October 9, 2008

FROM: JOHN D. SHEA, Executive Councilor

October 9, 2008 Concord, NH  - Listed below are some of the items that were approved at the Governor and Council Meeting, October 8, 2008,that might be of interest to District Two constituents.

The next scheduled Governor and Council meeting will be held at the Newport Opera House Newport, New Hampshire on October 22, 2008.

 BUSINESS FINANCE AUTHORITY
          Authorized to hold a Public Hearing with respect to the financing of a loan to Monadnock Economic Development Corporation and Brown Block Development Company, LLC for a project located in Claremont, NH.  Action will Authorized a Resolution under RSA 162-A:18 to determine the financing will serve a public use, provide public benefit and is within the policy and authority of the Act.

OFFICE OF ENERGY AND PLANNING
          Authorized to amend a sole source contract with Community Action Program Belknap-Merrimack Counties Inc., Concord, NH, (previously approved by G&C on 3-26-08, item #16), for the Weatherization Assistance program, by increasing the amount by $19,553 from $234,501 to $254,054.  Effective upon G&C approval through March 31, 2009.  100% Federal Funds. 
          Authorized to enter into a sole source contract with Community Action Program of Belknap-Merrimack Counties Inc., Concord, NH, for the repair or replacement of malfunctioning heating systems in low-income households receiving Weatherization services in the amount of $84,751.  (2 Further Authorized to advance to the vendor $15,255.  Effective upon G&C approval through September 30, 2009.  100% Federal Funds.     
     Authorized to enter into a sole source contract with Lutheran Social Services of New England Inc., Concord, NH, to provide employment services to Merrimack County refugees in the amount of $132,906.  Effective upon G&C approval through September 30, 2009.  100% Federal Funds. 
          Authorized to enter into a sole source contract with Community Action Program Belknap-Merrimack Counties Inc., Concord, NH, for the Fuel Assistance Program in the amount of $2,401,396.  (2) Further Authorized an advance of $459,211.  Effective upon G&C approval through September 30, 2009.  100% Federal Funds. 
          Authorized to enter into a sole source contract with Southwestern Community Services Inc., Keene, NH, for the Fuel Assistance Program in the amount of $1,698,800.  (2) Further Authorized an advance of $321,334.  Effective upon G&C approval through September 30, 2009.  100% Federal Funds.

OFFICE OF THE ADJUTANT GENERAL
          Authorized to accept and expend funds in the amount of $754.26 from the Fish and Game Department for expenses incurred on August 5, 2008 Aerial SAR support in NH.  100% Transfer (Fish and Game) Funds.

DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES COUNCIL
          Authorized to enter into an agreement with the University of NH, Institute on Disability, Concord, NH, to continue the Council’s support of the University of NH’s Leadership Series by providing partial funding for this series in the amount of $20,000.  Effective upon G&C approval through December 31, 2009.  100% Federal Funds.

DEPARTMENT OF CULTURAL RESOURCES
          Authorized Division of Arts to retroactively pay an FY 08 invoice to Washington Street Café, Concord, NH, in the amount of $93.60 from FY 09 funds for ArtsLinks Panel Review Meeting.  100% Federal Funds. 
          Authorized to award a Conservation Number Plate Grant in the amount of $9,122 to the Town of Bradford, for the Preservation of Town of Bradford town records.  Effective upon G&C approval through June 30, 2009.  100% General Funds. 
          Authorized to award a Conservation Number Plate Grant in the amount of $5,490 to the Town of Acworth, for the Preservation of the Town of Acworth vital records.  Effective upon G&C approval through June 30, 2009.  100% General Funds. 
          Authorized to award a Conservation Number Plate Grant in the amount of $5,055 to the Town of Brookfield, for the conservation and microfilming of Town Record Book III.  Effective upon G&C approval through June 30, 2009.  100% Federal Funds. 
          Authorized to award Conservation Number Plate Grants totaling $36,000 to the organizations as detailed in letter dated September 15, 2008.  Effective upon G&C approval through June 30, 2009.  100% General Funds. The Henniker Historical Society will receive $8,000.

ATTORNEY GENERAL
          Authorized to accept and expend a grant in the amount of $70,395 from the Federal Bureau of Justice Statistics, federal fiscal year 2008 Stalking and Domestic Violence Records Improvement Program, to be utilized to improve the functioning of the criminal justice system.  (2) Further Authorized to enter into a subgrant with the Administrative Office of the Courts in the amount of $70,325 to be utilized to enter Domestic Violence Protective Orders into State and National databases so as to protect victims of Domestic Violence.  Effective October 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009.  100% Federal Funds.  Fiscal Committee approved. 
          Authorized to retroactively accept and expend a grant in the amount of $1,721,000 from the US Department of Justice Officer for Victims of Crime, Victims of Crime Act Grant Program, to be used to support programs that provide direct services to victims of crime.  (2 Further Authorized to retroactively enter into subgrants with the agencies as detailed in letter dated August 26, 2008, in the total amount of $1,200,720 to fund programs providing direct services to victims of crime and train direct service providers.  Effective July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009.  100% Federal Funds.  Fiscal Committee approved. 
           Authorized to accept and expend a grant in the amount of $949,678 from the US Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women, to be utilized to improve the state’s response to women in NH who are victims of violent crimes.  Effective upon G&C approval through June 30, 2009.  100% Federal Funds.  Fiscal Committee approved. 
          Authorized to accept and expend a grant in the amount of $630,203 from the Federal Bureau of Justice Assistance, federal fiscal year 2008, Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program, to be utilized to improve the functioning of the criminal justice system.  Effective upon G&C approval through June 30, 2009.  100% Federal Funds.  Fiscal Committee approved.

HIGHWAY SAFETY AGENCY
          Authorized to enter into a sole source contractual agreement with the NH Association of Broadcasters, Manchester, NH, for the production and airing of highway safety-related radio announcements in the amount of $102,000.  Effective retroactive to October 1, 2008 through September 30, 2009.  100% Federal Funds.

DEPARTMENT OF RESOURCES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
          Authorized Division of Travel and Tourism Development to award grants to the organizations as detailed in letter dated October 8, 2008, in the total amount of $161,189.98 for their 2008/2009 in-state and out-of-state marketing projects under the Joint Promotional Program.  Effective upon G&C approval.  100% General Funds. 
          Authorized Division of Forests and Lands to accept a donation of 4.4 acres of undeveloped forestland located in the Town of Tamworth from the Chocorua Lake Conservation Foundation. 

NH FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT
          Authorized to enter into a sole source contract with Roger Stephenson d/b/a Stephenson Strategic Communications, for fundraising efforts for the Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Program in an amount not to exceed $25,280.  Effective upon G&C approval through September 30, 2010.  100% Other (Nongame Management) Funds. 
          Authorized to enter into a Cooperative Project Agreement with the University of NH, to conduct a research project in support of moose management in the amount of $92,247.  Effective upon G&C approval through December 31, 2010.  35% Federal, 65% Other (Game Management) Funds.

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
          Authorized to enter into an agreement with the Town of Alstead, NH, to complete the Warren Brook Restoration and Enhancement in the amount of $12,600.  Effective upon G&C approval through December 31, 2010.  100% Federal Funds. 
          Authorized to award a Public Water System Emergency Interconnection grant to the Central NH Regional Planning Commission, Concord, NH, to complete a project to better protect public water supplies against future potential terrorist attacks and natural disasters by conducting mutual aid studies in the amount of $27,500.  Effective upon G&C approval through September 1, 2009.  100% Federal Funds.

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
   Division for Children, Youth & Families
          Authorized Child Development Bureau to enter into a sole source contract with PlusTime NH, Concord, NH, to organize and fiscally administer a statewide conference for individuals currently or thinking about becoming engaged with youths in afterschool programs in the amount of $15,000.  Effective upon G&C approval through June 30, 2009.  100% Federal Funds.
   Division of Public Health Services
          Authorized Maternal and child Health Section to enter into an agreement with Catholic Medical Center, Manchester, NH, to provide a statewide Leadership in Abstinence Education Program in an amount not to exceed $90,000.  Effective retroactive to July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009.  100% Federal Funds. 
11          Authorized Bureau of Community Health Services, Rural Health and Primary Care Section to enter into an agreement with Dr. Donald Rose, Wolfeboro, NH, to receive reimbursement for payment of educational loans through the State Loan Repayment Program in an amount not to exceed $24,389.  Effective upon G&C approval through June 30, 2010.  100% General Funds. 
  Division of Child Support Services
          Authorized to enter into an agreement with Monadnock Family Services Inc., Keene, NH, to provide mediation services in an amount not to exceed $22,900.  Effective upon G&C approval through September 30, 2009.  100% Federal Funds.
 Bureau of Homeless and Housing Services
          Authorized to enter into an agreement with Community Services Council of NH, Concord, NH, to provide services to homeless individuals in the amount of $113,750.  Effective retroactive to July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009.  100% Federal Funds.

POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION COMMISSION
          Authorized to award a $23,500 grant to Keene State College for the purpose of granting scholarships to NH residents who have completed their freshman year and who will be selected for scholarships by the college on the basis of financial need or merit.  Effective upon G&C approval through June 30, 2009.  100% General Funds. 
          Authorized to award a $57,000 grant to the Community College System of NH for the purpose of granting scholarships to NH residents who have completed their freshman year and who will be selected for scholarships by the college on the basis of financial need or merit.  Effective upon G&C approval through Jun 30, 2009.  100% General Funds.

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
          Authorized to enter into a contract with the Northeast Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Inc., Concord, NH, to provide independent living services in an amount not to exceed $60,000.  (2) Further Authorized payment for services rendered and approved in lieu of withholding 25% of the total value of the contract.  Effective upon G&C approval through September 30, 2009.  100% Federal Funds.

POLICE STANDARDS & TRAINING COUNCIL
          Authorized to enter into a service agreement with the NH Chapter of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, Concord, NH, to provide one-half day classes of Interacting with Persons with Mental Illness to our two Full-time and two Part-time Police Academies, to be held at the Arthur D. Kehas Law Enforcement Training Facility and Campus in Concord, at a cost of $2,160.  Effective upon G&C approval through June 30, 2009.  100% Penalty Assessment Funds.

DEPARTMENT OF SAFETY
          Authorized to create consulting positions within federal grants entitled “FY 2006 Homeland Security Grant Program” and “FY2007 Homeland Security Grant Program”, from the US Department of Homeland Security, Preparedness Directorate, Office of Grants and Training, to provide for increased needs for subject matter experts beyond the limited resources of in-house personnel.  (2) Further Authorized to establish two new full-time temporary Planning Analyst positions, labor grade 24, 37.5 hours per week, in the investigative Services Bureau, Terrorism & Intelligence Unit.  (3) Further Authorized to accept and expend $3,369,436 from federal grants entitled “FY 2006 Homeland Security Grant Program” and “FY 2007 Homeland Security Grant Program” from the US Department of Homeland Security, Preparedness Directorate, Office of Grants and Training, for the purpose of executing the mission of the Homeland Security Grant Programs.  Effective upon G&C approval through June 30, 2009.  100% Federal Funds.  Fiscal Committee approved. 
          Authorized Division of Motor Vehicles to accept and expend a federal grant known as “Commercial Drive License Program Improvement Grant” from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration in the amount of $56,275 to improve the CDL programs in order to be fully compliance with the requirements of MCSIA.  (2) Further Authorized to hire outside consultants for the purpose of researching and reviewing implementation guides at a high level in order to guide NH OIT staff in making the most effective/efficient modifications to the system.  Effective upon G&C approval through June 30, 2009.  100% Federal Funds.  Fiscal Committee approved. 
          Authorized Division of State Police to enter into a sole source contract with Computer Projects of Illinois, Bolingbrook, IL, to provide the hardware, software, and services required to successfully implement the criminal justice information exchange project called J-One in the amount of $2,321,560.  Effective upon G&C approval through July 22, 2010.  100% Federal Funds.

The Governor nominated the following individuals from District Two to State of New Hampshire Boards and Commissions

Marie Desrosiers, Concord, NH and Christopher M. Emerson, Epsom, NH to the Board of Licensure of Interpreters for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Kevin Cash, Rochester, NH to the Dropout Prevention and Dropout Recovery Oversight Council
Robert A. Bradley, Jr., Epsom, NH to the Joint Promotional Program Screening Committee
Arthur Durette, Pembroke, NH to the Telecommunications Planning and Development Advisory Board

Over 300 citizen appointments are confirmed annually for citizens to serve on various state agencies, boards and commissions. Commissions, advisory boards and other similar bodies are continually being created or eliminated by state statute.  For the most accurate listing of current boards and commissions visit the Red Book at http://www.sos.nh.gov/redbood/index.htm.

Represents the cities and towns of Acworth, Allenstown, Alstead, Andover, Antrim, Barnstead, Bennington, Boscawen, Bow, Bradford, Brookfield, Canterbury, Chesterfield, Chichester, Concord, Danbury, Deerfield, Deering, Dublin, Epsom, Farmington, Francestown, Franklin, Gilmanton, Gilsum, Goshen, Greenfield, Hancock, Harrisville, Henniker, Hill, Hillsborough, Hopkinton, Langdon, Lempster, Loudon, Marlborough, Marlow, Middleton, Milton, Nelson, New Durham, Newbury, New London, Northfield, Northwood, Pembroke, Pittsfield, Rollinsford, Rochester, Roxbury, Salisbury, Somersworth, Stoddard, Strafford, Sullivan, Surry, Sutton, Unity, Walpole , Warner, Washington, Weare, Webster, Westmoreland, Wilmot, and Windsor.
For additional information on the cities and towns in this district, go to www.nh.gov/municipal/.