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NEWS  ABOUT  TOWN

2013-Sept 2018

Seabrook Firing Range

SEABROOK — Town officials looked at potential safety, management and environmental solutions when considering reopening the firing range, which has been closed for nearly a year following an investigation of a stray bullet that hit a nearby window.

Seabrook selectmen, in agreement with Town Manager Bill Manzi, Kensington Police Chief Scott Sanders and acting Seabrook Police Chief Brett Walker, choose to keep the town firing range closed because of a lack of oversight, safety and accountability. The range has been closed since last winter and the bullet incident was investigated by the Kensington Police Department. 

On Feb. 17, between 9 and 9:30 a.m., police said a stray bullet lodged between panes of glass in a window at CP Building Supply, located at 268 Amesbury Road. Some of the land the firing range sits on is located in Kensington but owned by Seabrook.

 

“In response to the Kensington complaint and the findings of Chief Sanders of sloppy and incomplete logs, the Seabrook board directed me to have our police look at the operation and management of the range,” Manzi said. “We asked the police to look at needed safety improvements that would need to be implemented as well as management issues.”

The range had been open to the public and to police on Saturdays, Sundays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Although owned by the town, Manzi said a small committee of men — Don Felch, James Sanborn and Jim Goldthwait — operated the range. Town officials noted the lack of oversight may have contributed to the incident involving the stray bullet.

“What happened that day on that range was not an accident,” Sanders said. “That was somebody doing something reckless, potentially criminal and wrong. They weren’t shooting in the direction of the range. They weren’t shooting at a target. They weren’t shooting at one of the big berms.”

In addition, Manzi noted there were no background checks conducted by range operators and record keeping did not meet minimal standards. Sanders said that one man from Newmarket would unlock the doors at the range, drive home, and return at the end of the day to lock up. The sign-in sheet also led police to discover that a convicted felon had been visiting the firing range. Convicted felons are prohibited from possessing guns.

Town officials also noted environmental standards in Seabrook’s aquifer protection area were nonexistent. None of the best practices advocated by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services or the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency were incorporated, Manzi added. In addition, he noted there is a concern that lead from bullets on or in the ground could contaminate the water supply.

Police have suggested safety improvements that would cost about $50,000, but Manzi said the price is likely to be higher. He said he has examined operational practices at the Exeter Sportsman’s Club to see if it would be a good fit for Seabrook.

Several residents who used the gun range attended the selectmen’s meeting Monday morning, noting they are willing to work with the town to come up with a solution. William Fowler, a Seabrook resident and state representative, said creating a membership fee could help allay some of the costs and help with keeping track of who is visiting the range.

 

“I just think that if we open this firing range, a lot of people want it, that it should be done under best standards,” said Selectwoman Theresa Kyle, who noted all members of the board support reopening the range safely.

“Apparently in the past, it was not proper running of the range,” she said. “Let’s not put the blame on anybody, but we have to come up with some sort of a way to properly open this ... and get some suggestions from the people who do use the gun range.”

Kyle and Selectman Aboul Khan voted to create a five-member committee made up of firing range users, Seabrook residents, the Seabrook police chief and Seabrook fire chief to discuss solutions, which need to be developed within 90 days, according to town officials.

For previous coverage of the Seabrook firing range, visit www.newburyportnews.com/news/local_news/seabrook-shooting-range-remains-closed-during-investigation/article_4bc1ae21-8de2-5325-a9b8-bac0ee95c516.html

Staff writer Amanda Getchell covers Newburyport and Seabrook. Follow her on Twitter @ajgetch

Seabrook-Hampton Estuary Alliance

October 2018 Newsletter

The Alliance works to protect our beaches and wildlife. Follow the link to their October 2018 Newsletter. 

250th Anniversary Committee

 

The Seabrook Board of Selectmen recognized the 250th Anniversary Committee for all of their hard work at their Monday night meeting. A presentation to the Committee made by Executive Councilor Russell Prescott, who brought a citation from Governor Chris Sununu.

 

The whole Committee and Chair Ollie Carter created a terrific Anniversary celebration. 

250 committee 42164629_10216262338487178

Seabrook Board of Selectmen Recognize Retiring Police Officer

 

The Seabrook Board of Selectmen recognized retiring Seabrook Police Officer Jim Deshaies, who retired after many years of service to the Town, retiring as our School Resource Officer

 

Deputy Chief, acting Police Chief Brett Walker, Selectman Ella Brown,  Officer Jim Deshaies,, Town Manager  William Manzi, Selectman Theresa Kyle and Selectman Aboul Khan

Selectman_Retire_PoliceOfficer_091718.pn

Seabrook Board of Selectmen Honor First Responders

 

The Seabrook Board of Selectmen honored those individuals, both civilian and Town first responder, who acted heroically in going into dangerous ocean waters to assist swimmers in distress.

 

Tragically lost two lives that day, but the actions of those honored by the Board were courageous, and they acted without regard to their personal safety, and managed to bring out other swimmers that were in danger.

The Board of Selectmen have ordered Town Manager, Bill Manzi, to produce additional information for their consideration in October on the issues of lifeguards, equipment, and a beach notification system.

The Board deeply appreciates the actions of the Good Samaritans and our first responders that day.

Photo taken by Town Manager,  Bill Manzi

SelectmenReviewLifeGuards.png

SEPTEMBER 17TH

AN IMPORTANT DAY !!!

 

                                     Be advised of two very important events which will be taking place on Monday, September 17th.

 

                        FIRST:  At 10:00 AM the Seabrook Beach Civic Association will be holding its regular,

                                     monthly meeting in the Beach District Building, 210 Ocean Boulevard.

 

                                    Officers for the 2019 season will be nominated and elected !

 

                                    Be there and have your voice and vote count !!

 

                                    Note, the meeting is at 10:00 AM so as not to conflict with the next event.

 

 

 

                        SECOND:  At 6:00 PM the Town of Seabrook Board of Selectmen will hold a regular meeting at the

                                          Seabrook Recreation Center (Community Center), 311 Lafayette Road / Route 1.

 

                                          The agenda will include a discussion of “safety” suggestions/recommendations at

                                          Seabrook Beach following the tragic events of Sunday, August 19th. 

 

                                          Please attend and let your voice be heard !

 

                                          Note, the meeting is in the Recreation Center and will start at 6:00 !!        

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Selectmen to Discuss Water & Sewer Rates at Night Meeting 

PLAN TO ATTEND !!!!!

A decision is expected on changes to the water & sewer rates which property owners currently pay.  We all know how low those rates are, and the reason is every taxpayer is subsidizing the cost of running those two departments in your property tax bill.

TEN CENTS OF EVERY REAL ESTATE TAX DOLLAR YOU CURRENTLY PAY GOES TO SUBSIDIZING THE OPERATION AND CAPITAL EXPENDITURES WHICH WATER AND SEWER REQUIRE.

Rates need to change so that USERS ARE PAYING THE PROPER AMOUNT and TAXPAYERS SEE THEIR REAL ESTATE TAXES DECREASE !!!!!

LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU THERE MONDAY NIGHT !!!!!

Monday, August 27th at 6:30 PM

in the Selectman’s meeting room at Town Hall.

99 Lafayette Road,
Seabrook, NH 03874

Seabrook Police Chief Michael Gallagher - Retiring

 

Congratulations and best wishes to Seabrook Police Chief Michael Gallagher, who yesterday announced his retirement after 29 years of service to the community. The Seabrook Board of Selectmen expressed their appreciation for Chief Gallagher’s outstanding service to Seabrook. 

 

Selectman Ella Brown, Police Chief Michael Gallagher, Selectman Theresa Kyle, Selectman Aboul Khan and Town Manager William Manzi

Water and Sewer Rate Study June 4th, 2018

 

The Town of Seabrook Board of Selectmen Meeting  dated June 4, 2018 has posted a copy of the Study done by Raftells on the study. Please click here to get copy Seabrook NH_BOS Meeting_06 04 18

 

The Study includes but is not limited to'

• Rate study overview • Current financial position • Existing rates & challenges • Proposed rate adjustments & scenarios • Stakeholder outreach • Discussion

Notification- Seabrook Water Department- Water Sampling Issue

 

Town of Seabrook, NH Website Posted on July 13, 2018 at 9:10 pm.

The Town of Seabrook was notified tonight (7/13/18) by our state certified lab that one of our water samples tested positive for E. coli bacteria.

 

We have been, since that time, in close consultation with the New Hampshire DES, and we are strictly adhering to NHDES protocols. The Town of Seabrook Water Department, along with NHDES, will be working over the weekend to resample to determine if there was a problem with the testing process, or if additional measures need to be taken. Chief Operator George Eaton and Water Superintendent Curtis Clayton have responded, and are currently working with NHDES on this issue.

 

At this time no boil order for Seabrook has been issued.

In the event that a boil water notice is issued, or other measures become necessary, the public will be notified by reverse 911 or code red, through social media, and through the Town website.

 

The Seabrook Water Department will continue working with NHDES to resolve this issue, and to keep the public informed.

 

* Check with the Town of Seabrook, NH Website for updates

Coffee with a Cop, Friday July 27th 9-11am @ Beach Precinct

Jellyfish Sightings Are No Major Concern At Salisbury Beach

By Jim Sullivan jsullivan@newburyportnews.com

Jul 10, 2018

We do have Jellyfish in Seabrook as well and are providing this article for you

Please check Newburyport News for updates

SALISBURY — Jellyfish sightings may have caused some Salisbury Beach swimmers to be on edge over the weekend but the stinging invertebrates appeared to have moved on by Monday.

Lifeguard supervisor Chelsea Foley said she was informed of jellyfish sightings Sunday and raised a purple flag to warn swimmers of potential animal hazards in the water but wasn't overly concerned.

"You could count on one hand the amount of jellyfish we saw over the whole weekend," Foley said. "There was one large one, maybe a few small ones but nothing unusual."

 

Foley said jellyfish sightings in Salisbury are few and far between.

"We see a couple of jellyfish about one day of the year," she said. "If you see one in the water, stay away from it."

Rob Royer, an aquarist at the Seacoast Science Center in Rye, New Hampshire, said jellyfish are not strong swimmers and can often be found drifting with the current.

"These are a simple animal," Royer said. "They don't have a stomach or a real brain or anything really. They do have all those tentacles which they use for feeding. Most of the time, that is how they capture their food. The current moves them from place to place. That is why a beach can have a bunch of jellies at one point and then none the next day."

Royer said the clear moon jellyfish and the red-tinged lion's mane can often be found off the coast of northern Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire in the late spring and summer.

"Usually, a bloom happens when there is a lot of plankton," Royer said. "There is a lot of their food in the water and so you start to see a lot of them. But most of the time, you see jellyfish in the summer."

Royer said moon jellyfish can be as small as a quarter and up to 6 inches across, while lion's mane jellyfish can range from 6 inches to 3 feet in diameter.

"The moon jellyfish have a sting and if your skin is very sensitive, you can break out in a rash or something," Royer said. "But most of the time, the moon jellyfish don't have much of an effect."

The sting from a lion's mane jellyfish can feel more like a bee or hornet sting, he said.

 

"Those two hurt a lot more," Royer said. "If you see a jellyfish, the tentacles usually extend farther. So, you really want to keep your distance. You may see the body but five or six feet back, there may be tentacles. That is where you could potentially be stung."

If a swimmer does get too close to a jellyfish and ends up getting stung, Royer said the individual should make sure to get out of the water immediately and perhaps find some meat tenderizer.

"You want to use anything that will make the swelling go down," Royer said. "It all depends how sensitive you are. Some people could break out in a rash or just have bumps here and there. It all depends on your sensitivity."

Lisa Hutchings, school and youth education coordinator for Mass Audubon's Joppa Flats Education Center, said the best remedy is dousing the affected area with vinegar.

"This will neutralize the stinging cells in the skin and you can use fine tweezers to pull them out if they are visible," Hutchings said.

Staff writer Jim Sullivan covers Amesbury and Salisbury for The Daily News.

He can be reached via email at jsullivan@newburyportnews.com or by phone at 978-961-3145. Follow him on Twitter @ndnsully.

Seabrook Officials Begin Mapping 2019 Budget

By Amanda Getchell agetchell@newburyportnews.com

Jul 9, 2018 Updated 2 hrs ago​

 

SEABROOK — Although town officials are on their summer schedule, selectmen will begin mapping out next year’s budget.

Along with Town Manager Bill Manzi, selectmen are scheduled to meet this morning for their first budget workshop. The town officials noted at the last meeting that the 2018 operating budget of $22 million was adopted despite lack of voter approval for more than 50 town warrant articles.

In recent weeks, selectmen have been debating whether to raise water and sewer rates, which have not increased for more than five years, Manzi said.

 

In 2017, roughly $2.2 million in taxpayers’ money subsidized the town’s Water and Sewer departments due to the low rates, said Manzi, who noted the figure equals about 10 percent of the town’s annual $22 million operating budget.

Manzi projected in a financial report that the “town” portion of overall dollars raised has declined slightly, with the local school portion rising correspondingly. Manzi projected, based on this trend, that the schools will pass the town, budgetwise, within three years.

Selectmen will also examine the role of NextEra Energy, which operates Seabrook Station. Manzi noted a drop in NextEra payments will be felt by residential taxpayers, who are paying more in tax dollars overall than the nuclear power plant.

 

Future policy issues facing the town and the Budget Committee will be discussed, including whether services should be maintained at current levels and if they would be delivered in the same fashion.

Selectmen will also discuss where reductions in services should come if they are to be cut at all. Town officials also examine how to address the decrease in NextEra payments, according to the financial report.

The next regular Board of Selectmen meeting will be July 16 at 10 a.m. at Town Hall.

Amanda Getchell covers Newburyport and Seabrook. Follow her on Twitter @ajgetch

Seabrook Recreation Center

 

A brand new scoreboard and scorers table at the Seabrook Recreation Center. Thank you to Recreation Director Katie Duffey, and to the Seabrook Firefighters, who donated 50% of the cost of the new system. Looks great. I could not help but to try to hoist up a shot or two while I was in the gym. Lots of air balls. Great job Seabrook Recreation and our professional firefighters. — with Barry SargentElla BrownAboul B. KhanTerry KyleJeremy WrightSeabrook Duffey and William Edwards.

Seabrook Police Department

State and Local Laws and Ordinances 

Seabrook Officials To Review Hazard Mitigation Plan Update

By Amanda Getchell agetchell@newburyportnews.com

 

SEABROOK — Town officials will hold a public hearing on the hazard mitigation plan update to review procedures for dealing with potential natural disasters.

Selectmen will meet July 16 at 10 a.m. at Town Hall and seek public comment on the draft of an update to the plan.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency requires every municipality in the country to develop and maintain a hazard mitigation plan to identify and evaluate the risks posed by natural hazards, according to town officials. 

 

The plan was developed by the Rockingham Planning Commission and participants from the town’s Natural Hazard Mitigation Committee. 

Several town departments are trained and have mapped out plans for natural hazards, including flooding, hurricane-high winds, severe winter weather, sea-level rise, coastal storms and storm surge.

Critical facilities, including municipal buildings, fire stations, law enforcement facilities, schools and evacuation routes, are taken into consideration, according to town officials.

Selectmen will review and identify mitigation strategies for hazards that could likely affect the community, town officials said.

The town’s radiological plan, which takes Seabrook Station nuclear power plant into account, examines the proximity of the nuclear plant to residents.

 

This plan is reviewed annually, town officials said. Protection plans, including zoning ordinances, town building codes, flood warning systems, hazardous materials plans and the 2018 emergency operations plan, will also be reviewed.

In addition, selectmen will assess the role of the Fire and Police departments and the Department of Public Works when it comes to these hazard management plans, according to town officials.

A draft of the hazard mitigation plan update is available for review on the town’s website, www.seabrooknh.info, and copies of the plan update are available at Town Hall.

Town officials will accept public comment from residents through Aug. 15. Comments can be submitted to Kelly McDonald of the Seabrook Fire Department, kmcdonald@seabrooknh.org.

Amanda Getchell covers Newburyport and Seabrook. Follow her on Twitter @ajgetch.

 Skunk Alert

 

It has been noted that there are skunks in the district..

Here are some tips, just in case you cannot avoid them and get"skunked"

 

Get Rid of Skunk Odor | Methods to Deskunk Your Dog

Did someone in your household (furry or otherwise) have a run-in with a skunk? Get our best skunk odor removal tips and tricks.

The Editors of Yankee Magazine • February 7, 2018 •

HOW TO GET RID OF SKUNK ODOR

Tomato juice is handy for deskunking a dog, but it’s not the only old-time remedy that works to get rid of skunk odor from your dog. Some other ingredients to keep on hand in quantity in case of emergency include vanilla extract, apple cider vinegar, and hydrogen peroxide.

Try dousing a skunked dog with about a cup of vanilla extract mixed in a gallon of water to get rid of skunk odor, says Hazel Christiansen, a longtime professional groomer and former president of the American Grooming Shop Association, in Lewiston, Idaho. Let the dog soak in the solution for about 10 minutes before applying dog shampoo and rinsing.

For the vinegar remedy, mix 2 parts water with 1 part apple cider vinegar, and set the solution aside (the total amount you’ll need to mix depends on the size of your dog). Thoroughly wet your smelly dog’s coat with water. Now, work the vinegar solution through the fur. Let the solution sit for about 5 minutes; then rinse thoroughly. Work carefully and be sure the solution doesn’t drip into your dog’s eyes (it would sting).

 If neither of the concoctions above seems to work, here’s one last skunk-odor removing remedy that’s been passed on from one generation of dog lovers to the next. Mix 1 quart hydrogen peroxide, ¼ cup baking soda, and 1 teaspoon dish-washing liquid. Apply this mixture in the same way you would the vinegar solution. The quantities listed should make enough deskunking solution for a medium-size dog (30 to 50 pounds), so use less or more as needed for the size of your dog.

The best way to eliminate skunk odor is to avoid it altogether. Believe it or not, skunks hate strong odors. You can keep them out of your woodshed or other outbuildings by hanging a bar of strong disinfectant or room deodorizer in the space,

 

The excerpts are from Yankee Magazine. February 2, 2018.

Excerpt from 1,001 Old-Time Household Hints—brought to you by Skyhorse Publishing.This post was first published in 2015 and has been updated.

Beach Patrol  2018

Meet Cam Hersey.  He is the son of Officer Dave Hersey now on patrol.

The Seabrook Beach Civic Association Bench Restoration Program has begun

 

 

The Seabrook Beach Civic Association (SBCA) was founded over 20 years ago to help ‘Beautify’ the Seabrook Beach Village District ... its roads, green areas and paths.  Several projects begun by the ten original men who came to live in the district upon retirement have become the norm. The placement of benches along the path to provide a place to sit and enjoy the sea air or the view of the ocean became a welcome addition to the pathways. The addition of Flower Pots helped to brighten up the sandy pathways as well. Our Flags flying on Route 1A show our appreciation to those that serve or have served in the armed forces and gave so much to protect our freedom. The large flag that welcomes our residents when approaching from route 286 and the small park there also serve as a reminder and a thank you. The Flag and dedication plaque at the Cargill Memorial located at the corner of Hooksett Street and Ocean Boulevard (Rt 1A) is also maintained by the SBCA and made possible by the donations of our members. Among our programs this year is the Bench Restoration Program. 

 

The Seabrook Beach Civic Association Bench Restoration Program will include replacing wood slats with Trex, restoring nameplates and returning them to original sponsors and removing benches that have been deemed unsafe.   

 

The safety of our members, residents, visitors and guests is paramount and we want all benches to be safe. When the program began the concrete bench ends available were thinner than those used today. Our New England weather and time has not been kind to them and the remaining original bench ends have all developed splits and cracks.  The removal of the ‘wobbly’ and dangerous benches along with those with cracked concrete ends has begun.  All benches have been tested as of May 2018.  Many were easily pushed over when a little pressure was applied to one end and they are being removed first. Those with cracks, splits and missing concrete will be the second group removed. 

 

Four benches were removed over the Memorial Day weekend, more are scheduled for removal in the upcoming weeks. If you happen to be along Atlantic Avenue, you may see the concrete remains that have been placed for disposal at the beach path's end. If you look closely you can see the broken and cracked concrete that barely supported the wooden bench.  You will also see chunks of concrete that were on the ground or fell off once the slats were removed. We will also have pieces available for view at the coming Seabrook Beach Civic Association meetings.

 As we refurbish, benches will display the Seabrook Beach Civic Association plaque. In doing that we are able to keep benches in the beach village district and acknowledge that the responsibility for their care is directly linked to that of the Seabrook Beach Civic Association. 

 

While those who have moved away from the beach district are looking forward to having their dedication plaque returned to them so that it may be placed where they can be seen, enjoyed   and be reminded of their treasured memories here in the beach village district, we understand

 it is not easy for others (especially those who still own property here or visit) to accept that their dedication plaque will no longer be on a bench where it has been for 5 – 10 - 15 years or more as they consider the bench “theirs”.

 

While we wish things were different we hope everyone will understand that it is, and always has been, the responsibility of the Seabrook Beach Civic Association to maintain the benches and while the original dedication plague on a bench has provided a wonderful tribute, the time has arrived for the Seabrook Beach Civic Association to place its plaque on the benches.  We will do this gradually as benches need upgrading.

 

So that we do not forget those who cared enough to sponsor a plaque dedicated “in memory” to their loved ones or provided a special saying, we have posted a copy of all dedication plaques on our website www.seabrookbeachcivicassoc.org.  We have also created a donor page that lists all those who have donated to our programs thus supporting our efforts beautifying the Seabrook Beach Village District. 

 

We thank everyone for their sponsorship and membership over the years and hope that you will continue to support the Seabrook Beach Civic Association and its beautification efforts within the Seabrook Beach Village District (i.e. flags, benches, flower pots, welcome signs, park areas, etc.). 

 

The Seabrook Beach Civic Association holds monthly meetings in the Precinct Building at 210 Ocean Boulevard. While the work of the Board and many of the volunteers is year-round, the meetings are held on the 3rd Monday of the month from April through October. Meetings allow members and guests to connect while they discuss what is happening in the town and beach village district as it pertains to the Seabrook Beach Civic Association.

The next three meeting dates and guest speakers are: June 18 @ 7:00 PM guest speaker Angela Silva; July 16 @ 6:30 guest speakers will be Seabrook Police Chief Michael Gallagher, Town Manager Bill Manzi, and Selectmen Ella Brown, Aboul Khan and Theresa Kyle. On August 20th the Seabrook Beach Village District Commissioners will be the guest speakers and in September the membership will hold its annual meeting with the election of officers for the upcoming two years.

Phyllis Farfaras

Seabrook Beach Civic Association President                                                                                    

pfarfaras@aol.com (617) 908-0780

Seabrook officials analyze water, sewer rates

By Amanda Getchell agetchell@newburyportnews.com

Jun 5, 2018 Updated 2 hrs ago

SEABROOK — Town officials reviewed a study Monday morning on water and sewer rates, which have not been raised in more than five years, and are seeking consultation for proposed rate increases to make up for nearly $1.8 million in lost revenue.

See Full article at Seabrook officials analyze water, sewer rates | Local News | newburyportnews.com

Seabrook 250th Anniversary Celebration

 

 

 

 

 

Bill Manzi, Seabrook Town Manager and  Eric Small

The Seabrook 250th Anniversary Celebration kicked off June 3, 2018 , with a ceremony at the Old South Meetinghouse.

Those helping in the planning of the  Celebration are the Seabrook Historic Society, the Seabrook Anniversary Committee, and the Seabrook Board of Selectmen. More information will follow as it gets closer to August.

The Plovers are on the beach

A small cage has been placed over one  of the Plover nests. 'Mom' is seen 'guarding' the nest as she patrols the area.

Pictures by Doris Sweet and Vin Ferrante

 

Seabrook Beach Civic Association

Meeting - May 2018

Guest Speakers for the May meeting of the Seabrook Beach  Civic Association were members of the Seabrook Fire Department Deputy Chief Lawrence “Koko” Perkins, Firefighter-Paramedic Rich Curtis and Firefighter-Advanced EMT Rick Saracy.

 

After Deputy Chief Lawrence  Perkins spoke about the happening at the Seabrook Fire Department and answered questions, he introduced  Firefighter-Paramedic Rich Curtis and Firefighter-Advanced EMT Rick Saracy.

The two demonstrated how to use its recently donated and much-needed new equipment, the Lucas Cor automatic CPR machine (worth over $15,000). 

NRC releases summary of Seabrook nuclear plant visit

By Jack Shea jshea@newburyportnews.com

May 24, 2018

SEABROOK — The Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued a summary of a week long visit to the Seabrook nuclear power plant as part of an ongoing review of concrete degradation at the facility.   

Read the complete article - NRC releases summary of Seabrook nuclear plant visit | Local News | newburyportnews.com

Seabrook shooting range to open for 90 days, police only

By Amanda Getchell agetchell@newburyportnews.com

 

May 22, 2018 

MISSING !!!

The Storm took its toll on one of our benches. It was lost in the storm.

Was it carried out to sea ?   Buried under the NEW layers of sand around Woodstock Street beach area ?

Is it out upon the rocks at the Hampton border ?    We just do not know.

If you are around at low tide or do happen to bump into the concrete end or other parts of the bench,

please call us at 617-908-0780. We will recover it, dig out or collect the pieces as the case might be. 

We know that you all enjoy the benches on the walkways or at the beach and want to make sure that we find this one to restore it to its rightful place to provide many years of continued service to the residents of Seabrook.

Harborside Park is currently CLOSED - May 16, 2018

"Digging Out"

David Ritchie with Family and friends - Thank You

We are on our own.. 

The town owns the access paths to the beach (walkways) for all Seabrook residents to use the beach.

They are responsible for their care and maintenance.

The benches are owned and maintained by the Seabrook Beach Civic Association. 

Surfers  on the Beach

Two surfers were spotted on the beach on an early May morning enjoying the great waves. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Seabrook Beach Bird Watchers

Early May on the beach found two people looking for a certain bird at the beach near Ashland street. 

Storm Damage Repair Completed

 

Ashland Street walkway sustained a lot of damage in the 2018 storm. One of our benches also sustained damage. The walkway and beach sand have been restored thanks to Seabrook DPW and on Saturday May 5, 2018 the bench was repaired and replaced back on the beach by the Seabrook Beach Civic Association. 

Seabrook Paving Schedule Starting Monday April 23, 2018

 

Starting on Monday 4-23-18 at 7:00 am Continental Paving will be doing Road Reconstruction in the following locations: South Main St. (East End), Washington St. (North End), Hooksett at Rte 1A and all of Portsmouth Avenue. Paving should be complete by Memorial Day. These pictures are of work being done on Portsmouth Avenue.

Picturing Seabrook over the years

BY AMANDA GETCHELL

agetchell@newburyportnews.com

SEABROOK — Following in his father’s footsteps, Eric Small has been assembling a collection of more than 7,000 photographs of noteworthypeople and places in town since the mid-1970s.

Small, president of the Historical Society of Seabrook, has assembled 450 of these photos into a 200-page book titled “A Visual History of Seabrook, New Hampshire.”

The Seabrook NH Police Department is hiring for two (2) full-time police officers.

Apply online at 

https://www.policeapp.com/Entry-Level-Seabrook-NH-Police-Officer-Jobs/494/.

Seabrook remembers popular police officer Cawley, 60

 

 

 

Seabrook police Officer James Michael Cawley Jr., 60, of Seabrook died Wednesday at Massachusetts General Hospital. Cawley served as a full-time officer with the Seabrook Police Department for more than 25 years and was a U.S. Air Force veteran.Courtesy photo

  • Photo courtesy/Justin Colin

SEABROOK — When local residents, friends and fellow officers remember Officer James Michael Cawley Jr., they picture him with a cigar hanging from his lips. “You won’t find too many photos where he’s not smoking a cigar,” said Justin Colin, 28, a Seabrook resident and longtime friend of Cawley. “He even qualified with his firearm with a cigar in his mouth.”

Cawley, 60, of Seabrook died Wednesday at Massachusetts General Hospital while surrounded by his family. He visited the hospital for a routine procedure in September and suffered a series of medical issues from which he was unable to recover, said Deputy Police Chief Brett Walker.

 

Cawley was a U.S. Air Force veteran with more than 20 years of service, said Walker, who noted Cawley’s work as a K-9 officer as well as his activation during Operation Desert Storm, an intensive air campaign in 1991 during the Gulf War.

The longtime local resident served as a full-time officer with the Seabrook Police Department for more than 25 years beginning in 1985, Walker said.

Cawley also spent time as a detective in Seabrook, he added. After retiring from full-time service with the town in November, Cawley remained on the department’s roster as a part-time patrolman.

Town Manager Bill Manzi praised Cawley for his service to the town.

“Today’s display of respect and affection for him is indicative of the esteem in which he was held by his fellow police officers, firefighters and the many town workers who knew and admired him,” Manzi said.

Police officers described Cawley as the most popular man at the station, always ready with a joke or a story to tell.

“The past couple of days, really since he went in and started having those medical emergencies, we kind of ... everybody has been sharing their Jimmy stories around the station,” Walker said. “He got along with everybody. He was always puffing out a stogie. Guys remember seeing him on Route 1 with his golf umbrella, directing traffic in the rain. He was just a good person.”

Colin shared several memories of Cawley, who he said had a passion for golf and riding his motorcycle.

“I’ve got a lot of amazing memories with Jimmy,” Colin said. “Pretty hard to pick just one. Every year, him and his entire road would all pitch in on the Fourth of July and get a massive block party going with DJs, caterers and about $5,000 to 10,000 in fireworks. Every year, I would help him set them off. We’d be in his backyard with road flares, lighting them off.”

He also noted Cawley’s kindness, which spread throughout the community.

“I was a pretty bad kid growing up and ran into Jimmy far more than once,” Colin said. “He was always kind.”

 

Describing Cawley’s generosity, Colin reflected on a time when he needed to find a new place to live following a “bad situation.” Cawley offered to put a roof over his head, he said.

“I didn’t really have any money to spare but I did ask him how much he wanted and he told me nothing,” Colin said. “He just wanted to help me get on my feet. Yet another time, Jimmy had me breaking down in tears. I truly believe it if I asked him for his shirt, he’d pull it straight off his back for me.”

In memory of Cawley, a walk-through for law enforcement will be held from 9 to 10 a.m. on April 28 at Remick & Gendron Funeral Home and Crematory, 811 Lafayette Road, Hampton. Public visiting hours will follow from 10 a.m. to noon at the funeral home, followed by a graveside service with military honors at Hillside Cemetery in Seabrook.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the Cawley family, visit www.remickgendron.com/obituaries/James-Cawley-2/#!/Obituary.

“He was the kind of person, as a resident, the kind of guy you want to see drive by and he treated everyone fairly,” Walker said. “He was fair and consistent as an officer. He put a smile on your face no matter who you were.”

Amanda Getchell covers Newburyport and Seabrook.

Follow her on Twitter @ajgetc

Storm Damage Recovery

Many of our benches were tossed around or had sand floated under them. Two on Woodstock Street were tossed around quite a bit. One bench is still 'lost' but the bench dedicated to John Blackwell was found upended and almost completely buried in the sand.  One of our volunteers was assisted by a contractor working to restore beach property damaged by the storm. Thanks to the help from Viking Tree & Landscaping, 60 Concord St. North reading, MA, the bench dedicated to John Blackwell was dug out and restored to upright position on Friday April 13, 2018.  Many thanks John Marshall for all you did, your motto of 'Integrity is the building block of our business' certainly was felt today.

 

 

                                                                                 A grey seal pup rescued from Seabrook, NH 

 

 

 

 

 

Courtesy photo/Seacoast Science Center

A grey seal pup rescued from a street in Seabrook after last weekend’s nor’easter is reportedly recovering quickly.

 

    

From The Eagle Tribune Friday, March 9, 2018 by Amanda Getchell covers Newburyport and Seabrook.  You may follow her on Twitter @ajgetch

 

SEABROOK — Marine science officials are calling Saco, the grey seal who washed up outside Brown’s Lobster Pound during last weekend’s nor’easter, a “seal-ebrity.”

The pup, who sustained minor injuries while trying to navigate the turbulent seas, is on the road to recovery.

The 3-month-old weanling washed up on Route 286 just before 7 a.m. on Monday. Seabrook police, including Officer Dan Hurley who assisted in crating the seal, and officials from the Seacoast Science Center, came to his rescue. He is being treated at the National Marine Life Center in Bourne, Massachusetts, for minor injuries.

 

“It was clear he needed care, as he was thin, very lethargic, coughing, sneezing, had very loose stool with copious blood in it, and not aggressive at all like a typical grey seal would be,” the Seacoast Science Center said in a Facebook post. The center noted the seal was also suffering from some internal bleeding, which has stopped, although the cause is unknown.

Kathy Zagzebski, executive director of the National Marine Life Center, said the animal underwent an initial examination Monday afternoon and a veterinary exam Tuesday morning. Aside from dehydration and being slightly underweight, Zagzebski said the seal pup had no significant medical problems.

Wendy Wyman, an animal care technician at the National Marine Life Center, said Saco’s outlook is “guardedly optimistic” and caretakers are making sure there aren’t any unknown medical issues.

“We’re working on getting him hydrated,” Wyman said. “It does take a little bit of time.”

Saco is not on full feed yet but has been receiving intravenous fluids, including Pedialyte and fish gruel, a supplement slowly mixed in to get creatures used to eating again.

“It’s like a supplement that we start them out on because we don’t know what they’ve had out in the wild to eat,” Wyman said.

Marine science officials said the seal pup, which was lethargic and sleeping frequently in his first 48 hours, is beginning to move around more.

The National Marine Life Center cares for all breeds of seals stranded along Cape Cod, Maine and New Hampshire, said Wyman, who also noted the center cares for sea turtles.

Around Thanksgiving is when water temperatures plummet and some sea turtles don’t migrate south, getting stuck in the hook of Massachusetts, Wyman said.

 

Since mid-November, the National Marine Life Center has cared for 32 turtles, with 17 remaining. The others were released back into the wild.

“We usually try to do a local release,” said Wyman, who added that seals are also being released back into the wild.

Within time, marine science officials said Saco will be able to be released into the ocean. Zagzebski noted that grey seal pups begin living on their own at 1-month-old, making it possible for Saco, who appears to be 2 or 3 months old, to live on his own.

“Sometimes, we will bring an animal back up to New Hampshire,” Wyman said. “It all depends on the animal and what’s going on at the time. We have to get them medically sound and up to weight.”

Zagzebski urges people to call the Seacoast Science Center’s marine mammal rescue program if they come across a stray seal. The center, located in Rye, can be reached at 603-436-8043.

Amanda Getchell covers Newburyport and Seabrook. Follow her on Twitter @ajgetch

Seabrook police K-9 Henry reports for duty


 

SEABROOK — Police welcomed a small but fierce new officer to the department.

K-9 Henry is a 20-month-old Belgian Malinois who was introduced to selectmen Monday afternoon by Officer David Hersey, who will be Henry’s caretaker. Police Chief Michael Gallagher designated Hersey as Seabrook’s dog officer in the return of the town’s K-9 program.

Selectmen recently revived the program, putting the importance of town and public safety first, said Chairwoman Theresa Kyle. The program was initiated by Gallagher, who said the Salisbury Police Department helped launch the program.

 

“Public safety is a very big thing for the board,” Selectman Aboul Khan said.

Henry is trained to complete building, area and article searches for possible crime evidence, including masks, clothing, knives, firearms and wallets. Henry can also do tracking, including for missing people, and apprehension, or assisting in taking a person into custody, Hersey said.

Henry and Hersey graduated from the Boston Police Canine Academy in December and constitute a patrol-certified police canine team, according to town officials. Henry, who lives with Hersey, completes up to 16 hours of training each month. The two train while off duty as well.

Hersey and Henry are assigned to the evening patrol shift and will be attending training in August to become certified in searching for and finding narcotics, according to police.

“His home life is very social,” said Hersey, who added that he uses a dog toy – a small orange ball on a rope – as a “reward system” for Henry.

Once Henry completes a command, Hersey gives the canine the ball as he demonstrated for selectmen Monday morning.

“You let him play for a minute and then it’s over,” Hersey said.

Since Henry is still a puppy, Hersey described him as energetic. To calm him down, the officer said he has to run him around his yard nearly 10 times.

“He’s very socially sound,” said Hersey, who commands Henry in German. “During training, he was put on tables and in cabinets to search for articles.”

 

Hersey said Henry does not interact with other dogs or humans because of the breed’s dominant, aggressive personality.

“His mood can change instantly,” Hersey said. “He doesn’t like being grabbed by the face, which they did during training. They also don’t like being approached from the back.”

In a year, Hersey said Henry will be a completely different dog in his behavior and training.

“It’s the same for police officers,” he said.

Amanda Getchell covers Newburyport and Seabrook. Follow her on Twitter @ajgetch.

Astronomical high tide and Nor’easter  struck the Seacoast at the same time Friday, March 3, 2018.

Photos By Peter Ross Farfaras - Photos  Below By Susan Spruce and David Ritchie

Photo By Susan Spruce  2018

Photo By Susan Spruce  2018

Photo By Susan Spruce  2018

Photo by David Ritchie   2018                                                                          Photo by David Ritchie   2018

 

Photo by David Ritchie   2018                     Photo by David Ritchie   2018

                                                                                                                                                             Photo by David Ritchie   2018

                                                                                                                                                              Photo by David Ritchie   2018

Seabrook Beach

Hydrant clearing Policy

Candidates Night 

 

The Town of Seabrook, NH held Candidates night on February 22, 2018. The candidates for Selectman on the ballot for this next election were present. All spoke about their background, experience and their thoughts on important town matters. Voting will be March 13, 2018 at the Recreation Center from 7 Am to 7 PM.

 

Please come out to vote and help choose our next Selectman.

The meeting was recorded and can be viewed here...  Candidate's Night February 22, 2018

Beach Deck BBQ and Catalano's Market 

Opening Spring 2018  @ 207 Ocean Blvd Seabrook, NH

Seabrook Beach Village District Annual Meeting

will be Monday, April 30, 2018, at 7:00PM

 

at the 

Seabrook Community Center

311 Lafayette Road

Seabrook, NH

Please come and vote on March 13, 2018 

Town of Seabrook Warrant

 

Seabrook residents will vote on the 63 articles, including the budget, on March 13 at the Recreation Center from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.  The polls will be open in the auditorium of the Seabrook Community Center, U.S. Route 1 (Lafayette Road) on Tuesday, March 13, 2018, at 7:00 o’clock in the forenoon, and you may cast your ballots on the official ballot questions until at least 7:00 o’clock in the evening of the same day.

The State of New Hampshire

Town of Seabrook  -  Town Warrant Meeting for 2018

 

SEABROOK — Although there was not much debate at the deliberative session, some residents raised questions and commented on warrant articles concerning public safety, keno and the town’s operating budget.

About 50 residents turned out at the Recreation Center on Tuesday night, where all 63 articles were read and will now be put on the ballot for the March election.

“This is an annual thing,” said Town Manager Bill Manzi. “The Board of Selectmen was present and we took public feedback from residents.”

 

... READ MORE  at  2018 Seabrook Town Warrant Meeting Jan 2018

The State of New Hampshire

Town of Seabrook  -  Town Warrant for 2018

 

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

 

You are hereby notified to meet in the auditorium of the Seabrook Community Center, U.S. Route 1 (Lafayette Road) on Tuesday, February 6, 2018, at 7:00 o’clock in the evening to participate in the first session of the 2018 Annual Town Meeting.

 

And, you are hereby notified that the polls will be open in the auditorium of the Seabrook Community Center, U.S. Route 1 (Lafayette Road) on Tuesday, March 13, 2018, at 7:00 o’clock in the forenoon, and you may cast your ballots on the official ballot questions below, until at least 7:00 o’clock in the evening of the same day.

 

Further, you are notified that the Moderator will process the absentee ballots beginning at 1:00 o’clock in the afternoon on Tuesday, March 13, 2018, pursuant to RSA 659:49.

 

... READ MORE  at  2018 Seabrook Town Warrant

Updated Fire Department fees approved in Seabrook

SEABROOK — Selectmen voted unanimously Monday to approve updated fees for Fire Department services, beginning in 2018.

Town Manager Bill Manzi said this is the first time Fire Department permit and inspection fees have been amended in nearly 10 years. The last update was in 2009. Town officials explained that some increases were approved by other boards and this was a chance to revisit additional fees needing approval. 

“If you look at that by virtue of time, there haven’t been any increases,” Manzi said. “By addressing these issues collectively, people who use our services should pay a little bit more.” The updated fees are in line with what other communities, including Portsmouth, Hampton, Salem and Exeter, are implementing, according to Fire Chief Bill Edwards.

Of Seabrook’s 28 fees, only seven will not change.

The rates will remain the same for alarm hookups, plan reviews for industrial and commercial sites, sprinkler and fire alarm permit plan reviews, building plan reviews, oil burner permit installations and removal, and blasting permits. Several new permit and inspection fees are being applied to fire alarm and sprinkler systems, alternative fire suppression systems, fire alarm system maintenance, life safety, day care inspections, fire investigation reports, false alarms and parking citations. False alarm fees will be charged in a series of four strikes, according to Edwards. There will be no charge for the first offense, a $100 charge will be assessed for the second offense, a $500 fee will be owed for the third offense, and a $1,000 charge will be due for the fourth offense. These fees are in place for faulty fire alarm systems that need to be repaired, Edwards said. “It’s a way that, hopefully, people, if something isn’t working right on their end, will get them to fix it,” he said. If fire officials need to operate the Jaws of Life rescue tool, the charge for each person in the vehicle will be $500.

Edwards said there has been an increased need for the Jaws of Life, especially on Route 125, resulting in additional wear and tear requiring constant maintenance of the hydraulic device. The Fire Department will begin charging $25 for fire investigation reports, according to Edwards, which is standard throughout the region. The department does not currently charge for reports that insurance companies write up on scene. A list of updated fees can be obtained from the Fire Department or at Town Hall.

Overall, Edwards estimates the department would collect $100,000 per year, although there is no set provision established for that figure yet. Payment options, including the use of credit cards, will be discussed between town officials and the treasurer after Edwards establishes a workflow. “We’ll set up a system for him so that more than likely, a lot of the fees, depending on the workflow, would be collected right at his place,” Manzi said.

Amanda Getchell covers Newburyport and Seabrook. She can be reached via email at agetchell@newburyportnews.com or by phone at 978-961-3149. Follow her on Twitter @ajgetch.

Our Flags are coming down for winter

 

Our intent was admirable.. to keep the American flags along 1A (Ocean Boulevard) flying through Veteran's Day , November 11, but AN UNEXPECTED STORM late October CREATED HAVOC everywhere along the eastern coast . By the time the sun shown, schools and businesses were closes as much of the area was without power for several days as power lines were down, many  trees were no longer standing,   belongings were scattered from one yard to another  yards and  several of our American flags were hanging from the poles by a thread while others were shredded.

The SBCA Flag program has lowered and removed the American Flag on the corner of Rt. 286 and 1A was removed today by David Richie and grandsons Thom and Max. The remaining flags on the poles along rt. 1A  will be coming down and will be stored for the winter and back in their  spot of honor  in the spring. 

 

New Bingo Machine at Seabrook Recreation - 2017

The Board of Selectmen were on hand as the Seabrook Recreation Department unveiled a new Bingo machine yesterday.

 

Thank you to Katie Duffey for all of her great work, and  to the Board of Selectmen, who are committed to our seniors.

 

Theresa Kyle (Selectman), Bill Manzi (Town Manager) and Ella Brown (selectman)

 

Credit for pictures and info to Bill Manzi

Seabrook Beach Civic Association readies for summer

 

                                                                                Seabrook Beach Commissioner Joe Giuffre spoke

                                                                                to attendees at the first Seabrook Beach Civic Association

                                                                                meeting Monday night.

                                                                                The SBCA meetings are open to the public and are held

                                                                                every third Monday during the summer season.

 

 

 Photo by Kiki Evans/Seacoastonline

 

By Kiki Evans
hamptonunion@seacoastonline.com


Posted May. 21, 2015 at 8:43 PM 

 

SEABROOK — Around 60 people gathered at the Seabrook Beach Precinct building for the first Seabrook Beach Civic Association meeting of the season on Monday night.

 

Various beautification projects and maintenance issues that are privately funded by the members of the Seabrook Beach Civic Association (SBCA) were among many items on the agenda that were discussed.

 

Seabrook Beach Civic Association President Phyllis Farfaras explained that the $15,000 in the SBCA treasury pays for the annual installation, maintenance, and removal of flags and signs throughout the beach. The funds also pay for a private contractor to do all of the groundskeeping in various locations.

 

The SBCA also funds the free annual Family Day and Sand Sculpting Contest.

 

Farfaras said the SBCA buys and installs benches that the public can dedicate in honor of a loved one for $500.

 

“We try to recoup some of the money along the way, but all of the expenses usually add up to somewhere between $10,000 to $15,000 every year,” Farfaras said.

 

All homeowners, renters, and business owners at the beach are automatically eligible to join the civic association.

 

Each member pays $20 in dues each year that pay for various activities and projects, but some members make additional donations.

 

At the meeting, the group voted to support the replacement of the Seabrook Beach sign that welcomes visitors at the intersection of Route 286 and 1A. Farfaras explained that a drunk driver crashed into the previous sign over the winter. The driver was ordered to pay for the sign he destroyed, but is paying for it in increments of $500 a month. Since it will take a year for him to fully reimburse the SBCA for the $6,000 he was ordered to pay, the group decided unanimously to put another sign up in time for the 2015 summer season to begin.

 

David Ritchie, who leads beautification projects at the beach, said that the SBCA recently bought whiskey barrel planters that will be filled with loam and flowers that will be placed along walkways and in various locations. Ritchie asked for volunteers to water each barrel from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The displayed signs for the barrels that will notify passersby that the barrels are paid for and maintained by the SBCA. He noted that people sometimes think that taxpayer funds are used for the beautification projects, so he hopes that the signs will allay any concerns that some people may have. Ritchie announced the first annual clean-up of the walkways will take place at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 23, beginning at the Hooksett Street entrance to the beach.

 

“Beautification is such a wonderful thing,” Ritchie said. “I love the beach area and I love the community.”

 

Farfaras said Town Manager Bill Manzi and the Board of Selectmen will attend their next meeting on June 15, and said that every SBCA meeting at the 210 Ocean Boulevard building is open to the public.

 

 

 

                                                                     

                                                                       Long awaited for MSAGI Air Packs arrived September 2015

 

                                                                       At left, Seabrook Fire fighter  Jabe Felch and Seabrook's Fire Chief Bill Edwards with their new

                                                                       MSAGI Air Packs. MSAGI Air Packs  are self contained breathing apparatus with communication                                                                                                              for the fire fighters inside burning structures.

 

 

          Photo: Frank J Leone, Jr

 

 

 

 

 

 

*         *          *          *          *          *          *          *          *          *         *          *          *          *          *          *          *          *          *          *         *          *

 

The Town of Seabrook  is looking for residents who are interested in serving their community.

Currently there are vacancies on the Conservation Commission and Zoning Board (Alternate).

Please submit a letter of interest to

Office of the Town Manager, PO Box 456, Seabrook, NH  03874.

 

*         *          *          *          *          *          *          *          *          *         *          *          *          *          *          *          *          *          *          *         *          *

 

 

 

Seabrook Beach Village District Annual Meeting

 

                                                                                                                                     

                                                                                                                                      Seabrook Beach resident Peter Volpe was one of several residents with                                                                                                                                                 questions about the warrant articles that were voted on at the

                                                                                                                                      Seabrook Beach Village District Annual Meeting Tuesday night.

 

                                                 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                Photo by Kiki Evans

 

Seabrook Beach voters OK $85K budget, zoning changes

By Kiki Evans, hamptonunion@seacoastonline.com

 

April 30, 2015 - 11:04 PM

SEABROOK — Approximately 70 beach residents attended the Seabrook Beach Village District Annual Meeting held Tuesday night at the Seabrook Community Center. Voters elected various officials and addressed the district warrant for 2015 that included supporting an $85,500 budget and proposed changes to the district’s zoning ordinance.

“We’re all here to do a good job for our district,” said Moderator Theresa Kyle, elected to the position by voters in the district at last year’s meeting. Kyle was also elected selectman by Seabrook’s voters in March.

Voters unanimously elected several candidates to represent the Seabrook Beach Village District. Joe Giuffre was elected to retain his seat as one of the commissioners for a three-year term. Don Hawkins was reelected to the position of clerk. Kyle was voted be remain moderator for a one-year term. Mike Rurak was re-elected to the treasurer’s position, and Jack Lannan was reelected to his seat as auditor. The Seabrook Beach Village District officials meet several times a year to administer matters and business involving the district.

Seabrook Village Beach District Board Chairman Dick Maguire explained to the crowd various aspects of the $85,500 proposed budget that would be used for general expenses and legal fees of the district.

“2014 was not a profitable one for the Seabrook Beach Village District,” he said. “The net income for the year, $11,012.40, was in the red.”

Maguire said that, in 2014, the amount received in building permit fees was a lot less than what was taken in the previous year.

Resident Brian Gillis asked Maguire how the money would be raised, and expressed his concern that there would be a “spring surprise,” or an additional assessment on his second tax bill this year.

Maguire said that he did not see additional taxation in the future. “If you look at what the history has been over the last 10 years, that’s not something we would do,” he said. Maguire and other members of the board pointed out that the district receives income from building permit fees, rental income from the Seabrook Beach Village District building, occupancy permit fees and interest income.

Following discussion, the voters passed the $85,500 budget that included $24,000 for the district’s building inspector and $20,000 allotted for legal fees.

The budget also included $17,000 to repair the roof of the district’s building, which Maguire said needed to be “totally repaired.”

Discussion that surrounded the proposed changes to the Seabrook Beach Village District’s Zoning Ordinance included questions about new FEMA Flood Map designations and bringing the district’s zoning ordinance into compliance with federal and state requirements.

The district’s Building Inspector and Code Enforcement Officer Steve Keaney explained that FEMA has changed the flood map for the Seabrook Beach Village District, and that voters needed to support the warrant article in order for all of the property owners at the beach to be able to receive flood insurance and keep their mortgages.

The article noted that Seabrook voters supported a similar revision to the Town of Seabrook’s Zoning Ordinance in the town wide election in March, but that since the beach district has its own zoning ordinances, the proposed change needed to be brought forward. Beach voters unanimously adopted the new flood control regulations.

Residents questioned a second warrant article that addressed the adoption of new building codes and a certificate of occupancy checklist for rental units. Resident Stephen Gillis questioned the board whether the article was the same as the one that voters had rejected the year before. Keane assured Gillis that the proposed changes in the new warrant article were different because it included upgrading the district’s building and property maintenance codes to keep pace when the state upgrades its codes.

Resident Peter Volpe asked about changes to the issuance of occupancy permits, and whether or not rental property owners would have to submit to annual inspections in order to remain in compliance. Keaney informed the crowd that once a “C.O.” has been issued, there would be no need to obtain another one.

“I’d like to know if this is something that we have to abide by as people who have rental property right away,” asked Linda Volpe.

“We’re not doing anything this summer,” replied Keaney. Keaney said that he and the board members and commissioners would work on phasing in the new changes over time.

“It’s a tool to help the homeowners bring their rental property into a more conforming status,” he said. “Some of the rental properties I’ve been to don’t even conform to half of these standards.”

Keaney said that he has visited rental properties have had mold issues, malfunctioning toilets, railings not in place, failed heating systems and no carbon monoxide sensors.

Upon approval of resident Peter Volpe’s request that the zoning article become divided into two sections in order to make it easier to understand, the voters approved the adoption of both components of the warrant article.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Seabrook 2015 Ballot Results

Selectmen OK new fees for Seabrook transfer station

 

SEABROOK — New fees will be charged starting Monday for disposing certain waste at Seabrook's transfer station as the town looks to recoup its costs for getting rid of these items.

 

Residents will now be charged $10 for each computer, TV, projector screen, refrigerator, freezer, air conditioner, de-humidifier and water cooler dropped off. Residents will also be charged flat rates for disposing tires with and without rims, while stoves, ranges, washing machines and dryers will still be free.

 

Seabrook never used to charge for any of these items, although Town Manager Bill Manzi said disposing of these items did pose a cost to the town. Manzi said taxpayers annually cover a roughly $50,000 budget line to have these types of items hauled away from the transfer station.

 

"The idea here is we would simply not make a profit, but replace the money Seabrook is currently being assessed to take these goods away after we take them in," said Manzi during a recent public hearing about the changes. "This is an attempt to recoup the money we pay out — nothing more."

 

The fee changes also include charging residents $87 per ton to dispose construction demolition waste, painted wood, and pressure treated lumber.

 

Selectmen chose a flat $10 rate for electronic waste and "white goods" instead of a per-pound rate because weighing each item requires additional labor and time costs.

 

A 2006 committee studied Seabrook's fees and at that time recommended a $7.50 per item fee. Public Works Manager John Starkey has said a $10 fee would help the town come "pretty close" to recouping the town's full cost for these items' disposal.

 

While the parts inside some of these items contain salvage value, Starkey has said that seeking payment for these items would require additional labor and expense because the items must be broken down and stripped. That's why the town pays a company to remove the items, according to Starkey.

 

Selectmen have praised the fee changes.

 

"This fee (is something) I've been talking about for a number of years because Seabrook has become a dumping ground," said Aboul Khan during a recent public hearing, commenting on the fact Seabrook is the only town in the area that hasn't been charging residents for the disposal of these items.

 

A complete list of the fee changes can be found online at seabrooknh.org.

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