by admin | Feb 16, 2021 | Board of Selectmen Minutes
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
by admin | Feb 16, 2021 | Board of Selectmen Minutes
Meeting began at 6:00 pm. Present were Selectmen Cloutier and Campbell. Selectman Stohl was absent.
Mail was reviewed.
Checks and manifests were reviewed and signed.
At 6:05 pm Gary Fournier (representing Brett Purvis & Associates) entered the meeting. Mr. Fournier’s company is interested in taking over the assessing services for the Town. He explained that they do several towns now including North Stratford, Colebrook, and Dalton to name a few. Marcia explained that in addition to the yearly “pick-ups” we also do a quarter of the Town each year as part of our cyclical schedule. She questioned whether they have the manpower to do this. Mr. Fournier explained that currently, Colebrook does not do a cyclical so he does only “pick-ups” there. Mr. Fournier explained that the company also employs a part-time person who is certified by the State to do the fieldwork. Mr. Fournier stated that he would continue to follow Steve Allen’s schedule of being in the office/field at least one day per month. This date will have to be negotiated around his schedule. Mr. Fournier said that he had reviewed the previous contract the Town had with Steven Allen and that he made a couple of minor changes. He will send it to DRA for their review and then forward it to us. The Board said that they would discuss it at their next and vote to accept or reject the proposal. Mr. Fournier left the meeting at 6:10 pm.
At 6:10 Michael Collins entered the meeting. The Board had previously been informed that Brett Brooks, who is currently Columbia’s representative to the 45th Parallel EMS Board, is resigning. Mr. Brooks had mentioned the position to Mr. Collins who expressed interest in the
position. The Board thanked Mr. Collins for stepping forward to fill this role. Mr. Collins stated that he needed a letter from the Board officially appointing him. Marcia will have this ready for the Board’s signature at their next meeting. Mr. Collins left the meeting at 6:20 pm.
Selectman Campbell gave the Board a brief update on the Dispatch Center.
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed for the 45th Parallel EMS.
A e-mail was received from Charlie Jordan (Great North Woods Center for the Arts) informing the Board that the Board of Directors had voted to start using the name Great North Woods Center for the Arts for all of their business matters.
A letter was received from Normandeau Trucking regarding one of the containers that needs serious repairs and/or replacement. Selectman Campbell asked if there are any monies available from the State for these types of things. Marcia was instructed to send a copy of the letter to both the Town of Stewartstown and Ben Champagne at the County.
A letter was received from AVRRDD informing us that the tipping fees would be going up as of January lst. Marcia had previously figured that the increase would be approximately $1,000 based on the tonnage that we shipped in 2020.
The meeting adjourned at 7:00 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Marcia Parkhurst, Secretary
Board of Selectmen
by admin | Feb 16, 2021 | Board of Selectmen Minutes
Meeting began at 5:55 pm. Present were Selectmen Cloutier, Stohl and Campbell. Members of the public present were Charlie Jordan (Great North Woods Center for the Arts).
Mr. Jordan entered the meeting at 6:00 pm. He presented each Board member will a report detailing what has gone at the Center this year and what they are planning. Selectman Stohl asked Mr. Jordan what the Center’s fiscal situation was. Mr. Jordan stated that they continue to work on getting grants and was just awarded one for $15,000. He said they had received a grant for $5,000 earlier in the year and used that to remove several dead trees from the property. At the present time, the Center checkbook has approximately $10,000 and the Committee checkbook has approximately $9,000. Mr. Jordan invited the Board to stop by the Center and see the work that has been done (removing walls, cabinets, etc.) which increases the size of the room that he sees as the most benefit. The Board questioned again, why the “Center” seems to have two names. They feel that this just “confuses” the issue and makes the Center hard to justify to the public. Mr. Jordan agreed that maybe the time had come to address that situation. Mr. Jordan left the meeting at 6:45 pm.
On a motion made by Selectman Stohl and seconded by Selectman Cloutier, the Board voted to refund the 2nd installment of the 2020 property taxes to the Center.
Mail was reviewed.
Checks and manifests were signed.
An Intent to Cut for the State of New Hampshire (Timberwolf, LLC) was approved.
On a motion made by Selectman Campbell and seconded by Selectman Cloutier, the Board approved the minutes of the November 23, 2020 meeting.
A “thank you” letter was signed for Nancy Biron thanking her for making and putting up Christmas wreaths at the Town Hall.
A “thank you” letter was signed for Joan Dickson for her donation of historical papers regarding the Town of Columbia.
An engagement letter was signed for Cohos Advisors to do the 2020 compilation.
Selectman Campbell reminded the Board members that there will be a Dispatch Center meeting tomorrow night at 5:30 at the Pittsburg Town Office. The meeting will be accessible through “Zoom”. He gave the other Board members a brief update on what would be discussed:
- Property owner in Cree Notch (James Alexander) has agreed to have a tower and building erected on his land.
- Selectman Campbell said the signal strength has been checked and should be good.
- Access to the tower/building will be available by snowmachine and ATVs.
- Have agreed to a $500.00 stipend to be paid to the landowner and a contact is waiting to be signed.
Selectman Campbell also informed the Board of his conversation with “Kayla” who is the “grant” person at the Office of Emergency Management. Kayla has agreed that the Town of Columbia can update our own Hazard
Mitigation Plan and receive the funds available. Kayla said that she would be willing to help us go through it.
Selectman Stohl reported on his meeting with Colebrook Town Manager, Sharon Penney, regarding their use of Brett Purvis & Associates as their assessors. After discussion, Marcia was instructed to set up an appointment for the next meeting for the Board to meet with representatives from Brett Purvis.
A letter from Donahue, Tucker & Ciandella was reviewed regarding the Fairpoint abatement case. They are asking for the Town’s permission to prepare for and hold a mediation session. Marcia will inform them of the Town’s permission.
An Abatement Form for Clarence Young (Yield Tax) was signed. A new Warrant and bill were signed for Mr. Young.
Meeting adjourned at 7:50 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Marcia Parkhurst, Secretary
Board of Selectmen
by admin | Jan 17, 2021 | Board of Selectmen Minutes
Meeting began at 6:00 pm. Present were Selectmen Cloutier and Campbell. Selectman Stohl was absent.
Mail was reviewed.
Checks and manifests were reviewed and signed.
At 6:05 pm Gary Fournier (representing Brett Purvis & Associates) entered the meeting. Mr. Fournier’s company is interested in taking over the assessing services for the Town. He explained that they do several towns now including North Stratford, Colebrook and Dalton to name a few. Marcia explained that in addition to the yearly “pick-ups” we also do a quarter of the Town each year as part of our cyclical schedule. She questioned whether they have the manpower to do this. Mr. Fournier explained that currently Colebrook does not do a cyclical so he does only “pick-ups” there. Mr. Fournier explained that the company also employs a part-time person who is certified by the State to do the field work. Mr. Fournier stated that he would continue to follow Steve Allen’s schedule of being in the office/field at least one day per month. This date will have to be negotiated around his schedule. Mr. Fournier said that he had reviewed the previous contract the Town had with Steven Allen and that he made a couple of minor changes. He will send it to DRA for their review and then forward it to us. The Board said that they would discuss it at their next and vote to accept or reject the proposal. Mr. Fournier left the meeting at 6:10 pm.
At 6:10 Michael Collins entered the meeting. The Board had previously been informed that Brett Brooks, who is currently Columbia’s representative to the 45th Parallel EMS Board, is resigning. Mr. Brooks had mentioned the position to Mr. Collins who expressed interest in the
position. The Board thanked Mr. Collins for stepping forward to fill this role. Mr. Collins stated that he needed a letter from the Board officially appointing him. Marcia will have this ready for the Board’s signature at their next meeting. Mr. Collins left the meeting at 6:20 pm.
Selectman Campbell gave the Board a brief update on the Dispatch Center.
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed for the 45th Parallel EMS.
A e-mail was received from Charlie Jordan (Great North Woods Center for the Arts) informing the Board that the Board of Directors had voted to start using the name Great North Woods Center for the Arts for all of their business matters.
A letter was received from Normandeau Trucking regarding one of the containers that needs serious repairs and/or replacement. Selectman Campbell asked if there are any monies available from the State for these types of things. Marcia was instructed to send a copy of the letter to both the Town of Stewartstown and Ben Champagne at the County.
A letter was received from AVRRDD informing us that the tipping fees would be going up as of January lst. Marcia had previously figured that the increase would be approximately $1,000 based on the tonnage that we shipped in 2020.
The meeting adjourned at 7:00 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Marcia Parkhurst, Secretary
Board of Selectmen
by admin | Jan 17, 2021 | Board of Selectmen Minutes
Meeting began at 5:55 pm. Present were Selectmen Cloutier, Stohl and Campbell. Members of the public present were Charlie Jordan (Great North Woods Center for the Arts).
Mr. Jordan entered the meeting at 6:00 pm. He presented each Board member will a report detailing what has gone at the Center this year and what they are planning. Selectman Stohl asked Mr. Jordan what the Center’s fiscal situation was. Mr. Jordan stated that they continue to work on getting grants and was just awarded one for $15,000. He said they had received a grant for $5,000 earlier in the year and used that to remove several dead trees from the property. At the present time, the Center checkbook has approximately $10,000 and the Committee checkbook has approximately $9,000. Mr. Jordan invited the Board to stop by the Center and see the work that has been done (removing walls, cabinets, etc.) which increases the size of the room that he sees as the most benefit. The Board questioned again, why the “Center” seems to have two names. They feel that this just “confuses” the issue and makes the Center hard to justify to the public. Mr. Jordan agreed that maybe the time had come to address that situation. Mr. Jordan left the meeting at 6:45 pm.
On a motion made by Selectman Stohl and seconded by Selectman Cloutier, the Board voted to refund the 2nd installment of the 2020 property taxes to the Center.
Mail was reviewed.
Checks and manifests were signed.
An Intent to Cut for the State of New Hampshire (Timberwolf, LLC) was approved.
On a motion made by Selectman Campbell and seconded by Selectman Cloutier, the Board approved the minutes of the November 23, 2020 meeting.
A “thank you” letter was signed for Nancy Biron thanking her for making and putting up Christmas wreaths at the Town Hall.
A “thank you” letter was signed for Joan Dickson for her donation of historical papers regarding the Town of Columbia.
An engagement letter was signed for Cohos Advisors to do the 2020 compilation.
Selectman Campbell reminded the Board members that there will be a Dispatch Center meeting tomorrow night at 5:30 at the Pittsburg Town Office. The meeting will be accessible through “Zoom”. He gave the other Board members a brief update on what would be discussed:
- Property owner in Cree Notch (James Alexander) has agreed to have a tower and building erected on his land.
- Selectman Campbell said the signal strength has been checked and should be good.
- Access to the tower/building will be available by snowmachine and ATVs.
- Have agreed to a $500.00 stipend to be paid to the landowner and a contact is waiting to be signed.
Selectman Campbell also informed the Board of his conversation with “Kayla” who is the “grant” person at the Office of Emergency Management. Kayla has agreed that the Town of Columbia can update our own Hazard
Mitigation Plan and receive the funds available. Kayla said that she would be willing to help us go through it.
Selectman Stohl reported on his meeting with Colebrook Town Manager, Sharon Penney, regarding their use of Brett Purvis & Associates as their assessors. After discussion, Marcia was instructed to set up an appointment for the next meeting for the Board to meet with representatives from Brett Purvis.
A letter from Donahue, Tucker & Ciandella was reviewed regarding the Fairpoint abatement case. They are asking for the Town’s permission to prepare for and hold a mediation session. Marcia will inform them of the Town’s permission.
An Abatement Form for Clarence Young (Yield Tax) was signed. A new Warrant and bill were signed for Mr. Young.
Meeting adjourned at 7:50 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Marcia Parkhurst, Secretary
Board of Selectmen
