TOWN OF CHARLESTOWN
SELECTBOARD MEETING
MAY 4, 2005
Selectboard Present: Brenda Ferland, Jon LeClair, Steven Neill
Staff Present: David Edkins, Administrative Assistant
Keith Weed, Highway Superintendent
Edward Smith, Police Chief
Robert Davis, Transfer Station Superintendent
Bill MacDonald, Recreation Department Director
Regina Borden, Recording Secretary
CALL TO ORDER & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Chairperson Brenda Ferland called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING(S):
Steve Neill moved to approve the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of April 20, 2005, as printed. Jon LeClair seconded the motion. With all in favor, the motion carried.
Steve Neill moved to approve the Minutes of the non-public Selectboard session of April 20, 2005, as printed. Jon LeClair seconded the motion. With all in favor, the motion carried.
Steve Neill moved to approve the Minutes of the non-public Selectboard session of April 28, 2005, as printed. Jon LeClair seconded the motion. With all in favor, the motion carried.
DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS:
Recreation Committee – Progress Report on Skate Board Park: Tracy Fairbank is helping a group of kids form a skateboard park committee and they went to a Recreation Department meeting. They looked at a few locations and came to a decision that Patch Park would be the best place. There is a little knoll in the first level parking lot near where the swing set is now where there is a perfect spot approximately 60’x80’; it will not interfere with the other activities and is not hidden. The gate will be locked at the normal time and there are homes nearby so if anything inappropriate is going on the neighbors would notify the police. The area has been spray painted with orange paint. Other skateboard parks were looked at including the one in Springfield. They
are looking at $50,000 to $60,000 to begin with and have applied for a Tony Hawk Grant. This grant requires that the apparatus be built by a professional in this field. The kids will have to raise some money through car washes, dinners, etc. They are also considering having a video box installed to monitor what is going on. It is their intent to start with two or three pieces of equipment and try to add each year. At this meeting they are requesting Selectboard approval to move forward. The park will be a great thing and will get the kids off the streets.
Ms. Fairbank was given some information from Primex about skate parks, helmets, proper equipment, signage, rules and regulations, etc. Jon LeClair would rather see the kids in Patch Park than in the Town riding the curbing. His concern was the liability but there are RSAs that protect the Town. Mr. Edkins said the liability waiver is only valid if the Town does not charge for usage. Keith Weed is aware of some used equipment that is stored in another Town and will pass this information on to Ms. Fairbank. The Selectboard agreed to endorse the project and authorized the committee to proceed with it.
Transfer Station: Robert Davis would like to recommend adjusting some rates for the Transfer Station. The Town is losing money on the trash. Dave Edkins noted that a number of other departments are working on their fees. Brenda Ferland wants to include rental fees for the public buildings. Dave Edkins will discuss this with the various departments and a Public Hearing will be scheduled for Wednesday, June 15th. Robert Davis is now taking the trash to Berlin on a regular basis. He was approached by a Selectman from Langdon to look over a load to check for unacceptable materials on Friday morning and give them some advice. The Selectboard approved this request.
Highway Department: Keith Weed reported that the road postings have all been removed. They have been doing some grading and started pothole patching this week. Work on the Unity Stage Road was started but there is a lot of water and ledge so it is going slower than anticipated. There is an ad in the newspaper for some seasonal help. The FEMA form for reimbursement of snow removal costs will be completed tomorrow. The Town should be entitled to 75% of approximately $16,000.
Recreation Department: Bill MacDonald advised that the swing set at Patch Park is in bad shape and needs to be removed. He asked Keith Weed if the Highway Department could take it down as he does not have the tools. Keith Weed responded that they are very busy right now. Steve Neill volunteered to assist when Bill MacDonald is ready to take it down. Bill MacDonald asked about the pool repairs as the leaks should be taken care of soon. There was discussion relative to putting the work out to bid. Dave Edkins advised that the Recreation Committee brought in the paperwork indicating that they attempted to obtain more than one bid but were unable to do so. The Selectboard would like a detailed scope of work, contract and time frame for the work to be done. There was
a consensus of the Selectboard to begin the leak repair process now and the balance of the package can come along next fall after the pool is closed.
A letter was received from the State to do the inspection on the recreational facilities at the pool and Patch Park. Dave Edkins assumes they will let us know in advance when they plan to come and he will contact Bill MacDonald as he would like to attend.
An individual from Ludlow, VT contacted Bill MacDonald and offered to repair the charcoal grilles down by the river as they are all rusty.
The 4-H Club has a playground set that will go up as soon as the old one is dismantled.
Police Department: Chief Smith advised that Aaron Reichert is doing some detective training. The radar was in Patch Park the other night and it was “eye-opening”. Next Friday he and other Police Chiefs from Sullivan County will be meeting with the Governor; one issue will be the Juvenile Detention Center. Dave Edkins received an e-mail from the Department of Public Safety on the Homeland Security grants. They will be holding seminars on grant funding.
The Department of Transportation has installed the flashing beacon on Windy Acres.
Relative to a Fireworks Ordinance, Dave Edkins reported that the state statutes cover this pretty well. It was agreed that Dave Edkins and Chief Smith would put together a letter to Frank Delorier explaining that there is no need for a local ordinance as the Police Department will enforce the state RSAs.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Sara and Guy Ouellette: Mr. and Mrs. Ouellette live on the Old Claremont Road and they are requesting a Driveway Permit off the Old Claremont Road. Their existing driveway is off a private road going into Twin Maples Park. Keith Weed looked at the property and was concerned about more than one driveway per residence. Dave Edkins feels this could be justified without setting a bad precedent because their existing driveway is off the private road. Steve Neill questioned if the Building Permit for the addition had any restrictions. He feels it should be researched and, if there are no restrictions, he has no problems with the request.
Steve Neill moved to table this request until the next meeting to allow time to research any restrictions on record. Jon LeClair seconded the motion. With all in favor, the motion carried.
NONPUBLIC SESSION:
Steve Neill moved to enter into a Non-public session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a) Personnel. Jon LeClair seconded the motion and, on a roll call with all in favor, the motion carried. The time was 8:28 P.M.
The regular meeting resumed at 8:55 P.M.
SELECTBOARD COMMENT:
Bakery Building: Brenda Ferland noted that renovation progress is being made in the Bakery Building. The plumbers were in today and the electrical work will be done next week.
OLD BUSINESS:
Continuing Agenda: Steve Neill asked Dave Edkins to reinstate the Continuing Agenda that is usually on the back of the regular Agenda.
FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION – Payroll, Purchase Orders, Vouchers, Warrants, Abatements, Etc.: The Payroll and Check Vouchers were approved and signed by the Selectboard.
Purchase Orders: The Selectboard approved and signed the following Purchase Orders: 1) Highway – Steve’s Equipment $2,341.75; 2) Highway – Dell Preferred $1,367.00 for a laptop computer for Keith Weed; 3) Highway – Big Daddy’s Outdoor Living $623.35; 4) Highway – Ferguson Water $2,599.80; and 5) Water - Ti-Sales $3,744.08 for meters.
Warrant: The Selectboard approved the Warrant for the Collection of Excavation Taxes in the amount of $89.68.
APPOINTMENTS, PERMITS, LICENSES & RESOLUTIONS:
Intent to Cut: The Selectboard approved a Notice of Intent to Cut on the Black North Road.
Yield Tax: A Collection of Yield Tax in the amount of $1,046.28 was signed by the Selectboard.
Old Home Days: The Selectboard approved and signed a contract for fireworks from the Atlas Fireworks Company in Jaffrey, NH as requested by the Old Home Days Committee. A copy of the contract will be given to the Committee and Chief Smith and a copy of the State regulations will be sent to the Atlas Fireworks Company.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Town of Unity: A letter was received from the Town of Unity notifying Charlestown that the Unity Planning Board will be meeting on May 4, 2005, at 7:20 PM in the Unity Town Hall to review an application for a major subdivision of property located on 2nd New Hampshire Turnpike in Unity. All surrounding towns and cities have been notified of this application due to its potential to have measurable regional impacts.
Proclamation: A copy of the Proclamation from Governor Lynch declaring May 1st through May 7th, 2005, as “Municipal Clerk’s Week”.
Hope Hill Cemetery: The Selectboard received a reply from Pat Royce relative to the fence damage and broken limbs at Hope Hill Cemetery. Lisa Shaw’s property is adjacent to the cemetery. Ron LeClair felt the damage could be repaired for about $20.00.
North Charlestown Historic District: A letter was received from the New Hampshire State Historic Preservation Officer, James McConaha, advising that the North Charlestown Historic District has been nominated to the National Register of Historic Places. Brenda Ferland noted that the district was going to be from bridge-to-bridge but Joyce Higgins worked hard to have it include the former Sweet property.
Tamworth: Brenda Ferland advised that HB90 regarding the Tamworth race track issue goes to the Senate floor tomorrow. Tamworth is looking for support.
Department of Revenue: A notice was received from the Department of Revenue regarding the evaluation in Charlestown. It is the equalization survey that the DRA does each year. All of the property in Town is assessed at about $177,000,000 but if it were assessed at full market value the figure would be closer to about $222,000,000.
Norbert & Dora Morway: The Town received a copy of the letter from Mr. & Mrs. Morway to Twin Valley Estates requesting that they remove the temporary plastic water line that runs to the corner lot of the mobile home park across the Morway property.
Marsha Bailey: A note was received from Marsha Bailey thanking the Selectboard for abating Jon’s final ambulance bill.
Whelen Engineering: A copy of the letter was received from Victor St. Pierre of Five Eagles Design, to the Department of Environmental Services regarding the disposal of fill on the site of Whelen Engineering. This has been taken care of.
Excavation Permit: A letter was received from Normand Beaudry to Dave Edkins advising that he is now removing stockpiled fill and bringing the topography to the original condition at the former Grobet File property off Route 12.
Mr. Case: Dave Edkins talked with Mr. Case relative to settling the driveway issue on his property. Smith and Allen submitted a bid of $2,800 that seemed high. After consideration, Mr. Case came up with a figure of $1,750.00 and will sign a release waiver.
Steve Neill moved to accept this proposal from Mr. Case in the amount of $1,750.00. Jon LeClair seconded the motion. With all in favor, the motion carried.
Bomar Industries: Rick St. Pierre submitted a copy of Bomar Industries’ agreement with Golden Cross Ambulance effective April 21, 2005. They will pay $100.00 to Golden Cross if they respond to a call but do not provide the transport.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Conservation Commission – Steve Neill: Steve Neill said that the Conservation Commission has not yet met this month. The next meeting will be on the third Monday of the month.
CEDA – Steve Neill: Steve Neill advised that CEDA would meet next week on Tuesday.
Solid Waste Committee – Jon LeClair: Jon LeClair reported that the Solid Waste Committee has not met.
Ambulance Service – Jon LeClair: Jon LeClair said the Ambulance Service will meet again next week. Steve Neill advised that the Selectboard has received an updated membership list.
Heritage Commission – Brenda Ferland: Brenda Ferland reported that the Heritage Commission would like to put the cannon on a truck in the Old Home Days parade. Dave Edkins said it is insured but will check with Pat Royce on the dollar amount. Brenda Ferland advised that the members plan to dress up in Civil War clothes. People are encouraged to wear Civil War clothes if they have them stored away or contact the Heritage Commission to display them. The former “Hanson” house next to the Heritage looks like the roof is in need of repairs. Dave Edkins said the owner can be contacted and asked to repair a dilapidated roof but there are no guarantees he will do it.
Planning Board – Brenda Ferland: Brenda Ferland advised that the Planning Board met last night and took the following action:
1) Approved two Sign Permit applications for Justin Shaw – one sign on Church Street and the second sign on East Street but the East Street sign has to be reduced in size to comply with the regulations in Zone A.
2) Approved a Sign Permit application for Robert Belisle d/b/a Twin Valley Heating on Sullivan Street.
3) Approved the Site Plan for Norm & Mike Excavating, Inc. with the revisions as presented for an equipment maintenance and storage shop on Caryl Lane.
4) Public Service Company of New Hampshire was granted permission to trim and remove trees on Borough Road per RSA 231:158 subject to a field inspection after the four trees are flagged and contact has been made with Mr. Sussman regarding a possible fifth tree. They need approval as this is a designated scenic road.
5) An application for Landmark Land Sales, LLC was tabled until the next meeting. This is for a two-lot subdivision on Breakneck Hill and Stonebridge Roads.
6) Victor St. Pierre came in for a preliminary consultation regarding an alternative development scenario for the Great Country Road project. The original project would be changed to a condominium development without Town maintained roads. The Planning Board asked Dave Edkins to look for some legal advice.
There being no other business, Jon LeClair moved for adjournment. Steve Neill seconded the motion and with all in favor the meeting adjourned at 9:34 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Regina Borden, Recording Secretary Approved,
Brenda L. Ferland, Chair
Jon B. LeClair
Steven A. Neill
(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections, if necessary, may be found in the Minutes of the May 18th, 2005, Selectboard meeting.)
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