TOWN OF TUFTONBORO

MEETING OF THE SELECTMEN

Monday August 22, 2005

 

*Accepted* 8/29/05 CORRECTIONS IN BOLD

 

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

 

Selectmen reviewed mail, which included: Building Permits for Kevin & Cynthia Kernan, Charles & Sue Ann La Monica, Steven Bush; Electrical Permit for James Culleton, Phillip & Catherine Borelli, Kevin & Cynthia Kernan, Barbara Lomas; Plumbing Permit for Henry & Jeanne Jalbert; Certificate of Occupancy for Ralph Malmgren; Certificate of Occupancy for Temporary Mobile Home for Charles & Sue Ann La Monica; Approval for Operation for Dorothy/Edward Okun, Timothy Melanson; Approval for Construction for Charles/Sue Ann Lamonica, W. Perry Wilson Jr.; property Transfers from Francis P. Lynch to Kathleen Lynch Trider et al, Reginald C. Colby to Allen R. & Janette M. Blazick, Michael E. Jarvis, et al to Fenton W. Varney, Francis & Donna Foss to Ruby M. Weeks; NHDRA Gravel Tax Appraiser reply to Steve Hunter; NHDES copy of letter to David Joubert re: Septage Treatment & Disposal Facility; Excavation Sketch for Sargent Approved by Planning Board; Police Dept. Press Release; Executive Council Report #13 from Ray Burton; NH Occupational Employment & Wages, June 2005; DTC at Law re: Timeline for Transfer of Adelphia Cable Franchise; Parks & Rec minutes for 7/25/05 and agenda for 8/29/05; Coalition Communities; NH LGC Municipal Volunteer Awards nomination form; Quote from SDS for brush & stump removal; SPACE Newsletter.

 

Minutes: The Selectmen’s meeting minutes of 8/15/05 were approved with an addition.

 

Items for Signature:  Veterans Credit for Ralph Stevens, Melvin Zarinsky; Intent to Excavate for Alvin White.

 

At approximately 3:00 Selectmen met with Florence Chandler Mullin. Ms. Mullin wanted to know why the town stopped maintaining Chandler Road from the gates up to the end. She claimed that it had always been a town road. Selectman Weeks advised that only part of the road is town road – from Route 109 to the cemetery. This is the straight portion of the range way. There is no layout of the road past that point. After much discussion back and forth Ms. Mullin was told that she could research the history of the road and perhaps prove that it belonged to the town. By law the town cannot spend public money on private property. Ms. Mullin said that if it is not a town road then she should be able to close the gates. She had been told previously that she was not allowed to close them because it was a town road.  The Selectmen advised that as long as it is on private property the gates could be closed. However, others may have rights to use the road, even if it is not a town road.

 

At approximately 3:15 Selectmen met with Tyler Phillips and Paul Zimmerman. They were interested in finding out what was happening with the Cheney easement. They felt there was a great deal of confusion and speculation and that the Selectmen should issue some kind of status report. Chairman Stockman reported that the Cheney’s became frustrated with the length of time it was taking so they decided to put the property up for sale and advised Chairman Stockman that they did not want to continue with the easement. There were no binding agreements at that time. The Selectmen said they would continue with the easement process if the opportunity arises and in hindsight should have contacted an attorney sooner. Mr. Phillips said it is important to get the story out to clarify the issue. In answer to a question from Steve Hunter concerning expending additional funds, the Conservation Commission would have paid any additional legal fees as they have a fund for just this kind of situation. At the Selectmen’s meeting on 8/29/05, Selectman Weeks explained that there was no agreement with the Conservation Commission regarding this.

 

At approximately 3:35 Selectmen met with Chief Thompson. The Chief is going on vacation and wanted to give a status report before he left. Calls to date – 185 fire, 81 medical, 28 service and 4 paramedic intercepts (298 vs. 233 last year). There were 24 oil and 5 gas burner inspections. Kyle Joseph and Bryant Kirk, at their own expense, have completed EMTI training. Chief Thompson followed up on the fire complaint on Bay Road and did not find any problems.

 

At approximately 3:40 Selectmen met with Road Agent Steve Hunter. Pike has scheduled paving for September 12th. The Chandler Road issue was discussed. Mr. Hunter is to maintain the highway traveled way that is within the range way.

 

The Selectmen did not have any deficiencies to report to report to the attorney regarding Adelphia. Selectman Albee will check with Attorney Ciandella to see if a public hearing is needed before the takeover of Adelphia by either Time-Warner or Comcast. 

 

Selectmen approved and signed the following:

  • Intent to Excavate for Alvin White
  • Veterans Credit for Ralph Stevens
  • Veterans Credit for Melvin Zarinsky

 

At approximately 3:55 Selectmen met with Joe Kowalski. Mr. Kowalski handed out a 3-year comparison of MSW and C&D disposal costs. The cost has gone down $10,000.00. NRRA has reported so far this year that 108 tons have been recycled. In verifying the Waste Management invoices Mr. Kowalski has noticed additional charges cropping up. He has not yet spoken to Waste Management but wanted to bring it to the Selectmen’s attention. Mr. Kowalski would also like to work on rules and regulations for the Transfer Station; a copy of Conway’s rules and regulations will be used as a starting point.

 

Selectman Weeks sent a fax to Avitar with some general questions and would like to have Gary Roberge attend next weeks meeting. The Selectmen have been getting a lot of questions and do not have enough information to answer them.

 

 

The meeting was adjourned at 4:20.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

Carolyn Sundquist

Administrative Assistant