Selectmen’s minutes 10.20.14 updated

October 22, 2014 Cheryl Behr Select Board 0

Selectmen’s Meeting

October 20, 2014

 

Pledge of Allegiance – Meeting called to order at 5:30 pm

Roll Call – John Pfeifle, Chairman; Sonny Harris, Selectman; Harry Wright, Selectman

 

 

Appearances:

  1. Rail Trail Project: Jim Bibbo spoke on behalf of Rural Heritage, to request support of the Board of Selectmen to pursue a grant to develop town owned land (Tillie Wheeler Trail) as part of an area wide pedestrian, equestrian, snowmobile and other non motorized vehicle recreational trail.  Mr. Bibbo outlined the improvements to be made to the trail and the support (monetary and in kind labor and equipment) requested of the town.  Mr. Bibbo stated they intended to submit a project for $62,500 of which $50,000 would be Federal grant money and $12,500 would be matched by the town in the form of labor and equipment and monetary assistance.  While the particulars have not yet been worked out, the Selectman’s support was a necessary first step.  Material and labor costs were being collected by Mr. Bibbo and would be coming along.  Harry Wright asked if this would conflict with the Sidewalk Grant submitted in September and Mr. Bibbo replied it would not.  The trail currently stretches from the intersection of West Main and RTE 103 towards the Appleseed Restaurant.  Future development will connect the trail with both Newbury and Warner and will involve additional grant applications.  Selectmen voted to approve the use of the Tillie Wheeler Trail and support the grant application.
  2. Winter use of the Town Hall- Marlene Freyler presented figures for the cost of heating the Historic Town Hall during the winter months. She requested the building be shut down during the winter months.  The Board thanked Mrs. Freyler but will not shut down the building as they wish to encourage the use during the Holidays.  They also believe that leaving the building unheated will increase the damage to the building and the alarm system.
  3. Land use change application – Claire James submitted a land use change application for property she owns on Marshall Hill Road. This will be reviewed by the town’s assessor and then returned to the selectmen for signature.
  4. July 4th committee: Claire James was thanked by the Board for coming forward to work on the 2015 Independence Day Committee.

 

Regular Business

 

  1. Bruss Property – John Pfeifle reported on a plan to investigate the relocation of the police department and town offices to a property on East Main Street currently owned by Bruss. Mr. Pfeifle explained this investigation was in the early stages.  He cited the need for a safer place for the town offices while the extensive renovation was being done on the Historic Town Hall.  Harry Wright expressed his objection to the plan stating the town owned too much property and as seen in the condition of the old town hall, was not able to maintain what it had.   Mr. Wright also expressed concern that presenting this to the town would kill the chances of the Town Hall Restoration passing a bond in March.  Sonny Harris expressed his concern for the safety of town records, deed violations and employee safety and felt the Bruss property should be investigated as a stepping stone until the Town Hall was complete. No decision made.
  2. Letter to NFI: Letter has been sent to NFI requesting meeting on Monday, Oct 27th
  3. Budget Committee appointment: The Selectmen signed the appointment of Beth Downs to the Budget Committee through March. She is replacing Jon Marden – Mr. Marden’s term expires in 2016 and the balance of his term will be on the ballot in March.
  4. Intent to Excavate – Goodnight Sand and Gravel – signed 10/9/14 and forwarded to state
  5. Intent to cut for map 4 lot 36 – Signed by Selectmen
  6. LMA Budget – Note from Mr. Dave Gaudes re: budget request for Lake Massasecum Association’s work on the Milfoil. The Board agreed to support the same request as 2014.
  7. Solar Array Development – A letter of intent from NH Solar Garden was discussed and tabled pending more investigation.
  8. Financial Management representation: Selectmen signed the letter to include with the Town’s Financial Reports
  9. Revaluation Contract – Selectmen will request Jeff Earls of Cross Country Appraisals attend next week’s meeting.
  10. Junkyard Permit – Selectmen postponed signing the annual permit and will discuss the signage with Mr. Chivers.
  11. Non public session to be held on Thursday morning at 9:00am per RSA91-A3II a personnel. Accounts Payable and Payroll Manifest review and signed
  12. Minutes of last meeting were reviewed and accepted as presented
  13. Meeting adjourned 6:45pm