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NewsLink
is a bi-weekly newsletter of the New Hampshire Municipal Association.
Its purpose is to keep you up-to-date on the latest information
of interest to municipal officials.
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Deadline Less Than Two Weeks Away - Get Your Policy Proposals to Us!
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Every NHMA legislative policy begins with a proposal submitted by a local official, board, or committee. If there is a law affecting municipal government that you think needs to be fixed, or if you have an idea for how the functions of local government might be improved through legislation, this is your opportunity to make a change. A legislative policy form
that can be used to submit a proposal for consideration is available here.
The deadline for submitting proposals is April 20
, although earlier submission is encouraged. Please follow the instructions on the form for submitting your proposal.
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FREE Local Officials Workshops in April, May & June
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April 9th Workshop in Town of Grantham
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9:00 am - 4:00 pm
(
Registration at 8:30 am)
Free workshops for seasoned and new municipal officials and employees of NHMA member municipalities.
Presented by NHMA's Legal Services attorneys, these workshops provide municipal officials with tools and information to effectively serve their communities. Topics will include the Right-to-Know Law, ethics and conflicts, town governance, municipal roads, and more. Ample time allowed for questions, answers, and discussion.
DATES AND LOCATIONS
Continental breakfast will be provided. Lunch is on your own and time will be provided for attendees to get lunch.
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Sponsored by:
Benefits for the Public Sector
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After Elections....Update Your Official Rosters!
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Please Update Your Official Rosters and Member Contact Information
Time to Update Changes in Municipal Positions
After each town or city election, we ask our members to identify and update all newly-elected and reelected officials from your city or town. By this action, you help us to maintain the
2018-2019 New Hampshire Municipal Officials Directory
as a valuable member resource.
NHMA relies on this vital contact information to reach municipal officials and staff with timely information regarding available training, programs and services as well as important legal and legislative updates throughout the year. This publication is also used extensively as a valuable reference tool by city, town, school and other local government officials.
Please log onto
www.nhmunicipal.org
and go to Member Directory Updates in the Member Toolbox. If you don't know who in your city or town has access to do this, please contact Judy Pearson at
[email protected]
or 230.3355. This is also the time to update who receives a complimentary
Town and City
magazine subscription as part of your membership with us.
Please update this information by May 31.
Thank you in advance for all your help!
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UPCOMING WORKSHOPS & WEBINARS
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Stranger Streets: A New Hard Road to Travel Workshop
9:00 am - 12:30 pm
Friday, April 27, 2018
If a Class VI road is washed out, can the town really do nothing?
Can public works cut trees on a scenic road?
Do there really need to be summer cottages on a "highway to summer cottages"?
Join NHMA Attorneys Stephen Buckley and Margaret Byrnes for the answers to these questions ----and many more! The attorneys will discuss the
"stranger" side of municipal road law, including bridges, municipal trails, sidewalk maintenance, scenic roads, highways to summer cottages, and winter roads. Ample time will also be spent on Class VI and private roads, including what municipalities-and residents-can and cannot do on these roads.
Registration and continental breakfast start at 8:30 a.m.
Workshop registration: $60.00. Book not included in workshop. If you would like to purchase the 2015 publication, please visit
NHMA's online shop.
Pre-registration is required one week prior to the workshop.
This workshop is open to members of the New Hampshire Municipal Association.
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NHMA/NHDES Webinar:
The Drinking Water and Groundwater Trust Fund: Renewed Investment in Local and Regional Water Supply Infrastructure and Source Protection
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Wednesday, May 16, 2018
The Drinking Water and Groundwater Trust Fund represents a major, long-term infusion of funds for water supply infrastructure and source water protection that was created in 2016 by SB 380, using $276 million of MtBE trial judgment funds. The Trust Fund, established under RSA 485-F, is intended to provide for the protection, preservation, and enhancement of the drinking water and groundwater resources of the state. As part of the establishment of the Trust Fund, the legislature formed the Drinking Water and Groundwater Advisory Commission. The Commission administers the Trust Fund with assistance provided by the MtBE Remediation Bureau and Drinking Water and Groundwater Bureau of NHDES and awards loan funds, grants and matching funds to drinking water projects in a manner consistent with RSA 485-F.
Join Assistant Commissioner, Clark Freise, Johnna McKenna, and Paul Susca of the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services as they explain how municipalities and water suppliers can access this new funding opportunity for drinking water infrastructure projects and for land conservation and source water protection.
The webinar will explain how this new drinking water financial assistance program will work and how it will integrate with the existing Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund (DWSRF) program for drinking water infrastructure/construction type projects including how to apply to the 2018 DWGTF and DWSRF round. With respect to construction, topics will include eligible applicants, eligible projects, evaluation criteria, timelines and the process for applying.
This webinar is open to NHMA member and is of interest to all municipal officials and employees.
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NHMA/NHMLA Workshop: The First Amendment: Elections, Signs and More
1:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Thursday, May 17, 2018
Recent events have caused all those involved in local government to focus on the conduct and control of local elections, particularly as to the authority for postponing them. That controversy, though, is but a part of an array of concerns that have arisen over the duties and authority of local government with respect to elections. This workshop will tackle some of the more difficult issues related to local elections, including political advertising, electioneering, the use of governmental websites, governmental speech, and control of areas within or near the polling place. This workshop is intended both for municipal officials and municipal attorneys.
Workshop presenters include James Kennedy, the City Solicitor for the City of Concord, New Hampshire; Gilles Bissonnette, Legal Director of the ACLU of New Hampshire; and Walter Mitchell of Mitchell Municipal Group of Laconia. Stephen C. Buckley, NHMA Legal Services Counsel, and Margaret Byrnes, NHMA Staff Attorney, will moderate the workshop.
Registration Fees:
NHMA Member (Municipal Officials): $40.00
NHMLA Member (Attorneys): $50.00
Non-Member (Attorneys): $75.00
Pre-registration is required one week prior to the workshop. If you register and do not attend and do not cancel with in 48 hour prior, you will still be charged the cost of the workshop to cover the cost of the materials and administrative processing fees. Personal and municipal checks will be accepted at the door.
Notice for Attorneys:
NHMA and NHMLA believe this course meets the requirements of NH Supreme Court Rule 53 and may qualify for 180 minutes toward the annual NHMCLE requirement. Actual attendance minutes must be determined and reported by attendees. Certificates of attendance will be provided to attorneys intending to report this seminar for NHMCLE credits.
This webinar is open to members of the New Hampshire Municipal Association and the New Hampshire Municipal Lawyers Association.
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NHMA Webinar: Controlling Junk: Junkyard Enforcement 101
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Wednesday, May 23, 2018
Since 1965, all municipalities in New Hampshire have had the responsibility to regulate junkyards at the local level. The term "junk," however, is not well defined and means different things to different people. The issue is complex, and municipalities must deal with accumulations as small as an individual property owner with unsightly piles in the yard to large commercial junkyard operations that are many acres in size.
Municipal officials, specifically code enforcement officers, fire chiefs, health inspectors, and building inspectors, are responsible for the regulation and enforcement of junk and junkyards. "Junk" regulations are intended to preserve public safety by preventing a fire; to protect public health by preventing the spread of disease; or to serve the general welfare by preventing harm to the environment.
Join NHMA's
Staff Attorney Margaret Byrnes and
Attorney Matt Serge of
Drummond Woodsum in Manchester who will discuss the approaches available to local officials to prevent the creation of nuisances, enforce licensing requirements, and otherwise take effective enforcement action to protect public health and safety.
This webinar is open to members of the New Hampshire Municipal Association.
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NHMA Workshop: A Guide to Effective Enforcement: Investigating and Enforcing Code and Land Use Violations
9:00 am - 12:30 pm
Friday, June 1, 2018
Cost is $90, includes workshop and new publication,
A Guide to Effective Enforcement: Investigating and Enforcing Code and Land Use Violations.
Municipal officials, specifically code enforcement officers, fire chiefs, health inspectors, and building inspectors, are responsible for the enforcement of a variety of codes, regulations, and ordinances. These codes include the State Building Code, health and safety ordinances; and the municipality's respective zoning ordinance, site plan review regulations and subdivision regulations. In addition, municipal officials are responsible for ensuring compliance with the conditions of approval that accompany variances, special exceptions, conditional use permits, site plan approvals and subdivision approvals.
Effectively enforcing these various codes and regulations can pose a challenge to municipalities. Join Legal Services Counsel
Stephen Buckley, Staff Attorney
Margaret Byrnes and
Attorney Matt Serge of Drummond Woodsum for this half-day workshop which will provide municipal officials with practical guidance on how to navigate the nuanced procedures associated with code enforcement, as well as practical advice in pursuing an enforcement action against non-compliant property owners. Our legal experts will address some of the most difficult issues under the law, including junkyards, hoarding, dilapidated buildings and junkyards. There will be ample time for questions and answers on all aspects of the law.
This webinar is open to members of the New Hampshire Municipal Association.
Attendees will also receive a new NHMA
/Drummond Woodsum publication
, A Guide to Effective Enforcement: Investigating and Enforcing Code and Land Use Violations.
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Find Out Why You Should in the
Legislative Bulletin!
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Trust Fund/State Revolving Loan Fund Workshops
Wednesday, April 18, 2018
NHDES Offices, 29 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH
The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) will be hosting a Drinking Water and Groundwater Trust Fund (DWGWTF) and Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund (DWSRF) Workshop on April 18th at NHDES offices on 29 Hazen Drive in Concord.
Cost is free! Space is limited so register early.
Time & How To Register:
Construction Projects Session
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m.)
On-line:
Non-Construction Projects Session
Who Should Attend? Drinking water utility managers, public works directors, city and town managers, commissioners, selectmen, community/financial decision makers, consultants/engineers, water system operators, land trusts, conservation commissions, municipal and regional planners, and others interested in drinking water infrastructure, source water protection, and/or land conservation projects.
Registration Deadline: April 9, 2018 (Space is limited so register early)
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Carsey School of Public Policy Issues Brief
This brief examines the impact of climate change and sea-level rise on the vulnerable cultural heritage of coastal New Hampshire. Coastal New Hampshire is at a very high risk of coastal flooding today and of coastal land submersions within the next 50 to 100 years. The region stands to lose 14 percent of its known prehistoric and historic cultural heritage sites, including twelve sites on the National Register of Historic Places, to sea-level rise.
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USEPA Announces Availability of $5.5 Billion in Credit
Letter of Interest (LOI) Required by July 6, 2018
T
he U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced the availability of approximately $5.5 billion in credit that could finance over $11 billion in water infrastructure projects through the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) program.
Prospective borrowers seeking WIFIA credit assistance must submit a letter of interest by July 6, 2018.
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LOI Submission and Selection Process for All Eligible Prospective Borrowers
Monday, April 30, 2:00-3:30 EDT pm
LOI Submission and Selection Process for Small Community Prospective Borrowers
LOI Submission and Selection Process for Tribal Prospective Borrowers
Wednesday, May 30, 2:00-3:30 EDT pm
LOI Submission and Selection Process Question and Answer Session
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2018 Labor Law Training Seminar Schedule
All programs are 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
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Date
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Location
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April 12, 2018
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April 17, 2018
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80 Country Club Lane
Greenland, NH 03840
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April 19, 2018
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April 24, 2018
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April 25, 2018
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11 Whitehall Road
Rochester, NH 03867
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April 26, 2018
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Keene Ice, Blastos Room
380 Marlboro Street
Keene, NH 03431
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May 1, 2018
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Northland Restaurant and Dairy Bar
1826 Riverside Drive (Route 16)
Berlin, NH 03570
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May 3, 2018
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Zip's Pub & Grill
1 Skimobile Road
North Conway, NH 03860
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May 10, 2018
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NHDES Solid Waste Operator
Training and Certification
Program
Thursday, April 19
Town & Country Inn and Resort, Shelburne, NH
The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) will be offering a Solid Waste Operator Basic Training workshop on April 19th at the Town & Country Inn and Resort in Shelburne.
One morning class will be held for
NEW
Solid Waste Operators who have yet to be certified and another workshop will be held at the same location on the evening of April 19.
F
or more information on these classes and to register, please contact Tara Mae Albert, SWOT Coordinator at
[email protected]
or (603) 271-3713.
For more information about the NHDES Solid Waste Operator Program, go here:
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April 30 - May 2, 2018
Radisson Hotel, Manchester, New Hampshire
Antioch University and NOAA are hosting their 3rd Biennial Eastern Climate Preparedness Conference from April 30 - May 2 at The Radisson Hotel in Manchester.
This capacity-building program is geared towards small government planners and decision-makers striving to create healthy resilient communities that are better able to handle severe weather and climate impacts. Through sessions, speakers and workshops, this conference guides local government planners on how to make climate resilience an aspect of their daily operations.
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NHDES and
American Ground Water Trust
8:30 am - 4:00 pm, Thursday, May 17, 2018
Grappone Conference Center - Concord, New Hampshire
Clean drinking water is vital to public health and the potential for future economic development. Even very small quantities of contaminating substances in lakes, rivers, or aquifers can limit their use as sources of clean drinking water. Local land use policy, open space planning, and conservation tailored to protecting these resources promote public health and ensure a long-term supply of clean drinking water. Consequently, there are important roles for local officials to play in protecting currently operating public water systems as well as water resources that can serve as future sources of drinking water.
Each year, the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) convenes a conference concerning how to protect local drinking water resources that is designed for local planners, conservation commissioners, water supply managers, and other local leaders. This conference has become the largest drinking water "source protection" event in New England and is the only statewide event focused solely on how to protect local sources of drinking water.
This year's conference will feature a total of 18 presentations on:
- PFAS and other emerging contaminants
- Update on NH's Drinking Water and Groundwater Trust Fund
- Legislative updates involving drinking water
- Research from Dartmouth concerning health impacts associated with arsenic exposure
- Projects related to source water planning, land conservation, and community engagement
The conference fee is $65 and includes lunch and refreshments. Qualifies for 5.0 Technical Credit Hours toward the NH Water Works Operator Certification Program.
Registration questions? Contact Andrew Stone at AGWT:
[email protected] or 603-228-5444.
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CDFA Hosting 2018 Application Workshops
LITTLETON
Thursday, May 24, 2018
Mt. Eustis Commons
The Community Development Finance Authority (CDFA) will be conducting workshops for organizations interested in applying for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds in 2018 or learning more about the program.
The workshop is encouraged for grant administrators, grantees and any projects that intend to apply for the following programs in 2018: Housing, Public Facilities, Economic Development, Emergency or Feasibility.
Interested applicants should register for only one of the following events as space is limited and the same content will be covered at each workshop:
Deadline to register is Friday, May 18, 2018.
If you have any questions, please contact Meena Gyawali, Director of Community Development, at 603-226-2170 or
[email protected].
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Current Use Assessment Ranges Effective April 1, 2018
The Current Use Board recently adopted administrative rule Cub 304 establishing the following assessment ranges for land enrolled in the Current Use program, effective April 1, 2018:
Forestland Without Documented Stewardship:
White Pine $118 - $177 per acre
Hardwood $ 54 - $ 81 per acre
All other $ 37 - $ 56 per acre
Forestland With Documented Stewardship:
White Pine $ 71 - $106 per acre
Hardwood $ 33 - $ 49 per acre
All other $ 22 - $ 34 per acre
Unproductive Land: $22 per acre
Wetland: $22 per acre
Farmland remains unchanged at $25 - $425 per acre
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Stormwater Management Conference
May 7-8, Sheraton Hotel, Portsmouth, NH
The first day is dedicated towards technological and design advances in stormwater management infrastructure, and strategies for building resilient stormwater networks around significant physical and financial constraints.
A special feature has been added to this year's conference targeting elected and appointed municipal leaders. This highly interactive workshop on
Tuesday, May 8 is all about moving communities from contemplation to implementation of their stormwater management plans.
A special rate of $80 for this half day workshop is intended to encourage local officials to attend.
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CommuteSmart Central NH invites you to participate in the third annual CommuteSmart Commuter Challenge! During the week of May 14th-18th log all of your smart commute trips taken in place of driving a single occupancy vehicle. Try walking, biking, transit, carpooling, or telecommuting!
Don't forget to log your trips!
Log in or sign up to log all of your smart commute trips taken between
May 14th and May 18th. You'll be able to compete with others around the region and be eligible to win prizes.
All trips must be logged by 11:59 PM on Monday, May 21st.
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Plan NH's Municipal Technical Assistant (MTAG) Grant Applications Due June 1st
New Hampshire's population is changing rapidly, and housing inventory in most communities cannot meet future or even current demand - in part, due to outdated local ordinances and regulations.
Plan NH's MTAG Program provides funding, through a competitive application process, to communities who wish to expand options for places to live through zoning regulations.
Funds are used to hire a qualified consultant to assist with identifying a community's housing needs, reviewing current regulations, and then re-writing or creating new regulations to address those needs.
A 25% cash match is required, as is community engagement in the process.
Plan NH, in partnership with New Hampshire Housing, is pleased to announce a fourth round for applications to this program. Applications are
due June 1, 2018.
For more information about the program, and application materials, use
this link.
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State Preemption of Local Authority Continues To Rise, According to New Data from NLC
Recently the National League of Cities (NLC) released an update to its report,
City Rights in an Era of Preemption
, that reveals state preemption of local authority is increasing throughout the country. From minimum wage to municipal broadband, the report illuminates the worsening trend of infringements on local democracy. More than half of all states now ban local efforts to combat inequality through minimum wage policy, while 23 states have denied local governments the power to enact paid sick leave policies. States have shut down local LGBTQ anti-discrimination ordinances, undermined efforts to advance environmental protection and stifled innovation by preventing cities from having a say on high-speed broadband.
NLC's research analyzes state preemption bills and judicial activity in the areas of minimum wage, paid leave, anti-discrimination, ride hailing, home sharing, municipal broadband, and tax and expenditure limitations. Compared to last year, 19 new laws were passed that will prevent cities from helping their communities across these 7 policy areas.
Additional states preempted local governments in the following ways:
* 12 percent increase in minimum wage preemption laws (3 additional states for a total of 28)
* 21 percent increase in paid leave preemption laws (4 additional states for a total of 23)
* 11 percent increase in ride sharing preemption laws (4 additional states for a total of 41)
* 67 percent increase in home sharing preemption laws (2 additional states for a total of 5)
* 18 percent increase in municipal broadband preemption laws (3 additional states for a total of 20)
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New in 2018, NewsLink will feature an occasional segment that highlights recognitions (and any other good news that deserves notice) in a new segment called "Members in the News."
So please send any recognitions, awards, distinctions or any news worthy items to us at [email protected]. The emphasis is on good news and/or stories of how municipal professionals are transforming the way we serve our residents every day. Enjoy!
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Check Out the Safest Cities (Actually Towns) in New Hampshire
As Granite Staters, we take pride to be one of the nation's safest states, with violent and property crimes well below the national average. And unsurprisingly, New Hampshire is the location of many safe communities.
The National Council for Home Safety and Security, a national trade association comprised of licensed alarm installers, contractors, and other relevant trade groups across the United States, has issued its 2018 list of safest cities (actually towns) in New Hampshire.
Check out New Hampshire's Safest Cities Here!
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April 11th TRIVIA QUESTION:
Name the New Hampshire city or town which has been known as "New Concord" and "Camdem." It was the first town to be named after a famous president. A notable inhabitant was Sylvanus Thayer, known as "the Father of West Point."
Please send your response to
[email protected]
. A winner will be recognized in the next
NewsLink
issue and be eligible for a grand prize of no particular value whatsoever at the end of the year.
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March 28th TRIVIA QUESTION:
Name the New Hampshire city or town that houses Parker Hill, Tinkerville and Dodge Pond. Eleven of the 63 original grantees had the same last name of this municipality, which was incorporated in 1761.
Correct Response: Town of Lyman
March 28h Winner: Marilyn Bedell, Monroe Town Clerk
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Benefit Plans for the Public Sector
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Before you act on an employment or labor issue,
call the
Drummond Woodsum
EMPLOYMENT LAW HOTLINE
The Employment Law Hotline is an NHMA Member Benefit
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NewsLink is FREE, Subscribe Today!
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New Hampshire Municipal Association, 25 Triangle Park Drive, Concord, NH 03301
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