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At-a-glance: Somersworth council passes winter moratorium amendment, approves tax‑deed hold and several time‑sensitive items
Summary
At Monday’s meeting the council adopted an amended winter moratorium ordinance, voted not to accept tax deeds on two properties, approved a hazard mitigation grant and moved forward with a special‑election request. The council also confirmed several appointments and held first readings on other ordinances.
The Somersworth City Council completed several formal votes Monday night and scheduled hearings or first readings on other measures. Key actions and outcomes are summarized below.
Ordinance adopted — winter excavation moratorium (Ordinance 14‑25): The council adopted Ordinance 14‑25 to amend Chapter 12 (streets and sidewalks) concerning winter excavations, prohibiting excavation in the city’s right‑of‑way from Nov. 15 through April 15 with a city‑manager waiver authority; the ordinance passed on roll call.
Tax deed hold (Resolution 33‑25): The council voted to instruct the tax collector not to accept tax deeds on certain properties on Wexford Lane and Blackwater Road because of buried debris and potential unknown cleanup costs; Resolution 33‑25 was adopted on roll call.
Hazard mitigation grant (Resolution 38‑25): The council authorized the city manager to accept a Hazard Mitigation Assistance Program grant from the New Hampshire Department of Safety, Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. The award is $11,249 with an in‑kind match of $3,750. Councilors suspended rules for a second reading and voted to adopt the resolution.
Special state election request: The council voted to request the secretary of state’s assistance to schedule a special election to fill the vacant District 12 state representative seat (the vacancy resulted from a candidate moving out of the district). The motion passed on roll call; Councilor David A. Witham recorded a “no” vote citing costs and staffing impacts for local polling places.
Appointments: George Gilmette was appointed to the Planning Board for a three‑year term; five nominees (Maureen Jackman, Jessica Paradis, Peter Hood, Donald Austin and Todd Marsh) were approved to the Ethics Commission for three‑year terms. All appointments were approved by voice vote.
Consent calendar: The consent calendar was adopted by voice vote.
First readings and items to come back: Ordinance 15‑25 (revisions to Chapter 13, dog definitions and at‑large rules) and multiple water‑main project resolutions (Resolutions 34‑25, 35‑25, 36‑25 and 39‑25) remained at first reading and will be scheduled for public hearings at the next regular meeting on Feb. 18.
Ending: The meeting closed with routine council and manager reports and the council adjourned; several items will return on Feb. 18 for public hearings and final votes.
