TOWN OF STODDARD, NH
SELECTMEN’S MEETING
December 14, 2009
Town Hall - 7:00 PM
ATTENDANCE: John D. Halter, Chairman
Sandra L. Holland
Arnold R. Stymest
REVIEW BILLS/SIGN MANIFEST
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Chairman Halter moved to transfer $520,000 from savings to checking. Selectman Holland seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
SCHEDULED APPOINTMENTS
As no agenda was prepared for this meeting, Chairman Halter proceeded in sequence around the room inquiring if attendees had any questions or comments for the Board.
Terry McMahon made a presentation on the Planning Board’s intent to publish an official town newsletter which would provide a brief forum for departments to let the public know what they are doing, progress to date, etc. He has developed a form for capturing the information from department heads and committee chairs. The intent is to publish the newsletter quarterly and the budget will cover an issue in January 2010 and another for April, in time to provide information about the upcoming Town Meeting in May. Mr. McMahon anticipates putting forth a Warrant Article requesting a nominal amount of funding to support the newsletter for the following year. Distribution will be via the town website, using the email addresses we have, and placing some copies in public places around town.
Selectman Stymest asked how misinformation would be kept from getting into the newsletter. Mr. McMahon stated that the input is to be neutral, with no attempt to persuade for or against any issue. Mr. McMahon will collect the information and pass it to Pat Putnam. If he had a concern with content or something appeared controversial, he would go back to the submitter. The Planning Board as a whole would review the newsletter before it would be placed on the website or published. Mr. McMahon noted that he could see a possibility for the newsletter to evolve over time where businesses might advertise or there might be a “swap shop” column.
Dick Briere inquired why it would be thought this would reach more people than the meeting minutes which the Building Committee posts nearly weekly. Mr. McMahon responded that, indeed, other departments, clubs, committees may find it more useful than the Building Committee. For instance, the CEO and POSH could use this forum to disseminate information about current events or upcoming activities.
Linda Nichol came to the Board regarding her complaint against PJD Septic. She stated that she would like further resolution, that an investigation be made based on her original complaint rather than what did happen. Ms. Nichol stated that when the DES came, they came in response to Mr. Dionne’s email to them, not to the Selectmen’s letter of November 23rd (copy of which was furnished to Ms. Nichol). She noted that Tim Sweatt (DES) was not walked to the back of the house where the alleged activities of washing and storing of portable toilet units take place and runoff can easily wash down the hill into the area of their well. Gordon Garnett noted that his sister had previously made the same complaint. Ms. Nichol requested that the DES be contacted again and asked to perform soil sampling tests and to investigate the area behind the house where the units are serviced and stored.
Compliance Officer Harry Power noted that there are no permits given for any commercial use in any residentially zoned area. If Mr. Dionne would choose to continue using his residence for the business he would need to make application to the zoning board and have the matter presented in a public hearing. Regardless when a business began, it must always be in compliance with current zoning regulations.
Mr. Power stated that the Selectmen should ask Town Counsel for an opinion whether Mr. Dionne should be allowed to bring the portable units to a residential area. If he is allowed, he would still need ZBA approval and a site plan review. It was determined that the Board will follow up on this matter, concurrently contacting the Town Counsel and DES.
Chairman Halter introduced Jim Coffey. Mr. Coffey had come in to meet Chairman Halter, Selectman Holland and Treasurer Putnam the previous Friday evening to discuss his interest in providing municipal administration services to the Town. Mr. Coffey was asked to give a brief overview of his qualifications which include 20 years as a selectman in New Ipswich, service on the Planning and Zoning Boards, more than 17 years in municipal administration, and service on the Southwest Regional Planning Commission, including Chairing the Board.
Selectman Holland moved and Selectman Stymest seconded the motion to bring Mr. Coffey on board as a temporary part-time town administrator, in accordance with the terms of a written proposal he had furnished the Board, until the 2010 Town Meeting. The motion carried unanimously. Mr. Coffey indicated that he would sit in with Ms. Putnam for a couple of Wednesday and/or Friday office hour periods to familiarize himself with the daily activities.
Gordon Garnett presented an “Intent to Excavate” form. He is cleaning up a log landing, an old pit on George Cahill’s property. It is under the minimum for fees. The Board signed the form and will send two signed copies to the DRA.
Herbert Healy came to the Board regarding previous correspondence regarding a garage built on their property thought by the town’s appraiser to be an extra bedroom or possibly an apartment. The septic was not designed for a bedroom addition. Mr. Healy stated that the septic was designed for three bedrooms and they have only two in the house. The space in the garage is a recreation room for his grandchildren and does have a bathroom and built in bunk beds. The Board’s position is not what the Healy’s are doing with the property at this time, but what could happen if it changes hands in the future. Chairman Halter stated that perhaps a written stipulation that the space cannot be used as an apartment until and unless the septic is upgraded might be an adequate and agreeable resolution. Mr. Power said he thinks that it would need to be filed with the property deed if it is meant to carry forward.
Mr. Power will go, at Mr. Healy’s convenience, to view the space. The Board will develop an appropriate stipulation for Mr. Healy’s signature and ask Town Counsel or the LGC if it should be filed with the deed.
WORK SESSION
ITEMS FOR SIGNATURE:
1. Tax Abatement Form - Clerical error on Tax Bill, June & Bill Congdon,
Corrected from previous week.
Chairman Halter noted that Pine Tree Cable has been purchased by Argent who pledges to not only continue cable TV service in several Cheshire County towns, including Stoddard, but to make improvements.
No other business coming before the Board, per motion from Selectman Stymest, second from Chairman Halter and unanimous approval, the meeting was adjourned at 8:20 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Sandra Holland
Acting Secretary