BOARD MEETING MINUTES
September 20, 2006
Selectmen Present: Thomas Parker, Chmn. & Carmen Yon
Selectmen Absent: Michael Methe
Chairman Thomas Parker opened the meeting at 6:00 PM.
PRIMARY:
6:00PM SELECTMEN MEET WITH BUDGET COMMITTEE: The board met with Budget Committee members Carl Hagstrom, Winston Wright and George Chapman.
6:30 BUDGET COMMITTEE PUBLIC HEARING ON 2006 SPECIAL TOWN MEETING BUDGET:
7:15 BOND PUBLIC HEARING: Mr. Parker called to order the Public Hearing at 7:40. Mr. Parker stated that the Board of Selectmen wants to hear comments and concerns with regard to this issue. Mr. Parker stated that the Board of Selectmen spoke with the Planning Board and the Conservation Commission with regard to this project. He felt that the majority of the members were in favor of this purchase. We are looking to bond $1.4 million dollars. The board would have never presented this project if they felt they would have to raise taxes based on this amount. They plan to sell the house, barn, timber and subdivide lots to cover the majority of the expenses.
Mr. Parker stated that they are looking at borrowing the money from the bond bank. At the end of two years, they finalize the bond. We would be paying interest rate at that time. Right now the rate is 4.99%, The board is looking at a 20-year bond. Based upon a balance of $700,000 for 20 years, the first year interest payment would be $20,000, the second year $70,000 which would represent .30 on the tax rate. The board will be meeting with a representative from Northway bank on Thursday. They would finance this property at between 4.3% and 4.5%. We would have to pay principal and interest from
the beginning.
Mr. Parker stated that a forester has confirmed that there is about $300,000 of marketable timber on the property. The board is suggesting a selective management of this.
Mr. Parker stated that the reason the board chose this property was that it is on the market, it is a large tract of land with a lot of road frontage. He feels there are a lot of advantages to the town. The board expects the town to grow, they want to have controlled growth to maintain the nature of the town. Any other plans for the property will not be voted on until the annual Town Meeting.
Barbara Green questioned if the board would look at the property before Town Meeting to subdivide. Terry Silverman suggested a site walk.
Dennis Berard questioned how much they envision getting from the timber without clear cutting. Mr. Parker stated that before they start cutting, they would have the Conservation Commission work with Charlie Koch to come up with a timber plan. Mr. Berard questioned if there are any other banks that would finance this. Mr. Parker stated that the board would look into this.
The majority of the attendees felt that the board should produce a mailing to all residents with regard to this issue and the Special Town Meeting. Mrs. Beckwith stated she feels that the Selectmen need to put together realistic figures of what the expected revenue and impact this purchase will have. Winston Wright suggested contacting a reporter from the Keene Sentinel to run an article in the paper. Mr. Parker stated that he could, the sentinel does not always get the facts straight. He feels the best way to get the information out is a mailing. David Green suggesting tying in the goals of the Community Forum.
Dave Green questioned what contingencies are in the purchase and sales. Mr. Parker stated that we have a closing date of November 15, 2006.
Karen Craig stated that she does not feel that this is an emergency.
There being no further comment Mr. Parker closed the public hearing at 8:20 PM.
Mr. Parker stated that John Holman has indicated that there is a lot of clay in the soil. Mr. Parker spoke with Skip, the soils map indicate that it is fair to good. Until we actually dig a test hole, we will not know. Mr. Parker does not feel that we will be able to propose a cutting plan at this time. We would have to have a management plan.
7:45 MEET WITH JOAN KNIGHT
· Discuss BTLA ruling: Mrs. Knight stated she found the article in the Sentinel with regard to the BTLA hearing misleading. One of the quotes with regard to the right to know was inaccurate, it also did not state that the contract stated that the cards were not to be released. She feels that people need to know that we were working under a contract that they abided by. Mr. Parker stated that he found out that Mr. Arnold recommended to the board that they not give out the cards. Mr. Parker stated that there is nothing in the contract that says that the board cannot give out the cards. Mrs. Knight stated that the former board of Selectmen were not
deliberately withholding material from people, you are insinuating that they did. The board was operating under the rules that were in existence at that time. Mr. Parker stated that the board has drafted an article for the newsletter. Mrs. Knight stated that she would hope that they include the complete statement in the newsletter article. Mrs. Knight stated that it is not up to Mr. Parker to interpret what the BTLA said. Mr. Parker feels that they tried to exonorate the former Board of Selectmen in the newsletter. Mr. Parker stated that he spoke with the reporter for over an hour. Mrs. Knight feels that some of the items in this article did not relate to the decision. They said nothing in the BTLA ruling about changing assessments due to what the BTLA ruled. Mrs. Knight stated she feels that the prior board of Selectmen were treated like criminals.
8:15 MEET WITH DOROTHY ZUG
· Presentation of Community Forum report:
8:30 MEET WITH PAUL BRYANT
· Question regarding building a barn, pasture and having horses on property only accessible through MA – Tax Map 4 Lot 03: Mr. Bryant stated that they have attempted to purchase a piece of property in Winchendon for the last two years. They are looking to put up a barn for horses. They are looking to purchase Map 04, lot 03 in Fitzwilliam. This would be strictly agricultural with no house. This is approximately 100 acres. There is a deeded access to get to this piece. Mr. Parker stated that they would need to obtain something from the town of Winchendon stating that they are granting access to a lot
in NH from Winchendon. RSA 674:41 states that to issue a building permit the land has to have access from a class v road. Mr. Bryant questioned if animals could be on this property without a barn. Mr. Parker stated that they could but run in sheds would be considered a building.
*** UPDATE ON BOURASSA: Mrs. Thompson needs to have the attorney rewrite this letter, they stated
that this property is off of Crane Road which it is not.
*** RECOMMENDATION FROM MARTIN ROCHELEAU TO INCREASE FEE FOR DISPOSAL OF SHINGLES AT TRANSFER STATION: Mr. Rocheleau feels that we should double this to $100 a truckload. He is basing this on what other towns are charging. Mr. Parker would like to check with Mr. Cuomo with regard to this.
*** BTLA DECISION AND VISION DOCUMENTATION: The rules have changed with regard to information required. Mrs. Thompson spoke with Gary Fields, he will need to speak with Dave Arnold, he may have this information. He will be putting together a proposal with regard to the cost for this information. Mrs. Thompson will schedule a meeting next week with Gary Fields. Mr. Parker would like to review the contract. Gary Fields stated that the level of documentation the BTLA is requiring is going into effect in 2007.
*** UPDATE ON TIMBER OPERATION BEGUN WITHOUT INTENT TO CUT: Mrs. Thompson faxed this information to Dennis Thorell
*** ATTORNEY BASSETT OPINION ON GROWTH MANAGEMENT ORDINANCE: Mrs. Thompson spoke with Jim Bassett according to RSA 674:22 & 23 there is no prohibition on permanent caps, but cases that have gone to court have interpreted that the ordinance should be temporary. Canterberry has had an ordinance for 25 years. They review this every two years. Mr. Parker feels that we need to have an article that removes the sunset clause.
*** RREQUEST FROM HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION TO APPOINT EILEEN MCHUGH: The board would like to meet Mrs. McHugh.
*** REVIEW INVOICES:
· Attorney Prigge: This is $4304.88 This is for the preparation of the Special Town Meeting
*** BUILDING PERMIT – TAX MAP 2 LOT 12-02: Approved
*** VISION 2007 SOFTWARE MAINTENANCE FEE: This is $100 more than last year.
*** NOTICE FROM TOWN OF SURRY REGARDING TOWER: Reviewed
*** OPINION FROM CHARLIE KOCH ON TIMBER ESTIMATE FOR ELEPHANT FARM: Reviewed
*** MEETING SCHEDULE: The board will meet Thursday, September 28 at 9:00 next week the board will be at a law lecture on Wednesday September 27, 2006.
SECONDARY:
· Various committee/board minutes
· Newsletters
· Review Police logs/reports
SIGN:
· Minutes
· Correspondence
· Payroll and Accounts Payable Manifests
Mr. Yon moved to adjourn at 9:45, the motion was seconded by Mr. Parker, the motion passed 2-0.
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