Town of Stoddard, NH

Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes

May 17, 2010

In attendance: John Halter, Sandra Holland, Arnold Stymest, Richard Briere, Harry Power, Ed Saleski and MaryLou Stymest

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Halter at 7:00 p.m., and opened with the pledge of allegiance.

APPOINTMENTS:

There were no appointments scheduled.

Dick Briere gave copies of Alan Rumrill’s resignation from the Building Committee, effective this date, to the Selectmen.  He said that, based on the way Dan Eaton (moderator) suggested the appointments to the Building Committee would be made in accordance with the way the electorate voted, he assumed that filling this vacancy on the Committee would be done in like manner.  Sandy Holland is, therefore, the next person on the list to become the ninth person on the Committee.

Dick referenced Articles 5 and 6 which deal with the Town Hall and Gould House on the 2010 Warrant.  He wondered if it would be possible for him to speak as soon as those articles are up for discussion.  He feels that he can address some issues up front and reduce the number of questions and therefore the amount of time spent at Town Meeting.  John Halter said that the Selectboard does not have the power to force the moderator to allow him to speak, but all three selectpersons were in favor.

The third item Dick brought forth was today’s visit to the Fire Station with Steve Tarbox (structural engineer) and Arnie Stymest to check the strain gauges that were installed in the building some two years ago.  The gauges show that there has been no movement.  Dick requested that the Fire Department purchase another four – six gauges and place them in areas they feel are questionable.  Mr. Tarbox said that he had no other suggestions, but if there was shifting occurring, there would be evidence of other wall and floor cracks, and he felt that only a “seismic event” would cause catastrophic failure.

John Halter reported a request from Joan Read, Town Clerk, to contact Dean Huber (Boy Scout leader) to request that we have a Boy Scout available during Town Meeting to lead the Pledge of Allegiance and to run with the microphone.  John will call Dean to arrange.

Sandy Holland left the meeting briefly to call David Young to confirm that he will take the PA system to the school and set it up for the Town Meeting.

Attendance at Planning Board meetings was discussed by the Board.  It was determined that they would rotate attending, with Sandy Holland attending the June 1^st Hearing as she is familiar with the issues.  John Halter stated that both the site plan and Community Planning Ordinance will need to be updated for the Flood Plain Insurance requirements.  This can be done internally and he is sure the Planning Board is aware.

APPROVED/SIGNED:

1. Accounts Payable Manifests.
2. Minutes of May 10, 2010; Executive Session Minutes of May 10, 2010

NEW BUSINESS:

1. The Board reviewed a request for use of the Town Hall for Yoga, which requested that the fee and deposit be waived.  During discussion, Sandy Holland said that she has felt for two years that allowing someone who isn’t even a resident of Stoddard to use the Town Hall for a profit-making enterprise without paying rental sets an unfortunate precedent, particularly when official town board and committee meetings have to be scheduled around the always busy Wednesdays.  After some discussion, a unanimous decision was reached to charge $100 per season (Sept – June), non-refundable.  The application was  approved with that condition and signed.
2. Pat Putnam submitted a request for use of the Town Hall by the Stoddard Congregational Church to celebrate the college graduation of the Church organist.  The fee was waived and the application approved.
3. A Shoreland Impact permit application for a deck, steps and associated landscaping was submitted for 598 N. Shore Drive, TM 139-1 by Scott Tucker.  The application will be given to the Compliance Officer for review.

OLD BUSINESS

1. None

Arnold Stymest moved, John Halter seconded, and the Board voted unanimously to adjourn at 7:50 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

____________________________

Sandra L. Holland, Selectman

Approved

___________________            _______________        _______________

John D. Halter, Chairman          Sandra L. Holland            Arnold Stymest

Board of Selectmen

Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes

May 10, 2010

In attendance: John Halter, Sandra Holland, Arnold Stymest, Jim Coffey, Richard Briere and Harry Power.

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Halter at 7:00 p.m., and opened with the pledge of allegiance.

APPOINTMENTS:

There were no appointments scheduled.

Harry Power presented the Board with a building permit for George Fiasconaro, map 107, Lot 2, which was approved. 

At 7:50 P.M., Selectman Holland, seconded by Selectman Stymest, moved to enter non-public session with Fire Chief Lamothe. Role call vote, Halter-yes, Holland-yes, Stymest-yes.

At 8:20 P.M., the Board returned to public session. Selectman Holland, seconded by Selectman Stymest, moved to seal the minutes on the non-public session indefinitely. Voted 3-0 to approve the motion.

At 8:22 P.M., Chairman Halter, seconded by selectman Stymest moved to adjourn.  Motion approved 3-0.

APPROVED/SIGNED:

1. Accounts Payable Manifests.
2. Current use Application for the Society for the Protection of NH Forests was             approved.
3. Abatements for 13 parcels, recommended by Cross Country Appraisal, were             approved after verifying receipt of their 2009 inventories.
4. Minutes of May 3, 2010

NEW BUSINESS:

1. The Board reviewed two letters from the DRA, Property Appraisal Division.  Some of the items noted, such as current use equalization, have been completed and a response will be sent by the Interim Administrator.
2. The values received by the owners of Andorra Forest will be used to compute the timber tax.
3. The Board authorized the correction of a Veteran's Tax Credit error from the previous year. 
4. A letter of Deficiency for Dam # 223.16 was reviewed.

OLD BUSINESS

1. The agenda for the May 27 meeting with candidates to manage the Transfer Station was reviewed. No changes were made.
2. The Board authorized the Interim Administrator to send a letter to John Baybutt of the Granite Lake Association confirming the Board's support of their Watershed Study.

Respectfully submitted,

____________________________

James Coffey, Interim Administrator

Approved

___________________            _______________        _______________

John D. Halter, Chairman          Sandra L. Holland            Arnold Stymest

Board of Selectmen

Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes

May 3, 2010

In attendance: John Halter, Sandra Holland, Arnold Stymest, Jim Coffey, Richard Briere, Carol Briere, Ken Hill, Harry Power, John Baybutt, Tom Newcombe, Buzz McLaughlin, Alfrieda Englund and Angel Nicoletti.

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Halter at 7:00 p.m., and opened with the pledge of allegiance.

Chairman Halter, seconded by Selectman Holland, moved to transfer $125,000 from the investment account to the General Fund checking account.  Motion passed 3-0.

APPOINTMENTS:

7:00 P.M.  John Baybutt and Tom Newcombe representing the Granite Lake Association met to bring the Selectmen up to date on the Granite Lake Watershed Plan.  Mr. Baybutt explained that with the help of a grant through DES, they are using a consultant to do a water quality study and GPS mapping of the watershed and the lake.  Mr. Newcombe then explained that the consultant being used is AECOM. He went on to describe how they are working with DES and the setting of goals to determine what is wanted for the lake. This relates primarily to nutrient loading which causes algae. The primary nutrient being phosphorus. Mr. Newcombe then continued to explain that they were here to ask the stakeholders, both towns and both conservation commissions, to come together in support of the study.  He described the need for agreement on the setting of goals for the lake. The outcomes to be considered are, to maintain the status quo, allow for some future degradation, or to achieve a slight improvement over time. 

Chairman Halter commented on the group's work with DES. It was determined that the study group had decided that they did not want the phosphorus levels to get any higher in the lake.  Previous problems and material on the floor of the lake was also discussed.  It was stated that the DES contact, Andrew Chapman, will provide a Best Management Practices (BMP) for road and drainage work.  Chairman Halter asked about these practices being defined [by DES]  and Mr. Newcombe said yes.  He then went on to explain more about some of the run off issues and the man made versus natural nutrient loading.

It was then suggested that the town of Stoddard ”buy”  into the project as a stakeholder. This could be done by a letter of support and a copy of the minutes to DES in Concord.  Selectman Stymest asked about Nelson.  It was stated that Nelson had bought into support of the project and had a conservation commission member and a selectman attend a meeting with DES in December 2009.

Chairman Halter stated that being an officer in the District [Granite lake Village District] made him aware of the testing and the use of a dish that is lowered into the lake to take readings.  The practice is known as SECCI testing.

At the conclusion of the presentation Selectman Stymest expressed support for the project and Selectman Holland stated that it was a good presentation and added understanding.

Mr. Briere asked what was Stoddard being asked to buy into. Mr. Newcombe explained that there was no financial commitment being asked for.  Mr. Briere then mentioned other lakes and Mr. Newcombe explained that there will be a chapter of general recommendations.   A discussion followed about the application of the information to other lakes, including ways to reduce phosphate loading. At the conclusion of the discussion Chairman Halter, seconded by Selectman Holland moved to endorse the plan.  The motion was approved 3-0.  A copy of the minutes along with a cover letter will be sent.

7:40 P.M.  Brian Pratt, accompanied by his son Riley, met to discuss opening a fireworks retail store.  Mr. Pratt explained that he had spoken with the Fire Chief and that there were no problems, but the State Fire Marshall has other requirements.  Selectman Holland asked questions concerning the distance to other structures and type of construction. Mr. Pratt talked about the building having a fire suppression system and that it would be 2 x 6 construction.  Mr. Pratt also explained that the Fire Marshall does not want to come out unless he has all necessary Town approvals. Compliance Officer Harry Power explained the need for all State permits and ZBA approval.  He went on to mention that the ZBA could approve something subject to State approval.  Angel Nicoletti asked where this was going to be.  Mr. Pratt stated that the proposed location is Anytime Auto.  The discussion ended at 7:50 P.M., with Mr. Pratt to see Patricia Putnam for a ZBA application.

7:50 P.M.  Open Discussion.  Mr. Ken Hill asked about removing the sand on the grass at a low point on Kings Highway.   Jim Coffey will contact and David Vaillancourt.

Mr. Hill then brought up the subject of charging for certain types of waste, such as appliances and other special objects.  Selectman Holland suggested that it would be good to bring up with the new contract.  A discussion on recycling followed.  At the end of the discussion Chairman Halter mentioned that there will be a reduction in solid waste expenses, but we will not know the exact amount by the Annual Town Meeting.  He stated that the article can be amended.  [to a lower number] A reduction of nearly $30,000 annually is expected.

Carol Briere then brought up the sand on the lawn at the Town Hall and it was agreed to have David Young do the work.  Selectman Holland emphasized that the work must be done by David and that we cannot employ his children.

Dick Briere then addressed Mr. Stymest’s previous suggestion that the Gould House be used for meetings. He explained that the building does not at this time meet the necessary building or accessibility codes for public use.  Chairman Halter stated that he appreciated Mr. Briere's concern.  Mr. Briere stated that the reason should be in the minutes.  Selectman Holland and Chairman Halter agreed.

Mr. Saleski asked about installing the screens used in the summer for venting the lower part of the building. Chairman Halter stated that this was an excellent idea and any costs can be reimbursed.  Mr. Saleski will look into it.

Selectman Halter asked that a copy of the previous minutes be sent to Mr. Jack Marren since he was mentioned in them.

At 9:05 P.M., Chairman Halter, seconded by Selectman Holland moved to adjourn. Motion was approved 3-0.

APPROVED/SIGNED:

1.   Accounts Payable and Payroll Manifests

2.   Minutes of April 26, 2010

3.   Minutes of April 28, 2010

B.  NEW BUSINESS:

Selectman Holland suggested that the CIP be let go.  Procedures for abolishing it were discussed.  It was determined that the CIP committee was appointed by the Planning Board and presently has no legitimate members, Mr. McMahon's term having expired.  Selectman Stymest stated he was not in favor of keeping it and that some meetings were held in the Mill Village Store.  It was agreed that the present document (CIP Plan) has no current value.

OLD BUSINESS

1. Discuss with Interim Administrator Transfer Station Bids:

            Board decided to meet in public session on Thursday, May 27 with Waste             Management, Corcoran, and Recycling Services, Inc.

2. Prepare letter to be sent to Attorney Beth Fernald. Re: Skidmore Complaint:

            This will be discussed at the next meeting.

3. Letter from Silas Little to Ruth Ward:

            Letter was read with no action taken, or necessary.

Respectfully submitted,

____________________________

James Coffey, Interim Administrator

Approved

___________________            _______________        _______________

John D. Halter, Chairman          Sandra L. Holland            Arnold Stymest

Board of Selectmen