A news round-up from the Town of Henniker, NH |
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Happy summer!
One thing this summer has not been is quiet!
I hope everyone has taken the opportunity to get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather (minus Tropical Storm Isaias). The Henniker Concert Series is now happening every Tuesday night. The Farmers Market has had great fresh produce and other items every Thursday as well.
Summer is in full swing at the Town offices and that means construction season. We have many projects going on, and I thank you for your patience as we improve the roads and other infrastructure. This is the second year implementing our new Capital Improvement Road Management Plan, and the Highway Department is utilizing several types of street reconstruction and resurfacing in order to not only improve our roads, but also extend the life of our pavement.
Finally, I want to leave you with this thought. Why do people say the beginning and the end, as opposed to the end and the beginning?
As I reflect on the things that have transpired from the beginning of 2020 until this current day, while not only have I ended some things, I have begun quite a few things and so have you. What I would like for us to focus on is not necessarily the things that have ended, but the things that begin as a result of the end of something else. At the end of a season, yet and still another season begins, at the end of an era another era begins. At the dawn of a new day, the night has ended. Every day that we enter is a brand new beginning to something that could be very special.
Whenever we experience times of challenge and change, we have opportunities for innovation and accelerated growth where something special could manifest. My question to you is... Can we find those opportunities and then capitalize on them in such a way that our professionalism, functional areas and personal lives go to another level?
The staff is committed to sustain a safe, secure, serviced and strong Henniker! In these times we have done our level best to continue to hold that line. As we go forward into the new normal, I ask that you remain confident in our competence. Furthermore, consider how you can encourage others to step boldly into the unknown, or face their fears in such a way that produces a new destiny, not just a new normal. This is the end and the beginning! I cannot wait to see what our future holds!
Joe
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If you know of others who might benefit from reading "Henniker Happenings" and the ongoing COVID-19 information and resources the Town provides as relevant information becomes available, please pass this email along. It's possible to sign up to receive them directly on the Town of Henniker web page at https://www.henniker.org/general/page/sign-non-emergency-alerts. or use cell phone to join, text HKNEWS to 22828 to get started.
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TOWN HALL Q&A WITH NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE AND HENNIKER OFFICIALS ON PLANNED REOPENING OF NEC |
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Scheduled for Wednesday, August 12, 2020 at 6:30 PM via Zoom
In an effort to be proactive, Henniker and NEC, working collaboratively, have organized a Zoom Town Hall Question and Answer session.
Please join the Henniker Select Board and other Town Officials along with NEC President Michele Perkins and Vice President Wayne Lesperance, as we together to discuss and answer questions from the Henniker community surrounding the planned reopening and resumption of NEC classes/operations this fall. Town Administrator Joseph Devine will moderate the session.
In order to make it run smoothly if you have questions prior to the meeting please email them to townadministrator@henniker.org.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 967 2850 1025
Passcode: 107402
Dial by your location
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
For residents not able to participate, we will provide an additional link after the fact so interested residents can watch rebroadcasts online.
A thank you to the hard working team at NEC for their willingness to schedule this session for the broader Henniker community.
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HENNIKERHELPS
The COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic is an unprecedented health crisis that has disrupted our local, national, and worldwide economy. This disruption is creating significant financial hardships and potentially lasting economic impacts that affect Henniker residents, businesses, and nonprofits. To assist in overcoming the financial and emotional challenges many are experiencing now and, in the weeks, and months ahead, a number of programs and services are already in place or being implemented by the Town of Henniker. These measures are being coordinated with federal, state, and private efforts, and provide economic support and financial relief to all residents, businesses, and nonprofits affected by the COVID-19 crisis and in need of assistance.
Henniker HELPS (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) is a comprehensive and continually updated list of programs, services, and assistance available to the community during these difficult times.
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The Henniker Select Board will hold a regular scheduled meeting on August 11, 2020 at the Henniker Community Center. Some of the items on the agenda are:
- Mandatory mask requirement for downtown.
- Patterson Hill Bridge Construction
- TDS - Downtown Fiber Upgrade
- National Guard use of Transfer Station for Training
- Update from Town Clerk - Upcoming Elections
- COVID - 19 Travel Policy for employees
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2020 Henniker Primary Sample Ballots |
ABSENTEE BALLOT INFORMATION |
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Residents wishing to vote in New Hampshire who are concerned about participating in person due to COVID-19 may register to vote, and vote, by absentee for the 2020 elections. Find more information on the State of New Hampshire’s website. Please contact the Town Clerk’s Office at (603) 428-3240 or via email at townclerk@henniker.org with any questions.
REGISTERING TO VOTE/REQUESTING ABSENTEE BALLOTS - Frequently Asked Questions
The New Hampshire Primary Election is on September 8, 2020. If you haven’t registered to vote and would like to participate in the Primary Election you can register at the Town Clerk’s Office. We are open 8:00am-4:30pm, Monday - Friday (Except Thursdays). The last day to register before the Primary is August 31, 2020.
If you are unable to come in, or are not comfortable coming into the office, contact us for an Absentee Registration Packet.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. What do I need to bring to register to vote?
A. You will need to bring proof of identity, age, residency and citizenship.
Examples: a driver/non-driver ID for identity and age, a bill, bank statement,
or lease for residency and a birth certificate or passport for citizenship.
Q. What if I don’t have all the proofs necessary?
A. It is always best to bring actual documentation but Affidavit Forms are available for you to sign.
Q. What is my ward number?
A. Henniker does not have wards, you may leave this blank or mark it with “X”.
Q. I already sent in an old form do I need to fill out a new form?
A. No, both forms are acceptable.
Q. Where do I get the absentee request form?
A. They are available at the Town Clerk’s Office or on our website
www.henniker.org under Town Clerk/voter information.
Q. Is there a deadline to request an absentee ballot?
A. There is no set deadline to request an absentee ballot; however, you need
to allow enough time for our staff to receive the request, for us to send the
ballot to you and for you to get it back to us to be processed.
Q. When do you have to receive my ballot back?
A. If you are returning your ballot in person, the last time we can receive it is
between 3:00pm-5:00pm on September 7th, the day before the election. If
returned by mail we must receive it by 5:00pm, Election Day, September 8th.
Q. If I was undeclared before requesting my ballot, how do I change back to
undeclared?
A. If you were undeclared, a change of party form will be included with your
ballot. Complete the form and return it with your ballot.
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TRAFFIC/CONSTRUCTION ADVISORY
Town of Henniker Highway Department 2020 Roads Program Improvements
The Highway Department is going to be replacing culverts on Patterson Hill in preparation of it being paved later this summer. Expect delays!
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ROADWAY MOWING UNDER WAY
The roadside mowing program has begun and will continue through August. This program will include mowing ALL class V roads. Mowing will include a minimum of 8-10 feet of horizontal mowing from the edge of pavement. Additional mowing may be required in intersections and corners to obtain and maintain a line of sight.
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Please contact Highway Superintendent Leo Aucoin at 428-7200 for more information. |
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At the Town Meeting on July 15, 2020 the Town voted on two Warrant Articles pertaining to Economic Development and Tax Incentives for commercial/industrial businesses.
RSA 79-E Community Revitalization Tax Relief
Did you know that your property might be eligible for temporary property tax relief?
In accordance with RSA 79-E, also known as the Community Revitalization Tax Relief program, the Town of Henniker can grant temporary property tax relief to property owners looking to improve their structures. The goal is to enhance downtowns and town centers by temporarily freezing pre-construction assessed value prior to renovations. The incentive is available to both residential and commercial properties.
What does this mean for property owners?
Property owners who make substantial improvements to their buildings will not see a tax increase on the value of their improvements for up to five years.
What qualifies a property for the RSA 79-E tax relief incentive?
There are 3 questions: is the building in the 79-E zone, is the rehab substantial, and is there a public benefit.
- The Town of Henniker has defined the Downtown area or .6 miles from Proctor Square as the eligible districts for the program. The district map is available on the Town of Henniker’s official website.
- Cost of work must exceed 15% or $75,000 of the building's pre-rehab assessed value, whichever is less.
- Rehabilitation must meet one of several criteria for a public benefit: enhances downtown vitality, improves a significant structure and increases housing availability.
Example:
Let’s suppose that a company called Henniker Food n’ Stuff owned 21 Main Street and wanted to make renovations that included new siding, windows, and insulation.
- 21 Main Street is in the 79-E district and the improvements will enhance Henniker’s downtown.
- The building is assessed at $475,400. Rehab cost must be at least $71,310 ($475,400 x 0.15)
- Building valuation increased to $550,000 because of the new siding, windows, and insulation.
Because Henniker Food n’ Stuff took advantage of the 79-E program, they were exempt from property taxes on $373,000 of the increased assessment valuation over 5 years.
How do I start?
Applications are available at the Town of Henniker Planning & Zoning Office or at www.henniker.org. Town staff is available to answer any questions and guide applicants through the approval process.
RSA 72:81 Commercial Property Tax Exemption
In 2020, Henniker adopted the RSA 72:81 Commercial and Industrial Property Tax Exemption. The intent of the exemption is to provide incentives to businesses to build, rebuild, modernize, or enlarge within Henniker.
The exemption applies to the increase in assessed value attributable to construction of new structures, and additions, renovations, or improvements to existing structures. The exemption applies to the percentage of increased assessed value as follows: 50% for year 1 and 2, 40% for the year 3 and 4, 30% for the year 5 and 6, 20% for the year 7 and 8, 10% for the year 9 and 10 and subsequent years will be assessed at the full rate.
This is approved for commercial/industrial use only as defined in the statute RSA 72:80. For purposes of this exemption, the term “Commercial” shall be defined as outlined in the Henniker Zoning Ordinance, Article II Definitions Section 133-3, under Commercial Light, Commercial Manufacturing, Commercial Professional Services, Commercial Recreational, Commercial Retail, Commercial Services, Commercial Services Technical.
Example:
Henniker Industrial Corporation is a manufacturing company that builds electrical equipment and machinery. The company is growing and they need more space for warehousing. This leads the company to build a small warehouse in order to meet the growing demand. Their current assessed value is $500,000 and will increase to $600,000 when the new warehouse is finished. Because they took advantage of the incentive, they were exempt from property taxes on $150,000 of the increased assessment valuation over 10 years.
Here’s the breakdown of their assessment liability over 10 years:
Year 1 and 2: $550,000 (vs. $600,000) Year 3 and 4: $560,000 (vs. $600,000)
Year 5 and 6: $570,000 (vs. $600,000) Year 7 and 8: $580,000 (vs. $600,000)
Year 9 and 10: $590,000 (vs. $600,000) Year 11: $600,000
Applications are available at the Planning & Zoning Office and online at www.Henniker.org. Our office is available to answer any questions and offer guidance throughout the application process
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WARNING FROM HENNIKER PD
The Henniker Police Department has received calls for service from Henniker residents looking to report seeds they received in the mail.
State Agriculture Officials are warning New Hampshire residents not to plant packets of seeds that may arrive in the mail, unrequested, and with return addresses in China.
You can contact the NH Dept. of Agriculture for guidance at 271-1324.
The USDA is requesting you mail the seeds to:
USDA Plant Protection and Quarantine
Attn: Stephen Lavalle
222 Holiday Drive Suite 1
White River Junction, VT 05001
Please do not simply dispose of the seeds, do not plant the seeds, or handle the seeds.
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UPCOMING TOWN HALL CLOSURES
TOWN OFFICES CLOSED SEPTEMBER 7 FOR LABOR DAY
The Henniker Town Clerk will be open from 3:00 – 5:00 PM on September 7 only for the purpose of accepting absentee ballots for the September 8, 2020 State Primary.
TOWN CLERK'S OFFICE CLOSED DURING SEPTEMBER 8 STATE PRIMARY
The Henniker Town Clerk's Office will be closed on September 8 for regular business.
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UPDATES FROM THE TRANSFER STATION
2020 Transfer Station window stickers are available for $1.00, at the Henniker Transfer Station & Recycling Center. Proof of residency or property ownership is required.
Special Disposal Items
- Batteries: Automobile (any lead-acid), lithium, rechargeable and Ni-cad (watch batteries, computer laptop batteries, etc.) Please see attendant for disposal instructions. Standard alkaline batteries can now go in the regular trash.
- Cell Phones: may be disposed of in the rechargeable battery bin.
- Computer Monitors/TV Screens: Greater than 4 inches. $7 disposal fee
- Microwaves: $5 Disposal Fee
- Freon Containing Appliances: $10 Disposal fee (e.g. Dehumidifiers, Refrigerators, Freezers, A/C, etc.)
- Motor Oil, Kerosene, Hydraulic Fluid: Not contaminated with gas, water or antifreeze. Please see attendant before dropping off.
- Tires: Car and light truck tires. No rims. $2 disposal fee. See attendant for disposal questions.
- Propane Cylinders: 20 lb. tanks $2 disposal fee. 30 lb. tanks $5 disposal fee.
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Leaves and grass clippings: The Transfer Station does not currently have a composting program. Also, it is against N.H. Dept. of Environmental Services rules to landfill or burn leaves at this location so we are providing the following information: Leaves, grass clippings, pine needles and garden wastes may be deposited at Stone Falls Garden Center just off Old Concord Road (just east of the access to Route 9/202 by Old West Hopkinton Road). Material may be dropped off any time of day, 7 days a week. PLEASE! No sticks, rocks, garbage, boxes or bags of any type.
- U.S. Flags: We collect worn out U.S. flags for proper disposal. The proper disposal technique for flags is to respectfully burn them. We place old flags on our brush pile fire after it is burning intensely and they are incinerated quickly and completely.
- Alkaline Batteries: May be disposed of in your regular trash. They are no longer considered hazardous (since 1996 mercury and cadmium have been removed from them). The only batteries we must separate are all rechargeable batteries, button cell batteries and lithium batteries. We have a completely free recycling program for rechargeable batteries and the small quantity of lithium and button cell batteries go with our household hazardous waste in the fall.
These items (below) have special disposal requirements and DO NOT GO IN THE HOPPER. Please see an attendant.
- Furniture: See an attendant for disposal and guidelines on breaking it down for proper disposal. Disposal fee applies for some items.
- Burn Pile: Brush and clean lumber under 5 inches diameter. No painted, stained, pressure-treated, glued or pressed boards. No Leaves or tree stumps…. NH State Law….
- Construction Debris: $25 disposal fee for a standard pick up truckload filled to water level. Other amounts of debris vary in price, please see attendant. Please remove all burnable non-contaminated wood for disposal in the burn pile for reduced cost.
- Sheet Rock & Asphalt Shingles: $50 disposal fee for a standard pick up truckload filled to water level.
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A reminder that it isn't too late to complete the 2020 census! You can complete it online, by phone, or by mail. Click Here to complete it!
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Happenings at the Tucker Free Library!!
Now you can print, fax or use a laptop at the Tucker Free!
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2020 HENNIKER CONCERT SERIES
IS BACK!!!
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GUIDELINES FOR 2020 HENNIKER SUMMER CONCERT ATTENDEES
Welcome to the 2020 Henniker Summer Concert Series. Due to COVID-19, things look and feel different this year, but our overall goals are for everyone to have a great time and remain safe.
The park will be fenced in on concert nights with two clearly marked entrances/exits. Concert committee members will be at the entrances to assist you in finding a spot to set up your blankets or chairs. Blankets should be closer to the stage, chairs behind so no one has an obstructed view.
We will be practicing Social Distancing inside the park and have marked off squares. Once those areas are full, no one else will be able to enter the park. Families and small groups who arrive together may occupy one or more of these squares.
Dancing is allowed but dancers should observe the 6 foot distancing recommendations.
Please do not approach the bands either before or after the concert this year.
BRING YOUR MASKS
We recommend you wear face coverings upon entering/exiting the park or if you choose to visit with a neighbor in the park. Once you are seated in your space, it is not necessary to wear your mask. Children need to remain with parents this summer. There will be no opportunity to play in the Flynn’s yard.
You are encouraged to bring your picnic supper or to purchase take out from one of the Henniker businesses. As always it is carry in, carry out.
SAFETY FIRST
If you have recently traveled or used public transportation and have any symptoms of illness, such as fever, cough, chills, shortness of breath, or if someone in your family or with whom you have visited recently has these symptoms --- please stay home.
The Community Center bathroom and the porto potty are available. Each is equipped with hand sanitizer, soap and paper towels for your use.
If we all follow these guidelines, we will have a great summer series. If, however, we notice there are unsafe practices occurring, the committee reserves the right to cancel subsequent concerts.
Let’s all do our part to insure we have a safe, music filled summer in Henniker on Tuesday evenings.
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TOWN INFORMATION DURING COVID-19
We are continuously updating our coronavirus web page with information and resources. You can access it here: Henniker COVID-19 Updates PDFs with information for residents and businesses are available via this link.
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FARMERS' MARKET
Henniker Community Market
Every Thursday 4 - 7 pm
Community Center Park
57 Main Street
Henniker
During these challenging times, more and more people are realizing the value and resilience of a local food system. We are committed to providing our community with access to locally grown food. Products will include certified organic fruits and vegetables, pasture raised pork, beef, lamb, and chicken, eggs, maple syrup, goat milk & yogurt, and soap.
Stay safe and see you at the market!
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BE BEAR RESPONSIBLE FROM NOW THROUGH THE FALL
New Hampshire Fish and Game explains why bears have been more active near humans this especially dry summer as well as tips to minimize interactions. The Department notes: "Adverse bear-human interactions increased in the Granite State during the first half of the summer, and it is predicted that these encounters will continue into autumn. The escalation of conflicts between bears and the public this summer has been caused by a variety of factors such as weather and human behavior."
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Joe
Joseph R. Devine, Jr - Town Administrator
Town of Henniker
a: 18 Depot Hill Rd., Henniker, NH 03242 USA
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