TOWN OF TUFTONBORO

MEETING OF THE SELECTMEN

Monday August 15, 2005

 

*Accepted* 8-22-05 INFORMATION ADDED IN BOLD

 

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

 

Selectmen reviewed mail, which included: Building Permits for Barbara Lomas, Brian Donohue; Electrical Permits for Joseph & Linda Roy, Thomas & Margaret Wood, Claire Batley, Hayes family Irrev. Trust, Paul Dumont; Plumbing Permit for Frederica Hayes; Sign Permit for Paul Askew; Formal Complaint from Bert Poirier; Property Transfers form Susan Vincent to Gregory & Mary Ellen Butt, Leo E. & Leotia Demeule Jr. to Peter McDowell, Virginia E. Singleton to Trust, Ivan Phelps et al to Richard N. Howard et al; Minimum Impact Expedited Application for Stephen & Jennifer Yamane; NHDES Notice of Administrative Completeness for Derek & Laura Cronin; Notice of Incomplete Standard Dredge and Fill Application for Lakeside Colony; Memo from Town Clerk re: update on state computer conversion; Letter of complaint from Bert Poirier re: Laase; Police Dept. Press Release; Letter of Commendation for Tuftonboro Transfer Station from Robert Gould; Coalition Communities; Business Review; Assessor’s Exchange; US Bankruptcy Court re: Adelphia; NRRA information; Revised Safety Policy; Road Information from State.

 

Minutes: The Selectmen’s meeting minutes of 8/8/05 were approved. The non-public minutes of 8/8/05 were approved.

 

Items for Signature:  Letter in Response to Mary Williams.

 

At approximately 3:00 Selectmen met with Bob Theve President of the Tuftonboro Association. Mr. Theve wanted to respond to several comments and questions from the Selectmen meeting on 7/25/05. Mr. Theve stated that the Association was formed in 1965 and was incorporated as a 501-c3 organization with a Board of Directors since 1989. The Association had been organized in 1965. A list of by-laws and officers was distributed to the Selectmen. The average membership is about 50-55. The Tuftonboro Times is funded and distributed by the Association. They exercise no editorial control over anything published in the quarterly paper. The current controversy will be discussed at the next board meeting in September. Mr. Theve explained how the Association became involved in the candidates’ night. The Association had been approached to assist in organizing the event.  Board member Ann Hackl asked for permission to discuss the Cheney easement at the meeting. The Association did not have any input to the questions that were asked and never took a position on the easement. Other projects the Association has been or is involved in includes the Grange restoration, town-wide roadside cleanup, graveyard books and cemetery maintenance. After some discussion with the Selectmen about the relationship of Ann Hackl and the Times the Selectmen advised that the masthead of the Times should perhaps not include the Tuftonboro Association. Mr. Theve asked if it was wrong to have the editor of the Times also a director of the funding organization. Mr. Theve’s intention in meeting with the Selectmen was to eliminate some confusion regarding the two organizations.

 

At approximately 3:20 Selectmen met with Police Chief Shagoury. Prices for the cruiser were submitted. The Selectmen recommended going with Miller Auto Dealerships. The delivery date is not yet known. The Chief is still waiting for some information to come back from a couple of other agencies before an arrest is made in the assault case. The use of decals for the Transfer Station was addressed because of an issue with a resident who refused to purchase one. He felt it was only so the attendants could identify residents and since everyone knew him, he did not have to follow the policy. Selectman Albee felt that it was not necessary for the police to be involved, that the Selectmen could handle it. There is no town ordinance requiring the use of decals but it is Selectmen policy and until the policy is changed everyone should follow the rules.

 

The Talking Phone books are in the process of being picked up around town.

 

In regards to the Poirier letter, most of the issues are state related and the burn issue will be referred to the Fire Chief. Since a formal complaint was made to the Code Officer he will be asked to respond.

 

Selectman Weeks reported the meeting with the architects went well. Selectmen Weeks and Stockman, Chiefs Shagoury and Thompson met with Peter Stewart and Mo Gagnon of Stewart Associates. They worked on identifying specific space needs for the police and fire departments. There is no follow up meeting scheduled as yet.

 

Chairman Stockman has contacted the owners of the lot that has been offered to the town for purchase. Selectman Weeks felt it should be purchased for the Town Office or cemetery expansion. The owners will get back to Chairman Stockman.

 

Chairman Stockman has been receiving many comments regarding the new assessments. Selectman Weeks has some general questions that she will fax to Avitar.

 

Selectman Albee reported that the Joint Loss Management Committee met on August 8th and put together the policy that was distributed to each of the Selectmen. The next meeting is September 19th at which time the committee will sign the document.

 

Selectmen approved and signed the letter in response to Mary Williams’ letter.

 

Dwight Pennell stated that there are people in town that do not have access to cable TV and therefore feel that tax money should not be used to fund the taping of the Selectmen’s meetings. A service would be created that is not available to everyone. Selectman Weeks said that she understands but disagrees because so many are taking advantage of it. Selectman Albee stated that there are already services that not everyone can use. One solution would be to make a copy for people to watch that would be kept at the library. The funding issue for next year will be brought before the Budget Committee.

 

The meeting was adjourned at 3:55.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

Carolyn Sundquist

Administrative Assistant