TOWN OF TUFTONBORO

MEETING OF THE SELECTMEN

Monday November 6, 2006

 

*Accepted 11.13.06 w/changes*  (changes in bold)

 

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

 

Selectmen reviewed mail, which included: Building Permits for Michael & Shelley Lachance, Stanley Fredriksen, John Kirn; Sign Permit for Shelley Lachance; Approval for Construction for Helen/Warren Ringer, Cecile/William Law; Property Transfer form Jeffrey Knight to Robert Calhoun, Nicholas Molea et al to Jefferson Bailey et al; Fax from Walker & Varney re: Tucker; Letter from Bodeur re: logging; Memo re: flu clinic; Proposed holiday schedules for town office and transfer station; Management’s Discussion & Analysis for 2005 audit for review; Request from Tax Collector re: evaluation; Memo re: trees for removal; ZBA Public Notice of hearing on 11/15; H. E. Bergeron recommendation of bond reduction re: Zadeda Farms; Flyer for Master Plan public hearing on 11/14; Attendance Certificate for Chief Shagoury; Thank you letter for Chief Shagoury; Abutter Notification re: Wetlands Application for Marriott; LGC response to inquiries re: PHA confidentiality; E-mail form Microdesk re: GIS.                                   

 

Items for Signature:  Right of Burial for Melanson; Local Government Center 2007 Medical & Dental Renewal; Deputy Health Officer Appointment for Pike; Abatement for Leroux; Primex Schedule of Exposures.

 

At approximately 9:00 a.m. Chairman Albee called the meeting to order. The first order of business was review of the 10/23/06 minutes. Selectman Weeks recommended several changes. Selectman Weeks then made a motion to accept the minutes as amended. Seconded by Selectman Stockman with all in favor.

 

Town Administrator Forrester gave the Selectmen her report.  All budgets are in and include the 3.3% COLA increase approved by the Selectmen.  Department heads have made their recommendations for step increases for the Selectmen to review and approve.  Selectman Stockman asked whether the COLA increase factors in health insurance increases. 

 

Forrester met with the Fire Chief to review his budget, discuss the offer from the Marriott Foundation for a new vehicle, and prepare a bid specification for the 2007 ambulance contract.  Forrester advised that she will work with Carolyn and the Fire Chief to look at all the associated costs and prepare a summary for the Selectmen’s consideration relative to the Marriott offer.  A draft of the bid specification will be prepared for the Selectmen’s review and once approved, submitted to interested providers to bid on.  The goal is to have bids in hand for review by November 13.

 

The Town Administrator met with the Police Chief to review his budget and discuss some personnel issues.  She will also followup with Town Attorney Sullivan for advice on the Marriott burial ground request and selling town property.  Forrester reported that she met with the Public Works Director in Meredith regarding recycling and solid waste issues and suggested a tour of that facility.

 

Forrester also reported she had spoken to Eric Roseen from Parks & Recreation about the proposal for a swing on town property and will followup with a call to the insurance company. 

 

Police Chief Shagoury reported there were approximately 100 children who visited the Police Station for Halloween.  Everything has been quiet, with not much to report.

The Chief will meet with the Selectmen on November 7 to discuss his budget and recommendations for step increases.

 

Chairman Albee advised that all three Selectmen will be at the polls on Tuesday, November 7.

 

It was noted that the Selectmen, Police and Fire Chiefs, architects, engineers, and Town Administrator visited the Dearborn site last week.  Fire and Police would like to use the site for training purposes.  Selectmen Weeks commented that the building will probably be burned to save money on demolition.  The Selectmen advised they will keep the property insured for its value and for liability.

 

Selectmen Weeks reported on the site walk done on the proposed development on Union Wharf; the Planning Board and Conservation Commission are looking at the sites.  Chairman Albee asked about the $8,000 figure in the Planning Board budget, and Selectmen Weeks explained that the town pays the bill and gets reimbursed by the developers.  Selectmen Weeks also noted the $10,000 item in the Planning Board budget is for a consultant to begin the Master Plan implementation.  The Planning Board will have a public hearing on November 14th for the Master Plan at 7:15 p.m.  There will also be a scenic roads hearing the same night just prior to the Master Plan hearing at 7 p.m.  Selectmen Weeks noted that the Planning Board has been very busy with applications and expects this to continue through the winter.

 

Selectmen Weeks also advised that the final report regarding the proposed withdrawal of New Durham from district was submitted to the State Board of Education.

 

Chairman Albee advised that the Town has settled with the Tucker’s on their request for an abatement.  After much research, Selectmen Weeks agreed there was some disproportionality in the appraisal, and advised a $120k reduction.  The Selectmen offered a $120k reduction in value and Tucker’s attorney made a counter offer for a $150k reduction.  The Selectmen agreed to the $150k reduction, with Selectmen Weeks not in favor of the decision.  Chairman Albee felt that the possible lawsuit would cost the Town more money than accepting the counter offer.

 

Selectmen Weeks suggested that the Town retain Municipal Resources, Inc. to look at the shoreline properties to see if they are appropriately valued. 

 

Chairman Albee noted a letter from a concerned citizen about a logging operation on Ledge Hill Rd.  Forrester will contact the lady and ask her to meet with the Selectmen to discuss her concerns.

 

Chairman Albee noted there will be a flu clinic, Nov. 14 at the Town Offices.

Selectmen received a request from HE Bergeron to reduce bonding to $61,000.  Chairman Albee inquired whether this was a Planning Board decision or the Selectmen’s decision.  Selectmen Weeks advised it was the Selectmen’s decision and made a motion to accept the request.  It was seconded by Bill Stockman, with all in favor.

 

Chairman Albee noted a letter in the file complimenting Chief Shagoury. 

 

There was a brief introduction/presentation by Dorothy Solomon who is running for County Commissioner.

 

Selectmen Weeks made a motion to move into non-public session per RSA 91A:3c to discuss a property owner tax issue, seconded by Chairman Albee, all in favor.

 

At approximately 10:50 a.m. the Selectmen returned to a public session and met with Attorney Upton.  Mr. Upton provided a brief background on himself and his law firm, noting they have staff that specialize in municipal law.  Mr. Upton also advised that he would appoint an alternate attorney for Tuftonboro, should he be unavailable for any reason.  Selectmen Weeks inquired as to whether Mr. Upton’s firm could provide educational presentations to the various boards.  Mr. Upton confirmed that his law firm was capable of this.  Mr. Upton will send a fee schedule and proposal for the Selectmen to review and consider.

 

The meeting was adjourned at 11:25

 

Respectfully Submitted,

Jeanie Forrester

Town Administrator