THE STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

THE STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

TOWN OF EPPING

TOWN MEETING WARRANT

Printer Friendly 2008 Warrant Articles

To the inhabitants of the Town of Epping, County of Rockingham, in the State of New Hampshire, qualified to vote in town affairs:

FIRST SESSION

You are hereby notified to meet for the First (Deliberative) Session of the annual town meeting, to be held at the Epping Middle High School Auditorium, Epping, NH on the Fifth day of February 2008 being Tuesday, at seven in the evening (7:00 P.M.). The First (Deliberative) Session will consist of explanation, discussion, and debate of each of the following warrant articles, and will afford those voters who are present the opportunity to propose, debate and adopt amendments to each warrant article, except those articles whose wording is prescribed by state law.

SECOND SESSION

You are also notified to meet for the Second Session of the annual town meeting, to elect town offices by official ballot and to vote by official ballot on the warrant articles as they may have been amended at the First Session, to be held at the Epping Middle High School, Epping, NH on the Eleventh day of March 2008, being Tuesday, at eight o’clock in the forenoon (the polls are to be open at 8:00 A.M. and may not close prior to 7:00 P.M. to act upon the following:

ELECTION OF OFFICERS

Article 1: To choose necessary town officers for the ensuing year:

· One Selectman for three(3) years

· Three Budget Committee Members for three (3)years

· One Treasurer for three (3) years

· One Checklist Supervisor for six (6) years

· One Cemetery Trustee for three (3) years

· One Fire Ward Member for three (3) years

· One Library Trustee for three (3) years

· One Planning Board Member for three (3) years

· Two Board of Adjustment Members for two (2) years

· One Board of Adjustment Member for three (3) years

· One Trustee of Trust Fund three (3) years

· One Water and Sewer Commission Member for three (3) years

· One Moderator for two (2) years

AMENDING ARTICLES 2 AND 6 OF THE ZONING ORDINANCE

Article 2: Are you in favor of the adoption of Amendment 1 as proposed by the Planning Board that will comprehensively amend the requirements for permitted uses within Article 2, and Article 6 with respect to multi-family units. This amendment will affect anyone proposing new, replacing or expanding existing multi-family uses within all zones. In general, the amendments will endeavor to reflect the existing uses in the area and eliminate the need for excessive frontage requirements for such uses. The per-unit frontage will be capped in the new amendments to provide for increased frontage up to the limit. The changes are comprehensive in nature and will affect all aspects of multi-family uses within Epping. [Recommended by the Planning Board 5-0]

AMENDING ARTICLE 15 OF THE ZONING ORDINANCE

Article 3: Are you in favor of the adoption of Amendment 2 as proposed by the Planning Board that will amend Article 15 Residential Open Space Development by Conditional Use Permit. The proposed amendment will clarify the intent of the ordinance with respect to units that are developed as single structure/multiple unit form of ownership for open space developments in a manner that expands the applicability for such developments while reflecting the goals of the ordinance. The amendment will eliminate the percentage limitation on the number of such units within a development and increase the requirement for open space accordingly. The amendment will affect all parcels of land that are being considered as an open space development in the Town of Epping. [Recommended by the Planning Board 5-0]

AMENDING ARTICLE 3 AND ARTICLE 2 OF THE ZONING ORDINANCE

Article 4: Are you in favor of the adoption of Amendment 3 as proposed by the Planning Board that will amend Article 2 Districts Section 4.0 with respect to setbacks from the centerline of Route 125. The proposed amendment will reduce the setback from the centerline of Route 125 from 100 feet to 50 feet. Originally established to protect property owners from unknown state roadway expansion, this requirement is now unduly restrictive for commercial development along this portion of Route 125 where the DOT design has been completed and shows no need for additional expansion of the right of way. The proposed amendment allows for more consistent and flexible development of the downtown core along Main Street and Route 125 and reflects the existing development patterns in this area. [Recommended by the Planning Board 5-0]

ROAD BOND

Article 5: To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $500,000.00 for the purpose of construction, reconstruction, and paving of various Town Roads as determined by the Board of Selectmen, and to authorize the issuance of not more than $500,000.00 of bonds or notes for a five year term in accordance with the provisions of the Municipal Finance Act (RSA33) and to authorize the Selectmen to negotiate such bonds or notes and to determine the rate of interest thereon and the maturity and other terms thereof; and authorize the Selectmen to take any other action or to pass any other vote relative thereto. [Recommended by Board of Selectmen 5-0; Recommended by the Municipal Budget Committee 9-1-1] [3/5 Majority Vote Required]

2008 OPERATING BUDGET

Article 6: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate as an operating budget, not including appropriations by special warrant articles and other appropriates voted separately, the amounts set forth on the budget posted with the warrant or as amended by vote of the first session, for the purposes set forth therein, totaling five million, two hundred forty three thousand, four hundred sixty four dollars ($5,243,464.00). Should this article be defeated, the default budget shall be five million, fifteen thousand and seven hundred thirty dollars ($5,015,730.00), which is the same as last year, with certain adjustments required by previous action of the town or by law; or the governing body may hold one special meeting, in accordance with RSA 40:13, X and XVI, to take up the issue of a revised operating budget only. [Recommended by the Board of Selectmen 5-0, Recommended by the Budget Committee 10-0-1] Majority Vote Required.

Town Hall Improvement Expendable Trust

Article 7: To see if the Town will raise and appropriate the sum of twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) to be placed in the previously established Town Hall Improvement Expendable Trust Fund. This sum will come from fund balance and no funds will be raised through taxation. [Recommended by the Board of Selectmen 4-0, Recommended by the Budget Committee 10-0-1] Majority Vote Required.

LANDFILL ENGINEERING DESIGN STUDY/CLOSURE CAPITAL RESERVE FUND

Article 8: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) to be deposited into the existing Landfill Engineering Design Study/Closure Capital Reserve Fund. [Recommended by Board of Selectmen 3/1, Recommended by the Budget Committee 10-0-1] Majority Vote Required.

LIBRARY PART TIME EMPLOYEE

Article 9: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $8,000 (eight thousand dollars) for the purpose of opening the library for Monday operating hours. Current library hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This amount represents all compensation and benefits for 12 months. [Recommended by the Board of Selectmen 4-0, Recommended by the Budget Committee 8-2-1] Majority Vote Required

TOWN CLERK/TAX COLLECTOR PART TIME EMPLOYEE

Article 10: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $11,400 (eleven thousand four hundred dollars) for the purpose of hiring a part time employee for the Town Clerk’s Office, to provide public office hours for the Town Clerk and Tax Collector’s Office five days a week. This represents compensation for nine months. Compensation for a twelve month period would be $14,400 (fourteen thousand four hundred dollars). [Recommended by the Board of Selectmen 4-0, Recommended by the Budget Committee 8-2-1] Majority Vote Required.

POLICE DEPARTMENT UNION CONTRACT

Article 11: To see if the Town of Epping will vote to approve the cost items included in the collective bargaining agreement reached between the Town of Epping and the New England Police Benevolent Association – Epping Local #28, which calls for the following increases in salaries and benefits:

YEAR ESTIMATED INCREASE

2008 $28,236.00

2009 $20,645.00

2010 $21,170.00

and further to raise and appropriate the sum of $28,236.00 (Twenty Eight Thousand Two Hundred Thirty Six Dollars) for the 2008 budget, such sum representing the additional costs attributable to the increases in salaries and benefits over those of the appropriation at current staffing levels paid in the prior budget year of 2007. The total estimated aggregate cost for the three years is One Hundred Forty Seven Thousand One Hundred Sixty Eight Dollars ($147,168.00). [Recommended by the Board of Selectmen 4-0, Recommended by the Budget Committee 9-0-2] Majority Vote Required.

POLICE DEPARTMENT CRUISERS

Article 12: To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to enter into a three (3) year lease agreement for the purpose of leasing and equipping two (2) police vehicles for the Police Department; and to raise and appropriate the sum of Twenty Five Thousand Three Hundred Forty Dollars ($25,340.00) for the first year’s payment. This lease agreement will contain a non-appropriation clause and is expected to cost a grand total of Seventy Six Thousand and Twenty Dollars ($76,020.00) with a One-Dollar ($1.00) purchase option at the end of the lease term. [Recommended by Board of Selectmen 5-0, Recommended by the Budget Committee 10-0-1] Majority Vote Required.

POLICE DEPARTMENT VEHICLE

Article 13: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Fifteen Thousand Dollars ($15,000.00) for the purpose of purchasing and equipping a vehicle for the detective division of the Epping Police Department. [Recommended by the Board of Selectmen 5-0, Recommended by the Budget Committee 9-1-1] Majority Vote Required.

FIRE DEPARTMENT VEHICLE

Article 14: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $29,000.00 (Twenty-Nine Thousand Dollars and no cents) from the Public Safety Facilities and Equipment Fund, a fund solely financed by revenue from the ambulance fees, for the purpose of purchasing and equipping a used 4-wheel drive, 4-door, pickup truck for the Epping Fire Department to replace the 1999 Jeep Cherokee that is used for department business. THERE WILL BE NO TAX IMPACT FOR THIS PURCHASE. [Recommended by Board of Selectmen 4-0, Recommended by the Budget Committee 10-0-1] Majority Vote Required.

AMBULANCE EQUIPMENT - COT

Article 15: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $10,636.00 (Ten Thousand-Six Hundred Thirty Six Dollars and no cents) from the Public Safety Facilities and Equipment Fund, a fund solely financed by revenue from ambulance fees, for the purpose of purchasing a Stryker Power Pro Ambulance Cot to replace the Manual ProFlex cot in ambulance 18A1. THERE WILL BE NO TAX IMPACT FOR THIS PURCHASE. [Recommended by Board of Selectmen 4-0, Recommended by the Budget Committee 10-0-1] Majority Vote Required.

AMBULANCE EQUIPMENT – AUTO PULSE

Article 16: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $16,000 (Sixteen Thousand Dollars and no cents) from the Public Safety Facilities and Equipment Fund, a fund solely financed by revenue from ambulance fees, for the purpose of purchasing an “Auto Pulse”, a piece of automated equipment that performs CPR on patients with no heartbeat. This equipment is intended to be carried in the primary response ambulance. THERE WILL BE NO TAX IMPACT FOR THIS PURCHASE. [Recommended by Board of Selectmen 4-0, Recommended by the Budget Committee 9-1-1] Majority Vote Required.

TRANSFER STATION TRUCK

Article 17: To see if the Town will vote to raise the sum of Twenty Thousand Dollars ($20,000.00) to purchase a used dump truck with or able to accept a plow to replace the Ford F-150 currently in use by the Transfer Station. The truck to be purchased for use in the day to day operation of the Transfer Station and to assist the Highway Department with snow removal and road repair. [Not Recommended by Board of Selectmen 1-3, Not Recommended by the Budget Committee 1-9-1] Majority Vote Required.

FUNDS FOR ETV

Article 18: To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $6,376.92 (Six Thousand Three Hundred Seventy Six Dollars and Ninety Two Cents) to be placed in the previously established Epping Television Expendable Trust Fund. These funds represent the difference between the Epping Television Operating Budget and the amount of money collected in franchise fees in 2007. This sum will come from the fund balance and will have no impact on the tax rate. [Recommended by the Board of Selectmen 4-0, Recommended by the Budget Committee 10-0-1]Majority Vote Required.

RECREATION REVOLVING FUND

Article 19: To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to establish a Recreation Revolving Fund pursuant to RSA35-B:2 II. The money received from fees and charges for recreation park services and facilities shall be allowed to accumulate from year to year, and shall not be considered to be part of the Town’s General Fund Unreserved Fund Balance. The Town Treasurer shall have custody of all monies in the fund, and shall pay out the same only upon order of the Recreation Commission and the approval of the Board of Selectmen. These funds may be expended only for recreation purposes as stated in RSA 35-B, and no expenditure shall be made in such a way as to require the expenditure of other town funds that have not been appropriated for that purpose. [Recommended by the Board of Selectmen 3-0, Recommended by the Budget Committee 10-0-01]

RECREATION DEPARTMENT VEHICLE

Article 20: To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Fourteen Thousand ($14,000.00) for the purchase of a used multi-passenger handicap accessible vehicle. This vehicle will be used for the purpose of transportation of Senior Citizens, youth, and family participants during Recreation Department sponsored trips. [Recommended by the Board of Selectmen 4-0, Recommended by the Budget Committee 9-1-1] Majority Vote Required.

BY PETITION: RESCIND THE PROVISIONS OF RSA 40:13 (known as SB2)

Article 21: To see if the Town will vote to rescind the provisions of RSA 40:13 (Known as SB2), as adopted by the Town of Epping on March 13, 2001, so that the official ballot will no longer be used for voting on all questions, but only for the election of officers and certain other questions for which the official ballot is required by State Law? 3/5 Majority Vote Required.

BY PETITION: LAMPREY RIVER YOUTH SOCCER

Article 22: To see if the Town will raise and appropriate two thousand dollars ($2000.00) in support of Lamprey River Youth Soccer. [Recommended by Board of Selectmen 5-0, Recommended by the Budget Committee 10-0-1] Majority Vote Required.

BY PETITION: EPPING YOUTH ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION (EYAA)

Article 23: To see if the Town will raise and appropriate three thousand dollars ($3,000.00) in support of Epping Youth Athletic Association (EYAA). [Recommended by Board of Selectmen 5-0, Recommended by the Budget Committee 10-0-1] Majority Vote Required.

BY PETITION: PAINTING MEDIAN LINES

Article 24: To see if the Town will vote to raise or appropriate the sum of $4,012.80 Four Thousand Twelve Dollars and Eighty Cents for the purpose of painting median lines on Main Street, Old Hedding Road, and Jacobs Well Roads in order to maintain safety and prevent the potential for a serious accident. At one time or another everyone in Town travels these areas to get to the Town Hall, Schools, Post Office, and Transfer Station. This would be a safety feature that would benefit us all. [Not Recommended by the Board of Selectmen 0-5, Not Recommended by the Budget Committee 0-10-1] Majority Vote Required.

CAPITAL RESERVE FUND CLOSURE

Article 25: To see if the Town will vote to discontinue the following Capital Reserve Funds: Water Mains Capital Reserve Fund created in 2001; Municipal Well Capital Reserve Fund created in 2001; Waste Water Facility Capital Reserve Fund created in 2001. No funds are remaining in these accounts. [Recommended by the Board of Selectmen 5-0, Recommended by the Budget Committee 10-0-1] Majority Vote Required.

CAPITAL RESERVE FUND CLOSURE

Article 26: To see if the Town will vote to discontinue the Revaluation Capital Reserve Fund created in 2004. No funds are remaining in this account. [Recommended by the Board of Selectmen 5-0, Recommended by the Budget Committee 10-0-1] Majority Vote Required.

RACE TRACK AMENDMENT

Article 27: To see if the Town will vote to amend the by-laws relating to the regulation and licensing of motor vehicle race tracks. To amend Section II to include the following: “The Board of Selectmen may at their discretion, upon written application, waive the provisions of Article II, thereby allowing the sale of alcoholic beverages within the race track premises within a designated and controlled area as approved by the Board of Selectmen after a public hearing, of which all abutters have been duly notified in writing.” [Recommended by the Board of Selectmen 5-0] Majority Vote Required.

Contribution to the American Red Cross – Great Bay Chapter

Article 28: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) to be distributed to American Red Cross – Great Bay Chapter for services estimated to be rendered to residents of the Town during the year 2008. [Recommended by the Board of Selectmen 3-1, Recommended by the Budget Committee 8-2-1] Majority Vote Required.

Contribution to Child and Family Services

Article 29: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Four Thousand Dollars ($4,000) to be distributed to Child & Family Services for services estimated to be rendered to residents of the Town during the year 2008. [Recommended by the Board of Selectmen 3-1, Recommended by the Budget Committee 8-2-1] Majority Vote Required.

Contribution to the Richie McFarland Children’s Center

Article 30: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Three Thousand Eight Hundred Dollars Fifty ($3,850) to be distributed to McFarland Children’s Center for services estimated to be rendered to residents of the Town during the year 2008. . [Recommended by the Board of Selectmen 3-1, Recommended by the Budget Committee 8-2-1] Majority Vote Required.

Contribution to the Retired Senior Volunteer Program

Article 31: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Three Hundred Dollars ($300) to be distributed to Retired Senior Volunteer Program for services estimated to be rendered to residents of the Town during the year 2008. [Recommended by the Board of Selectmen 3-1, Recommended by the Budget Committee 8-2-1] Majority Vote Required.

Contribution to Rockingham Nutrition and Meals on Wheels

Article 32: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Three Thousand Nine Hundred and Ten Dollars ($3,910) to be distributed to Rockingham Nutrition & Meals on Wheels for services estimated to be rendered to residents of the Town during the year 2008. [Recommended by the Board of Selectmen 3-1, Recommended by the Budget Committee 8-2-1] Majority Vote Required.

Contribution to Seacoast Hospice

Article 33: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of One Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($1,500) to be distributed to Seacoast Hospice for services estimated to be rendered to residents of the Town during the year 2008. [Recommended by the Board of Selectmen 3-1, Recommended by the Budget Committee 8-2-1] Majority Vote Required.

Contribution to Sexual Assault Support Services

Article 34: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of One Thousand Two Hundred and Fifty Dollars ($1,250) to be distributed to Sexual Assault Support Services for services estimated to be rendered to residents of the Town during the year 2008. [Recommended by the Board of Selectmen 3-1, Recommended by the Budget Committee 8-2-1] Majority Vote Required.

REALIGNMENT OF RAILROAD AVENUE

Article 35: To see if the Town upon request of the Planning Board shall vote to discontinue completely a portion of Railroad Avenue between Main Street and State Route 125 after the construction of a new roadway is completed that will result in a realignment of Railroad Avenue creating a perpendicular access point with State Route 125. Upon construction and deeding of the newly aligned Railroad Avenue, the Board of Selectmen shall be authorized to deed all interest in the discontinued roadway to the abutting landowners. A plan depicting the area to be abandoned is titled “Railroad Avenue Relocation Plan” is available for viewing at the Town Hall. [Recommended by the Planning Board 5-0, Recommended by the Board of Selectmen 5-0]

Given under our hand and seal and ordered posted this 24’th day of January, 2008:

THE EPPING BOARD OF SELECTMEN:

______________________________

Jeffrey Harris, Chairman

____________________________

Tom Gauthier, Vice-Chairman

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Susan McGeough, Selectman

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Jerry Langdon, Selectman

_____________________________

Dianne Gilbert, Selectman

A TRUE COPY ATTEST:

__________________________

Jeffrey Harris, Chairman

____________________________

Tom Gauthier, Vice-Chairman

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Susan McGeough, Selectman

_____________________________

Jerry Langdon, Selectman

_____________________________

Dianne Gilbert, Selectman