NEWBURY BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MINUTES OF JUNE 7, 2004 MEETING
Selectmen: James Powell, Richard Wright, Gary Budd
Town Personnel: Dennis Pavlicek, Town Administrator; Shelly Candidus, Admin. Assistant
Public: Sarah & Daniel Kassman; Gerry & Jane Gold, Bob Dougherty, Bill Weiler and others from Lake Todd Ass’n.; Gary Daniels; Harry Seidel
The meeting convened at 6:30 p.m.
PUBLIC INPUT:
Mr. and Mrs. Kassman addressed the Board with questions about their property valuation and why there was a sharp increase between the last tax bill of 2003 and the current bill. The Board replied that they would ask the assessor to review this and report back to them as soon as possible.
Bob Dougherty, President of Lake Todd Association, appeared with Mr. and Mrs. Gold, Weiler, and several other members of the Association to present a petition signed by 15 Newbury voters to form a village district at Lake Todd. The district would consist of 74 property owners from Newbury and Bradford. Powell asked if the Association was familiar with the RSAs and understood that a village district would operate just like a town, incurring its own costs and billing, electing a moderator, holding elections, etc. New tax bills designed to reflect costs of the new district would have to be designed. Pavlicek noted that the first step would be for those voters in Bradford and Newbury who comprise the district to vote to form a village district. Pavlicek asked when the proposed village district would appropriate funds, and
Dougherty said in 2005. Gold said the group wanted to move this proposal along and have a public meeting as soon as possible. The Association will have its annual meeting on June 19th, and invited the Board to attend. The Board accepted the petition and will check the signatures and research any other action that might be needed. The Board will keep in touch with the Association on this matter.
Gary Daniels, representing a group from Blodgett Landing studying the existing sewer system, appeared to discuss action by the group. While acknowledging that the sewer is owned and operated by the town, Daniels said the group would like to initiate an independent feasibility study to access the current condition of the system. Several engineering companies have been contacted: Underwood, Dufresne Henry, and Hoyle Tanner. Specs for bids will be defined and RFQs will be requested. Powell suggested a formal committee should be established which would report to the Board of Selectmen. He asked Daniels to work with Pavlicek to identify committee members.
Powell suggested the committee review the tapes and report resulting from a study of the system done in May, 1999. Powell indicated that funds would be available for a study to be done in 2004 and Daniels said state and federal assistance might cover up to 30% of the cost.
REGULAR BUSINESS:
SEPTIC DESIGNS:
VanDenBerg, Paul. Map/lot# 49-773-174. Approved.
Ferguson, Lynette. Map/lot# 19-617-416. Revision approved.
Dugdale, Tina. Map/lot# 07-060-060. As-built approved.
Hansen, Laurel. Map/lot# 39-702-340. As built approved.
BUILDING PERMITS:
Rogers, Peter. Map/lot# 16A-118-038. Permit for shed approved.
Bready, Mike & Jane. Map/lot# 36-255-513. Permit for pool approved.
PAYROLL & ACCOUNTS PAYABLE: Week ending June 5, 2004 approved.
MINUTES: Meeting minutes of May 24, 2004 approved to file.
OLD BUSINESS:
Powell reported that the Velie Memorial Committee had funds available for the development of a playground at Fishersfield. He advised that a Public Hearing be scheduled to accept the funds and the committee should be consulted about what equipment they would like to install and where it should go on the site. Wright added that the town should develop a long-term plan about use of the site and the back 40 acres, which could be a source of ongoing income for the town if maintained under state wildlife woodland standards. The Board decided to invite the Conservation Commission to a meeting in July to discuss funding a forestry study. Pavlicek will follow up. The Board reviewed legal
counsel’s proposed settlement with Baker Hill Golf Club regarding
a dispute over their assessed property taxes. A letter of agreement will be ready for the Board to sign in the next week or so.
The Board reviewed legal counsel’s remarks regarding the proposed contract with Tennant Wallace for renovation work on the Town Office. Pavlicek said he has discussed any concerns with Peter Tennant and recommended that the Board sign the contract, which they did.
Regarding damage to the town dock by a boat in 2003, the Board received correspondence from the boat owner’s insurance company declining payment, since they determined the incident was due to an equipment failure. The boat owner is therefore responsible for dock repairs in the amount of $1,050. Pavlicek will follow up.
The Board asked Pavlicek to contact the owner of a run-down structure on Route 103 regarding its removal.
Pavlicek will work with Budd on the ongoing wage study with directional guidelines to be provided by the Board.
NEW BUSINESS:
The Board signed a warrant to collect property taxes in the amount of $3,253,480.
The Board noted that the Mt. Sunapee Advisory Committee will meet on June 8th at 9:30 a.m. The meeting will be attended by the new commissioner of DRED. No word on the position of the town of Goshen regarding expansion of operations on the mountain has been received.
Pavlicek reported that the bond funds for town building projects will be deposited into Mascoma Savings Bank. He will work out payment schedules with the contractors.
Pavlicek reported that a sign in S. Newbury village commemorating local landmarks has been removed for repainting.
Pavlicek reported that the 6-year state permit for groundwater testing at the Transfer Station expired last year. He will work with Jacques Whitford, who prepared the previous permit request, to process a new one.
The Board reviewed and approved a preliminary subdivision plan submitted by Angel Hawk prior to their appearance at the Planning Board.
The Board approved a request from PSNH to move a utility pole on Red House Road.
The Board signed two timber tax warrants for a total amount of $2,855.01.
The Board signed a contract with CLD Engineering for $19,800 for work on the site of the new Highway Garage.
The Board signed a contract with Bruss Construction for renovation/addition to the Town Office.
The Board signed refund requests for overpayments of 2004 property taxes in the amounts of $938.95 and $19.00.
The Board granted requests from the Snowmobile Club, Bradford KRES, and a scholarship group to benefit KRSD to use town property for fundraising events.
The Board noted that Al Bachelder has resigned from the UVLSRPC - TAC Committee and suggested Cal Prussman as a replacement.
Wright mentioned that he will attend a hearing or provide written input for the DOT on June 15th when they will discuss their plans to provide public access to Wild Goose from Route 103. He feels the plans at present are totally inadequate to insure public safety.
Harry Seidel reported that Central Lakes Dock Company recently did work on the town dock at Blodgett Landing. He also clarified that work done on the town dock at the Harbor in 2003 was done under an emergency Wetlands permit, and any additional work done this summer will need a standard Dredge & Fill permit from Wetlands. He has collected some preliminary materials to submit and will give these to Pavlicek, who will complete the permit application. Weiler will contribute a letter from the Conservation Commission. Pavlicek will follow up.
Seidel informed the Board that the concert schedule for this summer has been determined and concerts will begin June 17th. Barry Caravan is handling the scheduling and payments. Seidel asked that all requests for information about the 2004 swim program be forwarded to him.
Candidus will prepare the Board meeting schedules for the summer, starting with a July 12th date.
NON-PUBLIC SESSION:
The Board voted to go into non-public session with Harry Seidel under RSA 91-A:3, II, a-e at 8:30 p.m. to discuss a personnel issue. Appropriate action was determined. A second topic addressed a personnel issue at the new Highway Garage site. Appropriate action was determined. A third topic reviewed a previous meeting in non-public session with Tom Behrens. Pavlicek will follow up. The Board came out on non-public session at 9:30 p.m.
MEETING ADJOURNED at 9:30 p.m.
NEXT REGULAR MEETING: Monday, June 7, 2004 at 6:30 p.m. at the Town Office.
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