Francestown Board of Selectmen
Meeting Minutes
August 22, 2011
Present: Chairman, Betsy Hardwick, Selectmen Scott Carbee and Abigail Arnold constituting a quorum.
Call to Order: Chairman Hardwick called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Posting: Hardwick reported this meeting being properly posted.
Minutes: Administrative Assistant, Debra Davidson taking minutes.
APPOINTMENTS:
7:00 p.m. John Demetry – Map 4 Lot 17
Mr. Demetry was before the Selectboard to discuss property he previously owned, identified as Map 4 Lot 17. The property is located on East Road and was taken by tax deed. Mr. Demetry indicated he knew nothing of the Town taking this property and would like an opportunity to repurchase the property. Mr. Demetry is asking the Board to consider this proposal.
Chairman Hardwick explained the tax procedures, indicating the Town does have copies of certified receipts that were signed for. If the Selectboard were to consider his repurchase of the property, there are fees and penalties as well as the back taxes that need to be paid. Chairman Hardwick will be discussing this with Town Counsel.
Dennis Demers was with Mr. Demetery and discussed being a lien holder, he has an interest in this property.
OTHER:
Mail – Selectmen reviewed the incoming mail
Board of Tax and Land Appeals (BTLA) Application – Selectmen reviewed an appeal to the BTLA from James & Mary Farrell
Bus drop off –Selectwoman Arnold reported she spoke with David Carter from Student Transportation of America (STA). He understands the Selectmen’s position with regards to using the Town Hall parking area as a drop off/pick up area. He will make changes on or before November 1, 2011. Selectmen will send a letter to Mr. Carter reiterating their position. Selectman Carbee discussed how the parking lot has eroded into the horsesheds and needs to be looked at.
Resident, BJ Carbee spoke to Scott Carbee’s comment at a previous Board meeting regarding plowing at the Town Hall. She clarified, he did not mean not to plow all together; he meant not to have it be a priority. Carbee asked that it be clarified if/when bus routes are changed they need to notify Road Agent, Gary Paige.
Junkyard Licenses – Selectmen reviewed and discussed the procedures for Junkyard Licenses. Discussing the last permit issued for Mr. Philbrick was in 2007. The BOS may ask him to pay for 2009-2011 to bring him into compliance. Issuing a retroactive license was discussed. The permit fees are $25.00. Discussion followed. Selectmen will get the process started.
Safety Committee – Administrative Assistant asked if Francestown has an active Safety Committee. Scott Carbee is the Chair of this committee, Davidson and Carbee will work on becoming compliant in an effort to meet the Dept. of Labor requirements.
Assistance – Tammy Poole called to inform the Selectboard that on October 12, 10:00 am, the Church is offering assistance if there are residents who may need some help with fall work at their homes. This was briefly discussed; Tammy will contact Phyllis Nagle.
GENERAL BUSINESS:
Transfer Station – Selectwoman Arnold explained a recent request to do some repairs to the shed at the Transfer Station. Selectman Carbee explained exactly what is needed. The Transfer Station attendants can do the work. Selectmen discussed the attendants need to note on their time cards, time spent on this project.
Decision: Selectmen approve the repairs to the shed.
Selectman Carbee discussed a deficiency at the Transfer Station of undermining of ground near the CD ramp. Currently cones identify this area. Selectwoman Hardwick will discuss this with Road Agent, Gary Paige and determine what is needed and if the highway can do the project. It was agreed it should be addressed before winter.
Timber Tax Abatement – Mr. Tolman has requested an abatement of his Timber Tax on the basis that what he was paid and that the State values for chips are significantly different. Discussion followed.
Decision: Selectmen approved the request an abatement of Timber Tax on the chips only.
Letters – Selectmen reviewed a letter from Tom Anderson. His concerns will be looked into.
Cemetery Deed – Selectwoman Arnold discussed she has been reviewing deeds and discussed the procedures of cemetery deeds. She will be contacting Terry Knowles to discuss this matter further.
PSNH Assessment – Selectwoman Arnold discussed the valuation of PSNH. Noting the value is based on the 2009 values and the equalization ratio is being factored into the current values. Fairpoint may be challenging their assessments, Assessor Jim Rice suggested not to place a value on Fairpoint assessment at this time, a supplemental billing can be done in the spring if appropriate.
Keys – Selectwoman Arnold received keys for the clock tower from Greg Cope. Mr. Cope suggested video taping how to wind the clock when D’Vanza does the demonstration.
Budget Meeting – Scheduled for Monday, September 19, 2011. Time to be determined.
Signage – Selectmen discussed that there are No Trespassing signs on Palmer & Driscoll Roads, and that there is a trailer parked in the Driscoll Hill Road right of way, and sometimes a vehicle is parked so it blocks the road. These are both public roads. Discussion followed. Selectwoman Hardwick will draft a letter to the Driscoll Road property, as the road leads to Conservation Land and a Town Forest.
Farrell – Selectmen will wait to send Mr. Farrell a letter regarding payment of legal fees until the court makes a decision on the recent motion.
Welfare Liens – Phyllis Naegli reported there have been 5 welfare liens recorded since 2008. Discussion followed.
Trees – Selectman Carbee reported the tree near the Fire Department might be in the utilities right of way. Carbee stated it is not a big risk as it leans away from the road and utility lines. Carbee further reported the top of a tree is broken off on Ferson Road. Hardwick will mention this to Road Agent, Paige when she talks with him.
Pleasant Pond Road – Potholes will be filled this coming week.
Community Church – Community Church Fall Festival and not being able to use the Town Hall was discussed. Hardwick will call and discuss this with them.
ITEMS TO SIGN:
Selectmen signed the following:
- Check Manifests for August 22, 2011
- Letter – Janet Griffin
- Minutes – tabled at this time
- MS-60 – Auditor report to DRA
- Timber Tax Levy – Hoyt, Kostecki, Gelinis
- PA-29 – Veterans Exemption Approval – Hanlon
- Retirement Contribution Manifest
- Primex CAP document
- Accounts Payable Manifest
- Payroll Manifest
- Application for preliminary Bridge Aid – Add 2nd NH Turnpike S, remove Russell Station Road Bridge
Motion by Selectman Carbee to approve the application for preliminary Bridge Aid, adding 2nd NH Turnpike S and removing Russell Station Road Bridge. Seconded by Hardwick. Voted: 3-0 in the affirmative.
ADJOURNMENT:
At 8:30 pm with no further business Selectmen’s Meeting adjourned. The next scheduled meeting is Monday, August 29, 2011 at 7:00 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra Davidson
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