TOWN OF
Selectmen present:
Chip Albee, Susan Weeks and Bill Stockman.
Selectmen reviewed mail, which included: Building Permit for Chiarello/Schnarr; Plumbing Permit for William Lewis; Electrical Permit for Peter Stanard; Property Transfers from Chen to Chen Trust, Cote to Trust (2), Linda Kelley et al to Linda Dabica, Jefferson Bailey to Timothy Heckman, Blue Heron Trust to Deborah Harrison Trustee, Clara Sughrue to Deborah Harrison Trustee, McCann Trust to Thomas Neeley; Avitar response to NH Electric Coop abatement; Memo from Blake Cullimore re: Town Administrator Assessment; Coalition Communities; Notice of Voluntary Merger for Barnes; ZBA Notice of Decision for Craigue; Copy of planting plan for Town House and Pavilion area; NHDES notification of satisfactory 2005 Landfill Post-Closure Report; Standard Dredge and Fill Application for Elm Point Corp.; LRHHPF minutes from 5/25/06; Supplemental Budget and Estimate of revenue for Carroll County; NRRA notification of price increase; Copy of memo from Paul Zimmerman and Town Clerk response; Fuel Usage Comparisons; Technical Information Release re: emergency expenditure of funds for disasters; LRHHPF participant survey;
Items for Signature: Board Appointments for
To Do Folder: Conservation Commission Appointments; MRI Memo re: sales review; Kaiser Letter re: assessment; NH Electric Coop re: assessment; Tuftonboro Islanders Association Meeting; HEB High Street Bridge; Web Site Survey; Abatement for Jean; Abatement for Flint; Cheney Conservation Easement Deed.
Correspondence Folder: None
Chairman Albee called the meeting to order at 9:00 am. The first order of business was review of the minutes. Selectman Weeks made a correction to the minutes and then made a motion to accept the minutes as corrected. Seconded by Selectman Stockman with all in favor.
At approximately 9:00 Selectmen met with Jeanne Prewitt and Claire Williams regarding the denial of their abatement application. They felt that there were several items overlooked – the lot was originally designated as a beach lot, it has a 50’ ROW for a power line easement and that because of the ledge and boulders it is a non-buildable lot. In addition there is a “cloud” on the title. Ms. Prewitt and Ms. Williams purchased the lot jointly to protect their interests and so that it could not be sold as a building lot. The Selectmen responded that a letter from a soil scientist would be needed before the lot could be determined to be non-buildable. The lot size is sufficient to meet setbacks and the “cloud” on the title is not an issue for the town. Chairman Albee advised that the best thing to do would be to eliminate this lot by incorporating it into the two adjacent lots. This might decrease their taxes and it is something the town would prefer, as it would prevent a non-conforming lot from being built upon. Ms. Prewitt and Ms. Williams were advised to check with the assessors to determine what the new assessments would be for the 2 lots.
The Selectmen reviewed the planting suggestions proposed for the Town House and pavilion at the beach. It was decided to wait for the paving and inspection of the foundation of the town house before going ahead with any landscaping. The landscaping at the pavilion was approved. However, Selectman Stockman did note a couple of plants that would not be winter hardy and said he would speak to the committee.
Chairman Albee said he would call MRI today regarding the Town Administrator project. The Selectmen are also waiting for the sample letter from Scott Marsh of MRI. He will also contact Avitar regarding the remaining abatements.
Selectman Weeks reported speaking to town counsel about the
responsibility for the naming of town roads. Attorney Sullivan advised that the
statutes clearly state that it is the Selectmen’s responsibility. He suggested
putting the 2 issues (Transfer Station and
Chairman Albee requested the next public hearing on the
Chairman Albee reported that he spoke to Attorney Ryan regarding the Cheney easement and the unresolved mortgage issue. Attorney Ryan thought a signed affidavit by Mr. Cheney might be sufficient. The Selectmen decided to have Attorney Ryan contact Attorney Sullivan to resolve the issue. Selectman Stockman will speak to Wayne Cheney to explain the delay.
At approximately 9:30 Selectmen met with Road Agent Steve Hunter. Mr. Hunter reported that he met with a FEMA representative last Friday and passed on all the required paperwork needed for any reimbursement. Mr. Hunter also spoke to the rep about mitigation money and he was informed that it is provided only for problems that happen weekly or every time it rains so in effect it would not pertain to Tuftonboro. The following issues were brought to the road agent’s attention:
The culvert on the Leary property was discussed. Mr. Hunter felt it was the property owner’s responsibility to maintain the culverts. If the water is diverted it would flow onto someone else’s property. Chairman Albee and Mr. Hunter will do an inspection.
The Selectmen next discussed the abatement request by Dennis Flint. Mr. Flint had asked the Selectmen to reconsider their denial. Selectman Weeks reported she had looked at the Flint property and that there is definitely a year round stream on the property. She felt it impacted the usability and suggested making an adjustment. This will be discussed later during the work session.
Selectman Weeks reported on the second meeting of the withdrawal study committee. Letters were sent to all towns surrounding New Durham to see if there was any interest in working with the district on this issue. If there wasn’t any interest then it didn’t make any sense to go forward. The next meeting, to be in 2 weeks, will be held in New Durham to find out how the New Durham residents feel about the withdrawal.
Selectman Weeks made a motion to sign the Memorandum of Understanding in order for the town to participate in the cooperative effort regarding emergency management between the NH Department of Health and Human Services, the NH Department of Safety and the Towns of Effingham, Freedom, Ossipee, Tuftonboro, Wakefield and Wolfeboro. Seconded by Selectman Stockman with all in favor.
The Selectmen approved and signed the following:
The Selectmen discussed appointments for the 3 openings on the Conservation Commission. Selectman Weeks made a motion to appoint Lee White and Barbara Garebedian and to re-appoint Win Wood to the Conservation Commission. Seconded by Chairman Albee with all in favor. Win Wood said that he wasn’t sure that Lee White would be able to serve. Chairman Albee will call Mr. White.
Chairman Albee reported that the town had received a response from the BTLA, which indicated that Avitar needed to respond and not the town. The Selectmen have not had a chance to review the NHDRA draft report on the review of assessment practices at this time.
Doug Barker asked if any of the Selectmen had planned on attending the public hearing on June 30th regarding Lower Beech Pond and its impact on Camp William Lawrence. Selectman Weeks said she had put it on her calendar.
The Selectmen discussed the traffic changes at the Transfer Station this past weekend. They were on site over the weekend to direct traffic and hand out flyers. Comments were favorable.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:58.
At 10 am Chairman Albee opened the public hearing on the Dearborn land purchase. The Selectmen are required to hold 2 hearings, with the second scheduled for July 10 at 5:30 pm at the town house. Selectman Weeks then presented photographs of the property and made the following points:
· The property has 320’ on Middle Road and is approximately 3 acres.
· After purchase the land will be surveyed.
· A purchase and sales agreement with the Dearborn’s has been signed and is subject to the hearings.
· The property has good site distance
· The building will be set back from the road
· The Dearborn’s will be able to rent until April 2007
Paul Zimmerman commented that after looking at prior year statistics he could not justify this size project. It should also be closer to the population asset base. Selectman Weeks responded that the old buildings couldn’t be expanded or improved significantly. It makes sense to have a central location and 2 buildings cost more to run than one.
Tony Lyon advised that the Planning Board had sent out questionnaires and held public forums and both showed that people were looking for a center for the town. The plan for the public safety building fits in with this vision.
Gary Chehames questioned why the building couldn’t be put on the property just purchased, which abuts the town office, since it is about the same size. Selectman Weeks stated that it was not the right site for this size facility. The building should be back from the road with natural barriers and landscaping to blend the building into the neighborhood.
Dave Eaton asked why the Police Department was included in the new facility – why not expand at the current location. Selectman Weeks responded that times have changed and it makes sense to have all resources in one area for emergency management. The current department is outdated. Chairman Albee said that the cost for the PD portion of the project could be isolated for cost comparison. Mr. Eaton also asked if a bank barn type building is being considered. Selectman Weeks said that it has been discussed because of the topography of the land.
Win Wood said that he thought it important to provide space for emergency vehicles like an ambulance.
Jon Beaulieu said that he has read that Tuftonboro is the 2nd fastest growing town in Carroll County. There is no doubt that the cost of land and construction will continue to rise.
Doug Barker said he has been on several committees that looked at public safety buildings and he couldn’t stress enough the need to have enough land around the facility. The Fire and Police Departments have very different business. It is important to concentrate on getting the land that can support it now and in the future.
Ken Cookson said he was glad to hear that architecture was being considered. He felt that Tuftonboro would start growing on the Wolfeboro border as Wolfeboro keeps growing.
John Simms said the argument is valid for a central Fire Department but the town should keep the property on Tuftonboro Neck. As for the Police Department, he does not understand the need to have them updated and modernized. The Selectmen should look at the real needs and not wishes. He can see it with the FD but not the PD. It could be expanded on site.
Dave Eaton wanted to see real numbers for the expansion of the PD. Chairman Albee said that each item could be compartmentalized and assessed separately.
Tony Lyon said the growth seems to be in the center of town.
Win Wood stated that most people he has spoken to don’t understand why the PD should be in with the FD. Chief Shagoury responded that it is one building but 2 separate sections.
Selectman Weeks said that they did not encounter any negative issues regarding the combined departments during the facility tours in other towns.
The public hearing was adjourned at 11:05.
At approximately 11:10 the Selectmen went into a work session to discuss abatements.
Selectmen reviewed the abatement application by Muriel & Michael Robinette. The Selectmen decided to have Avitar assess the 2 lots as one since the deed specifies that the island was to become a part of lot #30 (PID 37-1-215) and not be a separate lot of record. There was no decision to deny or grant an abatement.
The following abatements, held for further review from last week, were approved:
The Selectmen discussed the request by Larry Jean to reconsider his abatement. The Selectmen voted to deny any further reduction in Mr. Jean’s assessment at 2 GWH.
The Selectmen discussed the request by Dennis Flint to reconsider his abatement application. Selectman Weeks said that she did inspect the property and reported that there is a good size, year round stream going through and recommended a reduction. The Selectmen granted an abatement for Flint (2-1-77).
The following abatements were reviewed and denied as recommended by Avitar:
The following abatements were reviewed and granted as recommended by Avitar:
The work session was adjourned at 12:10 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Carolyn Sundquist
Administrative Assistant