Francestown Board of Selectmen
Meeting Minutes
October 10, 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 6:30 pm.
Minutes: Administrative Assistant, Debra Davidson taking minutes.
AGENDA ITEMS:
At 6:35 pm, in accordance with RSA 91A:3 II (c) Selectman Carbee motioned to enter into a non-public session. Seconded by Arnold & Hardwick. Voted 3-0 affirmatively.
7:15 pm. Motion by Hardwick to enter out of non-public. Seconded by Arnold & Carbee. Voted 3-0 affirmatively.
GENERAL BUSINESS:
Correspondence – Selectmen reviewed incoming miscellaneous correspondence.
Reviewed correspondence from Town Counsel, Bart Mayer regarding cemetery deeds, and fees/expenses associated with the cemeteries. This letter was copied to the Cemetery Commission.
A follow up letter from CLD Engineering related to Town Hall and proposals was reviewed. This was copied to the Heritage Commission. At this point the Heritage Commission is awaiting more information from Timber framers Guild.
Groundskeeping proposal needs to be revised and sent out to local landscapers, TJ to be included.
A letter from Steve Griffin regarding the usage of the Old Meeting House for Town Meeting in March was reviewed. Arnold to speak to Mr. Griffin.
Hardwick reported she attended the 10-year DOT plan meeting in Peterborough. Hardwick updated the other Board members on what was learned at that meeting: there are significant anticipated changes in Federal and State funding; projects have been moved around or put on hold. Specific impacts to Francestown; the four bridges on the state State Bridge aid list have been bumped out a year, Juniper Hill and Russell Station Road for 2015 and Woodward Hill Road and S. New Boston Road for 2016. Hardwick noted that the Board has requested that Russell Station Road bridge be swapped for 2nh NH Turnpike between Woodward Hill and Clarkville but that this change has not yet been approved.
Davidson was instructed to notify the Transfer Station attendants of training opportunities in November.
Budget items were discussed.
Pleasant Pond Road – Selectmen discussed a tree observed on Pleasant Pond Road near the Howarth residence that is a possible hazard. It was agreed that the tree is an imminent hazard and should be removed. A memo will be sent to the Road Agent reflecting this decision.
Selectmen discussed walking the proposed new reconstruction area of Pleasant Pond Road with abutters and the Road Agent in two or three weeks. Hardwick will talk to Paige about date and time and once that is decided letters will be sent to all abutters inviting them to attend the walk.
Hardwick noted that board members had received a note regarding concerns about the Conservation Commission’s proposed timber harvest/ road work in the Shattuck Pond town forest – it was noted that the forest is managed by the Conservation Commission not the Board of Selectmen.
Hardwick mentioned that the Conservation Commission had recently been on Crotched Mountain near the communication towers and noted that the gate across the access road was wide open and the chain had been cut. Notice needs to be sent to AT& T reminding them that it is required that the gate be closed and locked. Hardwick to write the letter.
A $4,999.00 grant proposal has been submitted to the State Conservation Grant Program on behalf of the town. This is for the conservation plan being developed by a subcommittee of the Conservation Commission with help from the Monadnock Conservancy through their community conservation partnership program, and is intended to be included in the towns master plan update.
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Windows have been repaired at the Town Hall, storm windows are down, screens are up, and water is off, hoses all put away for the winter. Carbee to contact Miller boys to drain the system.
It was noted that some leaks were discovered recently in the town hall. Discussion followed.
In an effort to possibly redesign Francestown building permits, Davidson will get copies of other towns building permits.
Memo to committees and boards reminding them to get minutes to the office in a timely manner.
Town policies were discussed.
ITEMS TO SIGN:
Accounts Payable Manifest was signed.
Payroll Manifest was signed.
Letter requesting refund from American Security.
ADJOURNMENT:
With no further business, Arnold motioned to adjourn the Selectmen’s Meeting at 8:23 pm. Seconded by Carbee & Hardwick. Voted 3-0 affirmatively. The next Selectmen’s Meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 17, 2011 at 7:00 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra Davidson
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