TOWN OF TUFTONBORO

PO BOX 98, 240 MIDDLE ROAD

CENTER TUFTONBORO, NH  03816

Telephone (603) 569-4539

Fax (603) 569-4328

 

 

Selectmen’s Meeting                                                                                        March 17, 2008

MINUTES

 

Approved as corrected 3.24.2008

Present: Chairman William Stockman, Selectman Dan Duffy, Selectman Carolyn Sundquist, Bill McChesney, Cathy Pounder, Chief Adam Thompson, Marion Morgan, and members of the public.

 

I.          CALL TO ORDER:  Chairman Stockman called the meeting to order at 3:30pm.

 

II.        REVIEW / APPROVAL MINUTES: March 10, 2008

March 10, 2008: The Selectmen reviewed the minutes of the March 10, 2008 Selectmen’s Meeting.  Selectman Duffy made a motion to approve the minutes as written; Chairman Stockman seconded the motion; the vote was unanimous (3-0).

 

III.       DEPARTMENT UPDATES:

Fire Department: Chief Adam Thompson updated the Selectmen as follows:

1. To date in 2008, the Fire Department has responded to 44 fire calls, 22 medical calls, 3 service calls, and 3 special details for a total of 72 calls.  For the same time period in 2007, the Department responded to 29 fire calls, 37 medical calls, 5 service calls, and 0 special details for a total of 71 calls.

 

2. Chief Thompson noted that calls to Moultonboro for automatic responses are reduced.

 

3.  Regarding the purchase of the Fire Boat, the Chief informed the Selectmen that the purchase order is placed.  It will take approximately 3 months to obtain the new boat, which means the existing Fire Boat will be in service for a portion of the 2008 season.  

 

4.  Concerning the asbestos removal at the Dearborn property, Chief Thompson reported that he has contacted 2 other companies for quotes.  The Chief asked the Board where it stands on this process.  Chairman Stockman advised Thompson to continue with obtaining the additional quotes but to hold off on having the work done pending the snow melt. 

 

5.  The Chief reported that the Fire Department has been keeping up with the system maintenance to the dry hydrants. Chief Thompson noted that maintenance has been difficult this winter due to the excessive snow.  Chairman Stockman reminded Chief Thompson that he should contact Steve Hunter for assistance with pushing back the snow banks. 

 

6. Chief Thompson reported that 3 members of the Fire Department are currently attending EMT I classes.  This is a step up from EMT Basic.

 

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7. The Chief told the Selectmen that the Rescue Sled donated by the Wolfeboro Snowmobile Club has been used twice, both times for a medical call on Moody Hollow Road.  The Chief noted that the sled saved a lot of hand carrying by the emergency responders.

 

8. Chief Thompson informed the Selectmen that he is looking into purchasing a utility truck in the future, and is gathering information on new and used vehicles.

 

9. The Chief has an upcoming meeting with Primal Vent to take care of the diesel exhaust ventilation problem at the Mirror Lake Station.

 

10.  Chief Thompson informed the Selectmen that Fire Department member Zane Sundquist will be taking a leave of absence as he has been mobilized with the National Guard beginning March 25, 2008 for one year.  The Selectmen and the Chief wished Zane all the best.  The Chief added that the Department currently has 22 call members, 2 of whom are seasonal, and 2 full time members. 

 

11. Regarding the All Hazards Committee, Chief Thompson reminded the Selectmen that they still need to choose a representative to serve on the Committee.

 

12.  Selectman Duffy asked Chief Thompson for an update on the Air Packs.  The Chief said that the Department has been looking at 3 brands.  At this time, the Department is leaning towards Scott, and a representative from Scott will be dropping off an air pack for a second look before a decision is made.  There is an approximate 60-day lead time once the order is placed.

 

Lastly, Chief Thompson thanked the Selectmen for their support on the Warrant Articles affecting the Fire Department.

 

IV.       ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT / TOWN ADMINISTRATOR REPORT:

Administrative Assistant Cathy Pounder reported on the following topics:

1. Scott Marsh of MRI will be in the office on Tuesday, March 18, 2008 at 9:00am to review Assessing changes.

 

2. Cathy asked the Selectmen if any of them would like to attend the NH State Statutes Course in Concord on June 2nd – June 5th along with Bill McChesney and Marion Morgan.  Selectman Duffy responded that he would like to attend; Selectman Sundquist will decide after reading the course information available in the Administrator’s Office.

 

3. Jack Widmer, Treasurer, has completed the MS-5 form.  He sent a copy of it to Cathy and e-mailed a copy to our auditor, Jim Roberge, for his review.  If the MS-5 can be done each year by the Treasurer instead of the Auditor, it will save the Town money.

 

4. Cathy reminded the Selectmen that they need to choose a Selectmen’s Representative for the Planning Board so that she can complete the MS-11 form, which has to be submitted 20 days after the Town Meeting.

 

 

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5. Cathy reminded the Selectmen about the Public Safety Facilities Committee Meeting this evening at 6pm at the Town Office.  Chairman Stockman noted that Lane Evans has agreed to serve on the Committee as the ninth member.  Stockman also noted that being a short-term Committee, the members do not have to be officially appointed and sworn-in.  

 

Town Administrator Bill McChesney reported on the following topics:

1. Repair work to the entry-way doors at the Town Office is underway.

 

2. Concerning the Lang Pond project, the wetlands permit has been obtained. Bill McChesney will look into what work can be done under the permit.

 

3. Regarding the High Street Culvert project, Bill McChesney reported to the Selectmen that the DOT responded to the Swains’ questions. He will e-mail the correspondence to the Selectmen.

 

4.  The Selectmen and McChesney discussed the error made in the budget amount raised and appropriated at Town Meeting (Warrant Article 28).  The net amount was raised and appropriated when it should have been the gross amount.  The Department of Revenue Administration (DRA) was immediately notified once the error was discovered.  The DRA recommended petitioning the Superior Court for permission to hold a special town meeting, per RSA 31:5-a, to raise and appropriate the additional necessary funds.  McChesney recommended to the Selectmen that the Town’s counsel should be notified of the error and the strategy to reconcile it.  Selectman Duffy moved to inform the Town’s counsel of the error and to proceed with the advice of the DRA; Selectman Sundquist seconded the motion; the vote was unanimous (3-0).  Bill McChesney will notify the Town’s attorney of the error, and will proceed thereafter with the advice provided by the DRA.

 

V.        APPOINTMENTS:

3:45pm: Lee White addressed the Selectmen regarding the Town Road Cleanup Day scheduled for Saturday, April 26, 8:00am – 12:00 noon.  The Selectmen unanimously gave their support for the event.  Sign-up sheets and information will be available in the lobby at the Town Office; information will also be posted on the Town’s website.

 

4:00pm: Frances & Ellen Laase, Jim Hambrook, and Michael Phelps - Abutters to Town’s Property on Bay Road.  Ellen Laase began by providing background information on the situation.  In the process of applying for a building permit for an addition, the Laase’s were required to do a property survey due to their proximity to the setback requirement.  The Laase’s hired Jim Hambrook to do the survey which resulted in property line discrepancies from previous surveys done in 1973 and in 1993.  Jim Hambrook provided the Selectmen with details of the previous surveys and of the survey recently done by him; the property line overlaps are apparent on Hambrook’s recent survey.  Hambrook’s survey shows the Town gaining 500 square feet.  Hambrook suggested that a Boundary Line Agreement between the affected landowners would be the simplest solution to the overlap problem.  Selectman Duffy asked if there are any winners or losers with the Boundary Line Agreement proposal.  Hambrook responded that the Town will actually gain 500 square feet.  The Laase’s and Phelps are in

 

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agreement with the Boundary Line Agreement proposal.  Chairman Stockman moved to agree with the Boundary Line Agreement proposal and to allow Hambrook to set the monuments according to his recent survey; Selectman Sundquist seconded the motion; the vote was unanimous (3-0).  The Laase’s will contact their attorney to begin the Boundary Line Agreement process.

 

VI.       SIGNATURE:

1.  Ocean Bank Business Account Agreement: Signed by all 3 Selectmen.

 

2.  HEB Additional Work Authorization #4 – Lang Pond Road.  Bill McChesney recommended that the Selectmen table the authorization pending the State’s determination of whether or not a hydrology study is required.  The Selectmen agreed to table the authorization until more information concerning the State’s requirements is obtained.   

 

3. Current Use Application – Alison Lovett, 105 Sodom Road.  Chairman Stockman moved to sign the application; Selectman Duffy seconded the motion; the vote was unanimous (3-0).

 

4. BTLA Settlement Agreements – Barton, Ridge, and Eldridge (motion to sign was made on 3/10/08 but were not signed).   The Settlements were signed this week based on last week’s motion.

 

5. Website Maintenance Agreement - Lakes Region Digital.  Chairman Stockman made a motion to sign the Maintenance Agreement; Selectman Sundquist seconded the motion; the vote was unanimous (3-0).

 

6. NH Department of Resources and Economic Development, Division of Forest and Lands: Appointments for Warden (1), Deputy Wardens (8), and Fire Permit Issuing Agents (3).  Chairman Stockman made a motion to sign the Appointments; Selectman Duffy seconded the motion; the vote was unanimous (3-0).

 

7. Requests for Change in Employee Compensation forms (23): Chairman Stockman made a motion to sign the Appointments; Selectman Sundquist seconded the motion; the vote was unanimous (3-0).

 

VII.     NEW BUSINESS:

1. Abbott Trucking regarding costs to haul scrap metal.  Bill McChesney will contact Abbott, and get two more bids.

 

2.  Coalition Communities – Educational Funding Meeting on 3/27/08 at 10:00am in Concord.  Selectman Sundquist will try to attend the meeting.  Chairman Stockman urged citizens to contact their legislature concerning this important issue.

 

3. Selectmen Meeting time changes effective April 7, 2008: 

ó     1st & 3rd   Monday Evenings: Town Office, 7:00pm.

ó     2nd & 4th Monday Mornings: Town Office, 9:00am.

 

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4.  Selectman Sundquist announced that she will hold office hours at the Town Office each Friday from 11:00am to 1:00pm.

 

5. Selectman Duffy brought up the need to discuss impact fees and stipends at a future meeting.

 

6. Regional Planning Board: Noting that money is available to join the Board, Selectman Duffy recommended that they ask for volunteers to serve on the Board; Duffy is interested in serving.

 

7. On behalf of a citizen, Selectman Duffy inquired into cleaning up sand on Town Roads, posting the roads with the new weights, crack sealing, and whether or not a log is kept by the Radar Trailer.  Chairman Stockman recommended speaking with Road Agent Steve Hunter at his next department update.  Concerning the Radar Trailer, Chairman Stockman recommended talking with Chief Shagoury.

 

8. Selectman Duffy noted that he will draft a letter of recognition and thanks to the Granite State News for the excellent reporting provided by Michelle Giguere, who recently left the newspaper to pursue other interests.

 

VII.     CONTINUED BUSINESS:

1. Bobcat Snow Blade Repair:  Chairman Stockman noted that the existing blade is worn but appears to be usable.  He recommended that it continue to be used for light snow cleanup work (no heavy snowplowing).  Stockman also noted that if it comes to repair or replacement, the best option is replacement.  The Selectmen agreed to continue using it as is.  Bill McChesney will communicate this to Fred Sargent.  

 

2. Current Use Application – Jane & Kenneth Podsen: Chairman Stockman noted that he contacted them and is expecting to hear back from them.

 

3. The Selectmen discussed contacting Mary Hersey in regards to her family’s proposal for the relocation of Lang Pond Road.  Bill McChesney noted that the Town needs to be mindful of the long-term costs to maintain the road, either in its current location or in the location as proposed by the Hersey’s.   Chairman Stockman will initiate a letter to Mary Hersey and bring it to a future Selectmen’s meeting for review. 

 

VIII.    CORRESPONDENCE:

1. Planning Board Minutes of 2/21/08: Referring to the minutes, Selectman Duffy expressed his concerns to Planning Board Chairman Rick Friend about the importance of having “laws with teeth” protecting landowners and watershed with regards to clustering.   

Selectman Duffy then asked Chairman Friend on the status of Dan Derby and Wilson Stewart.

 

The Selectmen discussed the need to appoint a Selectmen’s Representative to the Planning Board, the All-Hazards Committee, and the Budget Committee.  No representatives were decided upon at this meeting.

 

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2. Library Budget email:  There are conflicting opinions as to the amount that is reported in the Town Budget.  Selectman Sundquist amended the gross amount at Town Meeting, noting that the gross amount is offset by revenues, therefore not increasing the amount raised by taxes. Chairman Stockman concurred with Sundquist, but recommended that it be clarified by DRA; also that DRA is aware of and understands the amendment to increase the budget by $42,000 made by Stockman at Town Meeting.  Bill McChesney noted that he has that written down to discuss with the DRA.  

 

3. Police Press Release regarding an excavator accident on March 7.

 

4. Letter of thanks to Neil Hansen and Bruce Pigott from Chief Shagoury for their assistance with rounding up loose horses on Ledge Hill Road.

 

5.  A letter to Chief Shagoury from Bruce Pigott thanking the Police Department for their assistance in rounding up loose horses.

 

6. Community Development Finance Authority regarding available grant money.  Per Bill McChesney, the Town does not qualify for this grant.

 

7. Time Warner: Notice of upcoming changes that will affect customers’ ability to access certain channels, primarily the premium channels.  For more information, customers may contact Time Warner at 1-800-833-2253. 

 

8. Upton & Hatfield – Amendments to the FMLA.

 

9. Copy of a Formal Discovery Request – Avitar to Pak 2000

 

10. Avitar Newsletter

 

11.  Primex Annual Conference: May 21 & 22, Mill Falls, Meredith

 

12.  Coalition Communities – 4 emails regarding Educational Funding, SB 539.

 

13.  Joint Loss Management Committee Meeting Agenda, 3/19/08, 1:00pm – Town Office; Minutes of 12/12/07 meeting.  Selectman Duffy will continue to be the Selectmen’s Representative to the Committee.

 

14.  Standard Dredge & Fill Application – Corky & Betsy Newcomb.

 

15.  Letter to the Selectmen from the Tuftonboro Free Library Board of Trustees written in response to the initial letter written on February 28th reiterating and clarifying the Library’s policy regarding the use of the Hamel Meeting Room. The Library’s written policy concerning usage is stated in Appendix C of the Tuftonboro Free Library Policy.  The letter recommends that future complaints about the usage of the Hamel Meeting Room should be directed to the Trustees for discussion.  The letter will be kept on file in the Administrator’s Office.

 

 

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On a similar topic, Selectman Duffy noted that Sen. Joe Kenney will be speaking at the

Republican Party Meeting to be held at the Town House, date to be determined.  A

member of the public asked the Selectmen if the Town has a policy on the use of the Town House.  Chairman Stockman responded that requests to use the Town House have always been considered and authorized on an individual basis.  He added that scheduling continue to be cleared through the Administrator’s Office to avoid conflicts. 

 

16. Building Permits:

ó     James Bean, 24 Senter Cove Road, garage and bedroom extension

ó     Frances Laase & Ellen Laase Joint Rev Trust, 5 Bay Road, addition for utility use

ó     Scott Riley, 385 Water Village Road, new home

 

IX.       PUBLIC MEETING:

Regarding the Planning Board, Mr. Hansen expressed to the Selectmen his concerns regarding the notion of dividing Tuftonboro into districts.  Mr. Hansen asked how this notion fits into the Master Plan.  Selectman Duffy recommended that the Selectmen sit as a Board to review the Master Plan. 

 

X.        ADJOURNMENT: Chairman Stockman made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 5:25pm.  Selectman Duffy seconded the motion; the vote was unanimous (3-0).

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Marion Morgan

Administrative Secretary

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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