Meeting began at 6:00 pm. Present were Selectmen Cloutier, Stohl and Campbell. Members of the public present: Treasurer Carrie Klebe and School Board Member Stacey Campbell.
Treasurer Carrie Klebe came to the meeting to discuss the Town acquiring a check scanner that could be used to electronically make deposits. Mrs. Klebe said that she had been discussing this with Northway Bank. They are willing waive any fees associated with this and would sell the Town a scanner for $269.00. At the present time, Northway Bank is paying .2% on deposits which is currently more than we are earning at NHPDIP. Monies could be transferred electronically from Northway Bank to the town’s general fund at Citizens since we already have direct deposits going into this account from the State. Also, we have checks already printed. It was decided that we would keep a small balance in the NHPDIP just to keep the account open. The Board was in agreement with this plan. Town Treasurer left the meeting.
School Board member Stacey Campbell came to the meeting to discuss the School District meeting. Based on prior year’s attendance, the Town Hall will not be large enough so that everyone could property “social distance”. It was discussed having the meeting at the Colebrook Elementary School cafeteria on a different night than the Town Meeting. The final decision will be made by the Columbia School Board at the February 3rd Budget Hearing. Mrs. Campbell left the meeting.
Checks and manifest were reviewed and signed.
Intent to Cut forms were signed for Granite State Landholdings, Daniel Klebe and David Moren.
On a motion made by Selectman Stohl and seconded by Selectman Cloutier, the Board accepted the resignation of Brett Brooks as the Town’s representative to the 45th Parallel EMS Board. A letter was signed to be sent to the 45th Board appointing Michael Collins as our new representative.
On a motion made by Selectman Stohl and seconded by Selectman Campbell, the Board approved the minutes of the December 9, 2020 meeting.
On a motion made by Selectman Campbell and seconded by Selectman Cloutier, the Board approved the minutes of the December 23, 2020 meeting. (Selectman Stohl abstained from voting.)
Marcia informed the Board that Cloutier Sand & Gravel’s winter plowing contract will expire this year and that we need to put it out for bid. Marcia will place an ad in the newspaper asking for bids for a three-year contract. Bids will be opened at the next Selectmen’s meeting.
On a motion made by Selectman Campbell and seconded by Selectman Stohl, the Board voted by a majority vote to accept the terms of the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program as presented in the amount of $6,999.75 to update the Town of Columbia’s local Hazard Mitigation Plan. Furthermore, the Board acknowledged that the total cost of this project will be $9,333.00, of which the Town will be responsible for a 25% match ($2,333.25).
Selectman Campbell reviewed for the other members what steps have been taken so far in revising the Plan. The Board signed the Grant documents, which were notarized by Town Clerk Marcia Parkhurst.
Selectman Campbell reminded the Board members that there will be a Dispatch Committee meeting tomorrow night via Zoom. A contract has been signed with the landowner in Cree Notch for the new tower. The Town of Stark has expressed interest in becoming part of the Dispatch Center. Groveton is also expressing interest.
Selectman Cloutier reviewed for the other Board members a recent meeting that he had attended via Zoom with the Coos County Broadband Committee.
A letter was received from the Colebrook Fire Department outlining the services that they will provide, their billing process, etc.
Marcia told the Board members that in 2020 115 taxpayers used the “on-line” tax payment option. In the month of December 25 taxpayers used it.
The removal of the former Bovill gift shop building was discussed. Clark Jeffers will be doing the work in March (after Town Meeting). The electric work was discussed and an electrician will need to be hired.
The remainder of the meeting was spent discussing the 2021 budget. The Town’s Budget Hearing will be held on Wednesday, February 10th, at 7:00 pm. Petition Warrant articles are due in the office by February 2nd. Filing period begins on Wednesday, January 20th and runs until Friday, January 29th. There are only three positions open this year – Selectman, Trustee of Trust Funds and Planning Board.
Meeting adjourned at 8:30 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Marcia Parkhurst, Secretary
Board of Selectmen