Meeting began at 5:59 pm. Present were Selectmen Cloutier, Stohl and Campbell. Members of the public present: Brian Burrill, Karl Ruel and Alan Hansom from NH DOT.
The representatives from NH DOT came to the meeting to discuss with the Board the possibility of the Town of Columbia taking ownership of Columbia Bridge Road. Mr. Hansom briefly described the process involved which included:
1. The Town asking the Commissioner of DOT to take over the road.
2. A vote at Town Meeting where the voters accept the road.
3. Must go before the Legislature.
The Board stated that they would like to see the railroad tracks removed so that it would be easier to plow for the Town’s contractor. Mr. Hansom said that he would contact the Bureau of Rails to see if they would approve the removal. Also, the Town would like to see it re-paved. (It was last paved in 2019.) The Board said that they would plan to place an article on the 2025 Town Meeting Warrant. Mr. Burrill, Mr. Ruel and Mr. Hansom left the meeting at 7:00 pm.
Mail was reviewed.
Checks and manifests were reviewed and signed.
The Warrant for the November 5th General Election was signed by the Board.
Marcia reminded the Board members that they are presenting the Town’s Boston Post Cane to Ruth Whitehill on Saturday, October 26th, at 11:00.
On a motion made by Selectman Campbell and seconded by Selectman Cloutier, the Board approved the minutes of the September 9, 2024 meeting.
Marcia gave the Board members a breakdown of the revenue and appropriations through September 30, 2024.
A complaint was received from Amber Dodge regarding Fish Pond Road in front of her house. Selectman Cloutier said he would have Road Agent, Dominic Westover, check it out.
The Board discussed money left in the Summer Road budget and what still needed to be done.
The preliminary tax rate for 2024 was reviewed. After discussion, the Board voted to use any remaining fund balance to offset the Town’s portion of the tax rate. Marcia will enter the numbers and send it to DRA for approval tomorrow.
Meeting adjourned at 8:15 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Marcia Parkhurst, Secretary
Board of Selectmen