Meeting began at 6:00 pm. Present were Selectmen Cloutier, Stohl and Campbell. Members of the public present were: Planning Board Chairman Scott DeBlois, Planning Board Member Michael Sullivan and Kenneth Parkhurst.
On a motion made by Selectmen Campbell and seconded by Selectman Cloutier, the Board approved the minutes of the November 9, 2022 meeting. Selectman Stohl abstained.
On a motion made by Selectman Stohl and seconded by Selectman Cloutier, the Board approved the minutes of the November 23, 2022 meeting. Selectman Campbell abstained.
Checks and manifests were reviewed and signed.
Planning Board Chairman Scott DeBlois and Planning Board Member Michael Sullivan came to the meeting to discuss a situation where a landowner has filed a complaint with the Town regarding his abutter not being in compliance with the Town’s zoning regulations, state septic regulations, etc. Mr. DeBlois reviewed for the Selectmen a recent meeting he and Mr. Sullivan had attended with Attorney Meier from Cargill Cooper and Chant. Attorney Meier’s suggestions were to contact the property owner in question and to set up a meeting with the homeowner to view the property in question. Also, it might be necessary to have a public meeting where the abutters could discuss this situation. Mr. DeBlois said he would be sending the homeowner a letter to try and schedule a meeting. Chairman Cloutier signed an agreement with Cooper Cargill and Chant to represent us in this matter. Mr. DeBlois and Mr. Sullivan left the meeting.
Kenneth Parkhurst entered the meeting to present the Board with copies of old maps of Columbia showing the original “lots and ranges” , Mr. Parkhurst informed the Board that he wished to donate these maps to the Town. The Board thanked Mr. Parkhurst for his generosity. Mr. Parkhurst left the meeting.
The Board reviewed budget projections from the 45th Parallel for 2023. It was noted that Columbia’s share had increased considerably. The Board asked Marcia to contact our representative to the 45th Board (Michael Collins) and have him come to the next meeting to give them more information about why such an increase.
The Board signed an Engagement Letter with Cohos Advisors for doing the 2022 compilation and associated reports.
Marcia informed the Board that Don Dawson would be attending the next meeting to give an update on the internet project.
The Board reviewed a letter from the State of NH DOT regarding a culvert replacement project on US Route 3. The State was looking for information. Marcia was instructed to respond to the letter.
The Board discussed monies remaining in the 2022 Summer Road Budget. On a motion made by Selectman Stohl and seconded by Selectman Cloutier, the Board voted to encumber $29,000.00 out of the remaining Summer Road budget to be used in 2023 for paving, ditching, and gravel on various Town roads.
The meeting adjourned at 8:10 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Marcia Parkhurst, Secretary
Board of Selectmen