A news round-up from the Town of Henniker, NH
Wednesday, July 22, 2020
As Henniker Town Administrator, I have many things to be grateful for, but the recent Annual Town Meeting held for a second time has to be one of the best! I was really impressed with the care that everyone put into this unusual event. Everything seemed well thought-out and successfully executed.

Thank you to the Town Moderator, Cordell Johnston, relevant Committees, and the members of our Select Board for their rigorous winnowing of the warrant so that only the most needful articles remained.

Thank you to all the Town Departments (Town Hall Staff, Police, Fire, Rescue, Highway, Wastewater, Transfer Station, Library, Water and others) and Town employees and volunteers for the behind the scenes.

Thank you to the Henniker Community School who without their help neither of the Town Meetings would be been able to be pulled off. All of the on-site work, including their considerate arrangement of chairs and all the set-up of the gym.

Thank you to all the election workers (Supervisor of the Checklist and ballot clerks) for an efficient and safe check-in process.

Thank you to all the others I cannot name but I know also worked hard. 

Finally thank you to the town residents who showed up in the heat to engage in a socially distanced exchange of views–all committed to doing our best for our Town.

I am so grateful to be part of this community!


Joe
 
The whiskey barrels around town look amazing this year! Thank you to the Henniker Beautification Alliance for all their hard work planting and maintaining them this year.
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.
TOWN HALL Q&A WITH NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE AND HENNIKER OFFICIALS ON PLANNED REOPENING OF NEC
In an effort to be very proactive, Henniker and NEC, working collaboratively, have organized a Zoom Town Hall Question and Answer session with NEC Vice President Wayne Lesperance, Henniker Officials, and Henniker Police to discuss and answer questions from the Henniker community surrounding the planned reopening and resumption of NEC classes/operations this fall. Mr. Devine will moderate the session. There will be the opportunity for residents to pose questions in writing as part of the Zoom Town Hall.

Topic: Henniker and NEC Townhall Meeting
Time: Jul 22, 2020 12:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 928 3316 2486
Passcode: 029630

For residents not able to participate, we will provide an additional link after the fact so interested residents can watch rebroadcasts on line.

A thank you to the hard working team at NEC for their willingness to schedule this session for the broader Henniker community.

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.
ABSENTEE BALLOT INFORMATION
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.
Town Hall has reopened to walk-in customers

In accordance with the latest guidance from the state, the Henniker Town Offices reopened to the public on Monday, June 22nd, for our regular hours. Signs at the entrance will instruct you on the process:

A few basics things you should know:

  • A mask is required when entering Town Hall.
  • There is a limit of THREE people in the lobby and TWO people in the vestibule, so please plan accordingly.
  • Social distancing is required, both indoors and in the outdoor waiting line.
  • A mask, covering your nose and mouth, is required if you come into the building. Children under 2 years excepted.
  • Please bring your own pen.

Residents are still encouraged to utilize online services whenever possible. These online services include vehicle registration renewal, dog licenses, vital statistics, zoning applications, abatement and tax cards. We still also have a drop box at the front entrance of Town Hall if you prefer.

If you have a physical condition that prohibits the use of a face mask, please call our offices for options for obtaining service:

Town Clerk/Tax Collector 603-428-3240
Assessing 603-428-3221 ext. 2
Planning/Zoning 603-428-3221 ext. 1
Town Administrator's Office 603-428-3221 ext. 5
Town Administrator Devine wearing his mask. It’s a pandemic; wearing masks in public is the responsible thing to do. It conveys the clear message, "I care about your health, in addition to my own." Courtesy Joe Devine
THE IMPORTANCE OF WEARING A MASK WHEN OUT AND ABOUT IN HENNIKER
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that wearing cloth face coverings (masks) is one of the most important things we can do to help stem the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others. You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick. The cloth face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected. Wearing masks in public is the responsible thing to do. It conveys the clear message, "I care about your health, in addition to my own.”

Everyone should wear a cloth face cover in public settings and when around people who don’t live in your household, especially when other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.

Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.

Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others. The cloth face cover is not a substitute for social distancing.

To read more suggestions from the CDC, click  HERE .
 
TRAFFIC/CONSTRUCTION ADVISORY 

Town of Henniker Highway Department 2020 Roads Program Improvements

The Town has contracted with GMI for paving services. They will begin raising manhole covers next week. This will take place on:

  • Pearl St.
  • Union St.
  • Water St.
  • Gould St.
  • Goss Dr.
  • Fairview Ave.

The Highway Department is going to be replacing culverts on Patterson Hill in preparation of it being paved later this summer.

Please be advised you may encounter alternate lane traffic patterns, detour and delays for vehicle traffic.

Access to residences and businesses will be maintained for homeowners and authorized vehicles including deliveries, guests, business patrons, etc., however minor delays may occur. Traffic control personnel will be in place and motorists are asked to proceed with caution and/or seek alternate routes when possible. Thank you for your patience and cooperation.

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.

Please contact Highway Superintendent Leo Aucoin at 428-7200 for more information.
CONSTRUCTION PLANNED
The Mobile Gas Station on Bradford Road (Rt. 114) is scheduled to have its gas tanks replaced starting on Monday (July 27, 2020). Gas will not be available for approximately one month. The convenience store will still be open during construction.   The southern entrance to the parking lot will also be closed.
MOSQUITO BORNE ILLNESS INFORMATION

A case of mosquito borne illness (Jamestown Canyon virus) has been confirmed in Loudon. For this reason, anyone living in Henniker and surrounding towns should take precautions to help avoid mosquito bites. The following is some guidance from the CDC which includes wearing protective clothing, use of an effective insect repellent, and eliminating standing water around residential and commercial areas.
New Hampshire GAP Fund

Applications for the New Hampshire General Assistance & Preservation (GAP) Fund opened on Tuesday, July 21, 2020, on the GOFERR and BFA websites

The Governor has authorized the allocation and expenditure of $30M of CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Funds (“flex funds”) for the New Hampshire General Assistance & Preservation (GAP) Fund to provide emergency financial relief to New Hampshire businesses and nonprofit organizations impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, that have been unable to access support from other existing state and federal programs.

Eligibility for the GAP Fund, include but are not limited to:

For-Profit eligibility criteria:
  • Be a for-profit business
  • If a franchise, be a single-unit franchise
  • Have at least one (1) non-owner employee
  • Have its principal place of business in New Hampshire or conduct a significant portion of it operation in New Hampshire
  • Demonstrate that the business was fully operational prior to March 13, 2020
  • Not currently be in bankruptcy
  • Not have permanently ceased operations
  • Be in Good Standing with the New Hampshire Secretary of State
  • Demonstrate a quantifiable financial impact on their business due to the COVID-19 pandemic

Not-for-Profit eligibility criteria:
  • Be a nonprofit organization that is not a 501c(3) or 501c(6)
  • Have its principal place of operations in New Hampshire
  • Administrative expenses due to COVID-19 that are in compliance with IRS rules and regulations for business expenses
  • Have a primary purpose that is not lobbying and/or legislative advocacy
  • Not currently be in bankruptcy
  • Not have permanently ceased operations
  • Be in Good Standing with the New Hampshire Secretary of State
  • Demonstrate a quantifiable financial impact on their business due to the COVID-19 pandemic

Note: Receipts of Coronavirus Relief Funds from any other State program is not an automatic disqualification, however the amount of such assistance will be taken into consideration for eligibility and the amount of any award. Additionally, a business where the only employees are owners of the business are not eligible for grants under the GAP Fund as an alternative relief program was designed to address the need of these entities using CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Funds (“flex funds”).
2020 Town-Wide Statistical Revaluation

Revaluation Summary

The Town of Henniker has selected Vision Government Solutions to assist with the town-wide 2020 revaluation project. Vision’s Appraisal division will be working closely with the Assessing Department to make the process successful for the Town.

A revaluation will determine the fair market value of every property in town and equalizes the values of all properties for the purpose of a fair distribution of the tax burden.

The major phases of a municipal revaluation are:
  • Sales Data Collection
  • Market Analysis
  • Valuation
  • Field Review
  • Informal Hearings

You can visit the Vision Government Solutions website for information explaining each stage of the revaluation process as well as answers to Frequently Asked Questions by clicking here:


Phases of the Revaluation

Sales data collection began in June. Vision will proceed with exterior field review. This data collection is critical, as it enables us to ensure accurate measurements both on main structures and outbuildings and to visually verify exterior characteristics of the property and condition. This is the most time-intensive phase of the project, but the most critical for data accuracy and integrity.
 
The Town of Henniker continues to actively monitor the evolving health situation regarding COVID-19 (coronavirus) and is deeply committed to the continued health and safety of our residents. Based on the recommended social distancing protocols established by the Center for Disease Control, the Town will be delaying interior inspections until it is deemed safe again to resume these procedures. This approach accomplishes the goal of ensuring the utmost safety of our residents and data collectors by aligning with the social distancing protocols that are recommended at a federal and state level.

In order to ensure continued accuracy in data, data collectors will go to each sale property and physically inspect the exterior only, to verify the measurements of each building as needed. The data collector will note a building’s size, condition, quality of construction, improvements, topography, utilities, and numerous other characteristics. Data collectors will not enter any structure. All data collectors will be wearing reflective clothing, carry an identification badge and a letter of introduction, have an “Assessor’s Office” sign posted in the vehicle window, and their cars will be registered with the Police as well as the Assessor’s Office in the Town Hall.

The Town will continue to delay all interior inspections, until the Department of Public Health and local officials have advised that special precautions to limit the exposure of the novel coronavirus are no longer necessary.

After the initial Sale Data Collection phase, market analysis and valuation will begin, followed by field review of properties to check and re-check values to ensure uniformity and accuracy of information. This will be followed by a Notice of New Values mailed to each property owner and an Informal Hearings phase, which enables anyone with questions concerning the revaluation process an opportunity to meet with a member of Vision’s staff to discuss their property value.

If you have any questions about the revaluation process or need additional information, please contact the Assessor’s Office at (603) 428-3221 ext. 2 or hennikerassessing@tds.net
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!
Happenings at the Tucker Free Library!! 

Now you can print, fax or use a laptop at the Tucker Free!
See details on our website: www.tuckerfreelibrary.org

ATV Complaints

The Henniker Police Department has received in increase in ATV complaints this year. You will also notice more ATV stops done by HPD as well in an attempt to keep everyone safe.

2020 OHRV:  Complaints 31   Stops 85  Crash 1   Dedicated OHRV Patrol Details @ 4 hours each  17

2019 OHRV:  Complaints 11   Stops 37  Crash 1   Dedicated OHRV Patrol Details @ 4 hours each  7
2020 HENNIKER CONCERT SERIES
IS BACK!!!
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.   
WHY IS PET WASTE A PROBLEM? - Do Your Part, Scoop the Poop!
Many NH towns have over 1,000 dogs living in them, and each dog "goes" once or twice a day. That's a lot of poop! Not only is it gross when it's left around, but it can be dangerous. Harmful bacteria and parasites - such as Giardia or Salmonella - that live in pet waste, can come in contact with other people and pets or wash into nearby waterways or storm drains.
Picking up our pet's waste and throwing it out is a small change than can make a big difference in keeping our waters clean.

Five small changes that make a big difference:
  • Always carry a plastic bag when you walk your dog.
  • Always pick up that poop.
  • Always dispose of in in a trash can.
  • Never put bagged or unbagged waste in a storm drain.
GREEN GRASS AND CLEAR WATER

Did you know that you can have a healthy, green lawn that is both attractive and safer for the environment?

Some lawn care practices create local water quality problems. Excess nutrients (including nitrogen and phosphorus found in fertilizers) that run off our properties into nearby water bodies can trigger harmful algal blooms. Many of us enjoy the time we spend working on our lawns and are willing to try new practices as long as our lawns continue to look good. Below are some simple and easy tips, customized for northern New England, that can lead to Green Grass & Clear Water.

Choose the right grass seed . The best seed mixes include low maintenance varieties with higher % of fine-leaf fescues and turf - or compact-type tall fescues, and lower % of Kentucky bluegrass and perennial rye grass.
Mow smart. Leave grass at least 3” high. Cut no more than one-third (1/3) of the blade each time you mow to encourage longer, stronger roots. Leave the grass clippings after mowing so they can return nutrients to the soil.

Have your soil tested . To learn more about specific characteristics and needs of your lawn, contact UNH Cooperative Extension  HERE .
Don’t overwater. 1” of water per week (from rain or irrigation) is usually enough. Overwatering can cause nutrients to move out of root zones and into water bodies or groundwater.
Only if your lawn requires added nutrients from fertilizer:

Avoid overapplying. Measure the area where you plan to apply and calculate the square footage. For lawns 10+ years old, apply half (1/2) the amount recommended for your square area one time per season. New lawns may need another application. Apply no more than 4 times per season.

Choose the right fertilizer . Select fertilizers with zero or low phosphorus unless a soil test says otherwise. Slow release nitrogen fertilizer is generally preferable. Over applying fertilizer (any type) can cause water quality issues.

Know when and where to apply. Apply only after spring “green up” and before mid-September. Avoid applying in mid-summer. Never apply near waterbodies or storm drains.

View more details about these tips and others  HERE .
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.
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!
Please use caution when swimming or boating on any water bodies, but be extra careful when you are on or in moving water. Even if a river looks calm, there can be fast-moving undercurrents. Always enter unknown or shallow water cautiously, feet first.

  • Here are some additional safety tips:Personal flotation devices (PFDs) are always strongly recommended, even if you are a strong swimmer.
  • Know the location or name of the area you are in so that you can identify it to 9-1-1 if you have an emergency.
  • Check with those that are familiar with the area to identify areas with current or steep drop-offs.
  • Don’t swim alone – always have a swim buddy.
  • Learn CPR and rescue techniques. Review the steps to hands-only CPR (no mouth to mouth resuscitation needed) here from the American Heart Association, which can help save a life and be used until help arrives: https://cpr.heart.org/en/cpr-courses-and-kits/hands-only-cpr/.

Our Fire and EMS personnel want you to enjoy summer water activities safely. While drowning deaths peak among one and two year olds, drownings continue to be the second leading cause of preventable death through age 15. According to the National Safety Council, 353 people age 5 to 24 drowned in 2017.
REMINDER ON POOL SAFETY

Many above ground pools have been installed in Henniker this summer. We want to remind everyone that the pools must have a 4 foot high barrier/side wall around them, including access from the house or deck, for the safety of young children. Portable ladders that access the pool must be removed, or in a closed/locked position with a non-climbable surface when not directly in view of an adult. 

Thank you and enjoy your backyard playground!
GET PUMPED NEW HAMPSHIRE - Don't Wait for a Failure to Schedule a Septic System Pump Out

Every home generates wastewater – via toilets, showers, sink drains, and dish and clothes washers – which must be treated and disposed of properly to protect human health and the environment.

Read more about septic system maintenance  HERE .
DROUGHT CONDITIONS

As of July 16, Henniker is still experiencing moderate drought conditions. Although recent rain has been helpful, precipitation for Henniker is still below average for this time of year by about 4.58 inches. Water consumption stabilized last week and continues into this week due to intermittent rain showers. Days without precipitation show an increase of consumption by about 10% until rain comes in.
 
Water conservation is still strongly advised, especially in regards to irrigation and outdoor use. Please use water wisely. Water customers should conserve water as a proactive measure to maintain our water resource. Simple measures to take when conserving water include minimizing irrigation, lawn watering, and inspecting systems for water leaks. If watering is needed, please water at night or early morning to minimize evaporation and consider using weather-based irrigation controllers to avoid unnecessary watering. Thank you for doing your part to conserve water
Joe

Joseph R. Devine, Jr - Town Administrator
Town of Henniker
a: 18 Depot Hill Rd., Henniker, NH 03242 USA
t: 603.428.3221 ext. 5  | e: townadministrator@henniker.org  | w: www.henniker.org