Shall the Town of Hampton vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $30,757 over and above the amount funded by the 2022 operating budget, to expand the Parks Foreman position from a 28-hour part-time position to a 40-hour full-time position, including salary and benefits, starting on April 1, 2022, and for the balance of 2022, with the estimated full year cost in 2023 of this full-time position being $87,508, including salary and benefits, and all future costs to be included in the Parks & Recreation Department’s annual budget and the default budget going forward? (Majority vote required)

What it means: The Parks and Recreation Department is asking for a Part Time position to be converted to Full Time.  The 2022 dollar amount represents the increased cost for the latter 3 quarters of the year, above what the Part-time position costs. The 2023 dollar amount is a full-year cost. In future years, the increased salary and benefits will be included in the Operating Budget. This request is being put before the voters as a separate item, as opposed to including it in the Operating Budget.

Those in favor say: Parks and Rec Department manages all facilities and activities with just two Full-Time and two Part-Time positions (in addition to the Director). The Foreman’s position is one of the Part-Time positions, responsible for the Town’s Recreation facilities, including:

• 25 Acres of property
• Two softball fields
• Two baseball fields
• A soccer field
• A flag football court
• A basketball court
• Five playgrounds
• Four tennis courts
• Two pickleball courts
• Two sand volleyball courts
• An inline rink
• A skating park
• Two buildings (the Cave and Tuck)
• Two large garage buildings
• A Parking Lot

That is a lot of facilities for one Part-Time person to manage. Having the Foreman on the premises Full Time will also add security, as the temptation to deface or to litter will be mitigated somewhat by the presence of an employee.

Those against say: No one spoke against this Article at the Deliberative Session.

Fiscal impact: In this fiscal year, a property valued at $400,000 would see a tax increase of $3.20 if this Article passes.  Using 2022 valuations for the tax base, there would be an increase of $9.10 in 2023, which would be the full year value.  In subsequent years, the compensation for the Parks & Rec Foreman would be included in the Operating Budget. To calculate the effect on your own property, use .008 times your valuation divided by 1,000 in 2022 and .0228 in 2023.

Shall the Town of Hampton vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $38,292 over and above the amount funded by the 2022 operating budget, to expand the Conservation Coordinator position from a 29-hour part-time position to a 40-hour full- time position, including salary and benefits, in order to meet the increasing responsibilities in service to the Town of Hampton, starting on April 1, 2022 and for the balance of 2022, with the estimated full year cost in 2023 of this full time position being $86,300, including salary and benefits, and all future costs to be included in the Conservation Commission’s annual budget and the default budget going forward? (Majority vote required)

What it means: The Conservation Commission is asking that the Part Time position of Coordinator be converted to Full Time. The 2022 dollar amount represents the increased cost for the latter 3 quarters of the year, above what the Part-time position costs. The 2023 dollar amount is a full-year cost. In the future, all salary and benefits will be part of the Operating Budget. 

Those in favor say:  The Conservation Coordinator is the ONLY paid position on the Commission.  The work done helps to ensure that our townspeople are good stewards of our Wetlands Conservation District, and that our water, wildlife, and natural recreation resources are as healthy and well-functioning as possible.

When the Conservation Coordinator position was created in 2007, the primary responsibilities were to answer questions and provide assistance to people completing their Hampton Wetland Permit applications, and to handle the administrative responsibilities of the Commission, including responding to incoming phone calls, filing applications, and dealing with incoming and outgoing correspondence. 

In the intervening 15 years, additional responsibilities have been added to the Coordinator position, including:

• Review plans and participate in Planning Review Committee (PRC) monthly meetings
• Review Operations & Maintenance manuals for stormwater management, snow removal and other issues.
• Sign Certificates of Occupancy, including site visits to ensure that Wetland Permit conditions (where applicable) have been addressed
• Provide input when appropriate at Planning Board reviews of Wetland permit applications
• Review wetlands ordinance variance requests that are going before the Zoning Board and provide input/answer questions when appropriate
• Review driveway permits where wetlands are present to determine if Wetland Permits need to be secured
• Review Wetlands Permits for impervious coverage issues
• Represent the Conservation Commission at monthly Coastal Hazards Adaptation Team (CHAT) meetings
• Help ensure that projects in the Wetlands Conservation District are compliant with FEMA and other floodplain regulations
• Review Elevation Certificates
• Annually hire, train, and supervise summer interns who monitor Hampton conservation lands and easements
• Send reminder letters to property owners when their Wetlands Permits are close to expiring so they can be renewed if need be
• Send letters to new property owners in Hampton who have wetlands/buffers on their properties to cordially invite them to meet with the Coordinator before initiating any projects on their property, to help ensure that they are in compliance with Town wetland ordinances
• Update online GIS system with info regarding each Hampton and NHDES Wetland permit issued
• Add Wetland Permit notes to Hampton property tax cards where required
• Work with the Building Inspector and Town Planner on flood plain management issues
• Coordinate public outreach projects that help encourage good stewardship related to conservation principles and goals (examples: Annual painted rain barrel auction, and installation of rain gardens)
• Town Forest events, including winter snowshoeing and spring clean-ups.
• Create and publish a quarterly Conservation Commission newsletter

Those against say: No one spoke against this Article at the Deliberative Session.

Fiscal impact: In this fiscal year, a property valued at $400,000 would see a tax increase of $4.00 if this Article passes.  Using 2022 valuations for the tax base, there would be an increase of $9.01 in 2023, which would be the full year value.  In subsequent years, the compensation for the Conservation Coordinator would be included in the Operating Budget. To calculate the effect on your own property, use .01 times your valuation divided by 1,000 in 2022 and .0225 in 2023.

Shall the Town of Hampton vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $825,000 for the purchase of one (1) Fire Engine and equipping with any necessary operational equipment and accessories, for the Hampton Fire and Rescue Department. Said sum of $825,000 to come from the Unassigned Fund Balance. This shall be a non-lapsing appropriation per RSA 32:7, VI and shall not lapse until the purchase is completed or by March 31, 2027, whichever occurs sooner? (Majority vote required)

What it means: If this article passes, a replacement Fire Truck would be ordered and the cost would be taken from the Unassigned Fund Balance.  The vehicle to be replaced was purchased in 2001, and has been on the Capital Improvement Plan.

Those in favor say: 

• The equipment has had $275,000 in repair costs over the life of the vehicle.
• The equipment has corrosion issues throughout and the foam system and pump intake gauge are both out of service.
• A similar piece of equipment was lost to corrosion 4 years ago.
• A truck that we order this year is likely to be delivered in 2024, with current lead times.
• Multiple vendors will be asked to quote this purchase, to control the cost to taxpayers.

Those against say: No one spoke against this article at the Deliberative Session.

Fiscal impact:  There would be no new tax impact, as the Unassigned Fund Balance will be tapped.

Shall the Town of Hampton vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $503,660 for improvements to streets consisting of: paving, adjustments to structures to permit paving, repairs, and replacements to drainage and/or sewers, repairs to sidewalks and driveway openings, crack sealing, weed control, curbing maintenance or installation, and improvements and repairs to Town parking lots and parking areas. Said appropriation to be offset by the State Highway Block Grant estimated to be $303,660. If the grant is not fully received, the remainder to be raised through taxation. This shall be a non-lapsing appropriation per RSA 32:7, VI and shall not lapse until the improvements are completed or by March 31, 2027, whichever occurs sooner? (Majority vote required)

What it means: The estimated cost of doing the proposed paving is $503,660.  Of that amount, it is estimated (but not guaranteed) that Hampton will receive a block grant to cover the cost of all but $200,000.  The work needs to be done, so if for any reason the grant monies are not forthcoming, the balance would be raised via added taxes. However, this has not happened in recent years, as we have been successful in obtaining grant funding.

Paving and Roadway Improvements Anticipated for 2022  

Crack Sealing, Curb Treatments, Parking Lot Repairs  

•     Little River Road
•     North Shore Road 
•     Barbour Road  
•     Cusack Road

Those in favor say: Roads are identified that need paving, and that do NOT need infrastructure repair beneath the pavement.  These roads are prioritized, and set aside for opportunities under the Block Grant.  Each year, the roads at the top of the list are targeted for improvement.  (Those that DO need infrastructure repair tend to be more expensive, and often require a bond – such as article 9 this year.)

Those against say: No one spoke against this Article at the Deliberative Session.

Fiscal impact: If, as expected, the cost to taxpayers will be $200,000, the cost for a home valued at $400,000 will be $20.80.  To get the cost for your property, multiply .058 times your valuation divided by 1,000.  The outside cost for that same household if the offsetting grant is not received would be $34.50.

Shall the Town of Hampton vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $500,000 for the following purpose: to construct a building to create additional program space and office space for the Parks and Recreation Department, and to purchase any equipment and supplies necessary to outfit same, and to authorize the withdrawal of $350,000 from the Unassigned Fund Balance and an additional sum of $150,000 from the Hampton Recreation Infrastructure Special Revenue Fund established for these purposes under Article 44 of the 2007 Annual Town Meeting. This shall be a non-lapsing appropriation per RSA 32:7, VI and shall not lapse until the building is completed or by March 31, 2027, whichever occurs sooner? (Majority vote required)

What it means: A new building would be constructed in between and set back from the existing Cave Building and the existing Tuck Building. This new space would accommodate activities for all age groups in Hampton.  The anticipated $500,000 cost would come partially from the Unassigned Fund Balance, and partially from the Recreation Infrastructure Fund.

More information is available at this link:  Parks & Rec Building Proposal

Those in favor say: 

• Expansion of Tuck – Long time in need
• Would serve as a Community Room and Senior Center
• Any resident wishing to use the space could make arrangements
• Program and office space
• Fairly immediate start of construction
• Great for community morale
• No new tax impact

Those against say: No one spoke against this Article at the Deliberative Session.

Fiscal impact: There would be no new tax impact, because the dollars needed would be withdrawn from two funds that already exist – the Unassigned Fund Balance, and the Parks and Rec Infrastructure Fund.

Shall the Town of Hampton vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $353,500 for the purchase of the following vehicles for the Department of Public Works: one (1) Caterpillar Loader Backhoe; and one (1) Western Star 6-Wheeler and Dump Body with Wing and Plow, or equivalents approved by Public Works, both with associated radios, lights, and equipment. Any replaced vehicles to be traded-in, or sold, as determined to be in the best interest of the Town by the Public Works Director, Town Manager, and Board of Selectmen. Said sum of $353,500 to come from the Unassigned Fund Balance. This shall be a non-lapsing appropriation per RSA 32:7, VI and shall not lapse until these purchases are completed or by March 31, 2027, whichever occurs sooner? (Majority vote required) 

What it means:  The Department of Public Works seeks to purchase two new work vehicles. Details for each are listed below:

• Replace Unit #62 – 2006 CAT 430 E Backhoe
• High Hours – used 7 days a week
• Over $48,500 for Repairs in Last 5 Years
• New 2021 CAT 420XE and associated equipment
• Replace Unit #40 – 1997 International 6 Wheel Dump
• Front Line Vehicle Snow Removal
• Over $26,350 for Repairs in Last 5 Years, Excessive Rust
• 2022 Western Star 4700SF, Wing, Plow and Equipment

Those in favor say: These vehicles are over 15 years old and have been expensive to repair over the past 5 years (almost $75,000).  They are both “work horses” and the Town needs them for daily functioning.  The existing vehicles will be sold, so that the taxpayers will benefit from whatever trade-in value they may produce.

Those against say: No one spoke against this article at the Deliberative Session.

Fiscal impact:  There would be no new tax impact, because the funds would be taken from the Unassigned Fund Balance.

Shall the Town of Hampton vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $300,000 to be added to the Road Improvement Capital Reserve Fund established for that purpose under Article 16 of the 1998 Annual Town Meeting? (Majority vote required)

What it means: This fund helps pay for road work in metered doses, rather than all at once. Funds are saved for current and future maintenance and improvements to the roadways and associated sidewalks within the Town of Hampton. Approval is required by Town Meeting to Spend from this Fund.

Those in favor say: This fund helped to offset the costs of the recent repair of Lafayette Road, and is proposed to offset $500,000 of total costs if this year’s Article 9 (High Street Reconstruction) is approved. As of the end of 2021, the fund was valued at roughly $2.4 MM (but that may not reflect all committed dollars since the money is only withdrawn when the work is done and invoices against the project are paid.)

Those against say: No one spoke against this Article at the Deliberative Session.

Fiscal impact:  A household valued at $400,000 will see a tax increase of $31.20 in 2022 if this Article is approved.  Cost per thousand dollars of valuation is 7.8 cents in 2022.

Shall the Town of Hampton vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $267,850 for the purpose of purchasing through the Conservation Commission approximately 22 acres of land on both sides of North Shore Road, including part of Nilus Brook, part of the Grist Mill Pond, and adjacent wetland buffers and wooded uplands for the purpose of protecting in perpetuity the area’s water resources, wildlife corridor and habitat, and open spaces with $187,850 to be raised by taxation and $80,000 to be appropriated from the Conservation Fund. The Conservation Commission will seek grants and donations to further reduce the cost to the taxpayers. The purchase cost includes the purchase price to the owner, additional costs associated with surveying, legal and other administrative costs, and expenses associated with the placement of the property in a Conservation Easement to be held and monitored by the Southeast Land Trust of New Hampshire (SELT). This shall be a non-lapsing appropriation per RSA 32:7, VI and shall not lapse until the purchase is completed or by March 31, 2024, whichever occurs sooner? (Majority vote required)

What it means:.

The Conservation Commission has an opportunity to purchase and preserve 22 acres of undeveloped land on both sides of North Shore Road, including part of Nilus Brook, part of the Grist Mill Pond, and adjacent wetland buffers and wooded uplands. Once acquired, the land will be conserved forever through a Conservation Easement for the purpose of protecting in perpetuity the area’s water resources, wildlife corridor and habitat, and open spaces and will be open for public access for passive recreation.

The Conservation Commission has contributed $80,000 towards the purchase of this land and continues to apply for grants and fundraise to reduce the tax impact on Hampton residents.

For more information visit:

https://www.hamptonnh.gov/610/The-Barkley-Property

Those in favor say: This very valuable property has been appraised at $1.4 million and is being offered to the Town by the Barkley family, who wish to see it preserved. They are offering it to the Town at a purchase price of $200,000 with a Conservation easement that will prohibit development of the land.  William Barkley, who originally purchased the property along with his wife, was one of the first members of Hampton’s Conservation Commission in the late 80’s. The Conservation Commission is using $80,000 from its fund to help pay for the property and the costs associated with purchasing and protecting it.

If approved by the voters, this land will be available for passive recreation by residents, and will continue to be used as a wildlife habitat by many species.  Additionally, half of the 22 acres are in the Town’s Aquifer Protection Zone, so it is also important for the protection of our drinking water.

Those against say: No one spoke against this Article at the Deliberative Session.

Fiscal impact: If approved, this Article will cost a household valued at $400,000 a one-time increase of $19.60.  To get the cost for your property, multiply .049 times your valuation divided by 1000.

Shall the Town of Hampton vote to establish a contingency fund for the current year for unanticipated expenses that may arise and further to raise and appropriate $200,000 to put in this fund. This sum to come from the Unassigned Fund Balance. Any appropriation left in the fund at the end of the year will lapse to the general fund? (Majority vote required)

What it means:  This was proposed by the Town Manager to cover unexpected increases in costs, due to rapidly increasing inflation.  If the money is not needed, it will be returned to the general coffers at the end of the year (once again become part of the Unassigned Fund Balance).

Those in favor say: This seemed a prudent thing to do, given the unpredictability of expense items.

Those against say:  There is plenty of money in the budget  to cover unexpected hikes in cost items.  This special put-aside is not necessary.

Fiscal impact: There would be no new tax impact, since this money has already been collected.  The intent of the article is to set it aside for this purpose.

Shall the Town of Hampton vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $183,539 for the cost of Hampton’s contribution to twenty-one (21) human service agencies in the Seacoast area in the amounts as requested for 2022?

These twenty-one (21) Human Service agencies shall be required to give a written report at the end of the calendar or fiscal year 2022 to the Board of Selectmen highlighting what the funds were used for and what impact the funds had in assisting them to achieve their goals and objectives. (Majority vote required)

What it means:  Each of the listed agencies will receive a donation from the town in the noted amount.  The funds raised and donated last year are provided for comparison.  This is an “all or none” Warrant Article.  If the Article passes, all the listed agencies receive the specified donations.  If it fails, none do.

Those in favor say: This is something we do every year. These agencies handle issues that the Town would need to absorb if the agencies were not; these donations avoid other, possibly higher taxpayer expenses.

Those against say: This sort of funding should be voluntary, not mandated via property taxes.  A person should not be required to support all of these agencies if he or she does not wish to do so for any reason.

Fiscal Impact: A household valued at $400,000 would see a tax increase of $19.20 in 2022 if this Article is approved. Cost per thousand dollars of valuation is 4.8 cents in 2022.