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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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NHRS Sets Preliminary Employer Rates
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NHRS Releases Preliminary Employer Rates for FY 2020-2021
The New Hampshire Retirement System (NHRS) Board of Trustees recently received the draft
June 30, 2017 Valuation Report
from their actuary which includes preliminary employers contribution rates for the period July 1, 2019 - June 30, 2021. As indicated, these are preliminary rates and will not be official until certified by the NHRS Board of Trustees in September, 2018. NHRS will notify employers when the rates are finalized. Here are the current employer contribution rates for fiscal years 2018-2019, and preliminary contribution rates for fiscal years 2020-2021:
Employer Current Rates (Per $100 Wages) Preliminary Rates (Per $100 Wages)
Contribution for:
July 1, 2017 - June 30, 2019
July 1, 2019 - June 30, 2021
Change
Employees 11.38% 11.17% (0.21%)
Teachers 17.36% 17.80% 0.44%
Police 29.43% 28.43% (1.00%)
Fire 31.89% 30.09% (1.80%)
Draft rates shown are for political subdivision employers and include both the pension and medical subsidy.
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NHMA Webinar: How to Handle Voluminous Records Requests
12:00 noon - 1:00 pm
Wednesday, July 25, 2018
At times, record requests submitted to cities and towns under RSA 91-A, New Hampshire's Right-to-Know Law, involve hundreds, sometimes thousands of records, or pages of records. There is no question that there are costs - time, effort, money - associated with complying with these, at times, burdensome governmental records requests. The Legislature, however, has decided that the benefits of open government outweigh any inconveniences posed by the Right-to-Know Law.
Join Auburn Town Administrator Bill Herman and NHMA's Legal Services Counsel Stephen C. Buckley who will share strategies to assist municipalities in processing voluminous records requests. Guidance will be provided on determining whether a record request would require a search for multiple documents to be contrasted with a request that impermissibly seeks to create a record that does not exist.
Handling voluminous requests requires a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of request processing, including: the requirements for availability, storage, electronic records, redaction, cost estimates, appointments and other statutory obligations. While not all these suggestions can be applied in the context of every voluminous request, they are intended to provide some strategies that may be of assistance in varying circumstances.
This webinar is open to NHMA members and is of interest to all municipal officials and employees.
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NHMA Webinar: Poor Cybersecurity Growing Municipal Concern
12:00 noon - 1:00 pm
Wednesday, August 8, 2018
Protecting a municipality's computer network and safeguarding of personally identifiable information (PII) and other sensitive data is becoming an increasing area of focus and concern for municipal governments in New Hampshire.
In the wake of a March 2018 ransomware attack at the City of Atlanta, cyberattacks are making municipal leaders take particular notice about cybersecurity. Others have taken notice too. Bond credit rating companies, for example, such as Standard & Poor's and Moody's Investment Services, are beginning to take cybersecurity into account when they evaluate the ability for local governments to borrow money. In other words, not taking care of your cybersecurity means the same level of perceived negligence surrounding a poor financial situation at your town or city.
Join Alan R. Guibord, Chairman and Founder of Integrated Cyber Solutions, LLC, and CEO Jim Noble, who will provide an overview of the current global cyber environment and will share tips that you can implement to protect against a majority of these cyber threats. These experts will discuss how you can provide 24/7/365 protection for your city or town in a budget-friendly way.
This webinar is open to NHMA members and is of interest to all municipal officials and employees.
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NHMA Webinar: Alien Invasion: Preventing Aquatic Invasive Species in Your Local Waterbodies
12:00 noon - 1:00 pm
Wednesday,
August 22, 2018
New Hampshire has been fighting exotic aquatic plants, such as milfoil and fanwort, since the mid-1960's and from there it has spread to infest more than 60 waterbodies. Once in the waterbody, continuous management and control practices are the only cost-effective tools to control the nuisance plant growth which research has shown reduces shoreline property values. With over 800 lakes and ponds in the state, the efforts of volunteers in monitoring these waterbodies for new infestations become critical.
Join Amy Smagula, Exotic Species Program Coordinator with the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services and Kelly Ainslee Buchanan, Advocacy Coordinator with NH LAKES, who will discuss what cities and towns can do through education and volunteer training to prevent exotic plant infestations in your local water bodies.
This webinar is open to NHMA members and is of interest to all municipal officials and employees and members of the New Hampshire Lakes Association.
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Legislative Floor Proposals Due by August 10
This legislative policy proposal form can be used to submit a proposal for consideration at this year's Legislative Policy Conference to be held 9:00 am - 12:00 noon at NHMA offices on September 14, 2018.
Each proposed floor policy should record the date of the governing body vote approving the proposal. It should include a brief (one or two sentence) policy statement, a statement about the municipal interest served by the proposal, and an explanation which describes the nature of the problem or concern from a municipal perspective and discusses the proposed action which is being advocated to address the problem.
Mail to 25 Triangle Park Drive, Concord, NH 03301; or email to [email protected]. Must be received by August 10, 2018.
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Look for Final
Legislative Bulletin later this month!
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NHDES to Host Stakeholder Meeting on Fugitive Dust Rule
10:00 am - 12:00 noon
Thursday, August 16, 2018
NHDES Offices, 29 Hazen Drive, Concord
The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) will be holding a stakeholder meeting on August 16, 2018 for a presentation regarding upcoming fugitive dust rule revisions and a discussion of potential updates.
Env-A 1002, Prevention, Abatement, and Control of Fugitive Dust has been in effect since 1978, as authorized under RSA 125-C. The current rules will expire May 2019. Rule updates will coordinate current technology and industry practices that have developed over the years for worker protection, and protection of the public and the environment.
NHDES has shared the following resources in advance of this August 16 meeting:
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Participate in the New Hampshire Statewide Aerial Imagery Needs Assessment
The New Hampshire GIS Technical Advisory Committee Task Force is developing a long-term plan for regular acquisition of statewide aerial imagery that will meet the needs of GIS data users throughout New Hampshire.
The Task Force is seeking input from GIS data users concerning their current and expected future use of statewide aerial imagery and desired technical specifications for the applications they support. You are encouraged to represent the needs of your organization, town, or agency by completing an online survey and/or attending one of four input sessions. To complete the survey and find out more information about the input sessions, visit here.
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Click Image for Drought Monitor Report
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Memo to Municipalities - NHDES Recommends Promoting Water Use Restrictions
New Hampshire has been experiencing less than average rainfall and higher than average temperatures. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, 45% of the state is experiencing moderate drought, while 55% of the state remains in abnormally dry conditions. Predictions over July indicate likelihood of above normal temperatures and below normal precipitation. The 3-month Drought Outlook predicts drought development likely across the entire state.
Restriction Recommendations:
NHDES recommends promoting outdoor water use restrictions including refraining from landscape watering and limiting any watering to between 7pm and 8am. Also, NHDES is recommending restricting other outdoor water uses, including power washing, washing cars, and washing down large surfaces such as driveways and sidewalks.
Municipal Authority to Implement Residential Lawn Watering Restrictions
Pursuant to RSA 41:11-d, a municipality or village district has the authority to restrict residential lawn watering within its political boundaries when a federal or state agency declares a drought. When the U.S. Drought Monitor categorizes a portion of New Hampshire as in drought, the State of New Hampshire considers this a declaration of a drought in that area. Those municipalities falling within the drought boundaries may rely on RSA 41:11-d to implement restrictions. As drought development is likely, NHDES recommends that municipalities not yet categorized as experiencing drought to implement voluntary restrictions. Guidance on implementing residential water use restrictions may be found
here.
Municipalities and village districts operating community water systems may implement a broader array of mandatory restrictions. Guidance on implementing water system restrictions may be found
here.
Reporting Restrictions:
Please report voluntary and mandatory restrictions to NHDES
here.
Those restrictions reported by 4pm on Wednesdays will be included on the updated restriction list posted the following day on the NHDES website. Changes to restrictions may be reported using the same form.
Restriction Tip:
When considering voluntary versus mandatory water use restrictions, consider that data from some water systems in the state has revealed that voluntary restrictions can result in increased use, as water users know a mandatory restriction is coming down the line and in response over water. This is not the case for all water systems or communities, but should be considered and evaluated.
For more information, including drought guidance for municipalities and private well owners, as well as a reporting tool for residents to report shortages, go to the
Drought Management Program webpage.
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Making Connections: A Regional Broadband Summit
July 23 - 24, 2018
Marriott City Center
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
This summit is a two-day event that brings together broadband champions, community leaders, and policy experts from federal, state, and local government to discuss today's most pressing issues in broadband deployment. Expert panelists will feature community success stories, and will dig in to digital equity, network financing, 5G, rural solutions, and more.
The summit, hosted by Next Century Cities, is free for municipal, nonprofit, and academic staff. Find more details, the agenda, confirmed speakers, and sponsorship information
here
, and register
here
.
Please feel free to reach out to
Cat Blake
with questions.
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FAQ on Part-tie Employment of NHRS Retirees
The New Hampshire Retirement System (NHRS) has developed a list of frequently asked questions (FAQ) concerning House Bill 561 (Chapter 293, Laws of 2018), which changes several statutes governing part-time, post-retirement employment of retired members of the retirement system by NHRS-participating employers. These changes take effect January 1, 2019. Click here for the FAQ. NHRS recognizes that there may be unique post-retirement employment situations not addressed in this FAQ. Employers and retirees with questions regarding whether a particular employment arrangement is allowed under this statute should contact NHRS for further guidance. Please send inquiries to [email protected].
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NHDRA Releases Pole and Conduit Value Data
The following values for poles and conduits has been released by the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration (NHDRA)
:
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Notice of Funding Availability: CDBG Funds for Housing and Public Facilities
Applications Due by July 30th
The New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority (CDFA) is now accepting applications for 2018 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Housing and Public Facilities funds.
Approximately $3.4 million in CDBG funds is estimated to be available for this round.
All applications for CDBG Housing and Public Facilities grants must be received by CDFA through its online grants management system ( https://nhcdfagrants.org/) by 4:00 pm on Monday, July 30, 2018.
PRE-APPLICATION MEETING INFORMATION
All CDBG applications require a pre-application meeting with all involved parties and CDFA staff. Please contact Meena Gyawali, Director of Community Development ([email protected]/603-717-9112) to schedule. Applications submitted without a pre-application meeting will not be considered.
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2019 Local Source Water Protection Grant Applications Now Available!
Funding is now available from the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) to develop and implement programs to protect existing sources of public drinking water.
The grants are available to water suppliers, municipalities, regional planning agencies, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, conservation districts, and state agencies. Applicants can receive up to $20,000 for projects that protect drinking water sources, including watershed planning, delineation of protection areas, assessment of threats to water supply sources, "on the ground" implementation projects, and source security.
The application packet is now available online to provide sufficient lead time for applicants to work with stakeholders to determine what protections are necessary to address potential contamination threats, coordinate with working partners, and determine a budget. NHDES is happy to confer with potential applicants in advance of the development of an application.
Examples of projects: (a summary of past projects is posted to the website below)
- Development and adoption of municipal groundwater protection regulations similar to NHDES models.
- Security improvements such as fencing, gates, or cameras.
- The creation and implementation of local source water protection plans.
- Certain transactional costs associated with land conservation to protect drinking water sources.
- Education and outreach campaigns.
- Projects which prepare first responders to protect public water supplies.
- The implementation of stormwater best management practices.
- Completing state Groundwater Reclassification for community well(s)
For more information or for an application please visit the link below, or contact NHDES staff to discuss your project.
Contact:
Andrew Madison
Source Protection Coordinator
(603) 271-2950
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NHDOS Proposes Amendments to Modular Building Rules
The New Hampshire Department of Safety (NHDOS) is proposing to readopt with amendments administrative rule Saf-C 3300 dealing with modular buildings and building components. The proposed rules reflect the applicable currently adopted State Building Codes, update the statutory requirements for design professional involvement, and revise and update forms. Local building officials and other municipal officials who inspect modular buildings and building components are listed as groups affected by the proposed rules.
A copy of the proposed rules is available by contacting Marta Modigliani at 271-2791 or
[email protected]. A public hearing is scheduled for
Friday, July 20, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. in the second floor conference room at the Department of Safety, 33 Hazen Drive, Concord. The deadline for submission of written comments by fax (603-271-3903) or email is 4:15 p.m. on
Friday, July 27, 2018.
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NHHSEM Seeking Letters of Intent for Hazard Mitigation Grant Program
Letters of Intent must be received by August 3, 2018
On
June 8, 2018, President
Trump declared two major disasters for the State of New Hampshire. DR4370 was declared due to Severe Storms and Flooding on March 2-8 for Rockingham County and DR4371 was declared due to a Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm on March 13, 2018 for Carroll, Strafford, and Rockingham Counties.
In addition to authorizing Public Assistance (PA) for the 3 counties, the declarations also implement the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) statewide, under Section 404 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. The purpose of the HMGP is to provide funding for the implementation of cost-effective measures that reduce or eliminate damage and risk from the effects of natural disasters.
New Hampshire Homeland Security and Emergency Management (NHHSEM) is now seeking Letters of Intent (LOI) from local governments
that intend on applying for HMGP funds. Eligible projects include, but are not limited to: property acquisitions, property elevations, localized flood risk reduction, and soil stabilization. Please reference this
HMGP brochure for guidance. Once received, HSEM will be in touch to review the projects eligibility and potential for application submission.
If your organization plans on participating in this program, please complete the Letter of Intent on the HSEM Resource Center at
https://apps.nh.gov/blogs/hsem/?page_id=1199
.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your HSEM Field Representative at (603) 223-3663.
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NHRS Proposes Administrative Rules Regarding Participation
The New Hampshire Retirement System (NHRS)
is proposing to readopt with amendments administrative rule Ret 300 dealing with participation in the retirement system. A copy of the proposed rule is available on the
NHRS website
.
This rule addresses eligibility for membership, reporting of contributions, filing for benefits, computation of service credits, calculation of average final compensation, withdrawal from the system, new definitions, amended terminology, and more. A public hearing on the proposed rule is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 14, 2018 at the NHRS Office, 54 Regional Drive, Concord. The deadline for submission of written comments is by the close of the public hearing.
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Ready to take action?
Follow these action steps to become compliant with Title II of the ADA.
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NewsLink will periodically feature a segment that highlights recognition of our members (and any other good news that deserve notice) in a new segment called
"Members in the News".
So please send to us 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.
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New Hampshire's Two Largest Cities List Among Best-run Municipalities in the Country
New Hampshire's two largest cities have been listed among the best-run municipalities in the country in a study by the website WalletHub.
The report published this week placed both
Nashua (ranked 9th) and Manchester (ranked 26th) in the top 30 of the most well-run cities in the United States.
To determine these rankings, WalletHub compared 150 of the largest U.S. cities based on their operating efficiency. For each city, WalletHub constructed a "Quality of City Services" score - comprising 35 performance indicators grouped into six service categories - that was then measured against the city's total per-capita budget.
Criteria included outstanding debt per capita, graduation rates, infant mortality rates, violent crime rates, unemployment rates, quality of roads, air pollution, highest median household incomes and percentage of each city's population living in poverty.
A copy of the full report may be found here. Our congratulations to the Cities of Manchester and Nashua!
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July 18th TRIVIA QUESTION:
Name the New Hampshire town originally known as Cardigan. In 1769, the town was granted by King George II to Colonel Elisha Payne, Isacc Fellows and 99 other settlers. After three failed attempts to rename the town (Bradford, Middletown, Liscomb), the town became known by this name when it was incorporated in 1790.
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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July 4thth TRIVIA QUESTION:
Name the New Hampshire city or town which houses Dows Corner, Gooch Corner, Haynes Corner, Jady Hill, and Perkins Hill. It's original name was Squamscott and dates back to 1638 when it was founded, over 130 years before the American Revolution!
Correct Response: Town of Exeter
July 4th Winner: Paul Deschaine, Administrator, Town of Stratham
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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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Please Forward
NewsLink to Your Fellow Workers!
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New Hampshire Municipal Association, 25 Triangle Park Drive, Concord, NH 03301
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