reference to the most recent edition of the manual. RESULTS: YES 427 NO 40 ARTICLE PASSED ARTICLE FOUR: (To vote by ballot) To see if the Town will vote to amend the existing Hanover Zoning Ordinance as proposed by the Planning Board in Amendment No. 3: The following question is on the Official Ballot: "Are you in favor of the adoption of Amendment No. 3 as proposed by the Planning Board for the Hanover Zoning Ordinance as follows?" Amendment No. 3 would change the Hanover Zoning Map-Urban Area so as to rezone from "SR-3" Single Residence to "I" Institutional a 10.2-acre tract of land north of the Hanover Country Club and west of Chandler Drive and Fletcher Circle. RESULTS: YES 377 NO 96 ARTICLE PASSED ARTICLE FIVE: (To vote by ballot) To see if the Town will vote to amend the existing Hanover Zoning Ordinance as proposed by the Planning Board in Amendment No. 4: The following question is on the Official Ballot: "Are you in favor of the adoption of Amendment No. 4 as proposed by the Planning Board for the Hanover Zoning Ordinance as follows?" Amendment No. 4 would update the example list of allowable home occupations; would allow home occupations in existing accessory buildings in the "RR" Rural Residential Zoning District; would increase the maximum area allowed to be used for a home occupation from 300 to 500 square feet; and would specify that advertising would not be allowed on the premises of a home occupation. RESULTS: YES 398 NO 58 ARTICLE PASSED ARTICLE SIX: (To vote by ballot) To see if the Town will vote to amend the existing Hanover Zoning Ordinance as proposed by the Planning Board in Amendment No. 5: The following question is on the Official Ballot: "Are you in favor of the adoption of Amendment No. 5 as proposed by the Planning Board for the Hanover Zoning Ordinance as follows?" Amendment No. 5 would eliminate hotels as uses allowed by special exception in the "RR" Rural Residence Zoning District. RESULTS: YES 376 NO 75 ARTICLE PASSED ARTICLE SEVEN: (To vote by ballot) To see if the Town will vote to amend the existing Hanover Zoning Ordinance as proposed by the Planning Board in Amendment No. 6: The following question is on the Official Ballot: "Are you in favor of the adoption of Amendment No. 6 as proposed by the Planning Board for the Hanover Zoning Ordinance as follows?" Amendment No. 6 would amend Table 204.5 and the definition of "Lot" in Section 902 in order to specify that uses would be permitted in the "GR" General Residence Zoning District only if all specified area and dimensional requirements are met pertaining to the number of families legally occupying the premises. RESULTS: YES 379 NO 61 ARTICLE PASSED ARTICLE EIGHT: (To vote by ballot) To see if the Town will vote to amend the existing Hanover Zoning Ordinance as proposed by the Planning Board in Amendment No. 7: The following question is on the Official Ballot: "Are you in favor of the adoption of Amendment No. 7 as proposed by the Planning Board for the Hanover Zoning Ordinance as follows?" Amendment No. 7 would amend the Zoning Ordinance in several ways to bring it up-to-date with recent Federal and State floodplain protection standards, by adding a number of relevant floodplain-related definitions and amending the existing definitions of buildings and structures (Article IX); by amending Section 701.10 C to require professional certification that proposed construction would maintain the capacity of watercourses; by adding a new Section 701.10 I to provide that no encroachment may increase the base flood level more than one (1) foot; and by adding a new Section 701.10 J to stipulate that, for all new construction and substantial improvements, fully enclosed areas below the lowest floor which are usable solely for parking, access, or storage would be required to have permanent openings designed to allow the entry and exit of flood waters. RESULTS: YES 408 NO 41 ARTICLE PASSED ARTICLE NINE: (To vote by ballot) To see if the Town will vote to amend the existing Hanover Zoning Ordinance as proposed by petition in Amendment No. 8: The following question is on the Official Ballot: "Are you in favor of the adoption of Amendment No. 8 as proposed by petition for the Hanover Zoning Ordinance as follows?" Amendment No. 8 would amend Table 205.5 of the Zoning Ordinance, relative to "GR" General Residence Zoning Districts, by changing two-family dwelling, Planned Residential Development (PRD), and Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC) from being "Permitted Uses" to being uses "Allowed by Special Exception". The Planning Board voted unanimously not to support the petitioned amendment, proposing as an alternative, Amendment No. 6. RESULTS: YES 272 NO 168 ARTICLE PASSED ARTICLE TEN: To choose the following Town Officers to be elected by a majority vote: One member of the Advisory Board of Assessors for a term of three (3) years; A motion was made by Selectman Manchester to nominate the following persons for the following offices: Dick Birnie to the Advisory Board of Assessors for a term of three (3) years; Richard Nordgren as Pine Park Commissioner to serve for a term of three (3) years; Frederick Crory, Edward Lathem, Edward Lobacz to serve as fence viewers, and Robert Morris to serve alternate fence viewer, each for a term of one (1) year; and Willem Lange and John Richardson to serve as two Surveyors of Wood and Timber each for a term of one (1) year. The motion was seconded by Selectman Connolly. Moderator Bird asked if there were other nominations. Hearing none, he re-read the motion of Selectman Manchester. There being no further discussion, a voice vote was taken on Selectman Manchester's motion. The motion PASSED and Article Ten was ADOPTED. ARTICLE ELEVEN: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate $135,000 for the purpose of acquiring the property located at 48 Lebanon Street, for future construction of a new Senior Center and community meeting rooms, and to authorize funding of this amount by withdrawal from the Land and Capital Improvements Fund, with no funds being raised by taxation. This article is included in Article 14. A motion was made by Selectman Manchester that the Town vote to raise and appropriate $135,000 for the purpose of acquiring the property located at 48 Lebanon Street, for future construction of a new Senior Center and community meeting rooms, and to authorize funding of this amount by withdrawal from the Land and Capital Improvements Fund, with no funds being raised by taxation. The motion was seconded by Selectmen Connolly. Nancy Carter urged the meeting to support Article Eleven. Moderator Bird asked for questions or discussions on this Article. Hearing none, he re-read the motion of Selectman Manchester. There being no further discussion, a voice vote was taken on Selectman Manchester's motion. The motion PASSED and Article Eleven was ADOPTED. ARTICLE TWELVE: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate and authorize payment into the Capital Reserve Funds in the following amounts for the purposes for which such funds were established: Police: $45,000 A motion was made by Selectmen Connolly that the Town vote to raise and appropriate and authorize payment into the Capital Reserve Funds in the following amounts for the purposes for which such funds were established: Police: $45,000 The motion was seconded by Chairman Walsh. Moderator Bird asked for questions or discussions on this Article. Hearing none, he re-read the motion of Selectman Connolly. There being no further discussion, a voice vote was taken on Selectman Connolly's motion. The motion PASSED and Article Twelve was ADOPTED. ARTICLE THIRTEEN: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate $907,400 for the purposes listed below and to authorize funding these items by withdrawal from the listed capital reserve funds: Public Works (equipment replacement): $162,500 This article is included in Article 14. A motion was made by Selectman Connolly that the Town vote to raise and appropriate $907,400 for the purposes listed below and to authorize funding these items by withdrawal from the listed capital reserve funds: Public Works (equipment replacement): $162,500 The motion was seconded by Chairman Walsh. Moderator Bird asked for questions or discussions on this Article. Hearing none, he re-read the motion of Selectman Connolly. There being no further discussion, a voice vote was taken on Selectman Connolly's motion. The motion PASSED and Article Thirteen was ADOPTED. ARTICLE FOURTEEN: To see what sum the Town will vote to raise and appropriate to pay the expenses of the Town for the 2000/2001 fiscal year, for the purposes set forth in the Town budget. Appropriations for Articles 11, 12, and 13 are included in this article. A motion was made by Chairman Walsh that the Town vote to raise and appropriate $12,424,226 to pay the expenses of the Town for the 2000/2001 fiscal year, for the purposes set forth in the Town budget. The motion was seconded by Selectman Connolly. Chairman Walsh explained the process used by the Selectmen in setting the budget. He indicated that the taxpayers of Hanover have had the joy of being taxed by the state at a 10% increase this fall, and secondly the school taxes have gone up; there is also the prospect of a substantial renovation to the High School and a building program in the Middle School. In that context, the Selectmen decided to run a very tight budget this year and asked the Town Manager and the Town department heads to come in with a budget that would require a zero percent tax increase; this was to be accomplished in the face of 1.6% inflation rate. The Board also asked that the administration develop a wish list containing items ranked in order of most benefit to the Town that the administration felt should be added to the budget if the Board wished to go above a zero percent tax increase. The Selectboard chose to approve a 1.3 percent tax increase in the General Fund, resulting in the budget now before the Town Meeting. Chairman Walsh explained that there were two primary items added to the budget above the zero percent tax rate increase; one was an approximate $30,000 appropriation for one of four culverts on Ruddsboro Road, and the other was approximately $30,000 for rebuilding of North College Street. This work on North College Street is scheduled to happen in the next year or two, but with the understanding that if an emergency capital need is required by the Water Company that those funds could be diverted for that use. Moderator Bird asked for questions or discussions on this Article. Hearing none, he re-read the motion of Chairman Walsh. There being no further discussion, a voice vote was taken on Chairman Walsh's motion. The motion PASSED and Article Fourteen was ADOPTED. ARTICLE FIFTEEN: To see if the Town will vote to approve the cost items contained in the collective bargaining agreement, approved by the Board of Selectmen on March 27, 2000, between the Town of Hanover and the Professional Fire Fighters of Hanover, Local 3288 of the International Association of Fire Fighters, which calls for the following increases in salaries and benefits for its members: Year Estimated Increase and further, to raise and appropriate the sum of $7,706 for the 2000 fiscal year, and the sum of $30,465 for the 2001 fiscal year, such sums representing the additional costs attributable to the increase in salaries and benefits over those of the appropriation in salaries and benefits over those of the appropriation at current staffing levels paid in the prior fiscal year. A motion was made by Chairman Walsh that the Town vote to approve the cost items contained in the collective bargaining agreement, approved by the Board of Selectmen on March 27, 2000, between the Town of Hanover and the Professional Fire Fighters of Hanover, Local 3288 of the International Association of Fire Fighters, which calls for the following increases in salaries and benefits for its members: Year Estimated Increase 1999 - 2000 New comp. $7,706 and further, to raise and appropriate the sum of $7,706 for the 2000 fiscal year, and the sum of $30,465 for the 2001 fiscal year, such sums representing the additional costs attributable to the increase in salaries and benefits over those of the appropriation in salaries and benefits over those of the appropriation at current staffing levels paid in the prior fiscal year. The motion was seconded by Selectman Connolly. Chairman Walsh stated that the Board was very pleased with the constructive tone of negotiations with the Firefighters Union last year and this year, and is pleased to come in with a two year contract with increases that are very close to the inflation rate. He added that there are two items that bear some explanation - relative to the approval for the 1999/2000 amounts, this is basically affirming the action of last year's Town Meeting as there was some question if notice was property given in advance. Therefore, it is being requested that this year's Town Meeting affirm that action. Secondly, Chairman Walsh pointed out that most people will notice that a two percent increase this year reflects more money than a two and a half percent increase next year. This is due to adjustments for retirements and new hires which are expected to happen between the years. Moderator Bird asked for questions or discussions on this Article. Hearing none, he re-read the motion of Chairman Walsh. There being no further discussion, a voice vote was taken on Chairman Walsh's motion. The motion PASSED and Article Fifteen was ADOPTED. ARTICLE SIXTEEN: To see if the Town will vote to approve the cost items contained in the collective bargaining agreement, approved by the Board of Selectmen on March 27, 2000, between the Town of Hanover and AFSCME Local 1348, which calls for the following increases Year Estimated Increase 1999 - 2000 New comp. $14,006 and further, to raise and appropriate the sum of $14,006 for the 2000 fiscal year, and the sum of $31,984 for the 2001 fiscal year, such sums representing the additional costs attributable to the increase in salaries and benefits over those of the appropriation in salaries and benefits over those of the appropriation at current staffing levels paid in the prior fiscal year. Year Estimated Increase 1999 - 2000 New comp. $14,006 and further, to raise and appropriate the sum of $14,006 for the 2000 fiscal year, and the sum of $31,984 for the 2001 fiscal year, such sums representing the additional costs attributable to the increase in salaries and benefits over those of the appropriation in salaries and benefits over those of the appropriation at current staffing levels paid in the prior fiscal year. The motion was seconded by Selectman Connolly. Moderator Bird asked for questions or discussions on this Article. Hearing none, he re-read the motion of Chairman Walsh. There being no further discussion, a voice vote was taken on Chairman Walsh's motion. The motion PASSED and Article Sixteen was ADOPTED. ARTICLE SEVENTEEN: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate $30,350 for deposit in the Conservation Fund, and to authorize funding of this amount by transfer from the Land Use Change Tax Fund, with no funds being raised by taxation. The amount appropriated is the equivalent of 50% of the total amount collected in the Land Use Change Tax Fund in the fiscal year 1998-1999. A motion was made by Selectman Connolly that the Town vote to raise and appropriate $30,350 for deposit in the Conservation Fund, and to authorize funding of this amount by transfer from the Land Use Change Tax Fund, with no funds being raised by taxation. The amount appropriated is the equivalent of 50% of the total amount collected in the Land Use Change Tax Fund in the fiscal year 1998-1999. The motion was seconded by Selectman Manchester. Moderator Bird asked for questions or discussions on this Article. Hearing none, he re-read the motion of Selectman Connolly. There being no further discussion, a voice vote was taken on Selectman Connolly's motion. The motion PASSED and Article Seventeen was ADOPTED. ARTICLE EIGHTEEN: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate $30,350 for deposit in the Land and Capital Improvements Fund, and to authorize funding of this amount by transfer from the unreserved fund balance, with no funds being raised by taxation. The amount appropriated is the equivalent of 50% of the total collected in the Land Use Change Tax Fund in the fiscal year 1998-1999, and will be transferred from the Land Use Change Tax Fund into unreserved fund balance for the purpose of funding this appropriation. A motion was made by Selectman Manchester that the Town vote to raise and appropriate $30,350 for deposit in the Land and Capital Improvements Fund, and to authorize funding of this amount by transfer from the unreserved fund balance, with no funds being raised by taxation. The amount appropriated is the equivalent of 50% of the total collected in the Land Use Change Tax Fund in the fiscal year 1998-1999, and will be transferred from the Land Use Change Tax Fund into unreserved fund balance for the purpose of funding this appropriation. The motion was seconded by Selectman Connolly. David Bradley asked why this transfer could not have been accomplished with one Article rather than two. Ms. Griffin answered that the Department of Revenue Administration requires that the transfer be handled with the two actions as separate Articles. Moderator Bird asked for questions or discussions on this Article. Hearing none, he re-read the motion of Selectman Manchester. There being no further discussion, a voice vote was taken on Selectman Manchester's motion. The motion PASSED and Article Eighteen was ADOPTED. ARTICLE NINETEEN: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $1,037 for deposit in the Conservation Fund and to authorize that sum to be transferred from the unencumbered fund balance as of December 1, 1999, with no funds being raised by taxation. This amount is the equivalent of the amount that was collected for timber sales during 1998-1999. A motion was made by Ms. Connolly that the Town vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $1,037 for deposit in the Conservation Fund and to authorize that sum to be transferred from the unencumbered fund balance as of December 1, 1999, with no funds being raised by taxation. This amount is the equivalent of the amount that was collected for timber sales during 1998-1999. The motion was seconded by Chairman Walsh. Moderator Bird asked for questions or discussions on this Article. Hearing none, he re-read the motion of Selectman Connolly. There being no further discussion, a voice vote was taken on Selectman Connolly's motion. The motion PASSED and Article Nineteen was ADOPTED. ARTICLE TWENTY: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate $20,000 for the purchase of an electronic ticket writing system for the Parking Division as approved in the Capital Improvement Program, and to authorize funding this item by withdrawal from the Parking Fund Capital Reserve. A member of the audience stated that he feels the Town should wait and see how effective the new parking structure is before purchasing this electronic ticket writing system. Moderator Bird asked for questions or discussions on this Article. Hearing none, he re-read the motion of Selectman Manchester. There being no further discussion, a vote by a show of hands was taken on Selectman Manchester's motion. The motion PASSED and Article Twenty was ADOPTED. ARTICLE TWENTY-ONE: To see if the Town will vote to collect an additional motor vehicle registration fee of $5.00 per vehicle for the purpose of supporting a municipal transportation improvement fund for the purposes set forth in RSA 261:153 VI, and further, to vote to establish said fund. Proceeds from said fund are to be used to support eligible local transportation improvement projects such as public transportation, roadway improvements, signal upgrades, and development of new bicycle and pedestrian paths. A motion was made by Selectman Manchester that the Town vote to collect an additional motor vehicle registration fee of $5.00 per vehicle for the purpose of supporting a municipal transportation improvement fund for the purposes set forth in RSA 261:153 VI, and further, to vote to establish said fund. Proceeds from said fund are to be used to support eligible local transportation improvement projects such as public transportation, roadway improvements, signal upgrades, and development of new bicycle and pedestrian paths. The motion was seconded by Selectman Connolly. Selectman Manchester stated that implementation of this new fee would result in approximately $25,000 in revenue yearly. Hugh Mellert, Vice-Chair of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Path Committee, introduced other members of the committee who were in attendance at the meeting. He stated that the committee has been serving for the past three years working on a bicycle path from Hanover to DHMC. The committee has also come up with numerous ideas and ways to make Hanover a more bicycle friendly community. Charlie Sullivan, also a member of the committee, emphasized that there are many low-cost improvements that can be made to the storm drains, traffic lights, etc. that would significantly improve the situation for bicyclists. A member of the audience stated that the implementation of the new registration fee would be a hardship on many of Hanover's citizens. He added that if this new tax is appropriated in addition to the taxes already paid by Hanover citizens on property and vehicles it will definitely have an adverse impact on the few people left in the community like himself. Ellis Rolett pointed out that having these funds can serve a purpose in terms of providing matching funds for any grants that may be applied for. He stressed that the fund would not be used indiscriminately; it would be under the supervision of the Selectboard and any appropriations from the fund would be monitored appropriately. Mr. Mellert added that other communities in New Hampshire have passed the same bill recently. Ballots were passed out to those residents in attendance at the meeting. Moderator Bird explained the reason for Vice-Chairman Black's absence at the meeting. He stated that in the 1970's Vice-Chairman Black was selected Teacher of the Year for the United States. This year is the 50th Anniversary of honoring teachers in this manner and to celebrate the occasion President Clinton invited all past honorees to travel to Washington. Following are the results of the paper ballot vote: RESULTS: YES 87 NO 28 ARTICLE PASSED ARTICLE TWENTY-TWO: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $5,000 to support the services provided by CATV 6. A motion was made by Chairman Walsh that the Town vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $5,000 to support the services provided by CATV 6. The motion was seconded by Selectman Connolly. Margaret Fanning commented that she feels televising Town Meetings contributes to the lack of participation by residents. She thinks that more people would attend Town Meeting if it were not televised. Anne Morris indicated that her experience has been that CATV is a very valuable when it broadcasts the Selectmen's meetings in real time and that loss of such broadcasts would be unfortunate. She stated that she hoped the Town Meeting would vote to appropriate the money requested. Moderator Bird asked for questions or discussions on this Article. Hearing none, he re-read the motion of Chairman Walsh. There being no further discussion, a voice vote was taken on Chairman Walsh's motion. The motion PASSED and Article Twenty-Two was ADOPTED. ARTICLE TWENTY-THREE: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate $1,000 to be used by the Town of Hanover in the furtherance of cultural, student, and adult exchanges between the Town of Hanover and its sister city of Joigny, France. A motion was made by Selectman Connolly that the Town vote to raise and appropriate $1,000 to be used by the Town of Hanover in the furtherance of cultural, student, and adult exchanges between the Town of Hanover and its sister city of Joigny, France. The motion was seconded by Chairman Walsh. Selectman Connolly explained that this year is the third year of this request, and it will be folded into the budget next year. She added that it was her pleasure to ask for this appropriation, as she feels the exchanges between the two towns are very valuable for students and adults. Moderator Bird asked for questions or discussions on this Article. Hearing none, he re-read the motion of Selectman Connolly. There being no further discussion, a voice vote was taken on Selectman Connolly's motion. The motion PASSED and Article Twenty-Three was ADOPTED. ARTICLE TWENTY-FOUR: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate $1,000 to be used by the Town of Hanover in the furtherance of cultural, student, and adult exchanges between the Town of Hanover and Nihonmatsu, Japan.
A motion was made by Chairman Walsh that the Town vote to raise and appropriate $1,000 to be used by the Town of Hanover in the furtherance of cultural, student, and adult exchanges between the Town of Hanover and Nihonmatsu, Japan. The motion was seconded by Selectman Connolly. Chairman Walsh explained that this Article deals with a friendship city relationship between the two towns which was initiated June 6, 1999 in Hanover and reaffirmed in the fall in Nihonmatsu. He added that when Nihonmatsu first approached Hanover with the idea of becoming a sister city it was felt that Hanover could not afford it, but Nihonmatsu has been extremely generous and has paid for virtually all of the costs of the trips to its city. Moderator Bird asked for questions or discussions on this Article. Hearing none, he re-read the motion of Chairman Walsh. There being no further discussion, a voice vote was taken on Chairman Walsh's motion. The motion PASSED and Article Twenty-Four was ADOPTED. ARTICLE TWENTY-FIVE: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate $2,000 to support the services provided to the Upper Valley by the AIDS Community Resource Network (ACORN). A motion was made by Selectman Manchester that the Town vote to raise and appropriate $2,000 to support the services provided to the Upper Valley by the AIDS Community Resource Network (ACORN). The motion was seconded by Selectman Connolly. Paul Pilcher, representing the ACORN Board of Directors, stated that the request to raise and appropriate the $2,000 is an identical request to that which was approved by Town Meeting last year. Part of ACORN's mission is to serve individuals and families infected and affected by the AIDS virus. He explained that as treatments have improved and people are living longer, demands on the organization's services have become even greater. The number of clients served in Hanover and surrounding communities has doubled and doubled again. The funds requested will help continue the programs provided by ACORN including the food delivery program and services provided to those who are already infected, and will re-double the organization's educational efforts, including programs brought into area high schools in the Upper Valley area at no charge. Mr. Pilcher stated that he hopes the Town's residents will support ACORN in its endeavors. He added that the organization's funding comes solely from contributions. Moderator Bird asked for questions or discussions on this Article. Hearing none, he re-read the motion of Selectman Manchester. There being no further discussion, a voice vote was taken on Selectman Manchester's motion. The motion PASSED and Article Twenty-Five was ADOPTED. ARTICLE TWENTY-SIX: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate $2,000 to support the services provided to the Upper Valley by the Family Place. A motion was made by Selectman Manchester that the Town vote to raise and appropriate $2,000 to support the services provided to the Upper Valley by the Family Place. The motion was seconded by Selectman Connolly. Moderator Bird asked for questions or discussions on this Article. Hearing none, he re-read the motion of Selectman Manchester. There being no further discussion, a voice vote was taken on Selectman Manchester's motion. The motion PASSED and Article Twenty-Six was ADOPTED. ARTICLE TWENTY-SEVEN: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate $5,000 to support the capital campaign being conducted by the Haven, which provides family shelter services to residents of the Upper Valley. A motion was made by Selectman Connolly that the Town vote to raise and appropriate $5,000 to support the capital campaign being conducted by the Haven, which provides family shelter services to residents of the Upper Valley. The motion was seconded by Selectman Manchester. Selectman Connolly explained that the Haven is in the process of enlarging; she noted that the organization provides a very valuable service beyond shelter. It works to keep families together, giving emotional as well as physical support, and launching them back into society as a family. It is the hope of the Haven to be able to double its size with this capital campaign. Debbie Nelson spoke in favor of the request. She stated that she was concerned that people may not vote in favor of the Article. The Haven is undertaking this capital campaign to raise a certain amount of money to purchase property near them and to re-build. She stressed that it is important to remember that this organization takes in families that would not otherwise have a place to live, and turns away more people than anyone could live with knowing. She urged support of the $5,000 requested. Bill Young commented that the organization provides a very valuable piece of a social safety net in this part of the world. He added that there is nothing else that would fill that hole if the Haven were not in existence. Mr. Young stated that he is strongly in support of appropriating the $5,000 requested. Moderator Bird asked for questions or discussions on this Article. Hearing none, he re-read the motion of Selectman Connolly. There being no further discussion, a voice vote was taken on Selectman Connolly's motion. The motion PASSED and Article Twenty-Seven was ADOPTED. ARTICLE TWENTY-EIGHT: To see if the Town will vote to send the following resolution to the New Hampshire General Court:
Resolved, New Hampshire's natural, cultural and historic resources in this town and throughout the state are worthy of protection, and therefore, the State of New Hampshire should establish and fund a permanent public/private partnership for the voluntary conservation of these important resources. A motion was made by Chairman Walsh that the Town vote to send the following resolution to the New Hampshire General Court: Resolved, New Hampshire's natural, cultural and historic resources in this town and throughout the state are worthy of protection, and therefore, the State of New Hampshire should establish a permanent public/private partnership for the voluntary conservation of these important resources. Since the State's revenue structure is insufficient to meet already mandated and budgeted activities, we urge that funding for this activity be established only in the context of the realities of the State's fiscal dilemma. The motion was seconded by Selectman Walsh. Moderator Bird asked for questions or discussions on this Article. Hearing none, he re-read the motion of Chairman Walsh. There being no further discussion, a voice vote was taken on Chairman Walsh's motion. The motion PASSED and Article Twenty-Eight was ADOPTED. ARTICLE TWENTY-NINE: To receive reports from the Selectmen, Town Clerk, Treasurer, Collector of Taxes, and other Town Officers and to vote on any motion relating to these reports and to receive any special resolutions that may be appropriate and to vote thereon. A motion was made by Selectman Connolly that the Town receive reports from the Selectmen, Town Clerk, Treasurer, Collector of Taxes, and other Town Officers and to vote on any motion relating to these reports and to receive any special resolutions that may be appropriate and to vote thereon. The motion was seconded by Selectman Manchester. Moderator Bird asked for questions or discussions on this Article. Hearing none, he re-read the motion of Selectman Connolly. There being no further discussion, a voice vote was taken on Selectman Connolly's motion. The motion PASSED and Article Twenty-Nine was ADOPTED. Moderator Bird introduced Chairman Walsh for the reading of the following Resolutions: John Manchester "John Manchester was elected Selectman in May of 1997. John brought his long history and love of Hanover to the job. With his own quiet thoughtful style, he has contributed broadly to the Town during his tenure.
John has served on most of the Town's Boards and Commissions as Selectmen's Representative. He has been a member of the Howe Library Board of Trustees through years of planning for the future of the Howe. As an alternate to the Planning Board, John has often been called to serve as a Planning Board member for cases when other Selectmen Representatives have had a conflict of interest. John's thoughtful approach to the merits of each case have served the Town, the applicants and the Planning Board well. In his first two years as a Selectman, John was the Selectmen's Representative to the Recreation Board. In this roll he was a contributing volunteer at many of the Town's events such as the Pond Party. At the Fourth of July celebration, many have enjoyed John's cooking as a hot dog and hamburger chef for the Rotary. John has applied his extensive experience to the Town's needs as a member of the Parking and Transportation Board, and by reviewing the Town's fleet and its operating policies with Frank Austin of Public Works. Beyond his roles on Boards and Commissions, John worked hard on the budget, looking for savings for the Town, and assuring that the Town's taxpayers received value. Most simply, John was an exemplary public servant. He always focused on the needs of the Town, and he was always ready to pitch in and do more than his full share of the work. John, thanks for everything. We will miss you."
John Colligan "John Colligan was elected Selectman in May of 1998. He grew up in Hanover, and brought his love of the Town to the job along with his keen financial mind honed over his years on Wall Street. As a self-defined "outsider" John's probing approach and financial experience served the Town well, particularly in the review of the bonding of the Parking Facility, and his careful conservative approach to the Town budget. Prior to becoming a Selectman, John had served on the Dresden and Hanover School Boards. This experience gave him a strong base for one of the issues, which marked his tenure on the Selectboard: financing of education in New Hampshire. John was an outspoken critic of the State Government's approach to education finance. John spoke strongly for accountability in education, and felt passionately that the structure, which created Donor communities, including Hanover, was wrong. John served on a broad range of Boards and Commissions during his term. He was the Selectmen's Representative to the Hanover Chamber of Commerce. Months after his election, John gave a rousing speech at the Town's Fourth of July celebration. Planning was a subject close to John's heart. He served as the Town's member on the Upper Valley Lake Sunapee Regional Planning Commission, and as an Alternate to the Planning Board. Planning leads to conservation, and conservation was a passion of John's. He served as the Selectmen's Representative to the Conservation Commission throughout his term. John's energy and enthusiasm were instrumental in the creation of the Conservation Fund at the 1999 Town Meeting. John, thank you for your contributions to the Town in your term as a Selectman. We all wish you the best in your renewed career in international investment banking." Moderator Bird introduced Selectman Connolly for the reading of the following Resolution: Peggy Hyde "Volunteer, circulation desk, reference desk, acting director, assistant director, public relations director, young adult materials selector, supervisor of work-study students, arts and humanities collection selector, volunteer coordinator, official photographer π. all are positions people hold at the Howe Library. What is amazing is that all of these positions were at one point in time over her 24-year career, held by one person. Our own Peggy Hyde is the woman with multiple talents and far ranging interests, and she has had the energy and the dedication to assume all of these duties and to assume them so well. The Howe Library as we all know and love it today, has been largely shaped by Peggy's zeal and passion for the library. Her belief that a public library is the bedrock of a democratic society was the focus of every decision made during her tenure. Nothing escaped her keen eye, or diverted her role in building upon that bedrock. From being the resident space organizer helping to find the right space for every Library activity, to being the reference desk housekeeper, to being the editor for Howe's creative publications, to coaching volunteers, to planning Library programs, no task was ever too large or too small for Peggy's creative touch. Although small in stature, the space left by Peggy's retirement is huge. Long dubbed the organ grinder by the "monkeys of the back room", we shall miss her music, her ideas, her passion, and her cheerleading for the library. We wish her well in her retirement and eagerly await her return to us as a valuable volunteer. Thank you Peggy!" Moderator Bird introduced Chairman Walsh for the reading of the following Resolution: Caryl Miller "For twenty-one years, Caryl Miller served the Town of Hanover as an operator at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Over the years he has seen and done it all, from sewer line maintenance work, to operating the treatment plant, to taking the old crane truck out to help with downtown snow removal. During his tenure, he worked with many operational changes in the transition from primary treatment to secondary treatment, and kept abreast of all of the technological changes in wastewater treatment from chlorine disinfection to activated sludge and ultra violet light disinfection. Caryl possesses a green thumb, and spends his free time in his flower gardens. When he isn't in the garden, he delights in customizing his car and truck, and has a flair for creative painting designs. When not hard at work on gardens and vehicles, Caryl can be found on his power boat enjoying a cruise on the river, or at one of his favorite karaoke events in Bradford, where he has been known to step behind the microphone to entertain the assembled fans. We wish Caryl health and happiness in his retirement and thank him for his years of service to our Town." Chairman Walsh stated that he would also like to read the following commendation: "I would like this Town Meeting to recognize the work this past year of the League of Women Voters in general, and Mary Munter, in specific; first of all, for the publications "Know Your Community" and "Know Your Public Officials" which they have pulled together to make Hanover visible and accessible to all of its citizens, and secondly to a very strong piece of work redefining and reorganizing the Hanover Town Report which I think is the most readable we have had in years. So this is a Thank You specifically to Mary, and also for the League as a whole." Moderator Bird introduced Selectman Connolly for the reading of the following Resolution: Lawrence G. Ranslow
Law enforcement isn't his only love, as Larry loves to spend his days on a riverbank, just fishing, or traveling to Nova Scotia for the "big ones'. When he isn't fishing in season, he is an avid hunter, and a master at training his beloved bird dogs. We thank Larry for his years of dedicated service to the Town, and wish him well, realizing that his days of chasing streakers across the green are over, but knowing that he has a lifetime ahead of him to hunt and to fish and to ride on his tractor on his Norwich farm."
Moderator Bird introduced Suzanne Young, Vice Chair of the Hanover Parks and Recreation Committee, for the reading of the following Hanover Parks and Recreation Board Volunteer Service Award: "Hanover is a town blessed with many wonderful resources, not the least of which is its volunteers. Year in and year out, citizens of all ages donate their time, energy and enthusiasm to a wide variety of projects and causes in town. Whether it's on the ball field, in the libraries or at the Senior Center, these dedicated individuals help make Hanover the great place to live that is today and will be in the future. On behalf of the Hanover Parks and Recreation Board, I am here to honor just one of those amazing volunteers with our Volunteer of the Year award. To everyone else, thank you for all your hard work. We could not have a successful recreation program without you. This year's recipient is so humble and publicity shy, she wouldn't even come tonight to receive her award. Terry Hall would never describe herself or her activities with the Parks and Recreation Department as anything special. In fact, she would be very quick to point to other's achievements and efforts as those to which hers pale in comparison. This is simply not true. Terry Hall became a member of the Hanover Parks and Recreation Board in 1990 and was chair from 1991 until 1995 when she retired from the Board. During her tenure, Terry was an important contributor to numerous projects and committees including the Hanover Winter Games Committee for four years, the Inaugural 4th of July Committee in 1992 and the Community Center Task Force, 1992-1993. Terry also played an integral role as chair in the development of the Sachem playing fields which are now heavily used for many different sports and the envy of quite a few towns and cities. Terry's insight, integrity and dedication to all these projects and many more helped make Hanover's recreation program the award-winning effort it is today. Most Hanover people, though, know Terry from girl's basketball. Terry started coaching her daughter Bonnie's 3rd grade team back in 1987 and even though all three of her daughters, Anna, Bonnie and Morgan, have since graduated from Hanover High, Terry continues to coach the Hanover 6th grade girls basketball team and just completed her 13th season. As a coach, Terry emphasizes team play and skill development over winning and has been a very positive influence on a generation of Hanover young women. She has been a role model for them and their parents all these years. Terry's involvement with youth basketball doesn't stop with the Recreation department, however. She has been the volunteer basketball supervisor for Hanover High School for many years, much to Mike Jackson's delight. An avid fan, Terry has sat through over eight years of Hanover High School basketball games, sitting in the same spot on the top bleacher for every game. Affectionately known as "Mrs. Hall's seat," rumor has it that school officials have decided to cut out that portion of the bench and move it to UVM's Patrick Gym where her daughter Morgan now plays.
I knew back in 1995 when I was in my first year on the Board and Terry was stepping off, that she wouldn't be here tonight. She wouldn't let us honor her with fanfare then and she's still not comfortable with it. It's not her style. However, that hasn't deterred us from honoring Terry Hall as the Hanover Parks and Recreation Board's Volunteer of the Year. Congratulations Terry and thank you for all that you've done and continue to do for Hanover." ARTICLE THIRTY: To transact any other business that may legally be brought before this Town Meeting. A motion was made by Chairman Walsh that the Town transact any other business that may legally be brought before Town Meeting. The motion was seconded by Selectman Connolly. A member of the audience stated that he would like to address two issues of civility. One issue related to an earlier question which was raised regarding an Article relative to purchasing a device costing $20,000. He noted that he would hope the Town is not at such haste in the Town Meeting to get the Town's business done as to overlook the possibility that adequate time should be taken to review more carefully what the electronic device would do to make it easier and better to track parking violations. He commented that he regrets that the meeting did not respond to the query in a more sensitive and appropriate fashion. He added that he would also like the meeting to recognize that the Town is blessed by the administration and hired help of the community and town, particularly Julia Griffin as the Town Manager, and wished to express his thanks for her hard work in providing guidance over the years. Robin Carpenter wished to contribute a thought about discussion of several of the Articles. He pointed out that one of the most frequent phrases heard about these Articles was that "no funds would be raised from taxation". He stated that everyone in the room knows that virtually all of the Town's funds are raised by taxation and urged the Selectboard to avoid using this phrase in presenting Articles in the future. Hearing no other business, Moderator Bird stated that he would entertain a motion to permanently dissolve this meeting. A motion was made by Chairman Walsh to permanently dissolve the 2000 Hanover Town Meeting. The motion was seconded by Selectman Connolly. The motion carried and the meeting was dissolved at 8:26 p.m. Respectfully submitted,
Dianne Quill, Town Clerk Taken and transcribed by: Nancy A. Richards
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