February 4, 2008

Approved March 3, 2008

In attendance: Richard Powers and Stefanie Johnstone. Meeting called to order at 7:30 pm.

CITIZEN’S FORUM – Mary Jane Solomon discussed plans for the Road Side Clean-up, which will be held April 19, 2008. Suggestions for getting more people involved included posting the date at Town Meeting, and having the blue bags available sooner at more locations, including the Library. Since Sawyer Field can’t be used, Richard Powers suggested having the roll-off placed at the parking lot across from town hall. Behind the town hall was also suggested, with no final placement decided at this time.

DEPARTMENT HEADS:

Building Inspector – Bill Grant presented two permits: Fabrizio, 8 Hoosac Road to refinish a basement; and Ron Ouellet, 210 N. Haverhill Road, to convert an office area to an apartment. Stefanie Johnstone moved to approve the building permits as presented, seconded by Richard Powers with both in favor.

Police Department – Chief Wayne Sheehan presented a rebate check and a thank you card as well as a generous donation from residents for the department’s assistance previously regarding a missing older town’s resident.

He explained that Officer Ford, on his own initiative, is interested in becoming certified to teach a woman’s self defense course. The course will be taken at the Wakefield, MA police department and they recommend that a member of the community participate as well. Joanne Casey will also participate. Completion will result in the opportunity to incorporate a new community policing program for the town. Payment of $400 each will be from the training budget.

A member of the Selectmen was requested to meet with SALT members at their meeting next month to answer any questions.

Conservation Commission – Sydnee Goddard presented information regarding the Cole and Kimball easements. The hearing for the appeal was held with a counter offer proposed but not agreed to at this time. They are waiting for the results of the appeal which is approximately 30 days. If denied, about $118,200 in grant funds can be applied to the Kimball easement. They are working on the language.

Funds to pay for the Easement include $543,900 FRPP grant, $15,000 FRPP grant (extra from Cole award), $200,000 from the Kensington Conservation Fund, and $7,936.30 Private donations. The Municipal Bond Amount (minus above funds) will be $896,163.70. If the Cole appeal is denied, the Bond Amount (minus above funds and an additional $118,200 in FRPP funds) would be $777,963.70. Sydney and the Selectmen discussed how long to do the bond. She said the best rate is 10 years and that might be good as they can then pursue other parcels in town. However, 20 years would allow the cost to be spread out over more taxpayers, but would cost more in interest.

NEW BUSINESS:

Debco Realty Trust – Bond reduction request – Attorney Woiccak met to request a bond reduction on behalf of Mr. Nadeau. He explained that the fire pond has been full since the drainage was changed. Mr. Powers responded that when he had observed the pond in the dry summer months there was very little water and the pipe was sticking out. If the pond construction cannot be made adequate, then they need to know what the cost will be. Attorney Woiccak requested the inadequacies be in writing, such as the pond being dug down and the pipe lowered. Chief Charles LeBlanc had requested that his concerns regarding the homes on Weare Road which are located beyond the 1500’ requirement also be addressed, possibly by the installation of a cistern. It was agreed to continue the matter to the next Selectmen’s meeting which will be held Wednesday, February 20th. Richard Powers will speak with Christian Smith, Chief Charles LeBlanc and Attorney Charles Tucker. He also suggested they consider having a geologist review the situation. Attorney Woiccak reiterated that the issues be put in writing.

NHMA request for litigation funds – contesting using employer funds for medical subsidy – tabled to the next meeting.

OLD BUSINESS:

Town Park – Richard Powers explained that in order to do a septic system they may need to merge the lots together. Continued to the next meeting.

OTHER BUSINESS:

Intent to Cut – Swanton, 164 South Road, Map 4, Lot 16-2 - signed

Approval of January 14, 2008 meeting minutes – Stefanie Johnstone asked to amend the minutes to read that she said no to article 8. Richard Powers moved to approve the minutes as amended, seconded by Stefanie Johnstone with both in favor.

Bills were signed. A letter from a resident requesting that the voting hours be extended to 8:00 pm was read. This could only be done through a warrant article, which is too late to do for this year. The Town Clerk, Kathy Felch, will reply to the letter.

Stefanie Johnstone moved to adjourn at 9:15 pm, seconded by Richard Powers with both in favor.

Respectfully submitted,

Denise Gregson

Administrative Assistant