Town Manager's Report - September 25, 2023
Town Manager’s Report – September 25, 2023
Personnel Policy-Ethics-Section 38: In the current Personnel Policy we do not have a section on Nepotism. It is strongly recommended by PRIMEX that we include a section on Nepotism as many Employment related claims arise from this area. We have the edited draft for your review based on our conversation at the meeting on September 11th. (Edited Policy for review)
Delinquent Tax Update: As a follow up to our discussion on 9-11-23, I have spoken with Linda with regards to letters being sent out. Linda currently has Delinquent Tax Written Agreements in place with (4) Property owners, and the Six Properties that I mentioned on September 11th were sent Certified Letters requiring them to come in and enter into Delinquent Tax Written Agreements within 30 days prior to going to Tax Deed. I will update at our next meeting on Tuesday, October 10th.
Meeting with Auditor Jim Roberge: I had the opportunity to meet with Jim Roberge, Auditor from Roberge & Company, P.C., CPAs. In my conversation with Jim, he was very complimentary with the work that Anne, Colleen and Carol G provide on the Financials. I was happy to hear that he test about 90% of the transactions. We have asked Jim to come to a Selectboard meeting to present an overview of the Audit when complete and review of the MDA.
Plymouth Fire & Rescue: Save the date for Plymouth Fire & Rescue Open House: September 30, 2023, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Budget Process update: The Budget process is well underway; The Department Heads will have their budgets to myself and Anne on September 29th. Department Heads have been updating and analyzing their budgets, and providing input for the Capital Improvement Program.
Department Heads will meet with myself and Anne from October 2 through October 13, it is our plan to send the Budget to the Advisory Budget Committee on October 18. Our plan is to meet with the Advisory Budget Committee on or around October 25. The Advisory Budget Committee will meet with Department Heads from October 26 through November 15.
Pirate Party update: A meeting was held with Plymouth State University on Tuesday, September 12th. Present was representatives from Plymouth State University to include President Birx. Plymouth Police Department, Plymouth Fire & Rescue and I attended the meeting. Chief Hutchins is here tonight to provide an update. As noted previously, letters were sent to BarstoolPlymouth, PlymouthVegas and Meta Platform Inc.
Plymouth Recreation update: Lisa reports this year’s 121st Keniston-Freeman Summer Concert Series was undoubtedly one to remember. Most notably, there wasn’t a single cancellation due to rain in one of the most challenging summers yet! Every Wednesday the skies opened up and cleared for our concerts. All eight were well attended. We would like to thank the town of Plymouth for their support. We would also like to thank Parks crew for preparing the Common
each week. A special thanks going out to both Plymouth Police Department and the Fireman’s Association for each providing concessions on two separate concert nights. The public looks forward to those nights when they come out and visit with everyone and serve food.
Woodsville Guaranty Savings Bank also generously donated funds that allowed the Rec department to serve hotdogs on a couple concert nights. Downtown businesses also offered discounted coupons to concert goers. Next year, we may be able to book a couple higher priced bands to draw even larger crowds, food trucks and some non-profit groups to partner with food choices during these concerts. A few partnerships for this 121-year-old event with over 1000 attendees is definitely an event this town can celebrate.
Plymouth State University update: I met with Jessica Dutille on Monday, September 18th, we discussed a number of issues including, Pirate Party, PSU Student Government Association who I will be meeting with on October 2. and the PSU Town Hall.
Cluster Project/Economic Development: John Christ will start selecting the University staff that will be involved. Once selected, the towns representatives and the PSU Faculty will meet to discuss the project, we are in hopes the kickoff meeting will be held in October.
PSU Town Hall meeting: Will take place on September 27, 2023 from 5-7pm at the Hartman Union Building. The invitation to community members will appear on the Town Website, and will be distributed via the weekly Newsletter.
Flu Vaccination Clinic: The Town will be holding a Flu Vaccination clinic at Town Hall for Employees, Employees families, elected officials or volunteer committee members. The clinic is sponsored by Speare Memorial Hospital. The date is Tuesday, October 17th from 1-3pm.
Downtown Drainage Project: UPDATE
The project over the past two weeks is moving nicely along Main Street. I have had very positive comments from the Businesses and the Public. We will continue to meet with PVWSD every Wednesday morning taking a look back at the previous week, and a two week look ahead. We will continue to communicate the Two-Week Construction Schedule on Fridays in the Town’s Newsletter.
Here is a rough outline of what has occurred:
I have worked with HEB Engineers and Granese on the following items over the past two weeks:
- Russell Street Drainage construction has started – Drainage project underway, making good progress from Warren Street up Russell Street.
- Next Phase of Drainage will occur on Main Street from Warren to Highland
- The majority of work has been completed North of the
- Review daily Field Reports from HEB
- Daily meetings with HEB Engineer Kevin Hamlin and Tom
- Change Orders for Russell Street & Warren Streets –
- Detention Pond work complete
- Meet with businesses re any issues, complaints or
- Soil Testing concerns have been passed onto NHDES for Waiting for Final Review and recommendations from NHDES.
As always, I am available if you may have questions, concerns and comments. 603.536.1731 X112 or townmanager@plymouth-nh.org