TOWN OF TUFTONBORO

MEETING OF THE SELECTMEN

Monday July 19, 2004

 

PAGE 1

*Accepted*  7-26-04

 

Selectmen present:  Susan Weeks, Bill Stockman and Chip Albee.

 

Selectmen reviewed mail, which included: Building Permits for Chet Juszczak, Mary Louise Eaton, Roderick Macalpine, Edwin Taylor Jr.; Electrical Permit for Robert Holihan; Inspection Report for Welch, Gladu; Notice of Voluntary Merger for Magistrelli; Business Review; Coalition Communities.

 

Items for Signature: Intent to Cut for Ratcliffe; Right of Burial for Jackson, Rice; Lien for Quinn

 

Minutes: The Selectmen’s meeting minutes and non-public session for 7-12-04 were approved.

 

Selectmen approved and signed the following:

  • Lien for Quinn
  • Intent to Cut for Ratcliffe
  • Right to Burial for Jackson, Rice

 

At approximately 6:35 Selectmen met with Ralph and Jane Brownell. The Tuftonboro United Methodist Church had been approached to erect an antenna inside the church steeple for wireless Internet service. The only change to the steeple is that it would be replaced by fiberglass but otherwise would look exactly the same. Chairman Weeks advised that the town has an ordinance for telecommunications towers and a procedure to follow. The ordinance and application will be mailed to Mr. Brownell. The contact the church has been working with is Mark Howard. Selectman Albee wanted to make it clear that just because the church is tax exempt it does not mean the wireless provider would be also.

 

At approximately 6:40 Selectmen met with Fire Chief Thompson. Chief Thompson reported 109 fire, 57 medical and 13 service for a total of 179 calls to date (compared to 159 calls at this time last year). Chief Thompson presented an application for firefighter from Susan Matheson. Ms. Matheson had been with the Wolfeboro Dept. for 9 years so has the training and certifications. Pending the background checks Chief Thompson recommends Ms. Matheson’s appointment. The department is now at a good level so the Chief does not foresee any new appointments after Ms. Matheson. Chief Thompson also presented for approval the appointment of a Fire Warden and Deputy Warden from Ossipee. Due to state regulations they need to be appointed by Tuftonboro to issue permits and warnings. This is needed because Wildwood Estates, which is in Tuftonboro but accessed through Ossipee is serviced by the Ossipee Wardens. The Selectmen approved and signed the appointments. The Selectmen and Chief briefly discussed the proposed water source policy that was submitted a couple of weeks ago. The Selectmen felt that further clarification is needed and will discuss further the next time the Chief is scheduled. Chief Thompson reported that on 7/10 the new engine was put out of service because of starter problems until 7/13. On 7/12 engine 1 was also put out of service. The only truck in service at that point was the rental.

 

Chairman Weeks reminded everyone of the town meeting on Wednesday 7/21 at 7 PM at Tuftonboro Central School. Gary Roberge from Avitar will explain the upcoming revaluation.

 

Chairman Weeks spoke to town counsel regarding the Brown Road right-of-way dispute and was advised not to respond.

 

Selectman Albee said after checking the RSA’s about bonds it appeared it was up to the town whether or not to require one. A motion was made by Selectman Albee to accept whatever method as long as there is enough money to cover the Piper Road project. Seconded by Selectman Stockman with all in favor.

 

Selectman Albee reported that in checking out the above issue he discovered that one town cannot own property in another town. He thought this was an interesting legal question and will discuss with town counsel, as the outcome is important in regards to the Wolfeboro Scenic View committee issue.

 

Fran Laase requested the following items from the Wetlands Decision Report be included in the minutes. See attached highlighted report.

 

At approximately 7:20 Selectmen met with Eric Roseen and Bill Donovan. Mr. Donovan reported that along with help from his kids the 19 Mile Bay beach was regraded and 6 bucket loads of rocks were removed – all hazardous rocks are gone. Items still to be done are to add beach sand (screened and washed) between the berms and trim the grass in the gravel. Sticks and rocks were also removed from the Melvin Wharf beach. 19 Mile Bay beach will need 5 loads of sand and one load for Melvin at a cost of about $175.00 per load. Mr. Donovan is willing to donate some of the cost of spreading the sand with his tractor.

Mr. Roseen reported that some of the playground equipment at the school is broken – the large slide, small slide and the chain bridge. This had been originally purchased by the PTCO and is on town property. The replacement parts will cost about $2750.00. Mr. Roseen recommended removing the broken pieces now, as it is a safety hazard. He feels that the money can be taken out the Parks & Rec budget and at this point is more important than replacing the sand at the beach. Since it is not known whether the ice rink will be used this coming winter it was thought that the money could be put to better use by fixing what is needed now. Mr. Donovan suggested that the Firefighters could volunteer some time to remove the broken equipment. After some discussion, a motion was made by Selectman Stockman to authorize the replacement of the playground equipment and replenish the sand at the beaches. Seconded by Selectman Albee with all in favor. The ice rink storage was discussed next. Mr. Roseen reported that an Eagle Scout has volunteered to build the shed. It was decided that we still need the shed even if there is no rink. The next Parks & Rec meeting is scheduled for 8/12.

 

At 7:50 PM the following bids were opened for the Traxcavator:

  • Stephen Snow -         $1732.00
  • Bob Kinville -             $4800.00
  • Robert Abraham -     $3600.00
  • Steve Hunter -            $4506.00

 

Selectman Stockman made a motion to accept the high bid of $4800.00 from Bob Kinville. Seconded by Selectman Albee with all in favor.

 

Selectman Albee will not be at next week’s meeting.

 

The meeting with Jay Poulin will be rescheduled to 8/2.

 

The meeting was adjourned at 8:05 PM.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

Carolyn Sundquist

Administrative Assistant