Present: Beatrice Davis, Jerry Dougherty, IV, John Allen; Selectmen
Visitors: Office Administrator Diane Falcey, Police Chief Karl Meyers, Fire Chief/Road Agent Jay Henry, Building Inspector Andrew Chalmers, Treasurer Warren Schomaker, Supervisor of the Checklist Bobbi Meserve, Bill Wogisch, Roger Chambers, Kevin Killourie, Richard Licciardi, Larry Seibert, Dudley Davis, Betsey Harding, Sam Harding, Phil Davies, Jeff Hayes, Paul Belluche, Kathy Dougherty, Jerry Dougherty, III, Hank Dresch, Barbara Balfour
The meeting was called to order at 4:02 p.m.
Appointment of Chairman Selectman Dougherty, seconded by Selectman Allen, made a motion to appoint Selectman Beatrice Davis as Chairman. The motion passed 2-0-1 (Davis abstains).
Amend & approve minutes
a. Selectmen’s Meeting – March 3rd, 2011 The minutes of March 3, 2011 were approved as amended 2-0-1 (Allen abstains).
Police Chief Report Chief Meyers reviewed the Department’s activities since the last meeting. There was a vehicle backed into in a parking lot; there were six false burglar alarms and the fatal car accident in the Notch. He noted that all involved with responding to that accident worked well together. Officers assisted a Highway truck that had an issue; there was a case of improper plowing (by a private contractor); a business had someone break a window and enter but it appeared nothing was taken. There was a 911 hang up which turned out to be a child playing with the phone; a report of a sexual assault is being investigated; there was an elderly female who appears to have been on the floor most of the night. A business called in a suspicious person by the covered bridge; it turned out the person was waiting for the bus;
there was a report from someone on Green Hill Road that someone was getting that residence’s dogs to bark; there was a fire alarm on Jackson Highlands; two people were fingerprinted for SAU 9; there were two assists with the same gentleman; a 911 alarm call with no one there and they are guessing snow falling off the roof triggered the alarm. Chief Meyers would like the Selectmen’s official okay to order the new cruiser, which he received. Selectman Allen asked how many years the Department gets out of each vehicle and was informed it’s five years. When asked if the plan is to put the other one up for sale Chief Meyers noted he’d like the Board’s input on that; there are two ways to go. The vehicle is five years old and could go for a sealed bid but this vehicle is all decked out and it won’t cost Jackson anything to keep it. Last year when he added the third officer Chief Meyers noted he didn’t need another cruiser but it would be
nice to have the cruiser as a backup. It was noted that a motor not being run regularly would break down; Chief Meyers noted the vehicle wouldn’t see everyday use but it would be used for details or if one of the other Police vehicles breaks down. Selectman Dougherty asked for an idea of what Jackson could get for the cruiser and Selectman Allen asked if Jackson has to sell it for the highest bid; Chief Meyers noted with the sealed bid approach there would be a minimum accepted and if bids didn’t go that high then Jackson would keep the vehicle; it would have to go to the highest bid over the minimum. The cruiser only has sixty-four to sixty-five thousand miles on it. Bill Wogisch suggested that when Chief Meyers discusses the new purchase with Crest he should get the cruiser appraised and see how much they would give for it. We’re not obliged to trade it and it would give us a ballpark figure. Bill noted, with respect to keeping or not keeping the cruiser, one of
Jackson’s cruisers was wrecked and Jackson had to rent a car; for what that vehicle will bring in by bid or for trade it would be an excellent back up and it would mean less wear and tear on the other two vehicles if the third cruiser is run. Bill’s comments are duly noted. Chief Meyers will contact Crest.
Road Agent
b. Highway equipment repair Road Agent Henry noted that last time he met with the Selectmen he brought up that the Department had been having a pretty good early season; he jinxed himself. During February and March there have been a lot of breakdowns. Half of it was warrantee work and almost everything was an uncontrollable breakdown; electrical wiring deteriorated because of sand and salt; in another case it’s just poor design; there’s no blame for these breakdowns. He remains alright budget-wise. The Grader will need a $10,000 repair as previously discussed with the Board; it’s a matter of old age; it’s worn out. Road Agent Henry reviewed all the problems and repairs to various machinery.
c. Sidewalk snowplowing Road Agent Henry noted this is pretty cheap money for what the town gets; there have been complaints about not getting to it quick enough and Snow Flake Inn doesn’t want any snow blown on their property but the snow has to go somewhere. Selectman Dougherty asked if snow blown goes past the Right of Way and Road Agent Henry noted in this situation the ROW has no room for anything. Selectman Dougherty asked if the folks at Snow Flake are okay not having their sidewalk plowed and Road Agent Henry noted the walk wasn’t done for the last two storms and there was no word from them. The sidewalks are way better than ever before; it does take some time; it may take them a day or two to get to it; it’s not a high priority. Road Agent Henry would like to up the contract a little bit and see if they can
get here a little quicker. Gene Brown is the contractor and he came up today and did the walks even though there was only an inch of snow. Kevin Killourie noted it’s a great asset to have the walkways snow blown; he agrees it’s a good idea to offer a bit more to see if Gene can get here faster but he’s done pretty well all winter. Kevin wondered if the issue with Snow Flake could be taken care of with the loader. Road Agent Henry noted he’s not sure what more he can do for the Snow Flake; their walkway isn’t cleared because they asked not to have it done. Selectman Dougherty feels Jackson needs to have the sidewalk cleared in front of the Snow Flake; he’d like Road Agent Henry to see if there’s a way to work that out.
d. 2011 town road reclaiming Road Agent Henry would like to have a work session with the Board to see if they still want to move forward with this; he’s had discussion with Town Engineer Phillips; these are the worst frost heaves ever and he gave his opinion about how some of the reclaim looks now. Selectman Dougherty asked Office Administrator Falcey to work via e-mail chain with Road Agent Henry and Town Engineer Phillips to schedule the work session; they need to discuss options and the costs involved. We may end up taking a bond or approving only so much per year for ten years. Road Agent Henry noted he’d like the sessions scheduled soon since it’s mud season and Highway work is light right now.
e. Dundee Road dirt section closed effective March 14th
f. Town Road Ban effective March 21st
g. Frost heaves As noted earlier, the frost heaves are really bad this year; it’s a lot worse than we’ve seen before.
h. Sand usage Sand consumption is way up this year but money-wise we’re okay so far.
Road Agent Henry will meet with John Allen to review any questions he may have and discuss what it is the Highway Department does.
Fire Chief Report Fire Chief Henry noted he doesn’t have too much to discuss but would like to bring up the car accident with a fatality. It was difficult for many who responded; it’s the first one where a child was injured. It was time-consuming to get the child out but all went as good as could be. They used the Jaws of Life and know they wouldn’t have gotten the child out otherwise; he had two broken femurs, his feet were under the seat; he was a good patient. He was in the back seat; if he’d been in the front he wouldn’t have survived. It was a call that was tough on all who were there.
Building Permit Business – Andy Chalmers, Building Inspector
i. Licciardi, Richard (Map V1, Lot 13) Demolish existing home with attached efficiency apartment (3 bedrooms-2 bathrooms) & replace with two one bedroom apartments (1 of 2 apartments includes an office space) Inspector Chalmers noted the applicant isn’t the owner; but he does have a letter from the owner saying he’s giving the right to approve it. This property is approved for a two-bedroom septic and was redone in ‘93 by the current owner. At some point just before 2004 this became a multifamily home with two units and three bedrooms; it exceeds the septic approval. There is nothing regarding the town issuing permits but it was noted by the Building Assessor that there were two units.
There is no approval for an increase on the septic system. Town Engineer Phillips reviewed the soils on the site; the state will grant approval. Until there is a new design showing that this can handle the additional load Inspector Chalmers recommends the Selectmen not approve the permit. The town couldn’t approve it as they are applying for two dwelling units and the lot size isn’t large enough to meet the requirements of Jackson’s Zoning Ordinance. There are other avenues to pursue but not through this Board; even if Richard got approval from the state for the septic the Board couldn’t approve two dwelling units on this property. Selectman Dougherty, seconded by Selectman Allen, made a motion to deny the permit. Richard noted this is a key decision point; he may walk away or accept the property in its current state. What does this decision mean to the house that is in current disrepair? Selectman Dougherty noted this is an unusual circumstance. This
building as it exists is in violation of the Zoning Ordinance and the town may or may never take action on the violations. As far as what Richard is asking to do it clearly would be a benefit for all; it would improve the building. There is a strong argument to go to the Zoning Board; that would be Richard’s next step; he can appeal to the ZBA then it’s in their court. The Board of Selectmen is denying the permit on the fact that there is not enough land to accommodate two dwelling units; it is not based on the number of bedrooms or the septic capacity; it is based on lot size and the number of dwelling units; this is just where the Zoning Ordinance puts the Board. Richard noted it’s not like this is a new unit and it fits in well with the need for workforce housing. He’s trying to see if there’s a way to make this happen, he’s spent only a little time and money to get this far. That’s all the Board can do, it’s up to Richard how he
chooses to proceed; the building could become one unit with two bedrooms. Kevin asked, in moving forward representing the seller, if someone wanted to install new windows or renovate inside would a building permit be issued due to the current violation. Inspector Chalmers noted the property is approved for a two bedroom single family home and replacing the windows isn’t the problem; it’s the increased density of the lot that’s the issue. Selectman Dougherty noted the property shouldn’t be listed as a three bedroom home only as a two bedroom. It was noted the tax card says the property is a two-unit. Chairman Davis noted the home was built as a single unit; it has no septic permits. It is proper for the tax assessor to assess it as what it is even if it’s in violation of Jackson’s Ordinance. What can be sold still has to comply with the Zoning Ordinance. It is currently owned by the same owner that got the two-bedroom septic approval; how the
building grew from there only the owner knows. Richard noted if he wants to tear down the building and put up a two-bedroom home that would be okay; it would be okay only if it meets all the Zoning Regulations. This is a very small lot; he could change the footprint but the lot is too small for two units; the Board’s hands are tied. There was no further discussion. The motion to deny the permit passed unanimously. Office Administrator Falcey would like to make sure she has the Ordinance this is being denied under for the denial letter; it’s 4.1.2; Section 6 and Section 9.2.
j. Byrne, Brian (Map V1, Lot 9) Extend permit Selectman Dougherty, seconded by Selectman Allen, made a motion to extend the building permit. The motion passed unanimously.
k. AT&T Cell Tower/Black Mountain (added) Inspector Chalmers reminded the Board of the application to build a cell tower on Black Mountain; they didn’t complete that application as it had to go to the Zoning Board because this is outside the area where cell towers are allowed. Then they wanted to extend the antenna on top of the ski towers but they can’t get an Engineering approval; the tower won’t support the additional load, so they are back to a full tower on top of the mountain. They withdrew the application; so it’ll be a whole new application. They would like to know if they could bypass the permit and got to the Zoning Board first. As long as they have to get the permit before they can move forward the Board does not have a problem with this application going straight to the Zoning Board. If the
Zoning Board has an issue with it going to them first then Frank can kick it back to the Selectmen.
Jeff Hayes, Town of Jackson Representative on the MWV Economic & North Country Council
l. Tech Village water & septic hookup Jeff Hayes gave a packet to the Selectmen from the MVW Economic Council; the Economic Council is applying for funding from the North Country Council; in order to apply for funding they have to have a regional plan in place and since Conway is not a member of the North Country Council; it would satisfy everybody if Jackson’s Selectboard would just approve this as members of both the MWVEC and the NCC. What we have is part of the application; it’s a $700,000 project with $350,000 in federal funds being sought. The project would extend road water and sewer into the Tech Village property which would allow the Council to open three lots for sale and
development. Summit Achievement is having discussions with the Tech Village to have a residential dormitory for their clients with Asperger’s Syndrome who could go right there to college; two residents from Jackson own Summit Achievement; this will relieve some of their debt. Selectman Dougherty noted this sounds like it’s a good thing to do. Selectman Dougherty, seconded by Selectman Allen, made a move to sponsor the MWVEC’s application for the EDA grant. The motion passed unanimously.
m. Northern Pass Project Chairman Davis noted she is not in favor of this Project; Jeff noted the NCC isn’t for it either. There were over twenty-five surveys from communities that the consensus vote is no; there isn’t really a big benefit; there is some tax benefit and some short-term jobs but it’s going down through Coos County through a State Park in North Umberland and through Franconia Notch; it will be like an interstate through your community. Chairman Davis asked how tall the towers are; they will be five-hundred feet high and twelve-hundred megawatts. New Hampshire is already an energy exporter; the state doesn’t need the power and the line is just going through. Some towns will be affected greatly; one town was going to have a six-dollar (per thousand) cut in its tax rate but the people of that town
still voted it down; there will be visual and electrical fall out; this project’s impact will be environmental, physical and visual. This private company would have access to eminent domain to take homes; folks are trying to find out if that is even constitutional. Selectman Dougherty appreciates this discussion but feels the Selectmen were spot on as to their decision; he wouldn’t want it in his back yard but there are legal issues regarding how we distribute energy and at some point New Hampshire will need to move forward to establish the grid; it’ll have to go in somebody’s back yard first. Coos County has distribution lines that are full from all the renewable energy up there. PSNH charges fifteen cents per kilowatt and this line does nothing to lower New Hampshire’s rates; it benefits the country as a whole; there should be things offered to entice us to do that; maybe people would be more receptive; this Board can’t support this project.
n. Brownfield Assessment Funding Jeff had information regarding the discussion of purchasing land for a parking lot. Another town he works with registered that it runs Brownfield’s property and has invested in the town; that town got a grant from the EPA to do the investigation. He read that there is the old Hawthorne Inn, with demolition debris, under there; if Jackson purchases land with contamination then the town owns it; in order for the town to document the debris was there before the property was purchased the Board needs to have a Brownfield Assessment done; he has the funds for that. Even if the town has to take a property for back taxes there should be an assessment done before taking the property.
Dudley Davis: Old Library Management Committee appointments Dudley Davis would like to discuss the last Selectmen’s minutes that came out where Mr. Schomaker presented information on the old library use; what Dudley has to say has nothing to do with personal vendettas or someone doing something morally wrong. Dudley was the Chair of the Shapleigh Building Study Committee and when he presented their report to the Selectmen that committee kept discussion general. There were a few things in the last minutes regarding picking people to be on the Old Library Management Committee that he has a concern with. We know Mr. Schomaker is the head of the Jackson Historical Society and it’s a great organization but Dudley feels the five member board that was being picked was swayed towards the Historical Society (Treasurer Schomaker
joins the Board); Dudley also noticed permission was given to Mr. Schomaker to pick the people himself; it was clarified that is not correct. Dudley understands the following folks have been appointed: Paul Palubniak representing the church; Joan Aubrey representing Friends of the Library and Wendy McVey from the Historical Society. Dudley was informed that Wendy would be there as a citizen-at-large not representing the Historical Society; her term ends March 31st. Melanie Levitt is representing the River Arts Council. Treasurer Schomaker noted that under the terms of the lease the Historical Society has with the town the Society is obligated to make it available to Jackson citizens; sixteen local artists came to the Society looking for a place to set up a permanent display; there is no other place this is going to be able to happen; they can use the Whitney Center for a day or a week but then they have to take it down. The Society met and wanted to find out about
designated the stage to the River Arts Council so the group can have that as a permanent space. The River Arts Council organized themselves into a 501(C)3; they’ve had two very successful exhibits with each attracting nearly one hundred fifty people and they are planning a Mother’s Day exhibition. The way the work has to be attached is unacceptable right now so they are paying to come up with an acceptable plan; they are independent and not part of the Historical Society at all. Dudley noted they use the space so the perception is that they are part of the Society even if that is not reality. As a segue Treasurer Schomaker noted the Friends of the Whitney Center are a small 501(C)3 and their job, as they see it and as approved, is to enhance the facilities of the Whitney Center; they are working on the sound system and are installing sound panels to improve acoustics; they raised the money privately. As Treasurer Schomaker sees it, that is what the Old Library
Management Committee will do except with one small change; this is a town building, they are organized to raise money to enhance the interior; it will take private money to do that. They would be in a position to accept donations. What the Old Library Management Committee would be doing is a mirror image as the Whitney Center; they would manage the use of the building and the money to do that. There are lots of things to work out; we just need to get on with it. All of these people who have said they are willing to serve; they are their own persons. Dudley noted this Committee will be dictating the use of the building and the one group that formally came to the Shapleigh Building Study Committee was the Historical Society; the Friends of the Library contacted the Committee informally. The Historical Society would be a good match but he doesn’t want to appear to have a conflict; the Historical Society came to the Shapleigh Building Study Committee; it doesn’t look good
as a whole. Selectman Dougherty agreed that perception is a problem and he appreciates Dudley bringing this up to the Board; Treasurer Schomaker was talking about ways the building could be used; he was not saying this is the way it will be used; he wasn’t excluding groups. Dudley noted that’s not his issue it’s the perception that it’s all the same people involved. It was noted the Whitney Center Community Board is struggling to get people to use the building. Often it is the same people getting involved because they are the only ones joining. No one is at the point where someone is saying one group or another is going to use it; Treasurer Schomaker simply provided information on how to use the building. There was no way the Board could get that information on its own, there’s too much going on. He provided just the logistics, that’s what the Old Library Management Committee is charged to do. Dudley noted this still is not his point; he
agrees it’s positive for the most people to use the building; what he’s saying is that there are folks out there that don’t have any part with these other groups and have had no part in assigning folks to the Old Library Management Committee; everyone needs to agree that no one is getting preferential treatment on any level. If one group gets in, say the Historical Society and not the Bridge Group, folks will say folks from the Historical Society were part of the deciding committee. He realizes there are some people who are always going to be able to step up; he just wants to make sure that this does not look like we gave preferential treatment; that there was no back room shaking of hands. Selectman Dougherty noted it’s a fair point to bring up. The Board wants multiple groups to use the building; if a group wants to use it they will come to the Selectmen; when Dudley presented, and he didn’t see this reflected in the minutes, the Shapleigh Building
Study Committee’s thought was to not have one group run the building and when he looks at these names and knows what committees and groups they are on he just feels he needs to give his two cents about this; he spent ten months hashing out what to do with the building; he’s not here as a member of that Committee, he’s just here as a citizen. The Committee’s report speaks for itself. Treasurer Schomaker noted all the Historical Society wants is the opportunity to use a small part of that building to display historical items; they don’t want to run the building. Dudley noted he just wants to see diversity on the board. The Board appreciates the input; Selectman Allen asked if any others have said they want to come forward; Dudley is not aware of anyone but the Selectmen are getting those names. Supervisor Meserve would like to say that when the Whitney Center Committee was established it was known around town; this Committee, on the other hand, she didn’t know anything about this
Committee; it was obvious that there were two groups who were interested in using the library; that building belongs to the Town’s people and that’s what the Shapleigh Building Study Committee wanted and now there’s a whole new committee and it looks slanted. The information was presented as a way to move forward. The make up of the committee is separate; the Board thought it had asked the community to join but will put it out there again. Larry Seibert asked that it be put in the e-news that the Board is seeking folks to be members; this will be done. Treasurer Schomaker suggests that the committee be expanded to seven as there are five members now. Dudley noted the more people you have on a committee the harder it is to make any decisions; he would lean to three; the Shapleigh Building Study Committee had suggested three to five. Selectman Dougherty noted the number on the committee doesn’t matter; the problem is getting all the people in the same room at
the same time. Dudley would like to hand it to Mr. Schomaker; his proposal is a good one.
Town of Jackson Investment Policy renewal The Board has reviewed the Investment Policy; there are no changes from last year. Selectman Dougherty, seconded by Selectman Allen, made a motion to accept the Town of Jackson Investment Policy as presented by Treasurer Schomaker. The motion passed unanimously. It was noted this Policy makes sure the town’s money is collateralized and protected.
Cash Flow (added) Treasurer Schomaker noted last year Jackson ended the year with $865,000 in the bank; he is projecting Jackson will end this year with $1,400,000. In March 2010 his projection was to end the year with a $765,000 balance and that came in $100,000 higher. While Jackson has always put in place a Tax Anticipation Note “just in case”, Treasurer Schomaker doesn’t see the need for one this year. Cash Flow is reviewed every month; at the most he feels Jackson would only need one for thirty days. As far as his Projection for 2011 the town doesn’t know what the school budget will be for the last half of the year; it’s projected at $65,000; we also don’t know the county assessment, last year there was a fifteen percent increase; there is also the possibility of lower payments from the state.
Treasurer Schomaker just wanted the Board to know that, as Treasurer, he feels comfortable not putting a TAN in place today but we can put one in place if we need one. There is no cost to put a TAN in place; we don’t know the interest rate; it would be three to three and a half percent; there’s a lot of work to put a TAN in place if we don’t need it. Selectman Dougherty wonders why the town wouldn’t just get one if it doesn’t cost anything; if the Board wanted to draw down on a TAN they could borrow from that at any point in time and then pay it back; there is a new rule that if the town has a $400,000 note and has to borrow the full amount it can’t be repaid until December 2011. Treasurer Schomaker clarified the cash flow is different; this isn’t surplus; it might be accounted for; it is not actually encumbered.
Baker Prospect Farm Title Phil Davies noted the Baker Farm is trying to do the boundaries and the money was approved at Town Meeting. There is no deed registered in Ossipee; Ezrah Baker’s property was four parcels; three were owned jointly by both husband and wife while one parcel was owned solely by Ezrah. It is not sure if the title is as clean as it needs to be; the tax documents suggest the town owns the entire parcel but there is no deed; does Jackson need to construct a deed and file it. Chairman Davis noted Bob (Davis) says he saw it at one time when he served as Selectman. Office Administrator Falcey noted when Ezrah passed away the four parcels were taken by tax collector’s deed; Susan suggested Jackson get a legal opinion on this. When asked how this if going to be paid for it was noted the Town will pull the
funds out of its legal line. Bill Wogisch asked why the town doesn’t have Title Insurance; without that an attorney’s opinion is all the town will get. Office Administrator Falcey noted if the town buys a title policy the company won’t insure it if there’s an issue with the title. Bill pointed out that if the company refuses to insure the title then the town would know there’s an issue with the title. Phil noted the woman who went to Ossipee went through the records as a title search person; Bill noted she was not the title insurance company; it’s the cheapest way to go; there would be no cost; he suggested taking this as a best first step; then go from there. Selectman Dougherty wants the town to go to an attorney first; it won’t be much money. Bill noted that when the town buys a title policy the title company does all the work. Selectman Dougherty will also ask Dave Mason about title insurance since he’s in the insurance business he’ll also speak with the Local Government
Center. Office Administrator Falcey noted Dave doesn’t handle title insurance; it’s different; you get title insurance when you buy property. She will call the LGC to find out if the tax collector’s deed negates the title issue on the parcel and then she will talk to town counsel about the title piece of it. Before determining which budget this is to come out of, the Board would like to find out the costs first. Title Insurance is based on the cost of the sale, there was no sale; it was donated to the town; the town has made no investment.
Contract Agreement with Jane Sanders Searches Town Clerk/Tax Collector Heidmann wants to contract with Jane Sanders Searches for the title search when it comes to liening property; her job is to identify the mortgage holder. The Board asked if this is just an FYI item or does the Board need to endorse it; the Selectmen oversee the budget. Selectman Dougherty, seconded by Selectman Allen, made a motion to contract with Jane Sanders Searches for title searches. When asked where JSS is located the Board was informed she is based in Mashpee, MA; Freedom Title is doing the searches now; Bill Wogisch has a problem with it going to Massachusetts. Selectman Dougherty noted it’s not up to the Board to make that decision; it’s up to the Town Clerk who makes the policy; it’s not the Board’s place to say the Town
Clerk has to use someone else; the Board needs to facilitate what she wants although the Board might have the authority to not approve the contract. Selectman Allen doesn’t know enough about it; the Board agrees to table this. Bill noted the Board members owe it to themselves as to why the Town Clerk wants to change from the previous person; he feels the Board is entitled to know that; the Board will ask.
Town Clerk/Tax Collector salary Selectman Dougherty, seconded by Selectman Allen, made a motion to set the Town Clerk/Tax Collector salary at $20,309 for 2011. Selectman Allen asked how many hours a week the Town Clerk/Tax Collector works; it is from twenty to thirty hours a week while the Deputy is putting in fifteen hours a week on average. The office is open four hours a day, four days a week; there haven’t been two people there all the time; it’s usually one person at a time. Office Administrator Falcey pointed out that former Town Clerk Botsford didn’t report his hours on a time card as he was salaried; he was averaging twenty hours weekly; Town Clerk Heidmann may be changing hours. This amount represents what was paid last year in salary and fees. This is the fairest thing to do this year as Town Clerk Heidmann
is happy with this amount. It was noted that now the fees will come to the town, it will not be recognized in the Town Clerk’s salary. Supervisor Meserve is concerned that the Town Clerk gets both salary and fees; this has now changed; the $20,309 is the total amount the Town Clerk will be paid; the Deputy Town Clerk was paid $15,000 including fees at an hourly rate. There was no further discussion. The motion passed unanimously.
Town Clerk/Tax Collector audit request With the change in Town Clerk/Tax Collector there needs to be an examination of the books. Selectman Dougherty, seconded by Selectman Allen, made a motion to approve the Town Clerk/Tax Collector audit request. The motion passed unanimously.
Letter to Municipal Agent Help This letter appoints Jeanette Heidmann as the town’s Municipal Agent. Selectman Dougherty, seconded by Selectman Allen, made a motion to sign the letter appointing Jeannette Heidmann as Municipal Agent. The motion passed unanimously.
Committee Appointments:
o. Planning Committee:
Sarah Kimball: regular member reappointment (3 year term)
David Treadwell: regular member reappointment (3 year term)
Raymond H. Abbott, Jr.: regular member reappointment (3 year term)
Selectman Dougherty, seconded by Selectman Allen, made a motion to appoint Sarah Kimball, David Treadwell and Raymond Abbott to the Planning Board for three years. The motion passed unanimously.
Chairman Davis noted the Board will pass over the alternate appointments for now and will address them at the next meeting.
Larry Siebert: alternate member reappointment (3 year term)
Darren Levitt: alternate member reappointment (3 year term)
Richard Bennett: new appointment (3 year term)
Dave Mason: new appointment (3 year term)
p. Board of Adjustment:
David S. Urey: regular member reappointment (3 year term) Selectman Dougherty, seconded by Selectman Allen, made a motion to appoint David Urey as a regular member of the Board of Adjustment for a three year term. The motion passed unanimously.
q. Conservation Commission:
Pam Smillie: regular member reappointment (3 year term)
David Matesky: regular member reappointment (3 year term)
Mike Dufilho: new regular member appointment (3 year term)
Selectman Dougherty, seconded by Selectman Allen, made a motion to appoint Pam Smillie, David Matesky and Mike Dufilho to the Conservation Commission for three years. The motion passed unanimously.
r. Old Library Management Committee:
Linda Hall-Little representing the Jackson Historical Society
The Board agreed to hold this appointment until the next Board meeting to see if the Board gets any other applications.
s. Library Trustee:
Kathleen Kopitsky: alternate member (1 year term)
Denise Sachse: alternate member (1 year term)
Selectman Dougherty, seconded by Selectman Allen, made a motion to appoint Kathleen Kopitsky and Denise Sachse for Library Trustee, alternate member, for one year. The motion passed unanimously.
Selectman Dougherty explained to Larry that there can’t be two members of the same Board serving on two Boards; Larry and Dick need to figure that out.
Tax deeded property (Map R8, Lot 16) This is the Fennelly property; Mr. Fennelly has paid a substantial portion; he owes about sixteen dollars in interest; it’s in the town’s best interest to deed it back to him. The Board must first accept the payment of back taxes. Selectman Dougherty, seconded by Selectman Allen, made a motion to accept the payment of back taxes on Map R8, Lot 16. The motion passed unanimously. There are different scenarios here; does the Board want to collect every penny of it; he’s repaid all the expenses; his check took two weeks; it’s not his fault; it went by certified mail. The Board is not holding him to the sixteen dollars in interest. A deed will be drawn up to return the property to Mr. Fennelly; this worked out well for the town.
Selectmen: Department Liaison Selectman Dougherty will be the liaison for the Transfer Station and the Police Department; Selectman Allen will be the liaison for the Office and the Ambulance; Chairman Davis will be the liaison for the Fire and Highway. The purpose of the liaison is to facilitate communication between these various departments and the Selectmen; the liaison needs to set up four meetings a year; last year they held all four at once; the Office is really going to be a way for Selectman Allen to educate himself on how the town works.
Mason & Rich, CPA commitment letters The Board is engaging the Public Accountants to examine the books; this is not an audit; it doesn’t rise to that level; the town doesn’t need an audit every year; this is the continuation of the policy the Board developed last year. The Board doesn’t need to appoint someone as town auditor, the Supervisors of the Checklist make that appointment although the Board may want to talk to someone about what is expected and when; it will also be getting guidelines as to what is needed for an audit. Supervisor Meserve asked when this has to be done because she’s been turned down flat; she’s seeking someone to be a town auditor; she’d like a notice in e-news as well. Selectman Dougherty, seconded by Selectman Allen, made a motion to authorize Chairman Davis to sign
the letters of commitment. The motion passed 2-0-1 (Davis abstains).
t. Preparation of MS-5 form
u. Asset Manager reports
v. Tax Collector’s MS-61 report
w. Vendor disbursements
x. Trustees of Trust Fund MS-9 report
y. Treasurer’s bank accounts
Public comment discussion Bill Wogisch thanked the Board and congratulated them on opening the floor to the public and making the public feel a part of the Board’s meeting; the public will be here to support the Board in the future.
Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A3, II (a): Public employee other The Board went into Non-Public Session in accordance with RSA 91-A3, II (a), at 6:13 p.m. to discuss a personnel issue. The Board returned to Public Session at 6:19 p.m.
Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A3, II (c): Public employee hire The Board went into Non-Public Session in accordance with RSA 91-A3, II (a), at 6:19 p.m. to discuss a personnel issue. The Board returned to Public Session at 6:37 p.m.
Other Business (added) Channel 3 was approved at Town Meeting; it now has to be approved by Conway’s Annual Town Meeting on April 12th.
Selectman Dougherty, seconded by Selectman Allen, made a motion to dissolve the meeting at 6:39 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by:
Martha D. Tobin
Recording Secretary
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