Meeting began at 6:02 pm. Present were Selectmen Cloutier, Stohl and Campbell. Members of the public present: Les Klinefelter (CRAG), Lisa Potter, Laurie Cotnoir, Becky Bunnell and Steve Bunnell (Carriage Lane Players), Charlie Jordan (GNWCA), Alan Coats and James Gilbert (Town of Stewartstown Selectmen).
Checks and manifests were signed.
Mail was reviewed.
An e-mail was reviewed from the Secretary of State’s office regarding PPE that the State would be providing Towns in anticipation of the September and November elections The Board members will review the memo and plan to get together with Town Clerk, Marcia Parkhurst, and Moderato, Stephen Brooks, to discuss plans for the two elections.
Members from the Carriage Lane Players, CRAG and Charlie Jordan came to the meeting at the request of the Board members to discuss the future of the Arts Center. Selectman Stohl started the discuss by stating that the Board of Selectmen is very supportive of the center and wants to work with them as much as possible, However, the concern of the Board is public safety and the impact this creates on the rest of the taxpayers in Town. He further explained that the Board had “refunded” what the GNWCA paid for property taxes in 2019 and had abated the lst installment of the 2020 taxes.
Charlie Jordan shared with the Board an e-mail that he sent today (July 8th) to Deputy Fire Marshall Shawn Toomey outlining items that they had discussed in a recent conversation. The Board informed Mr. Jordan that when the Fire Marshall responds to this e-mail that we would like to have a copy for our files.
Les Klinefelter spoke on behalf of CRAG. He stated that they are very supportive of the Center and want it to succeed. CRAG has and will continue to pursue grants to help with the upkeep of the Center. They plan future activities such as an “artist in residence”, art classes, demonstrations etc. He stated that they are not an “owner” in the property as they do not have the financial means to do that.
Steve Bunnell spoke on behalf of the Carriage Lane Players. He said that it is their intention to take over the entire building known as the St. Joseph’s Workshop. They will store their props, etc. there. They will also use the building to build sets and have an office. It was noted that this should go before the Planning Board as it is a change in the “site plan”. Future activities they plan are a drive-in performance of “War of the Worlds.”
Charlie Jordan informed the Board that later this summer there will be a kids’ performance by the “Patchwork Players” outside at the center. It was noted that the “management team” is looking into hiring someone to just write grants for the center.
Mr. Jordan inquired about the “tax exempt” status of the Center and did they have to come before the Board every year. The Board informed Mr. Jordan that they would like him to come in every time he gets a tax bill so they can keep informed of what is going on with the property.
Les Klinefelterr, Laurie Cotnoir, Becky Bunnell, Steve Bunnell, and Charlie Jordan left the meeting at 7:20 pm.
Alan Coats and James Gilbert entered the meeting to discuss Transfer Station issues. The Station is incurring a “bear” issue and Mr. Coats showed pictures of the mess that was left behind. He has spoken to Ben Champagne from the County and Ben is very much behind the idea of installing fencing/cameras to try and control the dumping of trash by people when the Station is not actually open. Several pictures showed items that
apparently came from the Spa Restaurant. The two Boards discussed having Ben write a letter on “county stationery” stating that there is to be no dumping by them when the Station is closed. It was decided to try the camera idea before going to the expense of additional fencing. Mr. Coats and Mr. Gilbert left the meeting at 7:50 pm.
On a motion made by Selectman Campbell and seconded by Selectman Cloutier, the Board approved the minutes of the June 24th meeting.
Marcia reminded the Board that she would be out due to medical reasons for approximately one month beginning on July 20th. A notice will be coming out in the newspaper next week.
Cohos Advisors will be at the office on July 16th and 17th do the compilation for 2019.
The Board discussed purchasing new flag poles for the Town Office. Marcia will place the order.
The Board signed a Warrant for Yield taxes in the amount of $22,976.84.
Meeting adjourned at 8:28 pm.
Respectfully submitted.
Marcia Parkhurst, Secretary
Board of Selectmen