Francestown Board of Selectmen
Meeting Minutes
August 29, 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:
There were no appointments scheduled.
OTHER:
Mail – Selectmen reviewed the incoming mail.
- HEW Communications – sent a letter requesting permission for WiValley to install guide wires on the communication tower they lease, to have access via lock and to cut some trees. Discussion followed. This is in a Town Forest, and the Conservation Commission will visit the site and review the trees they wish to cut.
Decision: Selectboard support the ConCom doing a site visit, approve guide wires and access via the lock. Chairman Hardwick will contact them.
- LGC Correspondence
- Treasurer reconciliation
- Driveway permit – Marshall renewal\
- Request for funding – CASA & RedCross. To be filed in 2012 budget folder.
GENERAL BUSINESS:
Labor Day Parade – Someone contacted Selectperson Arnold asking about handicapped viewing of the parade. This was forwarded to Charlie Pyle who was provided the contact information for this person.
FIHS Water Damage – Selectwoman Arnold discussed Charlie Pyle will be contacted and updated as to the status of the damage. Insurance has been contacted, they will be sending out an adjuster. Selectman Carbee discussed his thoughts on the assessment. Water damage is mostly in the old Tax Collector office. Toilet, rugs, and possible FHIS restoration to some artifacts will be needed. Carbee will be the Selectboard contact. Call ahead to have a key to the PD available.
Juniper Hill Road Bridge – Additional mitigation funds have been made available to the State. Road Agent, Gary Paige would like to resubmit the grant application.
Motion: Selectman Carbee motioned to authorize Road Agent, Gary Paige to apply for the additional funding. Seconded by Hardwick and Arnold. Voted 3-0. Motion Passed.
Memo – The Selectboard approved a memo to Department Heads and the Budget Advisory Committee inviting them to a meeting on Monday, September 19, 2011 at 7:00pm, in the downstairs meeting room. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss expectations departments have for 2012 and to further discuss year to date budgets. Selectmen will meet at 6:30 that evening to conduct general business.
E-mail – Selectmen reviewed and discussed an e-mail from BJ Carbee reporting a hole in the pavement at the Town Office. The hole is down by the rear entrance. Hardwick will contact Road Agent, Gary Paige and ask him to repair this.
Tree down – Selectwoman Arnold reported there is a downed tree in the Marx driveway that is hung up in a tree. It looks dangerous, she questioned if it was in the PSNH right-of-way.
Palmer Road – Selectwoman Arnold presented photos of Palmer Road signage. Selectmen discussed suggesting it become a private road and the current right of way. If the signs are located outside of the right of way they are then on the property owner’s tress, if the signs on the trees are in their right of way they are fine. If they are in the Town right of way, these signs are not allowed. Chairman Hardwick will research the road and bring back information for further discussion.
Keys – Selectwoman Arnold discussed the locks on the door need to be changed. Additional keys are needed.
BJ Carbee suggested since the building is being re-keyed, a log be kept for keys with each individual signing for their respective keys. She was advised that this is already being done.
Town Line/Town Sign – Discussion followed with regards to the status of the sign that that was being held as evidence related to its theft. The sign is at the Bennington Police Department. According to Scott Carbee there was no restitution awarded to the town for repair of the sign and it may be picked up. Selectmen would like to see a copy of the court decision. It was agreed the sign could be picked up by the Highway Department at their convenience so that it may be repaired and reinstalled.
Police Cruiser – Resident, Thomas Anderson asked if the new cruiser is going to be detailed before Labor Day? Selectmen did not know for sure, but Chief Bell had advised there was a delay in getting an appointment to have it done.
ITEMS TO SIGN:
Check Manifests - A/P & P/R were signed
MS-1 (Town Valuation); MS-4 (Revised Revenue); MS-5 (Financial Report) – Discussed the increase of overlay is a result of abatements, valuation is down. Jack Moorhouse will be contacted to see where the $29,242.00 reimbursement stands. These documents will all be mailed to the Dept. of Revenue Administration.
Letters –
- Demetry – right to repurchase
- Timber Tax Abatement – Tolman
- Assessment Abatement - Putnam
ADJOURNMENT:
With no further business, Carbee motioned to adjourn the Selectmen’s Meeting at 8:30 pm. Seconded by Arnold & Hardwick. The next scheduled meeting is Monday, September 12, 2011 at 7:00 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra Davidson
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