Minutes
Selectmen’s Meeting
December 27, 2005
6:40 PM Chair Netishen opened the meeting and asked all those present to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Members: Bill Netishen, Mary Bonser, Peter Bock and Town Administrator Charles A. Brown.
Guests: Phil English, Chris Wells, Tom Howe, Deb Stevens & Sam Demeritt.
Motion: Netishen, second Bonser to enter into non-public session per RSA 91-A:3II (a).
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
7:20 PM Return to regular meeting.
Motion: Bonser, second Bock to keep all discussion in non-public session non-public.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
The Board recognized Tom Howe, a representative of the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests. He spoke to the Board about the Town purchasing a conservation easement. He explained that there has been an agreement with the Fernald family for a purchase price of $1,250,000. The midline appraisal on the land regarding development rights is $1,708,000, so this appears to be a very reasonable proposal. Ms. Bonser asked if the Board could see the appraisal. Mr. Howe will need to discuss this matter with the Fernald family to get a more comprehensive report. There was no extensive appraisal report done, just a bare bones statement in order to keep the cost down. Mr. Bock explained to Mr. Howe how the Board represents the Town and they will ask many questions because they have to know all the
aspects of this easement in order to present a proposal to the taxpayers.
Mr. Netishen asked what the time period was for the project. Mr. Howe stated it would be at the most a 24 month period from the signing of the purchase and sales agreement. Much discussion followed concerning the funding process. Mr. Netishen asked how the funding percentage breakdown was decided. Mr. Howe explained that the family has assumed a large percentage of the $1,707,500 figure to arrive at the $1,250,000 number.
The Stewardship Endowment needed if this project is successful will be around $150,000, which will be raised by the SPNHF. Discussion followed regarding interests in the property and how the different interests should check on each other to maintain good stewardship. Mr. Bock asked if there was prior planning on how this information will be distributed. Mr. Wells explained a number of public hearings should be held. The Society will help provide advice and guidance so the Town can promote this project, but SPNHF can not do the actual promotional effort. Mr. Netishen reminded everyone of the fact that the Building committee will be putting a $800,000 proposal forward for a new firehouse. Mr. Netishen asked for documentation as soon as possible including any past conservation
easement experience by the Society, the appraisal and benefits for the Town. The Selectmen as a whole are in support of this proposal. Mr. Brown will send Mr. Wells a Budget Committee schedule. Mr. Wells will send Mr. Brown the requested information.
Encumbrances were discussed next.
Motion: Bonser, second Bock to encumber $24,233.96 in line item 4902.10-005 to continue EDC efforts.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Mr. Brown advised the Board regarding liabilities that should be released.
Release liabilities for Master Plan Update, line item 4800.10-800 for $2,845,
Landfill Closure, 4800.10-801 for $209,165.28
and Planning Services, 4800.10-803 for $19,222.50
Motion: Bonser, second Bock to release liabilities as listed above.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
The Board reviewed minutes of previous meetings.
Motion: Bonser, second Bock to accept as written the minutes of the workshop on November 10, 2005.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Motion: Bock, second Bonser to accept as written the minutes of November 14, 2005 meeting.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Motion: Netishen, second Bonser to accept as written the minutes of the workshop on November 22, 2005.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Ms. Bonser stated that the Board needs to meet with the Emergency Management Director.
Motion: Bonser, second Bock to accept as written the minutes of November 28, 2005 meeting.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Motion: Bonser, second Bock to accept as amended, the minutes of the workshop on November 28, 2005.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
The Board tabled two requests for awards until 2006.
Motion: Bonser, second Netishen to make a $100.00 donation in memory of Tom Fernald to the Food Pantry as the family requested, in lieu of flowers.
Vote: 2 in favor, 1 recussal, Bock, as he is affiliated with the pantry, motion passed.
The Board inquired about Paul Colby.
Mr. Brown will send Paul a card as he recovers from surgery.
The Board reviewed the signature file, which included 1 intent to cut and 2 Pole license petitions.
Motion: Bonser, second Netishen to approve license petition #9AAYAM.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Motion: Bock, second Netishen to approve license petition #9AAWP3.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Motion: Netishen, second Bonser to grant a request to abate $5.15 in interest for Map 72,
Lot 19.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
9:55 PM Having no further business before the Board
Motion: Netishen, second Bock to adjourn.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Respectfully Submitted,
Charles A. Brown
Town Administrator
Approved as corrected
1/23/06
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