TOWN OF TUFTONBORO

PO BOX 98, 240 MIDDLE ROAD

CENTER TUFTONBORO, NH  03816

Telephone (603) 569-4539

Fax (603) 569-4328

Selectmen’s Meeting         September 24, 2007

MINUTES

Accepted w/corrections: 10.1.07

Present: Selectmen: Chairman Susan Weeks, William Stockman, Daniel Duffy, Administrative Assistant Cathy Pounder, Town Administrator Jeanie Forrester

I. CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Weeks called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.

II. REVIEW/APPROVE MINUTES:  The Selectmen reviewed the minutes of the September 10 Selectmen’s Meeting.  Chairman Weeks made a motion to approve the minutes as corrected.  Selectman Stockman seconded. The motion carried unanimously.  The Selectmen reviewed the non-public minutes of September 10.  Selectman Stockman made a motion to approve the minutes.  Selectman Duffy seconded the motion.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

III.  PUBLIC HEARING:  Chairman Weeks opened the public hearing on the sale of town property at approximately 9:20 a.m.  Chairman Weeks explained the purpose of the public hearing was to take comments from the public regarding town-owned property acquired by Tax Collector’s Deeds on two properties: Lot #5 – Deer Hill Colony and Lot #66 – Ethan Allen Road.  The Selectmen have received and accepted bids.  Chairman Weeks asked if there were any comments from the public.  John Simms asked if the Town had thought about other uses for the property (e.g., Library or Fire Station).  Chairman Weeks noted that the Selectmen had considered other uses, but the properties weren’t suitable. 

 

Chairman Weeks noted that the Selectmen had received written recommendations from the Conservation Commission and the Planning Board to sell the properties.  Hearing no further comment from the public, Selectman Stockman made a motion to close the public hearing.  The motion was seconded by Selectman Duffy.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

IV.  DEPARTMENT UPDATES:  Chief Thompson gave an update on the Fire Department.  There have been 150 fire calls, 124 EMS calls, and 13 service calls.  There were 14 oil burner inspections and 27 gas inspections. 

 

The Chief advised there was a lightning strike at Camp Northwoods on August 30 which set a building on fire and started a second building on fire.  Rescue One, Engine 4, Engine 2, and Engine 1 all responded to the fire.  No one was injured.  The first building was a total loss…over $35k in damage.  There was also a car fire on Prospect Hill.  The response time to get to this fire was about 10 minutes. 

 

Inspections are being done on apparatus.  Rescue 1 needs a total rear brake repair, front brake pads, and a drag link for the steering arm in order to pass state inspection.  This was not budgeted.  Total cost is $1585.  Engine 2 needs rear springs, which was budgeted.  Engine 1 may need a pump primer, further investigation is needed to see if an update of the electrical system will resolve the problem.  Boat 1 struck a rock on the backside of Cow Island when Lt. Pike was on a special detail with the Census Bureau.  A new propeller was installed.  Car 1 had a water pump replaced. 

 

Chief Thompson advised that they are still in the running for a grant for $214,000 for air pacs and an air system.   He advised the current equipment is now over 20 years old.  He is hoping to get the grant so we won’t have to budget it in 2009.  John Simms suggested sending a letter to the Congressional Delegation asking them to support the grant application. 

 

The Fire Department has been holding trainings every Thursday at 7 p.m. and have had a good turnout. 

 

The Department is currently looking at upgrading the extrication equipment.  After weighing options (upgrade current equipment or purchase new equipment), they recommend new equipment for a total cost of $6,393.00 which will be paid by the Fire Association.  There is no maintenance expense associated with this equipment.  Chairman Weeks asked if the Department felt this was a priority.  The Chief advised that this equipment is used on a regular basis and would be good to have.  Prices will be going up at the end of September.  Chief Thompson noted that per policy, he brought this item before the Selectmen because it was over $1,000.00.  Selectman Stockman made a motion to approve the expenditure.  The motion was seconded by Selectman Duffy.  The vote on the motion was unanimous.  Chief Thompson wondered where the funds from the sale of the old equipment would go.  Funds would go back to the general fund. 

 

Chief Thompson noted both stations have new emergency lighting.  A base coat of pavement at Mirror Lake has been put in place with another coat to go on later.  Run off from Basin Road seems to be flowing right through to the catch basin and not puddling up.  Chairman Weeks wondered if we needed a formal agreement with the property owner so she doesn’t lose her property rights (paving was done on her property…which makes the Fire Station property appear larger than it is).

 

The Chief reported that he has looked into a ventilation system for Mirror Lake and Melvin Village.  Ventilation systems could be installed, but they would need to overcome some issues (e.g., access, upgrade of electrical).  The system would capture 100% of the fumes and would keep the station cleaner and protect the health of the employees. 

The Chief received another bid for 220 Middle Road, $1550 versus $1995 for asbestos testing.  The lower bid was from the contractor who bids on state projects.  The low bid also had more sample testing (60 samples).  Chief Thompson will give the bid to the Town Administrator for review prior to the Selectmen signing. 

 

The Chief advised that most of the paint and hazardous waste from the buildings at the Dearborn property have been removed.  There was a brief discussion about the hazardous waste disposal pamphlet not being clear about how to dispose of waste.  The Chief will review with the Town Administrator to see how it might be made more clear.  The Chief advised that $80 has been spent so far on disposing of the hazardous waste and that another $80 will probably take care of the remaining disposal.

 

There was a brief discussion about employee reviews prior to the budget cycle starting.

 

Chief Thompson noted that there has been an increase in fireworks activity and noted that we don’t have an ordinance.  It may be something the Selectmen might want to consider as the town grows and more of this activity takes place.

 

Chief Thompson advised that the Association was looking at purchasing a Utility 2 vehicle and donating it in the name of Donald Jones from Melvin Village.  Mr. Jones had donated stocks to the Fire Department which have been put in an Edward Jones account (approximately $20k in the account).  This vehicle would replace the vehicle now in Melvin Village.  It is not something the Fire Department is looking to do now, but some time in the future.

 

The Road Agent gave the Selectmen his department update.  All the paving is done for this year.  The bushes are being mowed.  He noted he did meet with the CIP Committee regarding his capital projects.

 

There was a brief discussion about the High Street culvert. Steve Hunter met with the NH DOT maintenance foreman and engineer at the High Street culvert a couple weeks ago, along with HEB personnel. The culvert is in serious condition and needs to be repaired before another high water event. 

 

The NHDOT crew is ready to begin the work, estimating it will take 12 weeks and cost $108,000 (80% state, 20% town).  However, the NHDES will not issue the emergency permit for the wetlands application, which is holding up the project.  If the town has to wait to go through the normal time period for the application, the project wouldn’t begin till mid to late November.  The Town Administrator will draft a letter to the Commissioner of NHDES asking for assistance.  She will also follow-up with Nancy Mayville (NHDOT) and ask for a letter of support.  The Administrator will also speak with Mayville about the payment of funds for this project.

 

 

 

V.  TOWN ADMINISTRATOR/ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT REPORT

 

Cathy Pounder reported that: 

1. The letter to the Wolfeboro Selectmen, the revised MS-1, and the Hayes & Bald Peak Abatements checks went out.

 

2.  Munismart will be training the Tax Collector and Town Clerk on Cash Receipting Module on October 5th.  Munismart will install the Dog License Module and provide training to the Town Clerk on the same day.  Munismart will also be cleaning up the general ledger on the same day.

 

3.  The law suite from Bald Peak is being dropped.

 

4.  Karen Lanzer requested a sign at the end of North Line Road stating it is not passable.  After a brief discussion with the Road Agent, it was agreed that a sign was not necessary.

 

5.  Parks & Recreation walked the Gould Property on Sunday September 16.

 

6.  Cathy reported that some residents have been asking for an increase in the reimbursement amount for household hazardous waste disposal.  They would like it to go from $40 to $80 a year.  The Selectmen did not make a decision.

 

7.  The budget worksheet has been updated to include additional columns.

 

The Town Administrator gave her report:

1.  Selectmen have received their updated pending list and calendar.  A review of the document included the following:  a) plans should be made to close the Gould property for the winter; b) the confirmatory deeds have been signed by the Sargents; c) Forrester provided an update on the High Street culvert (see comments under the Road Agent report); d) Forrester will contact the ZBA chair to arrange a work session with the Selectmen; e) Forrester asked about the work session with the Planning Board on Class 6 roads…Chairman Weeks advised that the topic is on their agenda; f) Chairman Weeks noted the article in the latest issue of Town & City on Riggins Rules and asked Forrester to send a copy of the article to all the Boards and Commissions.

 

2.  Forrester advised that she is in the process of getting quotes for a phone system for the Town Office and that a computer equipment/software/training assessment is scheduled this week.

 

3.  Forrester advised Selectmen that she had learned, in speaking with the Police Chief in Meredith, they have also experienced missing radar units and have made a decision to have a company come in to do recertifications instead of sending them out, to avoid this problem in the future.

 

4.  Forrester reported that the landfill monitoring permit is due to expire in May ’08.  A permit renewal is required 90 days prior to the expiration.  Expenses associated with the new permit include an increase in the permit fee from $1k to $2k, $3K to complete the permit application; and a monitoring contract (which includes 2 rounds of monitoring which includes testing) in the amount of $8k.

 

VI.  APPOINTMENTS:

 

1.  HEB – Lang Pond:  The Selectmen met with Ed Bergeron of HEB Engineers to discuss the Lang Pond project.  Prior to that discussion, there was a brief discussion about the High Street culvert project (see remarks under Road Agent report).

 

Mr. Bergeron presented four schemes for the 1100 feet of road that needs to be reconstructed.  Mr. Bergeron did not assign a preference for any of the options.  There was a brief discussion about the width of the road being increased from 12 feet to 18 feet.  The Road Agent advised that he thought the road width should be increased to 20 feet because the road has become a commuter route.  The Selectmen asked Mr. Bergeron to have the final plan encroach as little as possible on the Hersey property and to be sure parking is considered.  There was further discussion about the road design including profiles, radiuses, design speed, vertical profile, curves, and keeping the road as far back off the lake as possible.

 

There was a brief discussion about blocking the culvert to stop the flow of water from the Wolfeboro Sewer Plant.

 

2.  Jeff Taylor – Public Safety Facilities Forum:  Jeff Taylor presented the Selectmen with a report from the forum held in August.  There was a brief discussion about the results of the forum and the makeup of a study committee.  Mr. Taylor suggested that the committee needs to be made up of a broader base of the community.  Mr. Taylor will draft an outline for the committee to follow.

 

VII.  SIGNATURE: 

1.  Letter to Wolfeboro Board of Selectmen on Cyanobacteria. 

2. Refund for Bald Peak and Hayes Abatements. 

3. Revised MS-1. 

4. Intent to Cut for Lorne Palmason. 

5. Timber Warrant & two certifications of yield taxes for Krey. 

6. Commercial Crime Program Insurance Application.

7. Cemetery Deed for Demers/Bibeault

8.  Building permit for Bryant Kirk

9.  Logo Form for the Landfill Monitoring

10.  Deeds for the Sargent property:  Sargents have signed their deeds to the Selectmen which corrects the boundary description.  The Selectmen signed the release deed for first refusal on one of the properties and an easement deed giving Ann Marie and Elvis Hart right-of-way access for their driveway access.

11.  Dredge & Fill permit filed by David Ladd.  Requests authorization for a 20 foot setback.  Selectman Stockman made a motion to sign the document.  The motion was seconded by Selectman Duffy.  The vote on the motion was unanimous.  Joe Kowalski asked if the town had appropriated money to help River Reach Boat Club.  Chairman Weeks advised “no.”

 

VIII.  NEW BUSINESS:

1.  NHDRA Notification of new assessment review cycle.  Tuftonboro is scheduled for a revaluation in 2010.

2.  Winnipesaukee Marine Construction Inc – Notice of Dredge Permit.

3.  NH Association of Assessing Officials 2008 Election Ballot

4.  Tax Refund for Libby Park Trust – Chairman Weeks asked that the Tax Collector review the information and send the abatement request to the Selectmen

5.  Letter from Donahue, Tucker & Ciandella, Time Warner Cable FCC Petition – Chairman Weeks explained that the Town has till October 20 to respond to filing.  The Town is looking for volunteers willing to do research.  Chairman Weeks will contact Betsy Frago, Barbara Wood, and Lew Williams

6. Complaint on videotaping – it was clarified that the audio problem was caused by Time Warner.

7. Joint Loss Management Agenda, Minutes, and Inspection Report Findings.

8. FEMA Training Course

9. Memo from Heather Cubeddu re: Boston Post Cane – Chairman Weeks advised that the Town Clerk send a letter to the nephew to let him know we’d like to make the presentation and find out where that should be done.  The Town Clerk will also order a plaque.

10. Donahue, Tucker, & Ciandella Time Warner Cable FCC Petition.

11. Order of Notice – Bald Peak Land Company

 

IX.  OLD BUSINESS:

1. Summary Letter from Mirror Lake Protective Association

2.  Tuftonboro Conservation Commission – letter to State Wastewater Engineering Bureau.

 

X.  CORRESPONDENCE:

1. Winter Harbor Way Community Association

2. Lakes Region Planning Commission – project fee: Chairman Weeks asked Forrester to send a copy to the Planning Board asking for a recommendation and if we do join, to include it in the budget committee considerations.

3.  Solid Waste Operator Conference

4. GWRS – Board Meeting Agenda

5. PSNH – Annual Informational Meetings

6. Winter Harbor Way Community Association – letter to WHW from J. Parsons

7. Zoning Board Notice of Decision – Banyas, Murley

8. Joint Loss Safety Committee Meeting Notice

9. Information Update on HB 790

10. FYI from NH Association of Senior Centers

11. Testing Results on Mirror Lake from Dusty Davies

12. Bald Peak – Appreciation Letter

13. American Red Cross – thank you letter

14. Driveway Permit – Allen Blazick

15. Septic Approval – Zadeda Farms Inc.

16. Minimum Impact Expedited Application – Mueller 39-2-2

17. Information on Algal Bloom – John Simms

18. Zoning Board Minutes 9/5/07

19. Permit by Notification – James Webster

20. NRA Newsletter

21. Stormwater Solutions – Contaminant Control Company

22.  Invitation to Lakes Region Association’s Annual Meeting

23. Septic Approvals – Martha Vandermay, Janice Allan & Dorothy/Pasquale Starble

24. CIP Minutes of 9.12.07 and Agenda for 9.19.07

25. Office of Energy and Planning Calendar of Events & Conference Registration Form

26. NH DT Dispatch Functions Moved to Concord

27. Coalition Communities – ED Funding Update

28. LRHHPF Joint Board Meeting Agenda 9.20.07 & Minutes of 9.16.07 and Facility Usage by Towns Report.

29.  Letter from Sue Lamonica regarding Time Warner Cable

 

XI.  PUBLIC MEETING:

 

Sue and Chuck Lamonica met with the Selectmen to discuss the temporary parking of their vehicle at Tuftonboro Colony.  Mr. McKenna, a neighbor, complained to the police and the police advised the Lamonicas they would be ticketed if the vehicle wasn’t moved.  The Lamonicas feel they have a right to park there, Mr. McKenna feels it detracts from the neighborhood.  The Selectmen advised that the Lamonicas could park a vehicle overnight on an occasional basis.

 

Chairman Weeks noted that the Joint Loss Safety Committee was meeting tonight at the Town Offices. 

 

Tomorrow evening there will be a meeting with the Budget Committee at the Library at 7 p.m.

 

On the 26th the Selectmen will meet with the CIP Committee at 4:30 p.m. at the Library.

 

September 27th, Jack Widmer, Cathy Pounder, Dan Duffy, and Jeanie Forrester will be attending a Budget and Finance Workshop hosted by the Local Government Center

 

Chairman Weeks made a motion to go into non-public at 12:10 p.m. per RSA 91:3-A II(c).  The motion was seconded by Selectman Stockman.  Chairman Weeks – yes; Selectman Stockman – yes; Selectman Duffy – yes.

 

Chairman Weeks made a motion to go out of non-public at 12:24 p.m.  The motion was seconded by Selectman Stockman with all in favor.

 

The Selectmen decided in non-public to forward information as requested by an attorney.

 

XII. ADJOURNMENT: 

 

Chairman Weeks adjourned the Selectmen’s meeting at 12:25 p.m.  The motion was seconded by Selectman Stockman.  Vote on the motion was unanimous.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Jeanie Forrester

Town Administrator