TOWN OF TUFTONBORO

MEETING OF THE SELECTMEN

Monday November 14, 2005

 

*Accepted* 11-21-05

 

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

 

Selectmen reviewed mail, which included: Building Permits for Rick & Marilyn Anderson, Robert Reed; Electrical Permits for Kaki Lochhead, Michael Munday, Jim & Susan Harrington, Dan Levesque, Cynthia Ingalls; Plumbing Permit for Brian Talbot; Demolition Permit for Stephen Tholander; Coalition Communities; Proposed 2006 holiday schedule for Town Office; NH Civil Engineer; Northeast Municipal Forum publication; The Inner Chamber; LRPC Lakes Region Hazardous Waste Collection Notice of Participation; Standard Dredge and Fill Application for Dickey; Correspondence from Ray Liss; CDFA Application and implementation Workshops.

 

Minutes: The Selectmen’s meeting minutes of 11/07/05 were approved as corrected and the Non-Public Minutes of 11/7/05 were accepted as written.

 

Items for Signature: Intent to Cut for Madden; Application for Veterans Credit for Newton; Intent to Cut for Bodwell.

 

Prior to the beginning of the Selectmen’s meeting the Selectmen met with Bob Anderson of the Department of Revenue Administration to set the 2005 tax rate. The unofficial rate was set at $6.10. This will have to be approved by the state before going into effect.

 

At approximately 3:30 Chairman Stockman called the meeting to order, the late start due to the meeting as explained above. The Selectmen met with Allen Blazick who had questions about taking property out of current use. The property he recently purchased in Melvin Village has about 15 acres in current Use. Mr. Blazick plans on using the land for boat and trailer storage. Selectman Weeks explained that in order to take the property out of current use the physical use must be changed. Clear cutting of the property does not constitute a change of use. The Code Officer was in attendance and stated that only marinas can have boat storage as per town ordinances. Mr. Blazick was told that he has to start the process by going to the Code Officer who will then explain the procedure to follow which may involve meeting with the Planning Board and/or Zoning Board of Adjustment. If he does not get permission to provide storage for boats and trailers then the property does not come out of current use. Selectman Weeks also said that he may subdivide the property and put it under a different name, this will cause it to be removed from current use, as the minimum lot size is 10 contiguous acres. The Selectmen do not have the option of approving or disapproving taking property out of current use. Once it is changed it must come out.

 

At approximately 3:55 Selectmen met with Code Officer Ted Wright. Mr. Wright reported that business has slowed down a bit. He is currently working on budget numbers for the maintenance of the car for the coming year. Mr. Wright also plans on submitting two budgets – one for the current structure and one for a full time Code Officer. Selectmen requested a tracking of permits issued over the past 5 years or so. Chairman Stockman said it might be a better idea to have 2 part time people which would give the town 2 experienced people and more flexibility of time. Mr. Wright reported that a new system of payment has been instituted for better internal control. The money taken in will be reconciled each month with the General Ledger. No update on the junk car issues except that the properties on Leavitt Lane and Hidden Valley continue to improve. As a member of the Conservation Commission Mr. Wright stated that he is attempting to improve relations between the different boards.

 

At approximately 4:10 Selectmen met with Police Chief Shagoury who reported that the Lakes Region Humane Society would not be taking any new animals for the next 6 months as they move from Winners Circle into their new facilities. It is uncertain at this time what the town is going to do with the animals the department picks up. There is a cat at the vets that we don’t know what to do with. Chief Shagoury submitted a sample wage schedule in an Excel spreadsheet that showed grades and steps. It would be very easy to update with any changes. Chief Shagoury will change the numbers to reflect hourly wages. The positions for the different grades are still to be determined. The new cruiser is still at the factory and the background checks are still being done for the sergeant’s position.

 

Selectman Weeks reported that Mo Gagnon is coming to the meeting next Monday to discuss some general information regarding the public safety building. He will also be asked to attend the Budget Committee meeting on 12/6 at 6 pm.

 

The Budget Committee meetings are being taped and will be shown after the Selectmen’s meeting on Adelphia channel 3, if time allows.

 

Selectman Albee reported he has tried to contact the attorney regarding the Cheney easement but the attorney has been out of the office. Chairman Stockman said it was important to have the original grant application available for the attorney to review. He also said that Mr. Cheney would like another appraisal done since so much time has passed. Selectman Weeks suggested a meeting with the attorney for a brainstorming session.

 

Chairman Stockman will contact Wolfeboro Oil regarding the proposed oil prices.

 

Selectmen approved and signed the following:

  • Veterans Credit for Newton
  • Intent to Cut for Bodwell
  • Intent to Cut for Madden

 

Selectman Weeks met with John Galvin recently regarding his request for help in paying for the tree that was removed from his property. After reviewing and measuring it was felt the tree was at least partially in the town r-o-w. The tree was not on the Road Agents list of trees to be removed but it was a large tree with the limbs overhanging the road. A motion was made by Selectman Weeks to reimburse John Galvin for 25% of the cost to remove the tree in the amount of $200.00. Seconded by Selectman Albee with all in favor. The Selectmen wanted to make it clear that any projects should be reviewed in advance with the Road Agent.

 

Selectman Weeks was advised by Town Counsel to be careful of setting precedents by posting the information for the petition proposed by Brian Deshaies. The language for the statement on the website he thought was reasonable and fair but strongly recommended the Selectmen have a policy. Selectman Weeks made a motion to approve the statement to be posted on the town website. Seconded by Selectman Albee with all in favor.

 

Selectman Weeks suggested that the Selectmen schedule a work session as soon as possible to work on the wage schedule, department head evaluations and reval correspondence. The Selectmen scheduled the session for Monday November 21st at noon.

 

The proposed 2006 holiday schedule will be reviewed next week.

 

The meeting was adjourned at 4:50 PM.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

Carolyn Sundquist

Administrative Assistant