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April 1, 2014 Board of Selectmen Minutes
NEWTON BOARD OF SELECTMEN
DATE: TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2014
TIME: 6PM
LOCATION: NEWTON TOWN HALL, 2 TOWN HALL ROAD

PUBLIC MEETING

  • Call to Order, Roll Call Vote
Chairman Donovan called the meeting to order at 6:00pm.  In attendance were Chairman Robert S. Donovan, Jr., Selectman Charles R. Melvin, Sr., Selectman Matthew A. Burrill, Selectman James L. Doggett, Selectman Lawrence B. Foote, Town Administrator Nancy J. Wrigley and Office Manager Mary B. Winglass.  The meeting was videotaped; minutes were transcribed and typed by Office Manager Winglass.

Chairman Donovan motioned to go into Nonpublic Session under RSA 91-A:3 II (a) - Fire Department; (c) - Tax Assistance; (c) - Transfer Station.  Second by Foote with a unanimous roll call vote.

Doggett motioned to close the nonpublic at 6:58pm.  Per a unanimous roll call vote, the minutes of the meeting will remain confidential until in the opinion of the majority of the member, the circumstances no longer apply except to announce the following decisions:

  • motion passed with Foote abstaining to remove Bruce Gusler, Sr. from probation to a full Firefighter/Driver Operator at Grade XV, Step 2 effective date of 9/22/2013.
  • motion passed with Melvin abstaining to send a letter to a town resident regarding a violation at the Transfer Station.  
The Board asked for a copy of the Transfer Station Policy to review at their next meeting.

  • Pledge of Allegiance
  • Introduction of Guests
  • Approval of Minutes (Review prior to meeting)
  • Selectmen’s Public Meeting minutes dated March 4, 2014 and March 18, 2014
Donovan motioned to accept the Selectmen’s Public Meeting minutes as written dated March 4, 2014 and March 18, 2014.  Second by Doggett, motion passed with Melvin abstaining.

Doggett made a correction to the minutes of March 18th - change the wording from liaison to ex-officio for the Planning Board, Conservation Commission and Recreation Commission.

  • Selectmen’s Nonpublic Meeting minutes dated March 4, 2014
Donovan motioned to accept the Selectmen’s Nonpublic Meeting minutes dated March 4, 2014.  Second by Foote, motion passed with a unanimous vote.
  • Scheduled Business
  • Cont review of Fire Department Tanker 4
The Board reviewed a legal opinion on the purchase of a new tanker and it was reaffirmed that “no means no” and it would be best to get a good independent evaluation of the equipment, make the best decisions you can, work with mutual aid to get a response plan and document all of this for a future town meeting.

Melvin recommends for the Fire Chief to send out the tanker to get an independent evaluation and if that truck is no good then we have the information to fight for a new fire truck.  A discussion took place between the Fire Chief and Selectman Melvin on the mileage on the truck, Ingalls was unsure and felt it was irrelevant, the truck is 31 years old.  Burrill questioned who we would use for an independent evaluation.  Melvin responded that it is DOT approved so they should check it out plus a company that works on fire apparatus who would be able to give a projected cost.

The Chief responded that Lakes Region would be the best option.  Foote questioned if it was just evaluated last year, things will not change.  Ingalls read a part of the NFPA Code 1912: Annex D.5 refurbishing an apparatus over 20 years old is a poor investment.  Melvin responded that if you get an independent evaluation then you have something to show to the public.

Donovan asked who is the closest in order to get an independent evaluation; Ingalls responded that Lakes Region works on our equipment and they are in West Ossippee.  Foote asked if the tanker has a brake issue; Ingalls responded it could base upon the report from Lakes Region.  Foote responded then if the Board decides to get an independent evaluation then they need to get it towed not driven because if the brakes fail along the way, who is liable.  Melvin responded it went up there before why can’t it not go up there now.

Donovan asked what is wrong with the brakes.  Ingalls responded that he does not have the paperwork with him.  Donovan added that he does not care if it is a year old or 40 years old, if it is a safety factor it must be considered.  

Doggett asked if we can get copies of the documents to review to make sure we understand everything on the list from Lakes Region.

Ingalls had the documentation from Mahoney’s referring to the mechanics of the tanker with the following items found that need monitoring or repair: exhaust system corroded, monitor for leaks; monitor undercarriage leaf spring for corrosion; radiator deteriorated, monitor for corrosion and more.  Donovan asked Ingalls if he feels safe driving it up to the lakes region to get it checked out.  Ingalls responded, I think we can.  Donovan recommends that we have Ingalls take it up for an independent evaluation.

Doggett motioned to get it evaluated at Lakes Region.  Second by Donovan, motion passed with all in favor.

The Board asked for copies of the documentation on Tanker 4 from Chief Ingalls.

  • Fire Department/Statutory Organization
The Board received a memo from Town Counsel Sumner Kalman who reviewed the Fire Department bylaws and the Board has the authority to appoint a Fire Chief they feel is best for the job.  The Board decided to look at the Fire Chief’s job description to get the ball moving.  The Board will review this item further at the April 15th work meeting.  

  • Newton Historical Society Re: Stage Curtains
Historical Society President Bill Landry explained the history with the town transferring ownership of the curtains in 2011 to the Historical Society in order for the society to apply for a grant to restore them.  After completing a 25 page grant application the Historical Society was denied the grant for the curtains must be owned by the town.  Now we are here to do the inverse of what we did a year ago so the Historical Society can apply for the grant on behalf of the town.

Doggett motioned to sign the property conveyance.  Second by Foote, motion passed with a unanimous vote.

  • Gale Library Re: Summer Traveling Program “Reptiles”
Donovan read an email from Sue Mears, Children’s Librarian asking to use the Town Hall on Wednesday, July 13th from 1:30 to 3pm.  The town received a scholarship from the Museum of Science in Boston for a summer traveling program called “Reptiles”.

Doggett motioned to approve the use of the Town Hall to the Gale Library for the Museum of Science summer traveling program called “Reptiles” on July 13th from 1:30 to 3pm. Second by Burrill, motion passed with a unanimous vote.


  • Boy Scouts Re: Use of the Busch Conservation Property
Doggett announced that Boy Scouts Yankee Clipper Council has requested to use the Busch Conservation property starting at 4pm on May 16, 2014 through 11am on May 18, 2014 to hold their annual camporee.  Office Manager Winglass checked with the Police and Fire Department as well as the Conservation Commission and there were no concerns.  Fire Chief Bill Ingalls asked for the Board of Selectmen to sign off granting him the authority to issue a fire permit, if conditions are favorable to Paul Taylor for this event.  A memo was prepared for the Board’s signature.

Doggett motioned to approve the use of the Busch Conservation Property for the Boy Scouts Annual Camporee.  Second by Foote, motion passed with a unanimous vote.

Donovan motioned to sign the memo to Fire Chief Bill Ingalls granting him the authority to issue a Fire Permit, if conditions are favorable for 91 North Main Street, Busch Conservation Property for the period of 5/16 through 5/18.  Second by Foote, motion passed with a unanimous vote.

  • Release of Hummers to Fire and EMD Departments
Road Agent Mike Pivero was present to discuss the DRMO Program and to make sure the Board of Selectmen is in agreement before moving along with this program.

Pivero explained that the town has received equipment from this government surplus program over the past couple of years.  This comes from the Defense Reutilization and Marketing Office (DRMO).  The town’s conduit through this office is law enforcement and is how we are able to requisition and get these items for the town.  Therefore law enforcement is the governing body for that equipment as it comes in.  There are certain categories that the DOD and DRMO will not let go out of the jurisdiction of law enforcement for one calendar year.  After the period of one year, some items may be reallocated to different departments.  Hummers, weapons, tactical gear stays within the jurisdiction of law enforcement at all times.  For example if we wear out a HumV, we cannot part it out or sell it, we need to send it back to the DRMO forever for there is no statute of limitations on these items.

The HumV can be reallocated as long as the Chief tracks them with an inventory every year for those items deemed to be watched by law enforcement.  So every year the Police Chief has to be able to physically tag each item and examine to make sure we have not made outrageous modifications.  Therefore the Police Chief is going to require some sort of documentation before issuing it to another department, which it will become that departments piece of equipment, they will need to maintain it and make sure it is ready to be used in a storm or whatever the case may be.  But the Police Chief needs to know where this equipment is at all times.  Pivero is relaying this information so there is no doubt on the jurisdiction of this equipment will remain under law enforcement.
Donovan asked can it be painted and decals put on it; Pivero responded yes paint it, decals, outfit it with radios, whatever needs of the department, those modifications can be done.  Donovan added that we should send a letter to the Chief to ask him to release the HumV.  Foote asked if they are registered yet; Pivero responded no.  Each department would be responsible for obtaining the plates which may require a signature from the Police Chief.

Doggett asked if there is any way we can put a restriction on the use.  Donovan responded that these HumV will only be used in an emergency or for a parade.  Doggett asked if we can include this information in the letter to the Chief that these are not to be used for regular transport.  Pivero cautioned the Board on putting limitations on the use for like everything there is common sense that must be applied.  Doggett agreed but having something more than just a gentlemen’s agreement makes sense.  Pivero then gave a case in point where a few weeks ago two cows got loose and there was a request that the HumV go in search of the cows along the railroad.  It is a town operation and we went and did what we needed to do but by placing verbiage may not work.  Donovan stated that he feels that we should depend on the department heads to make the right choices and if for some reason it becomes abused then we can put limitations on that department.  Foote responded that they must go for a ride once in awhile to give them a readiness test.

Donovan motioned to work on a letter to send to the Police Chief to release the HumV and if there are any stipulations to let us know.  Second by Melvin, motion passed with a unanimous vote.

  • Transfer Station Re: Book Recycling
The Board reviewed documentation to the creditors of Got Books, Inc. stating that due to recent financial difficulties the company is closing and recommends Big Hearted Books and Clothing for the recycling of books.  On 2/14/14 Big Hearted Books & Clothing purchased Got Books and Interim Transfer Station Manager Tom Difalco recommends contracting with them for the recycling of books only.  Difalco researched three companies before recommending Big Hearted Books who pays .03 cents per pound for books and their bins are already at the Transfer Station.

Doggett motioned to enter a 12-month agreement with Big Hearted Books & Clothing Inc. for the recycling of books only, at 3 cents per pound as the payment to the town.  Second by Foote, motion passed with a unanimous vote.

  • Signing of Official/Operational Documentation
The Board discussed a new procedure for signing official documents versus passing them back and forth during a meeting.  The Board will motion to approve the documents such as the manifests, requisitions and abatements at the meeting and will sign the documents after the meeting.

Doggett motioned to sign the documents after the meeting based upon motions made during the meeting.  Second by Foote, motion passed with Melvin opposed.

  • Memorial Day Parade Grand Marshall
Donovan read an announcement that the town is looking for a Grand Marshall for the Newton Memorial Day on May 26th.  If so, please send your letter of interest to include the name and rank, years of service and a brief summary of their military history to selectmen@newtonnh.net or mail to Selectmen’s Office PO Box 378, Newton, NH 03858.  The notice will go in the Carriage Towne News with the hope that we get a good response.   

  • Sign MS-232 Actually Voted, Comstar Billing and Matrix Update
Town Administrator Wrigley discussed the MS-232 Report of Appropriations Actually Voted in 2014.  This is a new form with the chart of accounts listed.  

Doggett motioned to sign the MS-232 for filing with the NH Department of Revenue Administration.  Second by Burrill, motion passed with a unanimous vote.

Comstar Billing

TA Wrigley stated that Comstar is for Medicare billing for the use of the town’s ambulance.  The contract must be renewed each year and the Chairman of the Board of Selectmen signs off on it.

Doggett motioned to authorize the Chairman to sign the Comstar billing document.  Second by Foote motion passed with Melvin abstaining.  

Matrix

The Board reviewed the yearly matrix prepared by Town Administrator Wrigley which shows each employees grade/step and hourly rate as of April 1, 2014.  This document incorporates all the approved merit increases over the last year.    

Doggett motioned to adopt the wage schedule matrix and the salary classification plan dated 4/1/2014.  Second by Foote.  Melvin questioned the documents and stated that he has had no time to review this document.  Wrigley explained the changes made to the classification plan.  Donovan asked if anyone else wants to hold off from signing until they have a chance to review this information.  All but Melvin agreed that they are comfortable with the Town Administrator compiling the information.    Motion passed with Melvin abstaining.



  • Letter from Sargent Woods Board of Directors
Burrill read a letter of appreciation from the Sargent Woods Board of Directors to Town Administrator Nancy Wrigley and Town Assessor Andrea Lewy for their presentation on the workings of property taxes from both the State and Local level.  Wrigley added that Town Assessor Lewy went above and beyond her duties to hold this informational session and did a great job.    

  • 2014 Standard Mileage Rate
Donovan read a memo from Town Administrator Wrigley announcing that effective January 1, 2014 the standard mileage rates increased from 55 cents to 56 cents per mile.  

Doggett motioned to adopt 56 cents per mile as the standard mileage rate for the use of a personal vehicle for town business.  Second by Foote.  Wrigley added that the town has a current mileage form to be used by all employees for lately we have been receiving different forms.  Wrigley asked for all employees to use the appropriate form in place and Wrigley will send it out via email.  Doggett then amended his motion to include after standard mileage rate “provided it is requested on the proper form”.   If they have not completed the form then they should not receive any reimbursement.  Motion passed with a unanimous vote.

  • Proposed plan for the 2nd Annual “Old Man/Lady Softball Game” to benefit the Jimmy Fund
Burrill announced a request received from Kristen Williams to hold the 2nd Annual “Old Man/Lady Softball Game” Jimmy Fund Fundraiser at Greenie Park on August 16th from 9am to 5:30pm.  Last year they raised over $6,600 between the donations from the Newton’s little league Jimmy Fund team and this softball game.  This year the goal is $10,000 and they are looking for volunteers.

Donovan asked if we have received a schedule from Newton Baseball yet.  Winglass responded that we received their request today but have not had a chance to review the documents.  Donovan responded that it is a first come, first serve for the use of Greenie Park.

Doggett moved to permit.  Second by Foote, motion passed with a unanimous vote.

  • Road Agent Re: Trench Permit, DRMO Operations & Wilders Grove Culvert
Pivero asked to talk about Part 2 of the DRMO which is the operational part directly from Pivero to the Selectmen.  Pivero stated that he has completely stopped looking for equipment for over a year for a couple of years.  It is very time consuming with a procedure that you have to navigate through with five levels of approval before it is released.  Even before you get to that it is a race to tag the equipment for many across the globe are looking at it at the same time.  Pivero added that he does not mind doing it but wants to make sure the Board, in its entirety, is behind this operation.  There is not enough time when the items are posted; the town is on the bottom therefore there is no guarantee.  Pivero added that he cannot tell what may come up at any particular time and some departments have approached him with items they are looking for if it becomes available, he can tag it but again there are no guarantees.

Some of the equipment received may need some preventative maintenance such as the generators that Pivero has obtained through this program.  Therefore there is a minimum amount of care which is part of the equation and the goal is for the betterment of the town.

Pivero again stated that he needs to know if the Selectmen are on board with proceeding with this program which will require Pivero to go back in to reestablish the town into the system.  Foote responded that all the property received is town property not assigned to the Road Agent.  Pivero responded it is all town property.  Foote added that he feels Pivero has good judgment and will not get anything if it is not needed by the town.

Doggett asked if this is the same system used by the DOJ when liquidating seized and confiscated merchandise.  Pivero responded no this is all strictly the Department of Defense and is phased out equipment.  Doggett asked if there is enough need to warrant the expenditure of your time.  Pivero responded that is all perception but as we speak he has acquired approximately $800,000 of equipment for the town over a period of 14 months.

Melvin asked if we can take parts off one HumV and put it on another.  Pivero responded that gets a little sensitive for if we are striping one down therefore making it no longer operational, we may be quizzed later on.  DRMO have some HumV’s just for parts.  Melvin responded that if one does break down we do not have the availability to buy the parts.  Pivero responded that some parts are available.

Burrill asked if Pivero’s question is a financial question.  Pivero responded that he does not want any financial compensation and over the past six months this has taken a sour tone which is a shame for the intent is for the betterment of the town.  If we can look at this in a new light, for what it is which is acquiring items for the town at no cost from the government that we can use; Pivero is willing to put the time and effort into it.  Melvin talked about if we obtain equipment that we don’t end up using then we have to return it to the government.  Pivero responded only the equipment that falls into that criteria which is HumV, weapons and tactical equipment.  Pivero added that he does not have a list in front of him but HumV's are what the town has that are on that list.

Doggett motioned to encourage the Road Agent to continue in his endeavors to benefit the town.  Melvin asked to look for HumV’s that can be used for parts.  Donovan asked where we are going to store this equipment.  Melvin responded at the Transfer Station.  Donovan added “if needed”.  Second by Foote, motion passed with a unanimous vote.

Winglass added that she has spoken to Pivero about trying to obtain padded stackable chairs for the Town Hall meeting room and newer conference tables.

Pivero stated that some of items through the DRMO program may require some funds to retrieve it.  Up to this point Pivero has paid out of his own pocket to get the items here.  He cannot tell us specifically but there could be a small charge relative to what we are picking up.  We may need to hire an independent carrier to pick up and deliver it, it may come to that.  Burrill asked if we can take it on a case by case basis; Pivero responded that is fine.

Trench Permit

The Board reviewed a proposed trench permit recommended by Road Agent Mike Pivero.  Pivero stated that this permit grants permission to excavate in or open a highway, sidewalk and/or excavate within the Town of Newton Right of Way.  We need this permit now for on Wilders Grove Road if a septic system fails, the leaching field must be moved to the other side of the road where they own property.  With the new septic requirements they cannot put it close to the body of water hence they are splitting the systems.  That means they are running utilities under the town road.  This poses a couple of problems, they need to be inspected and we need to know where and when they go in for plan records.  Dig safe will not mark these utilities and down the road we do not need a Road Agent to replace the road and not be aware of where they are located along the road.

Foote asked if this needs to go through the Building Department as well.  Doggett suggested that the Building Department sign off on the permit.  The Board discussed holding off from accepting the permit tonight in order for it to be reviewed by the Building and Health Department.  Pivero recommended that the Board approve it tonight for we have a septic going in soon that will require this permit.

Doggett motioned to accept the trench permit with future amendments. Melvin questioned the $5,000 Surety Bond for he felt it is too high and will burden those installing a new septic.  Pivero responded that the contractor would post the surety bond and it might cost $75 dollars, they do not have to put up a $5,000 cash bond.  The Board will accept the permit tonight and have the building department review it.

Doggett motioned to accept the trench permit tonight and have the Road Agent as the authorizing signature. Second by Burrill.  Doggett added that $5,000 is the required amount for anyone who comes in to bond through the Planning Board.  Motion passed with Melvin opposed because of the $5,000 surety bond.  



Wilders Grove Culvert

The Board reviewed pictures of the Wilders Grove culvert located where Country Pond Road meets Wilders Grove Road; it is a 6 foot in diameter arch culvert right where the two wooden white guard rails are along the road.  Pivero does not have an actual date when this culvert was installed but it is 55+ years old.

Pivero pointed out the high water mark in the pictures and it showed the bottom of the culvert is completely deteriorated.  Pivero tried for the past three years to get it replaced under a grant but it does not fall under any grant criteria.  The culvert is two feet from falling under the criteria for the bridge grant program.  

Pivero added that this culvert may last another week or another ten years.  Heavy rainfall could cause this culvert to fail at anytime.  There are 64 houses that would be isolated as this is the only way in and the only way out.  Pivero stated that he has looked to see if maybe he could do the work in phases but he does not see it happening for it is too narrow.    

Pivero suggested that we do something sooner versus later for it could fail at any moment and it will be catastrophic for there will be no access in and out for the 65 houses.  Pivero added the only way he sees to do this cost effectively and with a minimum amount of disruptions is slip line this pipe.  That will limit the amount of people who can do this work

Donovan asked if Pivero has spoken with the Kingston Road Agent to see if they can help with the cost.  Pivero responded that he is aware of the situation.  We have a time restriction but we need to first get an engineer to find out the estimated cost and then find funding for it before putting it out to bid.  The engineer would have to put together a preliminary bid package and the cost would be around $1,000 to $1,500.  

Pivero will run it by the Kingston Road Agent.  Doggett suggested that the Selectmen should anticipate writing a formal letter to the Kingston BOS at the next meeting.  Pivero will talk to the Road Agent and find out how he feels then we can approach the Kingston Selectmen.

Donovan asked if Kingston is still running trash trucks over the culvert.  The Board discussed restricting trash trucks over the culvert.  Doggett asked who has the authority to put a weight limit on the road.   Pivero talked about oil and gas trucks so maybe a 26,000 weight limit excluding emergency vehicles.

What we are trying to do is to mitigate a problem that may occur.  Doggett suggested a weight limit and have the Road Agent investigate the cost and come back with more information.  Pivero agreed to put a weight limit on the culvert.

Doggett motioned to have the Road Agent work with the Town Engineer to develop specs for reconstructing or retrofitting the culvert.  Second by Donovan.  Pivero offered to pay for the engineering cost out of his budget but he might be back for engineering funds for a grant program he planned on for this year.  Motion passed with a unanimous vote.

  • Resident Richard Thomas Re: License to Sell Pistols and Revolvers
Doggett referenced the Planning Board minutes dated March 25, 2014 where the Planning Board issued a final approval for the conditional use permit for a home based business at 11 Kenwood Drive, Richard Thomas.

Doggett motioned to sign this document.  There have been only three transactions for the business in the past two years and it is not a problematic situation for the residents on that street.  Second by Foote.  Mr. Thomas will need to come back in front of the Selectmen next year to renew this permit in order to coincide with the federal permit dates.  Doggett added that Mr. Thomas will not be back in front of the Planning Board for he received final approval.  Motion passed with a unanimous vote.

  • Transfer Station hours on Sunday, April 20, 2014 (Easter Sunday)
Donovan talked to Interim Transfer Station Manager Tom Difalco who was unaware that no other town employees received holiday pay for Easter Sunday.  Difalco responded that the employees have no problem working the Friday before to make up the hours for Sunday or the employees can take comp time, if they have it.  On the Friday before they will conduct maintenance such as installing gutters around the recycling office, paint the brick house white and other items he has wanted to do for some time.  The Transfer Station will not be open to the public on that Friday and will be closed on Sunday, April 20th.   There are generally (4) attendants that work Sundays.

  • Announcements
  • Other Business, Sign Manifests, Requisitions, Abatements, Tax Credits, Correspondence and Appointments
  • Doggett motioned to sign the payroll manifest for the pay period of March 9 to March 22nd.  Second by Foote, motion passed with Melvin abstaining.
Vendor Manifest dated 4/1 in the amount of $321,734.22.

  • Doggett moved to pay the 4/1 vendor manifest.  Second by Foote, motioned passed with Melvin abstaining.


Requisition #2460 from Recreation Commission for 250 First Class Stamps in the amount of $122.50

Doggett moved to pay and asked if this is later approved on a vendor manifest.  Yes and by signing the requisitions tonight will allow the department to move forward with the purchase.

Requisition #2459 from Recreation Commission for supplies for the Easter Egg Hunt not to exceed $300.  Doggett added that his only issue is the “not to exceed” he would like to see actual numbers.  The attachment showed a purchase of $299.98 from Oriental Trading made by GSFMW Troop#12484.

Doggett motioned to sign the two requisitions from the Recreation Commission.  Second by Matt, motion passed with a unanimous vote.

Appointments

Donovan motioned to sign the appointment for James Doggett as the ex-officio Planning Board member with an expiration date of April 15, 2015.  Second by Foote, Motion passed with Melvin voting no.

Donovan motioned to sign the appointment for Matthew Burrill as the ex-officio Recreation Commission member with an expiration date of April 15, 2015.  Second by Foote, motion passed with a unanimous vote.

Donovan motioned to sign the appointment for Lawrence Foote as the ex-officio Conservation Commission member with an expiration date of April 15, 2015.  Second Doggett, motion passed with a unanimous vote.

Doggett discussed that he is a member of the Seminary Adhoc Committee and we are in dire need of residents to serve on the committee.  An appeal to all Newton residents to contact the Superintendants office, this is the town’s largest asset.

Requisition #2379 from the Fire Chief to purchase a desktop computer in the amount of $943.00.  Office Manager Winglass explained that the Chief was having a lot of problems with his computer and it was determined that it is an old computer and does not have the capacity to handle the workload.

Foote motioned to accept it and it should come from the IT department not the Fire Chief.  Second by Doggett.  Discussion: In the amount of $943.00 to include a new monitor and software.  Motion passed with a unanimous vote.

The Board signed for vacation time for two town hall employees.

Steve Suraci resident who lives on the corner of Wallace Street and Route 108 stated that he approached the Board of Selectmen approximately 10 months ago in regards to the property located at 19 South Main Street.  To date, he has a lake in the back yard which is a significant problem due to the dredge and fill that was done on the property of 19 South Main Street.  Suraci stated that he has come before the Board with a laundry list and it has not been acted upon.

1.  Dredge and Fill - Conservation Commission initially waived off on, came back re-reviewed it and determined that there were wetlands at 19 South Main Street.  Unfortunately since May of last year the Conservation Commission has not had a quorum to hold a meeting to approve the site visit.  

2.  In a Planning Board meeting it was stated that there was a repair to the culvert.  Conservation Commission came and took a picture which is the source of the problem.  Suraci added that the culvert is not operational.  

3.  Use of the driveway for commercial traffic.  This continues to happen on a day to day basis.  Two vehicles have been moved but there are many that remain.  Action needs to be taken at 19 South Main Street for the property is being used for employee parking for those working at 21 South Main Street on a regular basis   

4.  There is existing storage and supplies located on the property line and equipment.  The owner withdrew their application from the Planning Board and he assumes the property will revert back be used as a single family residence but to date there is no indication of that happening.  

Suraci added that he would like to understand what action will be taken by the Selectmen.  Code Enforcement has done little to nothing in the last year.  Suraci added that he filed a complaint and received no response and added that he is at the point where litigation will be brought against the town.  

Doggett confirmed that the application was withdrawn from the Planning Board therefore it does not fall under their prevue but would like to the BOS send a plea to DES to come down and review this situation for they have that much more power than we do at the moment.  

Doggett motioned for the town to officially request the NH Department of Environmental Services come down and get involved with this property for property owners have been asking for quite some time.  Second by Donovan.  Foote responded that he would have to evaluate what happened in the last 10 months.  Suraci offered to submit another copy of the documentation and stated that his neighbor’s property is under several feet of water at this point and it would be beneficial to do some research of other photos showing the property and how it has changed over time.  Doggett added that the State works best if you submit the background information on the property.  Motion passed with Melvin abstaining.

Donovan asked for Chief Building Official Ron LeMere to come to the next Selectmen’s Meeting to get an update on 19 and 21 South Main Street.

The Board asked for a copy of the entire packet so they can review what has happened over the past 10 months.

  • Adjourn
Doggett moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:43pm.  Second by Donovan, motion passed with a unanimous vote.

Respectfully Submitted,


Mary Winglass, Office Manager