Town of Tuftonboro

Meeting of the Selectmen

Monday, April 23, 2007

 

 

*Accepted* 4.30.07

 

Selectmen present:  Susan Weeks, Bill Stockman, Dan Duffy

 

Selectmen reviewed mail, which included:  Building Permits for Gary & Glenda Philrin, Tuftonboro Historical Society, YMCA of Greater Boston (4); memo from Town Clerk re: Boat Registrations; memo from Town Clerk re: Records Committee meeting; letter from David & Karen Wiley re: cell tower; DRA Inventory of Property Transfer for Ellen Laase, Francis W. Laase; Plan of Subdivision for Richard Rowsell; memo from Terry Knowles re: 2007 Municipal Trustees Seminars; NRRA brochure on 26th Annual Recycling Conference & Expo; Notice of Hearing of ZBA for Kevin Gillis; NHDES Wetlands and Non-Site Specific Permit for Swansburg Family Trust.

 

Items for signature:  Community Bank & Trust Company signature cards (2); Gravel Tax Levy for Middle Road Trust, GW Holmberg; Timber Tax Levy for James Taylor, John Hersey, Robert & Christal Carley, and Frederick & Rose Carley; Notice of Intent to Cut Wood for Jean Whitten, Ernest & Florence Perkins, and James Taylor; Notice of Intent to Excavate for GW Holmberg; Community Bank & Trust Company Agreement to Secure Public Deposits; letters to Susan McKenna, Bruce Pigott, Alden Ringer, William Donovan, President Bush, John Sununu, Judd Gregg, Carol Shea-Porter; Agreement & Release form for James Taylor.

 

At approximately 9 a.m. Chairman Weeks called the meeting to order.  The minutes of April 16 were reviewed and corrections made.  Selectman Stockman made a motion to accept the minutes with corrections, seconded by Chairman Weeks, with all in favor.

 

The Town Administrator gave her report as follows:

  • Confirming Selectmen’s receipt of pending list and calendar
  • Review of calendar items
  • Note that a decision needs to be made re: Police Departments’ Admin Assistant
  • NHDES has granted two month period for submittal of landfill survey
  • Ken Perry has been contacted to get a lease rate for the Gould property, need to follow-up. 
  • Letters for signature

 

Chairman Weeks reviewed the mail noting contents including the notice of annual expo of NRRA, memo from Heather Cubeddu re: records committee, and several other items.

 

At approximately 9:15 a.m., Michael Hlushuk met with the Selectmen to review the proposed Eagle Scout project.  Michael asked if the Selectmen had any questions.  Chairman Weeks asked about the electric and recommended that Michael check with Chief Thompson to see what the electric was for and if it continues to be needed.  There was a discussion about where the bench and signage would be located.  Signs would include an informational sign, a sign for no overnight parking, and one for the doggie pot system.  After some discussion about the location of the informational sign, it was agreed that Michael would check with the Road Agent about its final location.  The informational sign would also have a cover to prevent notices and other information from being scattered. The Selectmen commended Michael on a very nice presentation and project.

 

Ken Cookson asked the Selectmen if they were ok with a sign that indicated no overnight docking, boats will be towed at owner’s expenses.  The Selectmen agreed.  Mr. Cookson also noted that the materials list for this project is approximately $1600 and wondered if the town would be willing to pay for items the town would normally pay for, such as catch basin materials, rip rap, etc. (approx. $300-$400).  Selectmen Stockman and Weeks agreed.

 

Chairman Weeks reviewed the Code Enforcement Officer’s mail folder, noting the applications for building permits.  Chairman Weeks advised that the YMCA of Greater Boston needed to have site plan review.  Tom Marden explained that the YMCA is claiming a hardship because they don’t have the time to go through site plan review, the buildings need to be done by June, when the campers arrive.  He explained the contractors are committed, and asked that the Selectmen grant the permits so they can start.  Jack Parsons advised that the Selectmen had the authority to grant a temporary permit for the three buildings, because they were under the 500 sq ft requirement.  The new garage, which is 574 square feet, would not meet that requirement.  Mr. March committed to go through the process with the Planning Board and felt confident he would get approval.  Chairman Weeks noted concern that other camps follow the rules and she felt that there should be consistency.   Chairman Weeks suggested a compromise: the Selectmen could grant the temporary permit for the three cabins, but not the garage, and the YMCA must commit to go to the Planning Board for approval.  Selectmen Duffy made a motion to grant the temporary permit for the three cabins, seconded by Bill Stockman, will all in favor.

 

Chief Thompson gave his department head update.  He reported there were 62 fire calls, 53 EMS, 23 service calls, eight gas inspections, and eight oil burner inspections.  Chief Thompson advised that the latest storm kept the Police, Highway, and Fire departments very busy for several days.  Thirteen roads were closed due to washouts and downed trees and wires.  There were power outages and flooding basements, but no need to provide shelter.

 

Chief Thompson suggested that the Selectmen consider appointing someone to manage the Emergency Management responsibilities in the future, so that he could focus on Fire Department responsibilities.  There was a brief discussion about the training, knowledge, and coordination required for this position.  Chief Thompson noted that damage estimate from the storm was approximately $130k+ and has already been reported to the state.  The Chief noted that Carroll County is eligible for disaster funds. 

 

The Chief advised that the flammable cabinets have all arrived, noting there are two at the Fire Department, one at the transfer station, and one at the Town Offices.  Lt. Pike was able to secure free shipping on the order. 

 

All town buildings have been inspected for fire extinguishers.   The Mirror Lake station’s floor and interior have been painted; department apparatus has been inspected and repaired for the Spring; brake lines have been replaced and repairs made on the Utility Two vehicle.  Both stations are experiencing water coming in.  The Melvin Village station’s septic is out of service right now because it’s so wet…there is water coming up through the drains.  At the Mirror Lake station, water is pushing in through the walls.  The Chief advised that they will try to dig out and seal the walls to keep the water out.  Chairman Weeks suggested now might be a good time to begin discussions again about the public safety building.

 

The Chief advised he wouldn’t be able to attend the meeting on the 25th about the barn.  He inquired about the barn being moved and wondered about its impact on the station’s leach field.  Chairman Weeks explained that the issue has been reviewed and there would be no impact.

 

The Chief also advised that the Fire Department has submitted a $150k grant for air pacs.  The current equipment has been failing on a regular basis and needs to be replaced.  If the grant is not awarded, this will be a major expense to the town.

 

The Chief requested a non-public session and the Selectmen agreed to the meeting after the regular meeting.

 

Selectman Duffy noted that he had spoken with Norman Blake about the status of the code enforcement officer’s vehicle.  He advised that the vehicle could be repaired and felt that the Selectmen should get an estimate on the cost to repair it before making any decision to replace the vehicle.  There was a brief discussion about what needed to be repaired.  Selectman Duffy agreed to research the issue and get a quote for repairs.  Pat Cookson asked why the Selectmen were looking at leasing a vehicle when it was voted down at Town Meeting.  Chairman Weeks explained that what was voted down at Town Meeting was the 4th SUV for the Police Department.  Mrs. Cookson wondered why the Code Enforcement Officer’s vehicle lease wasn’t on the warrant.  Chairman Weeks explained that the vehicle broke down after Town Meeting…it was not an issue then. There was more discussion about the need for a police vehicle for every officer.

 

James Taylor and his grandniece Christy Taylor met with the Selectmen to ask for a release agreement.  Chairman Weeks advised that according to state law the Planning Board and the Selectmen need to meet and develop a policy on Class 6 roads before they can approve anything.  Ms. Taylor explained she needs to get approval quickly so that the mortgage company can approve her loan.  Chairman Weeks noted that discussion in the Master Plan specifically mentions future development and that we should consider that in the decision. The policy should be in place first, with that policy addressing whether development is allowed on a Class 6 road. There was a brief discussion about maintenance of Sandstrom Road currently (it is not maintained by town).  The Town can’t order you to maintain or upgrade the road, but you can do on your own, with permission of town, and releasing the Town from liability.  Chairman Weeks would like to meet with the Planning Board first and develop the policy.  Selectman Stockman commented that he would like to give the approval that Ms. Taylor is requesting. Selectman Stockman made a motion to sign the release agreement on the class 6 road to allow the Taylors to go forward with their building.  The motion was seconded by Selectman Duffy.  Selectmen Stockman and Duffy in favor of the motion, Chairman Weeks not in favor.  The motion carried.

 

At approximately 10:30 a.m. Chairman Weeks made a motion to go into non-public session per RSA-91A:3, II(e).  The motion was seconded by Selectman Stockman.  Roll call: Chairman Weeks – yes, Selectman Stockman – yes, Selectman Duffy – yes.

 

The Selectmen moved out of non-public session at approximately 10:55 a.m.  Chairman Weeks made the motion to seal the minutes indefinitely, seconded by Selectman Stockman, with all in favor.

 

Chief Thompson noted that the Pandemic Meeting has been rescheduled to May 1st from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Andrews Church in Tamworth.  The Chief advised that at least one Selectman and the Town Administrator are expected to attend.  Chairman Weeks noted that Ellen Laase has volunteered to serve on the Pandemic Preparedness Committee.

 

Selectman Stockman mentioned that Anne Chapel will not be the Conservation Commission’s Secretary and that they need to find a new secretary.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Jeanie Forrester

Town Administrator