Charges for Public Documents

According to RSA 91-A:4 IV,"If a computer, photocopying machine, or other device maintained for use by a public body or agency is used by the public body or agency to copy the governmental record requested, the person requesting the copy may be charged the actual cost of providing the copy, which cost may be collected by the public body or agency." Currently, the Town of Ashland charges $1.00 per page for copies of public documents. This means that the cost of obtaining public documents, especially multi-page documents, may be prohibitive to some citizens and restrict their right to know public information.

The town should determine its current cost per page for duplicating and charge the actual rate. The town should also post all public documents on the town website. Provisions should be made for this now while the town website is being redesigned.

Public and Nonpublic Meetings

     There was a Concerned Citizen Issue filed on June 12, 2011 by Sandra Coleman concerning a non-public meeting of the Board of Selectmen that was improperly called on June 1, 2011.  The Board of Selectmen posted the notice of a non-public meeting; however, according to RSA 91-A3, "No public body may enter nonpublic session, except pursuant to a motion properly made and seconded."  This means that a non-public meeting can only be called during a public meeting since a motion must be made and the reason for entering a non-public session given.  The intent of this law is to ensure open and transparent government.
     There are two problems connected to this case.  The first is that those members of the public wishing to attend the meeting may have been discouraged because it was posted that the meeting was non-public. Second, the employee who was to be reviewed in the non-pubic session had the right to request that the meeting be public, but the attendance may have been limited because the meeting was improperly posted.
     By improperly posting the meeting as nonpublic, the Ashland Board of Selectmen infringed on the rights of the employee to have the public present at the meeting as well as the public's right to know. 
     The Board of Selectmen posted the notice of the meeting in three places in town.  It would be helpful to residents if notices of unscheduled meetings were also posted on the Town Website and given to the Town Administrator to put in the Town Bulletin or send out in the InfoBlast. 

Water and Sewer Budget Problems

     A recent financial report shows that the Water and Sewer Department has been losing money since 2004.  During that time operating expenses and depreciation have exceeded revenues by at total of $1,295,020.  The current rate of loss is approximately $10,000 per month.  The department has been making up the losses by using cash reserves.  As of the end of 2010, the department had $695,956 in cash and investments.  This money will be depleted in approximately 5 1/2 years at the current rate of expenditure.  However, Utility Partners estimates that it will cost $2.5M over the next 5 years to replace equipment, and another $1M to over10 years to clean the lagoons, expenditures for which there are no cash reserves.
     There is no easy solution to this budget problem. The department has no choice but to raise rates to cover operating costs and the cost of replacing and maintaining equipment and facilities.  If there is a crisis requiring a large expenditure, it is very likely that the town will have to provide money. 
     The coalition suggests that the Water and Sewer Department work with the town, Utility Partners, and an independent accounting firm analyze the current financial situation and develop a plan to find the best way to address the financial and related technical issues.

Safety Issues at the Town Beach

     At the Board of Selectmen's meeting on Monday, June 20, 2011, residents raised several safety issues at the town beach.  There is a space (approximately 6-8") between the access ramp and the beach wall.  There are also large gaps in the side rails.  The raft and the safety lines that mark the swimming area have not been installed.  There is also a problem with cars going too fast of Leavitt Hill Rd. past the beach.
     We suggest that the Parks and Recreation Director evaluate the safety issues with the ramp and provide possible solutions at the next meeting of the Board of Selectmen.  It may be possible to install additional side rails or wires to enclose the ramp so that small children cannot fall or climb through.
     The raft and safety lines should be installed as soon as possible.  The raft is a safety feature that provides swimmers a place to rest, and the safety lines clearly mark the swimming area.
     The town has discussed installing speed bumps on Leavitt Hill Rd.  A simpler, less expensive option might be to install stop signs on either side of the cross walk during the summer months.

    
    
   

Solar Energy

     According to Town Bulletin #8, "The Electric Commissioners and their Superintendent have taken a serious look at the solar possibility and have concluded the short term answer is not at this time. There are four Dams along the Squam River of which three are contracted for Hydro Power.
Also starting in 2012 a contract to purchase power at the same total usage as per 2010
will be established. These two factors are the reason for the decision, however the Electric Commissioners have agreed to revisit and entertain the solar power possibility during mid to late summer of 2013."
     The reasons provided for rejecting the solar energy proposal should be substantiated with a factual analysis of the technical merits of the proposal and a comparative cost analysis. The Electric Commissioners should provide town residents residents with their detailed report as soon as possible so residents can review the their analysis.
     The town, itself, may want to consider the proposal for powering town buildings and facilities.