BOARD MEETING MINUTES
November 29, 2006
Selectmen Present: Thomas Parker, Chmn. , Michael Methe & Carmen Yon
Chairman Thomas Parker opened the meeting at 7:00 PM.
PRIMARY:
7:00 MEET WITH CONSERVATION COMMISSION: Conservation Commission members Eleanor
VanderHaygen, Katie Metzger, Barbara Green, Fred and Rosalind Slavic, Paul Kottila, Cheryl Davis and
Dorothy Zug met with the board. Mr. Parker stated that the Board of Selectmen has statutory obligations
for making sure all of the town departments work for the betterment of the community. They do not wish
to micromanage. Mr. Parker questioned what the conservation commission has been doing. Barbara
Green stated that they published trail maps. They have had good feedback. Mr. Parker stated that he
had heard people talking that we haven’t been using the gravel from Turner Road. He has spoken with
the Road Agent and it would cost more to obtain this gravel now then it does to purchase it. Mr. Cuomo
feels that there is primarily sand there. Ms. Vanderhagen questioned if there is a map of where the
gravel is located on this property. Mr. Cuomo stated that Mr. Cuomo is the one who viewed this property
to determine the location of the gravel.
Mr. Parker questioned what the commission considers the job of the Conservation Commission. Mr.
Kottila stated that he can only speak for himself. It is a broad protection of the environment and the
natural community. He feels that it is their job to look at how they can maintain what is here now and
what we want in the future. Mr. Parker stated that they appreciate the Conservation Commission work in
looking into wetlands issues.
Mr. Parker stated that the Board of Selectmen are in charge of overseeing the spending of the town
money. Mrs. VanderHaygen questioned if the $15,000 for the Hancock property came out
of Conservation. Mr. Parker stated that it has not. Mrs. Metzger stated that at one of the meetings for
the Hancock property there seemed to be confusion between the conservation commission and the
conservancy. Mr. Parker stated that he would like to have the article passed in 2005 that allows the
Board of Selectmen to purchase and sell land rescinded. He felt that people at the Special Town Meeting
did not agree with this. Mr. Yon feels that the reason this was put in place in the first place is that if
conservation land came up it would give them the authority to purchase it. He feels that we should have
the ability to purchase, he agrees with doing away with the sell portion of this article.
Eleanor VanderHaygen stated that they are working on deliniating some of the town properties. They
have boundary markers prepared. This was in anticipation of putting the land under the conservancy.
They need to know if the Selectmen are in agreement with creating the easements on this property. Mr.
Parker does not feel that it is in the interest of the town to give away the rights of the town property to
another party. If the town wishes to sell property or do something with it they ought to have the
right to do it. He does not feel that we should bind the town now for the future. Mr. Yon stated that he
does not feel the current board would go along with placing easements on the town forests. Mr. Slavic
feels that he is not worried now but the future and the growth of the town might expand and not have a
Board of Selectmen. Mr. Yon feels that in order to decide this issue we may need to go to the
town meeting for a vote. Mrs. VanderHaygen stated that there is a tax incentive for people who put land
in an easement which expires in 2007, she feels that some abuttors would consider putting land under
easements if we did. Mr. Methe stated that he would have to look at each individual parcel separately.
Mrs. Green stated that she does not feel that the commission was recommending putting all town parcels
under an easement. They would look at each individual parcel. Mrs. Zug stated that they were
prepared to move ahead with the Monadnock Conservancy, they have stopped. The board would like to
schedule a meeting to discuss the Widow Gage property and the possibility of putting this parcel under the
conservancy. Mrs. VanderHaygen stated that they are researching where the aquifers are in town.
Mrs. Zug stated they met with a wetlands scientists for information on wetlands plants. Mr. Parker feels
that the commission should look into education of children with regard to conservation issues. Mrs.
Metzger stated that the boy scouts did work on the trails.
7:30 MEET WITH NICK BOSANETTO
Re: Old County Road : Ronald Ricker was also in attendance. Mr. Bosanetto stated that he lives in Richmond. It has spoken with the board with regard to an issue of the road in front of his property in the past. He has given permission to individuals to use his property to pass through. He has had a problem with vandalism. He is questioning the status of the Old County Road right of way. Mr. Parker stated that in 1909 an article passed to discontinue this road. This means the town gave up all rights to the road. NH law states that all land owners have the right to access
their property over the Old County Road. Mr. Parker stated he understands that the road has been moved. Mr. Parker stated that this is not a matter for the town to get involved in, this would be a legal question. Mr. Ricker stated that the original road could not be put back to where it was, there is a manmade beaver pond. Mr. Bosanetto would like to a letter with regard to its position. Mr. Methe stated that letter would state that the town has no rights, this is a discontinued road. We will forward a copy of these minutes to Mr. Bosanetto.
*** DISCUSS LETTER FROM VETERAN HOSPICE HOMESTEAD
Re: Timber Tax: They feel that they are exempt from the timber tax. Mr. Parker stated that they are exempt from property tax, he is not aware that there is an exemption for timber tax. He would like to send a letter stating that the tax exemption relates only to land and buildings not timber taxation. Mr. Parker feels that we need to look into whether they even meet the regulations for charitable status for taxes.
*** BUILDING PERMIT
MAP 10 LOT 68-04:
MAP 10, LOT 68-03:
MAP 10, LOT 68-02:
MAP 09, LOT 16:
*** DISCUSS LETTER FROM KENNETH DeBLIUE
Re: BTLA Case: This property is on Laurel Lake. Mr. Parker would like to send a letter stating that if he would like to schedule an appoint then he can. Mr. Methe would like to include in the letter that they have looked at this assessment and feel it is in line if they have additional information the board would be happy to look into this, if they would like to schedule a meeting we would agree.
*** REVIEW PROPOSAL FOR WORK ON PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING ROOF: This is from A.L. Johnson. The board would like to obtain additional quotes for this repair. Mr. Methe will try to obtain additional quotes.
*** INVOICES
BRADLEY, BRUNETT, KINYON, FERNALD & TAFT: $981.44 Reviewed and approved
*** REVIEW COURT DOCKET TOWER, CROCKER & MULLINS: Reviewed
*** DISCUSS TIMBER TAX ASSESSEMENT
Map 11, Lot 08:
*** APPROVE BUILDING RENTAL APPLICATION: Mr. Methe moved to approve, Mr. Yon seconded,
the motion passed 3-0.
*** REVIEW MEMOS FROM CEMETERY COMMISSION: Reviewed
*** REVIEW DRIVEWAY PERMIT: Reviewed
*** REVIEW LETTER FROM SOUTHWEST COMMUNITY SERVICES: Reviewed
*** DISCUSS CODE ENFORCEMENT ISSUES
Francis Hodgeman: The board would like to review the site plan
Greg Mattson: We have received a complaint with regard to the trailer parked on this property. Mr. Sweeney stated that there is electricity running to the trailer parked on this lot. Mr. Methe will speak with Mr. Mattson.
*** DISCUSS PANDEMIC COMMITTEE : Mr. Parker will speak with Carrie Young with regard to this matter.
*** REVALUATION: Mr. Parker questioned if the board would like to interview other assessing firms. He
also questioned if we should consider joining with other towns in assessing. Mr. Methe feels that we
need to research this prior to town meeting. The board would like to speak with Cross Country and
Avitar.
*** GENERATOR: Mr. Methe spoke with Buzz Bemis with regard to this, he is not interested in doing this.
Mr. Parker is recommending that we put an article on the warrant to appropriate the money to have the
hook up at the school.
SECONDARY:
· Various committee/board minutes
· Newsletters
· Review Police logs/reports
SIGN:
· Minutes
· Correspondence
· Payroll and Accounts Payable Manifests
There being no further business at 9:35 PM Mr. Methe moved to adjourn, the motion was seconded by Mr. Yon, the motion passed 3-0.
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