December 17, 2007

Approved January 7, 2008

In attendance: Richard Powers and Michael Motherway. Meeting called to order at 7:40 pm.

Stefanie Johnstone joined at 7:50 pm.

Joint Public Hearing – Conservation Commission and Board of Selectmen held a public hearing to discuss expending funds from the Conservation Fund for the Cole conservation easement. Conservation Commission members Sydnee Goddard, Joan Skewes and Rob Garneau provided an overview. The Kimball Farm conservation easement is progressing and it was determined that a public hearing was not required as the warrant article at the 2007 Town Meeting addressed the funding. They are still pursuing the appeal on the Cole Farm conservation easement. If not successful, however, the CC would like to spend a portion of the Conservation Funds towards this easement. There will be closing costs including survey costs. If the appeal is successful, they’d be spending $175,000 or 50%. If not successful, Conservation Commission members would like to use up to $200,000 for the easement. Michael Motherway moved to support the Conservation Commission in their decision to spend up to $200,000 plus closing costs for the Cole Farm easement, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor. Sydnee Goddard moved to approve spending $200,000 plus closing costs from the Conservation Fund for the Cole Farm easement, seconded by Rob Garneau with all in favor. There was no public input. The Public Hearing was closed at 7:54 pm.

DEPARTMENT HEADS:

Fire Department –Chief Charles LeBlanc – reappointment – Michael Motherway moved to reappoint Charles LeBlanc as Fire Chief with the term expiring December 2008, seconded by Stefanie Johnstone with all in favor.

Building Inspector – Bill Grant presented one permit for 243 Newton LLC, units 5 & 7. Bill explained that there will be 7 separate units inside the building. Michael Motherway moved to approve the building permit as presented, seconded by Stefanie Johnstone with all in favor.

Road Manager – David Buxton spoke about plowers pushing snow across the roads. He said that Brad has passed out copies of the ordinance, which can result in a fine of up to $500. He stressed that this practice creates a dangerous situation for the town’s plowers and the public. The Selectmen will confer with Chief Sheehan regarding the best way to address the issue.

Mr. Buxton asked if there might be any remedies for the driveways that do not comply with the town’s specifications. The current driveway permitting process was reviewed with all agreeing that an increased paper trail would be helpful. Michael Motherway moved that all active and future building permits have a completed yellow card stapled to the certificate of occupancy, seconded by Stefanie Johnstone. Richard Powers asked to amend the motion and require that the yellow card be returned to the Selectmen for signature before a certificate of occupancy is issued, but this was tabled. All voted in favor of the original motion and asked Denise to send a letter to the Building Inspector to attend the next meeting to discuss the process.

David reported that the loader at the town shed was recently unplugged and moved by someone, who then took a truck load of sand. Consequently the town shed will now need to be gated and estimates are being obtained. Residents are allowed to get up to a 5 gallon bucket of sand for their personal use.

Recreation Department – Mary Jane Solomon explained she’s been trying to get a copy of the invoice for trails tree clearing at the Town Park. Denise will contact Mr. Mello and request a copy. With regard to the Town Park project, the Selectmen explained that it has essentially stopped for the winter due to the weather. It remains a construction site at this point thus cannot be used by residents. Construction will continue as soon as the weather is suitable.

NEW BUSINESS:

Hudson Heights – Third bond reduction request – The town’s engineer sent a letter that work has been completed and warrants the bond reduction request. Michael Motherway moved to adjust the bond as recommended contingent on Planning Board approval, seconded by Stefanie Johnstone with all in favor.

Avitar 2008 Update Agreement – The Board signed the agreement for the reval update.

OLD BUSINESS:

Grange Hall – Estimates totaling $24,500 have been received. Michael Motherway stressed that this doesn’t include removing the oil tank or the handicap ramp, and most of these items need to be done to comply with safety and other building codes. $17,500 had been budgeted and the Selectmen discussed the idea of using funds from another line item to complete these long needed projects, as well as town hall projects, including the walk, which will help in bringing the buildings up to current codes. Stefanie Johnstone said she agrees the work needs to be done but disagrees with exceeding the general government line item. Michael Motherway moved to enter into contracts for the Grange Hall, not to exceed $24,275, Hayden Hillsgrove Stone Masonry, Inc. for $8,800 for the walkway in front of the town hall, and Wiggin General Contractor for $1,949 for town hall work and encumber these funds to 2008, seconded by Richard Powers. Michael Motherway and Richard Powers voted in favor with Stefanie Johnstone abstaining.

OTHER BUSINESS:

Budget Reviews – Selectmen agreed to hold a Public Hearing on the budget January 14th, 2007.

Approval of November 5, 19, and December 3, 2007 meeting minutes – Stefanie Johnstone asked to amend the minutes of Nov. 19th to read that Nancy Roffman did not speak as a member of the Recreation Committee, but spoke for herself. Richard Powers moved to approve the minutes of November 5 and 19, as amended, and December 3, 2007, seconded by Michael Motherway with all in favor.

Bills – signed. Stefanie Johnstone moved to adjourn at 10:16 pm, seconded by Michael Motherway with all in favor.

Respectfully submitted,

Denise Gregson

Administrative Assistant